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Other NHL teams:
Anaheim Ducks 2019-20 - Player Salaries
Anaheim Ducks have a total of 21 players in their home squad and on their retained roster. Their highest paid player is Ryan Getzlaf earning $8,275,000 per year.
Anaheim Ducks play in the National Hockey League, the mens professional ice hockey league in the USA.
The teams total salary cap is:
$82,522,661 per year
$1,586,974 per week
Total Salary
Total Cap Use
Adjusted Use
Cap Percent
Ryan Getzlaf $8,275,000 C 34 - - $8,275,000 $8,250,000 $8,250,000 10.28
Cam Fowler $7,500,000 D 27 - - $7,500,000 $6,500,000 $6,500,000 8.10
John Gibson $6,400,000 G 26 - - $6,400,000 $6,400,000 $6,400,000 7.97
Adam Henrique $5,825,000 C 29 - - $5,825,000 $5,825,000 $5,825,000 7.26
Jakob Silfverberg $5,250,000 RW 28 - - $5,250,000 $5,250,000 $5,250,000 6.54
Hampus Lindholm $5,250,000 D 25 - - $5,250,000 $5,205,556 $5,205,556 6.48
David Backes $1,000,000 C 35 $3,000,000 - $236,544 $6,000,000 $4,500,000 5.61
Josh Manson $4,250,000 D 27 - - $4,250,000 $4,100,000 $4,100,000 5.11
Rickard Rakell $3,800,000 C 26 - - $3,800,000 $3,789,444 $3,789,444 4.72
Danton Heinen $2,825,000 C 24 - - $622,708 $2,800,000 $2,800,000 3.49
Christian Djoos $1,250,000 D 25 - - $275,520 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 1.56
Carter Rowney $1,000,000 C 30 - - $1,000,000 $1,133,333 $1,133,333 1.41
Ryan Miller $1,125,000 G 39 - - $1,125,000 $1,125,000 $1,125,000 1.40
Nicolas Deslauriers $850,000 LW 28 $100,000 - $950,000 $950,000 $950,000 1.18
Sonny Milano $874,125 LW 23 - - $192,700 $874,125 $874,125 1.09
Sam Steel $832,500 C 21 - - $832,500 $863,333 $863,333 1.08
Jacob Larsson $832,500 D 22 - - $832,500 $894,166 $821,997 1.02
Zotto Michael Del Zotto $750,000 D 29 - - $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 0.93
Max Jones $832,500 LW 21 - - $832,500 $863,333 $738,010 0.92
Matt Irwin $700,000 D 31 - - $154,283 $675,000 $675,000 0.84
Andrew Agozzino $700,000 LW 26 - - $154,283 $700,000 $154,283 0.19
Injured Cap Reserve Players
Ryan Kesler Hip $6,675,000 C 35 - - $6,675,000 $6,875,000 $6,875,000 8.56
Erik Gudbranson Upper $3,943,538 D 27 - - $3,943,538 $4,000,000 $4,000,000 4.98
Patrick Eaves Illness $3,000,000 RW 35 - - $3,000,000 $3,150,000 $3,150,000 3.92
Players With Buyout
Corey Perry $2,000,000 RW 34 - - $2,000,000 $2,625,000 $2,625,000 3.27
Retained Players
Daniel Sprong $116,935 RW 22 - - $116,935 $116,935 $116,935 0.15
Ondrej Kase $1,984,968 RW 23 - - $1,984,968 - - 0.00
Devin Shore $1,870,977 C 25 - - $1,870,977 - - 0.00
Nicholas Ritchie $1,091,393 LW 23 - - $1,091,393 - - 0.00
Korbinian Holzer $662,630 D 31 - - $662,630 - - 0.00
Non First Team/Roster Players
Joel Persson $1,000,000 D 25 - - $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
Brayden Tracey $832,500 LW 18 $92,500 - $70,000 $925,000 $925,000
Lukas Dostal $700,000 G 19 $92,500 $132,500 $70,000 $836,667 $836,667
Benoit Olivier Groulx $700,000 C 19 $92,500 $132,500 $70,000 $836,667 $836,667
Axel Andersson $725,000 D 19 $92,500 $132,500 $70,000 $795,000 $795,000
Antoine Morand $700,000 C 20 $92,500 $132,500 $70,000 $778,333 $778,333
Ek Olle Eriksson Ek $700,000 G 20 $92,500 $132,500 $70,000 $769,166 $769,166
Alex Dostie $700,000 C 22 $92,500 $132,500 $65,000 $759,167 $759,167
Jack Kopacka $700,000 LW 21 $92,500 $182,500 $57,500 $745,000 $745,000
Deven Sideroff $700,000 RW 22 - $182,500 $70,000 $728,333 $728,333
Kyle Criscuolo $700,000 F 27 - - $200,000 $700,000 $700,000
Justin Kloos $700,000 C 25 - - $85,000 $700,000 $700,000
Chris Mueller $700,000 C 33 - - $250,000 $700,000 $700,000
Andrew Poturalski $700,000 C 25 - - $350,000 $700,000 $700,000
Kevin Boyle $700,000 G 27 - - $250,000 $675,000 $675,000
Maxime Comtois $700,000 LW 20 $92,500 $132,500 $70,000 $820,000 $361,538
Isac Lundestrom $832,500 C 19 $92,500 - $70,000 $925,000 $323,245
Troy Terry $832,500 RW 22 $92,500 $850,000 $70,000 $925,000 $193,947
Joshua Mahura $700,000 D 21 $92,500 $182,500 $70,000 $745,000 $152,190
Kiefer Sherwood $832,500 LW 24 $92,500 - $70,000 $925,000 $129,298
Sam Carrick $700,000 C 27 - - $700,000 $700,000 $97,838
Brendan Guhle $700,000 D 22 - - - $697,500 $75,000
Jani Hakanpaa $850,000 D 27 - - $850,000 $850,000 $63,980
Anthony Stolarz $800,000 G 25 - - - $750,000 $60,480
Leo Chase De Leo $750,000 C 23 - - $100,000 $750,000 $52,416
Blake Pietila $700,000 LW 26 - - $350,000 $700,000 $26,341
Simon Benoit $700,000 D 21 $92,500 $132,500 $70,000 $809,166 $17,400
Chris Wideman $700,000 D 29 - - $350,000 $700,000 $3,763
Cap Max $81,500,000
Cap Floor $60,200,000
Contracts $64,198,290
Reserve Money $14,025,000
Money $1,557,436
Money $116,935
Allocated Cap $82,522,661
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News Release - November 27, 2020
Protalix BioTherapeutics and Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Announce Extension of PDUFA Date for Pegunigalsidase Alfa for the Proposed Treatment of Fabry Disease
CARMIEL, Israel, Nov. 27, 2020 -- (Healthcare Sales & Marketing Network) -- Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: PLX) (TASE: PLX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, production and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins produced by its proprietary ProCellEx® plant cell-based protein expression system, and Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, a business unit of Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., an international research-focused healthcare Group (Chiesi Group), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date for review of the Company's Biologics License Application (BLA) seeking accelerated approval of pegunigalsidase alfa (PRX–102) for the proposed treatment of adult patients with Fabry disease. The FDA extended the PDUFA action date by three months to April 27, 2021, from January 27, 2021.
As previously announced, the FDA accepted the BLA, granted Priority Review designation under FDA's Accelerated Approval pathway, and indicated that it is not currently planning to hold an advisory committee meeting to discuss the application. Priority Review is granted to therapies that the FDA determines have the potential to provide significant improvements in the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of serious conditions.
The BLA submission includes a comprehensive set of preclinical, clinical, and manufacturing data compiled from the Company's completed Phase I/II clinical trial of pegunigalsidase alfa, including the related extension study succeeding the Phase I/II clinical trial, interim clinical data from the Phase III BRIDGE switch-over study and safety data from the Company's on-going clinical studies of PRX–102 in patients receiving 1 mg/kg every other week.
About Pegunigalsidase Alfa
Pegunigalsidase alfa (PRX–102) is an investigational, plant cell culture-expressed, and chemically modified stabilized version of the recombinant α-Galactosidase-A enzyme. Protein sub-units are covalently bound via chemical cross-linking using short PEG moieties, resulting in a molecule with unique pharmacokinetic parameters. In clinical studies, PRX–102 has been observed to have a circulatory half-life of approximately 80 hours. The Company designed PRX–102 to potentially address the continued unmet clinical need in Fabry patients.
About Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.
Protalix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx®. Protalix was the first company to gain FDA approval of a protein produced through plant cell-based in suspension expression system. Protalix's unique expression system represents a new method for developing recombinant proteins in an industrial-scale manner.
Protalix's first product manufactured by ProCellEx, taliglucerase alfa, was approved for marketing by the FDA in May 2012 and, subsequently, by the regulatory authorities of other countries. Protalix has licensed to Pfizer Inc. the worldwide development and commercialization rights for taliglucerase alfa, excluding Brazil, where Protalix retains full rights.
Protalix's development pipeline consists of proprietary versions of recombinant therapeutic proteins that target established pharmaceutical markets, including the following product candidates: pegunigalsidase alfa, a modified version of the recombinant human α–Galactosidase–A protein for the proposed treatment of Fabry disease; OPRX–106, an orally-delivered anti-inflammatory treatment; alidornase alfa for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis; and others. Protalix has partnered with Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, both in the United States and outside the United States, for the development and commercialization of pegunigalsidase alfa.
About Chiesi Global Rare Diseases
Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a business unit of the Chiesi Group established in February 2020 and focused on research and development of treatments for rare and ultra-rare disorders. The Global Rare Diseases unit works in collaboration with Chiesi Group to harness the full resources and capabilities of our global network to bring innovative new treatment options to people living with rare diseases, many of whom have limited or no treatments available. The unit is also a dedicated partner with global leaders in patient advocacy, research and patient care. For more information visit www.chiesiglobalrarediseases.com.
About Chiesi Group
Based in Parma, Italy, Chiesi Farmaceutici is an international research-focused healthcare group with 85 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a global presence in 29 countries. Chiesi researches, develops, and markets innovative drugs in the respiratory therapeutics, specialist medicine, and rare disease areas. Its R&D organization is headquartered in Parma (Italy), and is integrated with R&D groups in France, the USA, the UK, and Sweden to advance Chiesi's pre-clinical, clinical, and registration programs. Chiesi employs nearly 6,000 people. Chiesi Group is a certified Benefit Corporation. For more information www.chiesi.com.
To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, all such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The terms "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "project," "plan," "should" and "intend," and other words or phrases of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk and the final results of a clinical trial may be different than the preliminary findings for the clinical trial. Factors that might cause material differences include, among others: Risks related to the timing, progress and likelihood of final approval by the FDA of the BLA for PRX–102, by the PDUFA date or at all, which was accepted by the FDA and granted Priority Review designation in August 2020 and, if approved, whether the use of PRX–102 will be commercially successful; failure or delay in the commencement or completion of our preclinical and clinical trials which may be caused by several factors, including: risks that the FDA will request additional data or other conditions of our submission of any application for Accelerated Approval of PRX–102; slower than expected rates of patient recruitment; unforeseen safety issues; determination of dosing issues; lack of effectiveness during clinical trials; inability to monitor patients adequately during or after treatment; and inability or unwillingness of medical investigators and institutional review boards to follow our clinical protocols; risks associated with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID–19) outbreak, which may adversely impact our business, preclinical studies and clinical trials; the risk that the results of the clinical trials of our product candidates will not support our claims of safety or efficacy, that our product candidates will not have the desired effects or will be associated with undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics; risks related to our ability to maintain and manage our relationship with Chiesi Farmaceutici and any other collaborator, distributor or partner; risks related to the amount of our future revenues and expenditures, and related milestones under our supply and technology transfer agreement; the risk that despite the FDA's grant of Fast Track designation for PRX–102, we may not experience a faster development process, review or approval compared to applications considered for approval under conventional FDA procedures; risks related to the FDA's ability to withdraw the Fast Track designation at any time; our dependence on performance by third party providers of services and supplies, including without limitation, clinical trial services; the inherent risks and uncertainties in developing drug platforms and products of the type we are developing; the impact of development of competing therapies and/or technologies by other companies and institutions; potential product liability risks, and risks of securing adequate levels of product liability and other necessary insurance coverage; and other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements in this press release are valid only as of the date hereof and we disclaim any obligation to update this information, except as may be required by law.
Source: Protalix BioTherapeutics
Search: Protalix BioTherapeutics
Search: Fabry disease
Search: pegunigalsidase alfa
Protalix BioTherapeutics and Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Announce Final Results of BRIDGE Phase III Open-Label, Switch-Over Clinical Trial Evaluating Pegunigalsidase Alfa for the Treatment of Fabry Disease
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Argyll salmon run crisis in the River Awe
Argyll salmon run in crisis
Catastrophic failure of salmon run in Argyll’s largest and most closely monitored river confirmed. Annual count is by far the lowest on record.
Plea for Scottish Government to intervene now to halt precipitous decline of wild salmon in main intensive aquaculture production areas
This year’s Argyll salmon run in the most closely monitored and biggest river, the Awe, is by far the lowest since records began in 1964. The annual salmon count on the River Awe has now been confirmed as only 480. The figure compares to 807 in 2016 and a five-year average of 1400. The previous lowest total was 781 in 1998.
Rive Awe Salmon Count
The Awe is a short river, draining Scotland’s longest loch (Loch Awe), with a hydro-electric dam at its head. There is a fish lift and a counter in the dam. The flow regime is such that fish can run the river any day of the year; almost all the fish are destined for the headwaters and thus there is a full river count which is almost unaffected by the weather. The Argyll salmon run count runs from April 1 to November 30.
Roger Brook, Chairman of the Argyll District Salmon Fishery Board, said:
“This year’s salmon count on the River Awe is incontrovertible evidence that the decline in wild fish in salmon farming’s southern heartland has become critical. We call upon the Scottish Government to take action on all issues within its regulatory control.
Specifically, we ask for a review of the policy to facilitate the continued expansion of the salmon aquaculture industry without first addressing the negative impacts. Expansion of aquaculture without greater regulatory control is sounding the death knell for viable wild salmon populations in most of the West Highlands and Islands.”
Mr Brook continued:
“We plead with the Scottish Government to take this issue seriously and act decisively to protect and improve our iconic west Highland salmon and the important west coast tourist industry associated with recreational fishing. Scotland has the opportunity to create a world-leading regulatory and planning system which protects wild migratory fish and proactively seeks to address any local negative impacts.”
Andrew Graham-Stewart, Director of Salmon and Trout Conservation Scotland (S&TC Scotland), said:
“If the crisis in wild salmon numbers in the West Highlands and Islands is to be halted, Scottish Ministers must now be given a duty, and granted the necessary powers, to intervene to protect wild fish and to implement measures to prevent further damage and provide the conditions to reverse the decline in wild salmon and sea trout populations.
This means ensuring proper control on the siting of farms and the levels of sea lice on the farms. We call upon Scottish Government and its agencies to insist that future farms are sited away from the probable migration routes. Most importantly, the worst-performing existing farms, both in terms of location and lice control, should now be closed.”
Mr Graham-Stewart added:
“When in August we highlighted the low Awe salmon count, the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation claimed the announcement had been ‘premature and over simplistic’, as ‘the majority of grilse don’t return to the Awe until the autumn’. There has never been a significant autumn grilse run on the Awe and our forewarning has proven to be entirely accurate.”
Juvenile salmon migrating from rivers in the South-West Highlands, such as the River Awe, must pass close to lice-producing salmon farms (and rainbow trout farms), not only in the immediate area but also the whole way up the west coast, before they reach open ocean, free of aquaculture. Throughout this coastal migration they are vulnerable to infestation by deadly sea lice. It is logical that, the more sea lice-producing farms that outgoing juvenile salmon have to negotiate their way past on their migration to the North Atlantic feeding grounds, the less likely they are to survive.
In June, the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, in response to a formal Petition lodged in the Scottish Parliament in February 2016 by S&TC Scotland seeking protection for wild salmonids from sea lice from Scottish salmon farms, agreed to launch an Inquiry (scheduled for early 2018) into salmon farming in Scotland and the issues raised by S&TC Scotland.
Issued by Andrew Graham-Stewart (telephone 01863 766767 or 07812 981531) on behalf of Salmon & Trout Conservation Scotland. Salmon image © David Miller
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Munster by J. Blaeu 1659-72
The Blaeus: Willem Janszoon, Cornelis & Joan
Willem Jansz. Blaeu and his son Joan Blaeu are the most widely known cartographic publishers of the seventeenth century.
Willem Jansz. (also written Guilielmus Janssonius) = Willem Janszoon Blaeu, was born in Uitgeest (Netherlands), near Alkmaar in 1571. He studied mathematics under Tycho Brahe and learned the theory and practice of astronomical observations and the art of instrument- and globe making.
In 1596 he came to Amsterdam where he settled down as a globe-, instrument- and map-maker. He published his first cartographic work (a globe) in 1599 and probably published his first printed map (a map of the Netherlands) in 1604. He specialized in maritime cartography and published the first edition of the pilot guide Het Licht der Zeevaert in 1608, and was appointed Hydrographer of the V.O.C. (United East India Company) in 1633. After thirty years of publishing books, wall maps, globes, charts and pilot guides, he brought out his first atlas, Atlas Appendix (1630). This was the beginning of the great tradition of atlas-making by the Blaeus.
In 1618 another mapmaker, bookseller and publisher, Johannes Janssonius established himself in Amsterdam next door to Blaeu's shop. It is no wonder that these two neighbours, who began accusing each other of copying and stealing their information, became fierce competitors who did not have a good word to say about each other. In about 1621 Willem Jansz. decided to put an end to the confusion between his name and his competitor's, and assumed his grandfather's sobriquet, 'blauwe Willem' ('blue Willem'), as the family name; thereafter he called himself Willem Jansz. Blaeu.
Willem Janszoon Blaeu died in 1638, leaving his prospering business to his sons, Cornelis and Joan. Of Cornelis we only know that his name occurs in the prefaces of books and atlases until c. 1645.
Joan Blaeu, born in Amsterdam, 1596, became partner in his father’s book trade and printing business. In 1638 he was appointed his father’s successor in the Hydrographic office of the V.O.C. His efforts culminated in the magnificent Atlas Major and the town-books of the Netherlands and of Italy – works unsurpassed in history and in modern times, which gave eternal fame to the name of the Blaeus.
On February 23, 1672, a fire ruined the business. One year later, Dr. Joan Blaeu died. The fire of 1672 and the passing away of the director gave rise to a complete sale of the stock of the Blaeu House. Five public auctions dispersed the remaining books, atlases, copperplates, globes, etc., among many other map dealers and publishers in Amsterdam. The majority was acquired by a number of booksellers acting in partnership.
In the succeeding years, the remaining printing department was left in the hands of the Blaeu family until 1695 when also the inventory of the printing house was sold at a public auction. That meant the end of the Blaeus as a printing house of world renown.
Monasteriensis Episcopatus.
Category: Antique maps > Europe > Germany
Size: 38 x 50cm (15 x 19 inches)
Verso text: Spanish
Condition: Old coloured.
References: Van der Krogt 2, 2330:2.3.
From: Nuevo Atlas o Teatro del Mundo,> ... En Amsterdam, A costa en casa de Juan Blaeu, 1659. (Van der Krogt 2, 641)
Münster, Osnabrück, and Wesel, by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg. 1577
Monasterium, Urbs in Media Westphalia Celeberrimi ...
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Vietnam treasures ties with United States: NA Chairman
Vietnam’s top lawmaker has affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to the relations with the US and is resolved to implement reached agreements in accordance with the spirit of the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.
NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung (R) and President Pro Tempore of the US Senate Patrick Leahy (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung made the remarks during his talks on April 17 with President Pro Tempore of the US Senate Patrick Leahy, who is in Hanoi for an official visit.
The NA Chairman spoke highly of the significant contributions that Leahy and other US Congressmen have made to heal the wounds left by war in Vietnam.
He expressed his hope that the two countries will further these efforts, looking towards a new relationship in the long-term interest of both nations.
The current level of cooperation has yet to match both sides’ potential, Chairman Hung said, suggesting the two countries’ legislative bodies enhance their exchange to push for a swift recognition of Vietnam as a market economy. He also said the two sides should work together during the negotiation of the Trans-Asia Pacific Partnership deal to reach agreements benefiting both sides, avoiding decisions that can affect bilateral economic and trade ties.
Vietnam wishes that the US Congress will allocate sufficient funding to deal with humanitarian issues in Vietnam, he also declared.
NA Chairman Hung used the occasion to invite the US Senate leader to attend the 132 nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which Vietnam will host in 2015 – the year marking the 20 th anniversary of the Vietnam-US diplomatic ties.
Senator Leahy said during this visit, his delegation comprising both Democrat and Republican law makers want to seek cooperation opportunities to strengthen the relations between the two countries as well as the two legislative bodies.
He affirmed his support for the US’ efforts in addressing consequences of the war and fostering ties between the two countries’ people.
Successes in socio-economic cooperation between the US and Vietnam are of special significance as they help direct and forge bilateral ties in the future, he said.
The guest noted his hope that the two countries’ generations will build on the fruitful relations, thus meeting the aspiration of both countries’ people.
Later in the day, NA Chairman Hung hosted a banquet for the President Pro Tempore of the US Senate and the US congress delegation
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Amy Coney Barrett and Roe v Wade: Abortion Rights At Risk
Posted on October 27, 2020 October 26, 2020 by She's Right. in Women and the Law
Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg, liberal stalwart of the United States Supreme Court, passed away a month ago. This was a terrible loss in more ways than one. Not only have we lost a champion for gender equality, but Justice Ginsburg’s absence from the Supreme Court bench leaves a dangerous void. Despite the United States still struggling with a deadly resurgence of COVID-19, the current administration has prioritised rushing through the confirmation of a new Supreme Court Justice.
President Trump’s nominee is Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who has caused a stir due to her conservative views on abortion, same-sex marriage, and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). This week the United States Senate voted to advance Justice Barrett towards final confirmation as a Supreme Court Justice. This change would disrupt the fine ideological balance of the Supreme Court, putting contentious decisions such as Roe v Wade, which guarantees the right to abortion, at risk.
Why is Roe v Wade so important?
Roe v Wade is a famous United States Supreme Court case that ruled in favour of abortion rights. Jane Roe was the pseudonym of the complainant who was seeking an abortion. Jane Roe’s attempts to get an abortion in Texas were fruitless, as abortion was only permitted in the state when the mother’s life was at risk. Henry Wade was the District Attorney for Dallas County, defending the Texas abortion laws.
Roe v Wade succeeded on the basis that the right to privacy encompasses a woman’s right to choose whether to continue with or terminate a pregnancy. This privacy right would be balanced with the interests of governments to protect the health of the mother and the foetus. The Court decided that no restrictions could be placed on abortion in the first trimester, while second-trimester abortions could be restricted if they were justifiable and “narrowly tailored”. The Texas restrictions were essentially a total prohibition based on the idea that life began at conception. This law was ruled to be unconstitutional and struck down.
The argument in Roe v Wade disappointed fierce advocates such as Justice Ginsburg, as it shoehorned the right to abortion into a wider right to privacy. Justice Ginsburg would have preferred a much simpler analysis: abortion should be legal because restricting it exacerbated gender inequality.[1] Roe v Wade, and subsequent abortion cases, can also be criticised as they do not recognise that trans men and non-binary people should be included in discussions about abortion. Nevertheless, Roe v Wade seemed to at least settle the question of female bodily autonomy.
A worrying development was the case of Planned Parenthood v Casey. Casey came dangerously close to overturning Roe v Wade. The core of Roe was upheld, but the rights were limited. Under Roe, restrictions on first term abortion were unconstitutional. Under Casey, abortion restrictions are only unconstitutional if they amount to a “substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion”. This has become known as the “undue burden” standard.
A wave of reactionary laws targeting abortion has spread across the United States in the last few years. Laws have involved restrictions on abortion after certain periods, prohibition of certain methods of abortion and limitations on the justifiable reasons for abortions.[2] Overall, the rights of pregnant people have been significantly eroded since Roe v Wade.
Amy Coney Barrett and Abortion
Justice Barrett was averse to answering questions about her beliefs in her confirmation hearing, but her track record indicates that she could vote to overturn Roe v Wade should the opportunity arise. She clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia, a largely conservative justice who criticised Roe v Wade as “judicial activism”.[3] She has previously written that abortion is “always immoral”.[4] She signed a letter published by an anti-abortion organisation which described Roe v Wade as “barbaric”, and opposed “abortion on demand”.[5]
She refused to confirm whether she would follow Roe v Wade in her confirmation hearing, whereas she said of other cases such as Lawrence v Texas that she “will faithfully follow” the precedent.[6] She even refused to answer whether the Constitution would allow the death penalty to be imposed on women that get abortions .[7] If Justice Barrett is confirmed and Roe v Wade is revisited in the Supreme Court, Justice Barrett’s vote against the decision could tip the balance.
Is “packing” the Supreme Court the answer? I say not, and Ruth Bader-Ginsburg would have agreed with me. Packing the Supreme Court involves increasing the number of Supreme Court justices. This would allow those in power, whether democrats or republicans, to pack the court with their preferred justices. This is the surest path, according to Justice Ginsburg, to rendering the court partisan and illegitimate: “it would be that – one side saying, ‘when we’re in power, we’re going to enlarge the number of judges, so we would have more people who would vote the way we want them to’”. Franklin Roosevelt’s failed attempt to pack the Supreme Court at the height of his popularity, indicates that this issue is politically problematic and would provoke public backlash.[8]
Perhaps, rather than packing the Supreme Court, the very process of appointing United States justices and regulating their terms should be subject to more robust national debate. As a New Zealand comparison, our judges are appointed apolitically by constitutional convention. The Governor-General appoints New Zealand judges on the advice of the Attorney-General, without reference to political considerations. Judges retire at the age of 70.[9] Whether these restrictions would ever be compatible with the constitutional framework of the United States is unlikely. Of course, another question is whether the fight for reproductive rights should be fought in the courts at all. Strong legislation may be a more appropriate and effective answer.
In the meantime, Justice Barrett’s nomination is being strongly opposed by people dedicated to protecting abortion rights.[10] Despite their efforts, Justice Barrett may soon be confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. As Judges in the Supreme Court serve until they die, resign, retire, or are removed, final confirmation of Justice Barrett could spell a conservative Supreme Court for many years to come. Pregnant people in the United States are on the precipice of losing control over their bodies, and consequently, the trajectory and success of their lives.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/21/us/ruth-bader-ginsburg-roe-v-wade.html
[2] https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/women/reports/2020/08/27/489786/state-actions-undermining-abortion-rights-2020/
[3] https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2891&context=facpubs
[4] https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Barrett%20Responses%20to%20Whitehouse%20QFRs.pdf
[5][5] https://www.thedailybeast.com/amy-coney-barrett-signed-letter-urging-end-of-barbaric-roe-v-wade
[7]https://twitter.com/ilyseh/status/1319084477239492608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1319084477239492608%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3%2Ccontainerclick_1&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanityfair.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F10%2Famy-coney-barrett-abortion-capital-crime
[8] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/when-franklin-roosevelt-clashed-with-the-supreme-court-and-lost-78497994/
[9] Senior Courts Act 2016, s 133.
[10] https://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2020/10/12/in-open-letter-more-than-5000-lawyers-oppose-barrett-supreme-court-nomination/
Image by Lorie Shaull on Flickr.
Tagged Abortion, Misogyny, United States
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z Creative Teaching
z A King Seen from the Sky
A King Seen from the Sky
This delightful book by award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Bruno Gibert is inspired by the true story of the first flight of living creatures in a handmade aircraft. On September 19, 1783, the Montgolfier brothers demonstrated their new invention, the hot-air balloon or montgolfière, at the Palace of Versailles before a large crowd, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Considered too dangerous for human passengers, the experimental vessel carried a sheep, a duck, and a hen in its basket. The balloon flew for about eight minutes, covered a distance of roughly two miles, and reached an altitude of more than 1,500 feet before landing safely. The animals’ balloon ride caused a sensation and the first human flight followed a few months later.
By the end of 1783, Louis XVI had ennobled the Montgolfier family in recognition of the brothers’ important achievements, which perhaps prompted a royal celebration for the animals like the one depicted in the book. In Gibert’s fantasy, the animals anger the king at the fete by describing him as “no bigger than the tiniest snail” when viewed from high above the ground, and Louis imprisons them in the Bastille. While the direct role of talking animals in the storming of the Bastille in 1789 can’t quite be supported by historical evidence, this book does vividly evoke the stirring developments in aeronautics that took place right around the time of the French Revolution. Ages five to seven.
Bruno Gibert is a children’s book author and illustrator; he also writes novels for adults. His book Le Petit Gibert Illustré received the Prix Coup de Coeur du Salon de Montreuil in 2010.
20 color illustrations
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Matthew Perry engaged to girlfriend Molly Hurwitz
Matthew Perry is tying the knot.
The 51-year-old “Friends” star revealed to People magazine that he recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend, literary manager Molly Hurwitz.
“I decided to get engaged,” Perry said. “Luckily, I happened to be dating the greatest woman on the face of the planet at this time.”
Hurwitz, 29, and Perry have been dating since 2018 and on Valentine’s Day, she shared a special message about the actor.
‘FRIENDS’ REUNION RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 2021, MATTHEW PERRY SAYS
“Second year being my valentine, but his first as an Instagram influencer,” she wrote on her private Instagram account, per the outlet. “HVD to my favorite.”
Perry previously dated actress Lizzy Caplan from 2006 -2012.
There are no details on when a wedding would take place, but Perry has an exciting 2021 coming up. He tweeted in early November that the highly anticipated “Friends” reunion special will be debuting in March 2021 on HBO Max.
JENNIFER ANISTON, LISA KUDROW DROP HINTS ABOUT THE ‘FRIENDS’ REUNION
“Friends reunion being rescheduled for the beginning of March. Looks like we have a busy year coming up. And that’s the way I like it!” he wrote.
Fox News can confirm that a “Friends” taping is being targeted for the first part of 2021.
The cast of “Friends”: David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
In August, the reunion was pushed back because of the coronavirus pandemic after it was originally supposed to be taped in April and air in May.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Perry and his castmates Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow are all scheduled to take part in the new project.
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Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) – PART 3
by News Sibiz | Aug 30, 2012 | Business, International trade, Investment, Legislation, Taxation
EU and Russian Federation have signed four bilateral trade agreements which contain additional commitments of RF:
Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Russian Federation on trade in parts and components of motor vehicles between the European Union and the Russian Federation
There may be some concerns about the RF’s approach to the WTO on the impact it may have on the regime for investments in the automotive sector. This arrangement allows investors that establish car manufacturing facilities to produce cars in the RF to lower custom duties on imports of auto parts and components in exchange for the obligation to fulfil the requirements for home ownership and other requirements for localization. According to the agreed conditions of the accession of RF this regime will be exempt from RF’s obligations until the 1st July 2018 to ensure compliance of laws, regulations and other investment measures RF with the provisions of the WTO Agreement on investment measures related to trade (TRIMS). In order to reduce the risk of such a regime in the transitional period, the relocation of production parts and components of motor vehicles in the EU, EU and RF concluded a bilateral agreement on trade of parts and components of motor vehicles.
The aim of the agreement is to establish a compensation mechanism, which is designed to ensure that exports of parts and components of motor vehicles in the EU in RF would not be reduced as a result of the program of investment in the automotive sector.
If the export of parts and components from the EU to RF in a given year will fall below a specific threshold, the RF will have to allow the import of parts and components originating in the EU at lower customs duties, in amounts equal to the reduction of imports from the EU. This compensation mechanism will be initiated on the basis of 3-percent reduction in exports from the EU in the 12-month period, compared to a threshold which is determined on the base value of exports from the EU to RF in 2010. Compensatory mechanism will be used after initiation for at least 12 months and then, if necessary, reviewed every 12 months. In exceptional economic conditions that will result in a significant reduction in the total number of new vehicles sold in the RF starting year in comparison to the year before, the compensation mechanism will not apply. RF compensation quota will be managed by a system of import licenses that will be shared under a FCFS (first come first served). When compensatory quota is being used by investors who under the program of investment in the automotive sector concluded investment agreements will be such imports deducted from the total annual production of those investors in the relevant year, subject to the general requirement for home ownership in the framework of the investment in the automotive sector.
Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the EU and the Russian Federation on the introduction or increase of export duties on raw materials from the Russian Federation
In the course of the accession of RF to the WTO, RF was committed to gradually reduce or eliminate the current export duties. Obligations in respect to the rates of export duties have been included in the list of concessions and obligations of RF in relation to goods, which are attached to the Protocol of Accession to the WTO of RF. However, since that list includes only materials for which RF currently applied export duties and an understanding of RF inputs, which are not included in the list is not a subject to any restrictions on the export duties, EU in order to reduce the risk related to the use of new export duties in the future, concluded a bilateral agreement that requires RF to make every effort to prevent the introduction or increase of export duties on raw materials from the list included in an annex to the agreement. RF is also obligated to consolidate with European Commission about mentioned export duties and taking into account its position. List of raw materials includes raw materials, which are not listed in the list of concessions and obligations in respect of goods for which the Russia accounts more than 10% of world production and exports, which has or would have a major EU import interest or for which there is a risk of disruption in the world care.
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the EU and the Russian Federation on the administration of tariff quotas for exports of wood from the Russian Federation to the EU and the Protocol between the EU and the Russian Federation on technical modalities pursuant to an agreement
RF was in the course of accession to the WTO committed to reduce its current export duties on products made from natural wood. RF agreed that for certain types of wood, (wood of certain conifers) tariff quotas for export will open and assign a specific portion of quota for the EU. Rates of duty and tariff quota as well as the share of quota allocated to the EU are included in the list of concessions RF, which is attached to the Protocol of Accession of RF to the WTO.
The agreement includes general provisions on the implementation of the share of tariff quotas for the EU. The agreement also states, that EU manages tariff quotas from those that belong to EU and that the RF issues export licenses on the basis of the import documents issued by the EU. The Agreement also foresees that the EU and RF prepare the technical details for the administration of tariff quotas, which are included in the protocol established between the EU and the Government of the RF. The Protocol sets out rules regarding the management of export tariff quotas and export under those quotas, including provisions relating to participation of the competent bodies of the EU and the RF Government to ensure the proper functioning of the system.
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the EU and the Russian Federation regarding the preservation of commitments on trade in services contained in the current Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Russia
RF on accession to the WTO entered the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and assumed the comprehensive multilateral commitments on trade of services with all WTO members. These obligations generally meet or exceed current commitments in trade of services with the EU on the basis of the current Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the RF. EU-RF agreement will go further than those that was made within the GATS multilateral framework in only two service sectors, namely maritime trade and the temporary movement of natural persons for business purposes. The agreement states that Russia will apply for a most favoured nation (MFN) exemption from its GATS commitment, and on the basis of that exemption will continue to give the EU more favourable treatment in these two sectors on an exclusive basis. The bilateral agreement details the preferential treatment that is to be granted exclusively to the EU.
This will ensure that the RF current obligations on market access will not be more restrictive for EU service providers from the current.
RF Membership in the WTO is a prerequisite to further strengthen trade relations between the EU and the RF.
The current legal framework of trade relations between the EU and Russia is set by the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). PCA is a non-preferential agreement that contains specific rules of trade. It confirms MFN treatment in the field of tariffs and quantitative restrictions prohibiting the introduction of the bilateral trade. It contains provisions on establishment and operation of businesses and the general provisions on the approximation of the laws and standards, including technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, intellectual property rights and customs matters.
Between the EU and the RF an agreement is in place on the subject of trade in steel and Council Regulation (EC) no. 1342/2007 on the implementation of the agreement, which provides quantitative restrictions on imports of flat-rolled and long products of steel. The agreement will expire on the date of entry RF into the WTO, so that import of products will no longer be under any quantitative restrictions. Also the Council Regulation (EC) no. 1342/2007 will expire. The European Commission has sent a proposal for the annulation of the regulation to the Council and the European Parliament.
Since the existing PCA falls behind the needs that are being dictated by the increased trade relations with Russia, negotiations 2008 have been in progress since 2008 to prepare a new agreement that will replace the PCA. The agreement was to be non-preferential, and should include additional commitments – WTO + provisions in the various fields of governing trade and investment. The long-term goal is to conclude a free trade agreement between the EU and Russia (FTA).
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Lost (TV series)
American television series
Lost was an American television series about airplane crash survivors on a tropical island in the South Pacific. Most episodes showed events in the present combined with stories from a character's past or future. The show was created by J. J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber. It was mostly filmed in Oahu, Hawaii.[1] The first episode was shown on September 22, 2004.[2] Since then, a total of six seasons have been shown on television. The series is made by ABC Studios, Bad Robot Productions and Grass Skirt Productions. It plays on the ABC Network in the United States. Other television networks show the series in other countries. Because of its large cast and the cost of filming in Hawaii, the series was one of the most expensive on television.[3]
Jeffrey Lieber
Original language(s)
Bryan Burk
Production location(s)
USA Oahu, Hawaii
480i (SDTV), 720p (HDTV) ABC HD, 1080i (HDTV) Sky HD, Premiere HD
Production website
Lost had an average of 15.5 million viewers per episode on ABC during its first year. It won many awards including the Emmy Award for outstanding drama series in 2005[4] and best American import at the British Academy Television Awards also in 2005.[5]
Lost ended with its sixth season. The sixth season began in February 2010 and ended in May 2010.[6][7]
2.2 Former
Season 1Edit
The episodes of Season 1 were shown on television in the United States starting on September 22, 2004. There were 24 episodes,[8] which were shown on Wednesday nights. After their plane crashes on an island, the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 must work together to stay alive. The survivors find mysterious things including polar bears, an unseen monster, and the other people living on the island, known as the "Others." They also meet a Frenchwoman who has been on the island for 16 years and find a metal hatch (door) buried in the ground. Some of them try to leave the island on a raft.
Season 2 had 23 episodes and were shown in the United States and Canada on Wednesdays starting September 21, 2005. Most of the story is about the conflict between the survivors and the Others. The survivors go down into the hatch door and find a secret, underground building where a man named Desmond has been living for three years. They learn about the DHARMA Initiative, a group of scientists who built the hatch and many other buildings on the island. The characters meet a new group of survivors from the tail end of the crashed airplane. One of the crash survivors betrays the other castaways by working with the Others.
Season 3 had 22 episodes that began airing in the United States and Canada on October 4, 2006 on Wednesdays at 9:00 pm. After a break, the show returned on February 7, 2007 and aired at 10:00 pm.[9] The story continues 67 days after the crash. New crash survivors and Others are introduced. The crash survivors learn about the Others and their history on the island. A war between the Others and the survivors begins, and the survivors make contact with a rescue team.
Season 4 began airing January 31, 2008 and ended on May 29, 2008. When the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike began, only 8 of the planned 16 episodes had been filmed. After the writer's strike was resolved, only 5 of the remaining 8 episodes in season 4 were filmed.[10] In this season, people from a ship called the Kahana come to the island. The new characters are not really a rescue team, and they put the crash survivors in danger. Later, six of the survivors escape the island. They become famous and are called the "Oceanic Six." The things they do after going back home are shown as "flashforwards," which are scenes showing the future.
Season 5 was shown in the United States and Canada from January 21, 2009 to May 13, 2009. This season follows two time lines. The first takes place on the island where the remaining survivors time travel through many time periods. The second shows the Oceanic Six trying to return to the island. Later in the season, most of the characters end up on the island in the year 1977. They join up with the DHARMA Initiative, a group of scientists who lived on the island. Some characters return to the island in 2007, where they meet Jacob, the leader of the Others.
Season 6 aired on February 2, 2010.[11] It was the final season and it had 18 episodes.[12] To keep the story a surprise, the producers of the series do not want any preview scenes to be shown before the season starts.[13]
These characters have regular appearances on the show as of the sixth season.
Naveen Andrews - Sayid Jarrah
Nestor Carbonell - Richard Alpert
Emilie de Ravin - Claire Littleton
Michael Emerson - Benjamin Linus
Jeff Fahey - Frank Lapidus
Matthew Fox - Jack Shephard
Jorge Garcia - Hugo "Hurley" Reyes
Josh Holloway - James "Sawyer" Ford
Daniel Dae Kim - Jin-Soo Kwon
Yunjin Kim - Sun-Hwa Kwon
Ken Leung - Miles Straume
Evangeline Lilly - Kate Austen
Terry O'Quinn - John Locke/The Man in Black
Zuleikha Robinson - Ilana
FormerEdit
These characters were regular characters at one point of the show and are now no longer shown or shown only in flashbacks.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje - Eko
Henry Ian Cusick - Desmond Hume
Jeremy Davies - Daniel Faraday
Maggie Grace - Shannon Rutherford
Malcolm David Kelley - Walt Lloyd
Rebecca Mader - Charlotte Lewis
Elizabeth Mitchell - Juliet Burke
Dominic Monaghan - Charlie Pace
Harold Perrineau - Michael Dawson
Michelle Rodriguez - Ana Lucia Cortez
Kiele Sanchez - Nikki Fernandez
Rodrigo Santoro - Paulo
Ian Somerhalder - Boone Carlyle
Cynthia Watros - Libby Smith
↑ ABC's 'Lost', about the show
↑ Pilot: Part 1
↑ Ryan, Tim (26-1-2005). "High filming costs force ABC network executives to consider relocating". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Check date values in: |date= (help)
↑ Emmys.tv
↑ "Lost" set for three more years, Variety.com, May 6, 2007
↑ A Map for 'Lost', Entertainment Weekly
↑ "ABC.com: Lost Episode Guide". ABC.com. Retrieved 2006-10-10.
↑ Lost website
↑ Dos Santos, Kristin, (February 12, 2008) "The Return of Mother, Life and, Oh Yeah, Lost", E!.
↑ Natalie Abrams. "ABC Sets Lost Premiere Date". TVGuide.com.
↑ Porter, Rick (June 29, 2009). "Lost will last a little longer". Zap2it. Retrieved August 17, 2009. Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
↑ Topel, Fred (November 17, 2009). "Lost's final season will answer everything. Mostly". SciFi Wire. Retrieved January 1, 2010. Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Lost
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lost.
ABC - Lost Official Wiki
ABC - Lost Official Podcast
Official Lost Season 1 website
Official ABC streaming video site - Lost Season 3 to-date Episodes available
CTV - Lost (Canada)
Channel 7 - Lost (Australia)
Lost (UK Series 1 and 2) at Channel4.com
Sky One - Lost (UK Series 3 and 4) at sky.com
RTÉ Two - Lost (Ireland)
Lost (Germany)
Sponsored forum
The Fuselage: forum sponsored by J.J. Abrams
Official tie-in sites
The Hanso Foundation: fictional foundation behind the DHARMA Initiative
Oceanic Airlines: fictional airline whose crashed Flight 815 is the subject of the series
Retrieved from "https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lost_(TV_series)&oldid=7262768"
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Keynote Speaker – Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Creative Disruption at the Intersection of Arts and Technology Education
Kathleen Tyner, Univ. of Texas, USA
Kathleen Tyner from The University of Texas at Austin opens a dialogue about the way that technologies can be used to transform learning through artistic expression, civic engagement and experimental practices. Recent trends in arts education, Do It Yourself (DIY), and Maker Movements provide field-tested models that inform the design of vibrant, project-based sites for personal and collaborative media creation. In addition, partnerships with community-based organizations, youth media practitioners and DIY digital makers offer valuable resources that support the innovative uses of technologies across the curriculum. This keynote discusses the rich opportunities and provocative challenges for educators as creative media practices engage with the traditional culture of schooling.
Kathleen Tyner is Associate Professor in the Department of Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin. She collaborates internationally with researchers, educators, artists and practitioners in museums, schools and non-profit organizations for projects related to media and information literacy, the media arts, media production and serious games. Professor Tyner is author, co-author and editor of numerous books, articles and curricular materials, including Media Literacy (Routledge, 2009) and Literacy in a Digital World: Teaching and Learning in the Age of Information (Erlbaum, 1998). She serves on the editorial boards for The Journal of Digital and Media Literacy(Queens University of Charlotte), Revista Communicar (Spain), and the International Journal of Learning and Media (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
Keynote Speaker – Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Education for the Future We Want: A Call for Action
Jonghwi Park, UNESCO, Thailand
The past few decades have witnessed exponential advancement of technologies, bringing us to a whole new world that was not even imaginable just 20 years ago. In education, it is believed that these new and affordable technologies can enable anyone to learn from anywhere and anytime, with personalized learning paths available for each of the individual’s needs. However, 57 million children in the world today remain to be out of school, too often for reasons that in the 21st century should not remain as barriers to their right to quality education. Across the world, 775 million adults cannot read, write or count, 64 percent of whom are female. With all the resources and technologies that we have today, the pertinent question remains as to why this is still happening and what we can do to help reduce these vast gaps. In response to these concerns, this talk aims to introduce UNESCO’s vision for the role of ICT in achieving quality education for everyone, regardless of gender, culture, income and any special needs. Themes such as the challenges that UNESCO and international organizations face in pursuing this vision, and how the research community, such as SITE, can help in moving forward together will be further explored. The talk will conclude by inviting researchers and educators to collectively deliberate on potential areas for collaboration in order to finally achieve education for the future we want.
Dr. Jonghwi Park is Programme Specialist in ICT in Education, UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education (UNESCO Bangkok). Her main duty is to support 46 Member States of the Asia-Pacific region in integrating ICT in their education system in a holistic manner. Led by Dr. Park, ICT in Education Team at UNESCO Bangkok provides ICT policy review, technical supports for ICT policy development and regional comparative research on ICT in education. Her team is also specialized in designing and implementing various capacity building modules for teachers and teacher educators to facilitate the effective ICT-pedagogy integration. She oversees high-level policy fora to promote policy dialogues on ICT in Education at regional and sub-regional levels, including the Asia Pacific Ministerial Forum on ICT in Education, the Central Asia Symposium on ICT in Education, and the Regional Seminar on Innovative ICT Practices, to name a few. Prior to joining the UNESCO Bangkok, Dr. Park managed various e-learning projects in both private and public sectors in Korea and worked as ICT-pedagogy consultant for secondary teachers and university professors in Canada. She holds MA in Educational Technology from Hanyang University, Republic of Korea and PhD in Educational Psychology (specialized in Learning Sciences) from McGill University, Canada.
Keynote Speaker – Thursday, March 5, 2015
Language, the World, and Video Games: Teaching & Learning in an Imperiled World
James Gee, Arizona State University, USA
This talk starts from the premise that we are living at a time when human stupidity has brought us to the verge of disaster. At the same time, while schools and colleges are largely stuck in the past, a new paradigm of 21st Century learning has arisen out of school creating new possibilities, but new equity divides as well. To understand this new paradigm and how to spread it before it is too late for us humans we need to rethink how language, mind, human experience, digital tools like video games, and leaning can work together to create collective intelligence. In particular I will argue that our current views of learning and teaching in schools seriously misunderstands language and literacy, let alone new digital media. I argue that both teaching (as a set of specific acts) and language teaching, in particular, need to be construed far more broadly than we typically do and are both much more central to learning in and out of school than we typically think. As we enter an age of digital media and new digital literacies it is crucial that we get straight how language and traditional literacy actually work in regard to learning. Otherwise we will (as we are) just create new equity divides to go with our old ones (which we have done little about in terms of actual progress).
James Paul Gee is the Mary Lou Fulton Presidential Professor of Literacy Studies and Regents’ Professor at Arizona State University. He is a member of the National Academy of Education. His book Sociolinguistics and Literacies (Fourth Edition 2011) was one of the founding documents in the formation of the “New Literacy Studies”. His book An Introduction to Discourse Analysis (Third Edition 2011) brings together his work on a methodology for studying communication in its cultural settings, an approach that has been widely influential over the last two decades. His most recent books have dealt with video games, language, and learning. What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy (Second Edition 2007) argues that good video games are designed to enhance learning through effective learning principles supported by research in the Learning Sciences. Situated Language and Learning (2004) places video games within an overall theory of learning and literacy and shows how they can help us in thinking about the reform of schools. The Anti-Education Era: Creating Smarter Students through Digital Media appeared in 2013. Prof. Gee has published widely in journals in linguistics, psychology, the social sciences, and education.
Keynote Smithsonian Talk – Thursday, March 5, 2015
American Innovations in an Age of Discovery: Teaching Science and Social Studies through 3D-printed Historical Reconstructions
Matthew Hoffman, Smithsonian Institution, USA
David Slykhuis, James Madison University, USA
John Lee, North Carolina State University, USA
The Smithsonian X 3D initiative makes it possible to reproduce selected artifacts from the Smithsonian collections using 3D technologies. The Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) is piloting use of these resources in science and social studies. This enables students to invent our future through discovery of our past. During the second industrial revolution, science was applied to engineering on a large scale for the first time. The resulting innovations shaped our world. Today, students are surrounded by technology made possible by these early predecessors; however, modern technology is complex and opaque, challenging for even professionals to truly understand. This presentation will explore the relevance of early inventions to future problem solvers and illuminate how emerging technologies-3D digitization and advanced manufacturing-are inspiring students to bridge disciplines to become the makers of history.
Invited Speaker – Tuesday, March 3, 2015 – 1:45 PM
Game-Based Learning: Trends, Research, and Sheer Ridiculousness
Barbara Chamberlin, New Mexico State University, USA
Though transformational, serious and educational games have been used for some time, research and wide-spread school-based integration on games are being met with increased enthusiasm. Dr. Chamberlin will share some of the latest research on game impacts (including where research can go next), upcoming trends for classroom-based gaming, and some of the challenges the game-based learning field faces.
Barbara Chamberlin directs game development and research at New Mexico State University’s Learning Games Lab, (learninggameslab.org) where professionals create educational games, apps, animations, science simulations, videos and other learning tools. Most recently, the lab has completed games, animations, videos and teacher tools for the Math Snacks project (Mathsnacks.org), eight Virtual Labs simulations (virtuallabs.nmsu.edu), and several other projects related to STEM learning. Barbara’s background is in informal learning, and she has worked with teams on over 30 different learning games, projects and apps. Though the lab works on projects for a diverse collections of audiences and content, she has a particular passion for STEM content. Prior to her work in academia, she worked as a stand-up comic. Her PhD is from University of Virginia in Instructional Design.
Invited Speaker – Wednesday, March 4, 2015 – 1:45 PM
What Makes an Innovation Innovative?
Krista Glazewski, University of Indiana, USA
Today’s learners will eventually become tomorrow’s leaders, addressing complex environmental, economic, political, educational, and social dilemmas. In this context, educators are pushed to adopt innovations that enable students toward forms of deeper thinking and knowledge building, while also meeting disciplinary standards and mandates. It is critical, however, that we consider how we are pushing classroom innovations, and Dr. Glazewski will showcase examples from her research that demonstrate how some forms of technology are being used to engage students in complex problem solving. She will also invite us to consider how we think about the ways in which innovations help or hider our ability to pose new and different questions to our students.
Krista D. Glazewski is an associate professor of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her work and interests are centered primarily on problem-based learning within professional preparation and to meet disciplinary goals. Her primary research interest is in supporting teachers and students as they shift their learning practices toward problem-based inquiry. She has over almost 20 years of experience in public education, first as a middle school teacher and later as a teacher educator. Presently, she serves as co-editor of The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, and open-access journal that publishes scholarly work on problem-, project-, case-, and inquiry-based learning.
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Ronald J. Teplitzky is the President of the Cleveland law firm of Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A., where he practices primarily in the areas of commercial finance and banking, business law, and creditors’ rights.
About Ronald J. Teplitzky
Mr. Teplitzky has extensive experience in documenting commercial loan transactions and general business law. He represents numerous financial institutions in connection with the documentation and restructuring of commercial lending transactions. He also represents corporate clients in mergers and acquisitions as well as general business matters. Mr. Teplitzky also has extensive experience in business divorces involving closely held businesses.
Mr. Teplitzky is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan, Ohio State and American Bar Associations. Mr. Teplitzky has lectured before several groups on lending and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Teplitzky is the Chair of the Ohio University Alumni Association. He is the Alumni Representative for the Ohio University Board of Trustees. Additionally, Mr. Teplitzky is a Member of the Board of Directors of Hillel at Ohio University.
Mr. Teplitzky was named an “Ohio Superlawyer” by Cincinnati Magazine in 2004-2006 and 2008-2019, and was named in The Best Lawyers in America for 2006-2021. Mr. Teplitzky was listed in Chambers USA Leading Lawyers, in the area of banking and finance for 2006-2020. In 2015, he was named Best Lawyers’ 2015 Cleveland Banking and Finance “Lawyer of the Year”.
Mr. Teplitzky received his B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Ohio University in 1984, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1987, where he achieved The Order of the Coif distinction.
Ohio State Bar Association, Member
OUAA Board of Directors, Vice Chair
Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees, Member
Hillel at Ohio University, Board of Directors, Member
Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland, Security Committee Member
Ohio Superlawyer, Cincinnati Magazine, 2004-2006, 2008-2019
Chambers USA Leading Lawyers, 2006-2020
Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio, 1987
Honors: Mangna Cum Laude, Order of the Coif
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 1984 B.A.
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Ameena Hussein: On Her First Novel
With a smile that lights up the room, Ameena Hussein tells me that she is feeling lucky. This is a happy portent for an author who spent 2008 struggling with cancer and her first novel. It helps that ‘The Moon in the Water’ is already highly anticipated – its path has been paved by its inclusion in the long-list for the first Man Asia Literary Award.
It is on the eve of the book launch on Wednesday that I find myself in Ameena’s apartment right over the garage that houses the offices of the Perera Hussein Publishing House, which Ameena co-owns with her husband Sam Perera. She will be the first to tell you that the modest size of their cosy apartment is indicative of how publishing isn’t quite all it’s cracked up to be, but one thing seems certain, Ameena is doing what she loves best.
She is tired today but laughter, as always, comes easily to her. Much of her delight finds its roots in her first novel. Her previous publications, ‘Fifteen’ (shortlisted for the Gratiaen Prize in 1999) and ‘Zillij’ (winner of the State Literary Award 2005) were both collections of short stories. “I needed to get my short stories out of the way,” she says, confessing that having made the leap into writing novels she might never look back.
She is uncharacteristically cagey about her new book, and will only say that it tells the story of a young, spunky Muslim girl who returns to spend some time with her family after her father dies in a bomb blast. “She discovers a secret that the family has been holding and it derails her,” says Ameena, explaining that this secret must now be investigated, and the consequences dealt with.
‘The Moon in the Water’ brings together elements from both ‘Fifteen’ and ‘Zillij’ as the author continues to explore her Islamic heritage from a strong feminist viewpoint. But this is a far more mature, more sophisticated Ameena than we have seen previously. By her own estimation, she has become more exacting and reveals that she has spent many months polishing the book, until “every sentence, every chapter is perfect…or as perfect as possible.” The novel is a labour of love in that Ameena intended it to be “a documentation of culture; my culture, my community, and in a way my history…for a time when people will not have it.”
Ameena has long held that she writes simply to make people think, and ‘The Moon in the Water ‘will be no different – “I think this book will make a lot of people think, especially about Islam; part of this is making people say, they are (the Muslim community) not so much the other,” she says referring to what she calls “our little gems of cultural cohabitation.” She does this even as she explores the other side of the coin – the recent surge of Islamic fundamentalism.
“All writing is political,” expounds Ameena, sharing the hard won wisdom of many years. “I used to describe myself when I first started writing – I was 27, now I’m 44 – as someone who was not a political writer. ‘I just write these tiny stories,’ I would say, but I was trained as a sociologist and you can’t help but see the world in a kind of analytical way.” That she is a sociologist first, and a writer second is a charge that has been laid on her doorstep by some critics, but Ameena holds that it is innate, her way of viewing the world. When asked if the same might be said about ‘The Moon in the Water’ she voices her hope that her approach here is “more balanced.” Later she admits with a laugh to being “constantly beset with doubts.”
Writing, she has come to realise, requires no small amount of courage and determination. This is particularly true of this book. Having been diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in her chest in June last year, Ameena underwent a gruelling course of chemotherapy that often left her too ill to write. “There was a fear that I wouldn’t live to finish it, I did fear that, and I thought it would be a pity,” she says, eyes twinkling. Determined to make her book an “up” book despite not always feeling quite so positive, she eventually re-wrote the epilogue so that it now “ends on a note of hope, there are endless possibilities.”
The same seems true of Ameena, who having survived her trial by fire is still waiting for the final verdict on whether her cancer is in remission. In many ways, she has come into her own. She is passionate about her work, and is not shy about being labelled a writer rooted in her Islamic heritage. Increasingly, Ameena knows exactly what she wants to say. It’s revealing then that she describes the mood of ‘The Moon in the Water’ as being redolent with love. For Ameena, who credits her family, friends and her many admirers with having helped her through a very difficult illness, there is no emotion quite as important.
‘The Moon in the Water’ is priced at Rs. 750/- and is available at all leading bookstores.
Published in The Sunday Times on January 11, 2009, Sri Lanka. Words by Smriti Daniel.
Tags: Ameena Hussein, Cancer, Islam, Moon in the Water. Bookmark the permalink.
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Hyland anticipates positive movements with Normalisation Committee in charge
Previous Aritcle Let’s work together now, says Hyland
Next Aritcle Shaka, Yorke, Hart pay Maradona tributes
Relieved by FIFA's decision to lift the suspension on the T&T Football Association (TTFA), Khaleem Hyland, the T&T senior men’s team captain is now anticipating a return to leading the national team.
Hyland, yesterday, paid tribute to former Argentina captain Diego Maradona, while observing the passion for the game in the South American country which he witnessed when T&T faced the 1986 World Champions in an international friendly in Buenos Aires in 2014.
“I want to pay respect and express condolences to the family, friends and ex-teammates of Diego Maradona. World football has lost a footballing God. It is a sad week for all of us. Everyone is grieving as he had a part to play in the lives of so many people regarding their love for the game. He was a dominant and inspirational figure to millions including myself,” Hyland said.
Reflecting on his experience on Argentina soil, the Saudi Arabia-based player continued, “It was so great to witness in Argentina how they worshipped Maradona and Messi with so many billboards and posters across Buenos Aires. Their passion for the game is immense and they always want the best for their team and the country.
"I hope one day I can live to see something similar in my country. But of course, we as players need to do our part and we as a country have to really put our heads together to lift ourselves.
“Everyone needs to come on board and we need to start from now knowing that the suspension is lifted. The Normalisation Committee (NC) is in charge and everyone involved needs to give the NC the fullest support and respect in order for us to do this for the country, thinking of the future generations.”
The midfielder, who played in the UEFA Champions League for Belgium club Racing Genk, stressed the importance of stakeholders putting the development of the local game above everything.
“It is important that we know at this time the path forward with FIFA assisting in overseeing our football. Right now, the Normalisation Committee is in charge. I have had good conversations with the chairman Robert Hadad on things we need to work on and how we can work together to achieve this,” Hyland said.
“I haven’t met him (Hadad) in person as yet but we have had some great conversations over video calls and he seems like a person who wants to improve the state of our football and a great guy. All the stakeholders need to come together as one to put T&T’s football back on the map and back to a respectable position. From partners, fans, coaches and players, we all really need to pull together and play our part.”
The former San Juan Jabloteh man intends to do his part, once called upon.
"It is always a pleasure and honour to represent T&T and a dream come true to not only play but to captain the national team. As a player, it is just about being able to give back everything and share my knowledge and experiences that I inherited from the older ones who I rubbed shoulders with both at home and abroad. Once I am still in good shape and strong-minded, I will always be available to play and contribute to my country.”
Touching on Maradona’s influence, Hyland spoke of the occasion which saw him and the rest of the T&T line-up being able to take the field at the famous Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti – better known as the Monumental. It is one of South America’s three great stadiums along with the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay and has hosted some of the Argentinian national team’s most memorable games and provided a suitably dramatic setting for the opening match and the final of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, won by the hosts.
“It was great to play against Argentina just before the 2014 World Cup at a stadium where Maradona’s presence was strong so many times as a player and head coach of Argentina. The biggest players in the world played at that venue and played against us in that game. One of the world’s best Lionel Messi is an understudy of Maradona and we had that opportunity to take the field alongside him.
“In my life, I didn’t see a lot of Maradona live but I’ve always watched so many clips of him and his influence was massive. Playing against Messi was like playing against Maradona in many ways because of their similarities but of course, Maradona is Maradona and we will never see someone like him again,” said Hyland.
Khaleem Hyland Normalisation Committee
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Home / soccer world / UEFA Soccer Nations League
Posted on January 24, 2018 February 8, 2018 by Tom Sauder — Leave a comment
UEFA Soccer Nations League
The draw for a brand new competiiton, the UEFA nation’s league has just been completed. Here is what this league is all about (adapted from http://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/index.html#/)
What is the basic format?
The format of the UEFA Nations League will feature promotion and relegation. The 55 European national teams have been divided into four leagues (A-D)in accordance with UEFA’s national association coefficient rankings on 11 October 2017.
League A includes the top-ranked sides and League D includes the lowest:
Teams will be split into four groups of three, with the group winners then contesting the UEFA Nations League Finals (semi-finals, third-place match and final) in June 2019 to become the UEFA Nations League winners. One host country will be appointed in December 2018 from among the finalist teams.
The four teams that finish bottom of their groups will be relegated to League B for the 2020 edition.
The top four ranked teams that do not qualify for UEFA EURO 2020 will enter a play-off in March 2020, with one finals place on offer.
Teams will be split into four groups of three.
The four group winners are promoted to League A, with the four sides that finish bottom relegated to League C for the next competition to be played in 2020.
The top four ranked teams that do not qualify for UEFA EURO 2020 will enter a play-off in March 2020, with one finals place on offer
Teams will be split into one group of three and three groups of four.
The four group winners are promoted to League B, with the four sides that finish bottom relegated to League D for the 2020 edition.
League D
Due to a decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be draw in the same group.
The four group winners are promoted to League C for the 2020 edition.
When will the UEFA Nations League take place?
The UEFA Nations League will take place as follows:
The UEFA Nations League group games will be held over six matchdays, during the ‘double-headers’ in September, October and November 2018. The UEFA Nations League Finals competition for the teams that win the four groups within the top division is scheduled for June 2019.
For the UEFA Nations League Finals, the group winners of UEFA Nations League A will play in a knockout format (semi-finals, third-place match and final) in June 2019 to become the UEFA Nations League winners. One host country will be appointed by the UEFA Executive Committee in December 2018 from among the finalist teams.
The play-off matches will be staged in March 2020 (see below).
Will qualifying for the UEFA EURO change?
How the play-offs for UEFA EURO 2020 work
The changes to UEFA EURO qualifying will make it more streamlined. The equation is now simple: ten groups with the top two teams in each group qualifying automatically, and the other four places being awarded to European Qualifiers play-off winners, in which the 16 group winners of the UEFA Nations League will be in contention.
The UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying draw will be made after the completion of the UEFA Nations League and allow for the four UEFA Nations League Finals participants to be drawn into groups of five teams.
But the key principle of the qualifiers remains: that every team can play every team.
The European Qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2020 commence in March 2019. There will be two matchdays in each of March, June, September, October and November 2019. In total, there will be five groups of five teams and five groups of six teams (ten groups in all) playing over ten matchdays (the same number as now). The winner and runner-up in each of the ten groups will qualify automatically for the UEFA EURO 2020 final tournament (June 2020).
The last four EURO places will be won through the European Qualifiers play-offs, which will take place in March 2020 and which will be contested by the 16 UEFA Nations League group winners.
If a group winner has already qualified via the European Qualifiers, then their spot will go to the next best-ranked team in their league. If a league does not have four teams to compete, the remaining slots are allocated to teams from another league, according to the overall UEFA Nations League ranking.
Each league will have a path of its own and each path will feature two single-leg semi-finals and one single-leg final. The winner of each path will win a ticket to UEFA EURO 2020.
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19th July 2020 28th August 2020 The Society for the History of Collecting News and Events
AGM and Annual Lecture 2020 [UPDATE]
AGM AND ANNUAL LECTURE
Professor Elizabeth Emery: Women Dealers and Collectors of
Japanese Art in Nineteenth-Century Paris
Keynote Lecture at 5.30PM (BST)
AGM will follow directly after the lecture
Museums, libraries, and web sites celebrate the names of Philippe Sichel, Siegfried Bing, and Hayashi Tadamasa as “great dealers of Japanese art” and present them as the pioneers of the nascent Japan trade in France. In contrast, the names of Louise Chopin Desoye, Marie Antoinette Schlotterer Malinet, and Florine Ebstein Langweil have been largely lost to history, even when they informed and complemented the work of these better-known men. This lecture uses newly discovered archival material to emphasize the participation of women in the nineteenth-century Paris market for Japanese antiquities. It will raise questions about the socio-economic structures and stereotypes that have led to their disappearance and strategies for recovering their histories.
Elizabeth Emery is Professor of French at Montclair State University (New Jersey, USA). She is the author of books, articles, and essay anthologies related to the reception of medieval art and architecture in nineteenth-century France and America (Romancing the Cathedral: Gothic Architecture in Fin-de-siècle French Culture with SUNY Press in 2001 and Consuming the Past: The Medieval Revival in Fin-de-Siècle France with Laura Morowitz for Ashgate Press in 2003, for example). Recent works explore the links among early photography, journalism, and celebrity culture (Photojournalism and the Origins of the French Writer House Museum (1881-1914) with Ashgate Press in 2012 and En toute intimité…Quand la presse people de la Belle Epoque s’invitait chez les célébrités with Parigramme, 2015). A new book, Reframing Japonisme: Women and the Asian Art Market in Nineteenth-Century France (1853-1914), written under the auspices of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, will be published imminently by Bloomsbury Visual Arts.
To register for this lecture email events@societyhistorycollecting.org.
Please note the AGM portion of this event is for members only.
All are welcome to join the keynote lecture.
If you would like to become a member of the society, click here.
Tagged AGM, Annual Lecture, collecting, South Asia, The British Museum
Reminder! CFP: SHC Collecting and Display of Small, Portable Objects (submit before 30 July 2020)
SHC Online Lecture: Collecting as a Public Good
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Home From the Editor Boys of Summer Brings Back Dodger Memories at Coliseum
Boys of Summer Brings Back Dodger Memories at Coliseum
Something about baseball that takes you way back to the days of summer and the boys in blue.
I have been a Dodger fan since the beginning of time, it seems. My dad had season tickets before Chavez Ravine, when the Dodgers were slugging it out at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Of those who remember, the coliseum was ill-suited for baseball because of its shape. The coliseum was built to honor all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I and was specifically designed to host the 1932 Olympic games.
It works well for football and has been the home of the Rams, Raiders and even the Chargers. It has hosted three National Football League Championships and two super bowls. It was the site of the first super bowl, then called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, which I attended with my family.
But it was baseball that brought the oddest site. When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, New York, they had no place to play so they called the coliseum home. Problem was the configuration was terrible for baseball.
The left-field fence was only 251 feet from home plate and so a huge netting was installed that topped out at 42 feet. Hitters were soon discovering ways to turn pop flies into home runs.
Ironically, baseball initially ordered the Dodgers to install two 42-feet screens in left field. One screen would have topped the left field wall, while the second would have been in the stands, 333 feet from the plate. A ball hit to left would have to clear both screens to be a home run; if it cleared the first screen, it would be a ground-rule double. However, the Dodgers discovered that the state’s earthquake safety laws barred construction of a second screen. The first screen was built, however, its cables, towers, wires and girders were in play.
Interesting stuff, but as a boy, clutching his baseball glove, watching Gil Hodges, Don Drysdale, Maury Wills, and Sandy Koufax, that was pure heaven. Koufax was my first sports’ hero. I was enamored with Koufax. He was the best baseball had to offer, in my youngster eyes. In fact, I thought he was the best human kind had to offer, in my youngster eyes.
Such good memories. Sitting with my pop and brothers watching these great players. Don’t forget, the Dodgers won the 1959 World series that was played at the coliseum, 4-2, over the Chicago White Sox.
Later on when I was the senior spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I was invited along with my dad to play in a golf tournament benefiting 9/11 family and friends. I was able to have my dad play with Maury Wills. He was thrilled. I even got an autograph photo for him with Maury. I remember my dad’s smile when he saw the signed photo. He had done so much for me. I was able to do a very small thing for him. Such good memories.
Then there was Wally Moon. He figured out a way to turn pop flies into home runs. He became an expert in popping up home runs. They even called them Moon Shots.
Later on, I would go with my dad to see the Rams play.
But it was those early days when I was eight, nine and 10 that resonate.
I was playing little league baseball. I was catching the ace pitcher. We were winning championships. I was a kid playing a great game and able to watch the greatest players in the warm embrace of my family. Such good memories. Talk soon.
Previous articleNew So Pas Police Chief Sworn-In During Private Ceremony
Next articleHometown Eats
The Best Mother of All Time, My Mom
The Good Outweigh the Bad
Super Bowl Memories Make Family Bond Strong, Special
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This paper provides analysis of the published materials on the occurrences of the Dacian and Cimmerian molluscs in the Danube River valley as well as the results of Pliocene sediments study based on core material of the boreholes drilled at the Black Sea Shelf east of the Danube River Delta.
In the early Pontian time, the Dacian Basin was a large sub-basin of Paratethys which, due to an abrupt drop in sea level, separated into the Euxinian, Dacian and Caspian basins. At the end of the Bosphorus time, the discharge of the Dacian Basin waters into the Euxinian Basin formed a wide valley from the Galati-Reni region to the east through the Galati gateway. During the Cimmerian transgression, a vast bay existed on the site of the modern Danube Delta, from which mutual migrations of the Dacian and Cimmerian molluscs took place along the runoff valley. The cessation of runoff occurred during the regressive phase of the Late Cimmerian. The rhythmically bedded thick strata originated during the existence of the runoff valley. These strata were identified as the Pridanubian Formation (Suite). The cryptogenic form of Tulotoma Tulotoma (=Viviparus) ovidii nasonis (Bogachev) is characteristic of the lower and middle parts of the suite. The presence of the Dacian and Cimmerian molluscs in this suite became the basis for the correlation of sediments of the Dacian and Cimmerian regional stages. The Duabian molluscs were registered in the Cimmerian deposits of the Transcaucasus (the Duabian layers), Priazovye and the Kerch–Taman region. The migration of these molluscs took place during the regressive phases due to the circular current in the Euxinian Basin similar to the one existing in the Black Sea today.
The Pliocene formation contains marine and continental deposits of the Lower and Upper Pliocene, which are represented by the Pridanubian Formation (Lower and Upper), Cimmerian deposits (non-subdivided Lower and Middle Cimmerian), Lower Kujalnician deposits, Upper Poration deposits, complex of red-coloured palaeosols (the Upper Miocene–Lower Pliocene non-subdivided).
The formation of the Pliocene sediments on the Black Sea Shelf, east of the Danube Delta, was controlled by the inter-basin connectivity of the Eastern Paratethys.
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Defending champ Spain among European teams to play in Women’s FIFA U-17 WC
The LOC said in a media statement that the UEFA has “confirmed that England, Germany and Spain will represent Europe in the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
North Korea, Japan and New Zealand have already qualified for the Women's World Cup trophy.
Defending champion Spain, England and Germany were on Friday named for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in India next year on the basis of their rankings after the European qualifying tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) said in a media statement that the European governing body UEFA has “confirmed that England, Germany and Spain will represent Europe in the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2021“.
The three countries were selected after the UEFA U-17 Women’s Championship was cancelled due to the pandemic.
“The final round of UEFA U-17 Women’s Championship has been cancelled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Three teams with the highest coefficient ranking have been confirmed as the participants in the World Cup,” the statement said.
Spain, England and Germany will now join host India, North Korea, Japan and New Zealand, who have already qualified for the tournament.
Spain had won the 2018 edition of the tournament after beating Mexico 2-1 in the final in Uruguay.
The tournamemt was originally to be held in October-November this year but pushed to 2021 (February 17 to March 7) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final will be played at the D.Y. Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Hosting U-17 World Cup can transform women’s game in India: FIFA official
Kritina Devi looking to forge own path at FIFA U17 Women's World Cup
Women's football: USA agrees to mediation in pay discrimination lawsuit
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Horizon recognizes National Aboriginal Day in Canada
(HORIZON) June 21, 2017 - On this National Aboriginal Day, Horizon Health Network wishes to recognize the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation's Aboriginal peoples.
We value the relationships we are building and are very committed to partnering with First Nation population to build an organization that honours diversity and continuesto work towards offering culturally safe services.
We want to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Horizon First Nation Liaison Committee for their commitment to working together towards the creation of a strong foundation of trust, respect and friendship. The strength in the relationship will allow us to work together to improve the Aboriginal people's health outcomes and improve access to culturally-appropriate services.
We are honoured to be on this important journey together.
Karen McGrath, President & CEO
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By Marika Gerken, CNN
Happy birthday to the king of rock 'n' roll, Elvis Presley.
Since we can't gift him a nice pair of Blue Suede Shoes, we are honoring him with these fascinating facts you may not know.
Here are eight things we were All Shook Up to learn about the legendary Hound Dog:
1. Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi where he was raised by loving, working-class parents who had very little money.
After moving to Memphis as a teenager, his family had only been off welfare a few weeks when he was discovered by music producer Sam Phillips, according to a Britannica biography.
2. Elvis had a twin brother, Jessie Garon, who was born stillborn, according to the official Elvis Presley website. Elvis would frequently talk about his twin in his adult years.
3. Before his career in music took off, Elvis was a truck driver for an electric company while attending night school where he studied to be an electrician. He quit this job in 1954 when he started traveling and recording music with local musicians Scotty Moore and Bill Black.
Elvis Presley, seen here in 1956, was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Archive Photos/Archive Photos/Getty Images
4. Elvis bought Graceland for $102,500 when he was 22 years old for himself, his parents and his paternal grandmother to live in. The house is now designated a National Historical Landmark and welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year, according to the Graceland website.
5. Elvis played a big role in the national inoculation effort during the polio outbreak in the 1940s.
On October 28, 1956, the star received his polio vaccine on the "The Ed Sullivan Show" while millions of viewers watched -- a move that helped convince teens and young adults (people who didn't think they were at risk for the disease) that they needed the vaccine to protect others from the deadly virus.
6. Elvis served in the army for two years during the height of his fame.
Drafted at 23-years-old, Elvis was eventually stationed in Germany where, in between opening thousands of pieces of fan mail, he met 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu who he would marry in 1967 and divorce six years later.
7. Elvis had a black belt in karate and carried the certificate in his wallet until his death.
8. Elvis has been inducted into five Halls of Fame: Rock 'n' Roll, Country, Gospel, Rockabilly and R&B. He has sold over one billion records worldwide.
Liberace, left, is shown with his brother George Liberace, center, and Elvis Presley, at the New Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas on April 30, 1956. (AP Photo)
Singer Elvis Presley is shown performing on the television program "The Steve Allen Show" at the Hudson Theatre in New York in July 1956. At center is Steve Allen, and to his right is Imogene Coca. (AP Photo)
Some 1,000 teenagers, carrying placards, attend the unveiling of a 40-foot cardboard likeness of Elvis Presley on a marquee outside Paramount Theater, New York, on Oct. 28,1956. Failure of Elvis Presley to appear is said to have made it easier for 15 policemen assigned to keep order among the mostly high school aged fans. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
Rock and roll star Elvis Presley plays with his puppy Sweet Pea after a brief fistfight the evening of Oct. 18, 1956 with two filling station attendants, one of whom received a black eye. Presley said one of the men slapped him as he was signing autographs. All were scheduled to appear in court the following day. (AP Photo/Gene Herrick)
GENE HERRICK
Piano virtuoso Liberace is shown playing the guitar with Elvis Presley at the piano in November 1956 at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. (AP Photo)
This unidentified teenager found Elvis Presley "too much" when he appeared at the Philadelphia Arena in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 6, 1957. (AP Photo/Bill Ingraham)
Bill Ingraham
Elvis Presley, right, poses with actress Venetia Stevenson in Memphis, Aug. 9, 1957. (AP Photo)
Surrounded by pictures of Elvis Presley, Oralee Davolt, 15, left, and her sister Sharyn, 14, primp at the mirror in their bedroom in Memphis, Tenn., on April 15, 1957. The girls have collected 1,087 pictures of Elvis, as well as Elvis neckties, hats, bracelets, handkerchiefs, scarfs, and records. (AP Photo/Fred J. Griffith)
FRED J. GRIFFITH
Singer Elvis Presley, 21, takes his pre-induction written examination as he is processed for the U.S. Army in Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 4, 1957. (AP Photo)
Singer Elvis Presley (right) meets polio victims Beth Currier, left, and Elaine Brockway in an unspecified location in California, May, 17,1957. Beth, 14, now confined to a wheelchair, presents Presley with a scrapbook, made mostly using her mouth. Elaine, 18, is paralyzed from the neck down. (AP Photo)
Elvis Presley poses with co-star Barbara Lang in Los Angeles, Ca., in April 1957. (AP Photo)
Elvis Presley, the teenager's rock and roll idol, shows his new $100,000 home to Hollywood starlet Yvonne Lime, who flew in to spend Easter weekend with Presley and his parents, in Memphis, Tenn., April 19, 1957. (AP Photo)
Elvis Presley is shown performing in this undated photo at an unknown location. (AP Photo)
Pfc. Elvis Presley shown with Ursula Siebert in front of German sports car at Frankfurt, West Germany, auto agency on Dec. 20, 1958. Curious youngsters crowd railing at left for a look at Elvis who is stationed on base at nearby Friedberg. The car, a BMW 507, made by the Bavarian Motor Co., is a sleek two-seater, painted white on the outside and upholstered with white and black leather inside. Dealer said he had sold the car, a used demonstration model, to Elvis for $3,750. When new, it could cost about $7,500. (AP Photo/Kurt Strumpf)
Kurt Strumpf
Seventeen year old Margit Burgin of Frankfurt is kissed by Pvt. Elvis Presley at the request of photographers in Bad Homburg, West Germany October 8, 1958. Presley, assigned to the Third Armored Division at Friedberg, was at liberty on a weekend pass and spent most of the time with his father and grandmother in Bad Homburg. (AP Photo)
Pvt. Elvis Presley, assigned to the U.S. Army's 3rd Armored Division, poses in the driver's seat of an army tank at Friedberg, West Germany, Oct. 3, 1958. (AP Photo)
U.S. Army G.I. Elvis Presley carries his duffel bag during service in the army in 1958 at an unknown location. (AP Photo)
Singer Elvis Presley gets a kiss from eight-year-old Mary Kosloski at his home in Memphis, Tenn., on his 23rd birthday, Jan. 8, 1958. Kosloski, the 1955 March of Dimes poster child, expresses her appreciation for the toy teddy bears Presley sent to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to be auctioned off to raise money for the March of Dimes. (AP Photo)
Private Elvis Presley is shown at the piano in the rec hall, Headquarters Company, Third Armored Division, in Friedberg, Hesse, West Germany in the Spring of 1959. (AP Photo)
ELVIS PRESLEY: ... the "Pelvis", in Army uniform at Company "D" 1st Battalion 32nd Armor, barracks area, Friedberg, West Germany. Undated picture. (AP-Photo)
The file photo from January 21, 1960 shows Elvis Presley in a US Army uniform during his military service in Bad Nauheim, Germany. (AP Photo)
Rock'n Roll star Elvis Presley is welcomed by Nancy Sinatra at the airport of Fort Dix, N.J. on March 3, 1960. The famous singer has returned to the USA after finishing his military service in Germany. (AP Photo)
Orders for his promotion to sergeant brought on a handshake for US Rock’n’Roll singer Elvis Presley, right, from Lt. Col. Thomas S. Jones (of Albany, N.Y.) commander of the U.S. 3D armored division’s 32D armor on Feb. 11, 1960 in Grafenwoehr, Germany. Presley’s boost to NCO status came as he maneuvered with the Tank Battalion at a field training area. He is a recon scout leader in the U.S. 3D armored division’s 32D armor. (AP Photo)
American rock and roll legend Elvis Presley smiles after he is promoted to army sergeant at the U.S. Army Unit's maneuver headquarters in Grafenwoehr, Germany in this Feb. 11, 1960 file photo. (AP Photo/File)
Elvis Presley poses by a Christmas tree at his home in Memphis, Tenn., in 1960. (AP Photo)
Singer-actor Elvis Presley is shown with six babies who appear in the movie "G.I. Blues" and co-star Juliet Prowse, left, on a set in Hollywood, Ca., on June 27, 1960. The babies are three sets of twins who double for one another in the movie. (AP Photo)
Singer Elvis Presley and his bride, the former Priscilla Beaulieu, are shown at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev., after their wedding on May 1, 1967. Presley, 32, and Beaulieu, 21, both from Memphis, Tenn., met while he was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army. (AP Photo)
Lisa Marie Presley poses for her first picture, safe in the lap of her mother, Priscilla, on February 5, 1968, while proud father, Elvis Presley, beams his approval. The baby is the first child for Elvis and his wife, the former Priscilla Beaulieu. (AP Photo/Perry Aycock)
PERRY AYCOCK
Elvis Presley poses with wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie, in a room at Baptist hospital in Memphis, Tenn., February 05, 1968. (AP Photo)
Elvis Presley is shown at the International Hotel where he made his first public stage appearance in 9 years in Las Vegas, Nev., in this August 1969, file photo. (AP Photo/file)
In this undated file photo singer and actor Elvis Presley is shown. (AP Photo, file)
This 1972 file photo shows Elvis Presley, the King of Rock "n" Roll, during a performance. The former Beverly Hills home of the late Elvis Presley and his wife Priscilla is up for sale for a cool $12.9 million. Real estate website operator Trulia says the home hit the market Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. (AP Photo, file)
In a file photo Elvis Presley sings during a 1973 concert. (AP Photo)
Elvis Presley is shown performing in Providence, R.I. on May 23, 1977. (AP Photo, File)
A string of white vehicles follow the hearse carrying the body of rock and roll musician Elvis Presley along Elvis Presley Boulevard on the way to Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 19, 1977. Thousands of people line the route for the city's final tribute to Elvis. (AP Photo)
Hundreds of people wait outside the late Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion before the gates are opened for the public to view the body of the rock and roll singer in Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 17, 1977. (AP Photo)
Flower arrangements cover the area in front of the mausoleum containing the body of Elvis Presley after services Thursday afternoon, August 18, 1977, at Forest Hills Cemetary in Memphis. (AP Photo)
The grave of Elvis Presley at Graceland, Presley's home in Memphis, Tenn., is seen on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, Presley's 75th birthday. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
In this Aug. 10, 2010 photo, tourists view Elvis Presley's grave in Meditation Garden at Graceland, Presley's home in Memphis, Tenn. CKx Inc., owner of the "American Idol" television program and 85 percent of Elvis Presley Enterprises, is mulling at least two offers to buy the company. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Flowers and tributes left by fans decorate Elvis Presley's grave at Graceland, his Memphis, Tenn. home, on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. Elvis Presley fans from around the world have come to Graceland for the annual remembrance of his death. Presley died at his Graceland mansion Aug. 16, 1977. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Singer-actor Elvis Presley, right, and co-star and companion Anne Neyland of Texas read over the script of the musical movie "Jailhouse Rock" at MGM studios in Hollywood, Ca., June 6, 1957. (AP Photo)
Candles are reflected in a photo of Elvis Presley at a memorial set up by a fan at a candlelight vigil at Graceland, Presley's Memphis, Tenn. home, on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. Fans from around the world are at Graceland to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Presley's death. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Graceland Website
Priscilla Beaulieu
Jessie Garon
Taylor Swift: A look at the throwback songs that made her famous
From happy days to heartbreak, see which songs made Swift into the top artist she is today.
Country music singer-songwriter K.T. Oslin dies at 78
K.T. Oslin, a country music singer-songwriter who came to fame with her anthem "80's Ladies," has died at 78, the Country Music Association stated.
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Can Unai Emery's Arsenal continue to defy football stats?
04 Dec 2018 Betting in general
Football stats, xG and Arsenal
The term ‘football stats’ has become an important part of football fans’ lives over the course of the last few years. In modern football, every debate and analysis is constructed on these stats. Football fans on football forums and social media regularly use different football terms. Terms like expected goals, key passes etc. to drive across their observations.
There are still many conventional followers of the game who would tell you that numbers and predictive models can never paint a full picture of what is happening on the pitch and football stats.
At the same time, these football stats have changed the entire landscape of the football fandom. A modern football fan is much more knowledgeable about the nuances of the game, and thanks to social media. He is obsessed with dissecting every tiny little aspect of the action. A similar debate has captured the fascination of the Arsenal fan-base in the last couple of months.
The Gunners have started a new era in their history under new management in Unai Emery this season. For obvious reasons, Emery’s players are under intense scrutiny this season, and their performances have been discussed to length. They started the season with back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea. Since then, Arsenal has remained unbeaten in their last ten games in the league.
This impressive run speaks volumes of the work being done under the guardianship of Emery. It has also reinvigorated the fan-base, that had been demanding a change for quite some time. Undoubtedly, there is a lot of optimism in North London. The state of the current Arsenal mood could be best described as ‘cautiously optimistic’. And football stats could be partially blamed for this cautiousness in the air.
What are the expected goals and their importance in football stats
Before we delve deeper into Arsenal’s ongoing problems, let us shed some more light on the metric ‘expected goals’. This term first came into light in 1993. A paper that investigated the effects of artificial surfaces on the home team’s performances in English association football. Over the course of years, the metric has undergone a lot of research and modifications. It has emerged as the most reliable indicator of the play. In a 2012 blog, Opta analyst Sam Green talked about a model to determine a “shot's probability of being on target and/or scored". He further added: "we can look at each player's shots and tally up the probability of each of them being a goal to give an expected goal (xG) value".
Since then, Opta has analysed over 300,000 attempts on goal. Idea is to determine the likelihood of a shot converting into a goal from various parts of the pitch. The modern model to calculate this metric considers various factors. Such as distance from the target, the angle of the attempt, situation of play, quality of assist etc.
Hence, football analysts swear-by this metric to judge various football sides and their performances. This is where it gets problematic for Emery’s Arsenal and their ambitions this season.
You would be hard-pressed to find an Arsenal fan who hasn’t been in involved in a heated debate about expected goals in the recent weeks.
The main problem with Arsenal’s current run is that they are consistently defying their expected goals. Hence football stats and almost all analysts would tell you that it’s near impossible to sustain this kind of form in the long run.
Arsenal defying expected goals
After 12 rounds of games in the ongoing Premier League season, Arsenal finds themselves in the fifth spot with 24 points. They sit only three points outside the top-four. They are very likely to reduce this gap this week as Tottenham host Chelsea at Wembley Stadium. Considering their poor start to the season, Arsenal has done very well to remain in pursuit of the top-four sides. They have had problems with their defence, but they have been quite prolific on the scoring front and have scored 26 goals in their 12 games.
However, if expected goals are to be believed, the Gunners are not doing as well as the league table suggests. Their strikers have been consistently overperforming as their xG tally currently stands at 16.95. In other words, Arsenal should have scored around 17 goals in their first 12 games, not 26. A look at the xG league table paints an even bleaker picture for the North London side. In the xG table, Arsenal doesn’t even figure in the top half. They are way down in the 11th spot with just 16.21 points and a negative xGD. Hence, they have picked almost eight more points than they should have had so far this season.
The difference is not so huge between actual goals conceded and xG conceded. This means that Arsenal has been hugely reliant on their goalscorers taking their chances well. Arsenal players are scoring at a conversion rate of 20%, which is almost unheard of in the history of the game.
Arsenal’s journey so far in terms of football stats
Since their 3-2 defeat at Chelsea, Arsenal has won seven times and drawn three times in ten games. Three out of these seven wins, against Watford, Fulham and Everton, have come in very extraordinary circumstances. The Gunners first defied xG when they claimed a 2-0 home win over Everton in the last week of September. According to the xG metric, Arsenal should have lost to the Toffees with the scoreline of 0.93-1.07. Instead, a brilliant finish from Alexandre Lacazette and an offside goal from Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang helped the London side grab all three points that day.
In their next game, the Gunners were even more fortunate as they claimed a 2-0 home win over Watford. Emery’s side should have lost that game 1.57-2.62, but they end up claiming all three points and keeping a clean sheet. Arsenal was second-best for the majority of the game, but they managed to score two very late goals thanks to Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil. However, this time, they were also helped by Watford’s wastefulness in front of the goal.
Show at Craven Cottage
Arsenal played some beautiful football in their next game as they eased to a 5-1 win at Fulham. The Gunners were not convincing in the first half, but they scored some spectacular goals in the second half of the game and ripped apart their opponents. However, even this performance wasn’t enough to satisfy the football statisticians. Arsenal fans, at Craven Cottage, proclaimed that they have got their club back. Analysts were quick to point out that the Cottagers had bettered their opponents 1.32-1.14. This London derby could serve as a perfect example to highlight the drawbacks of relying too much on statistics. Arsenal fans would argue that their side never looked like losing the game at Craven Cottage, and in the end, they quite comfortably grabbed three points.
Arsenal outperforming against Palace and Wolves?
The Gunners were also particularly lucky in their draws with Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wolves. Their pulsating 2-2 draw with Palace at Selhurst Park should have ended 2.11-0.82 in favour of the Eagles. Arsenal needed a spectacular free-kick from Granit Xhaka and a controversial goal from Aubameyang to claim a point in the South London.
Emery’s side was once again second-best as they somehow managed a 1-1 home draw with Wolves in their last game before the break. According to the xG model, the Gunners should have lost that game 0.97-1.90. Their defence was split wide open by their opponents, time-and-time again. They had goalkeeper Bernd Leno to save their blushes in front of the home audience. The German keeper produced his best performance this season as he made multiple one-on-one saves against Wolves’ players.
Have there been examples of teams defying xG in the long run?
A look at the historic xG data would tell you that football sides rarely defy xG over the course of a season. There are very few examples of sides continuously defeating this model.
Swiss manager Lucien Favre is one such name who has gained notoriety among the football analysts. His sides have continuously produced better results than their performances. His current club, Borussia Dortmund, have started the new season in the same vein. Dortmund currently tops the Bundesliga table with 27 points. BVB enjoy a four-point lead on second-placed Borussia Monchengladbach. With eight wins and three draws in 11 games, they are yet to suffer a defeat this season and they have scored 33 goals. So far this season, Dortmund have outperformed xG with a bigger margin than Arsenal. According to the xG Model, Favre’s side should have scored only 22.48 goals. They should have been sitting in the third spot with 21.31 points.
Burnley standout season
In Premier League, Sean Dyche’s Burnley managed to make a mockery of xG last season. The Clarets were the standout side in the league last season as they finished in the seventh spot with 54 points. Arguably, they were the biggest over-achievers in the league last season, and the xG points table tends to agree. As per the alternative table, the Clarets should have finished in the 14th spot with 41 points. Hence, Dyche’s players were able to outperform the xG model by 13 points – an impressive feat by the side.
Sevilla and PSG
Now if you are wondering if Unai Emery’s sides are known for defying xG, then the answer is No. Over the course of last five seasons, Emery was in charge of Paris Saint-Germain for two years and Sevilla for three years.
His Sevilla side scored fewer goals than the xG model for three consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2016. The same trend continued with PSG in 2016-17 as the Parisians scored four goals fewer then xG and finished in the second spot in Ligue 1. The situation improved drastically for PSG during the 2017-18 season. Neymar’s arrival meant that PSG was far more clinical in front of the goal in 17-18 and they scored an astonishing 105 goals in the Ligue 1 season. Not that it would have made any difference to the final league table, but the champions scored almost 11 goals more than the expected total.
PSG’s 17-18 season is the only example of Emery’s side outperforming the expected goals metric. Can Arsenal repeat the feat in 2018-19 or they need to improve considerably their football stats?
A look at Arsenal’s prospects in the coming weeks
Quite clearly, Arsenal has been lucky this season. It would be far-fetched to say that there is no progress being made under Emery. There are many players who are performing much better than the last season according to football stats. Also. there appears to be a good team-spirit present in the camp. However, they have suffered from another strange phenomenon so far this season. Arsenal has made a habit of starting slowly in the first half. Then they are taking control of the match in the second half as the football stats prove.
This run of form has given birth to another Arsenal-related football stat which has amused footballs fans this season. Arsenal has been so reliant on their second-half form, that they would have been in the 17th-spot if all games were to end at half-time. As things stand, the North London side are yet to lead a league game at half-time this season. Only Cardiff City, placed 16th in the table, share this unwanted football stat with the Gunners in the league.
Defence and offence
Quite obviously, this approach is full of risks, and the Gunners have had to pay the price with three consecutive draws in their last three games. Furthermore, Arsenal’s poor first-half displays have played a major role in their troubles with the xG metric. More often than not, Arsenal has allowed big chances to their opponents in the first half of their games by leaving huge gaps in their defence.
Undoubtedly, Emery needs to do a lot of work to bring stability in his defence, but his side has looked very impressive on the attacking front.
They have managed to outscore the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham so far in the league. This has largely been down to the presence of world-class strikers Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. Emery’s players have managed to find crucial goals at crucial times through some clinical finishing. Aubameyang has scored seven goals with an xG total of 4.75. With five goals, Lacazette is doing marginally better than his xG total of 4.29.
These two strikers are capable of playing in any side in Premier League, and Emery has relied on one or the another to find the net.
Midfield stability
The North London side have also found some stability in the midfield with the arrival of Lucas Torreira. Another crucial addition has been Bernd Leno. The German keeper has made some critical saves in the last few games. However, the Gunners have to start dominating their games from the start. They are starting their games slow and giving way too many chances to their opponents, and Emery is well aware of that. He has repeatedly mentioned that he intends to bring further stability to his defence, and we expect him to sign at least a couple of defenders in the next two transfer windows.
For now, Arsenal players can only concentrate on what lies ahead of them, and December seems like a crucial month for them. They have to face Tottenham and Manchester United in the next few days. They won’t be able to rely on their luck against such opponents and need to improve their football stats.
20 Dec 2018 Betting in general Football Asian handicap betting model and its advantages. 30 Mar 2020 Betting in general Soccer Statistics: Understand and Know How to Use. 02 Juil 2019 Betting in general Football odds
Clinton Dempsey
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[EN] German Regulators Order Facebook to Change Data Collection Practices
On Feb. 7, the German Federal Cartel Office (FCO), the Bundeskartellamt, imposed far-reaching restrictions on Facebook’s processing of user data. The action followed several years of investigations and an announcement earlier in the year that such a decision would be coming. The FCO is Germany’s independent anti-trust regulator.
So what does the FCO’s decision mean in more concrete terms?
Demanding Explicit Opt-In for Data Collection Processes
According to Facebook’s terms and conditions, people can only use the social network if they agree to Facebook tracking their behavior not only on Facebook but also on external websites and apps. Facebook collects this data and assigns it to the user’s account. Facebook maintains it uses this third-party data as well as activity from its own platform, as well as on WhatsApp and Instagram, to create a comprehensive picture of the individual users in order to serve relevant ads.
The FCO ruling is trying to make it mandatory for users to explicitly agree to having their data collected from any site other than Facebook. To be clear: The FCO is not prohibiting the collection of data, rather making it necessary to clearly inform users of the data collection policies and obtain their consent. Under the ruling, Facebook has 12 months to submit a proposal on how it can meet this demand and set it into practice.
In a press release accompanying the ruling, FCO president Andreas Mundt made the case for why these data collection policies make it relevant to anti-trust regulators, „The combination of data sources has played a decisive role in Facebook’s being able to create such a unique overall database about each individual user and achieve its market power.” Mundt argued Facebook should give users the choice whether or not to have their data collected and Facebook should not exclude users who disagree, as it currently does: „If the user does not give their consent, Facebook may not exclude them from its services and must refrain from collecting and merging data from different sources.”
Related Article: Privacy Scandals Don’t Harm Profit: The Case for Regulations
Facebook’s Monopoly in the German Market
According to the FCO press release, Facebook dominates the German market for social networks, with 23 million daily and 32 million monthly users. Facebook has a market share of over 95 percent among daily active users and over 80 percent among monthly active users in the country. Comparisons to other social networks don’t apply, as services such as Snapchat, YouTube, Twitter, as well as professional networks such as LinkedIn and Xing, each offer only a selection of the services Facebook provides. The statement goes on to state that even if other social networks were included in the assessment, the Facebook group, including its subsidiaries Instagram and WhatsApp, would achieve such high market shares as to suggest a monopoly.
The FCO’s decision is not yet final. Facebook has one month to file an appeal, which would then be decided by the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. And the company has already announced in a press release that it will do so, arguing that its data collection practices improves the individual services and makes them more secure. In addition, the company contended it does not hold a dominant market position, but rather is in fierce competition for user attention with apps such as YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and others.
In a rare moment of harmony, the German media, analysts, commentators and the German government and opposition parties agreed that Facebook dominates the market. The only one who still doesn’t find Facebook dominant seems to be Facebook itself.
Related Article: Facebook: A Case Study in Ethics
The FCO Ruling Goes Beyond the GDPR
Facebook further argued in its statement that the FCO is not responsible for reviewing data protection, due to its compliance with the European data protection regulation (GDPR). However, under FCO guidelines, the authority must become active if a company holds a „dominant market position.“ Although at first glance it may be about data protection, the real motivation is whether Facebook exploits its database to achieve its dominant market position. Or as has been written before: Because there is no real alternative to Facebook in Germany, users have no choice. The FCO therefore is intervening because its task is to prevent monopolies and maintain competition in the market.
What will happen now? You don’t have to be a prophet to predict it could take years for the case to make its way through the courts. The investigations leading up to last week’s ruling took just under three years. Despite the possibility of a long legal dispute, the signal the antitrust authorities sent is extremely important, because it creates a clear link between data protection and the guarantee of competition.
The relevance of the ruling becomes even clearer in light of recent reports that Facebook was working on integrating WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook in a common infrastructure. Once again, the official statement from the company was that it was acting in the interests of users, to help them communicate more easily between the three networks. Meanwhile, some in Germany are demanding that Facebook should guarantee communication with other services such as Signal, Telegram and Threema.
Related Article: Will Google’s $57M Fine Finally Push the US Toward Comprehensive Privacy Regulations?
Potential Fallout for Other Companies and the Public
Facebook isn’t alone in being called out for bad data practices or of being a monopoly. In Germany, for example, Google has a monopoly-like position, fielding 95 percent of all search queries made by German users. It also links profile data across multiple services, such as Gmail, Google Maps and YouTube. But if interviews with FCO president Mundt are any indication, it looks as if the FCO has Amazon in its sites next. A call is also being raised for a pan-European approach within the framework of the EU to take action against other providers who collect and share data.
The FCO’s decision has been reported on in all serious media outlets and even was a lead story on German television news outlets. It is not the potential fines that Facebook could face that are important — there is a threat of severe penalties in the form of fines of up to 10 million Euros — but rather the publicity of the ruling and the associated education of users.
Will Facebook users become more sensitive when they hear and see the corresponding reports? Let’s not kid ourselves. The mixture of convenience, sloppiness and lack of education make this unlikely. How many users were and are really aware that Instagram and especially WhatsApp are owned by Facebook? And convenience dominates, especially in light of the few alternatives, when everyone else is on WhatsApp or Facebook. I experience this myself when I want to communicate with friends and acquaintances using another messenger — in my case, Signal.
When cases like these come out, we always here the refrain: „I have nothing to hide.“ The work ahead is to educate people to the many ways they are handing over their data in every day life, and to share the alternatives readily available, such as DuckDuckGo, Qwant, Ecosia for search or Firefox as a browser.
Of course, the FCO, the government and public administration, schools, universities and educational institutions absolutely must act, educate and enlighten. But at the (bitter) end, however, it is the individual user who will decide on his or her own data.
Written for and published at CMSWire: German Regulators Order Facebook to Change Data Collection Practices
Filed under: English language articles
Deutschland, Facebook, Germany, Kartellamt
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Home > Our Work > Medical Device Examples & Case Studies > Implanted Drug Delivery System
Sterling Medical Devices designed and developed a Class III pain medication delivery system for patients with spinal injuries. The system is comprised of three devices: an implantable pump, a handheld Clinician Programmer, and a handheld Patient Therapy Controller. The pump is surgically implanted into the patient, and the two handheld devices each communicate with the pump when held within close proximity of it. The system allows a clinician to prescribe a patient with a certain dose of pain medication based on the type and concentration of the medication. It also allows the patient to self-administer a limited number of additional boluses per day on a prescribed basis in order to prevent the need for frequent clinical visits.
Sterling Medical Devices provided product design services for this project. The client requested a complete redesign of the predicate Clinician Programmer. To be aligned with a competitive device on the market, the client requested that the design of a Patient Therapy Controller also be conducted in parallel with the redesign of the Clinician Programmer. Verification of both devices was conducted by Sterling Medical Devices. In addition, Sterling Medical Devices assisted in the validation of both devices.
The predicate clinician programmer’s user interface was very limited in its design due to the outdated technology used in the device. The predicate device contained a display screen without touchscreen capability. Navigation to the various screens was done via a set of dedicated keys which were very cumbersome to navigate and unintuitive for the user. In addition to the unintuitive user interface, the electrical hardware in the predicate Clinician Programmer design was outdated. Because of these reasons, a complete redesign of the device was requested with the constraint that the device make use of the existing communication method to interface with the pump. This design constraint ensured that there were no requirements for a redesign of the implantable pump.
Time to market was critical to the client and Sterling Medical Devices worked closely with the client to complete design tasks in several phases. The initial release of the new clinician programmer served as a one-to-one replacement for the predicate device along with a few new features.
The Patient Therapy Controller had to be designed as a home HealthCare device where patient safety, and ease of use were also seen as critical design constraints. The Patient Therapy Controller also used the same communication method to the pump as the Clinician Programmer.
Sterling Medical Devices lead the product development lifecycle management for both devices. The updated Clinician Programmer is comprised of three components: an off-the-shelf commercial smartphone, a Sterling-designed printed circuit board, and a telemetry coil. The smartphone communicates with the main printed circuit board via Bluetooth, while the circuit board communicates with the pump using the telemetry coil. The user interface is entirely contained on an application preloaded onto the smartphone during the manufacturing process. The application is automatically launched at startup and programmatically restricts users from exiting into the mobile OS.
For increased manufacturing efficiency of the Patient Therapy Controller with respect to the Clinician Programmer, the design of the proprietary circuit board used to communicate to the pump was reused and the off-the-shelf commercial smartphone was replaced with a simple LCD screen that mates directly with the circuit board. Because the functionality of the Patient Therapy Controller is quite simplified with respect to the Clinician Programmer, the LCD display was deemed to be a cost-effective replacement.
The design work for both projects was broken up into the following phases:
Sterling outlined the physical aspects of each of the devices (size, shape, etc.). Initial design work began which included wireframe UI and prototype development. In the case of the Clinician Programmer, the client was then taken through the user experience of the predicate device in order to determine the requirements for the design of the updated device.
Sterling worked with the client to create a set of requirements that outlined the overall device functionalities. The features were categorized by relevance to core functionality to ensure that the client’s main features were done first.
Sterling developed prototypes of the devices which included all of the electrical, mechanical, and software aspects. Both designs were iterated and reviewed with the client through a collaborative review process in order to ensure that the device met the clients’ requirements. Via a formal study, users were introduced to the devices to ensure that the users’ needs were being met. Updates based on these studies were incorporated into the devices.
Final pre-production devices were completed. Sterling verified the product designs and finalized testing of the devices. Next, the design validation portion was conducted which included a summative study for each device in conjunction with the client. During each study, users throughout the country were taken through the user interface to ensure alignment with the user requirements and all user safety risk mitigations were proper. The devices were both well received by the users involved with the human factors studies. These users found no difficulty in utilizing the interfaces and were able to easily understand the tasks asked of them. No user risk issues were identified during the studies.
After the successful completion of these studies, both products underwent a design transfer phase whereby the completed design history file was sent to the client for their use as part of a regulatory submission.
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The Abominable Dr. Phibes
LAST NIGHT: THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES (1971)
“A brass unicorn has been catapulted across a London street and impaled an eminent surgeon. Words fail me, gentlemen.”
The Abominable Dr. Phibes opens with Vincent Price in a latex hood and cape, playing a lite-brite organ and conducting a clockwork band in an art-deco mansion. And so I thought, “This is going to be AWESOME.”
Which it was. The Abominable Dr. Phibes is one of those tongue-in-cheek horror movies from the 1970s that is almost – but not quite – meant to be taken seriously. The plot follows our mad doctor as he and his lovely assistant Vulnavia (Virginia North) go around murdering a lot of medical doctors, following the Biblical precedent of the plagues of Egypt. Sort of. I’m pretty positive there were no unicorns in the Old Testament. The reason for this? Well, his dear wife Virginia died on the operating table and he’s really, really pissed off about it. Anywho, he’s chased by Inspector Trout (Peter Jeffrey), who is in turn ably assisted by Dr. Vesalius (Joseph Cotten, in a role that Peter Cushing was supposed to take). The whole weird plot is really an excuse for Price to be very freaky and concoct some pretty nasty and spectacular deaths for his victims. His victims, by the way, include a hilarious Terry-Thomas as the libidinal Dr. Longstreet; if you know anything about British film or TV from this period, this will delight you as much as it did me.
The Abominable Dr. Phibes owes most of its value to Vincent Price, who is evidently having the time of his life as he annihilates one doctor after another. There are some lovely little asides – applauding the death of a pilot, doing a double-take at a painting in Dr. Longstreet’s office, everything that has to do with Vulnavia – that speak to Price’s charisma and humor. Few actors can do what he did and still seem so classy. Phibes is a crazy but sympathetic villain, his passionate love for his dead wife more sad than terrible.
What surprised me more, though, was the humor infused into the police investigation. Peter Jeffrey’s Inspector Trout is delicious, as is Superintendent Waverley (John Cater). It’s a very British film with very British humor, despite having an American production company behind it. As with most films of this type, it’s fun because the cast are game for their parts. They’re more than aware that it’s all a bit of a joke.
As always, though, there are problems. Price has one of the most recognizable voices on film and here he’s all but silent, save when he ‘speaks’ through a gramophone attached to his neck (Phibes was horribly injured in a car wreck), and then in such purple prose that you wish he would shut up. There are dull patches, a bit too much build up to the murders, and the characters figure out what’s going on long after the audience.
For all that, it’s a grand piece of camp and worth it for Vincent Price alone. You’ll never look at brussels sprouts the same way again.
Author LaurenPosted on December 28, 2012 December 28, 2012 Categories Bloody Movies, Films, Reviews, and Complainings about the State of MediaTags bad movies, horror movies, the abominable dr. phibes, vincent price
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Tag: asteroid with moon
Asteroid 1998 QE2 Flies Past Earth
Today, at approximately 20:59 GMT, a rock so big that it has its own moon safely flew past Earth. It’s name is 1998 QE2, an asteroid that is roughly 500,000 times larger than the one which made that near-Earth flyby back in February. But of course, scientists had been letting the public know well in advance that this one would miss us to, and by a much wider margin.
In fact, whereas the last rock missed us by a mere 27,700km (17,200mi), this one passed at a much safer distance of about 5,800,000 km (3,600,000 miles). Good news for anyone who’s been caught up in all the asteroid/meteoroid frenzy of late. And while it might seem that a lot more stellar objects have been hurling towards us lately, a simple review of our Solar Systems turbulent history will confirm that this is pretty much business-as-usual.
What’s more, this most recent flyby provided scientists and astronomers with yet another opportunity to study an asteroid as it passed close to Earth. Using radar telescopes, they were due to record a series of high-resolution images, the purpose of which was to study what the asteroid was made of and where exactly in the Solar System it came from.
Prof Alan Fitzsimmons, an astronomer at Queen’s University Belfast, said:
It’s a big one. And there are very few of these objects known – there are probably only about 600 or so of this size or larger in near-Earth space… We already know from the radar measurements, coupled with its brightness, that it appears to be a relatively dark asteroid – that it’s come from the outer part of the asteroid belt.
What’s more, the curious nature of the asteroid – in that it has its own moon – is something which makes it a scientific curiosity. Approximately 15% of asteroids have the mass that they are capable of supporting their own satellite, but rarely does one fly this close to Earth. Early observations of this “moon” indicated that it is roughly 600m in diameter, and would have been visible during the flyby to amateur astronomers with a sufficient enough telescope.
After this, asteroid 1998 QE2 will hurtle back out into deep space where it will stay for some time. In fact, Friday’s visit was the closest it has been to Earth for at least two centuries. And not surprisingly, researchers are becoming increasingly interested in potential hazards in space. So far they have counted more than 9,000 near-Earth asteroids, and they spot another 800 new space rocks on average each year.
And given the potential for harm if one made contact with Earth, as they have been known to do in the past, the information gleamed from observation and study is sure to come in handy as far as planetary defense is concerned. As Fitzsimmons himself pointed out about this particular asteroid:
…if something this size did hit us one day in the future, it is extremely likely it would cause global environmental devastation, so it is important to try and understand these objects.
By storiesbywilliamsin News, Space June 1, 2013 505 Words13 Comments
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Interview - Reasons for Hope
by Atawhai Tibble, Rachel Kenealy, and Richie Poulton on 8 May 2020 at 13:18
We’re starting to emerge from a national lockdown, and many of us are beginning to understand that life is, and will be, very different from what we once knew. It is entirely natural that many of us are feeling anxious about what will happen tomorrow, next week or next month. The uncertainty can be overwhelming at times, especially if you are trying to build up your resilience.
We sat down with Richie Poulton, the Social Wellbeing Agency’s Chief Science Advisor and Director of the Dunedin Study, and Atawhai Tibble, our Chief Māori Advisor. They offer reasons for hope at this time, drawing on personal experience, what Richie has discovered about resilience during his successful career heading the Dunedin Study, and what Atawhai has seen within Te Ao Māori over the past 4 weeks during his secondment to the Operational COVID Command centre.
Perhaps we could start with why we feel anxious in times of uncertainty?
Richie: The ability to feel anxious and fearful evolved to help us avoid danger, whether that’s to our physical, emotional or mental wellbeing. Millenia later this adaptation still works that way, however, it becomes a problem when the feelings last too long or when they are out of proportion to the level of threat. Sometimes, these feelings can evolve into panic, which is when someone might start to seek treatment for a panic or anxiety disorder. It’s important to remember that these feelings are common, and that everyone feels them from time to time.
Now, when we think about COVID-19, it’s a very scary prospect because of its unpredictability. So many things about our everyday lives have been taken out of our control, like who we can see, where we can go and even what is safe to touch. It’s very unsettling and taps directly into what drives those feelings of anxiety and fear.
Atawhai: Māori communities have had reason to be fearful of COVID-19. The Spanish Flu epidemic hit Māori hard in 1918-19. The toll was estimated to be seven times worse for Māori than Pākehā. To this day, the collective memory remains, through memorial stones and even names that descendants have like Mate Ohorere which means ‘sudden departure from this world’. This is what provides the context for groups like the Te Rōpū Whakakaupapa Urutā, who are Māori medical doctors, who have been strong advocates for more focused efforts on those at risk.
A lot of people have been saying they’re overwhelmed with all manner of feelings like anxiety, fear, anger and apathy – why is this?
Richie: What we’re going through right now, both as individuals and a collective, is a survival response. As I mentioned above, anxiety and fear evolved to tell us when there’s danger, and we respond with ‘fight or flight’. This response floods the body with cortisol, a stress hormone, and adrenaline, raising your heart rate, blood pressure and energy levels. This is why you might go through periods of feeling jittery, or feel a fluttering heart. Your body is also working to get you out of danger, and so has redirected resources away from things like complex problem solving and reflection. This is why some people experiencing this survival response can become irritable or forgetful.
For many of us, this survival response has been engaged since lockdown began, or even before as reports of the effects of COVID-19 came out of China, Iran and Italy. When this response continues for a long time, when the threat is perceived to still exist, we become fatigued. This is the feeling of being overwhelmed, when there doesn’t seem to be a way to relieve or address the danger.
That sounds pretty grim, and it sounds like there’s a lot of good reasons to feel that way at the moment. Can you offer us some hope?
Richie: Yes, of course! If anything, my time at the Dunedin Study has proven time and time again that people are very good at dealing with adversity. A lot of people underestimate how good they are at managing stress, anxiety and fear. This is what we call resilience, the ability to work with those feelings, or experiences really, and continue to be active in your community.
Many of the people in the Dunedin Study have faced the hardest of hardships – think of the five worst things that have happened in your life, how that made you feel, then double it and you are beginning to have an idea of the challenges these people are overcoming. They continue to donate their time and experiences to the Study, and together we’ve learned that not only are people very resilient, they also continue to be generous, kind and graceful. What continues to give them hope is that life carries on.
Atawhai: I’m with Richie. If you look at our history here in Aotearoa NZ, and you think about the things our communities have experienced and worked their way through, from wars, to natural disasters like the Christchurch earthquakes, to the Mosque attacks, to the White Island tragedy, there is plenty of evidence that we Kiwis are tougher and more resilient than we think.
Do you think there’s anything in particular about Aotearoa that sets us up to recover well from this experience?
Atawhai: I think the ability to deal with tough situations and to make not only the best of things but survive and thrive is in our DNA. I’d say its in our whakapapa.
I think of my Koroua (Grandpa) Te Rauwhiro or Red, who went to war, and my Kuia (Grandma) Mihi, who was left at home with all their kids including my Dad. They didn’t have much. War was not a nice thing. While Red won a military cross, he witnessed the ugliness of war and left a lot of young Ngati Porou cousins behind. I know it was hard for them adjusting when they came home. My Nanny Mihi and all my Nans worried constantly about their men, but they all had to get by, and do their bit for the war effort. Their toughness and resilience certainly humbles me. My kids are probably sick of me reminding them of all of this when they complain about the broadband signal being weak!
Richie: I’m reminded of the response I received from Kiwis after a documentary about the Dunedin Study, Why Am I?, aired a few years ago now. The public seemed to react strongly to the series, with many people reaching out to me to share deeply personal stories about their own experiences of resilience in the face of hurt, neglect, rejection, failure and extreme deprivation. A strong theme that came from those responses was that people were grateful for normalising the idea that we all struggle, some of us more than others, but usually at some point in time. The current COVID-19 crisis provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge that we’re struggling and discuss these feelings honestly and openly.
My great-grandmother, who used to baby sit me as a child, took my mother into her care when my grandmother passed away. I found out during lockdown that my great-grandmother lost her own mother at the age of four and left home at twelve to train as a seamstress, all while earning her keep. I was humbled at this, completely in awe of her determination to carry on and look after her whānau.
What can we do now, while we are moving through the Alert Levels, to help with our resilience?
Atawhai: I want to acknowledge whānau who lost loved ones during Level 4 and were not able to mourn them properly. I note that by and large the people of this land were very well behaved and played their part despite the challenges this raised in terms of our traditions and customs for things like tangihanga. But I also note the adaptability of our people. So rather than hongi, the Kahungunu and East Coast waves (raising the eyebrows) were developed. I saw drive through flu vaccinations at marae. I participated in various Zoom karakia or prayers which provided my whānau with real comfort. Then there was the emergence of the Zui (a Zoom hui) and the Wainanga (a wananga or meeting with waina or wine)! These are really great innovations that have enabled us to keep talking, chatting, messaging to those you love.
Let’s keep this up! Keep saying Kia Ora to the person you pass on your bubble walk, keep thanking the person behind the counter at the supermarket or pharmacy. I’ve really noticed that people are making more of an effort to show gratitude, which I think is a great way to keep social.
Richie: We’re lucky to live at a time in human history where technology is sufficiently developed and sophisticated to serve as an alternative for face-to-face, old-fashioned interactions. This gives us the chance to maintain social contact despite physical distance. One of the draw backs from needing to socially distance ourselves is that people can become isolated. This isn’t just the physical situation of being isolated, it’s also the feeling of being isolated, the feeling of being disconnected.
There’s also some wonderful help only a few key-strokes a way if or when you need it. The best evidence-based therapies for extreme anxiety and sadness and other emotional and behavioural difficulties have been quietly migrating from the clinician’s office to the internet for well over a decade. These E-Therapy approaches are supported by literally dozens and dozens of gold-standard controlled trials showing that such courses (accessible via a range of digital devices) are as effective as standard treatments delivered in the traditional face-to-face manner. These programmes work, and users like them. They are accessible to everyone who has access to the internet, and right now are offered free of charge, for example Just A Thought(external link).
Ngā mihi nui Richie and Atawhai, it has been a pleasure to talk with you and hear your wisdom.
Atawhai: Mauri ora! COVID-19 has thrown everyone, into a new, unfamiliar and undiscovered land. But despite how strange this may seem, we’ve faced adversity and hardship many times before. We need to look to the past, and carry forward that which makes us stronger, better, and more connected than ever. He waka eke noa. We are in this together.
Latest comment 8 months ago by Catherine Coates
Catherine Coates, 18 May 2020, 16:47 (8 months ago)
I'm the Group Welfare Manager for Marlborough CDEM Group - the things you said in this interview and in the paper, resonate completely! Thanks so much for these thoughts - practical, readable and relatable.
Reply to Catherine Coates
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Tyler Hubbard, Wife Hayley Say They’re ‘Ready to Be Finished’ Having Babies After New Son Arrives
As Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard and wife Hayley prep for the arrival of their third child, they are already thinking about what the future holds for their growing family. One thing that future might not hold is more kids.
In a recent interview with People, the couple say they are "ready to be finished" once their new baby — a second son — arrives. They announced they were expecting their third child in March, then revealed it's a boy soon after.
"In a weird way, I think we're looking forward to the challenge," Hubbard tells the magazine. "The whole experience of having a child is like none other. It's a rush of emotion and love that can hardly be explained."
"We're looking forward to experiencing that again and then just knowing we're going to be finished," he adds. "This is our family, and let's grow together."
Re-Live Country Music's Best Baby Announcements
The family is enjoying more together time than ever as they continue to quarantine at their home in Nashville amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But it has also been challenging, the country star admits.
"They definitely keep us busy and are nonstop entertainment for us," Hubbard says of his two children, 2-year-old daughter Olivia and 9-month-old son Luca. "At times we would enjoy a little bit of alone time, but for the most part we are having a lot of fun. It's an experience that we would have never had — being at home with the family this long — so we're really just trying to make the most of it."
Florida Georgia Line are making the most of quarantine musically, too — Hubbard and his FGL bandmate Brian Kelley released a brand new EP, 6-Pack, on May 22. The release includes their new song "Second Guessing," which premiered on Songland.
See Country Stars in Their Biggest Role: Dad
Filed Under: Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Hubbard
Categories: Celebrity Baby News, Country Music News
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Short Summary on Convertible Note
Richa Patel
In India, in the recent years, there has been a huge start up growth. More people especially the youngsters come up with innovative ideas to start a business. There are many young people who have the potential and capability to initiate their own startup. Everyone is aware of the fact that one of the basic requirements to start a business is raising funds. The main question arises here is HOW TO RAISE FUNDS?
In most cases, one cannot however self-fund the whole amount required for the business so a person takes help from family and friends. But sometimes the amount requirement is so huge that even family and friends cannot come up with the fund needs. A person can also approach to banks for loans as bank can provide higher amount of money comparatively. But the major drawback is that, more is the loan amount more will be the interest to be paid and sometimes it becomes very difficult for a person to pay the principal loan amount with interest. Even if a person does all these things the short term fund requirements are full filed but what about long term requirement of funds? As a business works efficiently only when there is a continuous flow of funds.
Also, there are some restrictions and prohibitions imposed on a private company under The Companies Act, 2013. The shares of a private company are not freely transferable and only members of a private company can purchase its own shares. So if a person wants to invest in a private company by issuance of shares, he can only do after becoming a member of the company and after complying with all the membership procedure which becomes very tedious.
Due to lack of facilities and opportunities, Government of India initiated Startup India intending to build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and Startups in the country that will drive sustainable economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities. The Government through this initiative aims to empower Startups to grow through innovation and design. One of the important feature of this policy has been to boost fund-raising options for startups by permitting startups to raise funds through issuance of convertible notes.
“Startup” means an entity, incorporated or registered in India not prior to Ten years, with annual turnover not exceeding INR 100 crore in any preceding financial year, working towards innovation, development, deployment or commercialization of new products, processes or services driven by technology or intellectual property.
However to enjoy the advantages of the scheme provided by the Government of India, the startup shall meet certain eligibility criteria.
A convertible note is a debt instrument which is repayable at the option of the holder, or which is converted into equity shares upon occurrence of specified events as per the other terms and conditions agreed to and indicated in the instrument. The definition of a ‘convertible note’ first came in through a notification dated 29 June 2016 that amended the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014 (the “Rules”).
A convertible note can be issued by only recognized start-ups. Recognized “Start-up company” means a private company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 or Companies Act, 1956 and recognized as such in accordance with notification number G.S.R. 180(E) dated 17th February, 2016 issued by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
It is to be noted that the advantage is available only for recognized start-ups, which means that non-recognized start-ups are still not allowed to issue Convertible Notes as a capital instrument under the RBI Regulation or as a non-deposit under the Rules. Convertible notes can be issued to only NRIs.
Convertible notes:
Convertible notes are a hybrid of debt and equity. Convertible notes are originally structured as debt investments, but have a provision that allows the principal plus accrued interest to convert into an equity investment at a later date.
A person who is resident outside India (other than an individual who is a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh or an entity which is registered/ incorporated in Pakistan or Bangladesh), can purchase Convertible Notes issued by a recognised start-up company.
The minimum amount of investment required for a convertible note is Rupees Twenty Five Lakhs in a single tranche.
The company is required to issue shares or repay the debt, as the case may be, within a period not exceeding five years from the date of issue of the convertible note.
NRIs may acquire Convertible Notes on non-repatriation basis in accordance with Schedule 4 of the RBI Regulation.
If the start-up is engaged in a sector which requires government approval for foreign investment, Convertible Notes shall be issued only with prior approval of the government.
Convertible notes are freely transferable and can be acquired/transferred by way of sale, provided the sale is in accordance with the pricing guidelines prescribed by the RBI.
The amount of consideration should be received by inward remittance through banking channels or by debit to the NRE/ FCNR (B)/ Escrow account maintained by the person concerned.
Compliance with the reporting requirements prescribed by the RBI is also required.
Under The Companies Act, 2013
The procedure to issue Convertible note is: –
Pass a resolution in board meeting to issue CN
Pass a special resolution
File MGT -14
Prepare convertible notes agreement
Issue offer letter and agreement to investors
File Form CN with RBI once funds received ( through Authorised Dealer Bank within 30 days)
The documents required for reporting to RBI are: –
FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) and KYC of the non-resident investor.
Name and address of the investor and Authorised Dealer bank.
Copy of MOA / AOA
Startup Registration Certificate
Certificate from Practicing Company Secretary
Under Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019.
“Convertible Note” means an instrument issued by a startup company acknowledging receipt of money initially as debt, repayable at the option of the holder, or which is convertible into such number of equity shares of that company, within a period not exceeding five years from the date of the issue of the convertible note, upon occurrence of specified events as per other terms and conditions agreed and indicated in the instrument
Issue of equity shares against such convertible notes shall be in compliance with the entry route, sectoral caps, pricing guidelines, and other attendant conditions for foreign investment.
Purchase or sale of convertible notes of a LLP.
A Non-resident Indian (NRI) or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), including a company, a trust and a partnership
firm incorporated outside India and owned and controlled by NRIs or OCIs, may purchase or contribute, as the case may
be, on non-repatriation basis, convertible notes issued by a startup company in accordance with the rules.
Discount during conversion: When the convertible note turn into equity on the date of maturity or in any other event, the holder gets the benefit to buy the shares at a discounted price per share of the new equity. For example: – if A holds a convertible note, he will be issued 100 shares of 100INR each for 80INR per share if the discount is 20%.
Name: Richa Patel
Company: Constellation Blu
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Homepage > Signed Memorabilia > Books > FOOTBALL > ENGLISH CLUB BOOKS > WIMBLEDON BOOKS > AFC Wimbledon A Pictorial History
AFC Wimbledon A Pictorial History
Details: Author: Graham Moody
AFC Wimbledon are the true phoenix club, formed and owned by supporters who have been on an incredible journey from the Combined Counties League to League Two over the past eleven years. The climb from the ninth tier of the English football pyramid was by no means smooth. Plenty of rocky obstacles blocked their path, but they overcame them, and in just nine years they had five promotions, an English record for consecutive games unbeaten, and were back in the professional leagues. In 2002, Dons supporters saw their team, the 1988 FA Cup winners, moved 56 miles north to Milton Keynes, away from their south London base. The supporters refused to accept this and, despite being told by the football authorities that a new club 'would not be in the wider interests of football', they set up AFC Wimbledon, and went from visiting Manchester City to Sandhurst Town. The next nine years were a rollercoaster, mostly full of thrilling ups but many gut-wrenching dips as well. This is the story of how a football club in south London, frowned upon by the authorities, rose from the ashes to yet again become a force in English football.
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Vulnerability to Viability (V2V): Global partnership for building strong small-scale fisheries communities
Vulnerability to Viability Global Partnership (V2V), a new research initiative led by Dr. Prateep Nayak, received a seven-year, $2.5 million Partnership Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canada.
SSHRC Partnership Grants provide support to new or existing partnerships for initiatives that advance research, research training, and/or knowledge mobilization in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The partnership also received generous contributions from regional, country and international partners.
The V2V Global Partnership constitutes a novel, first of its kind, transdisciplinary initiative for the co-creation of knowledge and the development of community-based capacity to reduce vulnerability and enhance viability of small-scale fisheries (SSF) in Asia and Africa.
V2V will critically examine diverse factors and conditions contributing to the ‘vulnerability’ of SSF, and engage collaboratively with SSF communities and other key NGO, government and university partners, including TBTI, to enhance SSF viability. The V2V will also provide a new outlet for many TBTI related activities.
Dr. Nayak is Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo. He is also the coordinator of the TBTI ‘Global Change Responses’ research cluster. The 100 members and partners of the V2V Global Partnership represent 31 universities, 15 government institutions, and 21 NGOs from 22 countries – all with a shared interest in addressing global change impacts on small-scale fisheries.
Most SSF communities are economically marginalized, and increasingly vulnerable to climate and environmental change. But the prognosis is not all negative. SSF possess strengths and forms of resilience upon which to build viable solutions to combat food insecurity and poverty.
Four specific research and action-oriented objectives guide the V2V Global Partnership:
(1) To co-produce a comprehensive understanding of both the sources of vulnerabilities experienced by SSF, and their inherent and potential capability to enhance viability;
(2) To develop a database and resource portal of V2V case studies and those from elsewhere to integrate and mobilize the knowledge produced;
(3) To engage in transdisciplinary (TD) capacity development of SSF communities, governments, NGOs, civil society actors, and the academic community to enable them to co-create and implement innovative solutions to move from vulnerability to viability; and
(4) To compare and synthesize experience between and across study sites, scaling up the insights for broader impact through the development of national and regional policy recommendations, program interventions, and governance arrangements that support viable, community led SSF initiatives.
Under the scope of this project, community-engaged research will be conducted in six countries in Asia (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand) and six countries in Africa (Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania).
Comparison and synthesize between and across study sites will help the V2V Partnership to scale up the insights for broader impact through the development of national and regional policy recommendations, program interventions, and governance arrangements that support viable, community-led SSF initiatives.
The V2V Partnership will support transdisciplinary training opportunities for 52 graduate students and early career researchers, a unique Fellows Program to support 20 South-South-North collaboration, the development of curricula for training in conjunction with academic and civil society partners, and the development of an open-access information system and global resource portal to provide a powerful tool for SSF research, policy, and action.
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Personal Assistant App Sherpa Raises $1.6M
Sherpa, a personal assistant app that launched initially in the Spanish-speaking world, just announced that it has raised $1.7 million in funding from undisclosed angel investors.
Sherpa users can speak or type their requests, and the app answers them by collecting information from around the web. The company has also partnered with PayPal and other services, so that users accomplish tasks like making travel reservations and transferring money.
The technology was developed by founder and CEO Xabier Uribe-Etxebarria. He actually stopped by the TechCrunch office last fall to show off the app and to compare the results to what you would find in Siri and in Wolfram Alpha. There were, in fact, a number of cases where he’d asked some factual questions and get more complete and relevant answers from Sherpa than the competition. (To be clear, that was a pretty limited test. Since I don’t speak Spanish fluently or own an Android phone, I haven’t tested the live app.)
The big differentiator, he said, is the level at which Sherpa can understand your question — for one thing, he said the app understands more than 250,000 concepts and 5,000 syntactic and semantic rules.
Sherpa, which is currently Android-only (the goal is to turn it into a broader cross-device platform), launched in October, and the company says it has been downloaded 400,000 times. Next it plans to launch in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa in the second quarter of the year.
If you’re a Spanish speaker, you can download the app from Google Play here.
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Brian Schmidt: Climate change is a real, existential threat that should be dealt with immediately
By Dan Drollette Jr | November 11, 2016
In 2015, just in time for the upcoming Paris meeting on climate change, something very rare happened. On the last day of a weeklong conference of dozens of physicists and 650 young scientists on an island in Lake Constance in Germany, 71 Nobel laureates issued a call to action and signed their names to it.
They unanimously agreed that there is overwhelming evidence that human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases cause global warming, and pleaded with the world’s political leaders to act immediately to lower current and future emissions. Known as the Mainau Declaration 2015 on Climate Change, their manifesto compared the dangers of unchecked global warming to that of nuclear war. This was an apt comparison, as 2011 physics Nobel Prize-winner Brian Schmidt noted: “Nearly 60 years ago, here on Mainau, a similar gathering of Nobel Laureates in science issued a declaration of the dangers inherent in the newly found technology of nuclear weapons—a technology derived from advances in basic science. So far, we have avoided nuclear war, though the threat remains. We believe that our world today faces another threat of comparable magnitude.”
Schmidt—the driving force behind the declaration—is based in Canberra, Australia, where he is now the new vice-chancellor of the Australian National University. In this phone interview from Australia's capital city, Schmidt tells the Bulletin’s Dan Drollette how the idea came about, his efforts in spearheading it, the responses of his fellow Nobel Prize-winners, the resistance he encountered from climate-deniers, the role of science in the climate debate, and the threats to democracy.
(Editor’s note: This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. This interview was conducted before the US presidential election.)
BAS: Hope that you’ve been well since I interviewed you in Mainau, at that physics conference.
On to business: If I understand correctly, the only other time that all the Nobel laureates got together and signed a manifesto like this was in Mainau in 1955 or thereabouts? Which was an appeal against nuclear weapons?
SCHMIDT: That’s correct.
BAS: And that one started out with maybe 16 laureates as signatories, and it was up to like 53 after a year or so. From what I’ve seen, you guys started out with a much greater number, and you’re up to 71 or something like that now?
SCHMIDT: Seventy-three is what I think the official number is. But I would have to check for sure. I mean we haven’t actively been adding to it. My goal was to get it up to a decent number in time for the Paris conference. But I also have a fairly soft diplomatic style. So I didn’t keep pestering people. I ask them once, and that’s it.
I wanted people who really believe in it. And I want people to engage. We could have gotten more if we had, you know, poke, poke, poked. But that’s not my style.
BAS: You’re the person who spearheaded everything—is that right?
SCHMIDT: Yeah, I guess I was the originator. I did contact a number of people whom I trust, like Stephen Chu, and had a chat with him about whether or not that he thought it was the right type of thing to do. And after taking advice from a handful of laureates, I got them to sort of get together as a group to present this in Lindau—the village next door—before the meeting. We just sort of talked things over and helped write it. Dave Gross played quite a substantial role.
And so, yeah, in the end I was the guy who started it, but I think it was a team effort.
BAS: What was the original inspiration for it? What made folks come out and say that climate change is just as much of a threat as, say, nuclear weapons?
SCHMIDT: Well, over the previous couple years, in talking to my fellow laureates at both Lindau (home of the annual Nobel Laureate Meeting) and things like the World Economic Forum, we were kind of despondent, I guess, over climate change. And I did an actual thing at Davos about existential risk. And we were talking about some of the existential risks facing humanity as just sort of an evening dinner session—a nice, light conversation, you know. (Laughs)
And climate change emerged among those people as being, you know, a profound existential risk that humanity faced. And I say existential not in the sense that every human is going to die tomorrow, but in the sense that probably it would do in civilization over time by breaking down prosperity and profoundly changing civilization as we know it. And I call that existential to the life that we all live. And so that was probably the place where I started thinking: ‘My god, what are we going to do about this?’
And I knew that we were going to have to make the Paris meeting successful.
And so that was sort of the impetus. We didn’t want over 2015 to have this international meeting on climate change fail and we not having done something. And many of my fellows said, yes, it is time to speak and make sure that it is very clear to the world that the vast majority of researchers—like Nobel Prize-winners—strongly believe that climate change is real and profound and needs to be addressed. And needs to be addressed at the Paris meeting. That’s sort of how it started.
BAS: I read an essay comparing climate change to nuclear war in terms of its overall effects. Maybe it’s not as immediate or as dramatic as a short fast war, but just as much of a threat to life on this planet. Do you think that’s a fairly good comparison?
SCHMIDT: Oh, yes. Although while nuclear war is fast and scary and has this immediacy to it that really engages people, climate change is more insidious. Climate change will sneak up on us, causing dislocations, wide-scale smaller skirmishes, the breakdown of civilization as we know it, and then slowly and probably end up leading to nuclear war. Ultimately climate change would be the trigger for much bigger things.
So I see climate change as being equal scary as nuclear war: starvation, lack of water, lack of resources, mass movement of people. And that will all be horrific. We’ve seen how well Europe’s dealt with a million refugees; imagine a hundred million people or a billion people on the move? I don’t think society can handle that. And I don’t quite know what’s going to happen. But it is going to involve war, dislocation, mass starvation, the breaking down of free trade and all the things that make life, quite frankly, possible on planet Earth, and to have 8 billion people here. I mean we’re all hunter-gatherers. Eight billion people are not going to live on Planet Earth successfully. We’ll all die of starvation.
BAS: Say you’re on an elevator, and someone asks you what is the Mainau Declaration on Climate Change? Do you have a 30‑second explanation you can give? What’s your quick summary of what it is and what it’s trying to do?
SCHMIDT: The Mainau Declaration was a group of 70‑some Nobel Prize-winners coming together to state categorically that climate change is real, it’s profound, and the world community needs to act on it. And failure to act on climate change would lead to existential risk, or the crash of global civilization as we know it.
BAS: I’m pretty impressed about the fact that you can sum that up in the space of two sentences.
SCHMIDT: As vice chancellor, that’s one of my jobs—to be profoundly short and succinct.
BAS: And then this wasn’t a question that I had thought of before, but I’ll just throw this out there. If you don’t want to comment, that’s okay. But would you be comfortable with a President Donald Trump having his finger over the nuclear button, and making decisions about things like climate change?
SCHMIDT: The concern I have with Donald Trump is on almost anything, and so his direct finger on the trigger of nuclear bombs, on climate change, I actually think are secondary risks to him. The thing that concerns me about him is he does not understand, as near as I can tell, governance, of how the nation’s Constitution is meant to work and the fragility of the structures of the United States. So I think he presents a profound risk to the United States as we know it, as operating as a free democratic nation and as the strongest, most powerful nation of the world. That concerns me in a whole variety of ways.
So I will be honest. Donald Trump is a different type of risk, but one that I think even transcends nuclear war and climate change as being a higher, more immediate threat. And because he will lead to many, many problems, nuclear war being one of them. As I said, I see him as the potential to destroy US democracy as we know it.
Now, whether or not he’ll do those things, I don’t know. But he certainly has broken any convention, and any idea of bipartisanship. All the fundamentals of democracy seem to me to be greatly under threat by him in so many ways that I’d really—it’s hard for me to imagine quite where the world would go.
BAS: I guess it’s an unfortunate time to be an American based overseas. [Though Schmidt has lived and worked in Australia for nearly two decades, and won his Nobel for his work as an astrophysicist at Canberra’s Mount Stromlo telescope—in which he showed that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate—he is an American, born and raised in Montana.]
SCHMIDT: You know, I have not met anyone in Australia who says: “Oh, you must like Donald Trump.”
BAS: Oh?
SCHMIDT: It was different just a few years ago. Ten, 15 years ago they assumed that as an American, I automatically adopted all of American policy. But I think that Australians—I think the world realizes how divided the United States is. The only thing they want to do is understand why it is that so many Americans think Donald Trump is the answer.
And, you know, I provided an answer, which is I think correct, which is that unfortunately many Americans in the last 30 or 40 years of economic growth have been left behind and disenfranchised. They just know they’re unhappy, and to them Donald is at least going to cause change, and they don’t really care about the consequences. They really don’t care. That’s the only thing that makes sense to me.
And it’s a warning, I think, for other democracies: You cannot disenfranchise everyone in making your economies more efficient. That is, the average is one thing, the median is another. And the median is probably more important than the average.
BAS: Right. When I was overseas and people would ask about Trump, I would say “Hey, what about Marine Le Pen in France or Silvio Berlusconi?” I would mention places where people are unhappy, feeling left behind, and wanting to strike out blindly, maybe not really thinking things out. They just know that they’re upset, and they look for an easy answer.
SCHMIDT: I think it’s very common and happening in some form worldwide. I think the difference between, for example, what almost happened in Austria, or Marine Le Pen, or the UKIP guys in the United Kingdom, and the United States is that the US political system is different than almost any other major democracy in the world. The very balanced three types of power, a very strong executive, that have very specific external rights and the fact that the United States is still the superpower make for a very different equation than, for example, Marine Le Pen in France. And so that is why I'm concerned. I don’t think someone within a Westminster system, like Marine Le Pen, would be able to wreak the same havoc that we have compared to the US system. The US system requires the respect of all parties, major parties, to operate effectively. That’s what the US is based on. And the Westminster system, really, says that whoever is in charge is in charge. You know, whoever is the prime minister, the head of the Parliament is in charge. No questions asked.
BAS: Speaking of getting consensus and people having different opinions, did you encounter resistance from your colleagues? Was it hard to get all the Nobel laureates on board with Mainau 2015?
SCHMIDT: Again, I’m a softly softly type. I told people this is what we’re doing. If you want to be part of it, fine; if you don’t, no questions asked. I will ask you once. I will not ask you again. I will not ask you to justify your reason not to want to sign. So most people just wanted to sign it. There were a few people who didn’t want to sign it for various reasons. They wanted to micromanage the words, say it slightly different. I said: “Sorry, people have already signed it. I’m not prepared to do that.”
They said: “Well, then I won’t sign it.”
There were a few people who just actively disagree. And that’s fine. As I said, I respect that. I don’t harass them. I believe in freedom of expression of ideas, even those that I strongly believe to be wrong. But I do believe in that.
And so as I said, a few people were a little uncomfortable with certain aspects of it. They didn’t want to sign. One or two absolutely did not believe in it. That’s fine. But most believed more or less what we had to say and were happy to sign.
BAS: I hesitate to ask this, but I did notice that when I was first invited to cover this event as a journalist this summer that physicist Ivar Giaever was on the schedule to give a one‑hour talk. He called it Global Warming One Last Time, and it was basically denying all of the scientific evidence for climate change.
SCHMIDT: Yeah.
BAS: And then obviously when I got there this summer, that talk was canceled. I don’t think that he even showed up.
SCHMIDT: He did give the talk at Mainau once before, several years earlier, but not now in 2016. I saw that talk in 2012. So I have seen what he had to say. I strongly disagree with it. I felt that the talk that he presented was not compelling. It was entertaining, I will tell you that. He’s actually a very good speaker. And it was entertaining. It was funny. But I didn’t find it scientifically compelling.
And fair enough. He’s allowed to speak. And I don’t believe he should be censored. Quite the opposite. I think he should be able to go out and tell people that he disagrees with the rest of us. That is of fundamental importance. Some of my colleagues don’t agree. Well, I’m sorry, I think if we get rid of that, then we’ve completely lost the plot.
BAS: So at some point I guess he had written an open letter to the American Physical Society, dropped his membership, I guess—
SCHMIDT: Yeah. He strongly believes that whatever is occurring is not attributable to emissions of greenhouse gases. And as I said, as a scientist we have to respect people who disagree with us, though I’m happy to pick holes in his argument. And I’m not even a particular expert. I mean I have a fair bit of knowledge in this area, but I did not find it compelling. I felt I had enough information not to believe what he was saying.
But again, I have people come up and—you know, there was a paper last week saying I shouldn't have won the Nobel Prize because the universe isn’t accelerating. So that’s fine. That was published in Nature.
BAS: Oh, really?
SCHMIDT: Equally compelling in my vision to Ivar’s argument. But that's another story.
BAS: I’m curious—what do you say to people who are climate deniers?
To give you some background, at the Bulletin we had published a 4,000‑word piece by Michael Mann, the climatologist. And he said that he encouraged scientists to get out there, to communicate, to explain the nature of scientific evidence, and to keep their sense of humor, which I thought was interesting.
SCHMIDT: It’s important.
BAS: And I guess his big thing was to communicate the information about climate change directly to the public. It could be lectures, appearances, blogs, Web sites, joining things like Skeptical Science, things like that.
SCHMIDT: Can I say I think it is really important, especially for the experts, to communicate their findings, whatever they say? Sometimes things—you know, science is messy. And sometimes not all roads point to Rome. We need to be extraordinarily honest in our communication and not get sucked into taking the same approach that the other guys are doing and, you know, lie when we need to, manipulate the truth when we need to. No. We’re scientists. We must speak the truth.
But I think that it is also important to make sure we let the experts do the talking as much as we can. So I never go out and give a talk on climate change. I’ll talk about it indirectly. But I refer to the expert evidence. I don’t claim to be, you know, a world expert in this. And I’m happy to appear with experts where I can help liven up the conversation, add some humor, add whatever. I think it is important to communicate effectively.
But it’s also important not to overreach. Because by overreaching we then undermine the whole basis of how science works.
BAS: Right.
SCHMIDT: That’s why I also think it’s important to let other people speak their mind and not, you know, essentially bully them. And I think we do that some. And I’m not proud of it. And I don’t do it. I always try to be respectful of people, in the end, having really good relationships with the people that matter. And so with politicians here in Australia, for example, I have reasonable relationships with all of them, all parties, all beliefs. And so I am prepared to talk to them about climate change, even those who don’t believe in it. And I’m happy to have a civilized conversation with them. And I think that is incredibly important.
But I do think it is important, when I give talks, to talk about the history of science, and how science works. I do talk about those things and why I’m concerned as a scientist about climate change. And I try to refer to my fellow scientists’ profound work in this area and try to explain it, but make sure they understand it’s other people’s work, not my own.
BAS: What is your next step now that Mainau 2015 is out? Are you planning to do anything further?
SCHMIDT: Well, I’m vice chancellor here at the Australian National University, Australia’s premiere research university.
BAS: That keeps you pretty busy.
SCHMIDT: You better believe it. We run a climate change institute here. We run an energy change institute here. So we are working in this area. I am trying to get the Australian government, along with another institution here and an institution in Germany, to fund essentially a climate transition program where we bring in lots of joint students and researchers to really say, okay, here’s the mounting evidence. This is what we think’s going to be occurring. So we do that type of work.
But then we also say, here’s the economics, the societal effects, the politics of how societies need to adjust to this. Because, you know, a two‑degree change is already going to be hard. And we need to be adaptable. And so it’s really important, I think, to put lots of work into helping society make the transition between now and what has to be essentially zero emissions in 2050. And boy, that is a grand challenge.
BAS: And then I guess the last comment here, are you optimistic about us meeting that challenge? What is your measured—
SCHMIDT: It scares the hell out of me. Am I optimistic? No. I’m probably even—I’m not a pessimist, but I’m scared, I am pessimistic.
Although things are changing. And once you get the whole of society behind something, once you get industry, government, defense, why, humanity is amazing. I just hope we pedal fast enough. Because I think this is a really profoundly challenging thing that we’ve never asked global society to do, which is to work collectively. We have a giant prisoners’ dilemma here where, you know, the nations that don’t act actually have an advantage in the short term. You can ride on that. And so we need to collectively act.
But I also see that there is a will, a will of this emerging. And so I’m more hopeful now than I was a year ago.
BAS: Really?
SCHMIDT: Much more. I mean I was genuinely sickened by the prospects last July at the Mainau Declaration. I really did not think the Paris meeting was going to come off. But it did. And it hasn’t been perfect, but I actually am more optimistic than I was a year ago. So that’s good.
BAS: I don’t want to take up too much of your time, but are there any last comments that you wanted to make?
SCHMIDT: I encourage my fellow scientists to, you know, have civilized discussions with people. Keep it civilized. Keep it to the facts. No hyperbole. No overreach. But at the same time it needs our attention, and it needs each of us to connect the expertise within our scientific community in as many ways as we can, through industry, through government, through our students, through the multidisciplinary work that we are all working on. It has to be a huge priority if we’re going to succeed.
(The author thanks the Lindau Nobel Laureate organizers for their journalism fellowship, which enabled this interview.)
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On the eve of the 2006 Tour de France, as the teams gathered in Strasbourg, the Operacion Puerto doping scandal exploded. In the first post-Lance Armstrong race the two favourites, Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso, were sent home before a pedal was turned. The Tour was in chaos.
In the latest Cycling Podcast Friends Special we look back on that cataclysmic day, with interviews with Patrice Clerc, who was then the president of Tour organisers ASO, and former riders Christophe Bassons and David Millar.
https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/cycling-podcast-storage/Trailers/2016/puertopromo.m4a
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Pirbright's Annual Report highlights investments in disease research and innovation
The Pirbright Institute's Annual Report 2019-2020 showcases a year of scientific progress in viral disease research.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown into sharp focus the importance of the research that Pirbright carries out on the border between animal and human disease, and in pushing forward One Health Agenda research.
The annual report highlights crucial work that the Institute contributed to in the UK’s COVID-19 diagnostic and surveillance effort, including the loan of our specialist equipment and by the volunteering of our highly trained diagnostics staff. Collaborative work also commenced with the University of Oxford, Jenner Institute and Imperial College London to test three different vaccine candidates in pigs.
“The continuing emergence of new viral diseases, such as COVID-19, demands robust research and collective efforts” said Pirbright’s Director, Professor Bryan Charleston, in his foreword to the Annual Report titled A future free from disease. “Pirbright’s global collaborations with research institutes, universities, science networks, biotech and industry, together with the support received from leading funding bodies, means that we are better equipped than ever to be able to support the UK’s and the wider global response to new and existing diseases.”
Pirbright’s latest contributions to disease eradication are featured in the report, exemplified by the destruction of the final stocks of rinderpest virus held in the World Reference Laboratory at the Institute. This action paves the way for other facilities to do the same to ensure the world remains free from rinderpest disease, which was declared to be eradicated in 2011. Innovations in vaccine research also take the spotlight, with studies towards a vaccine against African swine fever, a deadly disease of pigs, generating encouraging results. Animal vaccine trials for Nipah virus and Rift Valley fever virus, both zoonotic diseases that infect animals and humans, have been positive too.
The report details the extensive funding obtained in 2019-2020, including the successful mid-point review of Pirbright’s Institute Strategic Programme Grants (ISPGs) five-year funding cycle. The ISPGs are funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which last financial year strategically invested £25.2 million in supporting Pirbright’s research.
Further funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has allowed Pirbright to take on ambitious initiatives such as the Livestock Antibody Hub, that enables researchers at the Institute to share expertise and generate tools and resources for the veterinary research community as part of efforts to progress the One Health Agenda. Large grants for improving foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue diagnostic capabilities from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) also highlight the essential role Pirbright plays in protecting the UK from outbreaks through new innovations.
Professor John Stephenson, Chair of Pirbright’s Trustee Board, remarked: “The continued investment in Pirbright is evidence of the high calibre research that the Institute contributes to tackling viral diseases. As the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted so vividly the link between animal and human diseases and health, I have no doubt that Pirbright’s reputation as a centre of excellence in research and diagnostics of viruses that infect livestock and people will continue to grow.”
Partnerships with industry have delivered significant milestones for the Institute, for example, the design of a new effective and affordable vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease has been licensed to MSD Animal Health. Closer relationships with fellow research institutes will advance Pirbright’s scientific developments further, such as the collaboration with the Electron Bioimaging Centre at Diamond Light Source that is enabling Institute scientists to study viral diseases in greater detail.
Noticeable throughout the report are the images taken in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Although these appear quite alien in the current world of social distancing, photos of large in-person meetings and training ran by Pirbright scientists demonstrate their commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise with participants of global consortiums and networks, such as DEFEND, the Gnatwork and the UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases (CERAD).
Pirbright’s campus development continues apace, made possible by significant strategic investment from BBSRC UKRI. New facilities are highlighted in the report, such as Pirbright’s purpose-built Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) poultry facility, The Houghton Facility and The Brooksby Building, a high containment laboratory that will provide the UK with the capacity to study infectious viruses of large livestock as well as zoonoses that can spread from animals to people. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought in sharp relief the importance of the UK’s preparedness in diagnostics and surveillance in order to prevent, diagnose and control new and emerging infectious viral diseases.
Health and Treatment, Welfare, Biosecurity, General, Disease, Research
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The Business Drill: How MLB Network marks 30 years since Kirk Gibson’s World Series HR and Rob Reiner getting past third base
Now it can be told even if we’re not sure we want to know all the details:
When Rob Reiner met Michele Singer, it was as he was making the film “When Harry Met Sally.”
On a fateful Saturday night in mid-October 1988, the Hollywood writer, director and producer invited the photographer to his home in L.A. to watch NBC’s coverage of Game 1 of the World Series, which happened to feature his David-esque Dodgers against the heavily favored Goliath Oakland A’s.
Rob Reiner from “Only In Hollywood.” (Credit: MLB Network)
It couldn’t have been scripted much better.
Kirk Gibson hobbles up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning and, in a Roy Hobbs, too-good-to-be-true swing of the bat, change the course of events in several ways.
“He hits this home run, and it’s somewhat of an aphrodisiac for me,” Reiner admits at a critical point of an MLB Network doc titled “Only In Hollywood,” which looks back 30 years ago at that Dodgers’ improbable season.“We were going to meet Bruno Kirby and Billy Crystal to go see a documentary. And let’s put it this way: We didn’t make it to the movie theater. That’s all I’m gonna say.”
Sooooooo.
Our piece on this MLB Net event, which debuts Sunday at 5, 7, and 9 p.m., is here in The Hollywood Reporter.
We should also note: It reairs on Sunday at midnight, Tuesday at 10 a.m., Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Saturday July 21 at 2 p.m. Hopefully more in October.
And here’s a clip of it.
And we also have media notes on Fox’s MLB All-Star Game coverage and more for this week at this link.
Other than that, that’s all we’re gonna say.
tagged with 1988 World Series, dodgers, Kirk Gibson, Rob Reinder
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Maldives Tuna Fishers Trial Radar to Protect Sea Birds
MALDIVES - The Maldivian pole-and-line tuna fishers have begun a comprehensive experimental trial of an on-board bird tracking radar in an attempt to improve efficiency of one-by-one tuna fishing boats.
Radar can be used to locate flocks of seabirds on the distant horizon. Furuno, the marine electronics company developed the world’s first bird radar in 1986. But it has not yet been widely applied across all pole-and-line fisheries.
The International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) has teamed up with Furuno USA for the three-month trial programme. As well as providing all the equipment for the trial, Furuno USA has given the crew all the necessary training and advice needed to locate seabirds via radar.
The crew are gathering data to establish whether the bird-tracking radar makes a significant difference in efficiency. John Burton, Chairman of IPNLF, is looking forward to reviewing the progress made during the trial’s first month.
“For centuries, Maldivian vessel skippers have used seabirds to pinpoint the location of tuna schools, this process alone can take fishing crews several hours at sea. Our hope is that radar technology will reduce the time and resources spent seeking out fishing opportunities," said Mr Burton.
He continues: “If the equipment trial on this vessel is successful, these systems could prove invaluable tools for one-by-one tuna fisheries in other locations. This sector is vital to the economy and culture of coastal communities, so it’s imperative we explore every avenue to continue to provide jobs, food and development opportunities for future generations.”
The low environmental impact of pole-and-line fisheries is well known, and on the very rare occasions when seabird entanglements occur in these types of fisheries, they can usually be extricated and released alive.
IPNLF is looking to ensure that demand for one-by-one caught tuna can be met without compromising the sustainability of the fisheries, while at the same time providing much-needed support for fishing communities who are heavily reliant upon those stocks.
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Nour al-Din al-Zenki, a US-backed Salafi-jihadist rebel group in Syria
US ambassador confirms billions spent on regime change in Syria, debunking ‘Obama did nothing’ myth
Ben Norton· February 9, 2018
The US government spent at least $12 billion in Syria-related military and civilian expenses in the four years from 2014 through 2017, former ambassador Robert Ford disclosed in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.
The United States spent at least $12 billion in Syria-related military and civilian expenses in the four years from 2014 through 2017, according to the former U.S. ambassador to the country.
This $12 billion is in addition to the billions more spent to pursue regime change in Syria in the previous three years, after war broke out in 2011.
This striking figure provides a further glimpse of the exorbitant sums of money the U.S. spent trying to topple the government in Damascus. It also bluntly contradicts claims by Syrian opposition supporters that the former administration of President Barack Obama “did nothing” in Syria, or that it supposedly did not seek regime change fervently enough.
Former U.S. ambassador to Syria Robert S. Ford disclosed this information in written testimony prepared for a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on February 6.
“The cost of US military operations in Syria between FY 2014 and the end of FY 2017 was between $3 and $4 billion,” Ford said. “In addition to the cost of those military operations, the FY 2017 budget request included $430 [million] to build local security forces and the FY 2018 request was for $500 million.”
The former ambassador did not distinguish what proportion of this spending went specifically to fighting ISIS. Although he made clear that some of it was directed at the Syrian opposition.
Ford also reported that the U.S. spent $7.7 billion in humanitarian aid efforts in Syria in those same four years. This figure cannot be excluded from the overall cost of the U.S. regime-change mission, however, because U.S. spending on humanitarian aid in Syria has often been explicitly politicized.
The U.S. State Department, USAID, and other government agencies have refused to provide humanitarian aid to government-held areas in Syria and have instead expressly used the funding to bankroll the political, civil, and health infrastructure of rebel-held territory, including areas that are governed by Syria’s al-Qaeda affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra. The Guardian exposed how similar aid initiatives by the British government financed the activities of al-Nusra and other extremist Salafi-jihadist militias.
Ford acknowledged in his testimony that U.S. humanitarian aid to Syria was heavily politicized, explaining:
The U.S. also has deployed a small civilian team into Syria charged with initial reconstruction and building new local governance or improving on existing local governance. If it sounds like nation-building, it is but on a smaller scale. USAID and other civilian agencies have provided $875 million in non-lethal and stabilization aid to opposition-controlled areas in Syria since FY 2012. Last year alone the US provided about $200 million.
This politicized humanitarian funding has been part of a concerted effort to undermine the Syrian government’s control over Syrian territory by creating independent political administrations, civil society organizations, health institutions, and infrastructure that are outside of its control, effectively establishing de facto autonomous governments that survive on U.S. funding.
In fact, Ford went so far in the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing as to condemn United Nations humanitarian aid programs, claiming they are “basically subsidizing Assad” by supporting civilians in government-held territory (which comprises the vast majority of the country).
“If you add all these numbers up, US military and civilian costs in Syria over the past four years are at least $12 billion,” Ford said in his written congressional testimony. “That’s a lot of money. And it’s not clear when those outlays will stop.”
Billions spent on CIA Syria operations
Joshua Landis, a leading academic expert on Syria, speculated that the $12 billion figure may not include spending by the Central Intelligence Agency.
The New York Times noted that the CIA program in Syria was “one of the most expensive efforts to arm and train rebels since the agency’s program arming the mujahedeen in Afghanistan during the 1980s,” which gave birth to al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
The CIA likely spent billions of dollars pursuing regime change in Syria, although exact estimates vary.
In June 2015, The Washington Post reported that CIA covert operations in Syria had “a budget approaching $1 billion a year.” The report continued: “At $1 billion, Syria-related operations account for about $1 of every $15 in the CIA’s overall budget, judging by spending levels revealed in documents The Washington Post obtained from former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.”
U.S. officials told the Post these CIA efforts were “part of a broader, multibillion-dollar effort involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey to bolster” the Syrian opposition.
A January 2016 report by The New York Times likewise revealed that Saudi Arabia helped finance U.S. operations in Syria, and “estimates have put the total cost of the arming and training effort at several billion dollars.” Significant funding also came from Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey.
By August 2017, however, the Times had significantly downplayed the price of the operations at “more than $1 billion over the life of the program” — even while acknowledging that it was “one of the costliest covert action programs in the history of the C.I.A.”
The ‘Obama did nothing in Syria’ myth
Robert Ford’s disclosure constitutes the latest admission by a government official that the cost of U.S. operations in the Syrian war have exceeded 11 digits, extending into the tens of billions.
It also stands in stark contrast to the claims of pro-opposition advocates and pundits, who have breathlessly insisted that the administration of President Barack Obama was not serious about overthrowing the government of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Media watchdog Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) has repeatedly documented the claims that “Obama did nothing” in Syria, a lie that has persistently been spread by some of the world’s most high-profile journalists.
The editorial boards of leading newspapers and senior politicians in the U.S. and Europe have contributed to this popular myth. Obama’s liberal and conservative critics alike have excoriated him for supposedly “shrugging” and “sitting idly by.”
The lie that the U.S. “did not intervene in Syria” has been repeated by figures from Senator John McCain to New York Times reporters and beyond.
Congressional Syria regime-change hearing
Robert S. Ford is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, an influential Washington, D.C.-based think tank that is funded largely by the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
MEI largely acts as a vehicle for Emirati influence in the U.S. Leaked emails show the think tank has been used to give an appearance of independence to UAE-backed foreign trips with U.S. diplomats.
The testimony in which former ambassador Robert Ford revealed this information was prepared for the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing “Syria: Which Way Forward?”, which also featured some of Ford’s extremely hawkish colleagues at MEI.
MEI senior fellow Charles Lister, who has for years lobbied for the United States to violently overthrow the Syrian government, while whitewashing the Salafi-jihadist rebels in Syria, also prepared written testimony in which he lamented the failure of the regime-change program and proposed new ways to bring down Assad.
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a hardline neoconservative who serves as chair of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, opened the hearing stating that “many people were encouraged by Secretary Tillerson’s recent speech” in which he called for a “Syria under post-Assad leadership.”
In this speech in January, Tillerson confirmed that U.S. troops will remain in Syria indefinitely, even after ISIS is defeated. He also reaffirmed the Trump administration’s commitment to regime change, and called on the international community to economically undermine Damascus by refusing to fund reconstruction efforts.
Ford and Lister joined Ros-Lehtinen in praising Tillerson for outlining these goals, but lamented that specific actions were not proposed by the administration to bring them to fruition.
How exactly the U.S. is going to bring about regime change in Damascus at this point remains unclear. In his prepared testimony, Ford conceded that the “Syrian and Iranian governments, and Russia, all want us out of Syria.”
Al-QaedaBarack ObamaCharles ListerIleana Ros-LehtinenJohn McCainMiddle East InstituteRex TillersonRobert FordSaudi ArabiaSyriaUAEUnited Arab Emirates
Exclusive: OPCW chief made false claims to denigrate Douma whistleblower, documents reveal
Emails expose how UAE works with US media to push pro-Saudi propaganda
Ben Norton· June 9, 2017
Videos show US govt-funded White Helmets assisting public executions in rebel-held Syria
Ben Norton and Max Blumenthal· May 23, 2017
‘We are the vaccine against unilateralism’: Non-Aligned Movement gathers in Venezuela to resist dictatorship of dollar
Syrian journalist corrects the record on mainstream media’s absurd Idlib coverage
Anya Parampil· February 27, 2020
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ASPEN,INSPIRATION
Lucky Stars: Aspen Astrology
Aspen’s premier astrologist offers a constellation of tools to guide clients through major decisions.
Photograph: Patrick Kindt
by Rosie Cutter
Whether embarking on a new relationship or launching a business, the difference between success and failure usually comes down to one thing: timing. The heavens have been referred to as the great clock in the sky, and astrology is the language of its movement. But for thousands of years, charts have been cast in the highest echelons of society, planning everything from the birth of royalty to flight times and signing of contracts.
One often overlooked, yet ancient and accurate, system of astrological divination uses playing cards, a traditional 52-card deck. Each day of the year corresponds to a card. Identifying the playing card associated with your birth date can unlock secrets of life potential. Like electricity running through a building, whether these influences are positive or negative depends upon how they are utilized. January 20, for example, the birthdate of film directors David Lynch and Frederico Fellini, is represented by the seven of diamonds, the card of spiritual values. Seven-of-diamonds individuals are very stubborn and unique; they are here to shine a light on values in society that are not leading to spiritual advancement, and in doing so, offer alternative and sometimes shocking perspectives. September 21 correlates with the three of clubs, the writer’s card, shared by Stephen King, Leonard Cohen and Bill Murray. The challenge of this alchemic life path is translating worry and indecision into creative expression.
Another well-known horoscope comes from Western astrology, which is focused on the sun sign, the constellation the sun was in at the time of birth. A Western astrology chart offers an in-depth analysis of childhood patterning, romantic proclivities, and life purpose.
Yet another tool is astrocartography, which generates a worldwide map showing favorable areas for relocation, business or pleasure. Astrolocation is derived from charting out the physical location of the bodies of the sky and laying grid-like lines across a map of the world. Certain locations are more favorable for commerce and the material world (i.e., Jupiter and sun lines) whereas some locations are better for introspection and healing (Chiron and moon lines).
A client of mine, a fashion designer, had just moved from LA to NY to take the next steps in her career. Immediately after the move, she began having conflicts with longtime business partners, developed several mysterious ailments, and had an overall feeling of restriction in every area of her life. We drew up the astrolocation chart and found Manhattan to be sitting right on a Mars/Pluto line. Mixing the god of war with the god of the underworld is ideal for physical or military action, but not for business and pleasure. Meanwhile, Miami was on a Venus line—very favorable to her. A Venus line brings success with beauty, the arts, anything to do with women, and just an overall feeling of support and contentment: perfect for a fashion designer. Immediately after her relocation, she flourished in her career and met her husband (Venus also brings love). Astrology is like a weather forecast. Free will abounds, but if you want to have a picnic and all your friends join you, it’s best to try to plan for a sunny day.
In my own life, as a musician who toured internationally, I received countless readings that helped shape my career and lead me toward greater success. Over time, out of deep reverence for the systems, I started sharing this information with clients one-on-one or in group situations (businesses, couples, families). Over the past 10 years I have had the pleasure of working with thousands of people all over the world. It is endlessly fascinating to see the accuracy of the charts.
As our world, with its information overload and modern-day stressors, changes at an ever-increasing speed, one can feel very disconnected and ungrounded. We long for more natural rhythms, a slower pace, for deeper meaning in a seemingly chaotic existence. By merely opening our eyes to the patterns in the world around us, we may find solutions right under our noses, or perhaps over our heads. destinycardproducts.com
2020 Chinese New Year Forecast
Aspen AM
How’s That For Balance?
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Andrew Dean is a Junior Research Fellow at University College London. His book, Metafiction and the Postwar Novel, will be published by Oxford University Press in 2021. He is also the author of a book about New Zealand’s economic reform period, Ruth, Roger and Me (BWB 2015).
The Catton conundrum: What attacks on the novelist say about public debate in NZ
Sean Plunket's "hua" diatribe is symptomatic of a widespread silencing of dissent in New Zealand.
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January 27, 2015 zoomvroom Car Culture, Humor, Movie Cars, Random
The Top Car-Killing Movies!
Just about everybody knows that breaking stuff is fun. When directors get gigantic budgets and a car chase to shoot, sometimes they go overboard. These movies destroyed the most cars – the numbers are crazy!
Ronin (1998): Yes, Ronin was a good movie. One of the many cool parts about it? Director John Frankenheimer was a former amateur racer. He enlisted former French Formula 1 driver Jean-Pierre Jarier and 300 OTHER stunt drivers to film the insane chase through Paris. The result? An epic eight-minute chase sequence that deserves a spot in the car chase hall of fame. Oh, and they destroyed a mere 80 cars. That’s nothing compared to other movies on this list! Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVaNBrYLvFg
Bullitt (1968): Yes, it is riddled with some funny errors – the 1968 Dodge Charger loses five hubcaps from four wheels over the course of the chase! However, it is still one of the greatest car chases ever produced. People are still making their own versions of it almost fifty years later. The iconic Highland Green big-block Mustang fastback reached speeds well over 100 mph on the hilly streets of San Francisco, sometimes even with the legendary Steve McQueen behind the wheel! More than 80 cars were destroyed during the filming of the movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vNvc9n1ikI
Gone in 60 Seconds (1974): Director, producer, stunt driver, and star of the original Gone in 60 Seconds H.B. Halicki was given a tiny $150,000 budget, but the movie has now grossed more than $40 million. He drove the original “Eleanor” – the tastefully customized 1973 Mustang (to this day, one of the best-looking Mustangs ever) throughout the chase scene. Somebody else from the crew would drive the car throughout the rest of the movie (cameraman, actor, etc.). Many of the bystanders were members of the public – there was no money for extras. Some of the crashes were completely unscripted, which makes the movie that much better. When Halicki clipped another car at 100 mph and spun into a lamppost, he ended up in the hospital. The crash ended up in the film. Gone in 60 Seconds destroyed 93 cars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMz3g1x75pU
The Blues Brothers (1980 and 2000): The 1980 version of the film held the record for the most cars violently destroyed until the 2000 remake, which smashed the record (pun intended) by a whopping ONE car! For the 1980 film, 60 used police cars were bought for $400 apiece, fitted with reinforced frames. Almost all of the cars were unusable by the end of filming. The 1980 version destroyed 103 cars. The 2000 version decimated 104 cars. This is the 1980 version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMagP52BWG8 and this is the 2000 version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDEFL2fLGIE
G.I. Joe (2009): Yes, it is an awful film by every account. It also happened to briefly hold the record for most cars destroyed in a movie (112 cars). It beat The Blues Brothers (2000) by eight cars. Maybe blowing up stuff isn’t as exciting as we all thought it was as kids. That being said, enjoy the gratuitous automotive destruction at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0GBhbu-0aQ
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013): Sometimes, it’s best to leave the best alone. Some movies don’t need a sequel, let alone four. Die Hard is one of said movies. Sadly, 25 years after Bruce Willis “killed” Alan Rickman (the guy who played Snape in the Harry Potter movies, kids), we are talking about the fifth and worst Die Hard yet. Willis and the cast somehow destroyed 132 cars and badly damaged an incredible 518 cars PAST their 132 dead brethren. That being said, the car chase is good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWNie0rdXlI
The Junkman (1982): Have you ever heard of The Junkman? I hadn’t either until now. It’s the crashiest film you’ve never heard of. Directed by H.B. Alicki, the crash-hungry director of Gone in 60 Seconds, it reportedly killed more than 150 cars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIh_IbxIrr8
Fast Five (2011): All in all, over 1000 cars have been destroyed since the first Fast & Furious. That’s more than one a minute in total film time. 260 cars were destroyed in Fast Five. However, Fast & Furious 6 used about 400 cars, with few surviving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-4zZBGfF98
Matrix Reloaded (2003): Somehow, the folks behind Matrix Reloaded managed to kill 300 cars loaned to them by GM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSPAPeO17Zk
Transformers 3 (2011): By definition, every one of the 532 cars destroyed were ready for the junkyard – they were all donated to director Michael Bay because of flood damage. They needed to be scrapped by law anyways – why not destroy them violently? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSPAPeO17Zk
Well, that’s my list! I hope that you enjoyed it, as well as the chase scenes. I recommend you watch this song while listening to “Rockin’ Down the Highway” by the Doobie Brothers. It seems fitting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drg50H3nNAk
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Graduate Fellowships – Fall 2011Department of Computer Science & EngineeringUniversity of Nevada, Reno, USA
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) (http://www.cse.unr.edu) invites applications for two Graduate Fellowships in the 2011-2012 academic year. The fellowships are open to new doctoral students who have been accepted to the Ph.D. program in CSE for Fall 2011. Each fellowship provides a stipend of $23,000; an additional $7,000 is provided for covering tuition fees, health insurance, and other fees. Each fellowship is for up to three years of support, provided that academic progress is maintained. Specific details about fellowship requirements, obligations, and application process are provided below.
The department currently has 35 PhD students in the program and expects to increase the size to 50 over the next years. Students who wish to enter the Ph.D. program must possess a Bachelors (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in either computer science or computer engineering. The department will consider applications from students lacking this background if they show exceptional promise. Specific admission and program requirements can be found at the following website: http://www.cse.unr.edu/academics/graduate/cephd-new.html. The Department will reimburse the application fees for admission for applicants with a GPA greater than 3.5 and a GRE Verbal + Quantitative score greater than 1,250 (with a GRE Quantitative score greater than 750).
The Department of CSE currently has 13 full time faculty members and offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees supporting a dynamic and growing program with approximately 300 undergraduate and 70 graduate students. Graduate students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering are given the opportunity to focus on a specific area in computer science and engineering by taking advanced courses and becoming significantly involved in many aspects of original research, advancing scientific knowledge in their field of specialization. In particular, they implement prototype systems, develop and prove new theories, conduct experiments, attend international conferences, and publish their results in scientific journals and conferences.
Baca Juga: Master / Doctoral Fellowships, Hydro Research Foundation, USA
There are four main research areas within the Department: Computer and Network Systems (Dwight Egbert, Mehmet Gunes, Yaakov Varol, Murat Yuksel), Games and Simulations (Kostas Bekris, Bobby Bryant, Dwight Egbert, Eelke Folmer, Sushil Louis), Intelligent Systems (George Bebis, Kostas Bekris, Bobby Bryant, Sushil Louis, Mircea Nicolescu, Monica Nicolescu), and Software Systems (Sergiu Dascalu, Eelke Folmer, Fred Harris). Research topics within these focus areas with strong faculty expertise include: agent modeling, artificial intelligence, evolutionary computing, motion planning, pattern recognition, robotics, image processing, computer vision, graphics, virtual reality, digital interactive games, security, human-computer interaction, software design, parallel and distributed computing, embedded systems, networks, and wireless communications. The research activities and experimental facilities have been well-supported by various federal research and infrastructure grants.
UNR is an integral part of the Reno metropolitan area, home to approximately 300,000 people. The 255 acre main campus, located minutes from downtown Reno, features both contemporary and historic architecture, and the university’s tree-lined Quadrangle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The academic atmosphere is filled with rich surroundings for the cultural and intellectual development of the students. Reno is bounded on the west by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range and on the east by the rolling basin and range province, Reno benefits from a comfortable climate. There are four distinct seasons in this cool, dry climate where the sun shines nearly 290 days a year. The area is noted for its variety of recreational opportunities, which include sailing, camping, hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. Within an hour’s drive of the campus, for example, are Lake Tahoe in the High Sierra, and Pyramid Lake, a unique prehistoric desert sea. Also within an hour’s drive are a number of nationally known ski areas, including Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Reno is within 2 hours’ drive from Sacramento and 3.5 hours’ drive from San Francisco.
Baca Juga: UNESCO / Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships 2011, Japan
Duration of Award
Up to three years of support, provided that academic progress is maintained.
$23,000 per year; an additional amount of $7,000 will be provided for covering tuition fees, health insurance, and other fees.
Criteria for Fellowship Selection
New, degree-seeking, Ph.D. students.
Admission to the CSE doctoral program; apply by March 15, 2011.
Undergraduate GPA greater than 3.50.
GRE score of at least 1250 on the combined verbal/quantitative section with a minimum quantitative score of 750.
TOEFL score of at least 600 (for international students only).
Evidence of previous research experience and academic achievements (e.g., awards, recognition, or honors).
Baca Juga: USDA Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship for Indonesia
Fellowship Obligations
Maintain good academic performance and progress during each term of the award or the fellowship will be cancelled.
Maintain full-time enrollment in CSE doctoral program (9 credit hours are required during the fall and spring terms).
Submit a research proposal by the end of the first year and make satisfactory research progress (i.e., research reports and publications) each year after.
For consideration, interested applicants should submit (1) a resume, (2) three reference letters, (3) a one-page statement of purpose (describing reasons for applying, research interests and career goals), (4) documentation of studies (e.g., research reports, publications) demonstrating aptitude for research, (5) official GRE and TOEFL scores (TOEFL scores for international students only), and (6) scanned copies of official transcripts.
All documents should be sent to Trish Spoon, CSE Office Manager (tspoon@unr.edu) in electronic form by March 15th 2011. For information about graduate studies in CSE, please contact Dr. George Bebis, Graduate Director (bebis@cse.unr.edu).
Research Fellowship Programme for Foreign Citizens, Turkey
University of Adelaide Student Exchange Program – Gadjah Mada University
Simons Graduate Fellowships in Theoretical Computer Science, USA
Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowships at The Institute of International Education (IIE)
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Sylvia Sanchez
After starting out as a sexy actress, Sylvia Sanchez eventually transitioned into more serious dramatic roles and succesfully sealed her spot in the Philippine entertainment industry as a bankable character actress. She has played remarkable supporting roles in various hit teleseryes such as Esperanza, Recuerdo de Amor, Basta’t Kasama Kita, Bituin, Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit, Crazy For You, Eva Fonda, Be Careful With My Heart, Apoy Sa Dagat, Pure Love, Pangako Sa ‘Yo, Ningning and My Super D. She has also showcased her acting prowess in the big screen by ably playing supporting roles in the movies Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin, Esperanza: The Movie, Angels, Forevermore, Dreamboy, Miss You Like Crazy, Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi, Bulong, and The Trial, for which she won Best Supporting Actess at the PMPC Star Awards. She top-billed the widely praised dramatic series The Greatest Love, where she plays a mother suffering from Alzeimer’s Disease. Now Sylvia once again displays her acting prowess in the dramatic series, "Hanggang Saan." Sylvia is the mother of actors Arjo Atayde and Ria Atayde.
Hanggang Saan with English Subtitles
110 episodes | Nov 27, 2017 | ENGLISH SUBTITLED
Hanggang Saan
111 episodes | Nov 27, 2017
165 episodes | Aug 31, 2016
The Greatest Love with English Subtitles
166 episodes | Jul 15, 2016 | ENGLISH SUBTITLED
My Super D
67 episodes | Apr 18, 2016
Ningning with English Subtitles
Ningning
126 episodes | Jul 27, 2015
Be Careful with My Heart Rewind
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I really feel like I took one for the team here, guys.
For those of you that are blessed enough to not be familiar with 2002’s Master of Disguise, I envy you. This film, no doubt, was the nail in the coffin for Dana Carvey’s film career. Strike one is that the film was produced by Happy Madison Productions, a company that, at the time, was hit or miss with the films they would produce (soon they would be all miss, if we’re being completely honest). And, the film was all downhill from that opening title screen.
The Master of Disguise was a film that was solely a vehicle for Dana Carvey to do as many impressions as he could, but making them all kid friendly. The story is absolutely ridiculous and the execution is even moreso. With a run time of only an hour and twenty minutes, you would think that the film would breeze by. But, you would be wrong, as the film feels like it’s twenty hours and one minute. I’m not sure that this is so much an issue of pacing, as it is an issue of just the entire film being nearly unbearable.
Some of the biggest questions that I have about this film are:
How old is Pistachio Disguisey? He still lives with his parents and, at one point, makes a statement about just now having his first kiss, which would lead me to believe he is somewhere in his twenties. But, he’s being played by Dana Carvey who, at the time, was nearly 50 years old. He was only 15 years younger than James Brolin, who played his father.
Speaking of Brolin, how in the hell did they convince so many well known people to be in this film? This has absolutely baffled me for years. The Master of Disguise not only has Dana Carvey and James Brolin in it, but also Jennifer Esposito, Harold Gould, Brent Spiner, Edie McClurg, and Kevin Nealon all as characters in the film. Then, playing themselves is Bo Derek, Jessica Simpson, Jesse Ventura, and Michael Johnson. That casting, although not filled with A-listers, is still absurd for this calibur of film.
Did we all, meaning everybody who has actually seen this movie, just collectively forget that Dana Carvey did brown face and used an indian accent at one point in this film? This and so much more of the film is just so painfully early 2000s, I cringed nearly the whole time I was watching this film.
How did they manage to get three different songs written and recorded just for this film?
Why must there be the sexualization of women and their asses in a film that is being made for children?
Why is Jennifer Baker’s bar set so low for men that she ultimately ends up with Pistachio Disguisey? Jennifer Baker is played by Jennifer Esposito. She could have had any other man. But, she chooses this buffoon? Okay, movie.
This is not a woman who ends up with somebody named Pistachio Disguisey.
Why even bother slapping a person with an open hand for dignity purposes but then repeat the “demoralizing” phrase “Who’s your daddy”? That makes no sense.
Why did there have to be a small person inside the slap bot? That seems completely unnecessary.
Why does it feel like a chunk of the film is literally the footage that plays throughout the credits? That stuff was definitely put in there just to make that run time. I don’t see any other reason why it would be included.
What strikes me as the weirdest thing in regards to this film is that, although it is seen as one of the worst movies ever made, it still managed to cement itself into the public’s consciousness. Even if you have not seen this film, I’m pretty sure you’ll know the phrase “Am I not turtley enough for the turtle club?”. Which, honestly, is insane to think about.
Now, I do have something to confess: My brother and I loved this film as children, and we watched it often enough that I still, nearly twenty years later, know nearly every line in this film. I have even been known to work lines from this movie into my everyday conversations, mainly the line “it’s a pop-up” for some reason. I also own this film on DVD. Look, it’s not something I’m proud of. But, it is what it is.
Anyway, if, for whatever reason, you want to watch this film, it’s currently streaming on Starz. But, I don’t recommend doing so. I really really don’t.
Kristen Marie January 4, 2021 January 4, 2021 2000s, 2002, Action, Adventure, Blog, Blogger, Bo Derek, Brent Spiner, Children's movie, Cinephile, Comedy, Dana Carvey, Edie McClurg, Film, Film Blog, Film Blogger, Film Buff, Film Critic, Film Criticism, Film Lover, Film Review, Film Reviews, Film Website, Films, Happy Madison Productions, Harold Gould, James Brolin, Jennifer Esposito, Jesse Ventura, Jessica Simpson, Kevin Nealon, Michael Johnson, Movie, Movie Blog, Movie Blogger, Movie Buff, Movie Critic, Movie Criticism, Movie Lover, Movie Review, Movie Reviews, Movie Website, Movies, Notoriously Bad Films, The Master of Disguise, Worst Movie Ever Made
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‘Racing with Fire’ by Andrea Banjac
Reckless culpability and the innocence of youth cross swords in a case that both rewrote the powers of legislation and allowed subjective reasoning to prevail, when two young boys aged eleven and twelve spent the night outside before playing in the rear storage yard of a Co-operative store.
What began as tomfoolery with matches and newspaper, wound up as criminal damage and arson totalling over £1m in damages, however with equal consideration of English criminal law and precedent relating to the facts, it also became a matter destined to reach the House of Lords.
Having decided to camp out underneath the stars, the two appellants trespassed into the refuse area of the store and began reading discarded newspapers, after which they set alight to a bundle of newspapers before placing them beneath a large plastic dustbin. Without staying to watch the flames extinguish, the defendants later left the yard and presumably returned home.
Unfortunately as is the nature of fire, the flames ignited the bin, which subsequently ignited the adjacent bin until the fire spread to the roof and beyond, and so when first heard at trial the judge rightly relied upon the exacting terms of s.1(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971, which reads that:
“A person who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any property belonging to another intending to destroy or damage any such property or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged shall be guilty of an offence.”
While the term ‘reckless’ remains subjectively difficult to ascertain, the application of this measure failed to discriminate between the range of comprehension created through age, disability, or intelligence. This absence of evaluation forced the jury to determine the boys’ guilt on the objective reasoning of an adult, as established in R v Caldwell and earlier in R v Cunningham (albeit a case more reliant upon maliciousness than ignorance).
In Caldwell the defendant had been intoxicated prior to choosing to set fire to his employer’s hotel, thereby putting the guests and staff in great danger while noting that he had paid little mind to the consequences when starting the fire, while it was this case that led to an objective reasoning test that whilst applicable to most mature adults, offered little consideration for children or vulnerable adults in similar circumstances.
Having deliberated on the certainty of a fair conviction, the judge and jury were left finding guilt, although not without concern for the limitations of the 1971 Act, and so with their challenge dismissed by the Court of Appeal, the appellants were granted leave to present to the House of Lords, where greater attention was placed upon the disparity of the Criminal Law Act 2003 and art.40(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights (Public hearings and access to documents), which expressed that:
“States parties recognise the right of every child alleged as, accused of, or recognised as having infringed the penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child’s sense of dignity and worth, which reinforces the child’s respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others and which takes into account the child’s age and the desirability of promoting the child’s reintegration and the child’s assuming a constructive role in society.”
It was then with appreciation of the narrowness that recklessness previously enjoyed, that the House examined the relevance of continuing to broaden the scope of reckless behaviour, so as to avoid the need for deliberate and considered forethought to the mindset of those accused.
Upon revisitation of the case history preceding the Criminal Damage Act 1971, it became clear that overlooking the objective test had prevented fair and reasoned judgment, and that this particular case was the perfect vehicle upon which to amend that error, thus the House (by majority) declared the boys’ innocence and upheld the appeal, while clarifying that:
“[I]f the law is to operate with the concept of recklessness, then it may properly treat as reckless the man who acts without even troubling to give his mind to a risk that would have been obvious to him if he had thought about it.”
Author Neil Egan-RonaynePosted on March 16, 2020 March 17, 2020 Categories English Criminal LawTags arson, children, Court of Appeal, Criminal Damage Act 1971, English Criminal Law, fire, House of Lords, human rights, Neil Egan-Ronayne, Objective Test, property, R v Caldwell, R v CunninghamLeave a comment on R v G (2002)
‘Cuardernos de África” by Miquel Barceló
Author Neil Egan-RonaynePosted on March 3, 2020 March 4, 2020 Categories UK Human Rights lawTags 1998, Algeria, Article 6 (Right to a fair trial), Asylum, Cuba, ECHR, European Convention on Human Rights, European Court of Human Rights, Guantanamo Bay, human rights, Human Rights Act 1998, India, Jordan, Neil Egan-Ronayne, Northern Ireland, Parliament, Race, Religion, SIAC, Terrorism, torture, United Nations, USALeave a comment on UK Human Rights law
Image: ‘Lady Justice’ by Eraclis Aristidou
What exactly is ‘access to justice’, and why do we need to preserve it? To answer that we need to first understand how the phrase came about, and then why it may be in danger of becoming a legal bygone.
‘Access to Justice’ was a phrase used by Lord Woolf in 1996, when attempting to streamline the litigation processes attached to personal injury claims suffered by everyday people in the United Kingdom. Largely based upon the combined incentives of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and part36 (early offers strategies), it was suggested that by expediting claims, there would by default, become a lesser chance of spiralling legal costs, and reluctance of the poor seeking recovery for damages sustained in events beyond their control.
While from a superficial slant this ‘quickening’ of justice appears to embrace those without the means of representation and the legal acumen to work alone, it is now suggested that in fact the contrary has become true. With the collective impact of legal aid cuts, increased court fees and numerous court closures, the resulting options take on a less attractive sheen, in lieu of the growing hesitance to seek legal reparation. This gross misdirection translates as a more cloaked prevention, over the illusion of equitability, and to date there are now many activists campaigning for a dramatic change in policy.
As was discussed in my own academic paper, the dangers inherent to early offers far outweigh the genuine reward for pursuance of authentic remedy, but unless fiscally challenged claimants are determined enough to transcend the aggressive manoeuvres of defendant representatives, the odds will by majority, remain stacked against them. This in effect, strangulates the innate purpose of accessible justice, and places far greater value upon the currency of industry; therefore while far from helping the weak, it runs a calculable risk of leaving them powerless and unable to fight back.
In a report published in October 2016, Amnesty International summarised that three key groups were directly affected by arbitrary cuts to legal aid support, namely (i) the vulnerable, (ii) the transitory and (iii) the disabled. And while taking great strides to illustrate the far-reaching consequences of such inconsiderate narrowness, the message was quite simply that:
“Amnesty International is therefore calling on the UK government to urgently fulfil its promise to review the impact of the cuts and take steps to ensure the right of the most disadvantaged sectors of society to access justice is adequately protected.”
Writing as a father of a special needs child, the first and third groups possess immediate implications for families similar to my own, who for one reason or another, might find themselves facing legal action, whether through public body frustrations, or simple damages-based incidents. Yet knowing that in the first instance there is no legal counsel, and no validation of a right to claim without parallel concerns of costs, there remains only the stark realisation that the price of justice now relies upon the roll of a loaded dice.
Interestingly, while this area of discussion might prove hard to quantify with any degree of exactness, the Legal Ombudsmen publication ‘Ten Questions to ask your Lawyer about Costs‘, proves instantly invaluable when evaluating the merits of private law claims. More notably, recent changes to the fixed fees threshold within litigation, has to some extent, appeased the fears of those predominantly affected by previous reforms; yet the issue remains that claimants subject to a deprivation of counsel (pro-bono or otherwise), might still think twice before filling out their CNF forms. This is a frank but cautious sentiment echoed by Jonathan Smithers of The Law Society, who remarked:
“A single approach for all cases, regardless of complexity, will lead to many cases being economically unviable to pursue which undermines the principle of justice delivering fairness for all.”
However, when all is said and done, it is unlikely that both the practice industry and public interest will ever read from the same page, but that should never encourage the marginalisation of legal support in a world that is only becoming more crowded and prone to collisions of priority.
While there is understandable anger at the gradient closure of almost 90 courts across the country, the promise of a heavily invested tech and user-friendly system, could prove the one positive in this tempering of justice, and so it would be remiss to level accusations of deliberate prevention, when the suggestion of ‘pop-up’ courts is peddled through various forms of digital media.
There is however, cause for concern when terms such as ‘makeshift’ and ‘public houses’ are used in the same context as the ‘fair’ and ‘reasoned’ dispensation of justice, within an (albeit shrinking) framework of purpose built environments, before calm and attentive audiences. In fact, one might go so far as suggest that legal discourse is becoming diluted, by virtue of the fact that ‘quickie’ courts will themselves, overlook the precision of judicial application in favour of higher case turnover. Contrastingly, the option to pursue legal ends through online portals would seem to proffer greater structure, less chance for media intrusion and a significant cost saving, as was shown during Gary Linker’s recent divorce.
In closing, the point in greatest need of clarification, is that the true meaning of ‘access to justice’ is not one of quick fixes to complex problems. Rather it is about an equal right to a domestic jurisprudence generations in the making. By weakening the fabric of reparation in favour of mass appeasement, the English judicial system will only prove itself counter-productive and rushed; and so it is crucial that any consideration for public interest, and those employed to serve them, must be delicately balanced, rather than a mere continuance of treating every legal problem like a nail.
Author Neil Egan-RonaynePosted on March 2, 2017 October 31, 2017 Categories Access to JusticeTags A2J, Access to Justice, Access to Justice Act 1999, ADR, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Amnesty International, Civil Litigation, CNF Form, Counsel, courts, Daily Telegraph, Divorce, Ellen Beauregard, Gary Lineker, human rights, Inequality, INSIGHT, Jonathan Smithers, LASPO, Law Firms, Legal Aid, Legal Fees, Legal Ombudsmen, Lord Woolf, March 2017, Media, Neil Egan-Ronayne, Part 36, Pop-up Courts, poverty, Public Houses, Solictors, The Law Society, Wealth, www.accesstojusticeactiongroup.co.uk, www.amnesty.org, www.theblackletter.co.uk1 Comment on Access to Justice
Birth of the Human Rights Act 1998
Image: ‘Against Forgetting’ by Marcia Bushnell
The Human Rights Act was brought into being as a consequence of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which was first formulated by the Council of Europe in 1950.
Founded upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (as used by the United Nations), ten countries first rallied for its formation, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The Convention took effect in September 1953, with the primary directive of protecting specific fundamental rights among Member States of the Council of Europe, while the core values of the UK constitution enjoyed presumptions of liberty, representative government and the rule of law.
Before the ECHR became intrinsic to domestic law, Ministers often found themselves abusing discretionary powers, which amounted to a constitution largely beyond reproach, relying instead upon collective political norms for enforcement. This protracted period of neglect gave rise to an increase in administrative jurisdiction, and during the 1980s the courts began to adopt a more concrete conception of the rule of law, preferring instead to propagate such values as ‘freedom of expression’ ‘equality’ and ‘freedom from destitution’. However, presumptions followed that common law infringement upon these values would deem statute intervention unlawful, and it soon became conventional thinking; particularly in the well known R v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Brind, where the domestic courts held that as the ECHR was not part of English law, the government was able to restrict media coverage of Irish extremist groups, despite clear encroachment upon the right to freedom of expression, and a sadly failed appeal by the journalists fiercely defending that right.
In fact, it wasn’t until 1998 that the British constitution accepted that using convention as a means of entrusting civil liberties could no longer be tolerated, and so on 9 November 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998 was enacted by Royal assent. From 2 October 2000 onward, all rights and freedoms previously safeguard by the ECHR were now directly enforceable though UK common law, and the sovereignty of Parliament was agreed.
This upheaval in institutional law was particularly significant, in that for the first time English judicial authority was awarded greater scope for case interpretation, where historically such matters were determined through ministerial debate. This was however, a change that was not without its detractors, nor ignorant of an entrenched inclination to overlook common law in lieu of political fervour.
Author Neil Egan-RonaynePosted on February 8, 2017 October 16, 2017 Categories Birth of the HRA 1998Tags 2017, Belgium, Common Law, Council of Europe, Denmark, ECHR, equality, European Convention on Human Rights, February 2017, France, Freedom from Destitution, Freedom of Expression, HRA 1998, human rights, Human Rights Act 1998, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Media, Member States, Neil Egan-Ronayne, Norway, R v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Brind & Ors, Sweden, The Netherlands, united kingdom, www.theblackletter.co.ukLeave a comment on Birth of the Human Rights Act 1998
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The logic behind the world's 4 weirdest strategic reserves
John Aziz
Canada's candy — maple syrup — is sold in Woolwich, Ontario. (Ma Dan/Xinhua Press/Corbis)
When unexpected events happen — be they natural disasters or terrorist attacks — the consequences can be dire. As a result, governments have gone to great lengths to prepare for the unexpected as best they can, stockpiling scarce resources in case supplies get cut off.
The most famous example is the United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). According to the Department of Energy:
With a capacity of 727-million-barrels, U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the largest stockpile of government-owned emergency crude oil in the world. Established in the aftermath of the 1973-74 oil embargo, the SPR provides the President with a powerful response option should a disruption in commercial oil supplies threaten the U.S. economy. [Energy.gov]
But not every strategic reserve is so straightforward. In fact, some are downright weird — at least at first glance. Here are four of the strangest:
1. China’s strategic pork reserve
(CHINA DAILY/Reuters/Corbis)
China’s economy has grown by leaps and bounds in the last three decades, averaging over 10 percent growth per year. This has lifted millions of Chinese out of poverty and into the middle class. That new middle class has developed a taste for meat — and pork is at the top of the menu. China now consumes over half of the world’s pork.
The communist Chinese government created the pork reserve in 2007 with the aim of stabilizing prices and reducing market volatility.
When pork prices rise, the reserve releases meat to the market in a bid to push down prices for consumers. When the price falls, the reserve buys up pigs in order to keep farmers profitable.
2. Canada’s maple syrup reserve
(Philippe Henry/First Light/Corbis)
Canada's Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers — which produces more than 70 percent of the world’s maple syrup — maintains a strategic reserve of the gooey stuff. Officially known as the International Strategic Reserve, it is located in warehouses in three rural Quebec towns, and has a capacity of over 10 million kilograms of maple syrup.
Maple syrup is harvested from the sap of maple trees, which do not produce sap in consistent quantities. Maple trees require cold nights and mildly warm days to yield sap, and the wrong weather can lead to little or no sap. This means that production levels can vary wildly based on the weather.
That isn’t good news if you’re trying to maintain a large-scale industry. Corporate buyers demand consistency, because they don’t want to sink capital into developing and marketing a product, only to have no product to sell. So Quebec’s producers aim for a large harvest in the good times and sock away surpluses for the lean times, which helps them produce a consistent flow at a consistent price.
3. America’s helium reserve
Helium is lighter than air, giving balloons their buoyancy. But helium is not just used in balloons. The largest commercial use of helium — which has a uniquely low boiling point of just four degrees above absolute zero — is as a coolant for superconducting magnets necessary to build magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. Helium is also used as a shielding gas for high-temperature welding, as a coolant in telescopes, and as a coolant in high-capacity hard disk drives.
And although helium is the second-most abundant element in the observable universe — accounting for up to 24 percent of total universal mass — it is quite rare on Earth. That’s because its mass is so low — as anyone who has lost his grip on a helium balloon knows, the gas will rise and rise until it escapes into space.
This means that helium has to be stored and conserved. Most of the helium on Earth was formed as a byproduct of the radioactive decay of rocks, and is currently obtained as a byproduct of the extraction of natural gas.
The National Helium Reserve in Amarillo, Texas, provides 42 percent of America’s helium and 35 percent of the world’s supply. Established in 1925 with the aim of supplying airships, today it holds over one billion cubic meters of helium gas. Worryingly, at current rates of usage, known global supplies of helium are estimated to be entirely depleted in 20 to 30 years.
4. Russia’s steam locomotive reserves
(pasmal/amanaimages/Corbis)
During the Cold War, the threat of nuclear annihilation hung over the world. Military training exercises, troop movements, or intercepted communications could all be misinterpreted as a signal of an imminent nuclear strike. In fact, in 1983 malfunctioning computer equipment in the Soviet Union — mistakenly displaying data showing that the U.S. had launched a first strike — brought the world very close to an accidental nuclear conflict.
And what would follow a nuclear conflict? Well, countries wanted back-up power in case their electricity systems failed as a consequence of an electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear bomb. The Soviet Union kept and serviced a fleet of steam-powered trains — the strategic steam reserve — that could run on coal. The strategic steam reserve still exists today, but it has been decaying since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. According to Russian defense journalist Anton Morasdov:
Only 12 steam locomotives remain at the only preserved base of the Strategic Steam Resource near Roslavl in Smolensk Region and they may be scrapped soon.
Representatives of the locomotive repair depot Smolensk say that all locomotives are already rotten, and are being scrapped little by little. [Defense and Security]
Editor's note: This article has been revised since it was first published in order to more clearly include proper attribution to source material.
More from John Aziz
Earth to climate-change deniers: Neil deGrasse Tyson's errors won't help you
Why the Rockefellers are betting on renewable energy
Are we seeing an Alibaba bubble?
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IPOs: Considerations When Investing in Newly Public Companies
After a slow first quarter this year, the market for initial public offerings (IPOs) is seeing more activity.
By JJ Kinahan April 22, 2019 5 min read
After the slowest quarter in three years, the IPO market is on track for more activity in Q2
Lyft shares struggled after the company’s IPO, while Levi saw some momentum
Uber plans what’s likely to be the largest IPO of the year—and among the largest of all time
The market for initial public offerings (IPOs) got off to a slow start this year, but the pipeline of companies planning to offer shares for public trading is starting to swell.
Retail investors have a number of opportunities to consider in newly public companies, from well-known consumer brands like apparel maker Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) to technology firms like cloud computing company PagerDuty (PD).
But no matter how much newly public companies are hyped, they can carry risk as they find their place in the market. Investors should keep a cautious outlook and remember the potential downsides of investing in IPOs. It can be difficult to calculate the value of recently private companies that have no trading history or public quarterly financial results. In the end, determining an IPO’s prospects is generally more art than science.
IPO Trends So Far This Year
There were just 18 IPOs priced in the first quarter of 2019, which is the lowest number in about three years, according to Renaissance Capital data. Together, those offerings raised $4.7 billion. Larger companies like LEVI and ride-sharing company Lyft (LYFT) launched their public offerings late in the quarter. With an uptick in filings for the months ahead, Q2 is shaping up to be a more active market.
So far, although these two notable IPOs debuted with a splash, their post-IPO performances have been mixed. LYFT may serve as a cautionary tale—it generated a lot of buzz, but its share price slid below its opening price by the second day of trading.
LYFT didn’t quite take off
*Its March 29 IPO price was $72 per share
*On its first day, shares gained 8% to close at $78
*LYFT then fell about 20% the week of April 8
*Shares closed at $58.36 on April 18
In contrast to LYFT, LEVI has been rallying after going public, with an extra tailwind thanks to its first quarterly report on April 9. The company reported revenue of $1.44 billion, up from $1.34 billion the year before. Still, some analysts point out that the jeans maker is saddled with more than $1 billion in long-term debt, and it faces competition from a growing consumer appetite for athletic wear.
PagerDuty launched its IPO on April 11 with an opening price of $36.75, or 50% above its IPO price. That valued the company at about $2.75 billion, making it the third tech “unicorn” (a newly public company valued at over $1 billion) in 2019. PD’s closing price on April 18 was $39.15.
More recently, image-sharing social media site Pinterest began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker PINS this week. Pinterest priced its planned 75 million shares at $15 to $17, but the shares settled at $24.40 on its first day of trading April 18.
Zoom Video Communications, which provides remote conferencing services, also started trading on April 18, under the ticker symbol ZM. Unlike many newly public tech companies, it’s already generating profits and noting more than 100% annual growth. Zoom reported a net income of $7.6 million last year, versus Lyft’s loss of $911 million and Pinterest’s loss of $63 million.
IPO Prospects in the Months Ahead
Uber Technologies, Lyft’s ride-sharing rival, is aiming to raise about $10 billion in its planned IPO, which is on track to be the largest U.S. IPO this year and perhaps among the largest IPOs ever. It could have a valuation of $90 billion to $100 billion, compared to Lyft’s valuation of about $18 billion. Uber filed publicly for an IPO on April 11 after filing confidentially with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in December.
In February, Uber said it had $50 billion in gross bookings and $11.3 billion in net revenue in 2018, compared to Lyft’s 2.2 billion. In the final quarter of last year, Uber’s revenue was up 25% year-over-year, which may be seen as significant. On the other hand, Q4 revenue was up 2% from the previous quarter and short of the 38% year-over-year increase expected by third-party analysts. Uber’s most recent filing also revealed that it lost $1.8 billion in 2018.
Meanwhile, online mattress company Casper Sleep, which was valued at $920 million in its latest round of private funding, is also reportedly shopping for underwriters for an offering, according to Reuters and other news services. Airbnb, an online room rental platform, WeWork, an office-sharing company, and Palantir Technologies, a data intelligence company, may also hold offerings this year, according to news reports.
What to Consider When Investing in Newly Public Companies
Initial public offerings can offer investors a number of advantages, including a way to get in early on a company that may yield high returns as investors determine its value in the marketplace. When they are successful, some IPOs can see significant gains in a short time.
On the other hand, some IPOs—including those may be hyped thanks to their well-known brands—can also lose their momentum quickly when the excitement ends. Often with IPOs, a wave of investors might rush to invest in a newly public company, but it might be worth waiting to see what the stock does. Some companies that generated a lot of buzz but then saw shares fall below their listing price without recovering include Fitbit (FIT), GoPro (GPRO), Blue Apron (APRN), and Snap (SNAP).
Try to avoid confusing a company’s popular brand with its business. You may love a particular product, but that doesn’t mean you have to love the stock, too. The financials of a company are ultimately what matters for investors.
If you do jump on a newly public stock, you might want to consider buying shares in partial increments instead of going all in at once.
Finally, investors may want to use caution when considering investing in newly public companies because, in general, these stocks tend to perform well when the overall market does. The overall market has fared well lately, but many investors are on guard for potential downturns.
Tools for Investing in Newly Public Companies
Investors can turn to a number of resources to help determine which stocks they may want to buy (as well as monitor their portfolios’ performance). TD Ameritrade offers a stock screener to help investors identify which securities may best fit their financial goals.
Investors can also create a watch list to track and monitor stocks they are interested in. Finally, an alerts tool can notify investors when a price condition has been met.
For up-to-the minute market news, check out the TD Ameritrade Network.
TD Ameritrade Network is brought to you by TD Ameritrade Media Productions Company. TD Ameritrade Media Productions Company and TD Ameritrade, Inc. are separated but affiliated subsidiaries of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. TD Ameritrade Media Productions Company is not a financial advisor, registered investment advisor, or broker-dealer.
Before investing in an Initial Public Offering, be sure that you are fully aware of the risks involved with this type of investing. There are a variety of risk factors typically associated with investing in new issue securities, any one of which may have a material and adverse effect on the price of the issuer's common stock. For a review of some of the more significant factors and special risks related to IPOs, we urge you to read our Risk Disclosure Statement.
Understanding IPOs
Inclusion of specific security names in this commentary does not constitute a recommendation from TD Ameritrade to buy, sell, or hold. AdChoices
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Identity Politics: A History and Critique
Dates: Feb. 15 | Feb. 22 | Mar. 1 | Mar. 8 | Mar. 15
Time: Mon., 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM EST
This course traces the development of identity politics in America. Identity politics primarily grows out of the black nationalist, Black Power, and women’s liberation movements of the 1960s and 1970s. While it has not fully conquered the public’s mind, the core assumptions of identity politics now seem to reign almost unchallenged among American elites, all of whom worship at the altar of diversity. Is the triumph of identity politics good for American democracy? Or does identity politics pose a grave threat to republican self-government by corroding patriotic ties and demanding special treatment rather than equality under the law?
Dr. David Azerrad
David Azerrad is an Assistant Professor and Research Fellow at Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government in Washington, D.C. His research and writing focuses on classical liberalism, conservative political thought and identity politics. Prior to joining Hillsdale, Azerrad was the Director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics at The Heritage Foundation. He has taught previously at American University and the University of Dallas. A native of Montreal, Azerrad received his BA from Concordia University, his MA from Carleton University and his PhD in politics from the University of Dallas.
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The Pogroms of 1941
Pogroms may be defined as spontaneous or seemingly spontaneous acts of anti-Jewish violence by local non-Jews. The biggest wave in modern Ukrainian history before 1941 was in in the years immediately after 1917, when thousands upon thousands of Jews were murdered, mainly by Ukrainian or Russian nationalists.
November Pogrom is now often the term for the attacks in Germany in 1938 also known as the Kristallnacht, “Night of Broken Glass.” One of the most notorious wartime pogroms was carried out by Romanians in Iaşi (Ger. Jassy) on 28–29 June 1941. Virtually all other known eastern European pogroms erupting soon after the start of the German invasion, in June and July 1941, occurred in regions recently—and violently—occupied by the Soviet Union. Examples include the Lithuanian city of Kaunas, where the violence began on 23 June 1941, and the village of Jedwabne in the Polish Białystok region, where a murderous attack took place on 10 July 1941. In western Ukraine, thousands of Jews were killed in pogroms in at least three major cities: Lviv, Ternopil (Pol. Tarnopol), and Zolochiv (Pol. Złoczów).
In explaining the pogroms, numerous factors must be taken into account. Recent research points to the difficult political universes inhabited by Jews and non-Jews: pogroms erupted more often in localities were before the war Jews strongly supported Zionism and interethnic solidarity was minimal. The Soviet occupations of these “borderlands” had been violent against Poles, Ukrainians, and Jews, but anti-Soviet sentiments—further inflamed by the discovery of the corpses of prisoners hastily murdered by the NKVD—were less crucial than antisemitism. Many non-Jews looked at the conduct of Jews under Soviet rule from an anti-Jewish perspective and ignored evidence contradicting it. To them, the Jews could not be forgiven. Meanwhile, acts of revenge after the German arrival largely spared Ukrainians who had cooperated with the Soviet regime. The importance of antisemitism also reveals itself in the public humiliation of Jewish professionals in ritualistic spectacles, such as cleaning streets. They were observed by a vicious urban crowd: civilians who did not simply blame the Jews for NKVD murders but who demanded and relished robbery, sexual assault, beating, and murder.
Still, principal responsibility for the pogroms remained with the German (and Romanian) invaders, who wanted and encouraged them. One week after the start of the invasion, Reinhard Heydrich, chief of the Reich Security Main Office, ordered his Einsatzgruppen to support and intensify the “self-cleansing” efforts of anti-Communist and antisemitic activists, and this kind of activity can be traced for the pogroms in western Ukraine [Document A03, Document A06]. Less known is the stance of Ukrainian interpreters [Document A08] and non-German Wehrmacht members, such as Dutch members of the Waffen-SS. The 24-page diary written by a Dutch SS-Sturmmann of SS-Standarte Westland, typed out during the war, sheds some light on this. [Document A05]
A05 Dutch Member of the Wiking Division of the Waffen-SS Approves Pogroms, 1, 2 and 4 July 1941
Dutch Member of the Wiking Division of the Waffen-SS approves pogroms
Translation: Dutch Member of the Waffen-SS
Transcription: Dutch Member of the Waffen-SS
NIOD Archives, diary 1073, fols. 6–7
The OUN-B played a key role in the pogroms in western Ukraine. The Germans occupied Lviv, eastern Galicia’s main city, on 30 June 1941. That very same day, the OUN-B declared the existence of a Ukrainian state and posted an incitement to pogroms on the walls of the city: “Do not throw away your weapons now. Take them in your hands. Destroy the enemy. […] People! Know! Moscow, Poland, the Hungarians, the Jews are your enemies. Destroy them!” [Document A04] The next day, a lethal pogrom did begin, probably with support of the SS. The dozens of Jewish men and women who were arrested were eventually shot by Germans. Still, a militia organized by the OUN took Jews from streets and homes to three prisons, and these militia members were present at their maltreatment and execution at these sites. Vivid descriptions of the attacks appear in the notes of Stanisław Różycki (1902–?), a Jew who in September 1939 had fled Warsaw for Lviv. After returning to Warsaw in the fall of 1941, he wrote down his recollections, and then disappeared without a trace. Różycki’s text was secretly buried as part of the Ringelblum Archive (see "About the Sources"). [Document A02]
A02 Stanisław Różycki describes attacks on Jews in Lviv in June and July 1941
Stanisław Różycki describes attacks on Jews in Lviv
Translation: Stanisław Różycki describes attacks on Jews in Lviv
AŻIH (Archive of the Jewish Historical Institute, Warsaw), Ring. I/869.
The author and reader of the proclamation of statehood had been Iaroslav Stetsko (1912–1986). In 1939, he had defined Jews as enemies because they had allegedly helped Ukraine’s main enemy: Russia and Bolshevism [Document A01]. An OUN-B task force arrived in Lviv at noon on 30 June. At its head was Stetsko with a mandate from Bandera to proclaim a government for western Ukraine and to appoint himself as its head. That evening, addressing a group of Ukrainians, he declared the existence of a sovereign, united Ukraine. The German authorities were displeased. When Stetsko refused to retract this statement, they arrested him on 9 July, took him to Berlin, and ordered him to stay there. Probably that same month, Stetsko wrote a biographical sketch in Ukrainian and signed copies of a German translation (which omitted a section about Ukrainian-German relations). [Document A07]
A07 Iaroslav Stetsko Informs the Germans of his support for their “Methods of Exterminating Jewry” in July 1941
For a fully commentated edition of the document with German (contemporary) and English translation see: Karel C. Berkhoff and Marco Carynnyk: “The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists and Its Attitude toward Germans and Jews: Iaroslav Stets'Ko's 1941 Zhyttiepys”. Harvard Ukrainian Studies Vol. 23, No. 3/4 (December 1999); pp. 149-184.
Iaroslav Stetsko Informs the Germans
Translation: Iaroslav Stetsko Informs the Germans
TsDAVOVU, f. 3833, op. 3, spr. 7, ark. 1–6.
The section in this July 1941 document about Jews greatly resembles Stetsko’s 1939 article, but also declares support for “the destruction of the Jews and the expedience of bringing German methods of exterminating Jewry to Ukraine, barring their assimilation and the like.” Matching the general euphemistic tendency in wartime German documents dealing with mass murder, the German translation of Stetsko’s text does not refer to destruction or extermination, stating merely that “German methods are to be employed in the fight against Jewry in Ukraine” (For an annotated publication of both documents, see Berkhoff and Carynnyk, “The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists”).
Scholars have begun using the recollection of Jews who survived the pogroms and lived to see the end of the war. Those written by Rózia Wagner in 1945 [Document A09] are vivid and, as comparison with other sources shows, quite reliable (For a discussion, see Khymka, Dostovirnist’ svidchennia).
The potentials pitfalls of such testimony if produced under the vigilant eye of the Soviet political police are evident from the earliest recollections of the pogrom by Philip Friedman, which he narrated in 1946 in Ukrainian to a commission of Soviet historians. [Document A10] Here he asserts that Germans had shot the victims of the NKVD, fails to mention Ukrainian nationalists, and claims that civilians did not participate in the pogrom (A publication with commentary is in Kovba, “Filip Fridman”).
A01 Iaroslav Stetsko of the OUN-B denounces Jews before World War II
A03 Heydrich Telegram
A04 Nationalist placard posted in Lviv on 30 June 1941 incites pogroms
A06 Felix Landau, Member of the Einsatzgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung, Describing his Participation in the Shootings of Jews in Lviv, 2 and 5 July 1941
A08 Report by group 711 (7th July 1941) about the mass murder in Lemberg
A09 In 1945 Rózia Wagner recalls the pogrom in Lviv
A10 In 1946 Philip Friedman Recalls the Pogrom in Lviv
Next chapter: German Mass Shootings
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Honda N-One Updated, Including New RS Model With Six-Speed Manual
The Honda N-One went on sale in Japan in 2012. Now the model receives a major update, including the introduction of a new sporty RS version with a six-speed manual transmission. The updated sedan will go on sale in Japan this fall.
Looking at the exterior, the latest Honda N-One doesn’t look much different from the original. The company even addresses this on the model’s promotion page with a message that translates to, “It doesn’t seem to have changed, but it’s changed so much.”
There are some changes drivers should appreciate, however. The vehicle is now fitted with LED headlights as standard. All trim levels also benefit from the Honda Sensing Safety Suite which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, Pedestrian Avoidance, Traffic Sign Recognition, Assistance lane keeping, rear parking sensors and automatic main beam headlights.
To comply with the Japanese Kei car class, the N-One cannot produce more than 63 horsepower (47 kilowatts). The original base and mid-range Premium versions come with CVT and are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The RS is the really exciting addition to the lineup. It has the same horsepower as the others, but offers customers the option of a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to the CVT. This category is exclusively front-wheel drive. On the outside there are LED fog lights and 15-inch black wheels. The cabin has a leather covering for the gear lever and steering wheel.
Honda also has accessories on the way for the new N-One. The entry-level original is available with a carbon fiber sticker around the headlight surround and matt gray stripes. The Premium also gets scratches, in addition to a wood grain decal and chrome divider. Finally, the RS (pictured above) receives a blackened bonnet sticker, a Crystal Black Pearl trim for the lower fairing and a dark chrome coating for the fuel filler hatch.
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Rapper's Delight - Sugarhill Gangby Sugarhill Gang
Release Date:Sep 16, 2014
In this lesson we’re going to learn an old-school rap groove, “Rapper’s Delight,” by the Sugarhill Gang, which was one of the first major worldwide hip-hop hit recordings. The beat for “Rapper’s Delight” is in fact taken from the instrumental groove on the track “Good Times,’ by Chic, but rather than sampling Chic’s tune, the members of Sugarhill Gang asked their bassist, Chip Shearin, to recreate Chic bassist Bernard Edwards’ riff live for the recording. Sugarhill gang recorded “Rapper’s Delight” on their 1979 self-titled album after Chic released “Good Times” on their own album, Risque?, earlier that year, and after a brief legal dispute, Edwards and fellow Chic band member Nile Rogers were credited as songwriters. In this video we’ll learn the “Rapper’s Delight” version of the groove.
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Brexit Calling – 1 in 13 of UK’s international calls are with EU countries
With the Brexit vote fast approaching in the UK, we decided it might be interesting to take a look at our internal calling data, and see how just important the relationship between the EU and the UK is.
We looked at calls from a sample of 200,000 Truecaller users in the UK over the month of May, and what we found was eye opening. These users made on average 5.35 domestic calls a day and received on average 4.06 domestic calls per day for a total of more than 54.4 million domestic calls in the month.
When looking at international calls, we found that they made more than 6.29 million calls overseas. Out of those overseas calls, only 8% were placed to or from numbers in the EU. Former British colonies (India, Nigeria, Ghana, etc.) formed the vast majority of call volume for our users, while the U.S. was the largest non-commonwealth country.
For calls specifically between the UK and the rest of the EU countries, we see that outgoing call volume was almost 1.5 times more common than incoming calls. Is this because Brits are more interested in the EU than vice versa, or simply a matter of the economics of cheaper calls? Regarding specific EU countries, Poland and Romania dominated the calling charts, and both countries have large diasporas in the UK.
Naturally, Ireland placed in the top 3, and Spain came in a strong 4th – perhaps thanks to all the UK expats soaking up the sun? Belgium, the EU seat of power (in Brussels) – not so popular coming in 14th out of the 27 other EU countries.
So what does this all tell us? Immigration from former UK colonies and other EU countries has created interpersonal bonds with UK both in terms of communication as well as flows of goods, services and labour. How next week’s vote will affect this only time will tell.
Note & Methodology
The data in this article was analyzed from incoming and outgoing calls made from a sample size of 200,000 Truecaller users in the UK. The data has been aggregated anonymously for us to understand the trends and usage.
Previous PostIdentify Unknown Senders on Messaging AppsNext PostA Day in the Life of a Technology Intern at Truecaller!
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Home / About Massey / News center / 2018 Archive / Lister studies genetic mutations in zebrafish in an effort to treat or prevent melanoma
James Lister, Ph.D.
Massey researcher James Lister, Ph.D., studies proteins in zebrafish that are linked to cancer development in an effort to inform the biology and treatment of melanoma and other genetic diseases.
Lister joined VCU Massey Cancer Center as a member of the Cancer Molecular Genetics research program in 2018 and is an assistant professor in the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics at the VCU School of Medicine.
His primary research is centered on the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in zebrafish models and how its activity correlates to the development of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Transcription factors are proteins that regulate the expression of genetic information within the cell.
“There are two types of MITF: MITFa and MITFb. The MITFa gene is kind of a master regulator of melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin and are linked to the development of melanoma,” Lister said.
In zebrafish, Lister’s research has determined that a particular mutation in the MITFa gene that decreases its function, when combined with the most common genetic mutation in human melanoma cells, allows for signaling pathways to lead to the development of melanoma.
These findings suggest that modulation of MITF activity is a key factor in the onset and progression of melanoma, and Lister hopes to be able to learn more about how regulation of MITF might be leveraged to treat or prevent human melanoma.
“No one yet has really examined MITF mutations in melanoma in the context of a model organism, not even in a mouse model,” Lister said.
Zebrafish are freshwater fish in the minnow family. They share 70 percent of genes found in humans, and are much smaller and cheaper to maintain than mice, making them effective model organisms for human diseases like cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health.
There are still many cancers yet to be modeled in zebrafish, and Lister is hopeful that he can continue to study genetic mutations in the MITF family as a means to inform the development of novel treatments for other genetic diseases in addition to melanoma.
“It’s always exciting to see what new things can be accomplished with expanding technology,” Lister said. “The idea that we’re trying to make targeted mutations in zebrafish was unheard of even 10 years ago.”
He currently holds grant funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke as a co-investigator on a study examining the role of genetic mechanisms in CNS myelination, and from the MEDARVA Foundation as a co-principal investigator on a study of a craniofacial birth defect using zebrafish.
Lister has previously received more than $1 million in grant funding for various research projects, including $475,000 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to study site-specific transgenesis in zebrafish.
Lister grew up in Ellensburg, Washington. He attended college at Pomona College in southern California. Initially, he thought he would pursue a career in medicine, but by sophomore year his interests had transitioned to cellular biology.
Following the completion of his bachelor’s degree in biology, Lister studied gene regulation in red blood cells while earning a Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University. It was in Cambridge that he found his calling in developmental biology and decided he wanted to conduct genetic research in whole organisms. Lister had previously worked with fruit flies while on a laboratory rotation and began studying zebrafish as model organisms during his post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Washington.
He has been published in more than 25 peer-reviewed journals including Development, Genes & Development and Genome Biology. Lister received an Outstanding Teaching Award from the VCU School of Medicine in 2008 and the Vaile Prize in Biology from Pomona College. He is a member of the PanAmerican Society for Pigment Cell Research, Society for Developmental Biology and Zebrafish Disease Models Society.
Lister met his wife in Washington and together they live in downtown Richmond.
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Elementary Boss: Sherlock's Health 'Will Be a Problem' for Work, Put Stress on His Partnership With Joan
By Vlada Gelman / April 26 2018, 5:02 PM PDT
When CBS’ Elementary (finally) returns for Season 6 this Monday at 10/9c, Sherlock will get a diagnosis for his hallucinations which will severely disrupt the work that he does with Joan.
“Sherlock’s health is going to impact the professional side of their partnership and the domestic side,” executive producer Rob Doherty tells TVLine.
Read on as the EP previews the P.I.’s medical outlook and the new friend (played by Dexter‘s Desmond Harrington) who might help him through his struggle.
TVLINE | What can you share about Sherlock’s condition when the season begins?
Obviously, at the end of last season, he was seeing someone who wasn’t there. He was having difficulty sleeping. It’s difficult for someone like him to come to grips with the possibility that there may be a problem that exists on top of his addiction, which he deals with every day. We saw him sliding into an MRI machine, so obviously we’re going to deal with the ramifications of that very quickly as we get into the first episode of this season. We’re going to see that the symptoms he experienced last year are part of a much bigger problem that’s going to affect him over the course of the season. We will have a diagnosis in the first episode. We will have something for him to wrap his head around and for him to share with Joan. It’s something they’re both going to have to address and tend to as we move deeper into Season 6.
TVLINE | How will what’s going on with Sherlock’s health affect his friendship and his partnership with Joan?
Procedurally, it will be a problem. When someone who considers themselves a master of observation can’t necessarily trust what he’s seeing or hearing, you’ve got a problem. He has to check himself, which is something he’s not accustomed to doing. He has managed to keep his struggles with addiction and his work very separate. One does not necessarily impact the other. In fact, the work tends to keep him occupied and keep him on a certain path and is helpful in that respect. For the first time, he’s going to have another layer of difficulty stacked on top of that. His problems with his health are going to make his work more difficult, and he’ll have to worry about how that will or will not affect his addiction.
It’ll put more stress on other parts of his life, and that will include partnership with Joan. … They have a partnership now; she’s not his sober companion. They share a home and a job, and when one of the partners is suffering, the other has to pick up the slack.
TVLINE | They did not leave off last year in the best of places. As this season progresses, does that residual tension, or some of that distrust, resurface?
We will see some residual tension and some distrust as we begin the season, but we’re also going to see an attempt from Sherlock to heal the rift. At the end of last season, he took positive steps in that he did something which is difficult for him, and he sought the help of another professional. He’s got a diagnosis, and now it’s on him to explain to Joan to what degree it did or did not create problems that existed between them at the end of last season.
TVLINE | You’re bringing in a friend for Sherlock, played by Desmond Harrington (Gossip Girl, Dexter). Who is Michael, and under what kind of circumstances do we meet him?
Michael is someone that Sherlock will get to know via the program that he’s committed himself to all these years. Michael will approach him at a meeting and explain that he and Sherlock have crossed paths a few times before at various other meetings, and he has always found it helpful to listen to Sherlock talk about his experiences with recovery.
He will be approaching Sherlock at what is still a sensitive time. There’s still some tension between him and Joan. Sherlock has as full a plate as he’s ever had, between his health and his work and the stress on his partnership. He’s vulnerable. He may not present that way, but that’s just the fact of the matter. So Michael approaches with an offer to be helpful to Sherlock at a time when Sherlock can use a little more help, a little more company.
Will you be tuning into Elementary when it returns on Monday?
TAGS: CBS, Elementary, Rob Doherty
GET MORE: Interviews, Midseason, Premieres, Previews
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Ramones - End Of The Century 12 inch
Home » Vinyl » Ramones - End Of The Century 12 inch
End of the Century is the fifth studio album by the American punk rock band the Ramones. It was released on February 4, 1980, and was produced by Phil Spector. After Spector became interested in the band, he offered to produce their next record. Vocalist Joey Ramone was an avid fan of Spector's early work, including albums by many girl groups and Let It Be by The Beatles. As an attempt at a Top 40 record and mainstream acceptance, the songs are more "produced" and longer in duration, averaging around three minutes.End of the Century reached number 44 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and reached number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, making it the band's highest-charting album in both countries. Even though its best-charting single was "Baby, I Love You", the better known songs are "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?" and Spector's version of "Rock 'n' Roll High School".
Ltd ed coloured vinyl.
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Fact into fiction in the country house novel: who was the model for Charles Ryder?
Dakers, Caroline (2014) Fact into fiction in the country house novel: who was the model for Charles Ryder? In: The Country House in Britain, 1914-2014, 6-8 June 2014, University of Newcastle, Department of English.
In 1937 Tooth & Sons held an exhibition called ‘Gentle Savage and other new paintings’ in their prestigious gallery in New Bond Street. It was a one-man show. The artist Richard Wyndham had recently returned from Southern Sudan with paintings, photographs and notes for a book, The Gentle Savage (published shortly before the show); all featured the striking men and women of the Dinka tribe.
In Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred & Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder (written between December 1943 and June 1944) Evelyn Waugh gave artist Charles Ryder a one-man show in London. Ryder had recently returned from Central America with ‘unhealthy’ paintings of jungle life. The date was shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War.
Waugh knew Wyndham (they moved in overlapping circles) and I shall argue that Waugh based aspects of Ryder on Wyndham; he not only borrowed the ‘Gentle Savage’ show, but also his career as an ‘architectural’ painter, relying on access to the country houses of his friends. And just like Ryder, when given the opportunity to depict subject matter from another, very different culture, Wyndham could not, in the words of Anthony Blanche, escape ‘playing tigers’.
There are, however, marked differences which reflect the relationship of Wyndham, Ryder and indeed Waugh to the English country house. Unlike Ryder (and Waugh), Wyndham came from an aristocratic background but chose to give up his ancestral home in favour of the life of the ‘champagne bohemian’. He disposed of Clouds in Wiltshire, famously designed by Philip Webb, the same year as his exhibition at Tooths (the house was part-demolished shortly after). He also sold his inherited collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and bought instead the works of Modernists.
For Waugh, the English country house and its life-style represented an ideal; he acquired Piers Court in Gloucestershire also in 1937 and became a country squire. And Ryder was seduced by Brideshead, or at least the Brideshead he discovered with Sebastian Flyte. It was not just a subject for his art but offered sexual and aesthetic escape from his stultifying middle-class upbringing. Clouds, however, was Wyndham’s prison and the walls had to be torn down.
http://countryhouseconference.wordpress.com
Painting, literature, architecture, interwar cultural history
University of Newcastle, Department of English
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Home » US NEWS » After a gruesome act in 2004: murderess Montgomery executed
After a gruesome act in 2004: murderess Montgomery executed
After a gruesome act in 2004
Murderess Montgomery executed
After days of legal tug-of-war it has now happened: For the first time since the 1950s, a death sentence is being carried out against a woman at the federal level in the USA. Lisa Montgomery’s lawyers had previously sent a pardon to President Trump. The head of state ignored it.
In the United States, for the first time in nearly 70 years, a woman has been executed by federal justice. Lisa Montgomery’s death sentence was carried out today in the Terre Haute correctional facility in Indiana, the US Department of Justice said. The Supreme Court had recently cleared the way for the execution.
The 52-year-old was sentenced to death for the gruesome murder of a pregnant woman. A court in the state of Indiana suspended the execution of the sentence on Monday because of doubts about Montgomery’s state of mind. However, an appeals court overturned the decision a day later. The Supreme Court in Washington finally agreed with the authorities.
It was the first federal execution of a woman since 1953. Montgomery had strangled a heavily pregnant woman in 2004 and then cut the baby out of her belly. One day after the crime, she was arrested at her home in Skidmore, Missouri, around 250 kilometers from the scene. She had the kidnapped baby who survived the gruesome act with her. Before she confessed, she told the police and her husband that she gave birth to the girl herself.
Montgomery was sentenced to death in 2007. The US Department of Justice ruled last year in her case, as well as twelve other death row inmates in federal prisons, that the executions should be carried out. Previously, executions by federal justice had been suspended for 17 years. The outgoing US President Donald Trump is a proponent of the death penalty. He ignored a pardon from Montgomery’s lawyers.
Thursday January 14, 2021 Legendary tiger trainer Magician
Only now is the extent clear: the uprising has shaken
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Puerto Rico announces $ 8 million investment in Arecibo Observatory reconstruction
Through the voice of its governor Wanda Vazquez, the island of Puerto Rico announced the allocation of 8 million dollars for the reconstruction of the Arecibo Observatory, whose giant telescope…
Haroun Tazieff, The man who showed us volcanoes
The founder of the ‘get down into that crater and kiss the lava’ school of vulcanology led an extraordinary life. Born in Tsar’s Russian empire) months before the first world…
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A visit to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez—a residence of the King of Spain in the Community of Madrid—is a breathtaking experience.
© Joaquín Álvarez
Royal Europe
Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, Spain
In a fertile valley formed by the Tajo and Jarama River basins, the vast gardens of Spain's Aranjuez Palace became the site of Europe's most important collection of cultivated trees. Declared a royal site for the Spanish Crown in the late 15th century, this seminal cultural and scientific accomplishment became a leisure destination for the Royal Court during the 17th and 18th centuries.
A balloon ride is a great way to appreciate the architecture and design of Aranjuez's landscape from above. – © Antonio Castillo López
For centuries, the kings and queens of Spain spent their spring months at the Palace of Aranjuez. They came for the stunning gardens that surrounded the grounds. In turn, the attention shown to the site's development helped to foster a revolution of thought. The site became an incubator for the evolution of concepts: humanism and political centralisation; the development of 18th century French-style Baroque gardens; and urban lifestyle, which developed alongside the sciences during the Age of Enlightenment.
The Spanish royalty saw the land around Aranjuez as worthy of protection. Even as they developed their palace, they tried to avoid any unnecessary destruction. Instead, they conserved and enriched the environment, adding to its original diversity. Trees were imported from America and Asia until they became the most important European collection from those continents. Groves and forests were turned into gardens and orchards that produced unusual flowers, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
The Greek Pavilion in the Chinese Pond of the Prince's Garden was built by Juan de Villanueva in the 18th century. It features a series of Ionic columns supporting a roof crowned with a bronze pineapple. – © TalyaPhoto / Shutterstock
The Tajo River cuts through the Aranjuez landscape, creating different garden areas with distinct features. In La Isla Garden, you can find fountains and waterfalls and sculptures of mythological creatures in the cool orchard where Queen Isabel II would go for walks. El Parterre Garden has marble vases and colorful flowers sprinkled amongst hedges and criss-crossing paths. The largest area, El Príncipe Garden, is styled like an 18th century English garden with large areas for hunting and isolated pavilions for quiet and secluded events.
Between May and October, you can make the journey even more memorable by riding the 19th century steam-driven Strawberry Train that runs from Madrid to Aranjuez.
Royal History
Although the history of Aranjuez begins in the Middle Ages, there have been settlements and civilisations in the area since prehistory. Legend says that Hannibal won a battle over the Romans near the confluence of the rivers Tajo and Jarama.
Aranjuez is a safe and quiet town to stroll around, day or night. – © Miguel Portillo / Municipality of Aranjuez
At the end of the 15th century, Aranjuez was designated a Royal Site by the Catholic Kings who frequently stayed here to relax, although it was the kings of the House of Austria who began the construction of palaces and gardens. During the reign of Philip II, royal chambers were built but destroyed by a fire in 1665. At this time, the first botanical garden was also inaugurated. The House of Bourbon showed a predilection for this magical destination as well.
The architecture of Saint Anthony's church was inspired by Philip IV because the Royal Palace's chapel was too small. However, it was Fernando VII who ordered its construction. – © Joaquín Álvarez
In the 17th century, in order to show his gratitude to the people of Aranjuez for their support during the War of Succession, Philip V converted the town into a royal centre and built parks, monuments, gardens, and churches—following the latest artistic trends of the moment. The town reached its peak as the centre of the itinerant court during the reigns of Charles III and Charles IV. In the second half of the 18th century, the Royal Palace was enlarged, the Prince's Garden completed, and the Labrador's House was built.
Bird-eye view of Casa del Labrador. It is placed in the eastern end of the Prince's Garden and is surrounded by beautiful gardens full of flowers and exotic plants. – © Antonio Castillo López
If arriving by plane from the Madrid Barajas Airport, the best way to Aranjuez is by train. Trains (approximately 1.5 hours) depart from T4 (Terminal 4). There are free buses connecting all terminals in Barajas Airport. (A one-way ticket from Barajas Airport to Aranjuez costs €4.05 from RENFE vending machines at the Airport). Change platforms and trains at Chamartín Station or at Atocha Station. Please check timetables.
If you arrive in Madrid by AVE or ALVIA trains (Chamartín or Atocha stations), take the suburban line from Madrid to Aranjuez for free in the ticket machines using the code “Combinado de Cercanías” printed in your AVE and ALVIA ticket. More information.
Taxis from airport or train stations in Madrid to Aranjuez costs approximately 70 to 100 euros. When in the Aranjuez station, the best way to get to the hotel is by taxi (6-10 euros) or taking public buses L1, L2,L3 or L4.
By car from Barajas Airport of any Madrid Railway station to come to Aranjuez (about one hour), take the A4-E5 Highway and exit 37 Aranjuez North. From there, it is a 10-kilometer drive to the Royal Area of Aranjuez.
Click here for more information on the re-opening of Aranjuez gardens from 12 May 2020.
Aranjuez is a year-round destination. It is a site full of vegetation, which creates a micro climate making it cool—even in the summer.
If you want to enjoy the site with all of your senses, the fall and spring are recommended. In the autumn, you can appreciate the changing leaves. In spring, you take in the blossoms and the smell of fresh flowers.
Monuments are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (October to March), and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (April to September). Monuments are closed on Mondays.
It is best to spend one night in Aranjuez to fully understand this UNESCO Cultural Landscape. With two days, devote one to the Royal Palace and Island Garden—ending the day with a visit to the city centre. Spend the second day at the Prince Garden, the Casa del Labrador, and a have a tour of the historic groves and orchards around the Tagus River.
A guided tour is always a good idea to visit the important sites. Cyclists can use the Ciclamadrid Trails—a good option if you are looking for a sustainable experience.
aranjuez-historic-gardens-reopening-covid-19-may-2020.pdf
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Swami Vivekananda Quotes: Food For Thought
June 9, 2019 By VivekaVani Leave a Comment
[This page contains quotations from the Works of Swami Vivekananda which might provide food for thought. For Swami Vivekananda’s quotes on “food”, see this article, for Swami Vivekananda’s quotes on “thought”, see this article.]
On Knowledge
No knowledge comes from outside; it is all inside. What we say a man “knows”, should, in strict psychological language, be what he “discovers” or “unveils”; what a man “learns” is really what he “discovers”, by taking the cover off his own soul, which is a mine of infinite knowledge. We say Newton discovered gravitation. Was it sitting anywhere in a corner waiting for him? It was in his own mind; the time came and he found it out. All knowledge that the world has ever received comes from the mind; the infinite library of the universe is in your own mind. The external world is simply the suggestion, the occasion, which sets you to study your own mind, but the object of your study is always your own mind. The falling of an apple gave the suggestion to Newton, and he studied his own mind. He rearranged all the previous links of thought in his mind and discovered a new link among them, which we call the law of gravitation. It was not in the apple nor in anything in the centre of the earth.[Source]
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotations on Knowledge
On Human Nature and Human Struggle
Man is like an infinite spring, coiled up in a small box, and that spring is trying to unfold itself; and all the social phenomena that we see the result of this trying to unfold. All the competitions and struggles and evils that we see around us are neither the causes of these unfoldments, nor the effects. As one of our great philosophers says — in the case of the irrigation of a field, the tank is somewhere upon a higher level, and the water is trying to rush into the field, and is barred by a gate. But as soon as the gate is opened, the water rushes in by its own nature; and if there is dust and dirt in the way, the water rolls over them. But dust and dirt are neither the result nor the cause of this unfolding of the divine nature of man. They are coexistent circumstances, and, therefore, can be remedied.[Source]
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotes on Human Life
On Illusion
[This section contains two different stories told by Swami Vivekananda in two different lectures. Theme of these stories are illusion.]
Narada and illusion
A legend tells how once Narada said to Krishna, “Lord, show me Maya (i.e. illusion).” A few days passed away, and Krishna asked Narada to make a trip with him towards a desert, and after walking for several miles, Krishna said, “Narada, I am thirsty; can you fetch some water for me?” “I will go at once, sir, and get you water.” So Narada went. At a little distance there was a village; he entered the village in search of water and knocked at a door, which was opened by a most beautiful young girl. At the sight of her he immediately forgot that his Master was waiting for water, perhaps dying for the want of it. He forgot everything and began to talk with the girl. All that day he did not return to his Master. The next day, he was again at the house, talking to the girl. That talk ripened into love; he asked the father for the daughter, and they were married and lived there and had children. Thus twelve years passed. His father-in-law died, he inherited his property. He lived, as he seemed to think, a very happy life with his wife and children, his fields and his cattle and so forth. Then came a flood. One night the river rose until it overflowed its banks and flooded the whole village. Houses fell, men and animals were swept away and drowned, and everything was floating in the rush of the stream. Narada had to escape. With one hand be held his wife, and with the other two of his children; another child was on his shoulders, and he was trying to ford this tremendous flood. After a few steps he found the current was too strong, and the child on his shoulders fell and was borne away. A cry of despair came from Narada. In trying to save that child, he lost his grasp upon one of the others, and it also was lost. At last his wife, whom he clasped with all his might, was torn away by the current, and he was thrown on the bank, weeping and wailing in bitter lamentation. Behind him there came a gentle voice, “My child, where is the water? You went to fetch a pitcher of water, and I am waiting for you; you have been gone for quite half an hour.” “Half an hour! ” Narada exclaimed. Twelve whole years had passed through his mind, and all these scenes had happened in half an hour! And this is Maya.[Source]
Vivekananda in desert
I was once travelling in the desert in India. I travelled for over a month and always found the most beautiful landscapes before me, beautiful lakes and all that. One day I was very thirsty and I wanted to have a drink at one of these lakes; but when I approached that lake it vanished. Immediately with a blow came into my brain the idea that this was a mirage about which I had read all my life; and then I remembered and smiled at my folly, that for the last month all the beautiful landscapes and lakes I had been seeing were this mirage, but I could not distinguish them then. The next morning I again began my march; there was the lake and the landscape, but with it immediately came the idea, “This is a mirage.” Once known it had lost its power of illusion. So this illusion of the universe will break one day. The whole of this will vanish, melt away. This is realization.[Source]
Can you love?… I am not talking about what every one of us means by love. Little namby-pamby love is lovely. Man rails in love with woman, and woman goes to die for man. The chances are that in five minutes John kicks Jane, and Jane kicks John. This is a materialism and no love at all… You say, “I love . . . Oh Mary, I die for you! ” [But if you] see Mary kissing another man, you want to cut his throat. If Mary sees John talking to another girl, she cannot sleep at night, and she makes life hell for John. This is not love. This is barter and sale in sex. It is blasphemy to talk of it as love.[Source]
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotations on Love
On Patience
We have not the patience to go and work our way out. For instance, there is a fire in a theatre, and only a few escape. The rest in trying to rush out crush one another down. That crush was not necessary for the salvation of the building nor of the two or three who escaped. If all had gone out slowly, not one would have been hurt. That is the case in life. The doors are open for us, and we can all get out without the competition and struggle; and yet we struggle. The struggle we create through our own ignorance, through impatience; we are in too great a hurry. The highest manifestation of strength is to keep ourselves calm and on our own feet.[Source]
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotes on Patience and Perseverance
On Power of the Mind
[Site admin’s note: In the book”Karma Yoga” Chapter II, Swami Vivekananda narrates two experiences on “Power of the Mind. Both of the incidences he tells are amazing, and more that “unbelievable”. But, since the speaker is none other than the Swami Vivekananda, we can not discard these immediately as fake or hoax too. So, these might be good “food for thought”.]
Incidence I
I once heard of a man who, if any one went to him with questions in his mind, would answer them immediately; and I was also informed that he foretold events. I was curious and went to see him with a few friends. We each had something in our minds to ask, and, to avoid mistakes, we wrote down our questions and put them in our pockets. As soon as the man saw one of us, he repeated our questions and gave the answers to them. Then he wrote something on paper, which he folded up, asked me to sign on the back, and said, “Don’t look at it; put it in your pocket and keep it there till I ask for it again.” And so on to each one of us. He next told us about some events that would happen to us in the future. Then he said, “Now, think of a word or a sentence, from any language you like.” I thought of a long sentence from Sanskrit, a language of which he was entirely ignorant. “Now, take out the paper from your pocket,” he said. The Sanskrit sentence was written there! He had written it an hour before with the remark, “In confirmation of what I have written, this man will think of this sentence.” It was correct. Another of us who had been given a similar paper which he had signed and placed in his pocket, was also asked to think of a sentence. He thought of a sentence in Arabic, which it was still less possible for the man to know; it was some passage from the Koran. And my friend found this written down on the paper.
Another of us was a physician. He thought of a sentence from a German medical book. It was written on his paper.
Several days later I went to this man again, thinking possibly I had been deluded somehow before. I took other friends, and on this occasion also he came out wonderfully triumphant.[Source]
Incidence II
Another time I was in the city of Hyderabad in India, and I was told of a Brahmin there who could produce numbers of things from where, nobody knew. This man was in business there; he was a respectable gentleman. And I asked him to show me his tricks. It so happened that this man had a fever, and in India there is a general belief that if a holy man puts his hand on a sick man he would be well. This Brahmin came to me and said, “Sir, put your hand on my head, so that my fever may be cured.” I said, “Very good; but you show me your tricks.” He promised. I put my hand on his head as desired, and later he came to fulfil his promise. He had only a strip of cloth about his loins, we took off everything else from him. I had a blanket which I gave him to wrap round himself, because it was cold, and made him sit in a corner. Twenty-five pairs of eyes were looking at him. And he said, “Now, look, write down anything you want.” We all wrote down names of fruits that never grew in that country, bunches of grapes, oranges, and so on. And we gave him those bits of paper. And there came from under his blanket, bushels of grapes, oranges, and so forth, so much that if all that fruit was weighed, it would have been twice as heavy as the man. He asked us to eat the fruit. Some of us objected, thinking it was hypnotism; but the man began eating himself — so we all ate. It was all right.
He ended by producing a mass of roses. Each flower was perfect, with dew-drops on the petals, not one crushed, not one injured. And masses of them! When I asked the man for an explanation, he said, “It is all sleight of hand.”
Whatever it was, it seemed to be impossible that it could be sleight of hand merely. From whence could he have got such large quantities of things?[Source]
[Site admin’s note: A part of the second incidence can be found in The Complete Works of Vivekananda— Volume VII. Here is that portion]
From The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume VII
Five months ago… or just one month before I left India to come to this country, I happened in company in a caravan or party of 25 to sojourn for a space in a city in the interior. While there we learned of the marvellous work of one of these itinerant magicians and had him brought before us. He told us he would produce for us any article we desired. We stripped him, at his request, until he was quite naked and placed him in the corner of the room. I threw my travelling blanket about him and then we called upon him to do as he had promised. He asked what we should like, and I asked for a bunch of California [?] grapes, and straightway the fellow brought them forth from under his blanket. Oranges and other fruits were produced, and finally great dishes of steaming rice.[Source]
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotations on Human Mind
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotations on Superpower and Paranormal Abilities
On Real Nature of Man
[Site admin’s note: Swami Vivekananda told this story of the lion and the flock of sheep in different lectures and speeches, as it can be found in “The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda”— Volume I— Soul, God, And Religion (fifteenth paragraph), Volume VII— The destiny of Man (see 9th line of 2nd paragraph), Volume VIII— The essence of religion (from 8th paragraph) etc. The following version of the same story is collected from Volume II—Jnana Yoga—The Real Nature of Man.]
There is a story about a lioness, who was big with young, going about in search of prey; and seeing a flock of sheep, she jumped upon them. She died in the effort; and a little baby lion was born, motherless. It was taken care of by the sheep and the sheep brought it up, and it grew up with them, ate grass, and bleated like the sheep. And although in time it became a big, full-grown lion. It thought it was a sheep. One day another lion came in search of prey and was astonished to find that in the midst of this flock of sheep was a lion, fleeing like the sheep at the approach of danger. He tried to get near the sheep-lion, to tell it that it was not a sheep but a lion; but the poor animal fled at his approach. However, he watched his opportunity and one day found the sheep-lion sleeping. He approached it and said, “You are a lion.” “I am a sheep,” cried the other lion and could not believe the contrary but bleated. The lion dragged him towards a lake and said, “Look here, here is my reflection and yours.” Then came the comparison. It looked at the lion and then at its own reflection, and in a moment came the idea that it was a lion. The lion roared, the bleating was gone. You are lions, you are souls, pure, infinite, and perfect. The might of the universe is within you. “Why weepest thou, my friend? There is neither birth nor death for thee. Why weepest thou? There is no disease nor misery for thee, but thou art like the infinite sky; clouds of various colours come over it, play for a moment, then vanish. But the sky is ever the same eternal blue.”[Source]
On Theism/Atheism/Devotion to God
The vast majority of men are atheists… Who wants God? That is the question. Do you think that all this mass of people in the world want God, and cannot get Him? That cannot be. What want is there without its object outside? Man wants to breathe, and there is air for him to breathe. Man wants to eat, and there is food to eat… A disciple went to his master and said to him, “Sir, I want religion.” The master looked at the young man, and did not speak, but only smiled. The young man came every day, and insisted that he wanted religion. But the old man knew better than the young man. One day, when it was very hot, he asked the young man to go to the river with him and take a plunge. The young man plunged in, and the old man followed him and held the young man down under the water by force. After the young man had struggled for a while, he let him go and asked him what he wanted most while he was under the water. “A breath of air”, the disciple answered. “Do you want God in that way? If you do, you will get Him in a moment,” said the master. Until you have that thirst, that desire, you cannot get religion, however you may struggle with your intellect, or your books, or your forms. Until that thirst is awakened in you, you are no better than any atheist; only the atheist is sincere, and you are not…
A great sage used to say, “Suppose there is a thief in a room, and somehow he comes to know that there is a vast mass of gold in the next room, and that there is only a thin partition between the two rooms What would be the condition of that thief? He would be sleepless, he would not be able to eat or do anything. His whole mind would be on getting that gold. Do you mean to say that, if all these people really believed that the Mine of Happiness, of Blessedness, of Glory were here, they would act as they do in the world, without trying to get God?” As soon as a man begins to believe there is a God, he becomes mad with longing to get to Him. Others may go their way, but as soon as a man is sure that there is a much higher life than that which he is leading here, as soon as he feels sure that the senses are not all, that this limited, material body is as nothing compared with the immortal, eternal, undying bliss of the Self, he becomes mad until he finds out this bliss for himself.[Source]
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotations on God
Why We Disagree
(Speech given at Parliament of World’s Religions on 13 September, 1893)
I will tell you a little story. You have heard the eloquent speaker who has just finished say, “Let us cease from abusing each other,” and he was very sorry that there should be always so much variance.
But I think I should tell you a story which would illustrate the cause of this variance. A frog lived in a well. It had lived there for a long time. It was born there and brought up there, and yet was a little, small frog. Of course the evolutionists were not there then to tell us whether the frog lost its eyes or not, but, for our story’s sake, we must take it for granted that it had its eyes, and that it every day cleansed the water of all the worms and bacilli that lived in it with an energy that would do credit to our modern bacteriologists. In this way it went on and became a little sleek and fat. Well, one day another frog that lived in the sea came and fell into the well.
“I am from the sea.”
“The sea! How big is that? Is it as big as my well?” and he took a leap from one side of the well to the other.
“My friend,” said the frog of the sea, “how do you compare the sea with your little well?”
Then the frog took another leap and asked, “Is your sea so big?”
“What nonsense you speak, to compare the sea with your well!”
“Well, then,” said the frog of the well, “nothing can be bigger than my well; there can be nothing bigger than this; this fellow is a liar, so turn him out.”
That has been the difficulty all the while.
I am a Hindu. I am sitting in my own little well and thinking that the whole world is my little well. The Christian sits in his little well and thinks the whole world is his well. The Mohammedan sits in his little well and thinks that is the whole world. I have to thank you of America for the great attempt you are making to break down the barriers of this little world of ours, and hope that, in the future, the Lord will help you to accomplish your purpose.[Source]
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Work without Motive
[Site admin’s note: A kind and a good person may start thinking sometimes, (specially when (s)he is frustrated or sad), that because her/his polite nature and kind mentality (s)he is facing all troubles and miseries, as (s)he knows she can not hurt or cheat other people as it makes him/her feel guilty but on the other hand, (s)he has noticed some people simply go on hurting, cheating others and don’t feel any pangs at all and they are so called “successful” and “established” in the society. At this point, (s)he may conclude, the work of not feeling guilty or any pain even after hurting others are ways to survive and get success in this world and (s)he may try to relate it to the teachings of Gita.
The following excerpt from Swami Vivekananda’ lecture attempts to solve the problem]
Some animals devour their own offspring,
and they do not feel any pangs
at all in doing so.
Robbers ruin other people
by robbing them of their possessions;
but if they feel quite callous to pleasure or pain,
then they also would be working without motive…
If such be the significance
of working without a motive,
then a fearful doctrine has been put forth
by the preaching of the Gita.
Certainly this is not the meaning…
—Swami VivekanandaImage source: Wikimedia Commons
What is the meaning of working without motive? Nowadays many understand it in the sense that one is to work in such a way that neither pleasure nor pain touches his mind. If this be its real meaning, then the animals might be said to work without motive. Some animals devour their own offspring, and they do not feel any pangs at all in doing so. Robbers ruin other people by robbing them of their possessions; but if they feel quite callous to pleasure or pain, then they also would be working without motive. If the meaning of it be such, then one who has a stony heart, the worst of criminals, might be considered to be working without motive. The walls have no feelings of pleasure or pain, neither has a stone, and it cannot be said that they are working without motive. In the above sense the doctrine is a potent instrument in the hands of the wicked. They would go on doing wicked deeds, and would pronounce themselves as working without a motive. If such be the significance of working without a motive, then a fearful doctrine has been put forth by the preaching of the Gita. Certainly this is not the meaning. Furthermore, if we look into the lives of those who were connected with the preaching of the Gita, we should find them living quite a different life. Arjuna killed Bhishma and Drona in battle, but withal, he sacrificed all his self-interest and desires and his lower self millions of times.
Gita teaches Karma-Yoga. We should work through Yoga (concentration). In such concentration in action (Karma-Yoga), there is no consciousness of the lower ego present. The consciousness that I am doing this and that is never present when one works through Yoga. The Western people do not understand this. They say that if there be no consciousness of ego, if this ego is gone, how then can a man work? But when one works with concentration, losing all consciousness of oneself the work that is done will be infinitely better, and this every one may have experienced in his own life. We perform many works subconsciously, such as the digestion of food etc., many others consciously, and others again by becoming immersed in Samadhi as it were, when there is no consciousness of the smaller ego. If the painter, losing the consciousness of his ego, becomes completely immersed in his painting, he will be able to produce masterpieces. The good cook concentrates his whole self on the food-material he handles; he loses all other consciousness for the time being. But they are only able to do perfectly a single work in this way, to which they are habituated. The Gita teaches that all works should be done thus. He who is one with the Lord through Yoga performs all his works by becoming immersed in concentration, and does not seek any personal benefit. Such a performance of work brings only good to the world, no evil can come out of it. Those who work thus never do anything for themselves… Those who work without any consciousness of their lower ego are not affected with evil, for they work for the good of the world. To work without motive, to work unattached, brings the highest bliss and freedom. This secret of Karma-Yoga is taught by the Lord Shri Krishna in the Gita.[Source]
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotations on Work
See more Swami Vivekananda Quotes on Bhagavad Gita
A beggar is never happy
The beggar is never happy. The beggar only gets a dole with pity and scorn behind it, at least with the thought behind that the beggar is a low object. He never really enjoys what he gets.
We are all beggars. Whatever we do, we want a return. We are all traders. We are traders in life, we are traders in virtue, we are traders in religion. And alas! we are also traders in love.[Source]
Every time you think of doing some charity, you think there is some beggar to take your charity. If you say, “O Lord, let the world be full of charitable people!” — you mean, let the world be full of beggars also. Let the world be full of good works – let the world be full of misery. This is out-and-out slavishness![Source]
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Baptism of Fire: The SS in Poland
Hitler’s elite bodyguard and other SS units were transformed during the Polish campaign into real fighting men and became responsible for atrocities.
At the mention of the letters “SS,” an image springs to mind of ruthless German troops, the epitome of the Nazi/Aryan ideal: tall, strong, blond-haired, and blue-eyed, enthusiastically ready to fight and die for Germany and their beloved Führer, Adolf Hitler.
The typical SS man has also been portrayed as a hardened criminal, someone without moral scruples—someone happy to murder defenseless civilians simply because he was told that it was his patriotic duty to wipe out whole populations due to their ethnicity or religion that were deemed a threat to Germany and the “Ayran race.”
This image has been created by hundreds of books, films, and television documentaries, but what is truth and what is fiction? And how did a small unit originally created to serve as Adolf Hitler’s bodyguard become a much feared combat force? Perhaps these questions can be answered by briefly examining how the SS came into existence and looking at the men most responsible for its creation and deployment in combat.
As one of Hitler’s most faithful sycophants, Heinrich Himmler was rewarded for his loyalty when his Führer gave him the command of the SS (Schutzstaffel, or Protection Detail) in 1929—Hitler’s personal bodyguard. Almost immediately, the meek looking former chicken farmer began turning the small unit into an instrument of terror and military power.
The bespectacled Bavarian was born into a Catholic family in Munich on October 7, 1900. As he matured, Himmler became attracted to nationalist causes and racial theories that posited that Germans and other Nordic or Aryan types were the “master race” and destined to rule the world. In 1923, he joined the tiny Nazi Party and began rising in its inner circle. On January 6, 1929, Hitler appointed Himmler Reichsführer-SS, or National Leader, of the 280-man SS detachment.
Himmler used this appointment as an opportunity to develop the SS into what would become the elite corps of the Nazi Party. By the time Hitler became chancellor in January 1933, the SS numbered more than 52,000. As the nation slowly marched toward war, the SS was transformed from a small detachment whose original function was to protect Hitler at meetings, rallies, and public appearances into a full-blown army of fanatical soldiers wholly dedicated to the racial and political ideals of National Socialism.
Three men ultimately aided Himmler in this transformation of the SS: Josef “Sepp” Dietrich, Theodor Eicke, and Paul Hausser. Who were these men and other prominent SS leaders, and how did it happen that there were armed SS formations fighting at all in Poland in 1939—despite Hitler’s public pledge in 1934 that the regular German Army (Wehrmacht) was and remained the “sole bearers of arms” of the state?
In September 1934, the official announcement of the formation of the armed SS Verfuhrüngstruppe (SS Special Purpose Troops, or SS-VT) was made, and two units were established, one in Hamburg and the other in Munich.
Simultaneously, with the establishment of concentration camps to hold political prisoners, Heinrich Himmler reorganized all the camps’ SS guards into the SS Totenkopfverbande (SS Death’s Head Units), under Theodor Eicke, one of a trio of SS men who had executed Ernst Röhm, chief of staff of the Sturmabteilung (SA, also known as the “Brownshirts” or Storm Troopers) in his cell during the Nazi “Blood Purge” of June 30-July 2, 1934.
Also taking part in the overall “national murder weekend” or “Night of the Long Knives” was Josef “Sepp” Dietrich, commander of Hitler’s own security unit, the SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler (LSSAH, or SS Adolf Hitler Bodyguard).
A recruiting poster portrays an SS member as the ideal Aryan warrior.
In reward for getting rid of the leadership of the SA, whose growing size and influence threatened his rise to power and legitimacy, Hitler made all SS units independent from Storm Troop command for the first time, as units reported directly to Himmler. The LSSAH was a sole exception, however, as Sepp Dietrich reported to Hitler alone, thus bypassing a miffed Reichsführer-SS Himmler.
The weapons for the newly formed Armed SS troops (Waffen-SS) were provided by the German Defense Minister, Army Col. Gen. Werner von Blomberg, thus irking the nettlesome, aristocratic, prickly, monocled commander in chief of the German Army, Col. Gen. Werner von Fritsch.
Brought in to administer the new SS-VT were three men who, alongside Dietrich, would later write the combat historical record of the vaunted Waffen-SS across the length and breadth of conquered Europe: Paul Hausser, Felix Steiner, and Willi Bittrich. All three men would become high-ranking SS generals during the wartime years, as would both Dietrich and Eicke.
During the years 1934-1939, the old line, conservative “reactionary” generals of the regular German Army derided Hitler’s showboating, elite troopers in black—and later in field gray—as mere “asphalt soldiers,” good for effect but not for actual fighting. They were in for a surprise.
Hitler greets Heinrich Himmler, the national leader of the SS.
At the head of almost 1,600 men (including a motorcycle detachment), Dietrich led the way in 1935 into the delirious, formerly French-occupied Saarland and paraded his Leibstandarte there for the next five days. Hitler granted his beloved LSSAH several distinctions at this time: only it was allowed to wear white accoutrements with its black uniforms and bear the SS runes on its collar tabs without a unit number. According to his eldest son, Dietrich designed the new SSLAH uniforms himself.
As the showpiece unit of the Nazi regime, the Leibstandarte was gaining worldwide fame as an elite unit on par with the French Foreign Legion, the English Coldstream Guards, the Italian Bersaglieri, and the United States Marine Corps.
By the end of 1936, the LSSAH possessed both trench mortars and armored cars. Relations between the Army, the LSSAH, and the SS-VT remained good. Continuing his buildup of close ties with the Army, Dietrich developed a harmonious relationship with panzer leader General Heinz Guderian, who told him that the LSSAH would take part in the peaceful invasion of Austria—within 48 hours!
Beginning on March 12, 1938, it was an entirely pacific occupation with the vehicles even bedecked with flowers and greenery. By May 1938, SS Generals Dietrich and Hausser were feuding over the formation of a fourth SS-VT Standarte unit in newly Nazi-occupied Vienna named Der Führer (The Leader).
At the end of September 1938, the LSSAH took part in military training exercises at the Grafenwöhr training facility in southeast Germany. For his next “peaceful” occupation—that of Prague and the rest of Bohemia and Moravia on March 15, 1939—Hitler again teamed Guderian with Dietrich for the operation.
Hitler (far left, in car) salutes his bodyguard unit, the 1st SS Division Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler (LAH), during a January 1937 parade in Berlin.
Parade ground troops, SA murderers, and occupiers of peaceful countries though they might be, how would the LSSAH and the SS-VT units, military analysts wondered, fare in actual combat? The answer was not long in coming. In Poland, as in the previous operations, Dietrich’s men were placed under Army command. Now the former NCO of World War I began World War II as a commanding general in the field.
Born at Hawangen in Upper Bavaria in 1892, Dietrich was a butcher’s apprentice who joined the Bavarian Army in 1911 and served in the Great War as a sergeant. A policeman following the war, he joined the SA in 1923, held a series of odd jobs, and then joined the Nazi Party in 1928.
Named an SS brigade leader in 1931, on March 17, 1933, Dietrich set up the Berlin SS Guard Staff as the new Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s bodyguards, the genesis of the later LSSAH, established in September 1933. (It should be noted that Hitler’s bodyguard prior to his becoming reich chancellor on January 30, 1933, was Party-funded. After that date, the SS unit went on the government payroll.) Dietrich remained its commander until July 1943, seeing it evolve into divisional and larger strength. He went on to become a highly decorated armored corps and panzer army leader.
Also born in 1892, at Hampont in Alsace-Lorraine, Eicke served as an Army paymaster during the Great War of 1914-1918. Afterward, he worked as both a policeman and businessman, as well as head of security for the German chemical firm I.G. Farben from 1923-1932.
Having joined both the Nazi Party and the SA in 1928, Eicke also entered the SS in 1930, where he, unlike Dietrich, enjoyed a good working relationship with SS head Himmler. In 1933, Himmler named Eicke commandant of the new SS concentration camp at Dachau, outside Munich. A decade later, Eicke had risen to become Inspector of Concentration Camps, as well as chief of the feared SS Death’s Head (Totenkopf) combat units. In 1939, these were combined into the Totenkopf Waffen-SS Division.
Paul Hausser was the third, and perhaps the most important, formative figure of the early armed Party formations. His biographer called him, “The singular greatest influence on the development of the Waffen SS.”
Born in 1880 at Brandenburg/Havel, Paul Hausser served as an officer on the staff of German Army Group commander Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria during World War I, and also saw combat in France, Hungary, and Romania. After the war, he served in the renegade Free Corps, then in the Weimar Republican Army, until he retired as a lieutenant general in 1931 at the age of 51 after 40 years of service. Thus, he had a far more exalted military record than Dietrich and Eicke combined, but he is less well known today in Nazi history.
General Josef “Sepp” Dietrich (center, holding map board), commander of the LAH, is shown in a wartime painting surrounded by his officers and men.
Hausser joined the SS in 1934 after having been a member of both the Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet) veterans’ association and the SA. Appointed Inspector of SS Officer Schools in 1935, Hausser, as Himmler’s man, organized a trio of armed SS regiments: Deutschland, Germania, and Der Führer.
Under his leadership, SS armored tactics were developed and the first camouflaged clothing ever used by a military unit was introduced, made famous by the Waffen-SS during the war on fronts east, west, north, and south.
In Poland on October 19, 1939, the SS-VT was created as a full division with Hausser as its commanding officer. He lost his right eye in 1941 and commanded the first formed SS corps in 1942.
These, then, were the main figures who formed the new “combat” SS as it began to fight its first campaign when the Third Reich invaded Poland on September 1, 1939.
At the war’s outset, the German Wehrmacht consisted of more than 100 active and reserve divisions, plus a cavalry brigade. These included five panzer (armored) divisions of about 300 tanks each, or 1,500 in all; four light divisions of lesser numbers of tanks, and a quartet of motorized infantry divisions entirely equipped with motor vehicles; in 1939, the artillery and supporting weaponry were mostly horse-drawn. Overall, at the start of the war the Wehrmacht encompassed 2,500,000 trained soldiers, both on active duty and held in reserve units.
Conversely, the 1939 Polish Army consisted of but 280,000 men in 30 infantry divisions, 11 cavalry brigades, a pair of mechanized brigades, plus supporting specialist units. This peacetime force also drew on three million trained and partially trained reservists. Upon wartime mobilization, these reservists brought the standing units up to wartime strength and also potentially constituted an additional 15 reserve divisions.
The German Luftwaffe had an overwhelming superiority over the Polish Air Force, as did the German Navy in the Baltic Sea and elsewhere.
The Fall Weiss (Case White) provided an opportunity for the Germans to put their Blitzkrieg (Lightning War) concepts of coordinated air-ground operations to a test. More than 60 German divisions, the bulk of its fighting ground force, were duly committed to the campaign.
The general plan was to annihilate the Polish Army in the east before the French Army could intervene decisively in the west against the Siegfried Line. Hitler also knew that his secret, Nazi-Soviet pact ally—the Red Army—would invade stricken Poland from the east 16 days after the German campaign began on September 17, 1939. Thus, Poland would be crushed like a walnut between the nutcracker of two vastly superior forces.
At a top-secret meeting of his senior commanders on August 23, Hitler declared that Poland would not merely be occupied, but destroyed. The SS Death’s Head units were “to kill without mercy the entire Polish race” if necessary to force Poland’s quick surrender.
Indeed, stated Army Field Marshal Fedor von Bock later to his subordinate staff officer Fabian von Schlabrendorff, “At the same time, Hitler informed the generals that he would proceed against the Poles after the end of the campaign with relentless vigor. Things would then happen which would not be to the taste of German generals. By this Hitler meant to warn the Army not of the notorious liquidations, but of the destruction of the Polish intelligentsia, in particular the priesthood, by the SS. He required of the Army that the generals should not interfere in these matters, but restrict themselves to their military duties.”
These, then, were the atrocities mentioned in official after-action combat reports made by Army General Johannes Blaskowitz that began during the fighting and continued afterward as well.
Although brave, Polish horse cavalrymen, shown here in Sochaczew in central Poland, were no match for Germany’s overwhelming Blitzkrieg tactics.
On September 12, Armed Forces Intelligence Chief Admiral Wilhelm Canaris complained to Colonel General Alfred Jodl on Hitler’s command train, “They would have to accept the fact that the SS, the Security Police, and such organizations would be employed together to carry out these very measures. Thus, at the side of each military commander a corresponding civilian official would be appointed.”
Indeed, two days later an Army military police sergeant-major and a gunner from “the only SS artillery regiment which served in Poland” collected 50 Jews into a synagogue, where they were shot after having worked on a bridge as forced labor that day. Both soldiers were later acquitted under the terms of a general amnesty.
Asserted historian Gerald Reitlinger, “Such incidents were common during the 18-day campaign,” but the real “SS reign of terror,” in Ambassador Ulrich von Hassell’s diary entry words, began after the military campaign concluded. The actual combat fighting had begun it, however.
In all, 18,000 SS men in field gray uniforms fought in Poland, including the LSSAH, the Totenkopf, and the SS-VT units—all reformed and combined into full combat field divisions as the new Waffen-SS of October 1939. The Leibstandarte became the new 1st SS Field Division, and the Totenkopf the 2nd. In addition to SS General Reinhard Heydrich’s Einsatzgruppen (Special Action) killing groups, Himmler retained three full regiments in Poland of Eicke’s Death’s Head units—numbering 7,400 men in all—to “resettle” captured Jews “to the east,” from which they never returned.
Thus, these killing groups became the forerunners of later such factions in Russia, and after that, of the overall Holocaust death camps, all located in conquered Poland. Eventually, new Death’s Head killing units replaced the SS field combat divisions, which went on to fight more campaigns throughout 1941 in the Balkans and in the Soviet Union.
Speaking to senior SS commanders in 1943, Himmler marveled that the expansion of his units had been “fantastic,” and “at an absolutely terrific speed,” in the first year of the war, 1939-1940, with only, at the outset, “a few regiments, guard units, 8-9,000 strong––that is, not even a division; all in all 25-28,000 men at the most.”
Historian George H. Stein describes the contribution of the Waffen-SS as “modest, but not negligible.” The main body of the SS-VT was shipped to East Prussia during the summer of 1939 in regimental combat groups that were attached to larger Army units. These included the SS Regiment Deutschland, the just created SS artillery regiment previously noted, the SS Aufklärungs Sturmbann (Reconnaissance Battalion) that was linked to an Army armored regiment, to form the 4th Panzer Brigade under Army command.
A battalion of Polish 7TP light tanks, photographed on maneuvers near the German border in April 1939, had no chance against German panzers and Stuka dive bombers.
In like fashion, SS Regiment Germania was connected to the German Fourteenth Army in East Prussia’s southern area as the jumping-off point from which to strike into Poland. A third SS regimental battle group included Sepp’s own SSLAH and the SS Pionier Sturmbann (Combat Engineer Battalion) within the German Tenth Army, which assaulted Poland without warning via Silesia.
The SS Totenkopf Sturmbann “Götze” morphed into the reinforced infantry battalion renamed Heimwehr (Home Guard) Danzig that fought both in and around the embattled former League of Nations’ Free City, today’s Polish port of Gdansk. One SS regiment that saw no action in Poland was Der Führer, due to unfinished training.
Without doubt, the SS-VT received its actual baptism of fire on the plains of Poland, yet it was given only grudging, backhanded Army praise afterward. Indeed, the regular Army generals noted that SS troops suffered “proportionately much heavier casualties than the Army,” and this was blamed on poor SS officer performance. The latter, in turn, blamed the Army’s scattered leadership of its troops in strange units “often given difficult assignments without adequate support.”
What the Army generals really wanted was the total disbandment of the Waffen-SS as a growing, Röhm/SA-like updated threat to them, but Himmler, with Hitler’s support, succeeded instead in acquiring a nearly independent SS army under the command of its own officers.
Thus, for the rest of the war Himmler and Hausser got their SS infantry and armored divisions, but they were divided among the larger regular Army and corps formations. Most importantly, they remained under Army command until the end of the war.
Had Sepp Dietrich won the Battle of the Bulge during 1944-1945, he might very well have become the first SS field marshal, in command of a fully independent fourth branch of the Armed Forces—an SS Army—but he didn’t.
The Leibstandarte suffered its first casualties: seven killed and 20 wounded. Hitler followed the unit closely from his train, marked “Sepp” on the maps wherever the LSSAH advanced, gave “his” unit the toughest assignments, and even visited it personally in the field at Guzow on September 25, 1939.
During 1936-1939, Dietrich had taken armored warfare courses both at Zossen outside Berlin and at the Wunsdorf Tank School, but Willi Bittrich later asserted that “the commander,” as he was called, couldn’t read a map properly. Nevertheless, the LSSAH performed well, at least militarily. SS troopers fought stiff Polish Regular Army resistance over a number of towns and villages.
A formation of Ju-87B Stuka dive bombers over Poland, September 1939.
In one battle, Sepp’s own forward command post was almost cut off but, reinforced, he went on to win the day. By September 9, his unit had been transferred to be in on the German drive on Warsaw at Hitler’s insistence, to reap even more Nazi glory.
Rudolf Lehmann, a veteran of the LAH, provided a dramatic account of his unit’s first battles: “On August 31, 1939 … the leading elements of the Regiment began to march toward the [Polish] border.… The mission for September 1, 1939 … was as follows: ‘To capture the bridge at Gola in a surprise attack, and to open the crossings over the Prosna at Bolesalwice, Wieruszow, and as far as Weglewice from the back. It is then to halt and secure the Prosna bridges until the arrival of the leading elements of the 10th and 17th Divisions.…’
“The attack missions were assigned as follows: ‘An advance detachment is to open up the crossing over the Prosna in a surprise attack beginning at 4:45 am, September 1, and then to proceed directly along the designated march route.
“‘Armed reconnaissance as far as the railway line to the east of Wieruszow, and as far as the crossing over the Prosna west of Wieruszow.… The reinforced armored reconnaissance car section’ and two other units ‘are to join the bulk of the unit, and follow the advance detachment.’
“‘Units of it are to move ahead to cover the right flank from Gola via Wojcin, the eastern edge of Wiewiorka, and Point 185 in the Sokolniki Forest. The first attack objective of the reinforced…car section’” included those key crossings.
When the attacks began, “After surprise fire on the [Polish] customs station by the light infantry, an assault detachment … waged a surprise attack on the crossing over the Prosna.
“Hand grenades exploded, several shots sounded through the air, and the obstacles were blown into the sky. The light armored vehicles entered at top speed into Gola, and the infantry assault troops seized the bridge over the river undamaged…. Heinrich Bauch of the Engineer Troops had removed the fuse from the pot filled with [demolition] explosives in time, and thus preserved the bridge for our advance.
“Ten minutes after the war started, it had already ended for the Polish company! The average age within our storm troops was 19 years, and their officers at 25.”
Soldiers of SS Heimwehr Danzig, an SS unit recruited in Danzig, take cover behind an ADGZ armored car during an attack on Polish troops in a post office. SS Heimwehr Danzig was incorporated into the 3rd SS Totenkopf Division after the Poland campaign.
Officer Kurt Meyer—later nicknamed Panzer Meyer as the notorious commander of the 12th SS Panzer Division (“Hitler Jugend”)—recalled, “I was suddenly standing in front of the corpse of a Polish officer; a round in the throat had killed him. The warm blood was spurting from the wound. Yes, this was war!”
Lehmann continued, “The motorcyclists ground their way though the deep sand of the village streets of Gola and Chroscin under constant sniper fire,” as well as “thick morning fog and enemy contact along the southern edge of Boleslawez. The first heavy armored car rolled to a smoking halt; its wheels had hardly stopped when the second one was also destroyed. Both armored cars were about 150 meters in front of an antitank gun.
“The first heavy vehicle was hit by three antitank rounds from the southern edge” of the town, with one crewman slain. A later armored car casualty report listed a trio of dead, with another badly wounded and one but slightly.
Lehmann said that the Polish troops allowed “the spearhead of the advance detachment to pass, then opened fire on it, as well as SS infantry, from fortified field positions. Polish cavalry came galloping out of the smoke screen … charging directly toward the SS troops. It was only when the motorcycle platoon opened fire and brought down some horses that the fierce cavalry troop galloped back into the fog.”
At 9:20 am, the city of Boleslawice was captured by the SS after fierce street battles. “In the meantime,” said Lehmann, “the unit … assigned to protect the right flank had come into combat with the eastern extension of the Polish fortifications in Bolesawice, near Wojcin.…
“Both spearheads battled on until 12:55 pm … at first through Wojcin” where one SS trooper was fatally wounded, “and later through the terrain to the north across Wiewiorka; and to the left the bulk of a reinforced battalion … through the village along the roads … to the north edge of Kamionka.”
Russian troops from the 29th Tank Brigade meet up with their German counterparts in Dobuchin, Poland (now part of Belarus). Hitler and Soviet leader Josef Stalin had a secret pact to divide up Poland between them after Germany’s invasion.
The Polish resistance grew more stubborn, “reinforced by high-angle and flat fire from the higher ground of the Sokoniki Forest, and from the commanding position at Meleschin.” There the German advance came to a halt due to a counterattack carried out by two companies of Polish soldiers.
Lehmann said, “With the brilliant support” from another LAH unit—“deployed for the first time—Point 185 was taken by 3:30 pm,” the support unit itself coming under Polish artillery fire. “Regimental headquarters followed to the western edge of Kamionka,” the veteran added.
The Polish forces fought with a tenacity that surprised many of the German commanders and inflicted numerous casualties on the invaders. Lehmann recalled that a machine gunner in one of the armored cars was killed in action. “By nightfall,” he said, “both Polish battalions left their previous positions in the dark and took up positions in the forest.
“The approaching darkness hid the day’s destruction. The battlefield’s misery was only visible in the illumination of nearby fires…. The Regiment had fought reinforced border patrols … that had been ordered to hold the major roads parallel to the frontier as long as possible, and to provide cover for the advance units of the Polish 19th Division and a cavalry brigade” operating in the contested area.
Of the later Battle of the Bzura River—reportedly the largest action of the entire campaign—Kurt Meyer recalled, “The finest Polish blood mixes with the water of the river. The Poles’ losses are awful.” The 10-day battle ended in a German victory on September 19, 1939.
A priest waits with Polish civilians rounded up by Nazis in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in September 1939. These men were likely executed.
Overall, many of the SS men considered that their Polish foe was more adept at hand-to-hand fighting than they were. One who had firsthand knowledge of this was Meyer, with one Polish soldier along foxholes on the edge of the Kampinos Forest.
“Another popped up behind me from the bushes along the bank,” Meyer wrote. “I had overlooked him.” But Meyer’s platoon messenger felled the attacker with a single round. “We were exhausted, physically and emotionally. Each man lay down and slept where he had been standing. Life is all-in-all, yet it hangs by one silken thread.”
Thus had the LAH helped stop in its tracks the Polish Army’s war cry of “On to Berlin!” But the Poles had, by their overall resistance, shaken Hitler’s belief that his nation’s military was an irresistible force and cost the Germans “an entire armored division.”
The German Army, wary of a separate SS army under Himmler, was reluctant to praise the wartime performance of the LAH. In fact, some historians have called the unit’s combat performance “slipshod,” with the regiment actually transferred from one Army command to another while in Poland during operations.
In addition, other sources provide impressive Polish accounts of civilians being shot out of hand by the LAH: “The participation of the LAH thus came to an ignominious end.”
Already, the LSSAH was gaining a reputation for erratic, “wild firing,” the excessive burning of enemy villages and, during the remaining battles, for being trigger-happy, wiping out the Polish forces on the Vistula River and around the city of Modlin.
By the time Warsaw fell on the 27th, the Leibstandarte had lost 108 killed, 292 wounded, 14 lightly wounded, three missing in action, and 15 from accidental causes. For his part, Sepp Dietrich considered the Polish Army to have been well led and praised the Poles as being “worthy opponents.”
Meanwhile, during the invasion, Theodor Eicke’s SS-VT “Death’s Head” units were reportedly slaughtering Polish intellectuals and Jews.
The SS-VT had no tactical input into the German victory in Poland. Instead, its military capabilities were used to terrorize the civilian population by hunting down straggling Polish soldiers, seizing farm produce and livestock, and torturing and murdering large numbers of Polish politicians, nobles, business figures, clerics, Jews, and the hated intellectuals.
Eicke’s trio of Death’s Head regiments—Oberbayern, Brandenburg, and Thüringen—were gathered as independent action groups in Upper Silesia before the invasion. The first two followed in the wake of the German Tenth Army, operating between the Vistula River and Upper Silesia south of Warsaw. Brandenburg followed General Johannes Blaskowitz’s Eighth Army over large tracts of Poznan and the full west-central part of the country.
Operating from Hitler’s command train, Eicke, as Higher SS and Police Leader, answered not to the furious Blaskowitz, but to Himmler alone and directly, in Poland as well as on his command train, code named Heinrich.
Theodor Eicke’s SS-VT “Death’s Head” units were responsible for committing numerous atrocities, such as the murder of Polish Jews and intellectuals. Here a firing squad executes civilians, autumn 1939.
Following the conclusion of the fighting, Eicke’s three Death’s Head regiments, the regular SS, and Reinhard Heydrich’s SD all answered to Eiche when the Army relinquished control of the occupied Polish provinces of Poznan, Lodz, and Warsaw.
Villages were burned and Jews and others were shot “while trying to escape,” as well as “suspicious elements, plunderers, insurgents, and Poles,” in general. Savage SS measures were taken against the cities of Wloclawek (renamed Leslau in German) and Bydgoszcz (Bromberg). SS Regiment Brandenburg began a four-day “Jewish Action” on September 22 that included plundering Jewish shops, arrests, and burning and dynamiting synagogues.
As the war went on, additional SS units were raised and fought on virtually every front, gaining for themselves a reputation of being fearless, ruthless fighters.
With the Third Reich collapsing in the spring of 1945, Heinrich Himmler, in April 1945, asked Count Folke Bernadotte, the vice president of the Swedish Red Cross, to transmit an offer of surrender on the Western Front to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the British and American forces. When Hitler learned about Himmler’s “treachery” on the night of April 28-29, 1945, he stripped Himmler of all his offices and ordered his arrest.
But Himmler escaped from Berlin, headed north, and disguised himself as an ordinary soldier, hoping to blend into the tens of thousands of German prisoners of war. However, he was captured by the British. Before he could be made to stand trial for his crimes, he committed suicide on May 23, 1945, by taking poison.
As the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Holocaust Encyclopedia states, “A skilled organizer and a capable manager who understood how to obtain and use power, Himmler was the ideological and organizational driving force behind the rise of the SS. Moreover, he understood his SS men and knew how to secure their loyalty to his own person and to the concept of the Nazi elite to which they belonged.”
The SS suffered a high casualty rate during the war. One estimate says that 180,000 SS men were killed, 400,000 wounded, and 40,000 missing—over one third of its total number.
And what became of Himmler’s three main lieutenants?
After several postwar trials and imprisonments (he was sentenced to life for being in overall command of the SS unit that murdered U.S. prisoners at Malmedy, Belgium), Sepp Dietrich was released in 1958 and became head of HIPA, the Mutual Help Association of Former Waffen-SS Members, which was co-founded by Paul Hausser. Dietrich died of a heart attack in 1966 at age 73 and received a military funeral in Ludwigsburg that was attended by 7,000 of his old comrades. Hausser gave the eulogy.
Himmler, fearful of being tried as a war criminal, committed suicide with a hidden cyanide capsule on May 23, 1945, while in British military custody.
Theodor Eicke was transferred from his position as overseer of concentration camp guards to command the SS Totenkopf Division in combat. While serving as the commanding general of the division, Eicke died when his light command plane was shot down by the Russians near Orelka, on February 26, 1943.
Paul Hausser led a corps at Kursk and, after taking command of the Seventh Army in 1944, he was wounded during the Battle of the Falaise Gap. He was later promoted and given command of Army Group G but was then relieved of his command. Hausser, unlike Dietrich, was not indicted for war crimes. Chairman of the postwar SS veterans’ organization HIPA, Hausser died as a successful author at age 92 in 1972.
As Ambassador Ulrich von Hassell so truly noted, “The SS reign of terror” in hapless Poland had begun, ending only when the Red Army liberated it in 1944-1945. After the war, apologists for the Waffen-SS like Paul Hausser tried to separate the twin records of the “combat” SS units from that of the Death’s Head camp guards. In reality, however, they were one and the same, with much crossover from one force to the other.
That debate, too, continues unabated.
Brian Neale December 29, 2020
The SS were very well trained soldiers who would give their lives for Hitler and fight to the death. They were very brutal during combat and most of the officers were cruel bastards. Some would not take prisoners or if they did they would be executed afterwards .
Anthony December 30, 2020
It astonishes me how so many evil Germans got off lightly and went on to lead successful lives after the war.
The allies in victory showed much more mercy than the Germans ever did.
MICHAEL HARTSOOK January 4, 2021
I think the WAFFEN SS and other SS units were nothing but murderers, disguised, as soldiers they were a disgrace to the uniform,.
I believe that GOD has a special place in hell
For them for the atrocities they committed against the jewish people I think a lot of them got off easy for the evil they committed.
John Radzilowski January 5, 2021
The SS units did very poorly against the Poles. The article cites SS Nazi German propaganda instead of actual historical research. The SS Germania regiment was decimated by a night attack by the 49th Hutsul Rifles on Sept. 14. One of its battalions was wiped out, its commander killed, and the survivors fled in panic leaving behind most of the regiment’s supplies and heavy equipment. LAH suffered heavy losses by repeatedly blundering into Polish defenses.
The main SS contribution was mass murder of Polish civilians. Despite this article, the majority of the killings in 1939 were of non-Jewish civilians and POWs, though Jews were also targeted. (The mass killing of Jews would ramp up later.)
The caption about the 7TP tank is also wrong. They were highly effective and superior to the PZ I and II, just not enough of them.
Mike Litoris January 5, 2021
“peaceful invasion of austria….”
David Luck January 5, 2021
the overall casualty figures on the c. 30 Waffen-SS divisions are stuff-and-nonsense. SS divisions were routinely and repeatedly decimated as shock troops on offense and stand-and-die units on defense throughout the war. About 900,000 Germans AND other European volunteers served in these divisions; c. 500,000 were KIA. Battlefield and other atrocities? Waffen-SS units were little better or worse than regular Wehrmacht units; and the German Army as a whole no better or worse than American, British Empire, and Russian armies: remember, the victors put the defeated, not themselves, on trial….and the victors & their postwar collaborators write the history books.
Livy January 5, 2021
That has always been factually incorrect. The first books in the western history canon were written by Herododus and Thucydides. Both were generals in the losing Athenian army. Numerous German generals wrote post-war books. Start with Guderian.
Alan January 5, 2021
I think there is an error in the Paul Hausser bio paragraph where it states, “he retired as a lieutenant general in 1931 at the age of 51 after 40 years of service”. If he retired at 51 after 40 years of service that makes Paul Hausser 11 years old when he joined the Army. More likely he retired after 30 years service.
The Trampled Swastika
Konev Strikes
Heinrich Himmler: The Rise and Fall of Hitler’s Third Reichsführer-SS
Heinz Guderian: Author of the Blitzkrieg
Guderian’s Last Victory
The Volkssturm: Last-Ditch Militia of the Third Reich
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Immigration the end of 2016 that constitutes
Immigration to Germany has significantly increased during the last years. At the moment, Germany is considered to be the second most migrated to country (IOM 2018, p.18). According to OECD (2018) total permanent immigration inflow in Germany equals to 574 467.1 people giving way only to the USA. As World Migration Report of 2018 has stated, Germany had 12 mln foreign-born people making it the country with the largest foreign-born population in Europe. Dominant groups with the immigrants of more than 1 mln were from Poland, Turkey, Russia and Kazakhstan (p. 69).
High rates of immigration is not a new phenomenon for Germany taking into account that Germany welcomed large numbers of “guest workers” during the post-war period followed by the influx of ethnic Germans and humanitarian migrants at the end of 20th century (Liebig 2007, p.4). Those guest workers were recruited in order to meet the high demands in labour force of the fast growing German economy. The workers came to Germany from Turkey and Southern Europe on the basis of hiring agreements and were supposed to return back to their countries of origin at the end of their contracts. However, recruitment of foreign workers was suspended with the first Oil Crisis in 1973. While the inflow of new immigrants decreased, people who already had been working in Germany did not leave the country (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, 2005, p.13). As reported by Federal Statistical Office, 1, 492, 580 Turks were registered in Germany at the end of 2016 that constitutes 15,7 percent of all foreign population living in Germany (2016, p.39). Although, ethnic Germans started migrating to Germany in since 1950s, the largest surge occurred after the fall of the Berlin wall. Moreover, more than 540, 000 displaced people provided asylum from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo were provided with asylum in the 1990s (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees 2005, p.14-15).
After these large waves the immigration rates stayed relatively low until 2007-2008. From these years on the immigration inflows have been increasing. Most of those immigrants were coming from Southern Europe to Germany due to the difficult labour market situation in their countries of origin caused by the financial crisis (Beyer 2016, p.6).
Brexit issues already a lot of people
American they don’t assimilate to American culture. Stephen
Problems by the appearance of people but we
Introduction the U.S war against Vietnam. The constant
The because the boss is watching. Women are
In what would become laws that institutionalized the
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No relief in sight from debt burden
Muhammad Jehangir
Contrary to earlier projections, Pakistan’s debt burden is set to rise further in the years ahead. According to the staff level report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan’s external debt will peak to $130 billion within four years – a net addition of $34.6 billion or 36.3pc under the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government.
The total external debt burden was $95.4-billion when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government completed its term. The IMF has now projected that the external debt may rise to $130 billion by the end of fiscal year 2022-23. This means that there will be a minimum net addition of $34.6 billion to the external debt despite repayment of $48 billion in five years during the tenure of the PTI government. In other words, the PTI government will borrow a staggering $83 billion in five years to service the old debt, finance the current account deficit and build foreign exchange reserves. It may be recalled that PM Imran Khan has severely criticised the growth in the public debt during the PML-N and PPP tenures and has now set up a commission to investigate the borrowings. But now he has resorted to the same practice.
An analysis of available figures shows that Pakistan would pay back $37.4 billion during the IMF’s 39-month programme period (July 2019 to September 2022). According to a statement issued by the Federal Revenue Minister two weeks ago, the PTI government has already returned $9.5 billion worth of external debt in the last fiscal year 2018-19. It needs to be pointed out that IMF debt projections are based on the assumption that Pakistan will fully implement structural reforms under its programme. But in case Pakistan could not fully implement the reforms, the external debt as a percentage of the national GDP could hit 60% — double the ratio left behind by the PML-N government.
As per the latest calculations, the external debt, which was $95.4 billion or 30.3% of GDP in fiscal year 2017-18, touched $104.2 billion or 36.7% of GDP last fiscal year. The $104.2-billion external debt was equal to 345% of Pakistan’s total export receipts. The projection for the current fiscal year is that the external debt will peak at $112.5 billion, which would be equal to 43.4% of GDP. In terms of export receipts, the external debt is projected at 346%. In this fiscal year, the PTI government will also return $14.9 billion in public external debt, which means it would borrow $23 billion during the year. In the next fiscal year 2020-21, the external public debt is projected to grow to $119 billion, which will be equal to 43.5% of GDP and 334% of the country’s total export receipts. In the fiscal year, Pakistan will also return $13.5 billion of public external debt. This will increase the annual external borrowings to $20 billion.
In a recent statement, the IMF said that under its 39-month programme, “external debt is projected to steadily decline after peaking in fiscal year 2020-21, returning to a more sustainable path”. For fiscal year 2021-22, the IMF has projected the external debt at $124.6 billion, which will be equal to 42.2% of GDP and 325% of exports. The external public debt repayment in this year has been estimated at $7.6 billion, which brings the borrowing requirement down to $13.2 billion. The downturn in external debt will result from a combination of positive factors, including a narrower current account deficit, non-debt creating capital inflows and a recovery in economic growth.
An underlying assumption is that Pakistan would shift its short-term borrowings to long-term debt instruments by 2021-22. This may or may not come about, depending on the circumstances as they unfold. At the same time, there are some downside risks to the projected debt path which cannot be ignored. The external debt-to-GDP ratio would be adversely affected by current account and exchange rate shocks in which case the external debt ratio would reach around 60%. Clearly, Pakistan is faced with serious debt management issues which need careful handling in a treacherous international financial situation.
The Finance Ministry has a Debt Management Department which must get its act together to tackle the looming debt storm. Pakistan has borrowed recklessly for decades, a policy which has brought it close to bankruptcy. This must change and a more prudently devised pick-and-choose policy should be adopted. In the future, more reliance should be placed on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). For the purpose, more investor-friendly policies should be framed with an attractive package of incentives for foreign businesspeople. Equally important is the need to push exports to build foreign exchange reserves which is the only way to get out of the external debt trap. In cases where borrowing is inevitable, care should be taken to ensure that the terms are soft and the payback period is of longer duration.
National Action Plan’s enforcement
The rising threat of inflation
Pakistan a laggard in education field
Journalism in Pakistan
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donate and make a difference
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Wendy Stolyarov is a progressive Democrat who is passionate about people and good policy. She was born in West Texas, but she got to Northern Nevada as fast as she could. She’s lived in the beautiful Silver State for a decade, and aims to stay, trail-running and hiking as much of it as possible. She owns Bighorn Communications, which specializes in media and public relations for labor organizations in Northern Nevada.
Prior to starting her own business, she worked as the Director of Government Affairs for Filament, a blockchain technology startup, for NARAL as a field organizer, and as the Legislative Director in the Nevada Legislature for the Libertarian Party of Nevada during the 2017 Legislative Session, where she fought alongside the ACLU, the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, NARAL, and other community organizations to advocate for progressive policies that improved the lives of regular Nevadans.
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The official name of Croatia is the Republic of Croatia, which is a sovereign state. It lies on the crossroads of Central Europe, Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe. This is where is Croatia. Formerly, Croatia was a Yugoslav republic on the Adriatic Sea. Its total area is 56,542 square kilometers, which makes it about the size of West Virginia. It is inhabited by approximately 4 million residents. The capital and largest city of Croatia is Zagreb.
Croatia constitutes of barren, rocky regions in most parts but towards the north of the capital, there are hills and fertile agricultural land, which borders with Drava, Danube, and the Sava Rivers in the east. One third of Croatia is forested.
Where is Croatia historically? It was inhabited by the Croats in the 7th century and became a kingdom for two centuries. Croatia was included in the unrecognized State of Slovenes after world war l and achieved independence in 1991. It is a member of the UN, EU, NATO, WTO, council of Europe and a founding member of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Croatia has many UNESCO sites to explore as well as centuries’ old cobbled streets to stroll around in. You can also enjoy the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea or reside on many of the islands within Croatia. There are also plenty of other activities to engage in such as cycling, hiking, and rafting in its stunning national parks, so let's find out what are the places to visit in Croatia?
Croatia has over 1000 islands to explore and so it presents tourists with unforgettable sea experiences. There are around eight national parks as well, to lounge, walk, or hike in if you're looking for some peace. The most stunning park is the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is a two hour drive from Zagreb and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many fortresses, waterfalls, and boat excursions to enjoy at the Krka National Park as well, which is near the Dalmatian port city of Split.
Among other places to visit in Croatia are six other UNESCO World Heritage sites as well. These include the historic city of Trogir, the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Porec, the Stari Grad Plain in Hvar, the Cathedral of St James in Sibenik, the old city of Dubrovnik and the Historical Complex of Split and the Palace of Diocletian.
Hotels in Croatia
Hotel Melia Coral for Plava Laguna
52470, Umag, Croatia
Monte Mulini
52210, Rovinj, Croatia
20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
51410, Opatija, Croatia
Ariston Importanne Resort
Martinis Marchi Heritage Hotel
21430, Croatia
Luxury Villa Luce
51511, Malinska, Croatia
Things to do in Croatia | view more
Zagreb is made for walking. Meander through the Upper Town's red-rooftop and cobblestone wonder, peppered with chapel towers. Extend your head to see the vaults and fancy upper-floor ornamentation of the Lower Town's blend of secessionist, ...
With its wonderful area, fronting the quiet blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world's most brilliant walled cities.Today Dubrovnik is the proudest quill in Croatia's vacationer top, a tip top goal and a standout amongst the most ...
Things to do in Hvar
Hvar is the fourth biggest of Croatia's islands at 182 square miles (300 square km) in size. It is much sunnier than Brac, getting right around 2,800 hours of daylight for each year. Hvar is Croatia's most happening island, a goal for celebs, rich ...
Things to do in Korčula
The 6th biggest island in Croatia, Korcula is 20 miles in length and somewhat restricted, somewhere in the range of 4 and 5 miles wide. This island is known for its thick timberland and the old Greeks called the island Black Korcula (Kerkyra ...
Croatia's second-biggest city, Split (Spalato in Italian) is an extraordinary place to see Dalmatian life as it's truly lived. Continually humming, this extravagant city has quite recently the correct harmony among custom and advancement. One day ...
Istria is a standout amongst the most famous goals for outside guests to Croatia and its towns of Umag and Porec consistently top yearly surveys of the best occasion resorts in Croatia.It shocks no one that this piece of Croatia is like Italy ...
Places to see in Croatia
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Delving Deeper into Gaming Lore
Essays Opinion
Wendy Browne February 12, 2015 June 5, 2017
Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, Hero and Traitor of Ferelden
It all started with Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, a brilliant military strategist, the hero of the Battle of Riverdane, trusted advisor to King Cailan, father of the queen, and loyal friend and guardian to Cailan’s father Maric. When King Maric’s ship was lost at sea, Loghain spent two years searching for him, nearly bankrupting the Ferelden coffers. Why then would this man orchestrate the death of Maric’s heir—a boy whom Loghain had helped to raise in honour and memory of his lost friend—and throw Ferelden into civil war with a Blight looming on the horizon? As I played through BioWare’s Dragon Age: Origins, Loghain’s scenes showed me a man filled with regret. I got to speak with characters who had known and trusted him. Some of them thought him suddenly mad with ambition or fear that the nation of Orlais would once again attempt to take over Ferelden. But his history with Ferelden and with his best friend Maric implied that there was more to him. That this regicide had been a difficult decision, and it had cost him deeply. The question then of why Loghain would go to such lengths plagued me.
This was how I took my first step into the world of gaming tie-ins.
As with any story, there is a deeply rooted history that we don’t readily see as we engage in the game’s main plot, but inklings of that history can be discovered through codex entries, by speaking with non-playable characters, by undertaking side quests, or by visiting historical sites within the game. Or, if you’re like me, you can go deeper still by reading the media outside of the game.
Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne tells of how a young rogue named Loghain stumbled upon a wounded prince who had just escaped the treasonous trap that claimed the life of his mother, the deposed queen of Ferelden. Loghain brings Prince Maric back to the rebels and from there, despite initially finding the man to be an annoyance, stands firmly behind his vow to protect him, and soon becomes Maric’s most stalwart and loyal friend, even sacrificing his own desires to see the true king of Ferelden returned to his throne.
Their story continues in Dragon Age: The Calling, where King Maric, despondent after the death of his queen, chases off into the Deep Roads and ends up caught in a plot between a deadly darkspawn leader and Orlesian supporters.
I didn’t exactly get the answer to the question I had originally asked—unless I accept that Cailan was an even more frustrating and crappy king than his father and Loghain killed him because he’d had enough of their shit—but I did get a deeper insight into a character I have come to appreciate, and I learned a lot more about what goes on behind the scenes of a video game series I’ve come to love. The stories we see and play on the screen are but a scratch at the surface of the vast lore that goes into the creation of these games. These are not merely novelizations of the game’s plot. These are fully realized stories that enrich that which already exists. They are bonus material for people like me who want to know more. I am currently reading Blizzard Entertainment Inc.’s StarCraft: Queen of Blades by Aaron Rosenberg, who has also written books for World of Warcraft. I’ve actually never played StarCraft, but my husband shared all the cinematic scenes with me one day, and, as with Loghain, I was compelled to learn more about the enigmatic telepath named Sarah Kerrigan, who is captured by the zerg and becomes their vengeful queen.
StarCraft’s Queen of Blades
Gaming tie-ins aren’t for everyone. In a poll and subsequent discussion, Daybreak Game Company (formerly Sony Online Entertainment) explores the many ways players prefer to consume game lore:
1. Outside the game, such as on web sites; I prefer to spend my in-game time in action, not reading. – 5%
2. Cut scenes bring the story to life, even if it does mean sitting and watching the show. – 18%
3. I like in-game lore that I can reference later, such as stories in in-game books or a quest journal that I can read when I have some down time. – 15%
4. I like the lore to be conveyed to me in real-time in the game, through quest dialog and other narration in small pieces while I adventure. – 18%
5. A mix of the above! – 45%
While I love to sink into the lore, good tie-ins should only enhance the game experience. They should never punish a player who does not wish to partake of them. It is a fine balance, where the game can reference events and characters without giving too much away, while enticing loremongers like me. Sony’s game EverQuest Next is still in production, but they are whetting fans’ appetites with a series of novellas (full disclosure: I’m in the process of writing some of them).
Gaming tie-ins can come in various forms of media, from books, to comics, to movies. They are an opportunity to expand on plot elements and characters that the game itself doesn’t have time to delve into and can reveal enticing details, such as the dirty little secret shared by Jedi Grandmaster Satele Shan and the Alliance colonel Jace Malcom. When the 2010 Star Wars: The Old Republic trailer was released, Malcom, the trooper who narrates “Hope” and faces off against the deadly Darth Malgus, was nameless.
The trooper earned a name, appeared in future trailers, and within the game itself, but in 2012, Malcom’s significance grew with the introduction of Theron Shan, as written by Drew Karpyshyn in Star Wars: Annihilation. Star Wars fans should already be familiar with the concept of tie-ins that expand adventures in a galaxy far, far away well beyond George Lucas’ three movies (yeah, I said three, so fight me). Annihilation is the fourth book in The Old Republic series. The first is Revan, also written by Karpyshyn, which reveals the fate of two major playable characters from the Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) games. Reviews for Revan are mixed, with complaints stemming from the seemingly rushed writing, to the more personal. Having spent hours with Revan in KOTOR, many fans went into this novel looking for some closure. Many fans were disappointed, which presents a problem that lore readers must be aware of when it comes to video games that allow players to make very personal choices. These decisions won’t necessarily fit into the canon that the developer chooses to follow. For example, in the Dragon Age games, the player can select who will rule the kingdom of Ferelden. Will it be Alistair Theirin, the bastard son of King Maric? Or will it be Queen Anora, the widow of King Cailan and daughter of Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir? Perhaps players are even ruling as king or queen themselves beside either of these two characters. But according to the canon, Alistair rules alone.
King Alistair Theirin in Those Who Speak from Dark Horse Comics
David Gaider, author of three of the five current Dragon Age books, as well as a series of comics from Dark Horse, is also BioWare’s lead writer for the games themselves, so the final decision really is up to people like him when it comes to canon. Similarly, Karpyshyn wrote for Star Wars: The Old Republic, as well as for other popular series in BioWare’s portfolio, like Baldur’s Gate and Mass Effect. Neither of them are writing choose-your-own-adventure books and can’t be expected to account for the myriad of choices made available within the games. Perhaps one of the reasons I enjoyed Liane Merciel’s Dragon Age: Last Flight so much was because it ventured much further back in history to tell me about events and people I had no connection to beyond a few entries in the in-game codex or online Wiki. I had no expectations and biases in place and could enjoy the book for what it was.
In some cases, readers’ frustration can come simply from discovering the story beyond the game was not what they expected, as was the case for me when I read Guild Wars: Edge of Destiny by J. Robert King. In ArenaNet’s massive multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMO) Guild Wars 2, players meet the heroes of Destiny’s Edge, a guild formed to face the dragons that threaten Tyria. In the game, the band has broken up and there is much animosity between them. I read Edge of Destiny to find out why and discovered that they are all a bunch of whiny brats. Consequently, I cancelled my in-game crush on Logan Thackery and yelled at the lot of them whenever they appear onscreen to whine and blame each other for their failure.
Though Edge of Destiny is the second in the Guild Wars series, I read Matt Froebeck’s Ghosts of Ascalon after it, which thankfully cleansed my palate. There, I journeyed with a different guild of characters in their search for a treasure that could end the war between humans and charr. I liked these characters much more than I did the members of Destiny’s Edge, and the moment I finished reading it, I logged into the game to visit all of them. While I remain disappointed that these characters did not play a greater role in-game, I appreciated the opportunity to “speak” with them and ask questions related to the novel. I had seen them all before, but now their presence holds so much more meaning for me.
Visiting Gullik Oddsson at Killeen’s grave in Guild Wars 2.
My husband used to play EVE Online, a game I have zero interest in because it looks like spreadsheets in space. But I did pay attention when he talked about the game mechanics of drones and clones and the player-based development. It was enough for me to understand EVE: Templar One by Tony Gonzales, which provides backstory on the political machinations behind the realm of New Eden. EVE is a “sandbox” MMO, which means that while there is a history behind the scenes, there is very little overall story to play when you log into the game. Instead, players create the roleplaying content themselves. Some of those stories have been voted on by fans and subsequently published by Dark Horse Comics.
“The EVE: True Stories graphic novel is unique in the sense that it‘s based on an actual massive player event that took place in EVE Online. The dismantling of the galaxy-sprawling superpower known as the Band of Brothers is something that actually happened and thousands of players participated in.”
Some people look down on gaming tie-ins, dumping them in the same category as movie novelizations. I used to turn my nose up at the latter, arrogantly dismissing them as poorly written cash grabs—until I read this article in which author Alan Dean Foster says, among other things:
“…as [a fan], I got to make my own director’s cut. I got to fix the science mistakes, I got to enlarge on the characters, if there was a scene I particularly liked, I got to do more of it, and I had an unlimited budget. So it was fun.”
Fix the problems within a movie you love? Inject a little of your own headcanon? This is a kind of thinking that I can get behind.
Gaming tie-ins and other expanded universes serve a similar purpose. When I read The Stolen Throne, I got the impression that Gaider had fallen in love with Loghain as much as I did and wrote the novel to redeem the character, even if his future regicide still deserves execution. But tie-ins are more than just officially sanctioned fanfiction—especially when they are written by the games’ writers themselves—and as with anything I read, watch, or play, I expect them to be of reasonably good quality. I admit that I will be a bit more lenient—or harsh—when it comes to people writing about my favourite characters, but whether or not I like what the authors write, I expect them to write it well. I often review what I read and have found that while I’ve enjoyed most of the stories, there most certainly are flaws in the writing; however, these are the same kinds of flaws I find in many of the stories I read and review. As I said, I will be lenient in some cases, such as with Karpyshyn and Gaider’s books. I love the characters and stories they write in-game, though I find that their plotting is rather formulaic. Still, their love for and understanding of the characters shines through in the novels, and I especially like how well Gaider writes fight scenes and descriptions, which I can easily visualize from playing the games. I have a love-hate relationship with Gaider’s Dragon Age comics though, because while they provide great insight into the characters, I felt that Gaider was too limited by the medium. In my original review, I wrote:
“Gaider does such a fabulous job with character development in his novels but, while the characters here had some powerful moments, I felt that the page limitation of the comic book format didn’t allow the writing to go far enough with them. Moreover, the time that was spent with them seemed to cut into the plotting, causing the adventure to skim along like point form notes.”
The Pirate Queen Isabela, summed up in a few panels in Those Who Speak from Dark Horse Comics
Meanwhile, Mac Walters, who took over from Karpyshyn as lead writer on Mass Effect 3, constantly makes me question whether or not he actually played the game. I have yet to find a Mass Effect comic by him that doesn’t make me want to rip it to shreds (difficult, since they are all digital) thanks to ridiculous plots, characters shoehorned into stories they don’t belong in, and characters acting completely out of character.
Calm down, Kaidan. It was just a glass of water. Mass Effect Foundations #4
I’ve been particularly disappointed in the Mass Effect: Foundations series, which serves as unnecessary origin stories for the numerous Mass Effect companion characters, as told through the eyes of Maya Brooks, a character who appeared in the Citadel downloadable content for Mass Effect 3. I mentioned that game tie-ins should enhance what we already learn in-game, but in this case, they are just an over-the-top visual reiteration of pivotal events of the characters’ pasts that players can easily learn about by talking to them. Worse, these events now have Brooks somehow Keyser Soze-ing her way into every single one of them.
And this is the other problem for people who love lore. We know too damn much. We are quick to pounce on the mistakes and inconsistencies and can easily spot things like retroactive continuity. While I don’t profess to be an expert on Dragon Age lore, my over abundance of it may have coloured my experiences while playing Dragon Age: Inquisition, which I address a few times in my “Inquisition Diaries.” As with novelizations, for an author not directly involved in the game, stepping into an established franchise can be a daunting experience because (A) there’s all that lore to learn and keep straight, and (B) fandom can be very unforgiving of mistakes. Some authors have refused to write tie-ins for these reasons while others have stepped in and been burned. Errors and canonical inconsistencies plagued the novel Mass Effect: Deception by William C. Dietz so much that BioWare and Del Rey Books apologized and promised to release a corrected version. Other authors have been more successful, though some of them already have the fame of their own original works under their belts, such as Greg Bear, who has written several novels for the HALO series.
Lore junkies can also be disappointed when something in the expanded world fails to meet its potential within the game. The latter is the case with Dragon Age: The Masked Empire by Patrick Weekes. Some significant elements addressed in the book play out in a major quest during Dragon Age: Inquisition, while others are not reflected in the game’s canon at all. Again, I stress that tie-ins should never be a detriment to a player who chooses not to read them. The game should only tease a player into learning more if they want to and they should never feel like they are missing something important by not reading the latest book or comic. But for someone who takes the time to read the additional material, the effort can feel like a waste of time if there is no pay off in relation to the game.
Drizzt Do’Urden from Dungeons & Dragons
Conversely, lore connoisseurs can get a bit of a treat when they find elements originally from the tie-ins making their way into the games, such as Cole, a character in Gaider’s novel Dragon Age: Asunder. I had really enjoyed Cole’s unique status and his odd personality in Asunder and was curious to see how it would translate to a companion character in Inquisition. As it turns out, I was not the least bit displeased with how Weekes subsequently brought the character to life. This is not the first time a character born in a novel has made their way into a game, nor is this exclusive to video games. Dungeons & Dragons fans are well versed in the history of Drizzt Do’Urden, a character created by R. A. Salvatore for the Forgotten Realms campaign. According to Wikipedia, books featuring Drizzt all make The New York Times bestseller list. Salvatore’s early shorts about the dark elf are collected in a series that was recently performed in audiobook format by a cast of narrators that includes Felicia Day, Sean Astin, David Duchovny, Ice-T, and more.
Some might think lore lovers like me are a wee bit obsessive when it comes to tie-ins, but I have no regrets. While I might not be happy with everything I discover and am forced to fix with headcanon, I love discovering it, talking about it, and figuring out how it all fits together within the story as a whole. And while I continue to stress that tie-ins should not heavily impact the game itself, I secretly long for the day when developers reward players in-game for consuming the lore outside of it. I imagine a game where lore hunters will recognize something they read about in a book or comic, and follow a path that leads to rewards. By rewards I mean, of course, even more lore.
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4 thoughts on “Delving Deeper into Gaming Lore”
Rine Karr says:
I’m also a big video game lore fan, although I think I get into the lore of anything I’m interested in at the moment. I’ve read the Dragon Age novels. And I’ll admit, they’re not something I would normally read. But since it’s Dragon Age, and I crave any history or lore I can get on the series, I enjoyed them. I have the Mass Effect novels, but I haven’t read them yet. And I had no idea that there’s a Guild Wars book, so I might have to look into that. I’m really enjoying Living World Season 2, and I’m looking forward to the new Heart of Thorns expansion.
There are a few Guild Wars 2 books. At least three, last time I checked. I really need to check out Season 2. I haven’t been back to GW2 for a while, but I haven’t completely let go of it, either.
I’m a big fan of the Starcraft books and comics. The thing I find interesting about book companions of rts games is this: rpgs and story-heavy shooters get to tell a lot of story throughout the game, making their book tie-ins seems like the next chapter. With games like Starcraft though, there isn’t a ton of exposition in-game and the books are like a peek behind the curtain.
I’m thinking about getting into the Mass Effect books but am really worried about being disappointed.
I take the Mass Effect books as informational. I’d like to see better quality in them, and appreciate the things I learned, but the writing didn’t blow me away, and I feel like I could have gotten just as much from a codex entry. Gaider’s storytelling in book and comic form when it comes to Dragon Age isn’t the best plotwise, but the characters are far more memorable, whereas I don’t remember much about the ME books I read. And the ME comics? blargh.
I’m only partially into the Starcraft one and I can already see what you’re saying. It opens literally inside Kerrigan’s head as she’s left to die and taken away, so that’s definitely something you can’t get in the game, even with all the great cinematics.
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Macbeth, by William Shakespeare
Chris Metz
AP Junior English
Life Through a Pair of Forsaken Eyes
A close reading of Macbeth (5.5.17-28)
After hearing a shriek inside the castle, Macbeth sends his servant Seyton to find out what the noise was. When Seyton returns, he tells Macbeth “The queen, my lord, is dead” (line 16). Untouched by this horrific news, Macbeth replies, “She should have died hereafter: There would have been a time for such a word,” suggesting that she would have died eventually, implying that he is too busy to deal with her death (line 18 - 19). He goes on to say “tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” using repetition, to show that life drags on, at a slow and “petty pace” up until the end of time (line 20 - 21). Macbeth then explains that “all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death” implying that after each day, they are approaching death sooner and sooner (line 23 – 24). Would the “lighted fool” who is on his way to a “dusty death” be referring to Macbeth himself or to people in general (lines 23 - 24)? After saying “out, out, brief candle,” the candle’s light represents Macbeth’s life and he is commanding it to go out due to the shear depression and stress that he is undergoing (line 24). While in this pessimistic trance, Macbeth explains that “life’s but a walking shadow” and after each day the fool is coming closer to death (line 25). While referring to the illusion of life, he compares it to a “poor player that struts and frets his hour upon stage and then is heard no more” only to be forgotten once he is taken off (lines 26 - 27). Could Shakespeare be talking about himself since he is an actor upon the Globe Theater’s stage? Macbeth then goes on to say that “it is a tale told by an idiot f...
...is considered to be a very deep and complex character due to this, and because he is ultimately the protagonist of the play, but yet he is also the antagonist too. He killed anyone that stood between him and his country’s crown, but yet in this speech he has an abrupt realization of what he has accomplished. He also had a strong and deep bond with his wife, yet when he receives the news he simply says, “she would have died hereafter: there would have been a time for such a word,” implying that he doesn’t care (Lines 17 – 18).
Kermode, Frank. “Macbeth.” Shakespeare’s Language. New York: Farrar, Strauss, Giroux,
2000. 201 – 216. Print.
Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen, eds. New York: The
Modern Library, 2009. Print.
SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.
William Shakespeare's Macbeth
And with his former title greet Macbeth”, (I,iii,63). We catch a glimpse of how well the witches play on his ambition when he thinks immediately of their proposition once Duncan mentions naming his heir. By the end of the play Macbeth is regarded as a tyrant, he kills indiscriminately to hold on to power. He also shows arrogance and disdain when dismissing medicine because it cannot save Lady Macbeth. In his speech on hearing of his wife Lady Macbeth’s death he tries to pass on responsibility by blaming everything on fate, likening himself to an actor on the stage “ Life’s but a walking shadow that struts and frets his hour on the stage”, (V,v,23).
Analysis of Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Notably, the ghost tells Hamlet to enact his revenge in the opening scenes of the play; he seems hesitant, as if he questions death for the first time. Hamlet wants to make sure that Claudius did in fact kill his father, so he sets up a play to re-enact the crime scene and to Hamlet’s content, Claudius disp... ... middle of paper ... ...death of him. Hamlet’s obsession and numerous contemplations about death sets himself in the undesired direction of suffering with the deaths of his father, Ophelia and Polonius, all whom he believed were undeserving. His will to continuously get himself into situations that inflict a great deal of emotional stress is astonishing, and his change in attitude about his indecisiveness about murder is not beneficial, rather it kills him in the end. Having a healthy fear of death is normal --one must realize death is unavoidable, while constant thought about death creates unhealthy anxiety.
The Higher Power in Shakespeare´s Hamlet
According to Simon Critchley in the New York Times, Hamlet in the beginning of the play “is a creature of endless vacillation, a cipher for the alienated, inward modern self in a world that is insubstantial and rotten.” In the eyes of his friends and family he is melancholic and people can not quite understand why he is depressed. In Hamlet’s first soliloquy about death Act I, Scene II l.130-159 he expresses his first thoughts on suicide. He is “an outraged man who, disgusted by his ‘sullied flesh’, can see no outcome to his disgust other than death” (Delville, Michel). Hamlet appears to be more melancholic, and desperate than at any other point in the play. Desiring his flesh to “melt,” and wishing that God had not made “self-slaughter” a sin, saying that the world is “weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable.” Hamlet thinks suicide seems like a desirable alternative to life in a painful world, but he feels that taking his own life is not an option because religion forbids suicide.
The True Beast in Othello
Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare. Ed. Geoffrey Bullough. Vol. 7.
As Christina Autiero asserts in a paper given at a conference held in Westchester - Putnam School, “Blinded by [his] passions,...Hamlet indirectly causes the death of Ophelia and his mother...revenge and Hamlet’s method of madness primarily cause his death and actions. Unfortunately, the only approach [he] felt would vindicate [his] honorable name essentially destroyed [him]” (Autiero 53). Young Hamlet believed that the only choice to redeem his father was to murdering the murderer. In doing so, however, Hamlet became mad, and struck out at any and all who crossed his path. At one point in the play, Hamlet stabs Polonius, believing him to be King Claudius.
The famous play by William Shakespeare portrays absolute and fabricated madness—from the overbearing grief to complete mania—and delves into the themes of sarcasm, suicide, and procrastination. Throughout the play, William Shakespeare uses sarcasm to add humor into his works. With the use of sarcasm, the audiences are able to interpret the character's true feelings and thoughts. In Act I, King Hamlet has died, and his brother Claudius, has married the widowed queen of the king. The son (also named Hamlet) has been depressed, lately, about the death of his father and is aggravated at his mother for marrying Claudius (his uncle) less than two months since his father’s death.
Ambition in Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Passage V Analysis
To make his dream a reality, Macbeth kills King Duncan after making him feel a false sense of security. Once the King was out of the way Macbeth tries to eliminate all other threats to the throne, Banquo, Fleance, and Macduff. Macbeth uses his violent ways belligerently to eliminate these threats. Macbeth’s success drives him into madness as the play progresses. When Macbeth makes the statement “a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,”.
Indecision, Hesitation and Delay in Shakespeare's Hamlet
(I.V. Lines 110-111) After the scene with the ghost the reader would most likely believe that an enraged Hamlet gone straight to Claudius' room to kill him. This is the first incident when Hamlet is observed being incapable of making decisions. In Act II, Scene 2, two scenes after Hamlet was about to kill the king, he still hasn't done it, but during this scene Hamlet comes in contact with a group of traveling actors and asks them to play for the king. Hamlet tells us in this next quote of his tragic flaw of indecision and of his plan ... ... middle of paper ... ...gh out the play tearing at his soul.
Hamlet is one of the greatest plays written in history by William Shakespeare. It is a tragedy that tells the story of prince Hamlet who seeks revenge for his father's murder. At the start of the play, Hamlet is melancholic and tries desperate to control his fate however, as the play progresses, Hamlet becomes rational and accepts his fate. Shakespeare's powerful use of dark symbols throughout the play illusatrate the inevitability of death as it is a universal component of life. Hamlet's clothing, the imagery and use of poison, as well as Yorrick's skull all symbolize the idea that death is universal and unavoidable.
Sigmund Freud's Structural Model Of The Psyche
Ophelia, Hamlets lover, goes to her father to tell him about Hamlet how different he is being. She says to him “As if he had been loosèd out of hell to speak of horrors— he comes before me” (II.i.93-94), she says this because she is worried for Hamlet. Polonius then says he is going to tell the king “Come, go we to the King. This must be known,” (II.i.130-131), this is the first time the King will hear Hamlet is starting to go mad. To a readers perspective, they will see Hamlet following a plan that was ordered from the spirit to avenge his fathers death.
More about Macbeth, by William Shakespeare
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( 1814 - 1875 )
ART MOVEMENTS: REALISM
Jean-Francois Millet is considered one of the most important Realist painter and influential artist for Modern art. He was born in Grucky, a small village in Gréville-Hague, a former commune in Normandy, France. Millet’s parents were humble people; farmers, and devout Christians, a tradition kept by many generations. Growing up on the fields marked the artist’s work throughout his life, as well as being educated by parish priests. Millet had a rigorous schedule between working on the farm and studying; becoming fluent in Greek, reading Classic literature and learning to read the Solomons in Latin. Although he didn’t have much time left for leisure, he would always use it to draw and paint his surroundings. Since Millet was the eldest, he was left with the tougher farming tasks - themes that would return later in his paintings.
By 1833, Millet understood his true calling in life was not of a farmer, but of a painter, so his father decided to take him to a neighbor town named Cherbourg to begin studying art. With the help of his teacher, Millet earned a grant from the Municipal Council of Paris to study at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts under Paul Delaroche, in 1833. Before he left, his grandmother reminded him that he would always be a Christian before he was an artist. His mutable temperament didn’t quite fit with the Academic life, bringing some struggle. By 1840, Millet returned to his hometown to become a portrait painter after having his first portrait accepted in the Paris Salon. But in about a year he returned to the city of art with his new wife, Pauline-Virginie Ono. In only a few years, Millet’s life would turn upside down, as his partner passed away and the Paris Salon rejected some of his works in 1843, forcing him back to Cherbourg again.
By the mid-1840s, Millet met and befriended many other artists with similar thoughts in Paris. Realist Painters like Constant Troyon, Théodore Rousseau, and Charles Jacque, who would all become part of the Barbizon School, a movement named after the Barbizon village in which these artists frequently visited to produce paintings. In 1845, the painter moved to Le Havre, where he worked mostly on portraits, and genre paintings as well. By this time, he was already in a relationship with Catherine Lemaire, who he married in 1853 and had a total of nine children with Millet. He would soon begin to turn away from previous subjects, like Romaniscized pastoral themes, and turn to a more Realistic approach. Millet would eventually choose to live away from the big city, like many of his artist friends, and moved to Barbizon in 1849 with his family.
Millet considered Harvesters Resting (Ruth and Boaz) one of his finest and most important works, and he took three years to conclude. Although he struggled with lack of money most of his life, Millet’s final years were hugely successful. His health began deteriorating which enabled him to continue working, and he passed away at the age of 60, on January 1875, in his beloved village of Barbizon. Millet’s legacy is never-ending, and his art continues to inspire, just as it did Vincent Van Gogh, who would copy many of his works. The Surrealist artist Salvador Dali also had a fascination with his work and wrote some analysis of it.
Jean-Francois Millet Oil Painting Reproductions
The Gleaners, 1857
Angelus (Angelus Domini)
Man With A Hoe
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from $275.99 Portrait of a Man, c.1840-41 by
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from $275.99 The Cousin Hamlet at Greville, c.1865-73 by
from $275.99 The Little Shepherdess by
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from $275.99 Setting off for Work, 1863 by
from $275.99 Portrait Of Eugene Canoville by
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The Oozing Whale Skeleton of New Bedford published by Evanvinh
For 20 years, this whale skeleton has been slowly dripping oil on the floor of the museum where it hangs.In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the setting of Herman Melville's story of the Great White Whale, there is a suspended whale skeleton that has been oozing oil for over 15 years.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is filled with cannibal forks, the world's largest scrimshaw collection, canned whale meat, and 2,500 handwritten accounts of whaling voyages. Here the unusual is usual, including their collection of four whale skeletons hanging over the entrance. These giant marine mobiles include a humpback named Quasimodo, a fetal right whale and its mother Reyna, and the biggest — a blue whale called KOBO.
In 1998 KOBO ("King of the Blue Ocean") was accidentally struck by a tanker off the coast of Nova Scotia, and his carcass was saved for research and education. He is one of only four blue whale skeletons on display in the world, and at 66 feet long, with a one-and-a-half ton skull, KOBO makes your head snap back in awe. It’s probably a good idea to keep your mouth shut if you do, to avoid the occasional drips of oil still oozing from his bones almost 20 years after the tragic accident. Whales are so oily, KOBO’s bones will keep leaking for many years to come.
The Museum has taken advantage of these leaky bones as a learning opportunity, and has set up a platform to funnel some of the whale oil into a small beaker. While the display inspires occasional questions from visitors, the answer to “Can I use this to cook with?” is "Probably not."
New Bedford is an hour south of Boston and 35 minutes east of Providence.
The Museum is open every day between April 1 and Dec 31 from 9am to 5pm, and from January thru March they are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Adult admission is $16, seniors $14, students $9, kids age 4 and over are $6, 3 and under (and members) are free. See website for more details, directions and parking.
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-oozing-whale-skeleton-of-new-bedford?ct=t%28Newsletter_4_1_20163_31_2016%29&mc_cid=8e7ec15794&mc_eid=45106927d4
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All Neighborhoods Map About Winter Park
Get to know…Winter Park
Famous for its sprawling oak trees, gorgeous lakes, quaint, brick-lined streets, and world-class museums, Winter Park offers a relaxing, small-town atmosphere just minutes from downtown Orlando. This scenic, historic city is home to a wealth of beautiful houses, apartments and townhomes, top-rated schools, charming parks and lakes, and unique shops and restaurants. Winter Park is ideal for young professionals and families looking for the added convenience of living near Orlando's business district without all of the added hustle and bustle. Right in the middle of all the action, Winter Park is just miles from top attractions, theme parks, and schools like the Amway Center, Rollins College, SeaWorld, the Orlando Science Center, the University of Central Florida, and Universal Studios.
Start Your Search for Apartments in Winter Park
Things to Do in Winter Park
A Shopper's Paradise
Grab some unique items at Winter Park's Park Avenue shopping district. With more than 140 boutique shops and beautiful sidewalk cafes, Park Avenue is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon of shopping fun. On U.S. 17-92, just seconds from Interstate 4, you'll find the Winter Park Village, a collection of both large retailers and eateries like Publix, Pier 1 Imports, The Cheesecake Factory, and Ulta Beauty. We really recommend discovering more of Winter Park Village as it's an exciting area! If you're looking for even more great finds, take a short 20-minute drive to the Mall at Millenia, an upscale shopping mall with over 150 stores including Bloomingdales, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, and Lilly Pulitzer. If you love a good deal then the Orlando Premium Outlets on International Drive is the place for you! Located just 15 miles from Winter Park, the Outlets is home to popular stores like Armani, Calvin Klein, Coach, Columbia, and Fossil – a shopper's paradise!
Just minutes from your Winter Park apartment, you'll find a mix of delicious local eateries that are sure to satisfy your taste buds! If you're a meat-lover, Swine & Sons is the place to go for smoked brisket and cured meats. Or, if fish is more your thing, be sure to check out Winter Park Fish Co. for fresh local produce and mouth-watering fish and chips. Enjoy brunch and mimosas at The Parkview, contemporary Japanese cuisine at Umi, chicken and waffles at The Coop, or Italian at Prato. Needless to say, your food options are truly limitless!
Grab your sunglasses and SPF 30 because Winter Park is full of fun outdoorsy activities and events.
Central Park: Winter Park is well-known for its sprawling oak trees – which you can relax under at Central Park. This 11-acre park, located on Park Avenue in the downtown shopping district, hosts numerous events every year including the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, the Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, and a cinema series held on the second Thursday of each month.
Mead Botanical Garden: Explore beautiful vegetation, go on a guided hike, or discover majestic breeds of butterflies and birds at Mead Botanical Garden, a 47.6-acre park with an amphitheater and bike park. This park also includes a pavilion and picnic tables, a recreation center, and a community garden for those wishing to make a day of it.
Winter Park Farmers Market: Pick from a variety of fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, and plants at the Winter Park Farmers Market. Hosted every Saturday at the old train depot on West New England Avenue, the Farmers Market serves as a great way to support local businesses and connect with the community. Grab some delicious veggies for a home-made dinner at your Winter Park apartment, and some fresh baked goods for dessert – you won't regret it!
PaddleBoard Orlando: Beat the heat with an afternoon of water fun at PaddleBoard Orlando. Choose your gear of choice – a kayak or a paddleboard – and head to the lake for a day you won't forget!
Winter Park's Flourishing Business Community
Winter Park is popular among young professionals because of its close proximity to the business district of downtown Orlando. Winter Park apartments offer residents three major advantages: a short commute to and from work, a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of life downtown, and major employer discounts! Major employers near the Winter Park area include Lockheed Martin, Adventist Health, Westgate Resorts, the Orlando Regional Medical Center, and theme parks like Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld. Opportunity is abundant in downtown Orlando with a wide-variety of boutique firms and offices in numerous different fields.
Schools Serving Winter Park
In Winter Park education is a priority with a wealth of top-rated schools for students of all ages. Children in grades K-5 may be zoned for Lakemont Elementary, Brookshire Elementary, Killarney Elementary, or Aloma Elementary. Those in grades 6-8 are likely to be zoned for either Glenridge Middle School or Maitland Middle School. For students in grades 9-12, Winter Park High School, home of the Wildcats, offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. Winter Park is also near the following specialized schools: Trinity Preparatory, The Geneva School, Lake Forrest Preparatory School, and St. Margaret Mary Catholic School. College students have a wide-variety of options all within 10 miles of Winter Park, including Rollins College, Full Sail University, the University of Central Florida, and Valencia College's East Campus.
Navigating Winter Park
A direct neighbor of downtown Orlando, Winter Park is located just minutes from the city's largest hub for business, finance, and government. Because of this you may hit a bit of traffic during peak travel times, though Winter Park remains fairly free of the congestion often seen downtown. If you commute for work or school and plan on traveling during rush hour, consider alternative routes that avoid Winter Park's most highly-trafficked roadways like Fairbanks and Orange Ave. Right in the middle of all the action, Winter Park apartments offer residents easy access to a variety of major roadways like Interstate 4, Aloma Ave, U.S. 17-92, and SR-436/Semoran Blvd – which makes travel to other Orlando neighborhoods and attractions especially convenient.
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Apartments near Winter Park
Lofts at Winter Park (407) 603-3769Learn More
Paseo at Winter Park (407) 278-7319Learn More
Winter Park Village (407) 449-7930Learn More
Find Apartments NearWinter Park
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49ers Hire Kris Kocurek as Defensive Line Coach
The San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday that the team has hired Kris Kocurek (KO-SIR-ick) as defensive line coach. Kocurek replaces Jeff Zgonina, who held the position for each of the previous two seasons (2017-18) with San Francisco.
"Kris has become one of the most respected defensive line coaches in the NFL over the last decade and has a proven track record of helping his players maximize their abilities," said Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. "When he recently became available, we acted aggressively to add him to our staff because his philosophy, and the style of play he coaches, fits our scheme and personnel very well. We're excited to get him in the meeting rooms and onto the field with our players.
"I want to thank Jeff for his hard work and dedication to the 49ers over the last two seasons, as his contributions helped to build the foundation of both our defense and team as a whole. He is not only a good football coach, but also a good man, and we wish him the best personally and professionally."
Kocurek, 40, joins the 49ers after spending the 2018 season as the defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins.
Prior to Miami, Kocurek spent his first nine years as an NFL coach with the Detroit Lions, first as the team's assistant defensive line coach in 2009, followed by eight seasons as defensive line coach (2010-17). Before his time in Detroit, Kocurek served as the defensive line coach at Stephen F. Austin State University in 2008, assistant head coach/defensive line coach at West Texas A&M University in 2007 and defensive line coach at Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2006. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech University (2003) and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (2004-05).
A native of Rockdale, TX, Kocurek was originally drafted in the seventh-round (237th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks as a defensive lineman. Following his release from the Seahawks prior to the 2001 season, he was signed to the Tennessee Titans practice squad and was later promoted to the team's active roster and appeared in one game with Tennessee in 2001 before spending the 2002 season on the Injured Reserve List. Kocurek played collegiately at Texas Tech, where he was a three-time All-Big 12 selection (1998-2000). He was selected team captain and named the team's defensive player of the year as a senior in 2000.
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Institute of Advanced Studies in Education
Established in 2002, Institute of Advanced Studies in Education is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the rural setting of the small city of Sardarshahr (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Rajasthan. Officially recognized by the University Grants Commission of India, Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASEDU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational Indian higher education institution. Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASEDU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 18 years old Indian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. IASEDU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
search the Institute of Advanced Studies in Education's website
शिक्षा में उन्नत अध्ययन संस्थान
IASEDU
Satya Meva Jayathe
May The Sun of Knowledge Shine
Gandhi Vidya Mandir
331 403 Rajasthan
Tip: search for Institute of Advanced Studies in Education's courses and programs with the uniRank Search Engine
Important: please contact or visit the official website of Institute of Advanced Studies in Education for detailed information on areas of study and degree levels currently offered; the above uniRank Study Areas/Degree Levels Matrix™ is indicative only and may not be up-to-date or complete.
Tip: search for Institute of Advanced Studies in Education's tuition fees with the uniRank Search Engine
Important: the above uniRank Tuition Range Matrix™ does not include room, board or other external costs; tuition may vary by areas of study, degree level, student nationality or residence and other criteria. Please contact the appropriate Institute of Advanced Studies in Education's office for detailed information on yearly tuitions which apply to your specific situation and study interest; the above uniRank Tuition Range Matrix™ is indicative only and may not be up-to-date or complete.
Institute of Advance Studies in Education Deemed to be University
Sardarshahr 331403
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Important: admission policy and acceptance rate may vary by areas of study, degree level, student nationality or residence and other criteria. Please contact the Institute of Advanced Studies in Education's Admission Office for detailed information on a specific admission selection policy and acceptance rate; the above University admission information is indicative only and may not be complete or up-to-date.
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Important: please contact or visit the official website of Institute of Advanced Studies in Education for detailed information on facilities and services provided, including the type of scholarships and other financial aids offered to local or international students; the information above is indicative only and may not be complete or up-to-date.
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Important: the above section is intended to include only those reputable organizations (e.g. Ministries of Higher Education) that have the legal authority to officially accredit, charter, license or, more generally, recognize Institute of Advanced Studies in Education as a whole (Institutional Accreditation or Recognition) or its specific programs/courses (Programmatic Accreditation). Memberships and affiliations to organizations which do not imply any formal, extensive and/or legal process of accreditation or recognition are included in the specific Memberships and Affiliations section below. Please report errors and additions taking into consideration the above criteria.
Association of Indian Universities
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This University profile has been officially reviewed and updated by Institute of Advanced Studies in Education's representatives.
Please visit the official website of Institute of Advanced Studies in Education to make sure the University information provided is up-to-date. The uniRank University Ranking™ is not an academic ranking and should not be adopted as the main criteria for selecting a higher education organization where to enroll.
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Home » Dance » The Issue of Cultural Appropriation and Egyptian Belly Dance
The Issue of Cultural Appropriation and Egyptian Belly Dance
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A belly dancer in Cairo, Egypt with a live band.
There is debate around where exactly belly dance originates from, with Egypt and Turkey being the two main contenders. It is hard to tell exactly where any dance genre comes from, as the further in time we go, the less evidence we have to pinpoint to an exact location.
It is even possible that dance genres may emerge at the same time in different places and then evolve separately, which might be what happened with belly dance in Turkey and Egypt.
We can say though that, today, Turkey and Egypt are both two prominent belly dance centres and each has its own distinctive style. In this post, I will mainly focus on Egypt.
Wherever you think it originated from though, belly dance is now a global phenomenon.
Danced mostly by women, belly dance is loved by dancers because it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is a wonderful form of fitness. Whilst certain core moves are central to belly dance, this dance is also fluid and open to self-expression.
Belly Dance and Raqs Sharqi
Belly Dance in Cairo
Cultural Appropriation and Global Diffusion of Raqs sharqi
Cultural Background or Ethnicity
UNESCO and Protecting Heritage
The term ‘belly dance’ can be traced back at least as far as 1893 to the French term ‘Danse du Ventre’ meaning ‘dance of the stomach’, when the Chicago World Fair took place.
Belly dance is a very generic term that includes a wide range of dances from Northern Africa and the Middle East (thought to be as old as thousands of years, though this is still debated and its origins are unclear), as well as American tribal belly dance (a style invented in the USA in the 1980s) and other styles developed worldwide.
The types of dance called belly dance have in common the fact that they involve movements of the torso (hips, chest and shoulders) in isolation from the rest of the body.
Belly Dance is especially important in Egyptian culture, as one of the homes to this dance, although in Egypt, the Arabic term ‘Raqs Sharqi’ is used and translates as dance of the East.
For many who study belly dance as dancers and seek to also understand its core, spending time learning this dance in Egypt becomes a dream.
Studying belly dance in Egypt is akin to learning Taekwondo in Korea, tango in Argentina, or samba in Brazil.
In Egypt, it is normal for belly dancers to dance to music from live musicians.
Belly dance in Egypt can be danced socially by everyone or professionally at weddings or in nightclubs.
The modern professional version of Egyptian belly dance started developing in Cairo in the 1920s and reached its top between the 1930s and 1970s.
During that time, Cairo was equivalent to Hollywood for the Arabic world and many movies were produced there, most of which included dance scenes, particularly raqs sharqi.
Many star dancers, featured in these Egyptian movies, such as Tahia Carioca, Samia Gamal, Soheir Zaki, Nagwa Fouad and Fifi Abdou.
Egyptian belly dance is quite earthy; relaxed; and focuses on small movements of the torso.
Traditionally, it is danced solo, with live music and the dancer expresses the feelings from the music and connects with the audience.
This expression of feeling and connection with the audience in Arabic is called tarab, which can be translated as ecstasy or enchantment.
The global diffusion of raqs sharqi, whilst a very positive thing in many respects (such as because it is enjoyed by so many in so many locations globally), also creates the issue of appropriation. Appropriation refers to how something is re-made or reproduced.
In a digital globalised world where Internet access has almost reached 4 billion users, videos of dance can now be transmitted from one corner of the world to another in less than a few seconds.
This makes controlling arts such as dance all but impossible and in a sense, why would we wish to limit the ability for these beautiful art forms to be shared and appreciated?
Traditional belly dancer in Cairo, Egypt.
The issue of appropriation for many is the issue of misrepresentation of their own cultural heritage, particularly in an attempt to benefit commercially.
A restaurant in a given country (let’s say the UK) might market an event that they call ‘A Night of Traditional Belly Dance’ for example, and yet they could knowingly hire a dancer who clearly has no real understanding or background of dancing in Egypt, Morocco or Lebanon.
When the terms authentic or traditional are used, for commercial gain, and with no intention to provide an authentic performance, this, it can be argued, is cultural misappropriation.
Authenticity is a very difficult concept to define, particularly for a type of cultural heritage such as dance, which is complex, because it combines many different elements, such as movements, dancers, costumes, props and music.
Also, dancers have always borrowed from different cultures. For example, raqs sharqi included some elements from ballet and ballroom dances, when developed for Egyptian movies.
However, raqs sharqi still maintains a specific cultural identity and is rooted in Egyptian culture and this needs to be acknowledged.
The argument from many who are concerned with the issue of appropriation is that even if belly dance and other art forms are to be enjoyed and spread, effort could be made to respect the cultural roots of these forms of heritage.
This could be done by acknowledging that a certain representation is a creative invention and, even if it inspired by a certain tradition, it is something different. Alternatively, much greater effort could be made to connect and represent something close to the true traditions and cultural heritage of the art form, i.e. belly dance in this case.
The issue of appropriation though flows deeper. The debate extends to the question of if only those from a certain cultural background or ethnicity are those to whom certain arts and artefacts belong.
An example is the recent cancellation of an art show in Canada because of complaints from indigenous activists. Similarly, in Seattle in the U.S., debate has centred on performances of Madame Butterfly and the lack of Japanese or Asian cast members.
The debates will continue as arts exist to be shared and yet cultural heritage and traditions are what give us identity and represent our place in the world.
Whilst we cannot change our ethnicity or background, we can at least seek to understand and value the traditions.
A greater emphasis by governments and organizations ( UNESCO, for example, have a role to play in helping to protect heritage) could go into trying to re-enforce the use of terms such as ‘traditional’ or ‘authentic’ and with emphasis given to certain standards needed in order for something to be called traditional.
For example, dances such as flamenco and tango are listed by UNESCO. At the same time, it is important to allow heritage to be flexible, to incorporate change and give people the freedom to create.
As a belly dancer who loves Egyptian style, visiting Egypt was essential for me. I have been there twice, during which time I experienced dancing to live music and gained a deeper understanding for the dance, by discovering more about the context in which it originated.
However, I have my own style and I will never dance like an Egyptian, as I am not one, but I acknowledge this and I will keep on trying to learn more about the culture of this beautiful dance.
Wajeeh on January 22, 2020 at 4:25 pm
We don’t refer to Egypt as a North African country, we refer to it as a Middle Eastern country. “North Africa” in the modern context refers to the Berber states of the Maghreb region from Libya to Morocco.
“North Africa”, particularly when used in the term North Africa and the Middle East, often refers only to the countries of the Maghreb. Egypt, being also part of the Middle East, is often considered separately, due to being both North African and Middle Eastern at the same time.”
Valerius on January 25, 2020 at 5:20 pm
Hi Wajeeh. Thank you for your input and thoughts.
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Madrid City Council and the UNWTO seal their commitment to sustainable tourism
Home News Madrid City Council and the UNWTO seal their commitment to sustainable tourism
The mayoress of Madrid, Manuela Carmena, and the director general of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, signed last April 25 a declaration of intentions, prelude to the Memorandum of Collaboration (MOU) to be signed in the near future to seal the joint commitment to sustainable tourism, informed the City of Madrid in a statement.
Photo: Giuseppe Buccola
The UNWTO is the only United Nations agency that has its headquarters in Madrid (Spain), so the collaboration between the two is already “very close”, as stressed by the Madrid Consistory.
Now with this new agreement reinforces a joint work aimed at promoting tourism, conceived as an instrument to achieve the Objectives of Sustainable Development (ODS).
The new agreement recognizes the importance of sharing lines of work that promote cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experiences between both institutions, thus optimizing the resources of both and complementing and enriching their work plans.
The document reflects the need to give greater visibility to the city of Madrid as the headquarters of the UNWTO and as one of the most noteworthy tourist destinations in Europe.
Only in the last twelve months (according to data from March this year), the number of passengers in Madrid has exceeded 9.7 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 3 percent, and the highest figure in the series, compared to 1.4 percent recorded in the country.
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by: Jocelina Joiner, Nexstar Media Wire
FILE – In this March 3, 2020, file photo, Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks to a GOP women’s group in Rome, Ga. Greene, criticized for promoting racist videos and adamantly supporting the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory, has won the GOP nomination for northwest Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. (John Bailey/Rome News-Tribune via AP, File)
(NEXSTAR) — Newly elected Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced Wednesday on Twitter that she plans to file articles of impeachment against President-elect Joe Biden for abuse of power.
The Georgia Republican’s announcement came shortly after the U.S. House voted to impeach President Donald Trump for “incitement of insurrection” following last week’s deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol.
On January 21, 2021, I'll be filing Articles of Impeachment against Joe Biden for abuse of power.#ImpeachBiden #QuidProJoe#BidenCrimeFamilly
The vote — 232-197 with the help of 10 Republicans — marked the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president has been impeached twice. The impeachment articles against Trump will now go to the Senate to begin a trial to determine whether to convict him and potentially bar him from running for office again.
Saying she’s “tired of Republicans who lay down and allow this country to be ravaged,” Greene, a presidential ally aligned with a pro-Trump conspiracy group, told Newsmax on Wednesday that she plans to file the articles of impeachment on the first full day of Biden’s presidency.
“I would like to announce on behalf of the American people, we have to make sure that our leaders are held accountable,” she said. “We cannot have a president of the United States that is willing to abuse the power of the office of the presidency and be easily bought off by foreign governments, Chinese energy companies, Ukrainian energy companies.”
As vice president, Biden oversaw foreign policy in Ukraine and his son Hunter Biden served on the board of Burisma Holdings, the fledgling democracy’s largest gas company. An investigation last year by Senate Republicans found no wrongdoing by the Bidens.
Now though, federal authorities are actively investigating the business dealings of Hunter Biden, including whether he and his associates violated tax and money laundering laws in business dealings in foreign countries, principally China, according to a CNN report.
However, President-elect Biden is not implicated.
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Sorting it out!
The fast food industry has been slow to take action against plastic waste but now cities are helping big brands make amends. And Reims is lovin' it!
It's the weekend and a city-centre McDonald's restaurant is busy with shoppers and families as they pop in for their fast food favourites. As he clears away the rubbish remaining from his lunch, 23-year old Aloïs is very positive about the new waste sorting system he's using for the first time. “It's a very good idea,” he says. “It's in the spirit of the times. And it's well explained.”
Another customer chips in: “I'm a cleaning lady so I'm obviously quite aware of the stakes. Of course we're going to take the time to do selective sorting before we leave. We do it at home so I don't see why we can't do it here.” The opinions of one father and daughter about the arrival of yellow bins for plastic waste sum up their significance. “They respect the law,” says dad. “And above all the planet!” says daughter Caroline.
Such feedback is music to the ears of Rémi Rocca, director of purchasing for McDonald's France and the man driving the introduction of the new waste recycling system. “Reims was one of the first and one of the biggest cities we worked with on the new scheme,” he says. “Everyone was waiting for it - citizens, the city and other service suppliers really want to make it work.”
But how did it come to this? How has plastic, a material that reshaped the modern world, become something we must now save the world from?
When the first fully synthetic plastic was invented in 1907 it soon lived up to its potential as the 'material of a thousand uses'. Through its use in everything from electrical wire insulation to televisions, radar, frying pans, car parts and vinyl records, it transformed everyday life.
In 1957 plastic was seen as so exciting and glamorous that Disneyland opened an all-plastic 'house of the future' attraction, complete with plastic furniture, kitchen equipment and toys. Over the following decades it went on to enable artificial hearts, solar panels, disposable drinking bottles and strong, lightweight and cheap protective packaging for food.
Saving lives, producing energy, preventing food waste. What's not to love about plastic? Quite a lot, as we now know.
This seemingly magical material has gone from hero to zero as we've learned how plastic that isn't recycled or recovered correctly creates pollution damaging to ecosystems and human health.
We've also become aware of disturbing facts such as this: 60% of the estimated 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic manufactured since the 1950s has ended up in landfill or the environment - where it will not be broken down for hundreds of years.
Recycling plastic is a huge part of the solution, but we're still not doing enough. According to a report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation which promotes the circular economy, 72% of plastic packaging, for example, is not recovered at all.
Inaction not on the menu
Like many sectors, the fast food industry has struggled to find a cost-effective way of responding to the recycling challenge. Plastic containers, utensils, straws and cups used once and thrown away are very rarely recycled because of the cost of sorting, collecting, transporting, cleaning and processing this waste.
In recent years, awareness of the risk to brand image of negative publicity about plastic pollution has prompted companies to take a closer look at possible solutions. In France, a regulation introduced in 2017 addressed specifically at the fast food industry has made the implementation of solutions for plastic sorting mandatory for all restaurants producing more than 10 tons of biodegradable waste a year.
“We came up with a city-level solution because the waste world is very linked to logistical constraints and when we're talking about sustainability we need to reduce transportation,” explains Rocca. “A localised approach helps us to minimise the distance waste has to travel and establish partnerships with the city and its recycling centre so we can organise everything together.”
Dedication to the cause
When McDonald's approached Reims seeking help to implement its solution, the city was very receptive. “As a city we have a role as a facilitator as we have the capacity to involve external stakeholders, citizens and the business sector and to encourage them to adopt new behaviours,” says Lucie Junet, head of European and international affairs.
Reims had already demonstrated its determination to curb plastic pollution and raise awareness of selective waste sorting. For over a decade it had run a programme of waste-aware workshops and training to give local people the information and insights they need to make the right choices.
In another sign of its commitment, Reims was one of the first signatories to the Oslo Declaration in October 2019, pledging to considerably reduce the harmful impact of plastic waste and littering on ecosystems.
This declaration came hot on the heels of the first-ever European Strategy for Plastics, at whose launch earlier last year EU Vice President Frans Timmermans echoed the city's concerns and endorsed its collaborative approach.
“If we don't change the way we produce and use plastics,” he said, “there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans by 2050. The only long-term solution is to reduce plastic waste by recycling and reusing more. This is a challenge that citizens, industry and governments must tackle together.”
At the start of the project to equip the city's 10 McDonald's restaurants with waste sorting bins enabling plastic waste to be recycled for the first time, the city invited local McDonald's management and staff to its recycling centre.
“This was really key to improving their knowledge of the recycling process and understanding their role in the recycling value chain,” stresses Franck Malardot, the city's McDonald's franchisee.
“The close cooperation with the city's department of waste has also been crucial to train staff and make them ambassadors of waste sorting in their restaurants, ever ready to help customers deal correctly with their waste,” he adds. “The city even has a special campaign truck that was taken round all the restaurants!”
How did customers react to taking on this extra task? “Some were reluctant at first,” says Malardot. “Perhaps because they think it's OK to recycle at home whereas in a restaurant they expect it as part of the service. But now the huge majority are happy to do it.”
The results achieved by the sorting scheme and awareness campaign led by McDonald's staff confirm customers are firmly on board - and helping to make a difference.
“More than 90% of what we collect from McDonald's restaurants is not rejected at the sorting centre,” says Michael Zaegel, head of department at the Greater Reims Waste Department.
“What has made it work,” adds Rocca, “is that we are partners with the city in this. It also helps that Reims has a team dedicated to environmental education.”
Fantastic plastic ideas
The partnership between Reims and McDonald's is an exciting step for both. McDonald's intends to roll out the waste sorting scheme to all 1,500 restaurants across France over the next three years. And Reims' has added its first collaboration with a leading restaurant sector company to its roll call of recycling actions.
These include a smart idea from the department of waste to develop a kit containing reusable plates, cutlery and glasses for use at the city's music and food festivals - which means the city can ban disposable plastic products at these events.
The administration is collaborating with a citizen-inspired initiative to promote recycling which rewards those who take their plastic bottles to one of four collection points with eco-friendly products and free tickets for cultural and sporting events.
Reims is also home to Recycl'lab, a space dedicated to waste recovery where residents can bring their unwanted clothes and faulty equipment and get inspiration for reusing their products and learning how to fix them or fabricate new from old.
Saying goodbye to single-use plastics
Reims sees the French government's ambitious anti-waste agenda as helpful to the
general trend to recognise the seriousness of the plastic problem and to take action.
Already this year, three single-use plastic products - cups, plates and cotton buds - have been completely banned. And more will be follow in line with the government's goal of phasing out all single-use plastics by 2040.
Reims is well equipped to keep up with this planned progress. For, as Malardot says - and his customers, his company and his city are demonstrating - “When visions and energies converge on the same objectives it is much easier to achieve your goals.”
Source of customer quotes: L’Union, 'Au McDo, on trie (enfin) ses déchets' by Alice Renard.
Corporate plastic alternatives
City specialists explain the system to customers
Yellow recycling bins have become a familiar sight
An awareness campaign explains the need to recycle
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Following two students and two young teachers, “A Boarding School” is an observational documentary which invites its audience to become acquainted with Islamic teachings.
Bibah is the art teacher, she is one of the main reasons why arts flourished in the school, but she has to leave the school to take her master degree. Dul Yani, the champion of the school’s annual stand-up comedy competition, who represses his loneliness of separation from his mother, a migrant worker in Arab Saudi. Dika, the senior student in the school—appointed head of room by his classmates—who is undergoing an internship program and to serve the society. Diding, the young teacher who is progressive and often discusses controversial topics in his class.
As we delve deeper into the life inside this particular pesantren, we are drawn into a the universal story, of young people ’s problem today. Through intimate moments with these charming and talented young people who are striving to overcome their limitation, the film cuts through cultural and religious barriers and opens the audience to identify with the young people’s hope for their own futures.
IMPACT DISTRIBUTION
SALES & PUBLICITY
“A Boarding School” is an observational documentary that reveals the practice and ideology of Islamic teachings unique to Indonesia through the eyes of two young teachers and two students.
Bibah is an art teacher, one of the main reasons why students at the school like to take art classes, but she soon has to leave to do her master’s. Dul Yani is a champion of the school’s annual stand-up comedy competition; he has had to repress his sadness and loneliness that come from his mother, a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia, being absent for most of his life. Dika is a senior student, highly regarded by his classmates, who is learning about helping people from an internship program organized by the school. Diding is a progressive young teacher who has taken it upon himself to provoke discussions of controversial topics in Islam with his students.
As we delve deeper into life inside the pesantren, we see that the characters’ particular stories intersect with more universal problems faced by young people today. The pesantren does not isolate them from the outside world. Intimate moments with the charming and talented young teachers and students defy cultural and religious clichés and open up the audience to sympathize and identify with their hopes and predicament.
One of the main characters in my previous documentary feature, “The Land Beneath the Fog” (2011), is a 12-year-old boy named Arifin.
In the film, Arifin wants to enrol at a junior high school, but his parents are too poor to pay for the tuition. Arifin is then sent to an Islamic boarding school instead.
When the film was released, some viewers expressed their disappointment at the parents’ decision to send Arifin to an Islamic boarding school, which they thought would only train him to become a terrorist. This judgmental reaction surprised me, but also moved me to begin to try to understand how the prejudice against pesantren, an educational institution that has been around for hundreds of years in Indonesia, was formed.
I am a Muslim myself, but I was never educated at an Islamic boarding school. My own ignorance and my audience’s preconception of Islamic boarding schools triggered my curiosity to find out what real life was like in a pesantren.
I wanted to know how the students live, what they learn in their classes and what kind of life they envisage for themselves after they graduate. What I found is surprise and inspire me. With this film, I hope it will surprise and inspire other people.
director, producer,
impact producer
SHAlahuddin siregar
amelia hapsari / INdocs
don edkins / steps
iikka vehkalahti / steps
ken-ichi imamura / nhk, nep
mohammed belhaj / al jazeera documentary channel
DAY zero filmS ug
stephan krumbiegel
tommy fahrizal
suryani liauw
indonesia, japan, qatar, GERMANY, SOUTH AFRICA
The intimate observational approach used in
A Boarding School invites its audience to walk through practically every corner explorable in Pondok Kebon Jambu, to observe the life and teachings inside it, as the boarders and teachers experience daily.
Through customized interactive screening and activities using the film and its learning tools, we would like to:
● Spark meaningful reflection and discussions about the wealth of wisdom in Islam, that should not be single-mindedly defined by certain groups.
● Inspire the creation of breakthrough social models in various spaces (schools, working environment, communities, etc) that promote and safeguard intercultural sensitivity.
● Promote and build an education system that is not only focused on academic results but also character-building and civic responsibilities among students.
● Connect and cooperate with like-minded individuals, organizations, institutions, and brands who can use the film to promote a more intercultural awareness and inclusive society in Indonesia.
Furthermore, we hope to amplify the release of the film via website, to accept request for screenings and its learning tools. This would allow the film to reach a wider audience beyond the existing network of supporters, to further use the film package and promote the integration of a wholesome attitude of intercultural sensitivity in the society.
Our impact distribution
Negeri Films aims to produce creative documentaries with high artistic values—films that surprise, inspire, engage and inform.
Since its inception in 2008, Negeri has produced three feature-length documentaries: “The Land Beneath the Fog” (2011), “Song for My Children” (2019) and “A Boarding School”. The first two films have traveled extensively in the international film festival circuit, including Dok-Leipzig, Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival. While 'A Boarding School' will have it world premiere at IDFA.
info@aboardingschool.com
DOWNLOAD STILL PHOTO
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Disney unveiled its hotly anticipated video steaming service that’s aiming to topple industry pioneer Netflix, once a valuable ally of the Magic Kingdom. The service will cost $6.99 per month, or well below the $13 monthly fee charged by Netflix for its most popular streaming plan.
The service, called Disney Plus, has been in the works for more than year, but Thursday marked the first time that the longtime entertainment powerhouse has laid out plans for its attack on Netflix and a formidable cast of competitors, including Amazon, HBO Go and Showtime Anytime.
Disney Plus will roll out in the U.S. on November 12 at a price of $6.99 per month, or $69.99 per year. Pricing the service below Netflix’s fees signals Disney’s determination to woo subscribers as it vies to become a major player in a field that has turned “binge watching” into a common ritual.
The announcement of the service’s pricing “generated a collective gasp in the room,” wrote Michael Nathanson, an analyst at MoffettNathanson, in a research note. “The service … looks like a bargain compared to other entertainment options.”
Like Netflix, Disney Plus will be free of ads. Subscribers will be able to download all of the shows and movies on Disney’s service to watch offline.
“One of the many unique qualities of Disney films is their evergreen appeal. Starting with Snow White in 1937, our films were designed to entertain people of all ages,” Disney CEO Robert Iger said at a presentation to announce the service. “Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars films share that same powerful characteristic, and they’re all going to populate Disney Plus.”
Netflix will still have a far deeper video programming lineup after spending tens of billions of dollars during the past six years on original shows such as “House of Cards,” ”Stranger Things” and “The Crown.”
But Disney Plus will be able to draw upon a library of revered films dating back several decades while it also forges into original programming. Its animated classics, including “Aladdin” and “The Jungle Book” will be available on the service when it launches.
New shows exclusive to Disney Plus
New shows already on tap include “The Mandalorian,” the first live action “Star Wars” series, created by Jon Favreau; a prequel to the “Star Wars” film “Rogue One,” starring Diego Luna; a series about the Marvel character Loki, starring Tom Hiddleston; a rebooted “High School Musical” series; and a new documentary series focused on Disney.
Disney is approaching the streaming industry from a “position of strength, confidence and unbridled optimism,” CEO Bob Iger said Thursday. Iger has led the company since 2005 and expects to step down when his contract ends in 2021.
The service’s entire lineup will cover five categories: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.
Although Disney has an enviable track record of producing shows and films that attract huge audiences, its attempt to build its own Netflix is risky. To make the leap, Disney ended a lucrative licensing relationship with Netflix, which had become the video streaming home for its latest films after their theatrical release, as well as many of its TV series and classic movies.
Exclusive Marvel Movies
But now movies that came out in 2019, and going forward, will be streamed only on Disney Plus. That includes “Captain Marvel,” which came out earlier this year; “Avengers: Endgame,” which debuts in late April; and the upcoming “Toy Story 4,” live-action movies “The Lion King” and “Aladdin;” and “Star Wars Episode IX.”
In many ways, it’s hard to compare Netflix with Disney because of the widely different types of shows each offers, said eMarketer analyst Paul Verna.
“The interesting thing is both companies have ended up in the same place, but they’ve come to it from vastly different backgrounds,” he said.
Disney will also contend with a new streaming service from Apple, which is expected to be released in the fall. Apple has not yet said how much its service will cost or when exactly it will launch.
Fox acquisition
Last month, Disney completed its biggest deal yet with its $71 billion acquisition of Fox’s entertainment business. The first 30 seasons of “The Simpsons” will now stream exclusively on Disney Plus.
The Fox takeover helps Disney tighten its control over TV shows and movies from start to finish — from creating the programs to distributing them though television channels, movie theaters, streaming services and other avenues. Disney will also get valuable data on customers and their entertainment-viewing habits, which it can then use to sell advertising.
The Fox deal also gave Disney a controlling stake in Hulu. Iger has said Hulu will continue to offer general entertainment programming while Disney Plus will be focused on family fare.
Along with its strong brand, Disney has the advantage of having a clear strategy for each of its streaming services, Verna said, including Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus. Disney executives hinted the company would “likely” bundle the three at a discounted price, but declined to give more details.
Terminating its deal with Netflix will cost Disney about $150 million in licensing revenue alone during its current fiscal year ending in September.
Disney is betting its new service will quickly offset that. By dangling a mix of familiar franchises and beloved animated classics, along with original programming, it figures the new service will be irresistible to families, even if they already subscribe to other services. It expects Disney Plus to be profitable during its 2024 fiscal year.
Netflix competition
The plunge into video streaming is likely to confront Disney with new challenges. One of the biggest dilemmas will center on how long Disney waits after a new film’s theatrical release to make it available on its new streaming service.
Disney said movies would become available on its streaming service only after the traditional theatrical release period and home movie debut, which includes DVDs and purchasing streaming videos. That puts its schedule behind that of some competitors. Netflix films such as the award-winning “Roma” and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” have either become available for streaming on the same day or just a few days after their short runs in theaters.
With nearly 140 million worldwide subscribers, Netflix already has proven its mettle while warding off one competitive threat after another in the 12 years since it pivoted from DVD-by-mail rentals to video streaming.
Now, Netflix is locking horns with a company that has been steadily expanding upon its Disney franchise during a shopping spree that has seen it snap up other major studios.
Related Topics:Disneyservice
45 Of The Most Common “Game Of Thrones” Questions, Answered – BuzzFeed
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Data Issues Round Up - 14 July 2017
Included in this Data Issues Round Up: ICO rules Google DeepMind NHS app test breached UK data protection law; Plymouth University commits serious data protection breach by leaking staff salaries and ICO fines Basildon Council for disclosing a family's personal data. Find out more...
ICO rules Google DeepMind NHS app test breached UK data protection law
The ICO has ruled that the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust did not put adequate measures in place to protect patients' privacy, when sharing data with Google via the "Streams" app.
In the initial stages of testing the app in 2016, the Royal Free shared information on about 1.6 million patients with Google's DeepMind division. Patients' data was used to create a system that helps people to detect when they are in danger of developing severe kidney injuries. The main point that arose was that the hospital did not provide patients with enough information about how their personal data was being used.
Information Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham, highlighted that imaginative use of data needs to be handled carefully, and that: "the price of innovation does not need to be the erosion of fundamental privacy rights".
The ICO decided not to fine the Royal Free, however it has been asked to sign an undertaking committing it to changes to ensure compliance with data protection law. The hospital responded to the investigation positively and stated that it is open to advice on how to use patients' information in the future. The ICO has allowed the Royal Free to continue using the app.
This recent incident may be evidence of the government's continuing efforts to report more data security breaches, following the National Audit Office's (NAO) report published last year. The NAO found that personal data security was breached almost 9,000 times in one year and revealed that only 14 breaches were reported to the Information Commissioner.
As reported by BBC News, please click here for further information.
Plymouth University commits serious data protection breach by leaking staff salaries
Salaries, pension plans and allowances of 245 senior managers at Plymouth University have been leaked. This serious data protection breach occurred in June 2015 when the confidential personal data was sent to an incorrect e-mail address. The affected employees were informed when the breach occurred.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) were made aware of the incident at the time, however, no further action was taken after the recipient assured the ICO that the document had not been distributed and that it had been deleted. The file was forwarded to The Herald from an unknown source.
Guidance on the importance of information security, especially personal data, and suggestions on the types of security measures an organisation should have in place can be found on the ICO's website.
As reported by Plymouth Herald, for further information please click here.
ICO fines Basildon Council for disclosing a family's personal data
Basildon Council has been fined £150,000 for breaching the Data Protection Act 1998. The breach occurred when a council officer published a family's personal information online, in a planning application, from 16 July 2015 until 4 September 2015. The application included the family members' names, ages, home location, medical information and disability requirements.
The ICO stated that the information was published: "due to failings in data protection procedures and training", and dismissed the council's argument that it was unable to redact personal information due to planning law. It was also noted that the council had previously removed personal information from similar documents.
A spokesman for the council has confirmed that: "the council has been given 28 days in which to lodge an appeal against this decision."
Guidance from the ICO in relation to personal data breaches can be found here.
As reported by Sky News, for the full article click here.
Beatrice Duke
Managing Associate, Commercial
Email Beatrice
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Do pregnant workers have special protection in collective redundancy situations?
Employment Up to date - March 2018
In Porras Guisado v Bankia SA and others the ECJ considered the dismissal of a pregnant worker in line with the provisions in the Collective Redundancies Directive and the Pregnant Workers Directive.
In an employer-friendly decision, the ECJ concluded that a collective redundancy situation will be an exceptional case which can be used to justify the dismissal of a pregnant worker. Furthermore, pregnant workers are not entitled to priority over other workers when it comes to retention or redeployment.
Employers who embark on a collective redundancy process must adhere to the requirements set out in the Collective Redundancies Directive (CRD). In the UK, the CRD is implemented by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
The Pregnant Workers Directive (PWD) prohibits the dismissal of pregnant workers except in "exceptional cases" not connected with their condition and provides that member states must take necessary measures to prohibit the dismissal of workers, from the beginning on their pregnancy until the end of their maternity leave. Where such a worker is dismissed, the employer must provide written reasons for the dismissal.
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 prohibits pregnancy and maternity related discrimination. It is also automatically unfair to dismiss a woman or select her for redundancy for a reason connected to the pregnancy or statutory maternity leave during a "protected period". Regulation 10 of the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999 also ensures that women on maternity leave are entitled to preferential treatment in respect of alternative roles.
The Claimant was dismissed as part of a collective redundancy exercise because she received a low score in the agreed assessment process. Her contract of employment was terminated on 10 December 2013, by which point, she was pregnant. At the time of her dismissal, the Claimant was pregnant.
On 3 February 2014, the Claimant lodged an application to challenge her dismissal before the Social Court No.1 of Mataró (Social Court). She was unsuccessful and appealed the decision to the High Court. The High Court sought a preliminary ruling from the ECJ regarding the interaction between the PWD and CRD.
Initially, the employer claimed that the PWD did not apply to the Claimant because she had not told them that she was pregnant at the time of dismissal. However, by the time of the ECJ ruling it emerged that the Claimant had, in fact, informed her colleagues and managers of her pregnancy. Accordingly, this issue fell away.
The High Court asked the ECJ a number of questions, including:
Is a collective redundancy situation an "exceptional case" that can be used to justify the dismissal of a pregnant worker?
Is there a requirement for the employer to prove that the pregnant worker concerned cannot be reassigned to another work post? Should pregnant workers have priority when it comes to retention / redeployment in collective redundancy situations?
Advocate General's Opinion
The Advocate General gave a controversial preliminary opinion. She decided that:
A collective redundancy situation was not necessarily an "exceptional case" that could be used to justify the dismissal of a pregnant worker. National courts should decide what constituted an "exceptional case".
If a pregnant worker could plausibly be reassigned to another suitable work post, then they must be reassigned. However, Member States were not required to make specific provisions for pregnant workers i.e. pregnant workers did not have priority for suitable alternative roles in a collective redundancy situation (these two conclusions seem to be slightly at odds with each other).
The opinion also attracted attention because she concluded that workers were protected by the PWD from the moment of conception, even if they had not notified their employer. However, as stated above, by the time of the ECJ hearing, the issue of whether the employer knew about the Claimant's pregnancy had fallen away and the ECJ did not rule on this issue.
ECJ's decision
The ECJ adopted a more moderate approach, deciding as follows:
A collective redundancy situation could be an "exceptional case" that could be used to justify the dismissal of a pregnant worker, provided that the dismissal decision was unconnected to the worker's pregnancy (e.g. she did not receive a lower score in a redundancy scoring exercise because of her pregnancy). In this context, the employer is required to inform the worker in writing of: (i) the reasons for making the collective redundancies; and any (ii) criteria used to select individuals for redundancy. There is no requirement for any additional reasons to be given to justify the exceptional dismissal of a pregnant worker.
Pregnant workers do not have special priority status in relation to retention or redeployment in a collective redundancy situation. However, if Member States wanted to introduce that higher level of protection for such workers, then they were free to do so.
The ECJ's decision will reassure employers by restoring the "business as usual" approach to the dismissal of pregnant workers in collective redundancy situations.
Firstly, it remains the case that employers are entitled to dismiss pregnant workers in the context of a collective redundancy situations for the reasons that have triggered the restructuring. There is no requirement for any special reasons to be identified. However, employers should note the requirement under EU law to provide the worker with both the written reasons justifying the redundancy and details of the criteria used in the selection exercise. Currently, UK law only stipulates that the reasons for the dismissal should be given.
Secondly, it confirms that pregnant workers are not entitled to priority when it comes to retention or redeployment. The Court noted that Member States were free to introduce this protection if they wished. The UK has gold-plated EU law here by providing that employees who are absent on maternity leave have priority rights for suitable alternative roles in redundancy exercises (under Regulation 10 of the Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999). However, these priority rights do not currently extend to: (i) pregnant employees who have not started their maternity leave; and (ii) pregnant workers who have started their maternity leave but who are not employees.
Finally, because the issue of the employer's knowledge of the pregnancy had fallen away, the existing approach remains in place i.e. a "pregnant worker" is one who has informed her employer of her condition. In other words, protection crystallises once the employer has been notified of the pregnancy and not before.
Porras Guisado v Bankia SA and others
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Regulatory Round-up: E-money and Payments - 10 October 2018
The summer saw a number of regulatory developments relevant to authorised payment institutions (APIs) and E-money institutions (EMIs). In this article, we round up six of the most important developments.
1. FCA extension of Handbook rules to APIs and EMIs
Regulatory development
On 1 August 2018, the FCA published "General Standards and Communication Rules for the Payment Services and EMoney Sectors" (CP18/21) to consult on proposals to extend its Principles for Business (the Principles) and certain communication rules to APIs, EMIs and Registered Account Information Service Providers (RAISPs) where they are not already regulated by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA).
Practical consequences
The Principles - The Principles are high level standards setting out the fundamental obligations which currently apply to FSMA authorised firms. The FCA proposes to extend them to APIs, EMIs and RAISPs as well as to credit institutions providing payment services which are not connected to their regulated activities. The extension, which aims to remove differences in the regulatory requirements on firms (and ultimately the treatment of customers), will increase the obligations of these firms and expose them to a greater risk of regulatory enforcement. Although the FCA considers that APIs and EMIs should be complying with the Principles as good practice, work will be needed to embed the Principles and ensure appropriate monitoring.
FCA’s Banking Conduct of Business Sourcebook (BCOBS) - The FCA plans to extend the application of certain communication rules and guidance in BCOBS, Chapter 2 to communications with payment services and e‑money customers. For in-scope communications, firms will need to include the name of the provider of the service, ensure the communication is accurate and does not emphasise benefits without also giving an indication of any relevant risks, and does not disguise or diminish important information or warnings.
There are also proposals to introduce rules and guidance on the promotion of currency exchange transfer services applicable to payment services and the issuance of e‑money involving a currency conversion.
The consultation is open until 1 November 2018. We expect the policy statement and final rules to be published in January 2019. Subject to consultation responses, the rules could apply immediately.
2. European Banking Authority (EBA) consultation "Guidelines for outsourcing arrangements"
On 22 June 2018, the EBA launched a public consultation on draft Guidelines on outsourcing arrangements (the Guidelines). It aims to harmonise the framework for outsourcing across firms, including APIs and EMIs.
The Guidelines apply to APIs and EMIs. This is a significant extension in scope as none of the existing EBA materials on outsourcings, which the Guidelines replace, apply to APIs or EMIs.
The Guidelines are very detailed, addressing outsourcings, material outsourcings and even other service provision arrangements. They set out specific requirements for the governance of outsourcing arrangements, the contract, conflicts of interest, business continuity and internal audit functions. There are elevated requirements for outsourcings of a technological nature or where the service provider is outside the EEA. APIs and EMIs will need to look at their existing outsourcing processes and introduce or enhance risk assessments and ongoing monitoring and controls in respect of outsourced service providers. This will need to include a review of existing contracts to consider whether they are fit for purpose in the context of the new requirements the Guidelines set out for APIs and EMIs.
The consultation has closed. The EBA will provide final Guidelines after considering responses.
3. FCA Consultation on "Approach to final Regulatory Technical Standards and EBA guidelines under the revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2)" (CP18/25)
On 17 September 2018, the FCA published CP18/25. It focuses on changes it plans to make to its Approach Document in light of the regulatory technical standards for strong customer authentication and common and secure open standards of communication (SCA-RTS) but also makes a broader suite of amendments to existing rules and guidance in the FCA Handbook and Approach Document.
The FCA is proposing changes to its Approach Document to reflect the final SCA-RTS. It is also consulting on the requirements for fraud reporting, reflecting the requirements published by the EBA, as well as new complaints reporting rules about authorised push payment fraud. There is much to discuss here but you should also be aware that:
The FCA also proposes changing guidance on authorisation. In the process, it sets expectations for the threshold criteria including, for example, professional indemnity insurance for provision of AIS / PIS by stating what it should cover (see 3.6.1 of the draft Approach Document).
There are some unexpected proposed changes to PERG to: (1) clarify the FCA's expectations on AISPs that are or appoint agents; (2) include e-commerce platforms that provide escrow services as an example of a type of e-commerce platform that is likely to be in scope of the PSRs; and (3) clarify that closed loop gift cards are not considered to be payment instruments (though the rationale behind this position may be subject to debate in the consultation process).
The consultation is open until 12 October 2018. We expect the policy statement and final rules to be published in early 2019.
In our view, the additional guidance on authorisation should be read as setting the FCA's expectations for the ongoing business of all APIs and EMIs (in addition to those currently in the authorisation process). Authorised firms will need to look through these amendments and make sure that their business meets these expectations.
4. Authorised Push Payment (APP) Fraud
On 26 June 2018, the FCA published "Authorised push payment fraud – extending the jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service" (CP18/16) to consult on proposed changes to DISP. The changes will allow APP fraud complaints to be made to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
On 28 September 2018, the APP Scams Steering Group published a draft voluntary code (the Code) designed to help stop APP scams from happening and protect consumers when they do.
Extension of FOS jurisdiction to APP fraud - If the draft rules are adopted, the FOS will be able to consider complaints where either (1) a payer intended to transfer funds to a certain person, but was deceived into transferring the funds to a different person; or (2) a payer transferred funds to another person for what they believed were legitimate purposes but were in fact fraudulent. This means that firms will be subject to FOS, will have to follow the more time-consuming and costly FOS process and may have to pay redress in APP fraud cases (if a wrongdoing on the firm's part is found).
APP Scams Steering Group, Code - The main onus is on the payer's PSP. The Code requires it to take reasonable steps to prevent APP fraud for example, by providing warnings, including a confirmation step for the payer ("Confirmation of Payee") and, if necessary, delaying payments. These steps must be proportionate to the customer and there are obligations to identify at-risk customers and tailor steps accordingly. The requirements on the payee's PSP, focus on initial customer due diligence to prevent accounts from being used to launder the proceeds of fraud.
The payer's PSP is also responsible for the reimbursing the customer where the customer has taken a level of care with their payment activities (i.e. following the PSP's instructions/guidance). However, in the circumstance where the PSP has not failed to meet the required standard of care, the steering group has not been able to resolve the question of who should meet the cost of reimbursements and so is working to identify a sustainable funding mechanism. In addition, the question of reimbursement where neither the PSP nor the customer has met the level of care set out in the Code is still under consultation.
Note also that CP 18/25 proposes to extend complaints reporting rules to cover APP fraud.
The CP18/16 consultation has closed. We expect the policy statement to be published in Q4, with final rules to take effect from 1 Jan 2019.
The APP Scams Steering Group's consultation is open until 15 November 2018. We expect the final voluntary Code to be agreed and implemented in early 2019.
5. Market review into the supply of card-acquiring services
In July 2018, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) issued Draft Terms of Reference for a market review into the supply of card-acquiring services.
The PSR plans to investigate concerns that competition is not working well in the card-acquiring market. In particular, that: (1) savings from the interchange fee cap are not being passed on to merchants; (2) there is a lack of transparency around the fees paid by merchants to accept card payments; and (3) there are barriers to the substitution of acquirer service providers.
The consultation on the terms of reference has closed. The PSR plans to publish the final terms by the end of the year along with a planned timetable of work for the review. A market review is a time consuming exercise for participants and we expect that merchant acquirers (and other market participants) will receive significant requests for data and information about their business.
6. Brexit
HM Treasury published a draft Electronic Money, Payment Services and Payment Systems (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (the draft SI). It amends the E-Money Regulations 2011 (EMRs) and Payment Services Regulations 2017 (PSRs) and establishes a temporary permissions regime for EEA APIs, RAISPs and EMIs, each to take effect in the event of a hard Brexit.
Contingency for hard Brexit - The draft SI makes a number of technical changes to the EMRs and PSRs to remove references to EU legislation, EU institutions and the EEA generally. Importantly, the concept of what a one leg / two leg transaction is will not change and so the application of PSR conduct of business requirements will stay the same.
Authorisation - At 11pm on 29 March 2019, the UK will leave the EU and the legal basis on which EEA APIs, RAISPs and EMIs operate in the UK will change. The draft SI introduces a temporary regime to allow EEA APIs and EMIs to continue to operate seamlessly, for an initial period, if there is no transitional deal with the EU. Relying on the transitional provisions involves notifying the regulator and following tailored rules during the temporary period (which could be up to three years) before obtaining an UK authorisation.
If you are relying on a passport and are not decided on your approach to authorisation, please get in touch.
Email Clare
Rebecca Hickman
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform the "Diamond pass and review" at Travis AFB, California on July 30, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Richard Rose Jr.)
Alliance Aviation Services Hosts North Texas’ First Drive-In Air Show
One of the largest, longest running, and most successful civilian air shows in Texas is now a drive-in experience. Read below to learn how Alliance Aviation Services (KAFW) plans to keep this event safe during COVID-19.
Award-Winning Air Show Becomes North Texas’ First Drive-In Experience
Keyara Allen
Alliance Aviation Services – KAFW
Alliance Aviation Services’ largest event of the year, The Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show at Fort Worth – Alliance Airport, was recently awarded first place for the “Best Air Show” in the 2020 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards! Alliance Air Show, for the third year in a row, has placed in the top three for this prestigious award.
This year’s show, set for Oct. 17-18, marks the 30th Anniversary and will be in the form of a drive-in experience, making it North Texas’ first drive-in air show. The air show is one of the largest, longest-running, and most successful civilian air shows in the nation and attracts more than 120,000 people each year.
With health and safety as the top priority, social distancing standards, and additional protocols will be in place. Each vehicle will be appropriately separated – with one space for the vehicle and the adjacent area for guests to sit safely and picnic. Guests will still be able to photograph, see, and feel the heart-thumping roar of the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other best-in-class performers.
Critical Safety Information:
Those who have had COVID-19 symptoms or had close contact with someone who has had COVID-19 symptoms within the past 14 days should remain at home.
All gests will be required to wear masks for the entirety of the event.
Open flames, grills, pop-up tents, RVs, trailers, and smoking will not be allowed.
Ample restrooms and hand wash stations will be onsite.
In addition to promoting and educating the public about aviation and the aeronautic sciences, the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show has dedicated itself to giving back to the community and giving each generation a taste of aviation’s history and future. Proceeds from the air show have been proudly donated to over 70 nonprofit organizations totaling $760,000 since 2006.
For more information, visit the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Airshow website.
Alliance Aviation Services, an Air Elite Location in Fort Worth, Texas at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, provides world-class customer service to those traveling to the North Texas region. With 14 Operations Specialists and 7 Customer Service Representatives, the team manages over 130,000 SF of hangar space along with a 95,000-gallon fuel farm, five fuel trucks all while delivering superb cargo, executive travel, and government support services. The Alliance Aviation Services team is also involved in several large-scale annual events.
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Cyberpunk 2077 is stuck at 1080p for some Stadia users due to “high usage”
So many people are playing Cyberpunk 2077 on Google Stadia some users are unable to access 4K quality streams.What you
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Home How to How to watch Palm Springs: Stream the new Andy Samberg film from...
How to watch Palm Springs: Stream the new Andy Samberg film from anywhere
Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti star in Hulu’s latest original film, Palm Springs. After meeting Nyles (Samberg) at a wedding where she happens to be the maid-of-honor, Sarah (Milioti) finds herself stuck in a never-ending time loop right alongside him. A must-see for fans of Wedding Crashers, Groundhog’s Day, and Edge of Tomorrow: Live Die Repeat, the movie puts a new spin on the well-known Déjà vu-inducing formula by adding a heavy dose of romance and comedy to the mix.
Palm Springs: When & where
Palm Springs is a Hulu original film, and as such, is exclusively available only on Hulu at this time. The movie premieres on Friday, July 10 at 12:01 a.m. ET, after which you’ll be able to stream it at your leisure. Hulu subscribers will be able to watch the film no matter which plan they’re on.
How to watch Palm Springs in the U.S.
Since Palm Springs is a Hulu original film, you’ll need a Hulu account if you want to watch it. Luckily, Hulu is one of the most affordable streaming services with plans starting as low as $5.99 per month. Plus, with its free one-month trial, you can start your Hulu membership for free and watch the film before paying a cent. That gives you plenty of time to stream more movies and shows and decide whether you want to keep your subscription live once the trial ends.
From $6 at Hulu
Hulu is the exclusive home of Palm Springs. If you want to watch, you’ll need a membership. Luckily, a free 30-day trial gives you plenty of time to watch the film once it premieres on Friday, July 10.
How to watch Palm Springs live from anywhere
If you’re already in the U.S., you shouldn’t have much trouble watching Palm Springs on Hulu, and the 30-day trial makes it free even if you’re not currently a member. However, for those living anywhere else, watching the film will be a bit difficult as there aren’t any other sites to stream it on just yet. Luckily, a VPN will help you access Hulu no matter where you are so you can watch the film the same day it premieres.
VPNs are incredibly easy to use and have the added benefit of giving you a further layer of security when surfing the web. There are lots of options, and we recommend ExpressVPN as our #1 pick due to its speed, security and ease of use. It can be used on a vast array of operating systems and devices (e.g. iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, Roku, games consoles, etc). Sign up for ExpressVPN now now and enjoy a 49% discount and 3 months FREE with an annual subscription. Or give it a try with its 30-day money back guarantee. Looking for other affordable options?
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No matter where in the world you may be, a VPN is one of the easiest ways to watch Palm Springs on Hulu. Get in on this deal now!
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Swimming strong- Lady Brits defeat Olivet
February 10, 2010 Kyle Francis Lead, Sports, Uncategorized 0
The women’s swimming and diving team defeated Olivet College 164-125 during a dual meet at home in the Dean Aquatic Center Jan. 30. Rachel Restum, East Lansing sophomore, led the charge after winning the 200, 500 and 1,000-meter freestyle races to give the Lady Brits a victory over the Comets in their final meet of the regular season.
“We had a few close meets in the beginning that would have been nice to win, but the team as a whole swam very well this year,” said Keith Havens, head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams.
The team opened its season with losses to Hope, Calvin and Kalamazoo Colleges but then finished strongly, winning two of its last three meets and tying with St. Mary’s College in the other, giving the team an overall record of 2-3-1.
“We’ve really started to come together this year and are performing better than any year in the past,” said Ashley Collins, Saginaw junior, and co-captain of the swim team.
With the MIAA conference championship Feb. 11-13, Collins is happy to see the swimming team performing at the top of its game at the end of the season.
“I think that we are really going to surprise ourselves, as well as some of the other teams in the MIAA,” Collins said. “We have been training really hard this season, and I think it is all going to pay off in how well we swim at the conference championship.”
Elyse Lee, men’s and women’s diving coach, is also pleased with the women’s diving team’s performance at the end of the season and is eager to see how it will compete against the conference as a whole.
“The girls have really worked hard this season,” Lee said. “We’ve had a hard month of winter training, and we are ready to compete at our highest level.”
Because diving is centered around and scored on the perfection of each movement, Lee has worked hard to improve every aspect of the athletes’ performances. As the team heads into the conference championships, Lee’s main focus, however, has been to ensure that the team is mentally prepared for the pressure of the competitive environment.
“When you get (to the MIAA conference championship), you really have to rely on your fundamentals and remember you have 11 dives, so one bad dive will not make or break you,” Lee said.
Since none of the dual meets count towards the conference rankings, the team’s performance during the championship will determine where they place for the season. Havens is confident, however, that his team will perform up to his expectations.
“We are in a tough conference, but this team competes as hard as any team that I have coached in the past,” Havens said.
Parental politics – Albion student’s father runs for governor
No Music, No Life – Euphonics creates new Web site
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New Israel Air Force Drone’s Star Set to Rise
The Hermes 900 drone is designed for long-endurance tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications missions. Photo: Mirgolth via Wikimedia Commons.
JNS.org – The Israel Air Force introduced a new unmanned aerial vehicle into its operational lineup Tuesday, in a move a senior officer said would “revolutionize the drone world.”
The Hermes 900 Kochav (“Star”), which became operational this week, is a medium-size multi-payload unmanned aerial vehicle, designed for long-endurance tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications missions.
Manufactured by Elbit Systems, the Hermes 900 can remain airborne for more than 30 hours, and can fly at an altitude of 30,000 feet. The innovative drone is equipped, among other things, with state of the art electro-optical and infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar capabilities, and advanced communications and electronic intelligence systems.
The Hermes 900 is the first drone included in the IAF’s UAV lineup in 16 years, and it means to improve on its predecessor, the Hermes 450, an advanced drone that can remain airborne for 20 hours.
A military source told Israel Hayom that the Hermes 900 was first used during 2014’s Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip, when the IAF decided to put the then still-under-development UAV to the test, which it passed with flying colors.
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Alumna Caissie Levy to speak at AMDA NY Graduation!
May 23, 2014 - Alumni, Announcements, Featured
AMDA is pleased to announce that alumna Caissie Levy will be our AMDA New York graduation speaker on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11 am at Church of St. Paul the Apostle in NYC.
Trained at AMDA, Caissie Levy has emerged as one of Broadway’s brightest stars, taking on starring roles in five of the biggest hits in Broadway history; Les Misérables, Hair, Wicked, Hairspray and Rent. Caissie currently stars as Fantine in Cameron Mackintosh's re-imagined production of Les Misérables on Broadway. She originated the roles of Molly in Ghost The Musical (Broadway, West End, cast album) and Sheila in the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair (Broadway, West End, cast album). Other credits include Elphaba in Wicked (Broadway, Los Angeles); Penny in Hairspray (Broadway, first national tour, Toronto); Maureen in Rent (national tour); Sara in Murder Ballad (Off-Broadway). Levy’s roles have landed her performances on "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," "The View," "Good Morning America," and the 2009 and 2012 "Tony Awards." In concert, she was a guest soloist for the United States Military Academy at West Point. Her voice can be heard on countless commercials and recordings, including the cast albums of Ghost The Musical and Hair. Her debut solo album, With You, featuring stripped down arrangements of songs from her Broadway shows, is available on iTunes. caissielevy.com
Congratulations to our Spring 2014 graduates!
Please note: Reservations are required to attend.
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Texas substitute teacher accused of filming porn in school classroom
A Texas substitute teacher is looking for a new job after she allegedly filmed porn in a school classroom.
Administrators at El Campo High School learned about the video's existence after receiving a tip, according to Houston TV station KTRK. They called the local police and alerted state education officials.
El Campo is about 75 miles southeast of Houston.
The videos did not contain any students, officials said.
The woman's name hasn't been released because she isn't currently facing any criminal charges. But, police say, charges of trespassing or public lewdness could be coming soon.
The El Campo school district said it has fired the substitute and will seek to ban her from the campus. She had been employed for just three months.
District administrators provided KTRK with this written statement: "The District is aware that an improper criminal incident involving a substitute teacher occurred at ECHS. The incident involved a singular substitute teacher and no student or other district staff were involved. The district has terminated the substitute's employment and is seeking legal advice on this specific incident. The district continues to hold the safety and well being of our students and staff as our top priority."
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Scientists Look To The Stars To Make Fusion Energy A...
Natural Or Artificial? NASA Snaps Photograph Of Rectangular Iceberg
Scientists Find Oldest Weapons in America, Rewriting History Books
Archaeology, History, Human Origins, News, Science
A team of scientists has discovered what are now considered to be the oldest weapons ever discovered in North America. The researchers came across ancient spear points that have shown to be 15,500 years old.
Image: A 15,000-year-old stemmed point. Image Credit: Texas A&M University.
The findings raise new questions about the settlement of early peoples on the continent. The weapons and tools, crafted using chert were found under several feet of sediment.
The most important thing is that they pre-date Clovis, which have thought to have been the first people to migrate to America for years.
The spearpoints were found 40 miles northwest of Austin, Texas, at the archeological site of Debra L. Friedkin, and could point to the existence of two separate migrations into North America, one earlier than previously thought, explain researchers.
Image: Proposed models explaining the peopling of the Americas. Image Credit: Texas A&M
“There is no doubt these weapons were used for hunting game in the area at that time,” explained professor Michael Waters, head of anthropology and director of the Center for the Study of the First Americans at Texas A&M.
“The discovery is significant because almost all pre-Clovis sites have stone tools, but spear points have yet to be found. These points were found under a layer with Clovis and Folsom projectile points.”
“Clovis is dated to 13,000 to 12,700 years ago and Folsom after that. The dream has always been to find diagnostic artifacts – such as projectile points – that can be recognized as older than Clovis and this is what we have at the Friedkin site.”
Clovis is the name scientists have given to distinctive tools made by people in America starting some 13,000 years ago. This prehistoric Paleo-Indian culture is considered to be the ancestor of most of the indigenous cultures of the Americas.
Clovis points from the Rummells-Maske Cache Site, Iowa. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
The Clovis invented what is referred to as the Clovis Point, a spear-shaped weapon made of stone, and discovered in parts of Texas and Northern Mexico. These weapons were crafted in order to help the ancient hunt animals, including mastodons and mammoths.
Speaking to Gizmodo, Professor Waters said that “Given the age of the Debra L. Friedkin site—early people carrying stemmed points likely arrived by entering the Americas along the Pacific coast.”
“Later lanceolate point forms like Clovis may have developed from the stemmed point forms or a second migration of people carried some sort of lanceolate point, like the triangular lanceolate form we found at the Friedkin site, and this developed into Clovis, he added.
Who these ancient people were, living in Northern America more than 15,500 years ago remains a profound mystery, a mystery which scientists hope to solve in the near future.
The discovery has been published in the current issue of
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Nostradamus: 10 prophecies for 2016
Evidence of Nuclear War in the distant Past: The destruction...
The mysteries of Ancient Egypt’s Saqqara Bird
The mysteries of Ancient Egypt's Saqqara Bird
One of the most mysterious objects ever discovered is the Saqqara Bird. Discovered in 1898, while excavating the tomb of Pa-di-lmen in Sappho, archaeologist Khalil Messiha came upon a wooden object resembling a bird. With a mere seven-inch wingspan, this object has baffled archaeologists and researchers for years. While there are many theories as to what this object is until now, no solid conclusion has been offered.
It’s estimated to be about 2,200 years old, the most important part about this wooden bird is that it doesn’t look too much like a bird. The placement of the wings demonstrates advanced aerodynamics design. The Saqqara bird is a very controversial piece because it’s prompted some people to speculate that the ancient Egyptians may have had the technology and understanding of aerodynamics. Some speculate that the Saqqara Bird may have been a scale model of an actual working aircraft- some sort of ancient flying machine.
Front view of the Saqqara glider model discovered by Dr. Khalil Messiha via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Many researchers have tried to debunk the theory that this piece is an actual prototype of an ancient flying machine, stating that it accidentally resembles a flying machine, but in the end, according to them, it is just a bird.
The Saqqara bird does resemble a bird, it has eyes, it has a nose but the wings of the Saqqara bird are not similar to the wings of birds. They resemble the wings of a modern-day jet plane. To the middle of the rump, the wings are bit thicker, it is where the lift up is at the highest point. The wings become thinner to the end and those wings are modeled down and this is the point which proves that the Saqqara bird has an advanced aerodynamic design in its construction. What is also very important is that birds have no rudders, they don’t need rudders.
Dr. Khalil Messiha published a paper in 1991 called African Experimental Aeronautics: A 2,000-Year-Old Model Glider wherein he detailed the following:
“The wing is made of one piece of wood, and its span is exactly 18 cms. The part of the body is the thickest—8 millimeters. Then it tapers in thickness towards the tips. One can note also that there is a Dihedral angle which is slightly unequal on both sides due to slight distortion of the wood, caused by the passage of time.”
Another angle via YouTube
What makes the story about the Saqqara bird more interesting are the hieroglyphs on the model airplane which read ‘The Gift of Amon’, and most importantly, three papyrus scripts found near the artifact which mentioned the phrase “I want to fly”.
“I have already made a similar balsa wood model, and added the tailplane (which I suppose was lost) and was not astonished to find that it could sail in the air for a few yards when thrown by hand.” – Dr. Khalil Messiha
The History Channel proved that the Saqqara Bird was capable of flight. They turned towards Simon Sanderson to build a replica of the artifact. Sanderson performed several tests of the replica in a wind tunnel without a tailplane and found that it produced “four times the glider’s own weight in lift.” the only thing that prevented the Saqqara bird from achieving flight was the lack of a rear stabilizing rudder needed to maintain balance and according to researchers, the Saqqara bird did, in fact, possess this critical component that was lost in time. We certainly know now that ancient man was technologically advanced, they had knowledge that goes far beyond than what we credit them for.
Ancient Egypt, Bird, Egypt, Flying Machine, Saqqara, Saqqara Bird
Nathan Togain says:
The brains of people thousands of years ago are the same as ours,, we’ve just built upon what they discovered before us. (Except for the building of ancient megaliths that is).???
Pingback: Ancient Aliens: The Evidence... Parte 1 - Maestroviejo
Pingback: Ancient Aliens: The Evidence – Part 1 – The Conspiracy Files
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Technip awarded major contract for the Ultra-Deepwater TEN project
/ 7 November /
Technip, a leading a consortium with Subsea7, has been awarded two contracts for the TEN Project by Tullow Ghana Limited. The project is located offshore in Ghana with a water depth of up to 2,000 meters. In total, the two contracts have an approximate value of USD 1.23 billion, of which Technip will receive USD 730 million.
Technip is regarded as an international leader in project management, engineering and construction for the energy industry. According to its corporate website, the range of works they will be undertaking involves the following:
- Engineering, fabrication and installation of 9 flexible risers, 3 flexible flowlines and 12 flexible spools totalling 48 kilometres;
- Engineering, fabrication and installation of 33 kilometres of water injection and gas injection rigid flowlines;
- Installation of about 63 kilometres of static and dynamic umbilicals;
- Engineering, pre-fabrication, final assembly and installation of 10 well rigid jumpers and delivery of further 6 prefabricated rigid jumpers.
Due to the technical difficulties associated with working in ultra-deep water, Technip has leveraged its worldwide knowledge and expertise to deliver the project. Technip’s operating centre, based in Paris, will undertake the project in partnership with Technip’s offices in Accra, Ghana. The fabrication of the flexible pipes required will be undertaken at the organisation’s Flexi France facility which is based in Le Trait, France, whilst rigid flowlines will be fabricated at Evanton, UK.
The completion of the offshore installation is expected to take place in the second half of 2016.
According to Technip, the TEN Field is located in the Deepwater Tano Contract Area which is based some 60 kilometres off the Ghanaian coast and 30 kilometres west of the Tullow Operated Jubilee Field. A subsidiary of Tullow Oil Plc, Tullow Ghana Limited is the Operator of the Deepwater Tullow Tana Contract Area with an interest of 47.175%. other partner interest include Kosmos Energy (17%), Anadarko Petroleum (17%), Sabre Oil & Gas Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Petro SA (3.825%), and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (15%).
Frédéric Delormel, Technip’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Subsea, said: “While the oil and gas market is rapidly growing in Ghana, we are proud to continue to contribute to the development of this country. Today, this new award demonstrates our ability to mobilize worldwide resources to bring strong know-how and technological innovation meeting the challenges of projects in ultra-deepwater.”
Jean-Marc Aubry, Technip’s Senior Vice President of Region A, proclaimed: “We have been operating in Ghana for over four years, when we were awarded the Jubilee project, the first deep water field ever developed in this country. These new awards correspond to a significant milestone for our presence in Ghana.”
Technip is present in 48 countries and has state-of-the-art industrial assets on all parts of the world, operating a fleet of specialised vessels for pipeline installation and subsea construction.
www.youroilandgasnews.com
www.technip.com
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The Geography of Ecuador
Ecuador is set within the northwestern reaches of South America. About the size of Colorado, Ecuador extends across 103,930 square miles (269,178 square km), making it South America’s second smallest Spanish speaking country. Ecuador is bordered by Peru to the south and east, and Colombia to the north. The equator runs through the northern portion of the country.
Ecuador has four distinct regions — the Pacific Coast, Galápagos Islands, Andes Mountains, and Amazon Jungle. The regions are fairly close to one another, allowing visitors to travel from one region to another within a single day.
The Andes run down the middle of Ecuador, covering about a quarter of the country’s total land area. Two mountain ranges are included in this, with over 22 peaks higher than 13,800 feet (4,200 m). Many of these peaks are actually volcanoes formed from the collision of two tectonic plates – the Nazca Plate and American Plate – that are part of the Pacific “Rim of Fire.” There are around eight active volcanoes in Ecuador today. Sangay is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Cotopaxi is one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes.
Basins spread out between the mountains, often at elevations around 7,000 feet (2,100 m). Many of Ecuador’s main cities are set within these basins, including Quito. The hillsides are farmed and eventually give way to forests and more barren, rocky mountaintops.
East of the Andes is the Ecuadorian Amazon. This rainforest extends into northern Peru and all the way to the eastern coast of Brazil. The slope is gentle and filled with rivers, many of which are used for transportation. Ecuador’s longest river is Río Napo, which extends some 530 miles (855 km) through the northern regions of the country. Río Guayas is the widest river on the Pacific coast of the Americas and drains the southern regions of Ecuador.
Ecuador’s coastline stretches for 1,390 miles (2,237 km) from Colombia to Peru. Coastal lowlands extend from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. These areas include lower-elevation mountain chains and tropical forests. Mangroves, estuaries and beaches line the coastline.
The Galápagos Islands are set off the Pacific Coast of Ecuador. There are thirteen islands in the archipelago, which are actually the tops of underwater volcanoes. At 1,650 square miles (4,274 square km), Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos — the island is actually a combination of six volcanic peaks that were joined by past lava flows.
Your dream vacation can have a lot of moving pieces. Add destinations, activities, and hotels you're interested in to your Favorites List. Then our trip designers can turn that into your next best vacation.
EXPLORE Ecuador
Development and Society in Ecuador
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Ecuadorian History
Ecuador's Government and Economy
Ecuador: The Facts
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Getting Around in Ecuador
Getting to Ecuador
Holidays and Festivals in Ecuador
Money in Ecuador
Music and Art in Ecuador
Religion in Ecuador
The People and Culture of Ecuador
Weather in Ecuador
When to Visit Ecuador
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WASHINGTON -- The crucial question about raising the federal debt ceiling is: What happens if Congress doesn't? That is, what happens if Congress defaults? When President Trump returns from his "working vacation" later this month, this promises to be one of the major issues he'll face, because the Treasury is expected to run out of cash in early or mid-October, according to projections by the Congressional Budget Office.
The current debt ceiling is $19.8 trillion, which covers Treasury borrowings from the public (individuals, large institutional investors like pension funds and banks) and from other government agencies (such as the Social Security Trust Fund or the Highway Trust Fund). If the government hit the ceiling and couldn't pay all its bills, then someone would get stiffed: bond holders, Social Security recipients, soldiers and sailors, government vendors -- and, possibly, many more.
The harder question is: How would the world react?
Investing in U.S. Treasury securities (bills, notes and bonds, each with different maturities) is one way that foreign individuals, multinational companies, governments and banks protect their financial well-being. The dollar is the major form of international money; U.S. Treasury securities are considered the world's safest financial assets. Would a default trigger a panic, as investors dumped Treasuries? Or would investors just yawn on the assumption that, sooner or later, Congress would raise the debt ceiling and make good on its debts?
A recent analysis from the Brookings Institution, a liberal think tank, wisely observes: "Congress has never failed to act in time, so no one knows with certainty what the consequences [of a default] would be."
The Brookings analysis is a good starting point for background. From it, you learn that the debt ceiling didn't exist before 1917. Congress had to authorize every borrowing individually. But when the U.S. entered World War I, Congress set an overall ceiling to make borrowing easier. The Treasury could automatically borrow up to that limit.
For many years after World War II, Congress passed increases in the debt ceiling with little fuss or fanfare, as it should. (The government should pay all its bills as a matter of principle.) But, recently, many Republicans have tried to make reductions in federal spending a condition for supporting a higher ceiling. By and large, this did not result in significant spending cutbacks, but it did add to the drama of the debate and stoked uncertainty that Congress might actually stumble into a default, with what repercussions no one could possibly say.
The fundamental question facing Trump is whether he will support a clean increase in the debt ceiling -- one without other spending measures, which would probably pass easily with Democratic support -- or whether he would flirt with default to gain some policy or political advantage.
Still, nothing can be entirely discounted. That’s the reality Kelly faces as chief of staff. Trump is an extreme exhibitionist in a calling — politics — where exhibitionism is normal. His addiction to incendiary tweets will be hard, though not impossible, to break. It may defy political or legal logic — indeed, it places him at further risk, because he may get himself in legal trouble or say something hugely unpopular. But it satisfies his need to “own” the news cycle.
In this sense, Trump can be seen as the strongest and most determined advocate of impeachment. If he must flirt with impeachment to retain his command of the media, so be it. As a practical matter, he might see impeachment (though not conviction) as acceptable. He would be automatically in the spotlight every day for months. He would have a new arena in which to fight and “win.”
Perhaps subconsciously, this is his goal: Impeach me, please!
Robert Samuelson is a syndicated columnist.
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Airborne Laser Mothballed
Tom Z. Collina and Kelsey Davenport
After 16 years and $5 billion, the Airborne Laser, once touted as “America’s first light saber,” has been canceled.
The program’s laser-armed aircraft, or Airborne Laser Test Bed (ALTB), has been placed into long-term storage at a facility informally known as the “boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. Nevertheless, according to a Feb. 14 Missile Defense Agency (MDA) press release, the agency is continuing to develop electric lasers “to significantly reduce the complexity and cost of future directed energy weapons.”
The MDA’s fiscal year 2013 budget request includes plans for removing and demilitarizing the ALTB’s hardware, but no further testing or data collection is planned. The budget documents state that due to limited funding, ALTB test flights and data collection were completed in fiscal year 2012 and the aircraft was prepared for permanent storage. In a Jan. 4 e-mail to Arms Control Today, MDA spokesman Richard Lehner said that the drawdown of the program began last October.
The ALTB aircraft was designed to use two solid-state lasers and a megawatt-class chemical oxygen-iodine laser mounted on a Boeing 747-400F to track and destroy ballistic missiles in flight. It had to face numerous operational challenges, such as the need to fly above hostile territory waiting for target missiles to be launched and to focus its laser at a single point on a moving missile.
The ALTB program, which began in 1996, nearly ended in 2009 when the Pentagon scaled it back to a research program and deeply cut its funding. Then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates canceled the development of a second airplane, saying he didn’t “know anybody at the Department of Defense who thinks that this program should, or would, ever be operationally deployed.”
In February 2010, the ALTB tracked and destroyed a missile for the first time. (See ACT, March 2010.) Two subsequent tests in September and October 2010 failed to destroy the target missiles. In July 2011, the ALTB completed the first laser tracking of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
In the Jan. 4 e-mail, Lehner said that the MDA would collect key ALTB data that are applicable to a “next generation airborne directed energy system for missile defense applications.” The budget request for directed energy research stated that the MDA would shift to “the next generation Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Laser technology” and maintain the skills necessary for the “next generation directed energy platform development.”
Specifically, the Obama administration requests $44.5 million for fiscal year 2013 for directed energy research, $1.7 million below the amount that Congress provided in 2012 for the program. According to budget documents, plans for fiscal year 2013 funding include the exploration of new laser technologies for missile defense.
In a Dec. 12 speech in Huntsville, Ala., MDA Director Army Lt. Gen. Patrick O’Reilly announced that the agency was “within a few years” of a prototype laser operated out of an unattended air vehicle.
Missile Defense Spending Down
Overall, the fiscal year 2013 budget would provide $9.7 billion for ballistic missile defense, down $700 million, or 7 percent, from the $10.4 billion that Congress appropriated for the current fiscal year. Total projected funding is $47.4 billion from 2013 to 2017. This total does not include $950 million in fiscal year 2013 for the Space Based Infrared System-High satellite program.
The missile defense budget includes $903 million for operating 30 ground-based interceptor (GBI) missiles in Alaska and California as part of the Boeing-operated system to protect the United States from limited ballistic missile attacks, primarily from North Korea. The missiles failed in their last two intercept tests, in January and December 2010. The MDA has completed a Failure Review Board investigation of the causes and has recommended fixes, but has not publicly released its report. The next test, called FTG-06b, is planned for sometime in 2012. The MDA plans to have 52 GBI missiles by 2017.
The budget also includes $1.5 billion for the European Phased Adaptive Approach, designed to protect NATO allies from a potential ballistic missile attack, most notably from Iran. The Defense Department said it met its objectives for phase 1 of the European system by deploying one Aegis-equipped ship for ballistic missile defense armed with Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA missiles and a land-based AN/TPY-2 radar in Turkey last year. The next three phases include SM-3 Block IB deployments in Romania in 2015, SM-3 Block IIA deployments in Poland in 2018, and the addition of SM-3 Block IIB interceptors in 2020 with the capability for “early intercept” of “non-advanced” ICBMs. The MDA would continue converting Aegis-equipped ships, with 32 ships planned for conversion by fiscal year 2017, and buy almost 400 SM-3 interceptors by that year.
The Pentagon also announced that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) intermediate-range missile interceptor program would be restructured “due to changing priorities and funding constraints.” The proposed revamping reduces the total number of interceptors from 333 to 180 in fiscal years 2013-2017, cutting the budget by $1.8 billion over that period to $2.8 billion, according to budget documents.
Biden Victory May Save Iran Nuclear Deal
Iran’s Accumulation of Enriched Uranium Slows
U.S. Threatens to Sanction Iran Arms Sales
North Korea Parades New Missile
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The Country Beyond
The Country Beyond by James Oliver Curwood is love story set in the back woods of Northern Canada during the early 1900s. It is a tale of romance and adventure in the wild, rugged Canadian wilderness.
“A glass of wine once lost a kingdom, a nail turned the tide of a mighty battle, and a woman’s smile once upon a time destroyed the homes of a million people. Thus have trivial things played their potent parts in the history of human lives; yet these things Peter did not know.”
Once again, James Oliver Curwood spins a tale of adventure and romance in the Canadian wilderness with an interesting twist. In this book, the good are not so very good, and the bad becomes the hero in the end.
“The Law” puts Jolly Roger McKay on the run, separating him from his love, Nada. Peter, the half Airedale, half Mackenzie hound called Pied-Bot is torn between the two and determined to protect both against all enemies, man or beast. This is a heart-rending tale of love and heroics between a man, a woman and their little dog, Peter.
Sergeant Cassidy, of the Royal Northwest Mounties, chases Jolly Roger across the wilds of Northern Canada in a “fair fight” in which each takes his turn in winning over the other. With Cassidy always close behind, Jolly Roger heads for his friends of the Cree tribe. There, his dear friend, Yellowbird, predicts that he will once again see Nada in “The Country Beyond,” a place as yet unknown.
Tragedy and comedy avail each of the main characters in this book, Jolly Roger, Sergeant Cassidy, Nada, and even Pied-bot as the story advances to determine whether Cassidy will catch McKay before he can reach Nada and escape.
The beloved story of The Country Beyond was made into a movie in 1926 and again in 1936 with a slightly different story for the 1936 version, but based on the original.
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Hope in post-pandemic world can only be achieved together, cardinal says
Vatican’s coronavirus commission will confront challenges during pandemic and in the aftermath
Submitted June 12, 2020 | 11:15 AM
VATICAN CITY — The mandate given by Pope Francis to the Vatican’s coronavirus commission was to prepare a future full of hope amid chaos and uncertainty, Cardinal Peter Turkson said.
In a livestreamed meeting with Vatican Media journalists June 9, Cardinal Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, said the pope’s words to “prepare the future” rather than “prepare for the future” are rooted in the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
The cardinal, who also leads the recently formed commission, recalled Pope Benedict’s address during his visit to Benin, in which the now-retired pontiff said that “to hope is to be open to the future and to be open to the future is to be open to God.”
“Preparing the future is in that line and the moment you introduce God into the discourse,” you also introduce the human person, the cardinal said. “So, preparing the future for Pope Francis, then, is preparing a future that is made up of human beings: you and I.”
Pope Francis created the commission in April to confront the challenges the world faces battling the coronavirus pandemic and what it will face in its aftermath.
The commission is divided into five working groups focused on specific aspects of the pandemic and will formulate “an analysis and a reflection on the socioeconomic and cultural challenges of the future and proposed guidelines to address them,” the Vatican said April 15.
Cardinal Turkson said that the future being prepared is one that “completely integrates the human being in its dignity, in all its reality and in all its sense.”
For Pope Francis, he said, it means preparing a system that “fully integrates the human person, that makes all systems very inclusive (and is) characterized by solidarity so that the human person is never treated as an afterthought or something that is left aside.”
Addressing the global efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, Cardinal Turkson said that the commission is also preparing for a “humanity that is interconnected, that is bound together in solidarity and takes care of each other so that nobody is left behind.”
The current crisis, he added, is also “characterized by a sense of tenderness, which makes the great reach down to the lowly and makes the lowly feel welcomed in the system that we have.”
“That is the future that Pope Francis wants us to create,” Cardinal Turkson said. It is “a future of restored humanity — in full dignity and a sense of inclusiveness — characterized by a great sense of solidarity where the big, the rich and the powerful come down in tenderness toward the lowly to make the lowly feel part of the system.”
Catholics adapt to the pandemic’s cold, distant, but meaningful Christmas 2020
Year Review 2020
By: Joseph Kenny, Jennifer Brinker
Hope in postpandemic world can only be achieved together cardinal says 5421
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US virus patients and businesses sue China over outbreak
In this undated photo, Saundra Andringa-Meuer poses for photo on a trip in Colorado. Andringa-Meuer, who has recovered from the coronavirus, has joined with dozens of other American virus patients and some U.S. businesses in taking a new legal step: They are attempting to sue China over the spread of the virus, which has killed at least 75,000 people in the United States. (Molly Meuer/Saundra Andringa-Meuer via AP)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Before the coronavirus outbreak, Saundra Andringa-Meuer was a healthy 61-year-old mother of six who never smoked or drank alcohol. Then she became seriously ill with the disease after traveling from her Wisconsin home to help her son move from college in Connecticut.
She was hospitalized in March, ending up in a coma and on a ventilator for 14 days. Doctors told her family she had a slim chance to live. When she emerged, she was told she was the sickest COVID-19 patient they had seen survive.
Now Andringa-Meuer has joined with dozens of other American virus patients and some U.S. businesses in taking a new legal step: They are attempting to sue China over the spread of the virus, which has killed at least 75,000 people in the United States.
“I do feel that they hid it from the world and from Americans,” she said. “I don’t feel we had to have the loss of life. I don’t think we had to have the economy shut down. It disrupted all of American lives. I do believe we need to right some of these wrongs.”
So far, at least nine lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. against China claiming authorities there did not do enough to corral the virus initially, tried to hide what was happening in the outbreak center of Wuhan and sought to conceal their actions and what they knew.
Eight of the lawsuits are potential class actions that would represent thousands of people and businesses. One was filed by the attorney general of Missouri, which is so far the only state to take legal action against China.
The cases face several hurdles under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which states that foreign governments cannot be sued in the U.S. unless certain exceptions are met. And those are not easy to prove, experts say.
“We think it’s going to be an uphill battle for them to ultimately take advantage of those exceptions,” said Robert Boone, an attorney in Los Angeles who specializes in class action cases.
One exception involves commercial activity that directly affects the U.S. Another is misconduct inside the U.S. under certain circumstances that is traceable to a foreign government. A third exception is whether the foreign entity explicitly waived its immunity, such as through language in a contract.
Attorneys who have filed the lawsuits say they can prove those claims, and, if they win, find some method of collecting damages, perhaps by seizing Chinese bank accounts or other assets in the U.S. if the Chinese refuse to pay.
In one case filed in Miami federal court on behalf of Andringa-Meurer and many others, attorneys Matthew Moore and Jeremy Alters are suing the Chinese Communist Party as an entity separate from the Chinese government.
“They have their own assets. They are recognized as an independent organization. We are going to argue they are not a part of the government,” Moore said. “There has been personal injury that happened in the United States.”
Added Alters: “They’re going to have to pay … We can say, ‘We’re not going to do business with you anymore.’ When you hit them in the (gross domestic product), it hurts.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang defended his country’s record of fighting the virus. He said the lawsuit filed by the Missouri attorney general is “very absurd and has no factual and legal basis.”
Since the outbreak began, China has proceeded in an “open, transparent, and responsible manner,” and the U.S. government should “dismiss such vexatious litigation,” he said.
Efforts are underway in Congress and in some state legislatures to make it easier to sue China and other countries. One bill was introduced by Republican U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Martha McSally of Arizona, and GOP U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden of Texas in the House.
“The Chinese government must be held accountable for the pain it’s inflicted across the United States,” McSally said in a statement. The proposed legislation “will give the U.S. a piece of justice.”
In New Jersey, three Republican state lawmakers introduced a resolution urging President Donald Trump and Congress to pass a bill letting citizens sue China for “mishandling” the pandemic.
State Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano said in a statement that they believe Chinese leaders did little to stop the spread of the virus and that residents and local governments should be legally allowed to recover some of what they lost financially.
It’s not clear if any of the legislation will pass. If the bills were enacted, legal experts say they could open the floodgates for hundreds more lawsuits against China.
“If that immunity were stripped, it’s going to produce a gigantic burden on the court system,” said Boone, the class action lawyer. “That’s a factor that will need to be weighed in deciding whether to pass it.”
As for Andringa-Meurer, she said she’s still somewhat frail but getting better all the time.
“I’m weak, but I’m fabulous. I’m alive,” she said. “I want to give back, not only to the doctors and nurses who gave me the opportunity to live. They are the heroes. But also to all of the Americans who were affected by this.”
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Anne Frank's House Take a look around and discover the secret annex where Anne Frank hid for more than 2 years during WWII and where she wrote her diary.
Boston Children's Museum Walk through the Boston Children’s Museum for 3 floors of fun, thanks to Google Maps!
British Museum, London British Museum London: While there’s no walkthrough experience, the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies are just a couple of things that you're able to see on a virtual tour of the museum.
National Museum of Anthropology Visit the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City and dive into the pre-Hispanic history of Mexico with 23 exhibit rooms full of Mayan artefacts.
Natural History Museum At the Natural History Museum in London, find answers to your big nature questions and uncover the history of life on Earth, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Take a room-by-room tour of select exhibits and areas within the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, including past and current exhibits. This virtual tour also features a handy map, so you can move between floors easily and select the exhibits you specifically want to see.
The Vatican Museums The Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and Raphael's Room, are just some of the sites you can see on the Vatican's virtual tour of their 7 museums.
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Home / Academics / Graduate Program / For Prospective Students / Prize Graduate Fellowships
Prize Graduate Fellowships
Applicants will be considered for the following special fellowships during our admissions process:
The Bachmann Graduate Fellowship: This fellowship is awarded to students working on instrumentation. The Fellowship can be awarded for up to one full year of support and fees. UC Santa Cruz is the headquarters for the University of California Observatories and a center for the design and fabrication for instruments and adaptive optics systems for the Lick Observatory and Keck Observatory telescopes. There is also an active program of forefront research in the areas of adaptive optic technologies, astronomical coatings and thin films and advanced optical fabrication.
James Edward Keeler Fund for Excellence in Astronomy and Astrophysics Established in 2016, this fellowship provides support to current graduate students and to attract superior applicants to the graduate program, such as support for individual graduate student research programs and travel funds. The Keeler fund aims to help students from all backgrounds, particularly first in family to enter higher education.
Osterbrock Fellowships for future leaders in astronomy and astrophysics: Eminent American astronomer Donald E. Osterbrock pioneered the study of gaseous nebulae, helped to discover that the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy, originated the classification scheme for active galactic nuclei, and was one of Lick Observatory’s most influential directors. His wife, Irene, worked tirelessly to help establish the UCSC Library’s Mary Lea Shane Archives of the Lick Observatory as a world-renowned repository of U.S. astronomical history.
To honor them and to build on our record of fostering excellence, the Donald E. and Irene Osterbrock Leadership Fellowships for future leaders in astronomy and astrophysics is awarded annually on the basis of merit to highly qualified graduate students of the UCSC Astronomy Ph.D. program. We will seek out students with extraordinary leadership potential in addition to excellent classroom performance, and previous research accomplishments. Applicants will submit a letter stating how award of an Osterbrock Fellowship would enhance their future career plans. As the final step, finalists and their advisers will separately be interviewed in person by the selection committee. In addition to the first-year applicants, meritorious students who have displayed the requisite qualities after joining the Ph.D. program will also be considered.
HOW TO APPLY: Submit all applications to the Graduate Division of UCSC. Indicate your interest in one of the above fellowships in your application.
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Albigna options will depend on ground
Meld Stakes and Irish Oaks in mix for Harrington’s classy filly.
Jessica Harrington has “various options” as the next target for Group One-winning filly Albigna.
The three-year-old holds entries for both the Green Room Meld Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday and the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh a week later, and could take up either engagement.
After winning her first two juvenile starts, including a Group Two success in the Airlie Stud Stakes, the filly finished sixth behind subsequent dual Classic winner Love in the Moyglare Stud Stakes before claiming a Group One victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp.
A valiant run to finish fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf mile followed, and she was made favourite for last month’s Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas as a result of those early exploits.
The good to firm going hindered her chances in the fillies’ Classic, however, as the daughter of Zoffany could finish only sixth behind Aidan O’Brien’s Peaceful.
Ground considerations will be significant in deciding her next target.
“She’s in the Meld Stakes at Leopardstown and she’s also still in the Irish Oaks,” said Harrington.
“So we’re yet to decide – there are various options for her.
“She doesn’t want good to firm ground. As long as the ground is nice, she’s ok – it was just a bit quick at the Curragh on Guineas day, that was all.”
Harrington also issued an update on Millisle, who finished second in the Group Three Coolmore Sioux Nation Lacken Stakes at Naas on Saturday.
The filly was running for a second time since reverting to a distance of six furlongs, having previously suffered her heaviest defeat when finishing seventh in the Qipco 1000 Guineas.
Despite regaining her form at her preferred trip, the three-year-old will not take up her early entry in the July Cup and will instead be targeted at a contest closer to home.
“We’ll run over six or seven furlongs now,” added Harrington.
“We’ll probably look for races in Ireland next – the plan is for her to run her next race here.”
Speed expert Lawrence Taylor provides exclusive ratings and Speed Six analysis every day for At The...
13:40 - Newcastle, 1m 2f - 13 run
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22 of the Best Unique Fall Things to Do Right Here in Michigan This Year
When the summer weather begins to cool and transition into fall, the trees throughout Michigan start to turn brilliant red, orange, and yellow. Although many people travel to states in the Northeastern United States to see the fall colors, the Mitten State has some of the most spectacular views, especially along the Great Lakes’ shorelines. Best of all, plenty of cities and organizations across the state host fall activities and festivals. Let’s take a look at these best fall things to do in Michigan.
photo via @megan_peltz on Instagram
Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Michigan
Autumn doesn’t officially start until Sept. 22, but leaves in the Upper Peninsula begin to change sometime between Sept. 20 and Oct. 5. The reason is that temperatures are cooler there compared to other parts of the state. As the cool weather spreads south, you can expect the leaves to start changing in the Northern Lower Peninsula from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7. In West, Southeast, and Mid-Michigan, the leaves typically change color some time from Oct. 7-14. The colors may last through early November.
Be sure to explore these 15 Must-Visit Places for Amazing Michigan Fall Colors!
Best Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Farms to Visit
Hayes Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Rock
In the center of the Upper Peninsula, Hayes Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch allows families to pick pumpkins for decoration and carving. However, you could spend the whole day there because of the numerous fun activities: straw tunnel, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin treehouse, corn maze, and hay maze.
Knaebe’s Apple Farm & Ciderworks in Rogers City
At Knaebe’s Apple Farm & Ciderworks, you get to pick your own apples and pumpkins. This farm stands out from the rest by serving hard cider and wood-fired pizza in one of its barns. The property features a corn maze, playground, farm animals, and Mac ‘n’ Squasher apple slingshot. Kids can go on pony and wagon rides as well.
Formerly named Jacob’s Corn Maze, Jacob’s Farm has fall fun for the entire family. Although the pumpkin patch is very popular, the 10-acre corn maze is a major attraction and one of the best things to do in Michigan fall season. The farm even allows you to pick fruit from the apple orchard from September through October.
Overhiser Orchards in South Haven
With a variety of apples, Overhiser Orchards is open for apple picking from the beginning of September through October. If you go for apples in October, don’t forget to pick out your own pumpkins. You and your family can enjoy cider, take a photo with a farm animal, get lost in a corn maze, and go on a hayride too.
Johnson’s Giant Pumpkins in Saginaw
For some of the biggest pumpkins in Michigan, check out Johnson’s Giant Pumpkins. From miniature to huge pumpkins, there’s a size and price point for your family’s carving and decorating needs. The farm grows and sells gourds, Indian corn, and squash as well. Aside from picking pumpkins, kids can enjoy the petting zoo, horse rides, face painting, barrel train rides, pumpkin throwing, and many other activities.
Blake’s Farms in Armada
From mid-June through early November, Blake’s Farms is a great place to pick your own fruit. The apple orchard was one of the first u-pick locations in Michigan. It grows Ginger Gold, Jonathan, McIntosh, Paula Red, and Molly Delicious apples. Along with picking fruit, this family-operated farm offers kid-friendly activities for Halloween, including hayrides.
Check out our lists of best Michigan apple orchards & cider mills along with the most unique & family-friendly pumpkin patches & corn mazes in Michigan!
Best Fall Festivals and Things to Do in Michigan Fall Season
Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth
Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth has a grand Oktoberfest celebration in Heritage Park. In 1996, the September event was declared the first to operate with the blessing of Munich’s original Oktoberfest. Alongside beer from the world-famous Hofbrauhaus Bavarian State Brewery, Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest features authentic dancing, entertainment, and food.
Fall Fest at Emerick Park in Hillman
With the fall foliage of northern Michigan as a backdrop, the Fall Fest at Hillman’s Emerick Park is an exciting arts and crafts show. It’s held for a two-day weekend in mid-September and includes live music and a chili cook-off in the Pavilion.
Harvest Festival at Brimley State Park
In late September, Brimley State Park has a Harvest Festival. Most years, the annual event features fall coloring and activity sheets, a site decorating contest, a scavenger hunt, and pumpkin carving and painting. In addition, there’s a chili cook-off, trick-or-treating, a pancake breakfast, a costume contest and so much more.
Harvest, Fall, and Apple Festivities at Friske’s Farm Market in Ellsworth
One of the best places to go for things to do in Michigan fall season is Friske’s Farm Market. It holds a Harvest Festival in late September and a Fall Festival and Apple Fest Days in early October. Although the activities for each vary slightly, the giant apple slingshot is a prominent feature. There are also plenty of fresh doughnuts, cider, and other treats.
Colors by the Lake in Walloon Lake
At Village Green Park in Walloon Lake near the beginning of October, award-winning artists demonstrate and educate on the creative process as well as sell their work. You can choose from pottery, digital art, jewelry, paintings, and more. This event has a cash bar and food truck, but restaurants are nearby too.
Haunted Adventure at Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall
If you’re looking for a Haunted Adventure, check out Cornwell’s Turkeyville. The haunted barn, ghoulish train, corn maze, and spooky hayride are available every weekend in October. There are homemade doughnuts, apple cider, and pumpkins for purchase as well.
Best Hiking Spots to See Fall Foliage
Mackinac Island Trails
Between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron and has more than 140 miles of trails with great views of the changing leaves. The trails range from easy to moderate, and the most popular is the 8.2-mile hike around the outer edge of the island.
Port Crescent State Park Hiking in Port Austin
In Port Crescent State Park, you’ll find three trails for more than 5 miles of hiking. They’re easy and offer great opportunities for watching birds, other wildlife, and the sunset. The park has 3 miles of shoreline on Lake Huron too, so you can go canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Porcupine Mountains State Park Trails in Ontonagon
If you want a variety of trails to hike, one of the best things to do in Michigan fall season is visiting Porcupine Mountains State Park. Stretching about 60,000 acres, the park boasts more than 90 miles of trails. Although it’s only 4.3 miles, the moderate Escarpment Trail is particularly picturesque with fall colors.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking in Empire
With many chances to explore, Sleeping Bear Dunes has several miles of well-marked trails along the National Lakeshore. There are six trails, but the moderate, 1.5-mile Empire Bluff Trail has the best fall foliage view. It overlooks Lake Michigan, and you can see South Manitou Island to the north on a clear day.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Trails in Paradise
Encompassing about 50,000 acres, Tahquamenon Falls State Park features several waterfalls. Dropping 50 feet, the Upper Falls is one of the biggest east of the Mississippi River. The Lower Falls consists of five smaller waterfalls. There are nearly 23 miles of hiking trails, and the best for seeing the fall colors is the moderate-to-difficult, 4.8-mile River Trail, which connects the falls.
Isle Royale National Park Hiking
In Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park consists of 850 square miles of spacious land on the 45-mile-long Isle Royale. The park features more than 160 miles of hiking trails with excellent chances to observe wildlife, historic lighthouses, and ancient copper mining sites. The longest and most popular trail for fall foliage is the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which is difficult and extends for 42 miles.
Best Autumn Scenic Drives in Michigan
Road Trip Through the Upper Peninsula
If you’re looking for the best relaxing things to do in Michigan fall season, take a scenic drive through the Upper Peninsula. From Bessemer, you can travel north on the 15-mile Black River National Forest Scenic Byway to Copper Peak and then to the Lake Superior shoreline. For a longer trip, consider heading east from Bessemer to Mackinac City via less-traveled roads.
Mackinaw City-to-Standish Scenic Drive
Also known as the “Sunrise Coast,” you can follow the Lake Huron shoreline from Mackinaw City to Standish. The 200-mile drive via US-23 is four to five hours and passes through Cheboygan, Rogers City, and Oscoda. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including Ocqueoc Falls and Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.
Cheboygan-to-Coldwater Road Trip
If you want a real road trip through the center of Michigan, make the drive between Cheboygan and Coldwater. Via US-27, the route takes about 4.5 hours and passes through scenic farmland, charming towns, thick forests, and gentle hills. You’ll even pass through Clare, which is the heart of the state’s Amish country.
Scenic Drive From Traverse City to Manistee
On the western side of Michigan, you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan as you drive south on M-22. The brilliant foliage reflects in the sparkling lake. The state trunkline highway is 116 miles and passes through beaches, forests, and quaint towns. You can stop by Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire along the way.
You won’t want to miss these metro-Detroit color tour drives, either!
Tons More Things to Do in Michigan Fall Season
These 22 things to do in Michigan during autumn are only the tip of the iceberg. You could hop in the car and discover other places as you go. One last tidbit of advice: Take your camera!
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