pred_label
stringclasses 2
values | pred_label_prob
float64 0.5
1
| wiki_prob
float64 0.25
1
| text
stringlengths 72
1.01M
| source
stringlengths 37
43
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
__label__wiki
| 0.732422
| 0.732422
|
Home » Our Church » History
Though Methodism had become widespread in England by the end of the Nineteenth Century, it was not until the 1830's that preachers from Independent Churches (that is, not the Church of England) began to visit Alton. They got a rough reception — several were driven from the town by stone throwing mobs!
However in 1842 a young minister, the Revd. Henry Needle began to visit the town regularly and by May 1843, Alton had its own Methodist preacher, the Revd. J. Gostick. Services were held in a variety of places as numbers grew; in rooms in private houses, a shed, a barn, a hop kiln and even in the open air.
In 1846 the Methodist Church was opened at the western end of the High Street, where Marks and Spencer now stands. The church was big enough to hold 200 people and the census of 1851 states that there was a morning congregation of 60, an evening one of 92 and a Sunday School of 50. In 1874 and 1884, the chapel was extended and was able to hold 330.
The last service there was held on Mothering Sunday, 28th March 1976 as the building had become beyond repair and it had been decided to build a new Methodist church.
The foundation stone for the new church (in its current location) was laid in September 1979 and the church was opened and dedicated on September 6th 1980.
The latest transformation of the Methodist Church in Alton took place in 2010, when following a one million pound refurbishment the church was re-dedicated on Advent Sunday that year.
We are proud of our history and our heritage and seek to build upon it as we look to the future and, as we have always done, offer a welcome to all who find their way to Alton Methodist Church.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7594
|
__label__wiki
| 0.806695
| 0.806695
|
Hayward takes the lead at Canadian Women's Mid-Am & Senior
by Golf Canada
see also: Canadian Women's Mid-Am and Senior Championship, Breezy Bend Country Club
Mary Ann Hayward (Golf Canada photo)
FONTHILL, Ontario (Aug. 29, 2018) – Neither wind nor rain could keep Mary Ann Hayward from taking the lead in three out of the four individual divisions during the second round of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Senior Championship at Lookout Point Country Club on Wednesday.
Hayword, a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, shot the lowest score of the tournament so far with an even-par 72 to take sole possession of the lead in the Mid-Amateur, Mid-Master and Senior competitions after 36 holes.
“Yesterday played really tough. I played pretty good yesterday, didn’t putt so well but hit the ball extremely well with the wind conditions,” said the St. Thomas, Ontario product. “We lucked out with the weather today, the prediction was a lot worse than what it was. It played quite differently so I had to play different clubs after different tees and didn’t have a howling wind in our face so little tough to figure out.”
Hayward is no stranger to being in contention at this championship. Tomorrow, the 58-year-old will look to add a fourth Canadian Women’s Senior Championship to her trophy case and match her four Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship victories.
“I think everyone struggles with the putting, the greens here are a bit difficult. It’s tricky and plays with your mind a little bit playing with something you can’t see so just trusting that it’s going to do what it should do,” added Hayward. “But if it was easy, they’d call it hockey.”
Gail Pimm of Uxbridge, Ont., started off the day leading the Senior and Mid-Master divisions but carded a second-round 78 to put her in a tie for second.
“It wasn’t as consistent today but I had some bad holes but I kept with it, I toughed it out so I didn’t give up,” said the 58-year-old. “I’m still in the hunt. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and think I could do better than today for sure.”
Defending Champion Sue Wooster struggled during the first round, but three bogeys against one birdie in the second round has her sitting in second alongside Pimm in the Mid-Master, Senior and Mid-Amateur divisions.
“I hit the ball pretty solid and I drove it good all day. I just think I wasn’t in tune with the speed but I’m pretty happy,” said the Australia native. “The course has a lot of tough holes so I think if you can manage those tough holes, you’ve got some good chances on some easier holes.” Five-time Mid-Amateur Champion Christina Proteau shares a piece of second with Wooster and Pimm in the Mid-Amateur division. On the strength of Hayward’s lead, Ontario won their fifth consecutive inter-provincial team championship at 11-over par, a commanding 20-shot victory over second-place British Columbia. Alberta finished in third at 39 over par. In the 60-and-over Super Senior division, Penny Baziuk has a one-stroke lead over yesterday’s Super Senior leader Jackie Little and Ruth Maxwell.
ABOUT THE Canadian Women's Mid-Am and Senior
54 hole stroke play championship for women mid- amateurs (age 25+), mid-masters (40+), seniors (50+), and super seniors (60+). Canadian players must be a member in good standing at a Golf Canada club or hold a Gold level Golf Canada membership. Foreign players must be a member in good standing at a club with their respective association.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7595
|
__label__wiki
| 0.659015
| 0.659015
|
Stadsarchief – Amsterdam City Archives
The Stadsarchief Amsterdam is the city archive and historical documentation centre. The archives host a vast collection of maps, drawings, prints, photos, films and audio relating to Amsterdam. It is freely open to the public and hosts regular exhibitions.
The archive is housed in an imposing former bank building known as De Bazel on Vijzelstraat in the centre of Amsterdam.
The building was designed by Dutch architect Karel de Bazel and was completed in 1926. Its brick expressionist style was common in buildings during the 1920s in the Netherlands and Germany.
The building was the original headquarters of NHM (Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij, the Netherlands Trading Society). It was then an office for Algemene Bank which became part of ABN-AMRO bank. In 1999 the building was purchased by the city and was transformed into the city archives, opening in 2007.
For centuries the Dutch have been prolific record keepers and it’s no surprise that the Stadsarchief Amsterdam has one of the largest city archive collections in the world, with some 50km of archives. Due to its size, a proportion of the archive is being relocated to a new and environmentally-friendly depot building in Amsterdam Noord.
You can enter the Amsterdam Stadsarchief building from the entrance on Vijzelstraat and head into the main hall on the ground floor (level 0). A glass roof gives the hall some much needed natural light.
This main space often has a free poster-style exhibition about Amsterdam. There is also a reception desk and information centre behind.
If you head left, there is an exhibit (Werelderfgoed Podium) about all UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Netherlands. This includes Amsterdam’s historic canal district which was given the status in 2010.
Further down the hall is a bookshop which has many interesting items about Amsterdam (mostly in Dutch) and at the end of the hall there is a separate room which hosts temporary (paid entry) exhibitions.
At the other end of the main hall you can find Café De Bazel and a study room.
The basement levels hold a film theatre and the 2 level treasury room (Schatkamer) which was the former bank vault. This showcases some documents and photos within a historical narrative about the city.
The upper floors are generally not open to the public. Private guided tours of the building can be arranged in advance. There is also a walk-in tour at 1400 on Sundays in Dutch.
If there is an interesting exhibition on then the Stadsarchief is certainly worth popping in to visit.
It is mandatory to pre-book a ticket and timeslot for exhibitions. The main hall is freely open and accessible.
Stadsarchief Essential Info
Opening Times Tue-Fri 1000-1700, Sat-Sun 1200-1700, closed Mondays. Closed until at least 19 January 2021.
Admission Prices (2020) The general public has free entry into the main hall of the building.
Some exhibitions require an entry fee, typically €7.50 for adults and €5 for children 13-18. There is FREE entry to children 0-12, Museumkaart or Iamsterdam City Card holders.
Getting There Stadsarchief is on Vijzelstraat between the Herengracht and Keizersgracht canals. From Amsterdam Central, tram 24 stops at Muntplein which is 4-5 minutes walk away; or take metro line 52 to Vijzelgracht station which is about 7-8 mins walk away.
Stadsarchief Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 32, 1017 HL Amsterdam
T: +31(0)20 251 1511, amsterdam.nl/stadsarchief/ (Dutch only)
Begijnhof Courtyard in Amsterdam
Moco Museum in Amsterdam
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7599
|
__label__cc
| 0.707107
| 0.292893
|
About the Unemployable Series: Writer Katherine Karaus talks candidly to founders who never quite fit the corporate mold about their entrepreneurial journeys. First up, Jason Shen, Co-Founder of Headlight.
Katherine: What does your company do?
Jason: Headlight is a performance hiring platform. We partner with technology companies to support their technical screening efforts, and we run competitions that help companies identify talent that they may not have found otherwise. Interviewing involves a lot of technical assessment of candidates who end up not being a good fit. Your candidates are judged on a background-blind basis. The judges don’t know anything about degrees or previous work experience -- they just see the work. If the work looks good, that’s what really matters.
Companies are moving toward looking for ways to understand a person’s ability, but there aren’t many resources out there. It’s a new model of hiring, everything’s geared around the resume and bullet points of what you’ve done in the past. We need to create new systems if we’re going to talk about performance and ability in the present. That’s why we started Headlight.
Katherine: How does Headlight help fight unconscious bias?
Jason: A use case for us is screening technical roles, like data scientists or QA analysts, where women and minorities are underrepresented. We’ve developed small challenges and assignments, the candidate completes the assignment, and a network of experts review the work. All they get is a code-named individual (we use planets and stars from the Star Trek universe). They see the work, they use a rubric, and they evaluate the assignments on those criteria. They hand it back, and they know nothing about this person. Years of experience, man or woman. Our graders are trained to look for things that are relevant for that piece of work, so the results aren’t tainted by bias.
Katherine: Was Headlight inspired by your own work life?
Jason: It’s certainly inspired by my own job experiences. I was in marketing, and I was trying to move into product management. The people at my company were not having it. They were skeptical. There were 5 PM roles that opened up, so I was like, “Hey, Coach! Put me in!” I wrote up this whole 2-page thing about why I should be a PM. I tried to bring it to the founders, I tried to bring it to my manager to get the conversation going. They were like, “I haven’t seen you work with engineers.”
I had started my own company in 2011 (Ridejoy) where I worked with engineers. I was like, “You have to see it yourself personally in order to believe?” In order to transition into product management, I had to find another job. I ended up doing projects to show I understood the role and the company’s goals. For me it was always like, “Dont look at what I’ve done, look at what I can do. That’s what really matters.”
Jason Shen (left) with Co-Founder Wayne Gerard
Katherine: How did you handle the frustration of being held back at work?
Jason: I usually do things on the side. I started a blog while I was at the first startup I worked with. That has always been a touchstone for me, to help me feel like I always had something that I totally owned for myself. That is what allowed me to cope in corporate environments. My Headlight cofounder was the same way. We were on the same team at Etsy, and I really saw something in him when I realized that he had bootstrapped a company on the side while working full time. I was like “Wow, that’s hustle. That’s really amazing.” It takes a special amount of drive to do something like that
Katherine: What advice would you give someone who’s frustrated at work?
Jason: You can’t take things personally. Everyone is trying to do what benefits them, what benefits the organization from their perspective, and is the least headache for themselves. It’s understandable and not malevolent...most of the time.
Your job is to prove value. Your job is to make it easy for them to say yes. It’s not always going to work out, but that doesn’t mean that you’re not good. Office environments have a lot at play. It’s not a straight meritocracy. The best person for the role doesn’t always get the role. If you can do your own thing, go for it.
Jason Shen
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7601
|
__label__wiki
| 0.630127
| 0.630127
|
Updated 16 March, 2014 - 12:43 gregsorrell
The Tradition of the Piasa and the Mysterious Rock Art of the Mississippi
Along the river of the Mississippi Valley where its banks form the boundary between Illinois and Missouri, there exists thousands of ancient pictographs carved or painted on rocks, on walls in cave shelters, and beneath overhanging cliffs. For hundreds of years these images have been described in the journals of explorers, heard about through whispers of townspeople, scrawled in old town records and in innumerable reports of ethnologists and archaeologists. One would be hard-pressed to find a more enigmatic and curious image than that of the Piasa. Its name is Native American and in the Illini signifies, “ The bird which devours men”.
In the town of Alton, Illinois is a narrow ravine through which a small stream flows into the Mississippi River. Near the mouth of this stream, a hundred feet high up on the face of the cliff side is a modern representation of the Piasa. The image was first written about in 1673 by French missionary priest Jacques Marquette while recording his journey down the Mississippi with Louis Joliet. Marquette describes the image as “ as large as a calf, with horns like a roebuck, red eyes, a beard like a tiger and a frightful countenance. The face was something like that of a man, the body covered in scales, and the tail so long that it passed entirely around the body, over the head and between the legs, ending like a fish.”
The original image was visible until 1847 when the entire face of the bluff was quarried away, however, the legend endures.
The legend of the Piasa Bird dates back to long before European explorers came to region. It has been traced to a band of Illiniwek Indians who lived along the Mississippi in the vicinity north of present-day Alton. This tribe, led by a chief named Owatoga, hunted and fished the valley and the river and lived a contented life until the "great beast" came. In 1836 John Russel, a professor of Greek & Latin at Shurtleff College in Upper Alton published an account of the legend as told by the Illini.
Many thousand moons before the arrival of the pale faces, when the Mastodon & great Magalonyx were still living in the land of green prairies, there existed a bird of such dimensions that he could easily carry off in his talons a full grown deer. Having obtained a taste for human flesh, from that time he would prey on nothing else. He was artful as he was powerful and he would dart suddenly and unexpectedly upon an Indian, bear him off into one of the caves of the bluff and devour him. Hundreds of warriors attempted for years to destroy him, but without success. Whole villages were nearly depopulated, and consternation spread through all the tribes of the Illini.
Such was the state of affairs when Ouatogo, the great chief of the Illini fasted in solitude for the space of a whole moon, and prayed to the Great Spirit that he would protect his children from the Piasa. On the last night of the fast the Great Spirit appeared to Ouatogo in a dream, and directed him to select 20 of his bravest warriors, each armed with a bow and poisoned arrows, and conceal them in a designated spot. Near the place of concealment another warrior was to stand in open view, as a victim for the Piasa, which they must shoot the instant he pounced on his prey. The next morning the warriors were quickly selected and placed in ambush as directed. Ouatogo offered himself as the victim. Placing himself in open view on the bluffs, he soon saw the Piasa perched on the cliff eying his prey. The Piasa rose into the air and darted down on his victim. Scarcely had the horrid creature reached his prey before every bow was sprung and every arrow sent into his body. The Piasa uttered a fearful scream, that sounded far over the opposite side of the river, and expired. Ouatogo was unharmed. There was wild rejoicing among the Illini and the brave chief was carried in triumph to the council house, where it was solemnly agreed that, in memory of the great event in their nation’s history, the image of the Piasa should be engraved on the bluff.
The Piasa. Image Source .
John Russel, in his 1836 report continues, “ My curiosity was principally directed to the examination of a cave, connected with the tradition as one of those to which that bird had carried its human victims. Preceded by an intelligent guide, I set out on my excursion. The cave was extremely difficult of access and at one point I stood at an elevation of 150 feet on the perpendicular face of the bluff, with barely room to sustain one foot. After a long, perilous climb we reached the cave. The floor of the cavern throughout its extent was one mass of human bones. To what depth they extended I was unable to decide, but we dug to the depth of 3-4 feet in every part of the cavern, and still we found only bones. The remains of thousands must have been deposited here.”
In the years following Marquette’s description, a number of explorers spoke of the pictograph, as well as others that were reported to have been seen on the bluffs as far as 30 miles away from the original. St. Cosme reports seeing the images in 1699. The Piasa is mentioned in a book by A.D. Jones with the title, “ Illinois and the West” written in 1838. One of the most satisfactory pictures of the Piasa comes from a German book called “ The Valley of the Mississippi Illustrated” published in 1839.
As with the Illini tribes, there can be found traditions of similar large birds and dragons throughout the world. The Dacotah tribe believed that thunder was a monstrous bird flying through the air and claimed that these birds were large enough to carry off human beings. In the ancient Buddhist caves of India there can be found a number of carved and painted dragons that easily fit with the descriptions of Piasa. There have also been found in the area of the Mississippi Valley thousands of burial vases which have dragon-like heads pronounced, standing up from the rim of the vessel.
One theory regarding the origin of the Piasa is that it may have been an older iconograph from the large Mississippian culture city of Cahokia, which began developing about 900 AD and was at its peak about 1200 AD. It was the largest prehistoric city north of Mexico and a major chiefdom. Icons and animal pictographs, such as falcons, thunder-birds, bird men, and monstrous snakes were common motifs of the Cahokia culture. The Piasa creature may have been painted as a graphic symbol to warn strangers traveling down the Mississippi River that they were entering Cahokian territory.
However, others have questioned whether the so-called mythical creature could have been an ancient species of bird that actually existed. That so many cultures and groups of people separated by thousands of miles and years have similar tales of immense flying creatures is curious to say the least.
Featured image: The Female Piasa Bird. Credit: FoolishLittleMortal
By Greg Sorrell
Records of Ancient Races - W.M. McAdams 1887
The Valley of the Mississippi Illustrated - H. Lewis 1839
Illinois and the West - A.D. Jones 1838
Parkman's Discoveries of the Great West 1838
Greg Sorrell
I've been interested in the mysteries of our world for as long as I can remember. My fascination began when I was young boy reading stories about Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster and has since grown into an almost... Read More
Robert Bast wrote on 26 October, 2014 - 05:01 Permalink
The myths of North America and other continents are strong proof that a monstrous winged lizard lived within the memories of mankind. The only counter-evidence to pterosaurs living just 10,000 years ago is the dating techniques that are championed by orthodox scientists.
Math_Fellow wrote on 17 March, 2014 - 18:42 Permalink
"if you look at the transcribed story" Point well taken, LOL
Looks like I should count to "10" before tapping out a comment, Eh?
lol wrote on 17 March, 2014 - 17:00 Permalink
if you look at the transcribed story, it mentions that the event that inspired the legend took place roughly sometime in the Pleistocene period, by mention of mastodons and the Megalonyx giant ground sloth. around that time there were a number of these teratorns existing throughout the Americas, with the largest, Argentavis, having a wingspan of 7 meters. They, along with a large number of animals, went extinct during the Pleistocene-Quarternary Extinction event..... curiously coinciding with the currently accepted time frame of human arrival in the Americas from the Eurasian landbridge. 'currently accepted'
Tsurugi wrote on 26 October, 2014 - 18:37 Permalink
"I was a student of Archeology and Geology for many years and bought into the millions of years crap until I saw the light, and it wasn't the Bible. It was realizing that concrete is actually rock, or rock is concrete and it doesn't take millions of years for a house foundation to "set up".
What about the thousands of rock layers? I see deposition like that on construction sites after just one rain event, dozens of layers of deposited sediment, albeit on a much smaller scale, but the mathematics are the same. Imagine the deposition of a Continental scale flood. Just my two cents."
Math Fellow, you are a fellow after my own heart. I live in a geologically interesting area and, over time, I too began to notice things that did not seem to match what I had learned from textbooks. Finding a few things like that resulted in me paying a lot more attention to the stone around me. I began finding many strange and wonderful things, and began to ask questions.
Google, that endlessly patient info-servant with its googolplex of busy internet tentacles, could not help me identify the weird rocks I was finding, but it did find other interesting things for me.
In particular, your comments about rock/concrete reminded me about one very interesting thing Google brought to my attention a few years ago. In Judah there are thousands of rock-cut caves beneath the surface. They're called the Bell Caves.
These caves have many interesting features....but look at this:
So....after the caves were cut, that sediment flowed in and hardened.....wonder how old these caves really are?
We really don't know when the animals deposited themselves in the LaBrea Tar Pits, all we have to go on is the Archeological community's storyline that's been perpetuatured and emblazoned for 120 years. But I'll bet the oldest of those creatures walked into the hydrocarbon goop not 2,000 years ago and some as recently as just a century ago. Heck, they've found house cats entombed in 4 feet of that tar, so the "10's of thousands of years" Fairy Tale is so full of holes it just plain doesn't float. That story, as well as, 97% of "modern scientific interpretations" are intended for the consumption of gulible uneducated masses. I'm not including you in that group necessarily, as I realize we are all being lied to on a daily basis about the (theory) of Evolution as though it is absolute fact. The far-fetched backstories and other accompanying fiction are exactly that: Pure fantasy.
I was a student of Archeology and Geology for many years and bought into the millions of years crap until I saw the light, and it wasn't the Bible. It was realizing that concrete is actually rock, or rock is concrete and it doesn't take millions of years for a house foundation to "set up".
What about the thousands of rock layers? I see deposition like that on construction sites after just one rain event, dozens of layers of deposited sediment, albeit on a much smaller scale, but the mathematics are the same. Imagine the deposition of a Continental scale flood. Just my two cents.
Louisiana Mound Builders Carefully Selected Sites to Ensure Longevity
A study of ancient mound builders who lived hundreds of years ago on the Mississippi River Delta near present-day New Orleans offers new insights into how Native peoples selected the landforms that...
Read more about Louisiana Mound Builders Carefully Selected Sites to Ensure Longevity
14 June, 2017 - 14:02 Mark Miller
The Moundbuilders: North America’s Little-known Native Architects
The prehistoric people of Central and South America are known worldwide for their fantastic architectural and cultural achievements. However, North American natives are not known as great builders...
Read more about The Moundbuilders: North America’s Little-known Native Architects
27 August, 2015 - 03:46 Mark Miller
Sacrifice victims at Cahokia were locals not foreign captives
Researchers had speculated that victims of human sacrifice found at the Native American site Cahokia in Illinois were brought in from outside the area, perhaps as tribute. But a new analysis of the...
Read more about Sacrifice victims at Cahokia were locals not foreign captives
6 May, 2015 - 13:03 lizleafloor
The Rise and Fall of Cahokia: Did Megafloods Spell the End of the Ancient Metropolis?
The mysterious demise of the ancient city of Cahokia has long remained unexplained, but now research suggests catastrophic megafloods may have devastated crops and food stores, and forced residents...
Read more about The Rise and Fall of Cahokia: Did Megafloods Spell the End of the Ancient Metropolis?
19 August, 2014 - 22:28 chickasaw
The Chickasaw Migration Story: Journey from the Place of the Setting Sun
From their prehistoric migration to present-day Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama and Tennessee, to the purchase of their new homeland in south-central Oklahoma in the mid 1800s, Chickasaw culture and...
Read more about The Chickasaw Migration Story: Journey from the Place of the Setting Sun
14 June, 2014 - 00:37 chickasaw
Evolution of a Native American Society: A Journey Through Ancient History
As a Native American culture, the Chickasaw people broadly trace their ancestry back to the migratory peoples of the Paleo-Indian period , which spanned from roughly 10,000 BC - 8500 BC. Legend has...
Read more about Evolution of a Native American Society: A Journey Through Ancient History
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7606
|
__label__cc
| 0.660361
| 0.339639
|
Australia in February
In February I was fortunate enough to be invited to tour Australia by Humane Research Australia and the Anti-Vivisection Union of South Australia, to speak on the themes of my book The Costs and Benefits of Animal Experiments, which was recently released in paperback. I'm extremely grateful to them, and to the Cruelty Free Shop in Sydney, who kindly sponsored my tour.
I took 40 copies with me around Australia and sold them at cost. They went like hot cakes - wish I'd had double.
Then it was on to the city that's been my lifetime home more than any other - Perth! One of the world's most beautiful capitals, but also the world's most isolated. The closest neighbour is Adelaide, 2,500 km away.
En route to Perth I spied the Recherche Archipelago, at the south-eastern tip of Western Australia. It was named after a French warship and is just about at the end of the Earth. Several hundred years ago a British warship encountered it there, but because they were together at the end of the known world, they decided not to try to kill each other for once, and were friends for a day, before going their separate ways. The bay in the middle there is Hellfire Bay. I've walked that sand. It's so pure it squeaks with every step, and you can see fully 30 feet through the water. This remote place really feels like the end of the Earth, especially when the sun sinks into the sea off the western beach.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7608
|
__label__wiki
| 0.961961
| 0.961961
|
Solutions: Advanced: Student's Book B Units 4-6
Advanced Student's Book B Units 4-6
by Paul Davies and Tim Falla
This is a split edition of Oxford's secondary course developed for language schools teaching teen learners in the UK and Ireland. 'Solutions' offers a tried and trusted methodology alongside fresh and diverse material that will spark your students' interest and drive them to succeed.
Paul Davies is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, astrobiologist, author and broadcaster. On 1 September 2006 Paul Davies will take up a new position as college professor at Arizona State University, the largest public university campus in the USA.
He will have the distinctive assignment to establish a new centre on foundational questions in science, to encompass cosmology, life, astrobiology and philosophy - a think tank for addressing complex issues in these areas. He has achieved an international reputation for his ability to explain the significance of advanced scientific ideas in simple language.
He is the author of some twenty-five books including The Mind of God, The Last Three Minutes and How to Build a Time Machine. Among other awards he has won the Templeton Prize, The Royal Society's Michael Faraday Prize for science communication and a Glaxo Science Writers' Fellowship. In April 1999 the asteroid 1992 OG was officially named (6870) Pauldavies in his honour. Davies has extensive experience in all facets of the media.
He writes regularly for newspapers, journals and magazines in several countries. Notable among his contributions to radio are a series of documentaries on BBC Radio 3, and his television work has ranged from chat shows to scripting and presenting various documentaries, including his own series entitled The Big Questions and More Big Questions. Committed to bringing science to the wider public, Davies engages in a heavy program of public lecturing around the world, addressing scientific and religious topics.
As a supporter of the arts, he is also frequently involved in literary and artistic events both in Australia and internationally. The recipient of many awards and commendations, Davies won the Eureka Prize in 1991 for the promotion of science in Australia, and in 1993 he was presented with an Advance Australia Award for outstanding contributions to science. In 1995 Davies was awarded the Templeton Prize for progress in religion, the world's largest prize for intellectual endeavour.
Paul Davies is married, and has four children. He remains a British citizen. In addition to his passion for both traditional and contemporary art, he is interested in the history of the second world war, politics and economics. He also enjoys keeping fit and discussing geographical trivia.
Language: reference & general ELT: learning material & coursework
Be the first to review Solutions: Advanced: Student's Book B Units 4-6.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7609
|
__label__wiki
| 0.930191
| 0.930191
|
News POP-Culture T.V.
Marvel’s Disney+ Shows Might Alienate New And Old MCU Fans
Disney+ is bringing with it tonnes of Marvel content ranging from Falcon and the Winter Soldier to WandaVision and more. We already know that since Scarlet Witch will be showing up in Doctor Strange 2 so it would be kind of necessary to watch WandaVision first. But no one actually realized that we would actually have to watch it all to make sense of MCU’s Phase 4. And herein lies a lot of problems:
A More Complex MCU
The Disney Plus shows will complicate an already intricate unierse. Pic courtesy: techcrunch.com
Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has said the shows will directly tie into the story arcs and plot points of the phase 4 films. He said:
If fans “want to understand everything in future Marvel movies, they “probably need a Disney+ subscription because events from the new shows will factor into forthcoming films such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
But this works only to complicate an already intricate and complicated universe. Right now, if a new fan wants to join the MCU then he/she will have to watch 23 separate movies first to understand the Marvel universe as it stands now. But if the viewers want to jump directly to the main big events, even then they will be able to enjoy Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. This is all due to the tight narrative which has kept the universe accessible to new viewers. But 8 new shows which have to be positively watched makes things far more confusing. It’s not just the shows which have to be watched, but the fact that viewers have to jump from television to movie and vice-versa to make sense of it all.
A Costly And Inaccessible Streaming Service
Disney + has a lot of cost and accessibility issues. Pic courtesy: thewrap.com
There is another issue here and that is the issue of accessibility. Disney+ is going to cost families an extra $70 annually. But apart from that, the service isn’t going to be available to much of the world as well. Despite launching in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands on November 12th, some countries won’t get it for two years. Worse that people in Eastern Europe and Latin America aren’t even expected to get the service until October 20. Of course there are other creative ways of watching those shows but Marvel runs the risk of alienating new fans who are joining in, as well as the old fans who won’t be able to access the streaming service.
Upcoming Marvel Studios projects include Black Widow on May 1, 2020, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier in Fall 2020, The Eternals on November 6, 2020, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on February 12, 2021, WandaVision in Spring 2021, Loki in Spring 2021, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on May 7, 2021, Spider-Man 3 on July 16, 2021, What If…? in Summer 2021, Hawkeye in Fall 2021, Thor: Love and Thunder on November 5, 2021 and Black Panther 2 on May 6, 2022. Marvel Studios projects without release dates include Ant-Man 3, Blade, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk.
To know more about the streaming details, cick on the video below:
(Source: comicbook.com and economist.com)
Tags •DisneyDisney PlusMarvelMCUWandaVision
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7610
|
__label__wiki
| 0.860302
| 0.860302
|
Ed Benedict and the Cartoon Revolution
Michael Mallory
The recent release of Disney’s Winnie the Pooh illustrates just how much the look of animation has changed over the past twenty years. Today, of course, we regard such changes as being matters of dimension: two-dimensional, hand-drawn (like Pooh) as opposed to three-dimensional, digital imagery (like damn near everything else).
However, an equally revolutionary change in the look of American animation occurred in the post-war years, with the development of the angular, abstract, UPA style. Interestingly, the spread of that graphic style to other studios came not from a UPA artist, but rather a veteran animator who admired the studio but never worked there: Ed Benedict.
In the case of the Tex Avery cartoon unit at MGM, which Benedict joined in 1952 as a layout man and character designer, the shift did not come easily. “They all hated UPA,” Ed told me in 1992. “They said: ‘It came from another world, and it should go back there!’ They hated it, but I thought it was terrific.”
Ed Benedict
Ed went on to say that his artistic vision did not endear him to the animation staff:
“I don’t think most of the guys over there liked me. I don’t know that they disliked me, but I don’t think they liked the idea of my being there, because I shot down their easy street. Prior to me, Tex didn’t have what you’d call a layout man. He had an old guy out in the back of the place, in the background room, a guy by the name of [Johnny] Johnson. He’d been painting his backgrounds for years back there, the same stuff over and over and over again. But there was no laying out. The animators would make the models in accordance with the rough scribbles that Tex would make. But he wanted me to rehash them more in the contemporary style. I got the feeling they [the animators] didn’t like me so much because now I was making them work. The characters that I designed…they weren’t accustomed to that kind of drawing, those kinds of hands and feet and eyes, which were sometimes on the same side of the head. I couldn’t go completely UPA-ish, because Tex’s gags wouldn’t allow it. His gags were still the old style of stuff. But the animators were accustomed to the jowlish, bulb-nosed, pudgy type of characters, and I had to sharpen some of the corners. So it was a little difficult.”
Deputy Droopy
Of course, a few years later Ed’s style would prove invaluable to a couple other MGM employees, Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera, who were forced to constrict their cartoon style to TV. Ironically, it was now Benedict himself who had some reservations. “Some of the [television] things I liked, and some I didn’t,” he told me in another interview in 1998. “But I did an awful lot of stuff, and you get a little bit squirmy trying to find a new way to make a nose.”
Related Topics:Bill Hanna, Disney, Ed Benedict, Joe Barbera, Johnny Johnson, MGM, Pooh, Tex Avery, UPA, Winnie the Pooh
More in Tales from the Toon Trenches
Price Was Right, and a Farewell
By Michael Mallory January 2, 2015
After 163 entries over the course of 2½ years — all culled from the thousand or...
Remembering Martha Sigall
By Michael Mallory December 17, 2014
Very few people can be called irreplaceable, but Martha Goldman Sigall, who passed away this week...
Stamps of Approval
By Michael Mallory December 4, 2014
A few days back I was in the post office to buy stamps. “So what?” you...
The Problem With Predictions
By Michael Mallory November 20, 2014
The critical success of this fall’s salsa-flavored The Book of Life got me thinking about an...
Remembering ‘Click’
By Michael Mallory November 6, 2014
As I write this, the country is mourning the death of Tom Magliozzi, NPR radio star...
‘Toy Story 3’ Prompts Virgin’s In-Flight Warning
Circus Circus Celebrates Chuck Jones in Vegas
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7611
|
__label__wiki
| 0.936469
| 0.936469
|
Pandemic forces journalists to rethink campaign coverage
President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally at Xtreme Manufacturing, in Henderson, Nevada, Sept. 13. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
NEW YORK (AP) — When the coronavirus shutdown began, ABC News’ Martha Raddatz figured her plan for a cross-country road trip to meet voters would be shelved, too.
Instead, this week Raddatz nears the end of a 6,000-mile journey, where in Ohio she found a man who said President Trump “almost walks on water.” She’s made accommodations, been careful with masks and distancing, arranged interviews ahead of time and is avoiding a cliche of political reporting for safety’s sake.
“I have a no-diner rule,” she said.
The pandemic that instantly changed the 2020 presidential campaign forced news organizations to reevaluate coverage plans, too. It’s an ongoing process: several reporters who followed Trump to Nevada on Sunday stayed outside when they learned the president’s rally would be held indoors.
For months, news executives wondered if they would be covering a campaign without campaigning, although it has grown more public after Labor Day.
“In a way, it gave us an opportunity to reassess how we do things,” said Peter Wallsten, senior politics editor at The Washington Post. “It’s not clear whether how the media has been covering campaigns in the past has been the right way.”
Given a result that took many people by surprise in 2016, one thing virtually all news organizations planned for this year was to talk to more voters, particularly in swing states.
Restrictions on travel and safety concerns made that more difficult.
The New York Times built a network of freelancers in key states, many of them experienced journalists who had lost jobs in the industry’s downturn. The newspaper has three in Wisconsin, a competitive state that also became the incubator of racial justice protests.
“I don’t want to be in New York making assumptions about what independent voters in the Milwaukee suburbs are feeling about Donald Trump or Joe Biden,” said Patrick Healy, the Times’ political editor.
The journalists have spotted stories that may not be strictly political but give insight into what communities are thinking about. Healy cited Kathleen Gray’s June piece on how the community reacted when a recently-married lesbian in Michigan was fired as a church music director.
Many of Politico’s top reporters live outside of Washington — Tim Alberta in Michigan, Holly Otterbein in Pennsylvania and Marc Caputo in Florida. When a recent poll showed unexpected strength for Trump among Latinos in Miami, Caputo cited the popularity of a Spanish-language YouTube host who has become a big Trump supporter, a factor hard for outsiders to know, said Carrie Budoff Brown, Politico editor.
Before COVID-19 became an issue, The Associated Press encouraged political reporters to collect phone numbers and email addresses of voters to keep in touch with. This has proven invaluable, along with the news agency’s local staff across the country, said Julie Pace, Washington bureau chief. The news cooperative boasts reporters and election-calling operations in each state.
One of Pace’s favorite ways to sample voter opinion — approaching people in Target parking lots — is now very difficult.
“What is the new parking lot?” she asked. “I don’t know.”
Instead, reporters have to work the phones more aggressively. Wallsten said it was tough for readers to tell Jose A. Del Real didn’t leave Washington to report an August story on Latino voters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“People are out and about, messages are being conveyed,” said CBS News President Susan Zirinsky. “You’re missing the physicality of going to rallies or some events, but you’re not missing stories. I think it enables us to drill down on the things that are most important to the American people.”
Many news organizations hire a team of “embeds” to follow candidates on the road, usually young, ambitious reporters not dissuaded by long hours, repetitive speeches and bad food. They’ve been grounded for months.
“We have to be more creative,” Brown said. “It’s freeing in a way. We don’t have to be locked into making sure we have coverage of five different things. It’s freed them from the tyranny of events.”
Rushing in to a community to watch a speech and then waiting at an airport to go cover another often wastes the time of a good reporter. Several news organizations have put more time into enterprising stories, like the Times’ detailed account of how the Trump campaign squandered a significant financial advantage over Biden, and the type of step-back trend reporting that can often get lost.
The new-found freedom has also enabled journalists to aggressively go after stories that weren’t anticipated, most notably social justice protests and the focus on whether votes will be counted now that the virus has made more people want to vote by mail. The AP has assigned 10 reporters and editors to cover access issues and the U.S. Postal Service.
While some may denigrate day-to-day event coverage, it does give journalists the ability to evaluate candidates in different situations, along with ask questions.
“I do think there’s something that gets lost,” Pace said. In Biden’s case, “we’ve basically gone the whole summer without having that chance,” she said.
The first debate will be held on Sept. 29. Candidate “town halls,” which have largely been shelved due to the pandemic, will return this week — ABC has Trump on Tuesday and CNN has Biden on Thursday.
“These events, which are always challenging, become extremely challenging in the pandemic,” said James Goldston, ABC News president, who is trying to ensure that rules for distancing and attendance are followed. ABC’s supplies included 16 gallons of hand sanitizer, 3,200 disinfectant wipes, 1,600 face masks and 319 empty seats.
CNN has used boom mikes and restricted the number of staff members who can be in a vehicle together as part of its COVID-19 planning, said Sam Feist, Washington bureau chief. Now that it is starting to feel more like a traditional campaign, these safety issues are coming to the fore.
ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News Channel and CNN reporters stayed outside Sunday’s rally in Nevada; some news organizations let the reporters decide for themselves if they felt safe enough to go inside to an event where many people were not wearing masks.
However, journalists in the White House “pool” that provides video and still pictures of the event did go in, enabling everyone to have details about what went on.
Zeke Miller, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, said the organization appreciates the professionalism of its journalists when placed in a difficult and potentially hazardous situation. The WHCA will continue to press for health and safety precautions, he said.
For ABC’s Raddatz, her cross-country trip is an expansion of one she did four years ago. She said it’s instructive to get away from the day-to-day bickering of Washington to see what is connecting with the public, and finds the views of voters to be very nuanced.
The global affairs correspondent, who’s worked in war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia, said she knew how to protect herself.
“I’ve taken risks in my lifetime for things that I think matter,” she said, “and this falls into that category.”
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7613
|
__label__wiki
| 0.953192
| 0.953192
|
AP compiles editorial style guide for Summer Games
To help with spellings and usage in coverage of the London Summer Olympics, The Associated Press compiled an editorial style guide of essential terms, spellings and definitions. Some terms are from the Olympics entries in the AP Stylebook: http://www.apstylebook.com/. Others are common usage in AP sports stories. The terms include input from Steve Wilson, AP's Olympics beat writer for more than 20 years.
See the list of terms below that were sent to AP members and subscribers in an April 5 advisory.
Olympics or Olympic Games
Always capitalized. There are Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics, or Summer Games and Winter Games.
Noun. Always capitalized.
Adjective (without s) and always capitalized: Olympic gold medal, Olympic organizers, Olympic host city, Olympic flame, etc.
A period of four years beginning on Jan. 1 of the Olympic year. Olympiads are numbered consecutively in Roman numerals from the 1896 Athens Games. The XXX Olympiad that includes the London Games began Jan. 1, 2012.
Any athlete who has been to the Olympics.
London Games, London Olympics
Capitalized. Also, 2012 Olympics or 2012 Games. London Summer Olympics and London Summer Games.
Capitalized when attached to the host city or year: the London Games and the 2012 Games.
Standing alone, lowercase: The games open on July 27.
Always precedes the host city and Olympics: 2012 Olympics, 2012 London Games.
London is the first city to host the Summer Olympics for a third time. The previous games were in 1908 and 1948.
Dates: July 27-Aug. 12, 2012. (Olympic soccer tournament starts July 25.)
Cost: The government’s public sector budget for construction of venues, infrastructure and security: 9.3 billion pounds ($14.6 billion). The local organizing committee’s privately-funded operating budget (based on TV rights, sponsorship revenues, ticket sales and merchandising) is 2 billion pounds ($3.2 billion).
Sports: 26 sports and 39 disciplines.
Sports venues: 31, including nine sites at London's Olympic Park.
Medal events: 302
Athletes: around 10,500, plus 5,000 coaches and team officials.
Countries: 204 expected.
Medals: A total of 2,100 gold, silver and bronze medals will be handed out to individuals and teams. The medals are the largest for a Summer Games, measuring 3.35 inches (85 millimeters) in diameter and weighing 13 to 14 ounces (375-400 grams).
Medals tables: In the U.S., national standings are compiled by the total number of medals per team: gold, silver and bronze. In Britain and elsewhere, national standings are based on the number of gold medals per team.
London Olympic sports
archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, canoe/kayak, cycling (track, road, mountain bike and BMX), equestrian, fencing, soccer, gymnastics (artistic, rhythmic and trampoline), handball, field hockey, judo, modern pentathlon, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming (swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming), table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, track and field, triathlon, volleyball (indoor and beach), weightlifting, wrestling.
Mascot: Wenlock, doll-like one-eyed figure named after the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock that helped inspire Pierre de Coubertin to launch the modern Olympics in 1896. Mandeville is the Paralympic mascot, named after the birthplace of the Paralympics.
Olympic terms
Olympic Park: 2.5-square-kilometer (1-square-mile) site in Stratford, East London.
Olympic Village, capitalized, or athletes' village, lower case. Located next to the Olympic Park.
Olympic flame and torch relay: the Olympic flame will be lit in Ancient Olympia, Greece, on May 10. The Greek leg of the torch relay will take place May 10-17, an 1,800-mile journey across most of the Greek mainland and island of Crete, before the flame is flown to Britain.
UK Olympic torch relay: starts May 19 at Land's End in Cornwall and travels 70 days and 8,000 miles, including a stop in Dublin, Ireland. Concludes at the opening ceremony on July 27 with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the main stadium. The final torchbearers are secret.
Olympic opening ceremony (singular) and closing ceremony (singular). Together they are the Olympic ceremonies (plural) held in the 80,000-seat main Olympic Stadium.
Symbols and culture
Olympic rings: five interlocking rings (blue, yellow, black, green and red) symbolizing the five continents.
Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius (faster, higher, stronger).
Olympic Charter: code of rules and principles governing the International Olympic Committee and Olympic movement.
Olympism: IOC term for the philosophy of sport, culture and education behind the Olympic movement.
Olympic hymn or anthem: music by Greek composer Spyridon Samaras and lyrics by Greek poet Kostis Palamas. Played at opening and closing ceremony.
Olympic oath: a solemn promise to abide by the rules in the spirit of sportsmanship. Recited by one athlete and one judge or referee at the opening ceremony on behalf of all the athletes and all officials.
Cultural Olympiad: the program of cultural, musical and artistic events organized in the host city around the games.
Names and acronyms
IOC: International Olympic Committee. Either is OK on first reference, but use full title in the story.
IOC President Jacques Rogge. The title is capitalized.
LOCOG: London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games. Short forms are London organizers and London organizing committee.
International sports federations. All Olympic sports are run by international federations. Avoid abbreviation IF; use international federation or governing body.
NOC: national Olympic committee. There are 204 recognized NOCs. In news stories, avoid the abbreviation and use national Olympic committees or national bodies.
USOC: U.S. Olympic Committee; BOA: British Olympic Association. Abbreviations acceptable on second reference.
The Olympic movement: comprises the IOC, international federations, national Olympic committees, organizing committees and all other recognized federations and bodies, as well as athletes, judges, coaches and other sports officials
TOP: acronym from The Olympic Program, the IOC's global sponsorship program. The 11 TOP sponsors are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos Origin, Dow, GE, McDonald's, Omega, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, Samsung and Visa.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7614
|
__label__wiki
| 0.557244
| 0.557244
|
Home › JEWELLERY BLOG › A Brief History of Native American Jewellery
The Importance of Jewellery
In many Native American cultures, words hold little power. It’s often said that silence is the cornerstone of character in Native American tribes, but, contrary to popular belief, the silent aren’t actually without communication. Instead, they use physical expressions of thoughts and feelings, and that’s where jewellery comes into play; it’s a way of communicating without using words, and a way of conveying messages through non-verbal means.
The huge variety of materials used enabled the early tribes to really get their messages across. Natural materials were, of course, the preferred options as they were so readily available. This included hardwoods, plant fibres, animal teeth, bone, hide and both precious and semi-precious stones. Archaeological evidence suggests that this form of jewellery has been around since 8800 BC, with the Paleo-Indians using small, handmade tools to make necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets from coastal stones and shells.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Gemstones and ornamental shells have long played a role in Native American rituals and ceremonies, with one of the most prominent being the Apache Sunrise Ceremony.
Traditionally a 4-day event (although modern ceremonies are a bit shorter), the ceremony transfers the spiritual and physical power of the first woman to young girls, signifying their transition to womanhood. The abalone features heavily in the ceremony, incorporating the legend of the White Painted Woman who survived a flood by hiding inside a shell, and was later reborn. The shell has become a symbol of change and power within the Apache nation, making abalone a very popular jewellery choice.
And many other materials have legends of their own. Turquoise, for example, is often referred to as a ‘SkyStone’. That’s because, according to legend, Native American tribes danced with joy when rain fell after a long and devastating drought. They cried tears of happiness which, when mixed with the rain from the sky, created turquoise.
Other materials that are commonly used are labradorite, hematite, pearl, and coral, with each having its own unique meaning within the different Native American tribes.
Native American Jewellery Today
Native American jewellery has definitely changed over time. The good news is that animal teeth, bone, and hide aren’t really used any more, with Europeans introducing new materials and new techniques which changed native jewellery trends for good.
The arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century introduced glass to the tribes, while in the 19th century the first Native American silversmiths began practicing this new art form that had been borrowed from the Spanish. The meaning of jewellery changed at this time, too. While still used for communication and aesthetics, it also became an important commodity in trade, and, subsequently, important for survival of the cultures.
At Apache Rose, we are so in awe of the beautiful workmanship that goes into such Native American pieces, that it 100% inspires our curation when sourcing jewellery from international designers for the boutique. We believe that each piece tells it's own unique story, just at jewellery in Native American culture was used for storytelling. For example, selecting jewellery which incorporates semi-precious stones, such as pearl with its stabilising properties or hematite with its protective properties, keeps important legends in circulation and communicates the true power of nature without you even having to say a word.
In future posts, we’ll be delving into the traditions of specific tribes, so come back soon for more on this fascinating topic.
the meaning of jewellery
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7615
|
__label__wiki
| 0.822252
| 0.822252
|
CRISES BEFORE WORLD WAR I
Welcome to the Crises before World War I Virtual Center. The first thing your group needs to do is read about the crises that occurred before World War I. After you read, you need to work together to complete the Crises Center Page in your Lesson Chronicles.
A Ticking Time Bomb
In the 1800s and early 1900s, the major European powers developed intense rivalries as they competed to claim lands and control resources in Africa and Asia. Imperialism became more important to them than any efforts to keep peace. Through the 1800’s and early 1900’s, several clashes made tension in Europe even worse. The clashes that occurred between nations over land claims were known as crises. Crises are difficult or dangerous situations in which a decision must be made quickly and the result of the decision has heavy consequences. These crises turned Europe into a ticking time bomb. Three major crises occurred over land in Africa, as it was being carved up into a patchwork of European colonies. The other occurred in the Balkans in Southern Europe.
The Fashoda Incident
The first showdown was in the territory of the Sudan south of Egypt. France had already claimed much of the western region of Africa and hoped to extend its empire into the northern portion of the continent by moving east toward the Sudan. At the same time, however, the British wanted to extend their African empire south from Egypt, into the same territory the French had their eye on. The situation came to a head in 1898 when French forces faced British soldiers, all there to plant their flags on the same ground. War seemed inevitable as the two armies met in Fashoda and both refused to back down.
British Territories are in red. French Territories are in Blue.
However, the French finally did give in for two main reasons. First, they were greatly outnumbered by the British and did not want to suffer another defeat as they had in the Franco-Prussian War. Secondly, the French were even more concerned about Germany and didn’t want to anger the one nation that could be its most powerful European ally if the need arose. Although tense, the face-off ended peacefully when France allowed the British to control the Sudan in exchange for recognizing French claims in Western and Central Africa. The crisis between France and Great Britain in the Sudan became known as the Fashoda Incident.
The Boer War
alliance: an agreement between nations to work together for a common goal or to defend each other in the event of war
annexed: to add an area or region to a country, state, or city
assassination: Killing a famous or important person usually for political reasons
Boer War of 1899: a war between the British and the Dutch over Transvaal and the Free Orange State in Southern Africa
Bosnian Crisis: an international conflict that occurred when Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina
crises: difficult or dangerous situations in which a decision must be made quickly and the result of the decision has heavy consequences
Fashoda Incident: a dispute over territory between France and Great Britain over an area of the Sudan south of Egypt
inevitable: something that is sure to happen
Moroccan Crisis: a conflict between Germany and France over control of Morocco
nationalist groups: a group of people who want to form a separate and independent nation of their own
sphere of influence: a country or area in which an imperialist country has power to affect what happens there though it has no formal authority
tensions: a state in which people, groups, countries, etc., disagree with and feel anger toward each other
The Boer War of 1899 was fought between the British and Dutch imperialists called the Boers. This time, the scene was in southern Africa. South Africa was first colonized by Dutch settlers, who turned control over to the British after the Napoleonic Wars. The Boers were not happy about British rule and left the region in 1836, moving north to establish the independent countries of Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The British officially accepted the two states’ independence and things stayed peaceful until gold and diamonds were discovered there in the 1880’s.
Not surprisingly, the British then decided that it would be in their best interest to own and control the land and resources of the entire region. Tensions increased between the British and the Dutch until war broke out in 1899. The Boer War lasted three years, and Great Britain eventually won. Thereafter, both powers’ territories were combined to form the Union of South Africa in 1910. Britain then had control over all of southern Africa, except the small, independent tribal nations of Lesotho and Swaziland.
The Moroccan Crisis
A third major clash occurred in northwest Africa in the country of Morocco and became known as the Moroccan Crisis . Both France and Great Britain were interested in this farming and mining region, but Morocco wanted to maintain its independence. Even so, in 1904 following the Fashoda incident in the Sudan, the British agreed to allow France to have a sphere of influence in Morocco in exchange for backing down and allowing the British to claim eastern Africa.
Kaiser William II was the ruler of Germany. He was angry at France's influence and that he was given no say in the agreement. So, he decided to intervene. In March 1905, the Kaiser went to Morocco and made a speech. He announced to Morocco that Germany recognized their nation as an independent nation and promised German protection if France attempted to make a colony out of Morocco. Then, the German Kaiser called an international conference to tell the world.
At the conference, Germany hoped to humiliate France by announcing that the French had illegally placed Morocco in the French sphere of influence. Germany also hoped to split up the friendship between Great Britain and France by announcing that Austria - Hungary was supporting Germany's efforts in Morocco. Instead, the plan backfired. Great Britain supported France and eventually entered into an alliance together. It was becoming obvious that two sides were developing.
The Bosnian Crisis
The Bosnian Crisis of 1908 and 1909 was perhaps the most serious crisis that led to the outbreak of World War One. It occurred in the Balkans. The Balkan region is located in southeastern Europe and includes the countries of Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, a small region around Istanbul, and Croatia.
The Bosnian Crisis began because people were angry when the Balkan regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina were annexed by Austria-Hungary. In 1878, Bosnia and Herzegovina were officially a part of the Ottoman Empire, but Austria-Hungary claimed the territory at the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. So, all the nations of Europe supported Austria-Hungary's claim to the area and the Ottoman Empire lost Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria-Hungary. Soon after losing Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was angry about losing two areas of the Balkans, but their army was weak, so they couldn't afford a war.
The Ottoman Empire was not the only ones that were unhappy with Austria-Hungary. Russia and Serbia were unhappy too. Russia did not want Austria-Hungary to gain anymore land or power. Serbia wanted to unite with Bosnia and Herzegovina to form one Serbian nation. Serbia demanded Austria-Hungary give a portion of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia.
Austria-Hungary did not want to appear weak, so they threatened to invade Serbia. Austria-Hungary had an alliance with Germany and knew Russia would not risk going to war with two strong European nations on her border over Serbia. As a result, Russia backed down. Serbia knew they could not fight Austria-Hungary without Russia, so they were forced to accept that Austria-Hungary now had control over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even though the crisis did not end in war, an intense hatred grew between the people of Serbia and Austria-Hungary. This hatred would eventually lead to the assassination that sparked World War I.
Outcomes of Crises
These crises resulted in three main outcomes. First, alliances that had formed in the late 1800’s were strengthened. Though Germany had hoped to split up France and Great Britain by its show of force, the two nations drew closer instead. Secondly, the conflicts in Africa, especially the showdown in Morocco, increased tensions among the powers. Thirdly, Austria-Hungary's imperialism in the Bosnian Crisis motivated Serbian nationalist groups to form that would do whatever it took, including assassination, to preserve their nation and their way of life.
The second thing your group needs to do is to analyze what you have learned. In this activity, you will create comic strip of each major crisis.
Each member of your group will create a comic book strip using online software called Storyboard That. With your group, decide which group member will do each crisis discussed in the reading. One person will do the Fashoda Incident. One person will do the Boer War. One person will do the Moroccan Crisis and one person will do the Bosnian Crisis. As a group, discuss how to make a strip of three scenes for each person's comic strip. The pictures and text should include the most important points in the crisis. To begin click on the icon below.
You will have to register. Use the information on the StoryBoard Signup Slip that I gave you to register. Then follow the directions to create your strip. I will come around and help all those who need it. If the site is down or blocked, we will do the comic strips on paper.
Example Comic Strip - The Fashoda Incident
The following is an example of the Fashoda Incident. When your group has completed your comic strips, we will display them outside the room.
You just learned about alliances before World War I. You analyzed the relationships between the major nations and determined whether they were friends or enemies. Now you need to show off what you know. Complete the Center Check by clicking on the Center Check Icon below and answering the questions.
You have completed the Crises Before World War I Center. Click on the button below to go back to the Lesson 1 - The Causes of World War I Home Page.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7617
|
__label__wiki
| 0.825787
| 0.825787
|
In memory of former ICCA Governing Board Member Guillermo Aguilar-Alvarez, whose untimely passing in July 2017 saddened friends and colleagues worldwide, ICCA has launched the ICCA-Guillermo Aguilar-Alvarez Memorial Prize. The Prize will be awarded biennially by ICCA during its Congress to the individual under 40 who has written the best published work on international arbitration, conciliation or other forms of dispute settlement over the past two years.
The prize will include a modest honorarium and funding to attend the ICCA Congress (including a fee waiver, economy class travel and hotel accommodation) in order to receive the Prize in person and to benefit from interaction with ICCA Members and participation in Congress sessions. Entries for the first Prize are now closed. The first recipient of the Prize will receive funding to attend the ICCA Congress in Edinburgh on 26 - 29 September 2021.
How to Make a Contribution to the Fund
As a supporter of the ICCA-Guillermo Aguilar-Alvarez Memorial Prize, you can opt to make (1) a once-off donation; or (2) a regular donation over a period of time (daily, weekly, monthly or yearly).
Pledges to the Prize have already reached US$60,000, with a further US$60,000 targeted to help the Prize exist in perpetuity. While any amount is welcome, we encourage those who knew Guillermo and are looking for a more long-lasting way to honour his legacy to become a Patron of the Prize. Donors will be recognised as Patrons by ICCA (and associated with the Prize accordingly) when they commit to donate at least US$5,000, either once-off, or in a series of regular donations, e.g., a US$100 monthly commitment over 5 years.
If you would like to become a Patron of the Prize, please contact the ICCA Bureau (bureau@arbitration-icca.org).
Click here to donate now.
1. The ICCA-Guillermo Aguilar-Alvarez Memorial Prize (“Prize” or “Memorial Prize”) was established by ICCA Foundation, Inc. (“ICCA”) in January 2019 in memory of former ICCA Governing Board Member Guillermo Aguilar-Alvarez. This prize will be awarded every two years for the best work (in the form of articles, essays, and individually-authored book chapters) on international arbitration, conciliation or other forms of dispute resolution published in the previous two years, as selected by an independent Advisory Board. The Prize seeks to further ICCA’s stated purpose of promoting and improving the process of arbitration, conciliation and other forms of international dispute resolution.
2. The Prize will cover the recipient’s costs of attending the ICCA Congress in the year in which awarded, plus a modest honorarium. The costs of attending the ICCA Congress include: (1) a Congress registration fee waiver; (2) economy class travel to the Congress venue; and (3) hotel accommodation during the Congress. The costs (including the value of the fee waiver) and honorarium would ordinarily have a combined maximum value of USD 5,000. The costs of attending the ICCA Congress cannot be converted to cash by the winner if he or she is unable to attend the Congress for whatever reason.
3. The Prize will be awarded by an Advisory Board appointed from time to time by the ICCA Board of Directors.
4. All entries will be reviewed by a Special Committee of Readers made up of Young ICCA Members and appointed by the Young ICCA Co-chairs for each Prize (“Young ICCA Special Committee”). The Young ICCA Special Committee will be responsible for creating a shortlist of no less than 5 and no more than 10 entries, from which the Advisory Board will select the final winner. The Young ICCA Special Committee must include members from both academia and arbitral practice.
5. The Memorial Prize will be awarded on an objective and non-discriminatory basis.
a. The Young ICCA Special Committee and Advisory Board will consider any eligible work submitted to them by an author, publisher, or other source.
b. Authors must be under the age of 40 years at the date of original publication of the work.
c. Authors may but need not be members of Young ICCA.
d. Each author may submit only one entry. If multiple works by a single author are submitted, the author will be contacted and asked to identify a single work for consideration.
e. Co-authored works may be submitted, provided that the co-authors are under 40 years of age at the date of original publication of the work. When submitting the work, the author(s) must state whether (1) the entry is submitted jointly and the co-authors elect to split the monetary value of the prize or (2) the co-authors have elected one of the co-authors to receive the prize. In the latter case, written consent must be submitted by the other co-author.
f. Entries should be either in English or be accompanied by a full English translation.
g. The Memorial Prize is open to authors of any nationality, race, colour and ethnic origin.
h. The choice of the recipient of the Memorial Prize is based solely on the judgment of the Young ICCA Special Committee and Advisory Board.
i. Any entrants that are related to ICCA Foundation, Inc. Board Members, ICCA NGO Governing Board Members, Memorial Prize Advisory Board Members, Young ICCA Co-Chairs, Young ICCA Special Committee and any individual involved in the decision-making process will be excluded from consideration. Related entrants include the spouses, siblings, spouses of siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, ancestors, and spouses of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of these individuals.
j. In the event that any entrant shares an institutional affiliation with a Young ICCA Special Committee or Memorial Prize Advisory Board Member (e.g., the same law firm, law faculty, or arbitral institution), that Young ICCA Special Committee or Advisory Board member will inhibit him- or herself from participating in the relevant decision.
k. The recipient of the Memorial Prize is not required to perform any services to ICCA Foundation, Inc. or the ICCA NGO in return for the granting of the Prize.
7. All entries shall be submitted via email to the ICCA Bureau via email prize@arbitration-icca.org before the deadline notified from time to time. Applicants should also provide the following information: name of journal and date of publication; full name; nationality; place of residence; gender (male, female or prefer not to specify); proof of age; and contact details. By applying for the Prize, applicants agree to the terms of ICCA’s Privacy Policy as published on the ICCA website at www.arbitration-icca.org.
8. Fund Administration: funds raised to establish and maintain the Memorial Prize will be paid directly to and administered by fund-manager “United Charitable” (registered in New York as a non-profit 501(c)(3)) (see https://www.unitedcharitable.org/).
Addendum to Terms and Conditions for 2020 Prize
1. The Advisory Board for the 2020 Prize includes representatives from ICCA, as well as former friends and colleagues of Guillermo Aguilar Alvarez, as follows:
a. Stefano Azzali;
b. Lise Bosman;
c. Donald Donovan;
d. Aloysius (Louie) Llamzon;
e. Carlos Davalos;
f. Loretta Malintoppi; and
g. Michael Reisman.
2. The Young ICCA Special Committee for the 2020 Prize has been constituted as follows:
a. Eloïse Glucksmann;
b. Alexander Leventhal;
c. Katharine Menendez de la Cuesta Llamas;
d. Michele Potestà; and
e. Giorgio Sassine
3. The first Prize will be open for entries from 31 January 2019, with a closing date of 31 December 2019, for work published during 2018 and 2019. The first recipient of the Prize will receive funding to attend the 2020 ICCA Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 10-13 May 2020.
4. The ICCA Bureau will be responsible for organizing the successful recipient’s travel, accommodation and Congress registration and providing their honorarium (ordinarily to a maximum combined value of USD 5,000).
Stefano Azzali
Aloysius (Louie) Llamzon
Carlos Davalos
Michael Reisman
Young ICCA Special Committee (2020 Prize)
Eloïse Glucksmann
Alexander Leventhal
Katharine Menendez de la Cuesta Llamas
Michele Potestà
Giorgio Sassine
Patrons of the Prize
Andrea, Patricio and Claudio Aguilar-Alvarez
Harry & Helena Burnett
Kenneth Fleuriet
Edward Kehoe
Silvia Marchili
Caline Mouawad
Michael Reisman & Mahnoush Arsanjani
Eduardo Siqueiros
Kiyoshi Tsuru
Reginald Smith
Richard Marooney
Premio Guillermo Aguilar Alvarez
The Arbitration Center of Mexico (CAM) has also established a prize in memory of Guillermo. This prize will be awarded to works published in Spanish. For more information, please visit: https://camex.com.mx/premio-guillermo-aguilar-alvarez/
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7619
|
__label__cc
| 0.615854
| 0.384146
|
Master Intercultural Conflict Management M.A.: Profile
Master Intercultural Conflict...
Aktuelle Seite: Profile
We don't receive any more applications for the academic year 21/22 starting in September 2021!
Due to the coronavirus the semester start for our next cohort will be postponed to winter semester 21/22. Please note that at the moment there are no more spots available. However it is possible that we open the application process again in the next months. You can contact us or visit our web page once in a while in order to get informed.
Development and objectives
Master of Arts Intercultural Conflict Management (MA-ICM)
Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Intercultural Conflict Management - social action in global contexts.
Qualification level – Preparing for the challenges of tomorrow
The Master of Arts in Intercultural Conflict Management (MA-ICM) was created as a program of studies strongly oriented toward practical applications. It is a non-consecutive, Master's level program, designed according to recognised higher-education criteria. The programme complies with the requirements of the Bologna Declaration and subsequent communiqués.
According to the Berlin Communiqué 3 and paragraph 35 of the Berlin Law on Higher Education (BerlHG), MA-ICM graduates may apply for PhD programmes. The MA-ICM training is well suited to the requirements of the job market.
The Master's program represents a transdisciplinary and practice-oriented curriculum which commingles a multi-dimensional theoretical and methodological approach to social conflict with a strong focus on participatory practical social action. Thus, the program capacitates students for managing real-world social conflicts in transnational and intercultural contexts, so that students can carry out their own specific focus in a broader field of work opportunities, including NGOs, governments and international organizations.
Since its inception in 2000, the program located at the Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin has carried through profound changes in its initial structure. These changes represent the result of two interrelated causes: In the first place, they were associated with the observations and proposals made by its students in several and regular program evaluations over years. In the second place, they reciprocated the manifold changes experienced by the world in social, political, cultural and economic terms during the last two decades.
Thus, the program came over from a semi face-to-face structure to a completely face-to-face structure in 2010, its original quantitative and qualitative methodological approach was thoroughly restructured in parallel, so that a more participatory and action-related approach could be accomplished, and a concurrent Spanish-spoken programme was established in 2014.
Proudly based on this tradition of continuous change and improvement, ICM brings forward major changes on this occasion.
The length of the program has been drawn out from three to four semesters. This change is associated with the program’s constant search for a close interrelation among theory, methodology and practice. To this day, the length of the program has been drawn out from three to four semesters so that students can establish a much more profound relation with the social world surrounding them without time constraints.
The content of the modules have been thoroughly restructured into three transversal modules stretching out over three semesters, which commingle “classroom learning” with social action training in the context of real-world conflicts from the beginning of the first semester until the end of the third semester. This modification represents the result of manifold discussions and multiple contributions from both, the academic stuff and the students of the Intercultural Conflict master program, with the only aim to bring about an approach to social conflict in which theory, methodology and action coalesce into one another.
Learning with international Classmates
The Master's program is based on 19 years of education and teaching experience. Since 2000, 400 students from 50 different countries have successfully completed this curriculum. The cultural, professional, political, social, and linguistic diversity of the participants is one of the essential characteristics of the programme toward a transnational, intercultural and transdisciplinary approach of study.
All these differences are coalesced in Berlin, which materializes as a space of social analysis, collaborative learning and discursive construction. Consequently, the MA-ICM utilises and integrates the issues of diversity and difference, from the perspective of a living laboratory for students and teachers.
The orientation of the MA-ICM is suited to the requirements of the job market. Former graduates work free-lance, in international governmental, non-governmental and private sector organizations in professional roles such as field officers, program managers, facilitators, trainers, advocates or researchers.
Programmstruktur © eigene Darstellung
Upon registration a fee of € 300 is due. The tuition fee for the first to third semester is € 2640 each. Costs for the fourth semester (Master’s thesis) amount to € 500. Should, however, the Master’s thesis be postponed to the fifth semester an extra fee will be charged for this final semester.
Please note that additional options like purchasing a public transport tickets for students may lead to extra costs of currently € 193,80 per semester.
Our university of applied sciences is, unfortunately, not able to grant scholarships. However, we have compiled an extensive list of institutions where you can apply for a scholarship: List of Scholarships
Please note that the information on the different scholarship options was taken from the respective institutional websites. Since the latter are subject to constant changes, we are unable to guarantee that all information is still up to date. In order to verify, it is recommended to visit the organizations’ websites directly.
Furthermore, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that some scholarships request that you hold a specific nationality. Should you have questions about the exact requirements please get in contact with the respective organization.
Finally, we ask you to take into consideration that in some cases the application process may take a very long time, in fact up to one year. Thus we encourage you to inform yourself about suitable scholarships and apply to the institution(s) in question as early as possible.
Ein Nachruf auf Barbara Köhler
Ein letztes BON DIA GOOD LUCK für unsere 11. Alice-Salomon-Poetik-Preisträgerin
12.01.2021 | Prof Dr. Bettina Völter
Do, 14.01.2021 | 17:00 Öffentliche Vorlesung, ONLINE Kitas als „Caring Communities“ – für eine ethisch fundierte Frühpädagogik
Eine Veranstaltung aus der Reihe Frühpädagogische Abende DIGITAL
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7620
|
__label__cc
| 0.608772
| 0.391228
|
The Metropolitan Opera: Wozzeck
Fathom Events and the Metropolitan Opera present a broadcast of Berg’s Wozzeck, live in select cinemas nationwide on Saturday, January 11. An encore… More Details »
Fathom Events and the Metropolitan Opera present a broadcast of Berg’s Wozzeck, live in select cinemas nationwide on Saturday, January 11. An encore performance of Berg’s Wozzeck will be shown in select cinemas nationwide on Wednesday, January 15. Berg’s 20th-century shocker stars baritone Peter Mattei in the title role, with Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium and soprano Elza van den Heever as the long-suffering Marie. Groundbreaking visual artist and director William Kentridge unveils a bold new staging set in an apocalyptic wasteland.
Just awful. More shouted than sung, this grim opera wasn't even interesting in the least.
Jeannine S
Not a typical opera. Acting and singing were great as was the staging. But may not be everyone's cup of tea.
Kathleen D
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7624
|
__label__wiki
| 0.65927
| 0.65927
|
Google Maps adds Lyft and Gett to its ride hailing options
Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/08/google-maps-lyft-gett-options/
Users searching for directions from Point A to Point B in Google Maps just got a few more options for getting there. According to the official Google Maps blog, both the iOS and Android versions now include estimated fares and wait times for ridesharing services Lyft and Gett when searching in cities in the United States.
Google Maps actually rolled out the feature for Uber way back in 2014 and other competing ridesharing services were added outside the US earlier this year, alongside Gett in New York City. With today's addition of Lyft, Google Maps now offers options from nine different ridesharing services in 60 different countries. (Of course, which options are available to you will depend on which city and country you're in.)
The ride hailing feature works exactly as you might expect: a "ride services" tab with a taxi icon now shows up alongside the driving, transit and walking directions. Switching to the tab brings up a list of available ridesharing services and the various ride types, such as Lyft Line or UberX, offered by each. Lyft estimates should start showing up for users wherever Lyft is available, but Gett is still limited to New York City for now.
Google Maps adds Lyft and Gett to its ride hailing...
Acer's latest convertible Chromebook is bigger and...
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7626
|
__label__cc
| 0.697633
| 0.302367
|
We Compare All Car Rental Prices In Milan, Italy
Milan Car Hire
Car Hire Search is an independent company that offers car hire in Milan. Our quote system compares the rates of most international and local car hire agencies in Milan, Italy and let's you make an informed decision on whom to rent from.
Car Hire Search wants to ensure you find the cheapest car hire in Milan.
Milan Car Hire & Travel Information
Milan is the perfect place for a short getaway. And contrary to popular belief this is not some very expensive city.
The biggest attraction and the main symbol of Milan is a monumental Duomo cathedral, a huge building on the central square of the city.
To visit:
Castello Sforzesco and Pinacoteca, which houses an impressive collection of Italian paintings. Football fans should definitely see the San Siro stadium . It is location ia a little remote area - in the north-east section of, and access to it from the center is not a simple matter. If you are coming to Milan for shopping, prepare yourself for a huge selection of the best global brands.
There are two main airports in Milan. Malpensa Airport is the largest airport of Milan. There are two terminals that are situated at a considerable distance from each other. Every 20 minutes there is a shuttle bus between the terminals. The other Airport is called Linate, which was originally called Aeroporto Enrico Forlanini. Linate processes about 9 million passengers a year and is used primarily for domestic and European flights. The airport has an excellent road connection with Milan . It can be also reached by car, taxi and bus. If you are coming to Milan with a low cost airlines, please be advised there is a third airport , which is situated close to the city Bergamo. The trip to the centre of Milan will take approx one hour.
The traffic in Milan can be very big . If you go by car during the morning or afternoon hours you might get stuck in lines for hours.
If you come with car, try to find a parking-place, which is not an easy task and let the car stay there for the week while you're taking the metro, bus or tram instead. You will earn much time on that!
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7627
|
__label__wiki
| 0.925005
| 0.925005
|
Meet Courthouse Resident and Miss Virginia USA Shannon McAnally
ARLnow.com May 24, 2013 at 4:05pm
An Arlington resident is in the running to become the next Miss USA.
Shannon McAnally, who lives in Courthouse, is the reigning Miss Virginia USA and will compete for the national title live on NBC on Sunday, June 16.
Though she will be representing Virginia, McAnnally is actually a native Texan. She moved to Arlington just over a year ago to help her family expand its construction business to Virginia.
The company, MCC and Associates, specializes in restaurant construction and renovation. McAnally is the company’s marketing director and a licensed contractor — the latter being an exceedingly rare accreditation for a young beauty pageant contestant.
“It is very unique… I don’t know many women my age who are involved in the commercial construction industry,” she said. McAnally noted, however, that the Miss USA pageant has featured women who are attorneys and doctors.
“That’s one of the misconceptions you find in beauty pageants, is that you think it’s just about being a pretty face, when it has more to due with the substance of a person,” she said. She said her involvement in pageants started as a fun hobby, but grew into a serious goal and drive to become Miss USA.
McAnally said she picked Arlington and the Courthouse neighborhood as her home above every other locality in Virginia because of the county’s urban amenities, which for made an easier transition from her hometown of Dallas.
“Everything is so convenient,” she said. “You can walk to restaurants and stores, it’s just a perfect area to live in.”
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the potential future Miss USA, her interests provide a clue about the types of places she frequents.
McAnally says she’s an appreciator of museums, dining out, shopping, and music. Her favorite shopping destinations are Georgetown and Tysons Corner, but she can often be spotted at the Courthouse farmers market on Saturday mornings, or two favorite Clarendon food destinations: Whole Foods and Circa restaurant.
Just don’t expect to see her out much between now and June 16. McAnally says she’s been busy training for the pageant, working with walking coaches, interview coaches and other advisers. A vegetarian, McAnally has also been eating extra healthy and “exercising like crazy,” so she can be in top shape for the swimsuit competition.
If you do see McAnally out and about, it may be as she tours the Commonwealth in her role as Miss Virginia USA. She has been able to crisscross the state in style, thanks to the silver 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 that she received as part of her statewide pageant win this past November.
McAnally says she hopes to win next month by presenting herself as someone who’s a leader and a businesswoman, but at the same time relatable and down to earth.
“The beauty of me is really that balance of being able to take control but also do it in a way where people enjoy being around you,” she said.
If she does win the crown, she hopes to raise awareness not only about breast and ovarian cancers, which are part of the Miss USA organization’s official platform, but also about heart disease, which runs in her family.
At least 40 friends and family members from Arlington, Dallas and elsewhere will be in Las Vegas next month cheering McAnally on. She says she hopes to bring the crown back to her adopted state and end Virginia’s long Miss USA drought.
“It’s a really exciting year because if I do win, it will be the first year Virginia has won since the early 1970s,” she said. “That should give people a reason to watch and root me on, to bring the crown home.”
Photos courtesy Miss Universe Organization
Courthouse pageant profile
Art, Acoustic Music Festivals Coming to Clarendon Next Month
Crash Involving Sewage Truck Closes EB Rt. 50
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7632
|
__label__wiki
| 0.854444
| 0.854444
|
Paseo del Prado S/N, 28014. Madrid
http://www.museodelprado.es/
The Museo del Prado was built in 1785 during the reign of Charles III. The project formed part of an ambitious plan of scientific modernisation, designed to suit the enlightened king and his cabinet of reformist intellectuals and artists. Originally it was designed to be a natural history museum, not an art gallery, forming part of a complex which included the Observatory and the Botanical Gardens, which can still be visited today. The entire complex was to be set in the Buen Retiro Gardens and included the Royal Palace built by Philip IV. The original project would easily outdo any current plan for a cultural complex. The Prado building was conceived as a backdrop to the Paseo del Prado. The boulevard was a meeting place for the nobility and the bourgeoisie, where carriages, good manners and clothes were paraded. It was the centre for flirting, courting and gossip, a theme exploited by [Goya#PINTOR#2085] in his engravings. Therefore, it was the best place in Madrid for the new project, where the whole city would be able to contemplate the architectural renewal programme proposed by the enlightened circle of the Court. The long building is completely symmetrical and is divided into five sections: two rotundas at each end, two Venetian galleries full of windows and a central section where the main façade is located. The building's aesthetic uniformity is due to the enormous colonnade that covers the outer walls from one end to the other. Balance, orthogonal angles, the alternation of light and dark, as well as the synthesis of virtues and art in the sculptures that adorn the main façade represent the essence of Neoclassicism, a style which aimed to recover moral and constructional balance after the supposed exuberant decadence of the [Baroque#ESTILOS#5]. The Prado also introduced important aspects of town planning, such as the fact that it blends in perfectly with its surroundings: the church of los Jerónimos, the wide French style boulevards and the fountains and gardens which the Venetian galleries overlook. The French invasion took place while the construction works of the Science Museum were being completed (it was finished in 1811). This invasion had a major impact on the building's future because the king, Joseph Bonaparte - whose important role in Madrid's town planning has never been recognised - announced in a royal decree his wish to found a museum of art. His drive was a result of the impulse given to this matter during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire. Originally the museum was going to be housed in the Buenavista Palace and later the palace of Godoy was proposed. However, before a collection that was big enough to form the nucleus of the museum could be brought together, the French were expelled from Spain and Ferdinand VII regained his throne. Ferdinand, despite his hate of all things French, felt that bringing together the royal collections in a gallery was an excellent idea. Villanueva's wonderful building was proposed as the location for the gallery and in 1819 the Museo del Prado was officially opened. The gallery was different to other European museums, with the exception of the Louvre, in that one of its most important functions was the teaching of the history of art. Consequently, in accordance with the 1819 regulations, the museum was closed one day a week for cleaning, another day it was open to the public and the other five days access was restricted to copyists and scholars. During the 1820s the main body of the royal collections were transferred to the Prado. The collection was enlarged by a political measure: in 1835 Mendizábal passed a law breaking up the convents and confiscating much of the Church's property. To this day the loss of some works of art, paintings and sculptures has never been resolved. In the face of the organised pillaging that took place, it was decided that everything that could be saved should be transferred to the convent of the Trinidad in Madrid. Delegates were sent to the provinces to catalogue Spain's heritage, but more often than not these delegates acted in their own interest and the disappearances continued at an alarming pace. Eventually everything that had been brought together in the convent of the Trinidad was moved to the Prado in 1870, along with the collection of tapestry cartoons by Goya, up until then housed in the Royal Palace. Before this transfer the Prado's collections had already been enriched with the collections from the [Escorial monastery#MONUMENTOS#9] which were moved because of the threat of civil war in 1838. Since then copies of the original paintings have been on display in the Escorial. Most of the copies were painted in the 16th and 17th centuries by artists such as Michiel van Coxcie, which meant the monastery did not lose its artistic value. As the Prado's collections grew, new rooms were inaugurated to house these additions. The most interesting of these were Goya's "Black Paintings", donated by the Baron d'Erlanger in 1881, 200 canvases belonging to the Duchess of Pastrana given to the museum in 1889, the legacy of Don Pablo Bosch in 1915, the bequest of Don Fernández Durán in 1930 and that of Don Francisco Cambó in 1940. The immense value of the Prado's collections has meant it has been the object of various robberies and attacks over its history. These have gone from the indiscriminate pillaging of the royal collections by French troops during the Napoleonic invasion to the white-collar robbery of some of the extremely valuable jewels of the Tesoro del Delfín (the Dauphin Treasure) in 1919. The last time the museum was the object of attack was in 1995 when various individuals set fire to one of the reinforced doors along one of the side façades. The museum was also placed in a somewhat precarious position during the [Spanish Civil War#CONTEXTOS#20] because the Republican defenders of the city put the most valuable works of art from nearby areas under threat from the rebels in the museum's storerooms. These art works came from the Escorial, churches in the surrounding areas of Madrid, various convents, the royal palaces that were stuck between the frontlines and so on. During the conflict, between 1936 and 1939 the museum's curator was Pablo Picasso, who with the assistance of an international committee, decided to evacuate some of the most important paintings to France. The paintings were transferred in lorries to Valencia and Catalonia and then on to France. They included Titian's [Charles V as the Victor of Mühlberg#CUADROS#18] and Goya's Executions and many more. At the end of the war the paintings were all returned and an intensive restoration programme of those canvases that had been damaged was begun. This was the first time many of the paintings were painstakingly analysed and as a result some fascinating secrets were revealed. To give just one example today we know that the brilliance of the colours of [El Greco's#PINTOR#2106] work and its extraordinary resistance to an attack of fungus - which the experts initially feared would destroy it - is the result of his using pigments mixed with honey, which makes the colours durable and gives them their characteristic enamelled appearance. From the very beginning the Prado was conceived as a gallery of the history of western art, from the Middle Ages to the present day. In later years 19th and 20th century art was housed in the Casón del Buen Retiro, one of the few rooms that made up the old Buen Retiro Palace to survive. This division was due to reasons of space and to graphically differentiate the split between contemporary art and earlier art. This led Picasso to donate his Guernica to the Prado, to provide a kind of conclusion to this history of European art and it became one of the museum's most popular exhibits. However, the Ministry of Culture decided to move the masterpiece to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte "Reina Sofía" in 1994, along with the rest of the paintings from the 20th century, such as those by Dalí, Miró and Juan Gris. Today the Prado is organised chronologically from the 12th to the 19th century. The main groups are the Spanish school, the Italian school, the Flemish school and to a lesser extent the Dutch, French and British schools. The nucleus of the Spanish paintings has two main origins. The first important group of paintings came from the royal collections and were painted by the court painters the monarchs kept permanently at their side and whose paintings enriched their palaces and leisure residences. Therefore, this aspect of Spanish painting is linked to the characters and activities of the court. The best examples are Velázquez's oeuvre and the commissions by Philip IV to Zurbarán, Maíno and others for the decoration of the Buen Retiro Palace. The second important group of Spanish painting is of a religious type and was commissioned by the Church or private individuals, rather than by the monarchy. Almost all the El Grecos that are in the Prado today are religious works, as are the Murillos and the oldest panels which date back to the late Gothic period. These panels are mostly Castilian and Valencian because late Gothic and early Renaissance works from Andalusia are not widely represented in the Prado. These religious paintings, if they were not accumulated by individuals from the Court or by the kings and queens over the centuries, owe their place in the Prado to the transfer of the collections of the old Museo de la Trinidad to the Prado. The kings and queens, their favourites, ambassadors and those close to them played a vital role in gathering together the foreign collections, especially the two biggest groups: the Flemish and Italian schools. Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs, played a vital role in starting off these collections. From the Middle Ages Spain had established close commercial links with the Flemish provinces, through the trade of wool and other primary materials. Tapestries and wood panels were imported on a massive scale from Flanders and as a result Spain has one of the most important collections of Flemish tapestry in the world, most of which can be admired in the galleries of the Royal Palace. Ferdinand and Isabella were not only great collectors, they also established a network of marital alliances with England and Flanders, with a view to forming a link with the powerful Habsburg dynasty. Their aims were fulfilled when their grandson [Charles I#PERSONAS#34] of Spain became the Holy Roman Emperor as Charles V. Charles V was the first king who realised the enormous potential of art as an instrument of propaganda and prestige. The bases of the Prado's foreign collections were laid unknowingly by Charles V. His personal favourite was Titian, but Italian and Flemish artists in general were very highly valued in Spain. The Emperor's son, [Philip II#PERSONAS#25], kept up his father's tradition, with wider personal tastes, and influenced in Spain's inclination for the Venetian art of Giorgione, Tintoretto, Veronese, Titian himself and so on in coming centuries. The king also declared himself to be a great admirer of the Flemish painting of Anthonis Mor, Bosch Coxcie, Van der Weyden and many others. Other kings, such as [Philip III#PERSONAS#20], did not collect works of art personally but were given valuable gifts by their allies. Philip IV played an important role in enlarging the royal art collections. When Charles I was executed during the English Civil War, Philip IV sent his agents to obtain the best pieces from Charles' collection, auctioned after his death. When Cromwell was overthrown and the monarchy restored, Philip IV refused to listen to the appeals made by the ambassadors for the return of the goods acquired in the auction. Another of Philip's exploits was the construction of the Buen Retiro Palace, for the decoration of which he summoned the most important painters from Spain and abroad. During the 17th century the royal ambassadors played an important role in adding more works to the collections, such as Rubens who flooded the Spanish Court with his work and also the Italian [Luca Giordano#PINTOR#2048]. Another important figure in the Prado's foreign collections was Philip V, the first Spanish king from the house of Bourbon. His most important contribution was the appearance of French painters in the Court, summoned by the Bourbon family. Ranc, Mignard, Rigaud, Lorrain, Poussin were just a few French artists who worked in Spain. Charles III, another Bourbon but this time of Italian origin, imported great works by Tiepolo and Mengs, as well as by [Rembrandt#PINTOR#3104] and Tintoretto. Charles IV was Goya's patron and after the interval of the Spanish War of Independence, Ferdinand VII became the instigator of the Museo del Prado. The collections have slowly been consolidated over time, especially during Madrazo's period as curator and since the setting up of the Patronage of the Museum. This has led to certain gaps in the collections being filled, such as the series of British paintings, some early Italian works and moments in Spanish art that previously were not represented. The Museo del Prado is still being enriched daily with the acquisition of universally important paintings that reflect our artist heritage. The museum is visited every year by hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists and Spaniards who wish to see works by the geniuses of European art, a mission which is made easier by the triangle of museums formed by the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen Bornemisza.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7635
|
__label__cc
| 0.600021
| 0.399979
|
Headlines: DiCaprio, Fake Hirsts, Microbes
1) Artworks From Leonardo DiCaprio's Collection Implicated in Money-Laundering Scheme
In light of an investigation into allegations of art-related money laundering by a Malaysian fund, actor Leonardo DiCaprio has offered to give the FBI works by Basquiat and Picasso to further the investigation. Malaysian art dealer and financier Jho Low is under investigation for involvement with the scheme, and DiCaprio has been tangentially involved since an associate of Jho’s gave the actor the aforementioned paintings as a birthday gift. Funds from the laundering scheme were also suspected to have been used to finance DiCaprio’s movie The Wolf of Wall Street.
2) Three Men Caught Selling Fake Damien Hirst Prints
Three men were charged with fraud on Monday by a New York court after allegedly selling $400,000 USD worth of forged Damien Hirst art prints. According to police involved in a sting operation that already resulted in jail time for one of the men, Vincent Lopreto and two associates were selling the work for as much as $14,000 apiece, along with fake certificates of authenticity. This time around, a conviction could mean up to 20 years in prison.
3) Mass Resignations Mean Uncertainty for Boulder Museum
A major percentage of staffers at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art tendered their resignations last week - for reasons that are still unclear. According to conflicting reports by a number of the aforementioned staffers, the museum’s workers may have been suffering under a manager that demanded excessive labour for low pay. Other accounts indicate a botched effort by a few employees trying to take over control of the museum. One thing’s for certain - the institution faces a difficult near future as it frantically seeks to hire emergency help.
4) All About Art and Microbes
For your weekly dose of art and science, here’s a fascinating article about how microbes affect artworks - in particular, ancient and historical artefacts. Luckily it’s not all bad news, and conservationists are discovering new and better ways of protecting important works so they can continued to be viewed by the public.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7639
|
__label__wiki
| 0.590755
| 0.590755
|
ILM Head Rob Bredow to Deliver SIGGRAPH 2018 Keynote Address
SIGGRAPH 2018 runs August 12-16 in Vancouver.
In 3D, CG, Event, Films, People, Places, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Special Events: SIGGRAPH | Geographic Region: North America
Rob Bredow
SIGGRAPH 2018, the world’s leading annual interdisciplinary educational event showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques, has announced that Rob Bredow, senior vice president, executive creative director, and head of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), will deliver the keynote address during this year’s conference. In its 45th year, SIGGRAPH 2018 will take place August 12-16 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
ILM, a Lucasfilm company based in San Francisco, recently announced the promotion of industry veteran and longtime SIGGRAPH conference contributor Rob Bredow to SVP, Executive Creative Director, and Head of ILM, after serving as CTO of Lucasfilm since 2016. Bredow joined ILM as a visual effects supervisor in 2014, and soon afterward was named vice president of new media and head of Lucasfilm’s Advanced Development Group. During his time with Lucasfilm and ILM, Bredow also helped launch its ILMxLAB division in 2015. ILMxLAB combines the talent of Lucasfilm, ILM, and Skywalker Sound to create next-generation immersive entertainment experiences.
“I have been attending SIGGRAPH since before dinosaurs were a commonplace occurrence,” noted Bredow. “The chance to see the latest innovations and meet up with colleagues is an opportunity I look forward to each year. I’ve been personally so inspired by so many of the keynote addresses at SIGGRAPH -- it’s an honor to be asked to give the keynote for this year’s theme, ‘Generations.’ I hope to do my part to inspire the next generation of artists, researchers, engineers, educators, and storytellers to take innovative leaps on this creative journey we are on together.”
He adds, “In some ways, I can trace the start of my job here at ILM back to a meeting I had with John Knoll in 2006 while organizing the SIGGRAPH panel, ‘Great Failed Idea’s in Production,’ in which he graciously shared the challenges he faced on Pirates of the Caribbean. The spirit of learning from our successes and failures while openly contributing to the advancement of the industry is one of the tenets of SIGGRAPH that means the most to me.”
SIGGRAPH 2018 Conference Chair Roy C. Anthony said, “Rob is all about innovation -- pushing through scary new directions while maintaining the leadership of artists and technologists, together stretching the boundaries of the practitioner’s space. His proven expertise and brilliance led him to his new role as head of ILM, so, obviously, he’s got some serious chops.”
“Rob is the ultimate modern-day practitioner, a digital VFX supervisor who has been disrupting ‘the way it’s always been done’ to move to NEW ways,” added Anthony. “He truly reflects the spirit of ILM, which was founded in 1975 and is just one year younger than SIGGRAPH. His story is a great example of how SIGGRAPH, since 1974, has always stood at the ‘bleeding edge’ in its desire to pursue excellence and integrate new experiences, technologies, and artistic expression. We’re thrilled to have him as our 2018 keynote speaker.”
Bredow is a strategic and visionary leader with a unique understanding of how media and innovation can join forces to tell great stories and create groundbreaking experiences. In his new role, Bredow is responsible for ILM’s creative direction, strategic initiatives, and global operations. Most recently, Bredow was the visual effects supervisor and co-producer on Solo: A Star Wars Story, and served as a creative partner to the filmmakers throughout production -- from early story meetings to the final frames of visual effects. He leveraged his background in innovative technology to help tell the story of the film, creating grounded images with a unique shooting style.
Bredow’s other credits include VR experiment Trials on Tatooine and films such as Independence Day, Godzilla, Stuart Little, Cast Away, Surf’s Up, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, among others. Bredow is a member of the VFX branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) and the AMPAS Scientific and Technical Council.
Admission into the keynote session is only available to Business Symposium, Select Conference, Full Conference Platinum, and Full Conference registration levels. To register for the conference, visit s2018.SIGGRAPH.org.
Source: ACM SIGGRAPH
Warner Bros. Animation Launches New Short-Form Content ProgramPrevious Post
New Sheriff in Town: ILM’s Rob Bredow Talks ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’
‘Solo’ VFX Supe Rob Bredow to Keynote VIEW Conference 2018
Rob Bredow Tapped to Lead Industrial Light & Magic
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7640
|
__label__wiki
| 0.658227
| 0.658227
|
Jul 26, 2018 - Politics & Policy
Freedom Caucus founder Jim Jordan is running for House Speaker
Alayna Treene, Haley Britzky
Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), founder of the House Freedom Caucus, has just sent a letter to his colleagues announcing that he is officially running to replace Paul Ryan as Speaker of the House, Axios has confirmed. The Daily Caller's Robert Donachie was the first to report the news.
The state of play: Several leaders of the conservative movement called on Jordan to announce his candidacy in May, arguing that House Republican leadership "has utterly failed" and "proven that it’s part of the Swamp," and that Jordan is the solution.
"Should the American people entrust us with the majority again in the 116th Congress, I plan to run for Speaker of the House to bring real change to the House of Representatives."
— Statement from Jordan announcing his run
Be smart:
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is the favorite among President Trump and Ryan, who endorsed him in April.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise has also been floated as a potential replacement for Ryan.
The backdrop: Jordan has been under criticism in recent weeks for reports that he ignored claims of sexual abuse from a doctor at Ohio State University while he was an assistant wrestling coach. Trump has backed Jordan's denial, saying earlier this month, saying he's "one of the most outstanding people I've met since I've been in Washington."
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7642
|
__label__wiki
| 0.587948
| 0.587948
|
700-Year-Old Icelandic Glacier Melts Due to Climate Change
The Former Okjӧkull Glacier. Image Credit: Rice University
We know what is happening and know what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it.
This line concludes the somber inscription on the memorial plaque laid at the site of a monument unveiled in Borgarfjörður, Iceland, to memorialize Okjökull, known as Ok for short.
Titled, “A letter to the future” the plaque reveals, “Ok is the first Icelandic glacier to lose its status as a glacier.” This revelation leaves us with the lasting impression that things are far from ok in terms of the forecasted global impact the looming climate disaster holds in store for the future of the planet.
Furthermore, with recent temperatures soaring above freezing in Greenland leading to 12.5 billion tonnes of ice melting in one day – enough to cover the entire land-mass of Germany in almost 7cm (2.75 inches) of water – we will discover within the next decade as to whether humanity has done enough to prevent catastrophe.
In recent years scholars and scientists have latched onto the term for the current geological epoch the “Anthropocene” which was first coined in 2000 by Nobel Laureate Paul Crutzen, and later addressed by Eugene F. Stoermer, in IGBP’s Global Change newsletter 41. Initially, it was the geologists usually responsible for defining these terms, that struggled to accept this new claim believing it absurd that all of a sudden a relatively young species such as humanity was now “genuine geological force.”
Yet, now unable to ignore human impact on the acceleration of the melting ice in Greenland and Iceland alike, geologists have come to predict a bleak series of consequences in store for humanity and the planet. These include; displacing up to a fifth of the global population leading to a surge of climate refugees that under current international laws would not be granted asylum by industrialized countries; land masses disappearing altogether, including the Marshall Islands, the Maldives and Tuvalu.
Bosca Soul 700 Free Standing Pellet Stove from Bosca Chile S.A
Electric Car Maker Tesla Delivers Roadster Number 700
Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Goes Green with a 700 kW Solar Installation
In fact, already the Marshall Islands has seen a proportional migration of its population migrate to rural Arkansas. Leading to not just geographical displacement but also risking the loss of cultural heritage for this community; damage to the world’s economy as 90 percent of trade is carried by sea, rising sea levels would cause devastation to the infrastructure of ports worldwide creating a domino effect that would severely impact peoples access to food, water, and energy.
Furthermore, there are risks to public health as rising sea levels would cause more flooding and damaging sewage and water treatment plants which would mean increased pollution to sources of water which helps spread diseases.
In order to circumvent the very worst repercussions of climate change, scientists have warned we must limit global temperature rise to 1.5ºC. Compared with the temperatures of the 1800s, before widespread industrialization, the planet has already warmed about 1ºC. If temperature rises continue to spiral upwards at today's rate, they may rise by between 3 to 5ºC by the end of the century. This is beyond the realm of catastrophe and into that of apocalypse.
The United Nations assembled a climate panel that produced a major report back in 2013 predicting that by the end of this century current sea levels would rise between 52-98 cm (20.4 inches to 38.5 inches). Yet, many scientists saw those estimations as understated and the models used to determine these figures did not take into consideration all eventualities.
Given the current trends and warning signs we see and experience, from the rapid disappearance of the carbon-rich permafrost to the extreme weather conditions around the world, the scientists wary of the aforementioned UN reports may have had every right to be skeptical. Prof. Cymene Howe of Rice, told the UK Guardian last month that the plaque, “would be the first to a glacier lost to climate change anywhere in the world.” She said that an Icelandic colleague told her, “Memorials are not for the dead; they are for the living.”
So, with humanity possibly facing its largest challenge to date, solutions are required to prevent further losses of the massive white sheets of ice that work to reflect rays from the sun back into the environment, keeping temperatures mild. With agreements and actions on climate change such as the UN’s Paris Agreement progress is an ongoing process.
Only future generations will, “know if we did it.”
Cross, David. (2019, November 01). 700-Year-Old Icelandic Glacier Melts Due to Climate Change. AZoCleantech. Retrieved on January 15, 2021 from https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=26572.
Cross, David. "700-Year-Old Icelandic Glacier Melts Due to Climate Change". AZoCleantech. 15 January 2021. <https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=26572>.
Cross, David. "700-Year-Old Icelandic Glacier Melts Due to Climate Change". AZoCleantech. https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=26572. (accessed January 15, 2021).
Cross, David. 2019. 700-Year-Old Icelandic Glacier Melts Due to Climate Change. AZoCleantech, viewed 15 January 2021, https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=26572.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7643
|
__label__cc
| 0.679505
| 0.320495
|
News » Women's Health News
Benefits of Immediate NICU High-Frequency Breathing Support
One of the toughest hurdles that premature babies must overcome is breathing. The respiratory system is one of the last to be developed during gestation so preemies almost always require breathing support in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until their own lungs can take over. A long-term study of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) shows less damage to preemie's lungs in the NICU and better breathing ability during adolescence than when conventional ventilation was used. School performance was enhanced, too.
The study was conducted in the United Kingdom, where approximately 60,000 preemies are born each year. The research team followed 319 children born before week 29 of gestation into adolescence when each child was 11 to 14 years old.
In the NICU of London's King's College Hospital, each baby was randomly assigned HFOV or conventional ventilation:
HFOV involves short, small bursts of oxygen.
Conventional ventilation delivers oxygen in sync with the preemie's breathing rate.
Previous studies suggested HFOV might generate more lung damage than conventional ventilation, thereby leading to added respiratory distress in the NICU and after discharge. The King's College Hospital study did not find this to be the case.
Other studies mention the potential that HFOV might increase the risk of bleeding in the brain but the King's College study found no significant difference in the occurrence of bleeding into the brain regardless of which ventilation method was used. The UK research team found no evidence of adverse neurological effect in the NICU or in adolescence.
As adolescents, the children who received HFOV as a newborn were found to have superior lung function over their counterparts who received conventional ventilation. Of particular note was the ability of the HFOV kids to breathe out more easily than those who got conventional ventilation.
Input from the schoolteachers of the adolescents was included in the study. The teachers were asked to complete a questionnaire that was used to measure the academic achievement of all the children in the study. The children who had HFOV were shown to have superior academic development over their study group peers in eight school subjects. The most notable difference was how well the HFOV children performed in three topics, specifically:
Information technology and design
Technologies that require spatial and visual abilities
The research team suggests the results of their study could lead to changes in the standard neonatal respiratory support procedures in hospitals across the UK. Dr. Anne Greenough, a professor of clinical respiratory physiology at King's College Hospital and member of the research team, says "Poorer lung function in adolescence could have further consequences later in life, such as making children more vulnerable to the damaging effects of smoking and infection."
Source: Greenough, Anne, et al. "Late Outcomes of a Randomized Trial of High-Frequency Oscillation in Neonates." The New England Journal of Medicine. Massachusetts Medical Society. Mar 20, 2014. Web. Mar 30, 2014.
postnatal development
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7644
|
__label__cc
| 0.519111
| 0.480889
|
Michael Cohen: Related Content
Cohen Brings Global Perspective to Local High School
Rabbi Michael Cohen has brought his Bennington course on Conflict Resolution to Burr & Burton Academy, a private high school in nearby Manchester, Vermont.
On Using the Word "Occupation"
Faculty member Michael Cohen published a letter in the Jerusalem Post about the Democratic Platform Committee’s language on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Breakthrough in Canada
Faculty member Rabbi Michael M. Cohen discusses the recent diplomacy summit of experts from Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Peace Centre at Dawson College in Montreal.
The Balfour Declaration and Resolution 242
Rabbi Michael Cohen writes that the two historic documents provide a window into contrasting perspectives of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and highlight the importance of the dual narrative.
A Marvelous Way to Begin
In The Jerusalem Post, on the occasion of Simhat Torah—the Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle—Rabbi Michael Cohen offers an examination of the first reading, calling it "the underpinning of the notion of creatio ex nihilo, God creating the world out of nothing."
The Bennington Banner covered the partnership between Manchester's Burr and Burton Academy and the Arava Institute, of which Michael Cohen was one of the founding teachers. This connection is supported by both the Manchester community and by cross-enrollment program with Bennington College.
"Our Democracy Needs Nurturing"
Earlier this week, The Jerusalem Post published an opinion piece by Michael Cohen about Trump and the future of democracy.
Leahy Praises Cohen
In an address to Congress on November 29, Vermont Senator Leahy praised the work of the Arava Institute, of which Michael Cohen is one of the founding faculty members.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7651
|
__label__cc
| 0.749166
| 0.250834
|
The BDA is the leading organisation in nutrition and dietetics in the UK. Our expert members develop policy in a range of fields including health, nutrition and clinical practice. These evidence-based and referenced policy and position statements are available to policy makers, the public, media and BDA members to clearly articulate the BDA’s position on a range of important topics, and the changes we believe are needed.
Position statements reflect a view on a specific subject, while our policy statements include specific calls to action for either the Association or others.
New statements are under development and all are subject to regular review.
If you are a BDA member interested in contributing to our policy development or have an idea of an area of policy on which you think the BDA needs to develop a position, find out more about how you can get involved.
Current Policy and Position Statements
The BDA's commercial relationships with companies who manufacture breastmilk substitutes
This policy sets out how the BDA will work with companies who manufacture breastmilk substitutes (BMS), in particular in relation to event sponsorship.
Complementary Feeding
A position statement on complementary feeding (sometimes referred to as weaning)
The BDA believes that nobody should live in food poverty and that UK Government and local authorities must take urgent action to lift people out of food poverty and prevent others from falling into food poverty. This should include enshrining a “Right to Food” in UK law.
This position statement aims to support UK dietitians in clinical practice (in both paediatric and adult settings) to ensure tube-fed individuals receive effective, evidence-based, equitable and quality care.
Use of Infant Formulas based on Soy Protein
The BDA Paediatric Specialist Group Position Statement on Soya Formula, updated in 2019 to take account of recent studies including the SACN publication "Feeding in the First Year of Life".
Low carbohydrate diets for the management of Type 2 Diabetes in adults
Low-carbohydrate diets (i.e. defined as diets containing between 50g and 130g carbohydrate) can be effective in managing weight, improving glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk in people with Type 2 diabetes in the short term
Reducing the consumption of energy from sugary drinks in children
The BDA supports, and advocates for, a range of public policies and initiatives to reduce the frequency and amount of sugary drinks consumed by children and adolescents.
The Management of Malnourished Adults in All Community and All Health and Care Settings
Dietitians have the expertise both at an individual patient and strategic level to identify, assess, care plan, treat, monitor and review individuals to achieve patient-centred outcomes, and train others to prevent and treat malnutrition.
UK Government's Childhood Obesity Strategy
The BDA supports and welcomes the government’s current childhood obesity strategy, published in August 2016. However, the association strongly believes that additional actions are needed to reduce the unacceptably high prevalence of childhood obesity in the UK.
The BDA strongly supports breastfeeding. We recognise that breastfeeding is the optimum form of nutrition for babies and that breastfeeding protects the health of babies and their mothers.
The current UK diet does not have the right balance of food recommended for a healthy, sustainable diet. Dietitians have an important role to play in the facilitation of sustainable diets.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7653
|
__label__wiki
| 0.584679
| 0.584679
|
8 common missteps women face in negotiations
Molly Gamble (Twitter) - Friday, May 15th, 2020 Print | Email
More than 80 percent of CEOs and other executives leave money on the table when negotiating. Women have an even greater challenge: Research indicates a backlash effect causes them to hold back.
These findings come from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, where several professors have closely studied the dynamics women leaders face at the negotiation table.
Research shows that male evaluators penalize female candidates more than male candidates for starting a negotiation. Leigh Thompson, PhD, J. Jay Gerber professor of dispute resolution & organizations at Kellogg, suggests this backlash effect possibly stems from broader gender stereotypes. When men are seen as having agency to pursue their own professional goals while maintaining professional relationships. Women, on the other hand, often face a perceived trade-off between the two and don't have the same luxury of doing both.
Here are eight common missteps women should avoid in these high-stakes conversations:
1. Overlooking a negotiation opportunity. Many negotiations unfold in an ambiguous, informal way without much notice. It's not as though you'll receive a calendar invitation for a negotiation with your board next Thursday at 2. Kellogg thought leaders urge women to take advantage of these less clear-cut moments. "Most negotiations are not as highly scripted as buying a house, buying a car or meeting to discuss my salary," Dr. Thompson says. "They are about other things in my life that can have a big impact on my subjective well-being."
2. Asking for permission to negotiate. Women should initiate negotiation more often. "One of my rules is never ask, 'Is this negotiable?' because that's a yes or no question,” says Dr. Thompson. "It's easy for people to say, 'No, it's not. Next question.'"
3. Going to bat harder for your team or friend than yourself. Women behave more like the prototypical man when negotiating on behalf of someone else, says Dr. Thompson. "I tell women that even if they have to imagine negotiating on behalf of their team, their retired self or a future child, that is going to help."
4. Making a feeble offer. No feeble offers! Make firm offers that are clear and specific, says Vicki Medvec, PhD, Adeline Barry Davee professor of management and organizations at Kellogg. "It's like going into the department store, and you see a sweater that has a snag. If you go up to the counter and say, 'Can you take something off?' you're not going to end up with nearly as much as if you go to the counter and say, 'Can I have this for 50 percent off since it has this snag?'"
5. Making an unreasonable offer. This can strain your relationship with the negotiator, and rare is the negotiation where the relationship doesn’t matter. "We want to make sure that we make asks that are very bold, but not ridiculous," says Dr. Medvec. “We want to make sure we are building rationale for the offer."
6. Going off the cuff. Without a script, you'll still talk of course — just about what the other party wants and needs. Prepare to have the conversation you want to have.
7. Making a first offer with no room to concede. You want to concede. ”When you concede, the other side will feel like they're winning. They'll be more satisfied, and you look more flexible and cooperative,” says Dr. Medvec.
8. Setting negotiation terms that don't communicate anything about your differentiators, or the things that make you a better choice than a competitor, according to Dr. Medvec. "I always say that if you're not differentiating, you're commoditizing. I'll ask people what they want to accomplish in a negotiation, and they'll talk about maximizing price or value, building a relationship or getting more business. But differentiating your product or service is critical to achieving those objectives. It's the lost piece."
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7655
|
__label__wiki
| 0.918489
| 0.918489
|
Biohazard, Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Services in Lexington, Mississippi
Facts about Lexington, Mississippi
Lexington is a city in and the county seat of Holmes County, Mississippi, United States. The county was organized in 1833 and the city in 1836. The population was 1,731 at the 2010 census, down from 2,025 at the 2000 census. The estimated population in 2016 was 1,573. It has declined with the growth of industrial agriculture. Many people have left the rural county to seek work elsewhere.
Lexington is in the center of Holmes County on the north side of the valley of Black Creek, a west-flowing tributary of the Yazoo River. Mississippi Highways 12 and 17 pass through the city, sharing four blocks of Carrollton Street north of the city center. Highway 12 leads east 13 miles (21 km) to Durant and northwest 11 miles (18 km) to Tchula, while Highway 17 leads north 30 miles (48 km) to Carrollton and south 18 miles (29 km) to Pickens. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.3 km²), of which 9,785 square metres (2.4 acres), or 0.16%, are water.
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,025 people, 725 households, and 503 families residing in the city. The population density was 825.6 people per square mile (319.1/km²). There were 802 housing units at an average density of 327.0 per square mile (126.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 31.36% White, 67.26% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.64% Asian, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.
Serving Lexington, Mississippi
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7660
|
__label__wiki
| 0.815407
| 0.815407
|
Once a film is released, it has several revenue-generating streams. However, box office figures act as the deciding parameter to measure the success of a movie. This is because box office data are widely available compared to home video sales and other broadcasting rights.
According to the historic trends, the highest-grossing movies chart is always biased to musical, historical drama, and war movies. Nonetheless, it was the franchise movies that kept on dominating the topper’s ranks. Following the updated list, it is evident how the sci-fi, superhero genre won millions of hearts. On the other hand, it’s only the second-ranked movie – Avatar breaks the common trait. Neither this movie is from any adaptation, nor is it a sequel.
Furthermore, animated films are also present. Both Disney and Pixar animated movies made their place after re-releasing. However, Frozen II could not complete its worldwide release due to the pandemic suspension.
Updated Chart for Highest Grossing Movies till 2021
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin
Box office: 2.798 billion USD
Budget: 356 million USD (2019)
Since Iron Man in 2008, Marvel initiated the long journey of creating marvelous adaption! And it was coming to an end on April 26th, 2020, at least for some characters, the audience went gaga over it. In fact, on the opening weekend itself, they broke their prequel’s record by $100 million. With each day passing, Endgame went on breaking and making records. Therefore, it was a question of “when” would it break Avatar’s $2.790 billion.
After the 6th week, Endgame needed only $73 million more to dethrone the topper. Both Marvel and Disney’s decision to re-release the movie with bonus clips at the end credit was fruitful. However, by the mid of July, Lion King had already hit the theatres. Nevertheless, Endgame managed to crown itself by the end of the summer with $2.797 billion.
2. Avatar (2009)
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez
Box office: 2.79 billion USD
It was a long 12 years wait, and then finally, James Cameron beat his record with Avatar. It was released on December 18th, 2009, leaving everyone skeptical about its worth. The story of an alien world where a marine helps with the battle of Unobtanium would ever eclipse Titanic’s number. However, with smooth and intense 3D implementation and high ticket prices, Cameron again recreated its record.
It started with a bomb record. The film successfully kept every audience on toes for seven weeks straight. By then, it has already earned $595 million just in North America! Avatar became the only film outside the USA and Canada to bring in $2 billion. Avatar proudly held its #1 for ten years, with earnings of $2.790 billion.
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Bill Paxton
Budget: 200 million USD
James Cameron has a distinct trait. Almost all his movies are the most expensive flicks of their time upon release. For instance, Terminator 2, The Abyss, and True Lies wore the extravaganza crown. Likewise, Titanic followed the same trend. However, this time he was apprehensive thinking that this new expensive budget film might backfire. Nonetheless, after a six months delay on December 19th, 1997, Titanic became a global icon!
Now, the Box Office was seeing such a sensation for a movie for the first time! Titanic held #1 spot for fifteen straight weeks. Furthermore, it created records in Academic Awards too. With 14 Oscar nominations and bragging 11 of them, Titanic was the highest-grossing movie for 12 years. It was easy to hold the spot with an earning of $2.194 billion.
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) (2015)
Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac
There was a massive gap of twelve years when the prequel trilogy of Star Wars was completed. Therefore, it was a significant risk that J. J. Abrams undertook to direct Episode VII. Out of many questions, the imminent way the audience will be interested is to watch this in halls! The trump card, which acted as a breakthrough, was mingling the old and new into one. The original trio was retained, however, with a new set of faces.
The excitement within the movie buffs was so high that they made the history of the most top opening weekend. Unfortunately for James, surpassing and creating speed bumpers for Avatar. On releasing December 18th, 2015, the film entered the billion club within 54 days with total earnings of $2.068 billion.
It was just about ten years since the dawn of the Marvel Cinematic Universe; they collected almost every character to fight off Thanos – the big, evil villain. The movie was not restricted to one planet; it involved galaxy-wide participation for the stones. This movie achieved a nasty cliff-hanger, similar to GoT, where the audience restlessly waited for a year.
Releasing on April 27th, 2018, the movie already started to break and make records from 3rd day. On breaking the domestic record, it moved to the $2 billion mark after 47 days. Although domestically, it is a little shy from Black Panther, it has earned $2.048 billion.
6. Jurassic World (2015)
Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson
Steven Spielberg made the Jurassic franchise a global phenomenon and Jaws for the baby generation. A long wait of 22 years, Spielberg brought the melody Jurassic theme again into the theatres. Nonetheless, it was revamped time for the Dinosaur mayhem. Steven maintained and surpassed its previous records. This movie was the second-best reviewed in the list.
However, Jurassic World was released on June 12th, 2015, in the tough World of Avengers and Minions. It was a tough summer for Jurassic World. Nonetheless, the nostalgia and interesting Dinosaurs helped this flick to earn $1.671 billion. It was subsequently made a seat in the highest-grossing movies chart. Furthermore, it was the third film to pass the $600 million mark in the domestic box office. Before World, it was Titanic who had made it through.
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver, James Earl Jones, John Kani, Alfre Woodard, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph
Following the success patterns of re-making the animated movies – The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast. Disney brought another blockbuster to the theatres! In 2019, Disney had come down with an average Dumbo and a successful Aladdin. On July 19th, 2019, Lion King roared across the multiverse. The original 1994 film made the same noise for the audience. Therefore, the response was highly anticipated.
Jon Favreau’s exemplar CGI filled animation gave a brand new look with the same old emotion. As a result, it went on breaking records and audiences’ tear ducts. It’s one of the nine films that scored $1 billion overseas. With a total of $1.656 billion income, it made it to the big list.
8. The Avengers (2012)
Budget: $220 million USD
Yet another Marvel Cinematic Universe’s marvelous movie on the list. This was the first release of the third phase of the Universe. A film of proof that the best can work together. Including Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, and Asgardian Prince – Thor, the film became a sensation to all the loyal fans. DC audiences were also within the halls with popcorn.
Releasing on May 4th, 2012, the film had bagged over $200 million in the first weekend itself. Therefore, making the first MCU movie ever to enter the billion club. The single battle between the mighty team and Asgardian Loki brought the film about $1.518 billion into the pocket. Joss Whedon’s singular action was the 13th movie into the big billion clubs.
9. Furious 7: Talking Fast (2015)
Cast: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris
It’s a big franchise but with a tag of ‘unfortunate.’ The dawn of the franchise created havoc amongst car lovers. The movie was somewhat a derivative of Point Break, where instead of Keanu Reeves, it was Late Paul Walker with classy cars. The franchise was hitting rock bottom following the years when Vin Diesel’s return increased the revenue. Even bringing Dwayne Johnson into the franchise brought both the humor and critics on-board.
However, the unexpected death of Paul Walker created an aura of tribute and interest to the 7th film. With this in mind, James Wan’s Furious 7 became the first successful entry into the Box Office list. Along with the critics, the audiences too applauded for this movie. With total earnings of $1.516 billion, Furious 7 won the hearts.
10. Frozen II (2019)
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood, Alfred Molina, Martha Plimpton
Box office: 1.5 billion USD (Estimated)
This film became a standard emotional unit for both siblings and parents to watch the franchise. On the other hand, this particular one topped as the highest-grossing animated movie. Talking about records, this movie was the third biggest opening after Pixar’s Incredibles 2 and Finding Dory. Furthermore, the sequel toppled part 1 and made it into the list with an earning of $1.450 billion. Undoubtedly, it could have earned more if the COVID-19 emergency didn’t happen.
Releasing on November 22nd, 2019, the film became the top 1 choice for the thanksgiving occasion. Therefore, making another record of the highest-grossing animated movie. Also, it is Disney’s 6th movie into a billion club and more into the people’s hearts!
2019 and 2020 may not have been an excellent year for movies. Nonetheless, there was a worthy fight for the top spot in the highest-grossing movies chart. After a gambling re-release of Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, it beat Avatar to rank 1. On the other hand, the re-make animated Lion King secured its place on the 7th. However, this rank became controversial and depended on whose number you’re debating on it.
Tags:highest grossing movies till nowhighest-grossing movies of all time worldwidetop box office moviestop box office movies of all time
50 Cent Bio, Wiki, Net Worth, Age, Height, Family and Career
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7661
|
__label__wiki
| 0.578807
| 0.578807
|
Trump Poised to Streamline Nixon-Era Environmental Reviews
Jennifer A. Dlouhy
(Bloomberg) -- The Trump administration is scaling back requirements that agencies consider environmental consequences when approving new oil wells, pipelines, highways and other projects.
The first-in-decades rewrite of the rules governing how agencies scrutinize projects under the National Environmental Policy Act comes as both Democrats and Republicans seek to bolster the economy with new infrastructure projects.
President Donald Trump is expected to announce the streamlined approach during an event in Atlanta Wednesday.
The changes will limit the scope of agency reviews as well as what projects warrant the scrutiny, according to two people briefed on the plan who asked for anonymity before a formal announcement. The White House Council on Environmental Quality had proposed the new procedures in January.
Trump, a former real estate developer who ordered the changes in 2017, has complained that some of the nation’s “most critical infrastructure projects have been tied up and bogged down by an outrageously slow and burdensome federal approval process.”
Courts have rebuked some of Trump’s oil development plans and thrown doubt on energy projects after finding the government’s environmental analysis insufficient. Earlier this month, a Washington, D.C.-based federal judge ordered Energy Transfer LP to shut down its Dakota Access oil pipeline because of problems with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ analysis.
Federal judges also have repeatedly rebuked the Trump administration for advancing oil development plans without sufficiently considering the consequences for climate change.
The National Environmental Policy Act “has become, unfortunately, in the last couple years, a potent weapon for industry opponents,” said American Petroleum Institute senior counsel Ben Norris. “The rule is going to bring some common sense back to the NEPA process.”
Environmental groups opposed the change. Sharon Buccino, senior director of the lands division at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said it strikes at the very premise of NEPA -- that making smart, informed decisions now saves later.
“Ignoring the harm doesn’t make it go away, but that’s what these rule changes seem to want to do -- instead of addressing the harm, just kind of ignoring it and waving it away,” Buccino said.
Signed into law by former President Richard Nixon on Jan. 1, 1970, NEPA requires a detailed statement of environmental impacts be developed for all major federal actions affecting the environment -- from highways that receive federal funding to the construction of offshore wind farms that require U.S. permits.
While the NEPA law doesn’t require agencies to prioritize environmental concerns, the Supreme Court has said it does force them to take a “hard look” at those consequences.
The rule being finalized Wednesday doesn’t change the law itself -- only Congress can do that -- but alters the way the statute is implemented, including by putting deadlines on agency reviews and ruling out analysis for non-federal projects with minimal federal funding or involvement. That shift could put some potential oil pipelines that don’t cross over federal land out of reach.
Agencies also could disregard some potential project consequences. Under the rule as proposed, regulators wouldn’t be required to assess the “cumulative” impacts of potential decisions, instead focusing scrutiny on reasonably foreseeable effects with a “close causal relationship to the proposed action.”
The changes don’t guarantee a green light for projects but still offer more certainty that’s “critical to getting the economy back on track and also getting these important projects going,” said Marty Durbin, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute.
“We’ve got to be able to consider environmental impacts, and we have to maintain community input into these projects,” Durbin said. “We just feel very strongly you can do all of those things in a reasonable amount of time and with a more definitive process that doesn’t leave projects hanging in limbo for years and years.”
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7663
|
__label__cc
| 0.687513
| 0.312487
|
salajean / Bigstockphoto.com
Courtsiding has been around for many years but until relatively recently it was very much an underground activity. Anytime there is money to be made, it is always the case that some people will use their ingenuity, cunning and chutzpah to stretch the boundaries of legality, reaching as deep as they dare into grey areas where easy greens can be made. It is typically in their interests to keep such activities as secret as possible and for many years courtsiding took place under the radar.
Where once only those involved, either as active participants or as people and bodies trying to prevent it, were aware of courtsiding, it is now something with which many savvy gamblers are at least loosely familiar. Whether you have just heard the term for the first time and want to know what it is, or you already know the basics and are wondering if it is worth trying, we’ve got the full lowdown on this activity.
What Is Courtsiding?
Novak Djokovic (Leonard Zhukovsky / Bigstockphoto.com)
Courtsiding takes its name from the sport of tennis, where the practice is first thought to have evolved. Punters would watch the action from the stands – i.e. courtside – and seek to take advantage of the fact that they were watching live, whilst other gambling participants would be watching on TV, via live streams, listening on the radio, or even making bets based on text or live score updates.
Being physically at the side of the court meant they were anywhere between a fraction of a second and up to 10 seconds (or even more sometimes) ahead of other punters, and even the bookies themselves. When done smoothly and efficiently, effectively this means that courtsiders can place bets on events after they have happened.
Viewed in that light, it would seem clear that there can only be one answer to the question, “does being at the match give you an edge over the bookies?” and that is an absolute and resounding “YES!”. We’ll look at that issue in more detail shortly but for now, let us explain more precisely how courtsiding works.
As said, it was first used in tennis but it can really be employed betting on just about any sport or event that has in-play wagering that is monitored offsite. In-play betting takes place live, during an event and depending on the sport there may be just one or two main markets or tens of them. Although betting exchanges, such as Betfair, work slightly differently from a traditional bookmaker, when it comes to in-play betting and courtsiding, the key point is the same with both.
What really matters is that control over the odds and markets is largely held by people who are watching the event on TV at best and monitoring official scoring data or using live streams at worst. So, the bookies, or in the case of an exchange, much of the money in the market, is behind someone actually attending the event. Let us consider tennis to illustrate exactly how a courtsider might seek to use their advantage.
What Does a Courtsider Do?
There are many in-play markets offered in tennis, with match odds, game and set betting and various specials but the best ones for betting on tennis are who will win the next point (if you can find that market) and who will win the game. Let’s suppose Novak Djokovic is 40-15 ahead against Rafa Nadal and serving to the win the game. His odds to win the next game may be 1/5 (this is just an example, of course, the exact odds will vary on the precise situation and nature of the game).
A price of 1/5 may not be the most appealing for the average punter but what about for someone who knows that Djokovic has already won the game? In such a scenario, you are talking about a risk-free 20% return and that is the sort of situation a courtsider is looking for. Returning to our game, let’s say that Djokovic slams an ace down the middle of the court.
At that very second, the courtsider, or more typically a member of the team, will back Djokovic to win the game at 1/5. The market will remain open until the bookie sees that Djokovic has won and crucially this will be a number of seconds after the ace is served. Even the fastest TV service is slightly delayed, whilst live streams are even worse.
What’s more, bookies will not necessarily have someone watching every game and may rely on official score information or automated, or semi-automated, systems. Courtsiders have been known to specifically target chair umpires that are slow to announce the scores with the added second, or even a fraction of a second, buying the team just enough time to get their bets on before the market is closed.
In fact, one courtsider revealed on national TV (see the link to the documentary below) how they cashed in when an umpire actually managed to lock themselves out of their scoring device. This meant that each time they wanted to officially update the score they had to enter their password or personal ID number … all the while giving courtsiders valuable seconds to get their bets away!
Similar tactics and weaknesses can be sought in a range of sports in different ways. However, ultimately the principle is the same: the courtsider is betting on an event with advanced knowledge of the current state of play and ideally once the outcome has actually been decided.
You can learn more about courtsiding in a very good BBC documentary called Can You Beat The Bookies?. It features comedian, Lloyd Griffith, one-time star of Ladbrokes’ TV ads, who actually meets a seasoned courtsider and even takes part, turning around £800 into more than £3,000 in minutes. The gambler revealed he made a profit of around £300,000 after expenses so, once again, we’d say the answer to the title question is definitely yes!
Is Courtsiding Legal?
katatonia82 / Bigstockphoto.com
The issue of whether or not such activity is legal is very much a grey area. The laws vary from one country to another and Australia, in particular Melbourne (home, not coincidentally, to the Australian Open tennis tournament), have been quick to try and clamp down on courtsiding. There it is thought to contravene the Integrity In Sports Act and some in the UK claim it breaches the 2005 Gambling Act and possibly other laws surrounding deception.
In 2015, a British man was arrested at the Australian Open in relation to courtsiding. This was back in 2015, and of course in Australia; however, he was ultimately released without charge. He made history as the first person known to be arrested for such an “offence” but Aussie Chris Eaton, then director of sports integrity at the International Centre for Sports Security, said that courtsiding was not a major concern.
He argued that “Courtsiding should be criminalised but the fact is it’s a very minor issue compared to match-fixing and the corrupting of sports organisations in South-East Asia.” And this is the point about courtsiding: it does not alter results or impact the integrity or honesty of a sport. It is chiefly an issue between punters and other punters, and between punters and bookies. Largely, for this reason, it remains a grey area, legally speaking. That said, as far as we are aware there has still not been anyone convicted for undertaking betting in this way, which would rather suggest it lies at the whiter side of grey.
Bookies, Venues & Sporting Authorities Act
Whilst courtsiding may not be illegal, anyone undertaking it will certainly have to breach terms of their tickets and the host venue and will also be quickly limited or banned by the bookmaker too. In 2020, a Spanish tennis player was found guilty of courtsiding, suspended and fined. However, the key point is that this was not a legal issue but one between Gerard Joseph Platero Rodriguez, an unranked player, and the Tennis Integrity Unit.
Likewise, courtsiders being ejected from venues is not uncommon. In the early days of this, in our opinion, very clever, but ethically questionable pursuit, people would openly take laptops, tablets and mobiles into events. Now taking such devices, mobiles aside, into most sporting events is prohibited, with the tickets clearly stating this is the case and also that bets must not be placed from inside the stadium.
Courtsiders have to be far more discreet and typically use concealed communication devices to relay very simple information to members of their team. Usually, the person actually at the venue is a relatively low paid part of the operation, with the brains, money and power working away from the actual danger of being caught. The person watching the event may use a custom-made device to send information in code, or they may use a disguised earpiece to verbally send the required data.
Whatever they do, however, most venues are now fully aware of what courtsiding is. Stewards, police and other staff know what to look for and at some events, such as the Grand Slams in tennis, event organisers employ specialist spotters. Anyone suspected of courtsiding will be investigated and usually removed and blacklisted.
Banning Those Who Win Large Sums
Of course, quite how much interest sporting and stadia authorities have in doing this is questionable. After all, why do they care if a punter wins money from a bookie or a fellow gambler? Well, of course, there is a sense of fair play and, more importantly, the issue that so many sports are reliant on bookmakers for sponsorship. Even so, in many ways, the first line of defence against courtsiders are the bookies themselves.
Unfair as it may seem, bookmakers are very quick to ban winning players. They want punters that lose, not those that win. Of course, the occasional win is fine and they even regular bookie bashings will be tolerated as long as they do not think a customer has gained a genuine edge. However, when it comes to someone wagering large sums of cash on a relatively obscure market, alarm bells will ring.
Courtsiders can win thousands of pounds from a single match and given the nature of the bets it should be relatively easy for the algorithms and technology the bookies use to spot such betting patterns. Most people who courtside will see their accounts limited very quickly and then ultimately closed not long after that.
There are a few ways that people get around this issue. The easiest and only entirely legal one is to only place bets with a betting exchange. Betfair and other exchanges do not limit or ban customers as it is not their money at stake. However, exchanges do not necessarily offer the markets needed for courtsiding and if they do, there may be limited liquidity and/or other exponents of the tactic fighting for what liquidity there is.
The more common way to get around the issue is through the use of multiple accounts. Obviously, it is entirely legal for one individual to have accounts with every single online bookie going. There are literally hundreds and whilst some are far from elite and are not necessarily places we would completely trust, the vast majority are safe enough. It is also legal, or close enough, for a person to use accounts in their children’s or parents’ names, as long as everyone is in agreement of how this is done. Equally, a courtsiding “team” or syndicate, could use accounts in the names of all their different members and probably be deemed to be bending bookmaker rules at the worst.
However, what courtsiders, professional gamblers and other advantage players sometimes do goes further than this. Anybody who can easily work their way through several online betting accounts in a single afternoon needs more than just their mum and Uncle Bob on board. What serious players do is “buy” tens and even hundreds of accounts in bulk.
This is another layer of the shady world of courtsiding and pro betting and getting control of large numbers of accounts can be organised in different ways. Typically, the person whose name and details are being used are aware of what is going on and they are paid for their function. As such, this is rarely a type of fraud that the police have any interest in pursuing, but it is certainly a very clear breach of many of the bookies’ terms and conditions.
Does Courtsiding Still Pay?
There is a (possibly apocryphal) story about how Joe Kennedy avoided the stock market crash of 1929. A shoeshine boy was said to be giving him tips for the stock exchange and Kennedy is believed to have thought that once things have got to that point the market is clearly overheated and due a serious correction.
In a vaguely similar way, it is quite possible that by the time the general public, or even a typical recreational gambler, hears of a betting system, loophole or scam (we’ll let you choose the term), it is essentially “over”. Once the cat is out of the bag the loopholes quickly close, bookies tighten up their systems and cashing in becomes harder and harder until it is eventually all but impossible.
So, the question is, is that where we are when it comes to courtsiding? Is the party over or is there still cash to be made? Well, to say the party is over would certainly be incorrect but it is perhaps fair to say that the volume of the music has been turned down a little and some of the guests are a little worse for wear.
Many people are still courtsiding and making excellent money but there is no doubt that it is harder than it was, say, five years ago. If nothing else, that is simply because more people are doing it, which means more punters competing for the same odds. Equally, because more people are doing it, venues are more aware, as are bookies, as mentioned above. The steps they have taken have made it more and more difficult but there is no doubt that it still takes place (there is the case mentioned above from as recently as 2020 that proves that).
As well as closing accounts, monitoring betting patterns, and trying to make the use of multiple accounts more difficult (by requiring greater ID and verification and also by technological means), bookies have also increased the delay before in-play bets are confirmed. This makes courtsiding in some sports, and on some markets, virtually impossible.
However, there are still occasions when it is still viable and so, whilst it is undoubtedly harder than it used to be, there really can be no doubt that – for some – courtsiding remains a very profitable activity. As such, there is equally no doubt that it can give you a major edge over bookies.
Courtsiding at Other Events
Courtsiding is the generic name for placing bets as described above but, as said, this can be used to profit betting on most sports. Sometimes a slightly different name is used in a given sport, for example tracksiding, is often used when we talk about betting at live horse or dog racing.
Tracksiding began at around the same time as courtsiding and in the earliest days people could quite openly wait for a horse to fall at a fence before quickly laying it (backing against it winning). Some people would even pay for a box at races knowing that the privacy it offered – not to mention the excellent broadband – meant they could place bets quickly and easily.
The authorities soon cottoned on to these tactics but those wanting to take advantage of being live found more subtle ways to essentially do the same thing, with some even hiding at the course or watching on from afar.
In more modern times, and in other sports as well, drones have been used, whilst binoculars and other long-range viewing devices can be put to use if one can find the right vantage point. This can be especially useful for betting on golf; for example, if you are the first to see that a golfer has sunk a putt or hit the ball very close to the hole.
Whilst one shot is typically less crucial in golf, at the business end of a tournament it can prove decisive. Even relatively early on a player lining up a certain eagle on a par five, for example, can have a big impact on the prices. What’s more, because there are so many players competing at different holes at the same time, the lag between a shot being hit and being shown on TV can be huge, giving courtsiders, or greensiders, ample opportunity to profit.
Snooker is another sport that has been targeted, with gangs able to take advantage of big swings in in-play odds that can occur many times during a single frame. Any missed shot or bad positional play can see favouritism switch in an instant and give those betting on it an easy chance to secure a guaranteed profit on the frame.
Cricket is another sport in which courtsiders may be able to make easy money. There is a range of in-play markets, such as the number of runs that will be scored in a certain period, be that within a single over or within five overs, or how many runs a given batsman might make. For example, a line bet on runs in the first five overs will move significantly if a player hits a boundary or a six.
Someone observing the action live may know within a fraction of a second of a ball being hit that it is going for six. At that stage, they can make their bet, knowing that the umpire will not officially reward the six for another second or so and that this will not be relayed to bookies or shown on TV for a few seconds more.
So, whilst courtsiding is no doubt more difficult than it was, the ways in which such tactics can be used are plentiful. Technological advances help the bookies and the authorities but they also help the cunning punter too and we suspect this game of cat and mouse will be here to stay for a good while yet. Then, of course, there are all the new methods and systems no doubt being plotted and schemed, ones that we are yet to hear about as they are yet to become widespread… we’re all ears if anyone wants to share their secrets!
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7666
|
__label__wiki
| 0.73456
| 0.73456
|
Author: E.L. Doctorow
“Ragtime” is a 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow set in turn-of-the-century New York. The novel is famous for its narrative as well as its use of real-life historical figures in fictional situations. It was ranked among TIME Magazine’s 100 Best English-Language novels from 1923 to 2005 and won the National Book Critics Circle Award.
The narrative revolves around an upper middle class family living in New Rochelle, New York. The family are only ever identified as Father, Mother and The Little Boy. The family go through the upheaval of finding an abandoned baby, labor strikes, race relations in the early 1900’s and the parents separation all with the occasional cameos by famous real-life figures like Harry Houdini, JP Morgan and Henry Ford.
The novel was adapted into a movie in 1981 starring James Cagney and Pat O’Brien. The film went on to be nominated for eight Academy Awards. It was also turned into a musical in 1998.
In the year 1902 in the town of New Rochelle, New York, a family, whom the narrator identifies only as Father, Mother and The Little Boy live an upper-class lifestyle. Father is wealthy, having made his fortune selling flags, fireworks and other “accouterments of patriotism.” The Little Boy develops a fascination with the famous escape artist, Harry Houdini and is amazed one day when the man himself arrives at the house, his car having broken down outside. Father speaks to him, and he soon leaves. The Little Boy watches him ride away.
A news story about a murder over the love of a famous beauty named Evelyn Nesbit splashes all over the papers. Mother’s Younger Brother, who is only referred to as such, falls in love with Evelyn. Father is preparing for a trip to the Arctic on a ship called the Roosevelt. After he embarks his boat passes a boat full of immigrants and Father feels despair while looking at their drawn faces.
The narrator talks about the immigrants who arrive in New York City and how older immigrants look down on them. An immigrant family, Mameh, Tateh and The Little Girl are described. Mameh and The Little Girl make money by sewing and Tateh is a peddler. Evelyn Nesbit was the motive for a crime committed by her husband, Harry K. Thaw. Harry killed another man named Stanford White and is now in prison and awaiting trial. Evelyn feels that he has a slim chance of convincing a jury of temporary insanity.
Harry is treated well at the Tombs, or the jail that he is being held at, despite the violent nature of his crime. Harry Houdini is also at the Tombs, having challenged the warden of the jail that he could escape one of the cells. He does escape the cell and manages to bump into Harry, only later realizing that this is the man who killed Stanford White.
The narrator also talks about Sigmund Freud’s first visit to America and how he dislikes the level of noise and the busy atmosphere. Returning to Vienna, he concludes that America is a “gigantic mistake.” The narrator also talks about the horrible conditions of child labor and of African Americans at the time.
Evelyn visits her husband in the Tombs and then drives around the city, surprised that she is not being followed by paparazzi. She sees a young girl attached by a clothes line to the wrist of an old man. Outraged, Evelyn asks why the girl is on a leash. She is told that many young children are kidnapped and sold into slavery. The old man tells her that the girls mother was forced to become a prostitute to earn money for the family and the old man, who is the girl’s father, disowned the woman.
The man is Tateh and he is only 32 years old, but appears much older because his hair has gone prematurely white. Tateh is a painter and offers to paint a silhouette of Evelyn. Evelyn begins visiting the man to get more paintings as she befriends them. The press accuse her of having affairs but she does not care. One day, Evelyn visits Tateh’s tenement home and discovers that The Little Girl is sick. She offers to take care of the girl while Tateh goes to work. Evelyn has grown so infatuated with the girl that she considers kidnapping her before rejecting the idea. Mother’s Younger Brother, who is still obsessed with Evelyn, begins following her.
Tateh is also the president of the Socialist Artist’s Alliance. He brings Evelyn to a meeting of the Alliance, the speaker recognizes Evelyn and uses her in a speech about using her sexuality to become famous in a capitalist world. Tateh glares at Evelyn and then leaves her. The speaker, Emma Goldman ends up bringing Evelyn home and criticizes her behavior while helping her undress. Mother’s Younger Brother reveals that he has broken into Evelyn’s apartment by bursting out of a closet naked.
Back in New Rochelle, Mother discovers a baby buried in the garden, still alive. She saves the baby and calls the police. The family discovers that a black washerwoman has discarded the baby and Mother takes both the mother and the baby into her house. Father, who is still in the Arctic, writes everyday. He is with an explorer named Peary and his assistant, Matthew Henson. Father and his team are working with Eskimo men and Father considers them child-like and primitive. Father presents Peary with a flag to plant on the North Pole and then returns to New Rochelle while the rest of the expedition continue north. Evelyn and Mother’s Younger Brother begin dating and Emma criticizes Evelyn for not knowing how to communicate with men outside of sex.
Evelyn’s divorce is finalized and she receives 25,000 dollars as a payout. Tateh begins worrying about the conditions that his daughter is living in in the city. He takes a train ride with her out of the city and sees The Little Boy playing outside his house. Houdini is dismayed with his efforts to perform the ultimate escape. He begins learning to fly planes and begins conducting lessons for German officers. One day the Commandant of the Imperial German Army requests a demonstration. Houdini later meets the man, Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The Archduke is confused and congratulates
Houdini on the invention of the airplane. Father returns home from the Arctic to find the child that Mother has adopted. The washerwoman is always upstairs crying and never cares for the child. Father realizes that he has been gone for a while and his family has changed in his absence. Mother has learned to manage to business without him. Mother’s Younger Brother, more and more infatuated with Evelyn and growing insane from the obsession, builds a small bomb.
Tateh and his daughter travel to Massachusetts to the site of a strike a textile mill. Tateh strikes a deal with a novelty shop owner about creating flip books. The Narrator talks about Henry Ford’s development of the automobile and how the assembly line production suddenly begins devaluing the individual worker. Ford meets with JP Morgan, the famous financier and the two talk about religion, reincarnation and Ancient Egypt. This is a segue into talking about the influence of Egyptian style and culture on the early Progressive Era. The Little Boy is intrigued by the style but Father is appalled by it.
One day, a black man named Coalhouse Walker comes to the house and asks to see Sarah, the washerwoman. Sarah refuses to see him, but Coalhouse returns every Sunday asking to see her.
One day, Mother invites him in for tea. Coalhouse tells her that he is a pianist in an orchestra in the city. He plays ragtime for the family which they have never heard before. He begins visiting the family every weekend. Sarah still refuses to see him, but she begins to take care of her baby more. Father observes that Coalhouse does not act like most blacks of the time and that he is very proud and defiant. Father concludes that Coalhouse must not know that he is a “Negro”.
After months, Sarah finally agrees to see Coalhouse and accepts his marriage proposal. They leave together with the baby. Mother’s Younger Brother begins traveling into New York regularly. He visits with prostitutes but only talks to them and does not have sex. He finds the offices of Emma Goldman’s magazine ‘Mother Earth’ and waits outside for several evenings. One day, a man invites him in, apparently mistaking him for a police spy. They attend a meeting together and he speaks to Emma who tells him that she does not know where Evelyn is. Emma tells him that even if they could get back together their love would not last. Mother’s Younger Brother is so upset that he considers suicide.
Coalhouse runs into trouble with the police when he is blocked from crossing a road by some firemen. The firemen disrespect Coalhouse and damage his car. Coalhouse demands that the fire chief pay the damages and is then arrested for disobedience. Father posts his bail and Coalhouse is released. Coalhouse takes the funds that he had intended for he and Sarah’s wedding and puts them toward finding a lawyer. Mother’s Younger Brother falls into a depression and begins excessively exercising in order to combat it.
Coalhouse has trouble finding an attorney that will represent him. Sarah confesses to Mother’s Younger Brother that she and Coalhouse cannot get married until his car has been restored. Sarah leaves the house alone one night to attend a gathering at which President Taft’s vice-president, James Sherman is going to be present. Sarah intends to do what she can to speak to the vice-president to petition the US government to help Coalhouse. Unfortunately, Sarah mistakes Sherman for the president and she calls out to him. A militiaman then hits her chest with the butt of a gun and a Secret Service agent tackles her. Sarah is taken to the hospital. Within a week she catches pneumonia and dies.
A large funeral is held. Coalhouse spends all of his wedding money on the funeral. Coalhouse’s orchestra plays and the attendees march to Brooklyn to bury her. Harry K. Thaw escapes from prison but is recaptured in Buffalo. Houdini’s mother passes away and he grieves for her heavily. He begins researching communicating with the dead. The research and methods of communicating with the dead cheer him up and he begins performing escapes again. At a performance in New Rochelle, Houdini almost reveals the secret to his performances but an explosion in the crowd distracts everyone.
The explosion came from the firehouse that Coalhouse had been arrested at. The newspaper reveals that as well as the explosion, there was a black man shooting a shotgun into the firehouse. Father assumes it was Coalhouse and he and the family argue. Younger Brother defends Coalhouse because of the loss of Sarah. Coalhouse sends two letters to major newspapers informing them of his involvement with the explosion and demanding that his car be fixed.
Father and Mother grow apart as Mother concentrates on caring for Sarah’s baby and grieving for the woman. Reporters begin to harass the family because of their connection to Coalhouse. In concern for his connection to the family, Father brings The Little Boy to a baseball game but is dismayed to see that the sport has changed since he was a boy and that the players are now mostly immigrants. Despite this, Father and the boy have a good time and the ballpark and return in good spirits.
Mother tells them that Sarah’s son has learned to walk while they were gone. Father and Mother discuss moving away from New Rochelle, since they have received so much bad press in the city. They decide to move to Atlantic City.
Meanwhile, the police’s racial profiling of the blacks in the city grows even worse since Coalhouse’s attack on the firehouse. Coalhouse’s car is found by the press and the extent of the damage is embarrassing to the authorities. After the fight about Coalhouse, Mother’s Younger Brother disappeared from the house and did not return. The family leave a note for him when they move.
Mother’s Younger Brother goes to Coalhouse and gets accepting into his group of radicals because of his ability to create bombs. Younger Brother paints his face black and dresses like the black men in Coalhouse’s group. Younger Brother keeps a journal of his activities in the group until his death a year later. The group collectively calls itself “Coalhouse”.
Despite their new life in Atlantic City, Mother and Father continue to experience marital troubles. Mother feels guilty for abandoning Coalhouse and her brother. The family meet Tateh and The Little Girl who are also living in Atlantic City and Tateh’s real identity is revealed, Baron Asheknazy. The families grow closer and The Little Boy and The Little Girl become friends.
Father grows restless in Atlantic City and worries about his business. He reads in the paper that Coalhouse’s group have broken into JP Morgan’s library. The District Attorney contacts Father who returns to New York. The group had intended to capture Morgan but mistakenly attacked his public library where Mother’s Younger Brother’s bomb kills a guard. Morgan is actually on a ship bound for Egypt. City authorities surround the building but do not want to interfere in the operation so the job falls to the District Attorney, Charles S. Whitman. Whitman tries to talk to Coalhouse from outside and Coalhouse throws a tankard with a telephone number out of the window.
On the phone, Coalhouse repeats his demands and adds that he wants Willie Conklin, the fire chief who harassed him, killed. Emma Goldman is arrested, despite the fact that she does not know Coalhouse. Whitman calls Booker T. Washington Washington arrives and is let into the library. He chastises Coalhouse on his methods of protest but Coalhouse remains steadfast, despite his followers wavering.
Finally, Coalhouse agrees to leave the building if his car is returned to it’s original condition. Washington does not realize that this is a compromise and leaves the building feeling defeated. Washington makes a public statement saying that Coalhouse is insane and invites colleagues to come to the library to demonstrate opposition to Coalhouse.
When Father arrives, he recognizes Coalhouse’s compromise for what it was and tells the District Attorney. Whitman receives a message from Morgan that says “Give him his automobile and hang him.” Father tries to negotiate with Coalhouse and is surprised to see Mother’s Younger Brother in the building. Coalhouse is presented with his automobile and Willie Conklin. Coalhouse says that he will come out if his followers are allowed to go free. Whitman agrees. Conklin repairs Coalhouse’s car under the police’s watchful eye. Inside the library, Father asks Mother’s Younger Brother what he is doing there. Mother’s Younger Brother chastises Father’s treatment of his workers. Coalhouse’s followers leave and Coalhouse asks Father about he and Sarah’s son.
Coalhouse comes out of the library and Father, who is still inside, hears the police firing on him. The police say that Coalhouse made an attempt to escape but it is more likely that he moved suddenly, knowing he would be killed. Mother’s Younger Brother, taking Coalhouse’s car, travels to Mexico where he joins another revolutionary group and dies a year later in another siege.
As World War I draws near, Morgan travels to Egypt in the hopes that it will restore his faith. The Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his Countess are assassinated. Houdini recovers from his grief over his mother’s death. Mother and Father stop speaking entirely as Mother’s Younger Brother’s death driving them apart even more. Father moves to Washington DC and dies aboard the Lusitania. Tateh and Mother marry a year after his death.
Mother – the mother of an upper class family in New Rochelle, New York. Mother seems to have a giving and kind nature. She takes in Sarah and her baby and takes care of the baby while Sarah is suffering from depression. She also often feels guilty for not taking better care of her younger brother and for abandoning him when the family moves to Atlantic City.
Mother’s relationship with Father suffers greatly over the course of the novel and by the end they have separated. After Father dies, Mother marries Tateh.
Father – the father of the family. Father owns a company that manufactures fireworks and flags. He is a very wealthy man with wealthy friends. Father is a traditional turn-of-the-century man who represents old-fashioned views. He is worried about the influx of immigrants into New Rochelle and worries that he is alienated and distanced from his family.
Some of Father’s back story is given and it is revealed that he lost his mother very young. His father had some wealth but lost it and Father had to start his business on his own. In the end, he separates from Mother and dies in a ship crash.
Coalhouse Walker – Coalhouse begins the story as a ragtime pianist in an orchestra in New York. He is a successful black man who many are uncomfortable around because he does not act deferential to white people. Coalhouse’s life is marked by his mistreatment at the hands of the firemen and the police who destroy his car and arrest him for talking back. Rather than backing down, Coalhouse intends to sue the police but his life is thrown into devastation when Sarah is killed by a Secret Service agent when she tries to approach the Vice President on his behalf.
The death of Sarah drives Coalhouse to the point of a breakdown. Rather than suing the police, he instead begins bombing the firehouse and demanding the death of the fire chief who assaulted him. In the end, Coalhouse allows himself to be shot by the police after ensuring that his followers are set free.
Evelyn Nesbit – Evelyn was a real-life sex-symbol who lived during the early 1900’s. Her husband, Harry Thaw really did kill her ex-husband Stanford White. However, her interactions with the characters in the novel are obviously dramatized. Evelyn seems to have trouble reconciling her worth outside of her beauty and value to men. She befriends Tateh and his daughter and finds herself somewhat obsessed with The Little Girl to the point of wanting to kidnap her. At one point, Evelyn is said to leave town and she is not spoken of again for the remainder of the novel.
E.L. Doctorow Biography
Edgar Lawrence Doctorow was born on January 6th, 1931 in The Bronx, New York. The son of a second-generation Russian Jewish immigrants, Doctorow’s father owned a music shop. He became interested in books when he began working at his grade school’s literary magazine. He was first published in the magazine.
Doctorow went on to attend Kenyon College in Ohio where he majored in philosophy and acted in theater productions. He graduated with honors in 1952 and went on to study for another year at Columbia University after which he was drafted into the army. For two years in 1954 and 1955, he served as a corporal in Germany.
In 1954, Doctorow also married a woman named Helen Esther Setzer whom he met while serving in Germany. The couple went on to have three children. After he completed his service, he returned to New York and began working at a motion picture company. Working on so many Westerns gave Doctorow inspiration to write his first novel, “Welcome to Hard Times” a western that was published in 1960. The novel received positive reviews. Doctorow spent the next nine years working as an editor and then went on to become the editor-in-chief of Dial Press, a publishing company that dealt with authors like James Baldwin and William Kennedy.
In 1969, Doctorow decided to write full time and accepted a position as visiting writer at the University of California, Irvine. It was there that he completed his second novel, “The Book of Daniel” in 1971. In 1975, Doctorow completed his most well known work, “Ragtime” which went on to be considered one of the 100 best books of the 20th century by the Modern Library Association. Doctorow went on to write several more award-winning books, such as “World’s Fair” (1985), “Billy Bathgate” (1989) and “The March” (2005).
Throughout his life, Doctorow also taught at the Yale School of Drama, Sarah Lawrence College, The University of Utah and Princeton University. In 2001, he donated his notes to the Fales Library of New York University. On July 21st, 2015 Doctorow died of lung cancer in Manhattan. He was eighty-four years old. He is now buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in his hometown of The Bronx.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7667
|
__label__wiki
| 0.99258
| 0.99258
|
Don't miss Forrest for the trees
Sea's founder Forrest Li prioritises big-picture thinking and adaptability during a year of uncertainty.
Wed, Nov 25, 2020 - 5:50 AM
Sharanya Pillaihspillai@sph.com.sg@SharanyaBT
BT_20201125_SPSEASBA25_4333010.jpg, by opub@dd
As a successful entrepreneur, Mr Li's personal vision is to inspire the next generation of South-east Asian tech founders.
Sharanya Pillai hspillai@sph.com.sg @SharanyaBT
THE consumer Internet world is on a roller coaster ride with the Covid-19 pandemic. But Forrest Li, founder, chairman and chief executive of homegrown Sea, is embracing the uncertainty. After all, the 43-year-old's entrepreneurial journey has been all about taking risks to capture new territory in South-east Asia's young digital economy.
Sea started out with Garena, a video game distributor which Mr Li founded in 2009. Five years ago, it made a high-stakes bet on e-commerce by setting up Shopee, now one of the hottest platforms in South-east Asia and Taiwan.
The New York-listed firm is now increasingly focused on fintech, with its digital financial services unit SeaMoney and an ongoing bid for a full digibank licence in Singapore. With his vision that brought Sea to the forefront of the Internet economy, Mr Li has been named Businessman of the Year for 2019/2020 in the Singapore Business Awards.
To Mr Li, a critical part of his job is to encourage a "day one mentality" of curiosity and experimentation within Sea. "One of my job's very important parts is to constantly remind the entire organisation (of) what really matters to us… We always believe that we can do more in the future and that we are still at the very beginning of the journey. We encourage people to try things without certainty and we tolerate some failure," he says.
Reflecting on how 2020 has been a "challenging" year, Mr Li notes that Sea is now in an opportune position to drive digital adoption in South-east Asia. He believes that the same values that have helped Sea thrive thus far - adaptability and openness - will help it come out of Covid-19 on top.
"I think this has become a key thing that differentiates ourselves as an organisation, compared to our peers who are competitors. In a very unplanned situation, whoever adapts better and embraces change… will do better," he says.
And as an entrepreneur, his personal vision is also to inspire the next generation of South-east Asian tech founders.
STAYING NIMBLE
With the volatility of a global pandemic, Sea has had to rapidly adapt its strategy across all three verticals - e-commerce, gaming and fintech. This has been tough with the new realities of remote working.
"I would say, from the whole company's perspective, we faced a lot of organisational challenges… The way people interact with each other, work with each other, is completely different. Pre-pandemic, we always encouraged people to travel around, because we have many markets in the region, and beyond South-east Asia as well," Mr Li notes.
But with travel restrictions, this organic process has been "constrained", he says. In addition, it is harder to integrate the hundreds of new hires that Sea takes on every month. Sea has over 3,000 employees in Singapore alone.
Despite the difficulties, Mr Li says that he is "pleased" with how Shopee, SeaMoney and Garena have all risen to the challenge.
For instance, Shopee turned into an essential service overnight, after Singapore implemented the circuit breaker measures. This then became a "stress test" for the e-commerce business, as it dealt with an influx of first-time users, Mr Li notes.
The team had to adapt rapidly and even "go back to basics" to onboard this new base. Even details often taken for granted, such as the user experience in registering an account, had to be simplified. The Shopee team also worked on optimising its search engine for Chinese language users in Singapore, who are often of the older generation, Mr Li shares.
"We cannot just assume that our customers are very tech-savvy, very mobile phone-native. This requires us to make our product more intuitive, and (we) really made it much easier and more convenient for anyone to use," he says.
With the shift to e-commerce, SeaMoney also saw a "surge in usage" for its mobile wallet ShopeePay, Mr Li notes. In Indonesia, Shopee recorded over 185 million orders in the first quarter of 2020 alone, translating to over 2 million orders daily. Over 40 per cent of gross orders there were paid using Sea's mobile wallet services in April.
While building a payments business may not seem as attractive as e-commerce or gaming, Mr Li thinks that it is important for Sea to continue to invest resources in this business.
"I think that (payments) play a very critical role in the entire digital economy. As the industry leader, and the market leader specifically in South-east Asia, we feel the responsibility and obligation to contribute to that development," he says.
As with Shopee and SeaMoney, Garena has also had to amp up its speed of development to keep up with consumer needs. During lockdowns, gaming became more than just about entertainment, it was also about meeting individuals' core social needs, such as a desire for quality interaction, Mr Li muses.
"This required us to accelerate our development pace, because when people play longer, they consume the game content faster. So you have to keep offering new content to them. That's why our development team is also working very hard," he says.
Figuring out the backend logistics has been another core area of focus.
"We need to get prepared for the surge in terms of server demand (and) capacity; when there are more people playing, we need to ensure that everyone can have a very smooth gaming experience," he says.
Without the pandemic, Sea would probably have made all of these inroads, but it could have taken a longer time. "Everything is just accelerated and our product and technology development capabilities are enhanced," Mr Li says. In the grand scheme of things, this bodes well for the region's economy.
Beyond building up Sea's business, Mr Li feels a bigger sense of purpose in helping to digitalise South-east Asia.
He believes that Sea can spur greater interconnectivity between countries here, to the benefit of small businesses and the everyman.
For instance, Mr Li envisions a future where a small merchant in Indonesia can easily tap Shopee to sell not just to domestic customers, but even to Singapore or the Philippines. With the rise of mobile wallets, he also hopes that carrying multiple currencies across South-east Asia could become a thing of the past. "At the end of the day, in digital businesses, there are no borders. Hopefully, as an organisation, we can play a more important role to bring the region together, to make South-east Asia more connected. That will eventually benefit Singapore and every market in the South-east Asian economy," he says.
On a more personal level, Mr Li takes a great interest in the entrepreneurial scene. In February, he was appointed as a board member of Singapore's Economic Development Board. Mr Li had previously served on the Singapore Committee on the Future Economy from 2016 to 2017. He hopes to contribute more.
"I would love to find other ways to use my own experience as an entrepreneur, and pass (it on) to the younger generations. Eventually, we need an ecosystem here," he says.
Given the humble beginnings of Sea, Mr Li has many experiences to share. For instance, he recounts that he had to take a giant leap of faith in starting Shopee back in 2015.
People questioned why he would venture into a risky sector when the gaming business was already doing well. "A lot of people say, why do you do this? Why do you bother yourself? If you look (at it) on paper, the failure rate could be super high."
He adds with a laugh: "And on top of that, people say, actually you're a gaming company doing e-commerce. The failure rate could be even higher."
But Mr Li followed his conviction, and he believes that more entrepreneurs are set to rise in the region.
Ultimately, Mr Li says that he will be happy if Sea makes its mark on the global map as a South-east Asian company. But he adds: "I will be happier if there are 10 from the region."
Sea's Forrest Li credits Singapore in Businessman of the Year win
Achieving a delicate balance
Taking its position on the global stage
Winning friends and influencing people
[SINGAPORE] Singapore's Sea Ltd, the tech startup that's become South-east Asia's most valuable company, has...
Sea can pass on S-E Asian deal frenzy
MERGER and acquisition talks are swirling around South-east Asia's hot technology companies, Tokopedia, Grab and...
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7673
|
__label__wiki
| 0.599923
| 0.599923
|
Home > News > Visiting guest artist
Visiting guest artist
Acclaimed Calidore String Quartet announces spring performances
The Calidore String Quartet will perform a March 17 concert and headline UD's Mendelssohn Festival in April.
The internationally acclaimed Calidore String Quartet, noted for its fiery brilliance, breadth of musicianship and palpable on-stage energy, will serve as 2017 visiting guest artist for the University of Delaware, putting on four powerhouse performances this spring.
The first performance will be held 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, in Gore Recital Hall in the Roselle Center for the Arts, where the quartet will play works by Beethoven, Ligeti and Mozart, along with UD violist Sheila Browne.
They will also headline the Universitys Mendelssohn Festival, playing the complete works for string quartet by the celebrated German composer, from April 24-26, and culminating on Wednesday, April 26, with an 8 p.m. performance of the composers electrifying Octet for Strings with UDs own resident quartet, the Serafin String Quartet. (The concerts from April 24-25 will be held at 5:30 p.m. Ticket prices and additional information can be found online.)
The collaboration with the Calidore String Quartet will further enhance the chamber music experience for our string students in the Department of Music, said faculty member and Serafin cellist Lawrence Stomberg. In addition to the students ongoing work with Serafin String Quartet, they will get to work with this wonderful ensemble in coaching and master classes, gaining new and varied insights into chamber music practice and performance.
The collaboration is a perfect fit for Calidore, as well.
Teaching along with performing is at the core of our goals as a string quartet, said the quartets Ryan Meehan. We have been afforded the opportunity to study with some of the greatest and most generous musical minds in the world, and we feel it is our duty to pass this information on to the next generation of musicians. We are ecstatic to begin our work with the students at University of Delaware!
Current UD Board of Trustees member and former faculty member Don Puglisi and his wife, Marichu Valencia, funded the groups residency activities at UD.
They bring such vitality to the stage, its almost magical to witness, said Valencia.
As visiting guest artists, the quartet will also perform formal concerts in the 2017 fall semester, in addition to engaging with students and community members throughout the year to help raise the profile of the Universitys relatively young string program.
The quality of UDs music program is very good, and we see the musical arts as an area where the University can achieve excellence, Puglisi added.
With that goal in mind, the couples gift also provides a multi-dimensional approach that buttresses formal performances with interactive classes and exchanges with students, such as individual coaching for chamber ensembles, advice on rehearsal techniques, guest lectures and more.
UD sees the gift as an ideal enhancement of the arts experiences that are so crucial for students academic development. Through such visiting artists, students gain exposure to stellar performers, and also get the chance to make that exposure more immediate through creative learning opportunities with the quartet. And, as Puglisi adds, mentorship is especially important in the musical arts, where the musicians under which one has studied often serve as a measure for success.
Meehan adds that through coachings, master classes and open rehearsals, students gain insight into navigating the intricacies and inherent challenges of rehearsing and performing with one another, a vital aspect of their musical development.
The Calidore Quartets members, in particular, were mentored by the famed Emerson String Quartet, which has amassed an unparalleled list of achievements over four decades, from nine Grammy Awards (including two for Best Classical Album), to more than 30 acclaimed recordings.
In a fitting follow-up to the Calidores performance, the Emerson Quartet will perform on April 30 at the Roselle Center for the Arts, as part of the Universitys Master Players Concert Series. (Click here for more information).
This is a very exciting time for music at the University of Delaware, department chair Russell Murray said. With such well-considered support and high caliber visiting artists, we can continue and accelerate the growth of our outstanding music program.
The internationally acclaimed Calidore String Quartet will serve as 2017 visiting guest artist for the University of Delaware, putting on four powerhouse performances this spring.
calidore-spring-performances
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7676
|
__label__wiki
| 0.800959
| 0.800959
|
'Tolton' play in spotlight as Church addresses racial division
"Tolton: From Slave to Priest." Courtesy photo.
By Perry West
Denver Newsroom, Nov 27, 2020 / 04:00 am MT (CNA).-
During the U.S. bishops' meeting last week, Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento said his diocese had hosted a one-man play honoring the first African-American slave to become a Catholic priest, as part of its efforts to address racism.
The play is “Tolton: From Slave to Priest,” the work of St. Luke Productions. It has been performed in front of thousands of people since it was released three years ago.
Leonardo Defilippis, director and president of St. Luke Productions, told CNA that the witness of Fr. Augustus Tolton is important at a moment of racial division, especially Tolton gives witness to Christian unity beyond racial barriers.
“We're the only show in the whole country and it's the only instrument like it in the Catholic Church,” he told CNA. “It's so powerful. [It helps] you realize all men are created equal.”
Fr. Tolton is played by Jim Coleman - a television and film actor of almost 30 years. During the show, Tolton engages with memories of his past, meeting his mother, his friends and enemies, and the devil himself.
Since it opened in 2017, the play has been performed over 200 times at Catholic venues across the United States. The goal of the play is to bear witness to a holy man who confronts hatred and segregation with charity, said Defilippis.
He said this show provides the best example of a persecuted person who encountered trials with compassion and faith. Rather than with violence or revenge, Tolton responded to racial hatred with the virtues of a saint, Defilippis added.
Speaking of facing injustice, Defilippis said that “saints have a way of showing you how to do it.”
“You have to do it through love. You have to do it through forgiveness. You have to have faith. You have to have hope. That’s what leads us to that oneness, that unity.”
Tolton was born into slavery in Monroe County, Missouri, in 1854. During the Civil War, Tolton and his family escaped slavery.
He entered St. Peter’s Catholic School in Quincy, Illinois, when he was young. The school’s pastor, Fr. Peter McGirr eventually instructed him for his first Holy Communion and recognized his vocation to the priesthood.
Tolton studied for the priesthood in Rome because no American seminary would accept an African-American student. When he returned to the U.S. after his ordination in 1889, he was greeted by thousands of people. A brass band played hymns, and black and white people processed together into the local church.
Tolton served for three years at a parish in Quincy before moving to Chicago to start a parish for black Catholics, St. Monica's, where he remained until his death in 1897.
Coleman has performed as Tolton for the past two years. He said he was reluctant to audition at first because he was not interested in theater roles. But he said he’s glad for the experience.
“The experience of doing a true story [about] someone's life and actually using the words that he said, ... I started to take on a lot of the things that he experienced … I always pray before every show in rehearsal to allow Fr. Tolton to tell his story,” he told CNA.
Coleman expressed hope that the play might be a catalyst for racial healing. He said the show pushes the audience to see past the color of a person’s skin, and to see the unity of the human race.
“The goal of this show is to let people know that we are all one in the spirit, we are all one in Christ. Racism is a divide to the human family … In order to heal that divide, we have to heal our hearts as well as our minds of racism,” he said.
“It lets you know that in order for us to achieve, it's not going to always be the people of the same race. It takes all of us to create greatness. It takes all of us to succeed.”
Tags: Catholic News, Augustus Tolton
Catholic Church resumes Sunday Masses in Iceland
The Catholic Church is resuming public Sunday Masses in Iceland after the government raised the...
Iraqi patriarch to Pope Francis: Chaldean Church is 'a church of martyrs'
The Chaldean Catholic Church is a Church of martyrs, Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako of Babylon...
'The Eucharist is only in this Church'- How one 2019 convert found, and embraced, the Catholic Church
Elise Amez-Droz’s journey to the Catholic Church began in a place well known for religious...
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7680
|
__label__wiki
| 0.77286
| 0.77286
|
Public Health Notice – United States outbreak of E. coli infections linked to romaine lettuce with implications for Canadians
January 15, 2020 - Final update
This notice has been updated to advise that the outbreak appears to be over and the outbreak investigation has been closed.
United States (U.S.) health officials have confirmed that contaminated romaine lettuce that made people sick in this outbreak from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S. is no longer available for sale.
As a result of this new information, the Public Health Agency of Canada is no longer advising that people avoid eating, selling, or serving romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S.
Why you should take note
How does lettuce become contaminated with E. coli
What you should do to protect your health
What the Government of Canada is doing
Epidemiological information
Why should you take note
The Public Health Agency of Canada collaborated with federal and provincial partners, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), and U.S health officials to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157, commonly called E. coli, that was linked to romaine lettuce coming from the Salinas, California growing region in the United States (U.S.). E. coli can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
The majority of illnesses were reported in the U.S., but the Public Health Agency of Canada identified four Canadian illnesses with a similar genetic fingerprint to illnesses reported in the U.S. investigation. As a result, a Canadian outbreak investigation was initiated to further investigate the four illnesses reported in Canada.
U.S. health officials have confirmed that contaminated romaine lettuce that made people sick in this outbreak from the Salinas, California growing region is no longer available for sale. Romaine lettuce that is now in stores and restaurants comes from other growing regions.
Retailers and industry partners continue to bring romaine lettuce into the Canadian market from growing regions not associated with the outbreak.
As part of this outbreak investigation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented actions at the border on November 22, 2019, to ensure that any affected romaine lettuce products from Salinas, California were no longer being imported into Canada. These measures were taken to protect consumers and remain in effect at this time.
This was the fourth E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce affecting Canadian consumers in the last two years. The Government of Canada, along with provincial and territorial governments and regional public health units, remains vigilant in its efforts to monitor for any new E. coli illnesses linked to romaine lettuce. If future risks are identified, the Public Health Agency of Canada and its partners will take the necessary steps to notify Canadians of any increased risk to their health and to provide updated advice on how to prevent illness.
In total, there were four illnesses related to the U.S. outbreak that were identified in Canada: Alberta (1), Manitoba (1), New Brunswick (1), and Ontario (1). These individuals were ill in mid-October and mid-December2019. One individual was hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
Laboratory analysis indicates that the illnesses reported in Canada are genetically related to illnesses reported in the U.S. and to previous E. coli outbreaks that occurred in 2017 and 2018 and were linked to romaine lettuce. This suggests that there may be a reoccurring source of contamination. Canadian and U.S. health officials are collaborating to identify commonalities between the recent illnesses in an effort to identify the source of contamination affecting consumers.
E. coli are bacteria that live naturally in the intestines of cattle, poultry and other animals. A common source of E. coli illness is raw fruits and vegetables that have come in contact with feces from infected animals. Leafy greens, such as lettuce, can become contaminated in the field by soil, water, animals or improperly composted manure. Lettuce can also be contaminated by bacteria during and after harvest from handling, storing and transporting the produce. Contamination in lettuce is also possible at the grocery store, in the refrigerator, or from counters and cutting boards through cross-contamination with harmful bacteria from raw meat, poultry or seafood. Most E. coli strains are harmless to humans, but some varieties cause illness.
E. coli O157 is more likely than other E. coli strains to cause severe illness. Pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, young children and older adults are most at risk for developing serious complications.
Most people who become ill from an E. coli infection will recover completely on their own. However, some people may have a more serious illness that requires hospital care, or long-lasting health effects. In rare cases, some individuals may develop life-threatening symptoms, including stroke, kidney failure and seizures, which could result in death. It is possible for some people to be infected with the bacteria and to not get sick or show any symptoms, but to still be able to spread the infection to others.
What should you do to protect your health
The Public Health Agency of Canada has removed its advisory against romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds people to properly wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators where romaine lettuce from Salinas, California may have been previously stored.
Romaine lettuce can be a carrier of E. coli bacteria that can make people sick. For consumers of romaine lettuce, there is no way to fully eliminate the risk of an E. coli infection, but following safe food handling practices for leafy greens on a daily basis is the best way to avoid getting sick.
People infected with E. coli can have a wide range of symptoms. Some do not get sick at all, though they can still spread the infection to others. Others may feel as though they have a bad case of upset stomach. In some cases, individuals become seriously ill and must be hospitalized.
The following symptoms can appear within one to ten days after contact with the bacteria:
severe stomach cramps
watery or bloody diarrhea
Most symptoms end within five to ten days. There is no real treatment for E. coli infections, other than monitoring the illness, providing comfort, and preventing dehydration through proper hydration and nutrition. People who develop complications may need further treatment, such as dialysis for kidney failure. You should contact your health care provider if symptoms persist.
What is the Government of Canada doing
The Government of Canada is committed to food safety. The Public Health Agency of Canada leads the human health investigation into an outbreak, and is in regular contact with its federal, provincial and territorial partners to monitor the situation and to collaborate on steps to address an outbreak.
Health Canada provides food-related health risk assessments to determine whether the presence of a certain substance or microorganism poses a health risk to consumers.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducts food safety investigations into the possible food source of an outbreak.
The Government of Canada will continue to update Canadians as new information related to this investigation becomes available.
Figure 1 below is an epidemiological curve for this outbreak. Outbreak investigators use this information to show when illnesses begin, when they peak, and when they trail off. It can take several weeks from the time a person becomes ill to when the illness is reported and testing confirms a link to the outbreak. Data are available for four cases.
Figure 1: Number of people infected with E. coli O157:H7
Table 1 – Number of people confirmed to be infected with E. coli O157:H7 by week of illness onset or specimen collection
Week of symptom onset or specimen collection
U.S CDC Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. FDA investigation
U.S. FSIS salad product recall
CFIA measures to protect consumers
CFIA food safety warning
Produce Safety
General Food Safety Tips
Recalls and safety alerts mobile app
Email: info@hc-sc.gc.ca
Public Health Notice Update - December 6, 2019
Since November 22, 2019, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has identified one additional E. coli illness in Canada with a similar genetic fingerprint to illnesses reported in the ongoing United States (U.S.) E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce harvested in Salinas, California.
PHAC has engaged federal and provincial public health partners and continues to work with U.S. health officials to determine the source of contamination affecting consumers.
Consumers are still advised to not eat, and retailers and food service establishments to not sell or serve, any romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S. Romaine lettuce harvested in Canada is not affected by this advice.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with federal and provincial partners, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), and U.S health officials to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157, commonly called E. coli, that is linked to romaine lettuce coming from the Salinas, California growing region in the United States (U.S.). E. coli can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
The majority of illnesses have been reported in the U.S., but the Public Health Agency of Canada has identified a second Canadian illness with a similar genetic fingerprint to illnesses reported in the U.S. investigation. As a result, a Canadian outbreak investigation has been initiated to further investigate the two illnesses reported in Canada.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) previously confirmed that romaine lettuce from the affected areas reported in the U.S. investigation was imported to Canada up until November 22, 2019. The CFIA has taken measures to protect consumers and has implemented new actions at the border to ensure that any affected romaine lettuce products from Salinas, California are no longer being imported into Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to advise consumers to not eat, and retailers and food service establishments to not sell or serve, any romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S. Romaine lettuce harvested in Canada is not affected by this advice.
This is the fourth E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce affecting Canadian consumers in the last two years. The Government of Canada, along with provincial and territorial governments and regional public health units, remains vigilant in its efforts to monitor for any new E. coli illnesses linked to romaine lettuce. If future risks are identified, the Public Health Agency of Canada and its partners will take the necessary steps to notify Canadians of any increased risk to their health and to provide updated advice on how to prevent illness.
As of December 6, 2019, there are two illnesses related to the U.S. outbreak that have been identified in Canada: Manitoba (1) and Alberta (1). These individuals became ill in mid-October and early November 2019. One individual was hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
The U.S. CDC continues to report multiple illnesses occurring in several U.S. states. Laboratory analysis indicates that the illnesses reported in Canada are genetically related to illnesses reported in the U.S. and to previous E. coli outbreaks that occurred in 2017 and 2018 and were linked to romaine lettuce. This suggests that there may be a reoccurring source of contamination. Canadian and U.S. health officials are collaborating to identify commonalities between the recent illnesses in an effort to identify the source of contamination affecting consumers.
It is possible that more recent illnesses may be reported in the Canadian outbreak because there is a period of time between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between 4 and 5 weeks.
Canadian consumers are advised not to eat, and retailers and food service establishments not to sell or serve, any romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S. Romaine lettuce harvested in Canada is not affected by this advice.
Consumers are asked to check their homes for all types of romaine lettuce such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine, and bags and boxes of precut lettuce and salad mixes that contain romaine, including baby romaine, spring mix, and Caesar salad.
If you have romaine lettuce at home:
Look for a label showing where the romaine lettuce was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker.
If the packaging shows that it is from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S., don't eat it. Throw it away.
If it isn't labeled with a growing region, don't eat it. Throw it away.
If you don't know whether the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix, sandwich or wrap contains romaine, don't eat it. Throw it away.
Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators where romaine lettuce was stored.
If you buy romaine lettuce at a store:
If the packaging shows that it is from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S., don't buy it.
If it is an unpackaged product, or is not labelled, ask the retailer whether the romaine lettuce comes from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S.
If you can't confirm that the romaine lettuce in stores is not from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S., don't buy it.
If you order salad or any other food item containing romaine lettuce at a restaurant or at a salad bar, ask the staff whether the romaine lettuce came from Salinas. If it did, or they do not know, do not eat it.
Restaurants and retailers should check the label on bags or boxes of romaine lettuce, or ask their suppliers about the source of their romaine lettuce.
Suppliers, distributors and others in the supply chain should not ship or sell romaine harvested in the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S.
Public Health Notice – November 22, 2019
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA), and the United States Food Safety and Inspection Service (U.S. FSIS) are investigating an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157, commonly called E. coli, that is linked to romaine lettuce coming from the Salinas, California growing region in the United States (U.S.). E. coli can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
Although an outbreak is not occurring in Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has identified one Canadian illness with a similar genetic fingerprint to illnesses reported in the U.S. investigation.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that romaine lettuce from the affected areas reported in the U.S. investigation is imported to Canada at this time of year. The CFIA has taken measures to protect consumers and is implementing new actions at the border to ensure that any affected romaine lettuce products are no longer being imported into Canada.
As a result of the U.S. outbreak investigation and its link to product on the Canadian market, the Public Health Agency of Canada is advising Canadians to follow the U.S. CDC's public health advice, which advises consumers to not eat, and retailers and food service establishments to not sell or serve, any romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region in the U.S. Romaine lettuce harvested in Canada is not affected by this advice.
At this time, there is no outbreak of E. coli occurring in Canada. The U.S. CDC is reporting multiple illnesses in several U.S. states. As of November 22, 2019, there is one Canadian illness related to the U.S. outbreak that has been identified in the province of Manitoba. This individual became ill in mid-October.
Laboratory analysis indicates that the illness reported in Canada is also genetically related to illnesses reported in previous E. coli outbreaks that occurred in 2017 and 2018 and were linked to romaine lettuce. This suggests that there may be a reoccurring source of contamination. Canadian and U.S. health officials are collaborating to identify commonalities between the recent illnesses in an effort to identify the source of contamination affecting consumers.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7683
|
__label__cc
| 0.683312
| 0.316688
|
Ecotourism: An Instrument of Conservation by Raul Arias de Para
Ecotourism: An Instrument of Conservation
by Raúl Arias de Para, 1994
Ecotourism, an activity seemingly in vogue nowadays, is much more than sporadic visits to regions of extraordinary natural beauty. By the same token, to live the unforgettable experience of spending a night in the rainforest is only a superficial part of ecotourism.
To understand what ecotourism is all about, we must know the meaning of the word “ecology”, which comes from the Greek words “eco”, meaning house and “logie”, meaning science or doctrine. The dictionary defines ecology as the discipline that studies the relationships between organisms and their environment, that is to say, between an organism and its home. In a broader sense, ecology deals with the relation between living beings and the planet Earth: our great home, our only home. The word tourism does not need any further explanation. In one way or another, we have all practiced tourism at some moment in our lives, because tourism is simply visiting a place different from our home simply for pleasure.
The combination of the words ecology and tourism results in Ecotourism, a fascinating activity on which I will comment summarily in the following paragraphs.
We shall begin our trip bearing in mind that “eco” means home. Therefore, ecotourism can be construed to mean the act of visiting our home. However, this does not mean the concrete and glass structure we inhabit daily, but the primitive dwelling of our ancestors, the home we left thousands of years ago. I am talking about the primeval forests in which the human being is only one of the countless species that inhabit them. To return to our ancestral home, that is, visiting a primeval forest and to walk in it alone, is in many ways, an instructive experience. For example, it serves for something so insignificant as showing us how superfluous modern clothing is. What purpose does a necktie serve in the jungle? However, more important, although painful, is that it produces a profound feeling of shame, perhaps anguish, when we realize that “civilized” man has not known how to conserve his ancestors´ home. How long will they last, these primeval forests that served as home to the Earth´s first dwellers? How long will it be before the flora and fauna of our forests become mere memories in our museums and libraries? If we continue at the same rate of deforestation that we have been experiencing until now, it will be only a matter or one or two generations before our forests become barren deserts. That is precisely why ecotourism can be much more than an amusing and even enlightening activity, ecotourism can and should be an instrument for conservation.
I arrived at this conclusion through direct personal experience. I did not have any books nor did I read any theories drawn up by scientists, although later I discovered that those sources concur with my deductions. I merely had the logic of a businessman concerned about the future of a marvelous place that was in danger of being irretrievably lost.
The following is my explanation.
My brothers and I inherited from our deceased father Tomas Arias certain lands in El Valle de Antón containing a waterfall formed by the Quebrada Amarilla in its inexorable path toward the ocean. It is more than 65 meters high, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. It forms a small natural pond, which is said to be enchanted. It is supposed to magically dissolve the worries, woes and fatigue of those who bathe in it. Surely, more than one pair of lovers has sworn eternal love amid the bubbling water of its crystalline stream. In addition, many families of Golden Frogs (Atelopus zeteki) lived in the area, and they could often be seen jumping among the black volcanic rocks like minute dots moving across the face of the Earth.
Unfortunately, the disorderly tide of visitors with little ecological awareness was ruining the area, throwing thrash and waste matter right and left. Then they started felling 100-year old tress and uprooting native plants, giant ferns and delicate orchids. Soon thereafter, they took away all the golden frogs to die of melancholy hundred of miles away. Lastly, the luxuriant tropical vegetation died, and the sound of water bubbling amid the rocks, the voice of the North Wind and the songs of the birds were displaced by the blaring noise of portable sound equipment. Then peace disappeared and a saddened Mother Nature became silent.
However, we, the descendants of Tomas Arias decided to rescue the waterfall from the sorrowful state it was in, and undertook a project aimed at preventing its destruction. We did it, not only to honor our father, who for more than seven decades preserved the primeval nature of those rivers and forests. We did it also because we knew that nature does not belong to us, it belongs to the future generations and it is our sacred duty to preserve it for the benefit of those who are going to be living in this planet.
Our efforts to rescue the waterfall should not be limited simply to preventing outsiders from entering the area. When I started to think about the issue, I thought that would be extremely selfish. We had to share what we had with everyone, but in a way that would not endanger the area´s future. In other words, this would be a perfect example of the concept mentioned daily by economists; sustained development, an economic activity that does not deplete the resource it feeds on. We should also charge a reasonable admission fee, not only to generate income with which to pay for the area´s maintenance, but also to show visitors that Nature has its price, and that to the extent that it becomes free, it disappears. Then I proceeded to hire three unemployed youngsters from El Valle, and one fine day I placed a sign at the entrance to the waterfall stipulating that admission to the area would cost one Balboa ($1 US) from now on. I also established certain basic rules to aid in conserving the area. Lo and behold! An eco-tourist activity, an instrument of conservation had been born.
Eight years have elapsed since that summer day in which I established an admission fee for entrance to the Chorro Macho waterfall (also known as Tomasito’s Falls) starting a process whereby Mother Nature generates income for its own conservation. In addition, the townspeople have become the staunchest defenders because they have discovered that they can earn a living out of the area as long as they keep it clean and in its natural state.
What I did, thanks to God and many people who helped me along, can be done at a national level because Panama offers truly exceptional characteristics for ecotourism in view of the enormous extension of virgin forests less than one hour away from Panama City. I am speaking of the Soberania and Las Cruces Trail Natural Parks, and parts of the Metropolitan Park. There are also the recently vacated by the U.S. Armed Forces, for example, Fort Sherman in the Atlantic sector, which covers an area of approximately 10,000 hectares of rainforests unaltered since pre-Columbian times. The United States, unknowingly, rendered us an invaluable service by maintaining the area free of the Los Santos’ hatchets. (Translator´s note: According to local lore, subsistence tree-cutters were called “Los Santos”) It is as if 100 years ago the founding fathers of our country had decided to maintain enormous areas of land untouched for the benefit of future generations. The time has come, we are the “future” generations and soon we will have the key to enter the treasure chamber whose doors have remained closed for over a century.
Ecotourism can to be the instrument with which Panamanians can exploit, without depleting, the enormous natural resources that will soon be ours. Let us hope that we will know how to properly manage this extraordinary natural heritage.
Previous postEcotourism Facilities as a Reality: Canopy Adventure by Raul Arias de Para
Next postBirdwatching with Raul Arias De Para
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7684
|
__label__wiki
| 0.854472
| 0.854472
|
Home > Professional Riders
2019 marked the 16th edition of the Untamed African MTB Race which pitted riders against a battle of 624km and 16 650m of climbing on the Western Cape’s most beautiful, yet unforgiving trails.
In the Men’s category race it was reigning World Champion Nino Schurter and his Swiss compatriot Lars Forster of Scott-SRAM MTB-Racing who took the fight to the field and ultimately dominated the racing, despite a mid-week mishap that saw the Yellow Leader Jerseys find their way onto the shoulders of fan-favourites, Cannondale Factory Racing. 2019's racing was as much a tactical encounter as it was a physical one and what may have been potentially race-winning strategies were employed by a number of teams. At the end of the day Scott-SRAM MTB-Racing claimed the overall victory by 7 minutes 36 seconds over second placed Cannondale Factory Racing; rounding off the podium was Trek Selle San Marco’s Damiano Ferraro and Samuele Porro.
The Women’s category race was an out-and-out domination by Investec-songo-Specialized’s Annika Langvad and her Absa Cape Epic newbie partner, Anna van der Breggen. The racing was a display of power and precision as Annika and Anna won the Prologue, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 6, and Stage 7 which earned the pair the overall women’s title by a massive 30 minutes. In doing so, Annika Langvad joined the likes of Karl Platt and Christoph Sauser with 5 Absa Cape Epic wins. Second place, including a hard-earned Stage win on Stage 5, was claimed by Summit Fin’s Candice Lill and her German partner Adelheid Morath; rounding off the podium was Ariane Lüthi and Maja Włoszczowska.
The 2019 Absa Cape Epic saw riders from 52 countries take up the challenges, both known and unknown as the race moved from the slopes of Table Mountain National Park, to Hermanus and the Race Village at Hermanus High School before heading inland to Oak Valley Wine Estate for three nights. Stage 5 then took riders to the mountain biking mecca of Stellenbosch and the Stellenbosch University Race Village before the Trails to Val de Vie Estate posed one final hurdle before a hero’s welcome was rolled out on the manicured lawns of Val de Vie where finishers claimed their spot in the Book of Legend.
The 2018 Absa Cape Epic marked the 15th edition of the Untamed African MTB Race and it was full of surprises. Despite a severe drought crippling the Western Cape, the weather gods were kind enough to deliver a superb mix of conditions which even included a dollop or two of light rain.
The battle between the cross-country riders and marathon racers was incredible but only the most consistent partnership would win. As such it was a case of something old and something new on the top step of the Men’s and Women’s category podiums when experienced campaigners triumphed with new partners.
In the men’s race Czech Jaroslav Kulhavy notched up his third win, this time with young American Howard Grotts (Investec Songo Specialized). The powerful Kulhavy and accomplished climber Grotts made for a formidable combination and eventually dominated the category despite constant attacks from their chief adversaries – Cannondale Factory Racing and Canyon Topeak.
In the women’s race Dane Annika Langvad and American newcomer Kate Courtney (Investec Songo Specialized) were in total control from the Prologue, eventually securing the former’s fourth win out of four starts by a whopping 46 minutes and bagging every stage expect for the Grand Finale at Val de Vie Estate.
The 2018 route covered 658km with 13530m of vertical ascent. It visited three towns, Robertson, Worcester and Wellington, before culminating at Val de Vie Estate in Paarl. 1344 riders took part and 46% were international competitors from 53 countries.
Nino Schurter arrived at the Absa Cape Epic in 2017 as the reigning Olympic gold medallist and World Champion. He and Team Scott-SRAM partner, Swiss countryman and Absa Cape Epic novice Matthias Stirnemann, were cautious beforehand about their prospects but their aggressive and high tempo approach soon had them at the front of the field. They eventually finished with an eight-minute cushion over the second-placed Czech/Swiss duo of Jaroslav Kulhavy and Christoph Sauser, the five-time winner of the event who had come out of retirement in pursuit of win number six. Cross country specialists Schurter and Stirnemann revolutionised the race tactics by using strategies more familiar to the shorter version of the sport – attacking from the gun and maintaining a fast pace throughout.
The Women’s category was overwhelmed by Switzerland’s Esther Süss and her Swedish partner Jennie Stenerhag (Meerendal CBC), who won by 35 minutes as other favourites fell away. An emotional Stenerhag pointed out at the finish that a year earlier she had withdrawn from the 2016 Cape Epic with a heart condition that required surgery: a remarkable comeback.
The 2017 event also marked the first time in the race’s history that a stage had to be shortened. Stage 2 was reduced from a scheduled 102km to 62km after race doctors warned that the excessive heat could endanger riders.
The 2017 route covered 651km with 15 000m of vertical gain. 1332 riders took part and 51% were international competitors from 58 countries.
Twelve years after claiming his first Absa Cape Epic title, Karl Platt became only the second person to win the event five times when he and Urs Huber (Team Bulls) calmly sealed a dominant victory. The German/Swiss duo’s win also marked the 10th year that Team Bulls had taken part in the Cape Epic. The race has additional significance for the Bulls team as the 2007 event was the first they ever raced as a professional outfit. To commemorate the occasion, the Bulls launched Project Zebra – their mission being to claim a fifth Cape Epic victory in 2016. Their kit and bikes were designed to reflect the zebra theme and to show their affinity for a country that they have adopted as their own. The hard work and enthusiasm for riding in South Africa paid off.
After an intriguing week’s racing in the Women’s category, Ariane Lüthi and Annika Langvad became three-time Absa Cape Epic champions; the Swiss-Danish duo joining Platt and Stefan Sahm as three-time champion pairings.
The 2016 route covered 654km with 15 000m of vertical gain – the most per kilometre in the race’s history. 1292 riders took part and 39% were international competitors from 52 countries.
Swiss legend Christoph Sauser sealed his legacy on his last Absa Cape Epic as a professional by becoming the first person to win it five times. His partner, Czech Jaroslav Kulhavy, also left a mark on the event by riding with extraordinary power throughout, driving the Investec-Songo-Specialized team to five stage wins and a dominant overall victory. Returning champion Kristian Hynek, also of the Czech Republic, and Topeak Ergon partner Alban Lakata of Austria had to settle for second place while Team Bulls’s Karl Platt (Germany) and Urs Huber (Switzerland) finished third.
Defending champions Ariane Lüthi and Annika Langvad dominated the Women’s category again, winning by more than an hour overall in spite of having to overcome a 73-minute penalty after inadvertently taking a short cut on Stage 2. In an incredible performance, the Swiss/Danish pairing had gained back the time lost to their competitors by the end of Stage 3 and were never caught again. 2015 also marked the year that the Absa Cape Epic made history by equalling the women's prize purse to that of the men, a first for women's cycling worldwide.
The race was also memorable for the tough weather conditions, with riders having to confront rain, heat or wind on each of the stages. The 2015 route covered 748km with 16 000m of vertical gain. 1244 riders took part and 39% were international competitors from 55 countries.
The 2014 Absa Cape Epic was one of the most exciting races in the event’s history, with four different teams wearing the yellow zebra-striped leaders’ jersey on the first four days and plenty of drama across all the racing categories.
Germany’s Karl Platt and Switzerland’s Christoph Sauser had both won the Epic four times and there was a big focus on whether one of them would bag number five. In the event Platt crashed out of the race and Topeak-Ergon's Robert Mennen and Kristian Hynek held on for the final four stages in spite of suffering some bad luck themselves. They were both first time winners (with Hynek entered for the first time) and with no backup team.
In the women’s race, Ariane Lüthi and Annika Langvad won the race after overcoming a troubled opening stage losing over 20 minutes to Briton Sally Bigham and her Swiss partner Esther Suss.
Two months before the 2013 Absa Cape Epic Burry Stander was killed when he was struck by a minibus taxi while training near his home on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast. Christoph Sauser, who shared victory with Stander in the race’s two previous editions, turned to Olympic cross country gold medallist Jaroslav Kulhavy of the Czech Republic to ride in commemoration of Stander. Team Burry Stander-Songo saw off a strong challenge from Team Bulls’ Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm, crossing the finish line in Somerset West with a seven-minute lead. By securing his fourth win Sauser tied Platt for the most Absa Cape Epic victories.
England’s Catherine Williamson and South African Yolande Speedy (Energas) won the Women’s category in spite of the latter breaking ribs on the penultimate stage.
The 2013 route covered 706km with 15 950m of vertical gain. 1 258 riders took part and 33% were international competitors from 45 countries.
The 36ONE-Songo-Specialized team of Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser dominated from start to finish in 2012, winning the prologue and five of the seven stages. The South African duo of Kevin Evans and David George (360Life) finished second but were more than 27 minutes behind in total after the eight days of racing.
By now the race was attracting the best marathon racers in the world and the next four places were all filled by teams that had the pedigree to win the event: the German-Swiss team of Hannes Genze and Andreas Kugler (Multivan Merida Biking) was third, the Bulls 2 team of Germans Thomas Dietsch and Tim Boehme finished fourth, Alban Lakata of Austria and German Robert Mennen (Topeak Ergon Racing) were fifth while the Bulls 1 team of Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm were sixth after a troubled event.
Sally Bigham and Switzerland’s Esther Suss (Wheels4Life) won the Women’s category.
Burry Stander made history on 3 April 2011 by becoming the first South African to win the Absa Cape Epic. Stander, who was already making his mark on the international World Cup circuit, and his Swiss teammate Christoph Sauser (36ONE-Songo-Specialized) won five of the seven stages. They eventually finished seven minutes overall ahead of the German pairing of Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss (Multivan Merida Biking). The Bulls’ German teammates Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm finished third overall.
Briton Sally Bigham and South Africa’s Karien van Jaarsveld (USN) won the Women’s category.
Even as outright race favourites, the Bulls still had to prove themselves after what many had said was a lucky win in 2009. Their strength and tactical aptitude was tested to the limit as Team MTN Qhubeka’s Kevin Evans and Alban Lakata powered to victory on Stage 1, taking the race lead. Illness put Burry Stander out of action early in the race but he and Christoph Sauser went on to make good with three stage victories. Meanwhile, MTN Qhubeka’s tyre woes denied them the chance of a first South African overall win at the Absa Cape Epic. Arriving at the finish in Somerset West, the Bulls had prevailed – it was Platt’s fourth victory, Sahm’s third.
Denmark’s Kristine and Anna-Sofie Noergaard (Rothaus-CUBE) won the Women’s category.
A powerful new team came to the fore in 2009: South African Burry Stander and Swiss Christoph Sauser (songo.info). The pair won the Prologue and the first three stages and appeared destined to win the race overall. However, Stander’s momentary lapse of concentration on Stage 4 put an end to their overall hopes when he smashed his front wheel. The Bulls capitalised and held the leader’s jerseys from that stage until the end, seeing off a spirited challenge from old rival Bart Brentjens and Australian partner Chris Jongewaard. Team Bulls’ campaign was not without incident and they broke a chain on the penultimate stage into Oak Valley, Elgin. True to form, it was repaired quickly and they limited their losses.
The Women’s category was won by Briton Sharon Laws and her South African partner Hanlie Booyens (Absa Ladies).
2009 also saw the introduction of a new format: the point-to-point ride from Knysna to Stellenbosch/Somerset West was replaced by a prologue in Cape Town and a route that included looped stages that started and finished at the same venue.
The 2009 route covered 744km with 15 132m of vertical gain.1200 riders took part and 32% were international competitors from 46 countries.
After the disappointment of the previous year, Roel Paulissen and Jakob Fuglsang were back and baying for the Bulls’ blood. After a dominant performance on Stage 2, and with the Bulls imploding that same day as the race headed into Calitzdorp, Cannondale Vredestein had a comfortable lead over the Germans. Some tyre trouble outside Bredasdorp briefly threatened their dominance later in the race, but they overcame it to stay ahead of the pack. The Belgian/Danish team made their case by winning the 2008 event convincingly.
Pia Sundstedt of Finland and Alison Sydor of Canada (Rocky Mountain) won the Women’s category.
The 2008 route covered 966km from Knysna to Somerset West with 18 529m of vertical gain. It included the race’s first prologue time trial. 1200 riders took part in 2009 and 29% were international competitors from 41 countries.
2007 saw the debut of Team Bulls, a professional outfit that was to become synonymous with the Absa Cape Epic. It recruited Karl Platt and teamed him with another ace German stage racer, Stefan Sahm. After two years of having to watch other riders take the top step of the podium, Platt triumphed again. But it wasn’t easy: Platt and Sahm won Stage 1 in a sprint finish against Roel Paulissen and Jakob Fuglsang (Cannondale Vredestein), which set the tone for the week of racing. By the time they finished in Somerset West the yellow leader jerseys had changed shoulders four times, but Platt and Sahm had the final word. Their victory marked the beginning of what was to become the most successful partnership in the Absa Cape Epic.
South Africans Anke Moore and Yolande de Villiers (Duravit) won the Women’s category.
The 2007 route from Knysna to Somerset West covered 886km with 15 045m of vertical gain. 1200 riders took part and 29% were international competitors from 45 countries.
In 2006 Christoph Sauser gave the first real indication of the force he was going to become in the Absa Cape Epic when he and countryman Silvio Bundi won by an overwhelming 29 minutes. Previous winner Karl Platt, riding with countryman Carsten Bresser, finished third. German Johannes Sickmuller and Switzerland’s Christian Heule finished second, but were well beaten by the finish of the race from Knysna to Stellenbosch.
In 2006 the route covered 940km with 16 605m of vertical gain. 1040 riders took part and 31% were international competitors from 35 countries.
By 2005 the race was gaining an international reputation and former world champion, Olympic gold medallist and general mountain biking legend Bart Brentjens was among those on the start line at Knysna. He and Belgian Roel Paulissen dominated the event and had built up a commanding 26 minute lead by the time the race finished near Stellenbosch. Also in the field for the first time was Christoph Sauser of Switzerland, himself a former world champion, World Cup winner and Olympic medallist. The man who would come to dominate the Absa Cape Epic in years to come finished second with Swede Fredrik Kessiakoff.
In 2005 the route covered 898km with 16 020m of vertical gain. 840 riders took part and 25% were international competitors from 29 countries.
In its inaugural year, the Absa Cape Epic immediately attracted some of the biggest names in the sport, including stage race supremo Karl Platt. The German teamed up with Namibian legend Mannie Heymans, himself one of the world’s top marathoners at the time. Platt and Heymans saw off a spirited challenge from Kenyans David Kinjah and Davidson Kamau to win six of the eight stages. Their dominance eventually took them home with an overall lead of 20 minutes.
In 2004 the route from Knysna to Stellenbosch covered 788km with 17 380m of vertical gain over that distance. 550 riders took part and 21% of those were international competitors from 20 countries.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7686
|
__label__wiki
| 0.731036
| 0.731036
|
Doctor Who: Genesis of the Daleks
Genre: TV Sci-Fi, British-Television
One of the most popular story arcs from Doctor Who's "Fourth Doctor" period (starring Tom Baker as the Doctor), writer Terry Nation's Genesis of the Daleks not only fleshes out the back story of the Doctor's most fearsome nemeses-the megalomaniacal, robotic Daleks-but also serves up athoughtful storyline that doesn't skimp on the action. First aired on the BBC in 1975, the six-episode story has the Doctor and companions Sarah Jane (Elisabeth Sladen) and Harry (Ian Marter) summoned to the Daleks'home planet of Skaros at a time prior to their rise to power. Hoping toprevent the domination-hungry beings from developing their warlike behavior, they soon find themselves in the middle of a war between two races, the Kaleds and the Thals, and uncover a plot by a Kaled scientist, Davros, to render his people invincible as the metal-encased Daleks. A gripping story with elements that remain topical even today (ancient cultures locked in an endless war, genetic experimentation, eugenics), Genesis of the Daleks is an excellent starting point for first-time Who viewers, and a fine reminder of the show at it's best for longtime fans. The two-disc DVD offers a considerable amount of extras, most notably a commentary track by Baker, Sladen, co-star Peter Miles, and director David Maloney. "Genesis of a Classic" is an hour-long featurette about the story, with interviews from all the major (surviving) cast and crew members, while "The Dalek Tapes" explores the creatures' history via rare clips and interviews with performers and production staff. There's also a clip from a vintage episode of the U.K. children's series Blue Peter that's devoted to Doctor Who models and creatures, as well as the detailed photo gallery and subtitled text commentary that are standards on all Doctor WhoDVDs. Those with DVD-ROM can access PDF documents of the 1976 Doctor Who Annual and listings from the Radio Times.
Title: Doctor Who: Genesis of the Daleks
Starring: Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, Ian Marter, Michael Wisher, Peter Miles, Stephen Yardley, Harriet Philpin, Dennis Chinnery, James Garbutt, Guy Siner
Director: David Maloney
Studio: BBC Archives
Attributes: Manufactured on Demand, Full Frame, 2 Pack, Subtitled
Elisabeth Sladen
Michael Wisher
Peter Miles
Stephen Yardley
Harriet Philpin
Dennis Chinnery
James Garbutt
Guy Siner
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7689
|
__label__wiki
| 0.726273
| 0.726273
|
The Rockefeller Family's Four Secrets To Preserving Family Wealth
By Joey Held on March 31, 2018 in Articles › Billionaire News
Many people dream of having more money than they know what to do with. Just imagine being able to purchase something outrageous, invest in a professional sports franchise, or donating to a cause you believe in without worrying about the impact on your personal finances. Sounds perfect doesn't it?
However, all of that money can take a toll on even the strongest families. Things like taxes and spending increase, and as generations come and go, there are more hands in the proverbial money jar, all wanting to spend.
Yet somehow, the Rockefeller family has been immune to the overspending that has befallen other families. The family is now in its seventh generation with more than 250 direct descendants and a multi-billion dollar fortune.
In fact, adjusted for inflation, John D. Rockefeller – America's first billionaire – is worth more than $340 billion. And David Rockefeller, John's grandfather, gave away more than $1 billion to charity during his lifetime.
With David and Peggy Rockefeller's art and valuables collection expecting to fetch anywhere between $500 million and $1 billion, it begs the question: how have the Rockefellers been so successful at maintaining their fortune?
Luckily, David Rockefeller, Jr., chairman of Rockefeller & Co., recently unveiled a system of values and traditions that have helped the family maintain a strong bond and preserve the wealth they've accumulated. Here are the family's four main tenets:
Regular Family Meetings
Rockefeller, Jr. said the family meets twice a year, with more than 100 people in the same room. The family uses these meetings to discuss its direction, upcoming projects, and family news. Even if a member married into the family, the other Rockefellers want to make sure they're included. The only criteria for these meetings is all members must be at least 21.
Preserve Family History
When your family has gone through seven generations, there's quite a bit of history to sift through. Rockefeller, Jr. says a good way to maintain family history is by visiting family homesteads, or places passed down through generations.
"I can go back to the place where my great-grandfather lived over 100 years ago," Rockefeller, Jr. said. "And see how he lived and see how his son and their grandchildren lived."
Don't Have a Family Business
This one seems a little counterintuitive since the Rockefellers' wealth largely came from the oil business. But Standard Oil, the company that John D. Rockefeller started, was broken up by the government into publicly traded companies in 1911. Combined with a series of trusts, the stocks and financial holdings of those multiple companies were easier to pass down.
Rockefeller, Jr. calls the family "lucky" for not having a core business, saying it's pulled plenty of other wealthy families apart.
Participate in Philanthropic Events
The family's various foundations have a combined endowment of more than $5 billion. Those foundations include the Rockefeller Foundation and the David Rockefeller Fund, and family members are encouraged to assist in choosing which causes the foundations work towards.
Inscribed in stone at Rockefeller Center, a quote from John Rockefeller reads: "For every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty." The family aims to follow those guidelines every day. David Jr. – who is nearly 77 years old – remembers donating to charity with his very first allowance back in 1951. He believes in practicing what you preach and he's continued to contribute to charitable efforts ever since.
You don't need to be as rich as the Rockefellers to practice their family values. Who knows? One day, you may have more money than you know what to do with.
John D. Rockefeller Articles
John D. Rockefeller Net Worth
Billionaire Philanthropist David Rockefeller (John D. Rockefeller's Grandson) Just Died At The Age Of 101
The Richest Families in Florence, Italy, Have Been The Richest For Nearly 600 Years
Who Was The World's First Billionaire?
Jeff Bezos' Net Worth Is Inches Away From $100 Billion Thanks To Black Friday
All The People In Human History Who Have Had A Net Worth Greater Than $100 Billion
The 25 Richest People Who Ever Lived – Inflation Adjusted
How John D. Rockefeller Became The Richest Person In Modern History
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7692
|
__label__cc
| 0.587908
| 0.412092
|
The Book of Ceremony with Sandra Ingerman
Ceremony allows us to bring the sacred into ordinary life. Ceremony has been used by cultures around the world for tens of thousands of years to help people navigate change and help communities welcome new cycles of life in, even as they release the old. Ceremony, skillfully designed and performed, creates a bridge between the ordinary everyday of life and the world of the unseen power of the universe. In short, it's a way to get help. World-renowned shamanic teacher and author, Sandra Ingerman, joins host, Christina Pratt, to share her new book, "The Book of Ceremony: Shamanic Wisdom for Invoking the Sacred in Everyday Life." Join us to explore how we can use ceremony in our time to manifest our passions and to grow beyond the limiting beliefs at the heart of many of our shared cultural systems.
Sandra Ingerman Sandra Ingerman, MA, is a licensed therapist and the author of numerous books including How to Heal Toxic Thoughts, Soul Retrieval, and Medicine for the Earth: How to Transform Personal and Environmental Toxins. She is also the author of several lecture programs produced by Sounds True. Sandra lives in New Mexico and can be found online at www.sandraingerman.com.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM Pacific
Awakenings with Michele Meiche
Smear Campaigns with Author Kanta Bosniak
Kanta Bosniak is an author, artist, and interfaith minister with over 45 years’ experience as an educator in Spiritual Growth and Guided Meditation. She is the author/illustrator of numerous books. Collectors of her art include a Nobel Prize Winner, a popular television actress, several authors, a U.S. National champion athlete and people of all walks of life. She was twice Artist-in-Residence at Omega Institute. Her art has appeared in numerous magazines, including Sagewoman, Magical Blend, Tidewater Women, and the international journal of visionary, outsider, and contemporary folk art, RAW VISION. http://KantaBosniak.com
Wed, October 3, 2018 at 12:00 pm Pacific
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/awakenings
Each Zodiac Sign’s Secret Ambition
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7693
|
__label__wiki
| 0.617928
| 0.617928
|
FIS and CITB to attract 1,500 new entrants with new £2.1m project
A new £2.1m partnership has been agreed between the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
The Fit-out Futures programme will address key challenges faced in the finishes and interior sector, including skills shortages, lack of new entrants and difficulty in accessing quality training.
The programme has received £1.5 million in funding from CITB. The flagship project is designed to bring in 1,500 new entrants into the sector by 2020.
The Fit-out Futures programme will consist of:
BuildBack: BuildBack has a target to get 980 unemployed people trained in drylining and into employment by 2020. BuildBack provides an opportunity for unemployed people to be retrained on a SUP (Specialist Upskilling Programme) for drylining at a local college over a two-week period, followed by two weeks of on-site work experience with an employer.
Further Education to Employment: This programme will focus on engaging with students to be the next generation of construction employees. The aim is to attract 352 candidates to undertake four weeks of work experience with an employer over a two-year period.
Sector Engagement: The third strand focuses on getting a fully carded workforce by 2020 by liaising with industry and students. The target is for 31,000 candidates to have been registered for any CSCS card that is relevant to the fit-out sector.
Andrew Smith, president at FIS, said: “Two years ago the FIS Board recognised the crisis in attracting skilled operatives to the fit-out sector and made ‘Skills Development’ one of the three key strategic objectives of the organisation. Our commitment included funding a new team for a limited period to demonstrate to CITB the capability of FIS to deliver the needs of the sector.
“This investment has paid off and FIS has now received funding to the value of £2.1m over the next three years to enable the delivery of large numbers of skilled tradespeople to our sector. Our Skills Delivery director, Helen Yeulet, ably supported by our CEO David Frise, can rightly be very proud of their achievements to date.
“FIS looks forward to the delivery of the project and to further expansion of the scope of activity in this area to support our industry.”
Mark Noonan, industry relations director for CITB, said: “As part of our reform programme we are committed to focusing on areas where industry needs us most, particularly through targeted funding.
“Fit-out Futures is a great example of these principles in action. Working in partnership with FIS we are pleased to be supporting this project to ensure industry is equipped with the skills and training it needs. This is an exciting programme of work and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of this landmark project.”
Steve Coley, chairman of the FIS Skills board, said: “The FIS team has made a formidable coalition with the CITB to bring a new and exciting phase in training and up skilling. We look forward to delivering what we at FIS believe will be the start of a new beginning in how training is managed and provided.”
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7697
|
__label__wiki
| 0.519326
| 0.519326
|
KEEP IN MIND THAT JUST AS HAPPENED WITH PRIVATE SECTOR PENSIONS, BENEFITS, AND WORKPLACE RIGHTS WE ARE NOW SEEING PUBLIC SECTOR PROTECTIONS AND PERSONAL ASSETS DISMANTLED. THIS IS NOT ONLY BY REPUBLICANS....IT IS BEING DONE WITH FORCE BY NEO-LIBERALS.
WHEN WE LOSE QUALITY IN SERVICES AND WORKER MORALE DROPS.....WE WILL SEE FIRST WORLD QUALITY OF LIFE DEVOLVE TO THIRD WORLD....THAT IS WHAT NEO-LIBERALS HAVE GIVEN AMERICAN PEOPLE!
Regarding deaths in Baltimore that should and could have been prevented:
Baltimore just had another citizen beaten and kicked to death by police after this person, no doubt trying to escape from a chase got out of the car and was soaked with pepper spray by a group of 4-5 police officers. Pepper spray burns the skin so the natural reaction is to run. Once these police officers get the citizen to run they then justify beating them with batons to get the person to the ground where they then kick them to death. This happened just a few months ago to a citizen named Anderson and it is an operational policy meant to intimidate and scare people from an area. Chief Batts comes from southern California where his department was famous for brutality like this and for the internal police cover up and code of silence about these abuses. We saw just a few weeks ago a police spokesman tell us that the police department would be acting Constitutionally and since then we have watched as citizens have been abused and police chases end in crashes that endanger innocent citizens....all illegal. JUST AS WITH DRONES OVERSEAS, THIS IS CALLED COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN GETTING RID OF PEOPLE WHO THREATEN PEOPLE IN POWER.
At the same time Baltimore City Hall has cut the Fire Department budget so much as to downsize and close fire houses and staffing creating an environment of inability to serve and protect. Wages and benefits gutted and work increased giving low morale. Baltimore has now had 13 fire deaths when for decades it went with nearly no deaths because we had a stellar fire department. These cuts happen because Baltimore and Maryland have allowed billions of dollars each year be stolen in corporate fraud and have allowed for massive amounts of corporate tax breaks that have emptied government coffers.
Defunding of poor communities and taking public assets and programs to help the poor along with a policy of not hiring local residents leaves people unable to support themselves and forces them to crime and violence.....and it always hits the middle-class. They are not robbing JP Morgan or Exelon executives, they are forced to come into middle-class communities for crime of theft.
THE POLITICIANS WHO YOU VOTE INTO OFFICE EACH YEAR ARE LITERALLY KILLING US.
This is the problem. The solution is getting rid of corporate neo-liberal politicians who have captured the democratic party. Do not vote republican because they will do the same thing....all of these policies are republican. If your labor and justice organizations are not working to run candidates against these neo-liberals at all levels of government....they are not working for you and me. The Governor/City Executive appoints the people who then work for either the people or corporations and controls funding so these are key positions for labor and justice to run strong candidates, but the entire City Hall and Maryland Assembly must go as do the Federal pols for life we have in Maryland. DO NOT VOTE REPUBLICAN! VOTE TO REBUILD THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE!!!
I want to look at the people who serve our communities and how injustice for one becomes injustice for all. Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Gov O'Malley are moving to make the fire and police privately contracted and are setting the stage for this transfer. They are union-busting and pension/wage busting just as republicans are. How does this effect the communities? Lack of resources always lead to poor quality and workers frustrated by an inability to do their best. WE KNOW THE POLICE DEPARTMENT NOW HAS AN AGGRESSIVE STANCE TOWARDS THE PUBLIC.....THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS NOW BEING PUSHED IN THAT DIRECTION.
Below you see that until last year Baltimore was gaining on fire deaths and had good relations with the communities. In 2013 we see fire deaths already reaching last year's numbers and we are only half through the year. Also, we are seeing more fires being set in protest and violence then ever before. People are angry and these incidences will increase. THIS IS WHAT A THIRD WORLD SOCIETY LOOKS LIKE......
WE WANT TO RETURN TO WHAT FIRST WORLD DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!
Baltimore Fire Deaths have reached record lows
5:29 PM, Jan 15, 2012 Associated Press
BALTIMORE (AP) - Baltimore fire officials say fire deaths in the city have dropped to the lowest level since record-keeping began in 1938. However, the city still ranks among the highest nationwide on a per capita basis.
The city recorded 17 fire deaths last year, down from the record high of 88 deaths set in 1984. Washington, meanwhile, lost six lives to fire last year, down from 11 the year before and 19 in 2009.
Baltimore recorded 2.69 deaths per 100,000 residents last year, compared to 2.13 for Philadelphia. Boston, New York and Los Angeles were all under 1 death per 100,000. Detroit had the highest rate at 5.1 per 100,000.
Fire Chief James S. Clack told The Baltimore Sun he was pleased, but the 17 deaths are still a tragedy. (http://bsun.md/A88GcN)
Remember, police and firefighters do not pay into Social Security and are particularly vulnerable to losses of pensions and benefits. These people have the most dangerous and high-risk of injury jobs and they were supposed to be compensated by these pensions/health benefits. We know these cuts being made by neo-liberals are only happening because tens of trillions of dollars have been stolen from and corporate tax breaks have emptied government coffers.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES MUST STOP BACKING NEO-LIBERALS IN MARYLAND AND NATIONALLY AND RUN AND VOTE FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE IN ALL COMING ELECTIONS!
City leaves disabled firefighters, police with nothing
November 03, 2011 Baltimore Sun
All the politicians in this city get wonderful pensions, but the people who risk their lives and health to protect their fellow citizens get nothing.
I have been retired from the Baltimore City Fire Department for 14 years. I have a medical disability pension because of being hurt on the job. Because of the condition of my knees, I have been unable to work a full-time job.
In the 14 years I have been pensioned, my health insurance contribution has gone from $450 a year to $7,300 a year. Because of only receiving two raises during those 14 years ( 4.25 percent and 1.5 percent) this has been a terrible financial burden on my family.
I have depleted my entire life savings to put my oldest son through high school and college. I still have a younger son who was two when I retired and who will be going to college in two years.
You would think the mayor or Baltimore City would set up some kind of scholarship fund to help pay the cost of college for children of police and fireman who are on disability pensions, or at least give us a break on our health insurance premiums.
Firefighters and policemen put their life on the line, every day they go to work. I spent 25 years in one of the busiest firehouses in Baltimore City, and this is the thanks I get for my dedication. I'm sure there are a lot of other retired fireman and policemen who are in the same financial dilemma that I am in.
Did I mention how much money the city stole from the firefighters and police retirement fund? If not for that, the fund would be in great financial shape.
If it's any wonder why Baltimore is one of the worst cities to live in, look no further than the people who run it.
Michael Schuchman
The kinds of cuts being made by City Hall in the name of budget deficits is horrendous. It tears at public confidence and in employee moral. This is not first world value....OUR POLITICIANS OPENLY LIE AND THE MEDIA NEVER CALLS THEM TO TASK.
Fire Death Hypocrisy
Jan 7, 2013 Baltimore Fire Union
At a press conference on January 2, Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Fire Chief James Clack praised Baltimore firefighters and emergency personnel for helping to reduce city fire deaths last year to an all-time low. They pledged, “We will continue to strive for a safer city when it comes to fire deaths....”
Yet on the very same day, Assistant Fire Chief Jeffery Segal ordered Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment used by firefighter paramedics to be removed from city fire trucks!
The next day, after word of Segal’s order had spread among firefighters – and at least one local newspaper inquired about it – his order was reversed.
So much for the mayor and her fire chief continuing “to strive for a safer city!” In a city that has one of the highest fire death rates of any – three times the national average – it took some firefighters to raise a stink to get the order reversed.
Regarding Detroit's trip to bankruptcy court:
As my last post pointed to, most of the Federal, state, and local debt is due to corporate fraud and so a city like Detroit, very similar to Baltimore, probably has the same level of crime and corruption as Baltimore. I have shouted often as to the deliberate malfeasance with public pensions, whether it was in 2007 when they were thrown into a crashing stock market out of the safety of then bond markets with the pols knowing the pensions would lose much of their value.....or whether it is today as these same pols load the state and local government with municipal bond debt knowing that the bond market it going to crash....again losing the public and public pensions huge amounts of money. So, Detroit no doubt has a harder road back to solvency, but recovering the money deliberately stolen from the taxpayers....subprime mortgage fraud no doubt was rampant as in Baltimore for instance as was Entitlement fraud of the poor and seniors. All of this fraud recovery will make these urban areas healthy and able to recover and protect the citizens from promised and earned retirements and benefits. So, whether it is a republican like Snyder or a neo-liberal like Rawlings-Blake, both working to protect the wealth and profits over the people, one positive is happening across America.....the unions are growing and gaining strength as people see they have no one seeking public justice for them any more.
We see this as well in the Marketplace Money report that has a business hiring an unemployed person who they make sound glad to get to work even as she works 12 hour days for almost nothing per hour. That company is so glad to have her slave labor that they will bring social services into the workplace to see she keeps coming. Now, if that business paid taxes and did not defraud the government, the government would be able to prepare that person for the workplace with strong schools, advanced education, child care and community support. But no, businesses do not want to do that...they want to exploit the workers and only invest in that person working for them. In walk unions to tell these workers that it is unionization that gave the 8 hour work day and 40 hour work week with pay that allowed people to support a family. This allows two people to get a job instead of the one displaced by large overtime hours. So again corporate public media is promoting the kind of programming that works against public interest and not for public interest.
We are seeing unions fighting with people against foreclosures, against civil rights violations, against unfair development......WE SEE UNIONS BECOMING THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITIES!
Governor Snyder Steals Pensions Out from Under Pensioners
posted by Ed Staff | Thursday, July 18, 2013 Filed Under: labor union detroit bankruptcy penions
High drama played out in Detroit-area courtrooms today -- drama which culminated in attorney;s for Governor Rick Snyder stealing the pensions right out from under current and former city workers for Detroit.
The drama played out as an attorney for the city's pensioners prepared to file a temporary injunction to prevent the city from filing for Chapter 9 bankruptcy, a move which would have preserved pension benefits for city workers. But, as the Detroit Free Press reports, attorneys for the city requested a five minute delay. Ronald King, attorney for the retirement system, agreed to the delay, and during the five minute respite, city attorneys filed for bankruptcy protection in another court, thereby thwarting the attempt to preserve pension benefits.
Ingham County Judge Rosemarie Aquilina later told King "It was my intention to grant your request," referring to the injunction which would have stopped the bankruptcy filing.
Please make clear that we had a supermajority of democrats and all 3 branches of government and could not get universal health care because the party's leadership and majority are neo-liberals not labor and justice. If unions and the democratic base do not vote neo-liberals out by running and voting for labor and justice candidates.....we will not turn this around!
Unions are now working for Universal care because they know neo-liberals are planning to take all health benefits from people! Think Entitlements will survive in neo-liberal private health systems? They will be thrown into these private systems just as Rawlings-Blake is doing with public sector pensions making them 401Ks
New York City Labor Council Endorses HR 676 July 22, 2013 by Healthcare-NOW!
Filed under Single-Payer News
By Kay Tillow, UnionsForSinglePayer.org –
The Executive Board of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, unanimously approved a resolution supporting HR 676, national single payer health care legislation, sponsored by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI).
NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez calls this resolution “Labor’s way of standing up for the health and well-being of working men and women and their families,” noting “The national legislation is a true means of controlling ever-increasing healthcare costs, while ensuring that Americans get the medical care they so desperately need.”
In the resolution, the Council notes that almost every union is forced to battle and sacrifice to sustain healthcare benefits for members. The Council also notes that while the United States spends twice as much of our GDP on healthcare as other developed nations, we remain the only industrialized country without universal healthcare coverage.
Robert Score, Recording-Corresponding Secretary of IATSE (Theatrical & Stage Employees) Local One, said “As we all know, nobody in the United States should have to choose between healthcare and keeping a roof over their heads, food on their table or clothing on their children. HR 676 will prevent such calamities. I am thankful to President Alvarez for guiding the NYC CLC to endorse HR 676.” IATSE Local One submitted the resolution that was passed.
The NYC CLC, the 146th CLC to endorse HR 676, represents 300 local unions with a total membership of 1.3 million.
In other news also, on July 19th Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez of California’s 46th district became the 44th co-sponsor of HR 676.
We are seeing the US and UK following similar paths and the UK is always the harbinger of what is next in the US......
Keep in mind that Labor was taken by Blair....a neo-liberal just as the democratic party was taken by Clinton....a neo-liberal. So, as with the democratic party in the US, the UK's Labor Party is still trying to shake the bugs out of the rug!
A Defining Moment For Trade Unionism
By Professor Keith Ewing, Vice President of the Campaign For Trade Union Freedom
Trade union leaders are now under great pressure. They and they alone have the opportunity to stop Miliband’s breath-taking changes from happening, and the opportunity to defend the principle of collective affiliation.
It is true that Miliband’s proposals will not need legislation in order to be implemented. But they will require a change to the Labour Party’s rules, UNLESS every union agrees voluntarily to accept any new arrangements about to be proposed by Lord Collins of Highbury.
Without an agreement, each union will be free to continue to affiliate to the Party on its own terms, as at present. But because not every union leader will be able or will want to deliver an agreement of this kind, rule change at some stage is inevitable.
So far as the unions themselves are concerned, Miliband’s proposals as a minimum will require every union to adopt the UNISON model – an Affiliated Political Fund (APF) and a General Political Fund (GPF) – a model born of an amalgamation of two political cultures in one organization.
Good news for UNISON, who will come through this trauma largely unscathed. But not such good news for all the other unions, who will be required to change their rules if they are to retain the right to affiliate to the Labour Party.
No doubt Lord Collins will be able to help here, by drafting model rules which may have to be adopted by all affiliates, these likely to require all affiliated unions to establish two political funds, one for those members who choose to affiliate to Labour, and one for those who do not.
These rules will then have to be approved by the regular rules revision procedures of each of the affiliated trade unions individually. It is presumably being taken for granted that trade unionists can be taken for granted to go along with this, and nod it through.
With two funds, trade unions will be able to use (i) the affiliated fund to pay affiliation fees to the Labour Party and (ii) the general political fund to pay for various campaigns, which include campaigns in support of Labour or Labour candidates at elections (as at present).
The latter funds (the general political funds) are likely to become very significant, if the UNISON Model is any guide, as many members will choose to support their union’s political activities without supporting the Labour party.
The problem, however, is that these anticipated general political funds are about to become redundant. On 4 June 2013, Cameron announced proposals for new controls on trade union spending in elections, proposals which not enough people are taking seriously enough.
If these plans are implemented (and why would they not be?) any election expenditure by a trade union affiliated to the Labour party (including presumably from a union’s general political fund) will count as Labour Party expenditure.
Being treated as Labour Party expenditure, it will count towards the Party’s spending limit for the purposes of election law. According to the BBC, the same will apply in relation to union expenditure in support of candidates at constituency level.
For anyone harbouring the delusion that the Miliband proposals will release money for election campaigning, forget it. If Cameron’s plans are implemented, trade unions will only be able to spend money at election time with the consent of the Party or its candidates.
There is no reason why the Party would authorise trade unions to speak on its behalf in this way. And if the party’s fortunes revive with the anticipated influx of private donations as a result of the Miliband reforms, it would not be able legally to do so.
This is a defining moment for the political voice of trade unionism, which it is the misfortune of the current generation of general secretaries to have to defend. Having been marginalised industrially, trade unions are in the process of being marginalized politically.
As matters stand, this will be seen as a great victory for Progress, with trade unions being trussed up like Christmas turkeys.
While all unions will not be equally affected by the changes required, all unions will be diminished if the collective trade union voice grows ever more faint.
Regarding NPR's attempt at pushing aristocracy:
If you read international journalism you will see confusion by people in the UK for all of US media attention to the Royal birth. No one here cares says most people in the UK.....it is just US media hype. So why does NPR seem intent to make Royal watching public interest? BECAUSE THEY ARE STATE MEDIA WORKING FOR A PLUTOCRACY THINKING ITSELF ELITE!
Here is what is really happening in Europe.....
The scale and breadth of recent protests is unprecedented: people, in many cases suppressed for many years, are awakening demanding participation and social justice. The young lead the charge, seeing clearly the need for a new way of living, one that observes human rights and allows, indeed encourages freedom of expression and new inclusive political systems free from the ideological constraints of the past
‘The people have awakened’
This article does a good job at showing there is revolutionary movements in Europe and the UK just as there are here in America. We will see an uprising soon against a criminal and corrupt system and a move back to democracy and first world quality of life as soon as we shake the bugs from the rug!
WorldWide Social Activism
Demanding change
Change is afoot. Confronted with state corruption and corporate greed, abuse of human rights, environmental chaos and extreme levels of economic and social injustice, the people, overwhelmingly the young are taking to the streets demanding change, and a new political/economic system, that is inclusive and just.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7698
|
__label__wiki
| 0.821949
| 0.821949
|
15 compositions which their composers – perhaps – want to forget
The sorry tales of pieces that, for one reason or another, would go on to haunt their own composers
If you want an easy life, free of creative tension, neurosis and anxiety, don’t become a composer. You spend half the time waiting for the phone to ring, then when a commission finally arrives, reality kicks in: ‘Will my inspiration dry up?’; ‘Will they like what I produce?’; ‘Will I like it?’. And that is the $64,000 question. Once a new piece is ‘out there’, anything can – and often does – have play a part in the curious love-hate relationship that exists between composers and their own work.
There are many reasons for a composer wishing he or she hadn’t written a piece. In some cases they decide they simply don’t like it, but there are also sad examples of over-popularity, political hi-jacking and even fatal performances. It’s all here…
1 Rachmaninov Symphony No. 1
Powered along by an ominous ‘fate’ motive and searing emotional thrust, Rachmaninov’s First Symphony seemed to have everything going for it. But there was a problem: the St Petersburg school of composers did not care for it. Glazunov, as conductor, turned up for the 1897 premiere inebriated, Rimsky-Korsakov found it ‘disagreeable’ and Cui ranted in a review that it was fit only for ‘entertaining the creatures of Hell’. His confidence shot to pieces, Rachmaninov’s creativity was completely stifled until, three years later, a course of hypnosis helped get him back on the rails. The symphony was not performed again during his lifetime.
Seven of the best works by Rachmaninov
2 Wagner Rienzi
In contrast, Wagner’s impregnable self-belief was such that he felt he could virtually do no wrong. Yet in the case of his early opera Rienzi, whose continued popularity during his lifetime was a constant thorn in his side, he made a notable exception. Little more than a decade after its premiere, he dismissed it as ‘repugnant’, seeing it as an uninspired procession of ‘hymns, processions and a musical clash of arms’. It gained notoriety in later years as the work that reportedly inspired Adolf Hitler’s rise to power.
3 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
Tchaikovsky expressed reservations about certain of his works anyway, but also tended to operate a strange form of reverse psychology whereby whatever piece he was working on felt at the time like his ‘worst’. This cycle of creative angst was at its most all-consuming with his ever-popular Fifth Symphony. As he composed it, Tchaikovsky became convinced his creativity had dried up and he was simply rehashing old ideas. Incredibly, after the first two performances, he considered it a complete ‘failure’ and interpreted the audiences’ enthusiastic applause as ‘charitable kindness’.
4 Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1
Bruch devoted all his creative powers to his First Violin Concerto… and then some. ‘Between 1864 and 1868 I rewrote my concerto at least half-a-dozen times,’ he despaired, having enlisted the help of two great virtuosos, Joseph Joachim and Ferdinand David, along the way. The result was an impregnable masterpiece that became a runaway international success. What Bruch hadn’t allowed for was that he would spend the rest of his life trying to rekindle its indelible passion and never quite get there – sometimes a work can be simply too successful. His greatest source of regret, however, was accepting a one-off payment for the score, thereby missing out on a fortune in royalties.
15 penniless composers
5 Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Nowhere is Liszt’s Hungarian heritage celebrated with such insatiable chutzpah as in his 19 solo piano rhapsodies. Yet it was the second of them, with its gypsy-band frolics and cimbalom-style pizzazz, that really took the world by storm. Liszt eventually had quite enough of it, and it became (along with Chopin’s B flat minor Scherzo) one of two pieces his pupils were forbidden to play him on pain of death.
5 essential works by Liszt
Which is your favourite piece by Franz Liszt?
6 Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte
Few of Ravel’s works rival his 1899 Pavane in terms of melodic and harmonic succulence. Yet despite winning almost universal approval, Ravel felt it all too obviously betrayed the influence of his fellow composer Chabrier and was also structurally ‘rather poor’. To cap it all, he had to endure innumerable sluggish renditions of it – on one occasion he reminded a player that it was the princess who had passed away, not the pavane.
7 Beethoven Leonore/Fidelio
Beethoven was understandably foul-mouthed about his own Wellingtons Sieg, with its firing muskets and artillery effects. Yet the work that caused him the most grief – or, as he put it, ‘won me the martyr’s crown’ – was his sole opera, Leonore/Fidelio. Despite a title change, four overtures, several major structural alterations and innumerable revisions (including 18 versions of one particular aria), he was still not entirely happy with it. Perhaps opera was simply not his metier.
The best recordings of Beethoven’s Fidelio
Find out more about Beethoven’s life and works here
8 Orff Everything before Carmina Burana
Until the mid-1930s, Carl Orff’s musical style was a vast melting pot of influences, ranging from Debussy to Schoenberg. And then came his musical epiphany – a collection of medieval songs and poems that would gain immortality under the title Carmina Burana. Suddenly, everything else seemed worthless. Reinventing himself completely as a composer, Orff instructed his publisher to ‘destroy everything that I have written so far and which you’ve unfortunately published… My collected works now begin with Carmina Burana.’
9 Sibelius Symphony No. 8
The complex relationship between a composer and his music is demonstrated most poignantly in the case of Sibelius’s planned Eighth Symphony. Work began in 1926, yet over time his feelings of severe dislocation from post-war musical trends and an overwhelming sense of responsibility to satisfy expectations with a groundbreaking masterpiece combined to stifle progress. It seems at least the first movement was completed, but by 1945 he had lost all confidence in it and, in a fit of self-doubt, consigned the work to the fire.
Top 5 Sibelius works
10 Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
Of Elgar’s five Pomp and Circumstance Marches, the first has become the most popular, especially when sung to the words ‘Land and Hope of Glory’ at the Last Night of the Proms. He himself initially felt extremely positive about it – composing it in 1901 had helped him out of a low mood swing, and its subsequent popularity made it a ‘nice little earner’. Yet in later life he felt uncomfortable about both its imperial swagger and the way it had come virtually to define him as a composer.
Find out more about Elgar’s life and music here
11 Shostakovich Symphony No. 9
With Shostakovich, one is often left to read between the lines. There can be little doubt that he execrated those pieces written specifically to glorify Stalinist Russia – perhaps most notoriously his cantata The Song of the Forests. But when things went seriously wrong, as in the case of his determinedly non-flag-waving Ninth Symphony (1945), the State moved in and he was forced to reel out a grovelling apology. ‘I know the Party is right,’ he bleated with withering irony. ‘I shall try again and again to create symphonic works closer to the spirit of the people.’
The politics of Dmitri Shostakovich
Five of the best Shostakovich conductors
11 important Shostakovich quotes
12 Vaughan Williams Symphony No. 6
‘Hell is other people,’ wrote Sartre in 1944. When it came to his Sixth Symphony, Vaughan Williams would surely have agreed. Though he never turned against the 1947 work itself, the attempts of others to find hidden meanings within it drove him to distraction. Was he commenting on the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Was it a premonition of the apocalypse? ‘It never seems to occur to people that a man might just want to write a piece of music,’ the composer sighed wearily.
Find out more about Vaughan Williams’ life and works here
13 Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals
Most composers would give their eye-teeth to compose a work as strikingly memorable and deftly ingenious as Carnival of the Animals (1886). Yet the great Frenchman Saint-Saëns was so concerned it might deflect attention away from his more serious work that, with the sole exception of ‘The Swan’, he forbade its publication, keeping the score hidden away until after his death some 35 years later.
The best recordings of Saint-Saëns’s Carnival of the Animals
What are the best pieces by Saint-Saëns?
14 Lully Te Deum
Jean-Baptiste Lully served King Louis XIV, the ‘Sun King’, for over 30 years. He appeared almost invincible until, early in 1687, he organised a special performance of his Te Deum in celebration of the King’s recent recovery from surgery. All was going well, until Lully stabbed himself in the foot with the pointed staff he helped keep time with. Doctors advised him to have his leg amputated, but unable to face the prospect of never dancing again, he refused. Gangrene set in and he died, with the tale of his celebratory Te Deum having taken the darkest of ironic turns.
Four composers at the court of Louis XIV
15 Albinoni Adagio for organ and strings
Albinoni was one of the finest Venetian composers of the Baroque era – second only to Vivaldi, in fact. Yet by the 1940s he was a long-forgotten figure, awaiting rediscovery. Enter Italian musicologist Remo Giazotto, who claimed to have discovered an incomplete Albinoni manuscript fragment (which has never come to light), from which he ‘realised’ an anachronistically sensuous Adagio. It became a major hit, and Albinoni’s posthumous reputation became dominated by a piece that he did not even compose. One can just imagine him turning in his grave.
Top illustration by David Lyttleton
Like this? Then try…
10 piano concertos you might not know
Ten pieces of music that were once thought impossible to play
The 15 weirdest works of classical music
15 composers who travelled the world
15 composers and their dogs
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7699
|
__label__cc
| 0.618413
| 0.381587
|
Howard Goodall plays your favourite animated film music
On Saturday 5 July, Howard Goodall played favourite animated film soundtracks, chosen by listeners.
LISTEN AGAIN to this show >
Music and animation have been happy bedfellows since the earliest days of cinema. Walt Disney and his contemporaries were among the first to explore the possibilities of sound for films, recognising the importance of music to creating magic in the movies.
From Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to Frozen, via Fantasia and The Jungle Book, Disney scores rate among the most popular film music of all time. But what about the stirring soundtracks to some of Dreamworks or Pixar's animated blockbusters - Kung Fu Panda, Up! Finding Nemo, Shrek? Or the superbly crafted animated masterpieces that have come from other parts of the world - Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Persepolis, Waltz with Bashir?
On Saturday Night at the Movies, Saturday 5 July, Howard Goodall played some of the finest animated movie scores as suggested by you.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7700
|
__label__wiki
| 0.535823
| 0.535823
|
Harbour BioMed gets FDA approval for Phase II NPC trial
28th February 2020 (Last Updated February 28th, 2020 12:02)
Harbour BioMed has received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to conduct a Phase II clinical trial of HBM9167 to treat nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC).
FDG-PET/CT scan of a patient with nasopharyngeal cancer. Transverse slice demonstrating FDG-positive primary site. Credit: Gulec SA et al.
Harbour BioMed has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to conduct a Phase II clinical trial of HBM9167 to treat nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC).
HBM9167 is a humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody designed to target programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The drug candidate prevents the interactions of PD-L1 with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1).
The mechanism restores the cytotoxic immune function of T-cells and boosts anti-tumour immunity.
Monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 are said to possess the capacity to block their binding and maintain effector T-cells’ ability to prevent cancer cells from avoiding immune surveillance.
Harbour BioMed obtained the right to develop and commercialise HBM9167 from Kelun-Biotech.
In a separate development, the FDA awarded orphan drug designation (ODD) for the use of the drug candidate to treat NPC.
Harbour BioMed founder, chairman and CEO Jingsong Wang said: “Nasopharyngeal cancer is a tumour type for which patients remain in need of effective treatment options.
“The orphan drug designation for HBM9167 will provide an accelerated development path for HBM9167. In addition, we were also able to work with the FDA to enable a direct entry into a Phase II clinical study in patients with metastatic or recurrent disease.”
Kelun-Biotech assessed the drug candidate in more than 300 patients in clinical trials across China.
These trials include Phase I and ongoing Phase II trials in various cancer types, including NPC and classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Preliminary data from the studies demonstrated a tolerable safety profile.
Noble Life Sciences
Preclinical Development Services for the Pharmaceutical Industry
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7702
|
__label__cc
| 0.666278
| 0.333722
|
CCU HomeAbout CCUHistory & TraditionsHonorary DegreesRobert L. Rabon
Leaders: 1954 to present
Robert L. Rabon
A lifelong resident of Horry County, Robert L. Rabon served on the Coastal Carolina University Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2009. In this role he also served on the transition team for a new president, the Advancement and Alumni Affairs Committee and as chairman of the Finance, Planning and Facilities Committee. He served as the campaign chair for the Penny Sales Tax for Horry Georgetown Technical College, Coastal Carolina University and Horry County Schools and was instrumental in the passage of the tax that has generated more than $89 million for CCU construction projects since 2009. He has been acknowledged as a member of the Chanticleer Society for his lifetime giving to the the University.
He served on the Horry County Higher Education Commission from 1986-1998 and was chariman in 1990-1991. He established Rabon’s Housing Center in 1979, the same year he began serving on the Horry County Council. Rabon has dedicated many years of his life to the Horry County Republican Party, serving as county chairman of the party from 2005 to 2011 and again from 2013 to 2017. As chairman, he helped organize the county’s first presidential debate in 2008, an event that brought notable recognition to the area. He has owned Associated Realty since 2006. In 2017 he was recognized by the S.C. House of Representatives for his service to the Republican Party and to Horry County.
He attended Coastal Carolina University in in the 1970s when Coastal was a two-year institution affiliated with the University of South Carolina. He is a graduate of Aynor High School.
Rabon has four children – Seth Rabon, Amanda Mincey, Sherrie Brown and Robin Niederwerfer – and nine grandchildren. Seth Rabon currently serves on the Horry County Higher Education Commission.
Rabon was awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Public Service from Coastal Carolina University during the May 2019 commencement ceremony.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7705
|
__label__wiki
| 0.656685
| 0.656685
|
Liam Fox’s Speech to the IEA on Honest Money
Dr Fox gave his speech on honest money to the IEA last week. The video can also be viewed here: http://www.iea.org.uk/multimedia/video/rt-hon-liam-fox-on-honest-money It is…
Only an investment bank could be this obtuse
“Government powerless to intervene in non-banking industry THE GOVERNMENT HAS confirmed there is absolutely nothing it can do to save the non-London-based steel industry. As thousands…
Interview with Andreas Antonopoulos on the Future of Bitcoin and Digital Currencies
Andreas M. Antonopoulos is a technologist and serial entrepreneur who has become one of the most well-known and well-respected figures in bitcoin. He is…
‘Radical Toryism: the Libertarian Alternative’ (1975)
By Philip Vander Elst
This paper of mine was first published 40 years ago when, as a young Oxford graduate, I was a founder member and editorial director…
Free Trade, Richard Cobden
Jeffrey Snider: Kuroda’s Rebuke Came Awfully Swift
There must be a universal speech template included in the monetary textbook that is shared among the various central banks. On September 28, 2015,…
Red Yawn
“The film that almost caused the collapse of a film studio and nearly led to World War III should really be a lot better.”…
The Civilisation of Capitalism
This piece was written for The Cobden Centre by Vishal Wilde. Vishal Wilde is a finalist studying for a BSc (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics…
Moneyweek: Hands off our cash petition
By The Cobden Centre
Andy Haldane recently floated the idea of abolishing cash so that radical monetary policy like negative interest rates can be implemented. You can sign…
Should central banks fight a decline in price inflation?
The yearly growth rate of the US consumer price index (CPI) fell to 0% in September from 0.2% in August and 1.7% in September…
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7707
|
__label__wiki
| 0.787907
| 0.787907
|
Leaving Truth Outside at Bradley Manning's Trial
By Medea Benjamin and Ann Wright
"The notion that a radical is one who hates his country is naive and usually idiotic. He is, more likely, one who loves his country more than the rest of us, and is thus more disturbed than the rest of us when he sees it debauched. He is not a bad citizen turning to crime; he is a good citizen driven to despair." –H.L. Mencken
It was an early morning, getting out to Ft. Meade, Maryland by 7am to join the group of hearty activists standing out in the rain, greeting the journalists coming into the Bradley Manning hearing with chants of “Whistleblowing is not a crime, Free Bradley Manning.” The activists, many with groups like The Bradley Manning Support Committee, Veterans for Peace, CODEPINK and Iraq Vets Against the War, had come from all over the country to show support for Manning during the upcoming weeks of the trial.
After a stint at the bullhorn, we got into the car to drive onto the base and get on line to try to get into the courtroom or the overflow room. With Ann Wright’s retired military ID, we got to bypass the long line of cars snaking around the checkpoint and breeze right in. About a dozen people were already on line, in the rain. Some were well-known characters, like professor Cornel West, author Chris Hedges, lawyer Michael Ratner and ACLU lawyer Ben Wisner; others were individuals who had come from as far away as Ireland and Mexico to support Manning.
It’s great that court martial trials are open to the public. But it’s absurd that this epic trial is being held in a tiny courtroom that only fits a total of 50 people. “It’s a trial of the century being conducted in a shoebox,” complained attorney Michael Ratner. Only 16 spaces were allocated to the public; the rest had to go to an overflow theatre that seated about 100, or a trailer next to the courtroom with room for 35. The press had a separate room where they could bring their computers and phones, although they were not allowed to transmit anything during the trial—just during the breaks.
Going through security for the courtroom, we were not allowed to bring any electronics. And there was a bit of a dust-up around t-shirts: some people with slogans on their shirts were made to turn them inside out, while others escaped the censors. It seems that “LOVE”, “Peace” and “Stay Human” could sneak by, but “TRUTH” and “Free Bradley” didn’t make it.
Once inside, we immediately saw the back of Bradley Manning’s shaved head, and his wire-rimmed glasses jutting out from the side. “He looks just like my grandson,” said CODEPINK Barbara Briggs from Sebastapol, California. “How tragic that this 25-year-old is facing life in prison.”
It was also sad to see that almost none of Manning’s family was there—only an aunt and cousin.
Manning had requested a court-martial by judge rather than by a jury of his peers.The judge, Colonel Denise Lind, said last month she would close parts of the trial to the public to protect classified material.
The Prosecution presented its opening statement using an extensive power point that detailed the charges and specifications, and a brief synopsis that the testimony each witness will give. The Prosecution said that FPC Manning had purposefully aided and abetted the enemy through the Wikileaks documents that Manning downloaded. He concluded by saying that Osama bin Laden requested and received a copy of internal U.S. military logs of the war in Afghanistan from another member of al-Qaeda.
The Defense’s opening statement responded that Manning is young and naïve but with good intentions. Manning’s attorney David Coombs said Manning thought that the public should know what goes on in war and how one’s government operates. He was troubled by the response of the government to requests for information from the Reuters news agency concerning the deaths of their journalists from an Apache helicopter attack (the video now known as Collateral Murder), as well as the 2009 Gharani air strike that killed 150 civilians. Coombs insisted that Manning made the documents available for the public, not for the enemy, and that the documents leaked were largely publicly available information with no critical intelligence sources.
At a pretrial hearing in February, Manning admitted to 10 offenses that could land him 20 years in prison. But the government insisted on upping the ante by accusing him of “aiding the enemy”—a charge that could result in life in prison. The court-martial may take 2 or 3 months to complete the presentation of evidence for the 12 counts to which Manning has not plead guilty. Numerous secret witnesses will be testifying for the prosecution.
While the "aiding the enemy" charge is going to be very difficult to prove, Michael Ratner, the president emeritus of the Center for Constitutional Rights, said the fact that the government is pursuing this charge "sends a message to every soldier and every journalist that they are literally taking their lives in their hands if they dare speak out against wrongdoing."
Manning's trial, which is slated to last three months, is the most stark example of the Obama administration’s relentless stance against whistleblowers. “This president has tried to prosecute six whistleblowers under the Espionage Act, twice as many as all previous presidencies combined,” said Cornell West. “President Obama is determined to stop the public from knowing about government wrongdoing.”
In pretrial proceedings, Manning said his motivation was to “spark a domestic debate over the role of the military and our foreign policy in general.” Certainly that debate is long overdue. So is the debate about right of the public to be informed about what our governments are doing in our name.
Medea Benjamin (medea@globalexchange.org), cofounder of Global Exchange and CODEPINK: Women for Peace, is the author of Drone Warfare: Killing by Remote Control. Her previous books include Don’t Be Afraid Gringo: A Honduran Woman Speaks from the Heart., and (with Jodie Evans) Stop the Next War Now (Inner Ocean Action Guide).
Ann Wright is a 29 year US Army/Army Reserves veteran who retired as a Colonel and a former US diplomat who resigned in March, 2003 in opposition to the war on Iraq. She served in Nicaragua, Grenada, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone, Micronesia and Mongolia. In December, 2001 she was on the small team that reopened the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is the co-author of the book "Dissent: Voices of Conscience." (www.voicesofconscience.com)
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7708
|
__label__cc
| 0.67749
| 0.32251
|
Mascot Match Up
As opposed to the world weary quote by actors and actresses, marketing companies enjoy nothing more than associating animals and children with Chips & Crisps companies. And let's face it, what would the world of Mascots be without animals?
Arguably one of the most famous animal mascots in the US, is the dog formerly known as Spot. The Target dog is now known as Bullseye, and the latest incarnation is a Bull Terrier called Nikki, who lives in California with her owner. Target's home brand of Crisps, Archer Farms, eschews the usage of Bullseye on its Chips packaging.
If that seems a little against the grain for a Potato Chips company. After all, it's a fairly easy consideration when designing product packaging. Target's marketing company must have their reasons (either that, or they are hopeless), but it is a marketing facility that the far smaller company that produces the Salty Dog range of Crisps does not overlook the possibilities of. Interestingly the same people have taken a similar approach with their Darling Spuds range of Crisps.
Mister Bee closed in 2011, but brilliantly for all Chips & Crisps fans the company was saved. Along with it, the classy and refined spokes-creature in its top hat and tails. Originally founded in 1951, the sophisticated age transferred well to its Mascot. Hopefully he will keep his top hat when a much needed re-design occurs.
Granny Goose is another established company that has enjoyed its highs and lows over the years, but always comes back fighting and kicking. It doesn't really matter what changes the spokes-creature undergoes, it will always be relevant when associated to such a strong brand name. The image on the right is a very good example of the market that can build up around collectables and artefacts.
This is a TV Commercial animation cel that we found at Deep Archives that was available for $150.
Perhaps the most famous flying spokes-creature of all Chips & Crisps companies is the wise old owl of Wise. The Wise owl has appeared on everything from fridge magnets to recipe books. It has been an omnipresent part of the Wise branding since 1922.
They must have paid a lot of money for their relatively recent logo change though, because it manages to capture the essence of the owl while modernising the brand. Great work.
Bluebird Foods also have a flying spokes-creature, or rather, a non-flying spokes-creature. As far as birds go, you don't get more cuddly than a penguin. And just the same as Wise, this New Zealand based company puts their Mascot to great use - their website is even built around the Mascots habitat!
An animal that works as an influential part of a brand's positioning, but as yet is to appear as a mascot is the Hunky Dory buffalo, which was inspired by a nearby herd to their factory in County Meath, Ireland. The brand positioning is clearly doing well enough with its cutting edge advertising campaigns.
Always Work With Animals & Children! >
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7709
|
__label__wiki
| 0.763573
| 0.763573
|
No profit in caring for customers?
Money, money, money . . . it's a rich man's world when profit is put before service by an insurance company.
I have criticised the Prudential before for scrapping home collection of premiums because of the costs involved.
And I do so again after learning how a customer of 49 years standing was messed around after switching to direct debit.
Sheila Wayman, 69, of Berwick, Northumberland, was confused when the agreed payments were not taken from her account.
She said: "I am very worried in case the policies are lapsed because of non-payment. Is this any way to treat someone who has been with the Prudential for a lifetime?" No, it's not, so I asked the Pru what had gone wrong.
They said home collections were stopped after the company which collected premiums on their behalf, Mosaic, ceased trading.
They told Sheila: "Home collections have always been an important part of Prudential's service throughout our history and we hoped to replace Mosaic.
"Unfortunately we have been unable to find a company which could provide a quality service that is cost-effective. We have reluctantly decided to stop the door to door collection of premiums."
In other words, there was not enough money in it.
I understand how the needs of most customers change over the years but, surely, replacing a system that worked with one that, at least in Sheila's case, does not work, is not the way forward.
A spokesman for the Pru said the direct debit system now appeared to be operating efficiently.
He added: "I hope this will provide Mrs Wayman with the peace of mind she requires regarding the payment of her policies.
"I am very sorry for the obvious distress caused to long-standing customers in what should have been a straight-forward matter.
"I am arranging for £100 to be sent as a way of restoring her faith in the Prudential."
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7713
|
__label__wiki
| 0.67208
| 0.67208
|
30 years of Umag's ATP tournament
Tags : umag eventi , Entertainment , Istria , Tennis , Sport
The international Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag tournament is turning thirty. For this birthday spectacle, we are preparing one of the most interesting editions of the tournament that put Umag and Croatia on the world tennis map.
Historical ATP moments
The rich history of the ATP tournament in Umag has been marked with amazing and often dramatic matches in which top international tennis players lost to far less experienced players. Many won their first titles in Umag, some abandoned matches due to injury or exhaustion, and the finals lasted from a speedy 61 minutes (Thiem and Sousa in 2015) to an exhausting 170 minutes (Verdasco and Andreev in 2008).
Carlos Moya, the local audience favourite, has won the tournament five times while Croatian players have only celebrated twice, Marin Čilić in 2012 and Goran Prpić in 1990. Winners have come from all four corners of the world: Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Italia, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Russia.
Umag and ATP: a story of true love
Umag is known as a town of sports and recreation, and tennis is woven into this story in golden letters. It is a love that has lasted a few decades, one of those that brought Umag the title of European Town of Sport in 2018. The tournament is a great promotion for Istria and Croatia with matches reaching audiences in as many as 100 countries worldwide. The Umag ATP tournament has won numerous awards, including the ATP Award of Excellence. However, the one that best describes the energy of the tournament is the Best Fan Experience award, which confirms exactly what many players and friends of the tournament are constantly emphasizing: its infectious enthusiasm and feel-good atmosphere.
Come and see for yourself!
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7718
|
__label__wiki
| 0.972547
| 0.972547
|
Military Court Trials Worry Rights Activists
IWPR - September 27, 2007 7:00 PM
But legal experts see the courts as the best hope for dealing with impunity in DRC, despite their failings.
By Lisa Clifford in The Hague (AR No. 134, 25-Sept-07)
At the Kisangani military court in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the day's work begins long before any lawyers or accused arrive.
The courtroom - where judges hear cases both mundane and involving the most serious war crimes - is devoid of furniture. The judge's assistants must carry in a desk to serve as the bench and pews from the nearby Catholic church to seat spectators.
Lack of electricity means court sessions end at sunset and all the furniture goes back to where it came.
Observers say the conditions in Kisangani are similar in military courts throughout the country - which is what brought Colonel Dominic McAlea to the Congo.
"My aim is fairly basic - to try to breathe some life into the system," said McAlea, a military criminal law advisor with the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo's, MONUC, rule of law unit.
"[Judges and prosecutors] still have their professional pride - they're still trying - but they are starved of resources. I'm here to help change that, identify and prioritise the needs and present those needs to international donors who might help."
Proponents of war crimes justice see it as the best hope for dealing with impunity in a country where two civil wars have claimed an estimated four million lives, and peace remains fragile.
Civilian courts in Congo are in disarray and a bill integrating the International Criminal Court, ICC, statute into domestic legislation - giving them clear jurisdiction to hear war crimes cases - is dormant.
The ICC has one militia leader, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, in custody, but since the Hague-based court is only mandated to try high-ranking suspects, and only has the capacity to take on a limited number of cases, military tribunals in the Congo have been given a role in prosecuting war crimes trials.
In one case in February, a military court in the northeastern town of Bunia convicted 13 soldiers of massacring civilians in Ituri, sentencing them to life imprisonment. In April 2006, seven officers were found guilty of mass rape, the first time rape was tried as a crime against humanity in the Congo.
But Congolese military courts are highly controversial, with detractors citing cases brought on trumped up charges, trials involving civilians and rampant political interference.
"In some cases we had hope that these trials appeared to show a beacon of hope, that some of the most serious crimes against humanity would be tried and even if its military courts that's a significant step forward," said Anneke Van Woudenberg, senior Congo researcher at Human Rights Watch.
"I think we're seeing that beacon of hope dimming quite substantially, because we're seeing increasing interference in those trials, either at the first level or on appeal."
Van Woudenberg cites the case of Ituri militia leader Kahwa Mandro - a former member of Lubanga's Union of Congolese Patriots and founder of the Party for Unity and the Protection of Congo's Integrity.
He was recently found guilty by a military court of war crimes and crimes against humanity in a groundbreaking verdict.
But that verdict was overturned after an appeal that included testimony from Congo president Joseph Kabila in a closed session. "All indications are that [the case was thrown out] on the basis of political interference," said Van Woudenberg. "They decided on a spurious legal basis to cancel the first judgment and didn't follow Congolese or international law."
And there have been other high profile cases of justice denied by military courts, say critics.
A verdict in late June in Kisangani cleared nine soldiers of war crimes and three foreign employees of the Anvil Mining company for complicity in war crimes committed during a massacre at Kilwa in which 73 civilians died during battles between rebels and the army.
Observers say the trial was plagued by obstructions and political interference and failed to conform to international judicial standards. They say the Congolese authorities blocked investigations into the incident for more than a year; that witnesses and victims were intimidated; and that the military prosecutor was taken off the case when he resisted pressure to drop the charges against the three workers from Anvil.
"There was political interference from beginning to end," said Carina Tertsakian, the lead campaigner on the Congo at the NGO Global Witness, which helped compile a detailed report on the trial.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, also criticised the verdict in the Kilwa case and expressed special concern that a military court had tried civilians.
In the Congo, military courts enjoy relatively broad jurisdiction and can try anyone - including civilians - who is alleged to have committed an offence with a military weapon.
That's how former presidential candidate and lawyer Marie-Therese Nlandu ended up on trial before military judges in the capital Kinshasa.
Nlandu ran for president in the first round of elections but was defeated. She switched allegiance to Kabila rival Jean-Pierre Bemba who was also defeated. He alleged fraud and Nlandu represented him in court.
She and several associates were arrested in November and Nlandu was charged with organising an insurrection after three hand grenades were found in their car. Activists say the prosecution was politically motivated, and Nlandu was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed that verdict.
Harriet Solloway, who as director of MONUC's rule of law unit is charged with helping the Congolese rebuild their justice sector, admits there are problems with military courts.
Chief among those, she says, is the lack of any working mechanism for sanctioning judges who are suspected of wrongdoing.
"There is no functioning process to look at cases where judicial misconduct is suspected," said Solloway. "There's nothing you can do about a judge who is corrupt and to me that's wrong."
But she insists there is reason for hope and robustly defends military courts, which she says are better organised, disciplined and controlled than their civilian counterparts.
"Given proper support and proper reinforcement and under a watchful eye, I believe the military justice sector is one of the great hopes for?. dealing with impunity," said Solloway.
At the heart of her optimism, she says, is the generally high calibre of those working in the military court system.
"There's a core of real jurists in Congo," she said. "There are people who think like jurists. They have the intellectual capacity and the basic understanding of law, law making and justice that makes it possible to work with them and improve for the future."
Solloway acknowledges that political interference is a serious problem but points out that isn't confined to military courts.
"It's a fallacy that military justice is more controlled by the state than civilian justice. There's the same potential for political interference," she said.
"[Military justice] is the best shot the country has. I believe the direction things are going now they deserve a chance."
Lisa Clifford is an international justice reporter in The Hague.
• Rights Groups: DR Congo Must Free Pro-democracy Activists (April 13, 2015)
• Etienne Tshisekedi Evacuated to Belgium for Medical Treatment (August 16, 2014)
• Congo Improves Natural Resources Accounting (July 4, 2014)
• DR Congo Honors Nelson Mandela, Hero and Model for Humanity (December 6, 2013)
• DR Congo Eases Process for Starting a New Business (June 3, 2013)
• Global Witness
• Human Rights Watch
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7721
|
__label__cc
| 0.670892
| 0.329108
|
Dave Barker - Your Own Thing // Techn...
Dave Barker - Your Own Thing // Techniques - War Boat - 7"
Dub StoreSKU: 7-07-WR710
One of the most creative, important and successful, figures in the development of Jamaican music Winston Riley was involved in the Kingston recording business from its beginnings and, fifty years later, his music continues to exert a serious influence. Born in Kingston in 1946 he grew up in West Kingston and became a male nurse after leaving school. In those days music was not regarded as a viable career option and Winston recalled that if he wanted to make it then he would have to "work and sing, work and sing". He cited his musical influences as The Rhythm Aces, Jimmy James and The Impressions and two of The Techniques' biggest ever hits were adaptations of Curtis Mayfield's Impressions songs.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7725
|
__label__wiki
| 0.529079
| 0.529079
|
Michael Jackson’s Physician Breaks Down in Court
December 6, 2015 September 28, 2011 by William Moore
Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s personal doctor, broke down in tears on the first day of his court trial. Murray, 58, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson. If convicted, Murray faces up to four years in prison.
Murray was unable to hold back his tears as his defense lawyer began making an opening statement in the court. A preliminary hearing had recorded detailed accounts of several witnesses who described the scene of action at Jackson’s home after he was discovered in an unconscious state by Dr. Murray. The coroner at the Los Angeles County called Jackson’s death a homicide caused due to acute intoxication of Propofol. Propofol is a sedative used as an anesthetic during surgical procedures.
Now it is up to the jury to determine whether the acts of Dr. Murray, during the frenzied efforts to revive Jackson and in the preceding hours, caused his death. Legal analysts opine that to prove criminal guilt, it is not enough to show minimal negligence, but gross negligence on part of the defendant. Forensic evidence may hold the key to determine the extent of negligence of Dr. Murray, if any.
“Like” or site to learn what people are saying about the media attention that this case is getting!
[like-gate]
Many people believe that the case could draw publicity up to the levels witnessed during the infamous murder trial of OJ Simpson in 1995. However, the judge in the present case has rejected a request to sequester the jury, or have them confined to a hotel, in order to shield them from being influenced by the publicity, as they were during OJ’s trial.
[/like-gate]
On his part, Dr. Murray has defended him vehemently against the involuntary manslaughter charge. He has maintained all along that he did no such thing that could have caused the death of Michael Jackson. The jury in this case is expected to hear testimony from scores of witnesses, including the ones who were the first to arrive at the scene, such as the security guards at Jackson’s home and the paramedics. Medical experts are also expected to be summoned to answer queries on Propofol, which may constitute the heart of the case.
Categories Criminal Law Articles Tags Uncategorized Leave a comment Post navigation
Amy Winehouse Foundation Launched on Birthday
Scarlett Johansson Issues Legal Threats to Websites over Nude Photos
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7730
|
__label__cc
| 0.532731
| 0.467269
|
Cruise safest form of travel
Operational incidents onboard cruise ships declined by 13% between 2009 and 2013, despite an 18% growth in global cruise capacity, according to a new study.
Commissioned by the Cruise Lines International Association, the study indicated that over the five-year period, there were 102 ‘significant operational incidents’ onboard cruise ships, which are defined as those causing more than 24 hours’ delay or passenger or crew injuries or fatalities. This included fires, technical incidents, groundings, storm or rogue-wave damages, collisions and incidents such as persons overboard.
In total, there were 21 incidents in 2009, 27 in 2010, 15 in 2011, 18 in 2012 and 21 in 2013. Together, these incidents caused the death of 31 passengers and 19 crew, as well as 215 injuries.
Over the same period, the industry recorded 101 ‘minor operational incidents’, defined as causing a ship delay of less than 24 hours or minor injuries to passengers or crew.
Meanwhile, data also showed that the number of passengers going overboard has decreased by nearly 50%, from 23 passengers and crew in 2009 to 12 in 2013. Overboard fatalities also declined, from 19 in 2009 to 13 in 2013. In total, 80 of the 96 person overboard incidents between 2009 and 2013 were fatal.
Comparisons to data for other modes of leisure and commuter transportation indicated that cruise travel had the lowest occurrence of operational-related fatalities in the travel industry. From 2009 to 2013, passenger and crew deaths on cruise ships totalled 50, compared to 2,787 crew and passenger deaths on airlines.
Conducted by maritime research firm GP Wild International, the study contains a comprehensive assessment of operational safety incidents in the cruise industry, finding that cruise ships are still one of the safest ways to travel.
GP Wild analysed 36 public sources including government data, trade publications and media reports to track incidents involving fire, technical breakdown, grounding, passenger missing overboard, storm damage, collisions, and sinking. Each incident was analysed in relation to standard industry metrics including volume of passengers, miles travelled, duration of travel, and other data points.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7731
|
__label__wiki
| 0.835593
| 0.835593
|
Brett Bundale
Published Friday, November 27, 2020 4:26AM EST Last Updated Friday, November 27, 2020 5:12PM EST
Black Friday shoppers appear to have heeded public health warnings, with more online purchases and little crowding at stores across the country against a backdrop of rising COVID-19 cases.
Many brick-and-mortar stores were deserted compared with the usual crowds and fanfare of the one-day sales bonanza that traditionally launches the holiday shopping season.
Some stores and malls had lineups, but most remained under capacity limits throughout the day.
Discounted big ticket items at big-box stores - often among the first products to sell out on Black Friday - were still well-stocked in many locations halfway through the day.
It's a sign that staggered Black Friday promotions, which many retailers began rolling out as early as October, as well as the push to offer more sales online, has helped curb in-store shopping.
Retail analysts said they expected most of this year's Black Friday purchases to be online.
Ottawa tech-firm Shopify Inc. said online Black Friday sales were “off to a historic start” early in the day, with merchants that use the company's platform breaking last year's peak sales-per-minute record in the first three minutes at 12:03 a.m. Friday morning.
Still, some consumers across the country opted to shop in brick-and-mortar stores.
In Halifax, Daniel Smith said he decided to check out the sales at a local Walmart and was surprised to find no lineup outside and very few people in the aisles.
“I can't believe there aren't more people here, it's reassuring,” he said, though he added that the retail event is usually “tame” compared to the United States.
Smith's shopping cart was filled with toys, like L.O.L. Surprise balls and a unicorn slime milkshake kit.
“It's a good time to get Christmas presents,” he said. “There were some good deals and I've got a bunch of nieces and nephews to buy for.”
Also in Halifax, a Best Buy worker described the day as “pretty chill,” while a Canadian Tire clerk said the store was busier on Thursday - when the chain's weeklong sale started.
Retailers in the city, which has been the site of a recent COVID-19 outbreak, are under occupancy restrictions of 25 per cent normal capacity. Stores in the Halifax Shopping Centre posted limits in their shop windows, many of which could allow fewer than 10 people inside at a time.
The East Coast's more muted Black Friday was mirrored across much of the country.
In Montreal, the city's popular downtown shopping district along Ste-Catherine Street and the Eaton Centre mall appeared subdued.
Still, a few stores offering steep discounts attracted larger crowds. A line up at shoe store Centrall Montreal stretched around the corner, with customers eager to get deals on shoes like Nike Jordan 1s and Yeezys.
David Gorelik, who said he waited outside the store overnight, showed off a pair of shoes he bought for $5 that normally sell for between $180 and $200.
He said it was worth the wait, adding that it's not just the good deals but a “fun experience.”
Montreal, like all of Quebec's major cities, is a “red zone” - the highest level of Quebec's COVID-19 alert systems. Red zone restrictions have forced bars, restaurant dining rooms, gyms, museums and cinemas to close and private gatherings are banned. However, retail stores remain open.
Meanwhile, one Toronto-area mall was no busier than a typical pre-pandemic weekend.
Only the public health protocols differentiated the scene at Mapleview Shopping Centre in Burlington, Ont., from a usual day.
Staff were stationed at each entrance to the building and at central elevators, making sure shoppers kept a safe distance.
Only a few shops - generally the ones advertising storewide promotions without the usual “up to” and “almost everything” caveats - saw customers lining up to enter.
Connie Johnson, a local resident toting a single shopping bag from the women's clothing store Laura, said she hit the stores early in a bid to beat crowds.
“I'm always concerned about going somewhere, with the virus, but you have to go out and do some things, and I do go to the grocery store and the drugstore, and today I figured I'd go and take a chance,” she said from behind her reusable mask.
Burlington - part of Halton Region and roughly 50 kilometres west of Toronto - is in the red or “control” zone of Ontario's pandemic plan, with the strictest public health measures short of a lockdown.
However, while Mapleview Shopping Centre was relatively slow, regional outlet mall Vaughan Mills reportedly had long lineups to get inside.
Meanwhile, parts of Western Canada also saw some shoppers out and about, but fewer than in previous years.
Ten minutes before a Best Buy store in northwest Calgary was set to open, there was nobody in line.
When the store opened, about 25 customers, socially distanced, were lined up waiting to get in. A sign on the door announced a limit of 164 customers and a digital check-in where people would be texted when there was space for them to shop.
“It's a smaller crowd than I was expecting,” said Dean Rawley, who was planning to use a gift card to take advantage of the Black Friday deals.
After a record surge in COVID-19 cases this week, Alberta put in place stricter public health measures including limiting occupancy in retail businesses to 25 per cent capacity.
Rawley said he wasn't concerned about venturing out.
“Not particularly. I'm not too worried about it,” he said. “If something happens. It happens.”
In Manitoba, the province urged people to stay home and shop online, saying that provincial workers will be “out in full force on Black Friday” ensuring public health orders are adhered to.
On the West Coast, streets in Vancouver's downtown core lined with major retailers and department stores were largely empty Friday.
A few shoppers trickled in and out of stores decked out with Black Friday sale signs, a far cry for an area that's often bustling during the holiday season.
Retail analysts say the bulk of today's purchases will probably be online.
Eric Morris, head of retail at Google Canada, said e-commerce in Canada has doubled during the pandemic.
He said given ongoing lockdowns and in-store capacity limits, online sales are expected to be strong today and remain heightened over the holiday shopping season.
Black Friday, which started as a post-Thanksgiving sale in the United States, has gained in popularity in Canada in recent years.
It has also become an increasingly important sales event for retailers, along with Cyber Monday, overshadowing Boxing Day.
Robin Sahota, managing director and Canadian retail lead for professional services firm Accenture, said retailers might be saving some special discounts for Cyber Monday.
“It's going to be a day where retailers look to add some sweeteners to entice consumers, particularly with the pull forward of Black Friday,” he said. “I think folks will be seeking out something special on Cyber Monday.”
- With files from Nicole Thompson in Burlington, Jacob Serebrin in Montreal and Bill Graveland in Calgary.
Black Friday deals of Amazon online store are displayed on a mobile phone on the eve of Black Friday Day in Krakow, Poland on November 26, 2020. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
People line up at a store in Montreal, on Nov. 23, 2020. (Ryan Remiorz / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
A shopper walks by a store, Monday, Nov. 18, 2020 in Pembroke Pines, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
What are the shipping deadlines this year for holiday parcels?
Despite 'support local' rallying cry, experts fear a surge in small business bankruptcies in 2021
'A captive market': U.S. border closure keeps Black Friday shoppers in Canada
Black Friday takes on 'existential moral dimension' amid pandemic
Edmunds: Black Friday car deals may not be as bountiful
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7734
|
__label__wiki
| 0.968154
| 0.968154
|
Tens of thousands of farmers swarm India's capital to protest deregulation rules
Julia Hollingsworth, Swati Gupta and Esha Mitra
Farmers congregate during day five of the protest against the new farm reform laws at Singhu border on Nov. 30, 2020 in New Delhi, India. (Credit: Biplov Bhuyan / Hindustan Times / Shutterstock via CNN)
Tens of thousands of farmers have swarmed India's capital where they intend to camp out for weeks to protest new agricultural laws that they say could destroy their livelihoods.
Farmers from the nearby states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh began arriving by tractors and on foot at the outskirts of New Delhi last week, where they blocked roads and set up makeshift camps, according to protest leaders. Some slept on the road or in their tractors, and several places of worship offered protesters food.
Police attempted to block demonstrators from entering the city. They fired tear gas and water cannons Thursday and Friday after protesters pelted police officers with stones and damaged public property, according to Manoj Yadav, a senior police official from Haryana.
The farmers are protesting laws passed in September, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says will give farmers more autonomy to set their own prices and sell directly to private businesses, such as supermarket chains.
But the move has infuriated India's farmers, who say that the new rules will leave them worse off by making it easier for corporates to exploit agricultural workers who make up more than half of India's 480 million-strong workforce, according to India's most recent Census in 2011.
According to Ashutosh Mishra, the media coordinator of protest organizer All India Kisan Sangharsh Committee, which represents around 200 farming unions, tens of thousands of demonstrators have gathered at each of New Delhi's three borders -- a line of protesters at one of the borders stretches for 30 kilometres, he said.
Police have put up barriers and dug up roads to prevent protesters from coming into the city centre to hold sit-ins. Mishra expects more farmers from around the country to join the protests in the coming days.
That's despite New Delhi being a hotspot for COVID-19 in a country that has already reported more than 9.4 million reported cases, the most in any country bar the United States.
"We are trying to be weary of Covid but we don't have an option -- it is a question of life and death," said Mukut Singh, the president of a farmers union in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, who is leading thousands in protest in his home state, and says he will join the protesters in Delhi later this week.
"We are the ones who have provided food, milk, vegetables when the whole country was in lockdown -- we were still toiling in the fields," he said. "It is the government who has put us at risk by introducing these laws during Covid."
WHAT THE PROTESTS ARE ABOUT
For decades, the Indian government has offered guaranteed prices to farmers for certain crops, providing long-term certainty that allows them to make investments for the next crop cycle.
Under the previous laws, farmers had to sell their goods at auction at their state's Agricultural Produce Market Committee, where they were guaranteed to get at least the government-agreed minimum price. There were restrictions on who could purchase at auction and prices were capped for essential commodities.
Modi's new laws dismantle the committee structure, allowing farmers to sell their goods to anyone for any price. Farmers have more freedom to do things such as sell direct to buyers and sell to other states.
Modi said increasing market competition would be a good thing as it fulfills farmers' demands for higher income and gives them new rights and opportunities.
"The farmers should get the advantage of a big and comprehensive market which opens our country to global markets," Modi said on Monday, as farmers protested in the capital. He hopes it will attract private investment into the agricultural industry, which has lagged as other parts of the country's economy have modernized.
But farmers argue that the rules could help big companies drive down prices. While farmers could sell crops at elevated prices if the demand is there, conversely, they could struggle to meet the minimum price in years when there is too much supply in the market.
Singh, the Uttar Pradesh farmer, said that removing the price guarantees will make life tougher for farmers.
"There is a lot of anger among farmers," he said. "We don't get even the minimum support price that is presently declared -- removing these protections and making it easier for corporates to enter will completely buy us out."
WHY IT'S SUCH A HOT POLITICAL ISSUE
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58% of India's 1.3 billion population, meaning farmers are the biggest voter block in the country.
That's made farming a central political issue, with farmers arguing for years to get the minimum guaranteed prices increased.
In a bid to win over farmers, Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said in its 2014 general election manifesto that all crop prices should be fixed at a minimum of 50% higher than the production costs. In 2016, Modi promised to boost the country's agriculture sector with a target of doubling the income of farmers by 2022.
Modi and his government continue to insist that they are supporting farmers.
He hailed the new laws as a "watershed moment" which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture sector. But besides calling the move long overdue, Modi has not said why he opted to introduce these measures during the pandemic, which has caused India to suffer its first recession in decades.
"The Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has always stood in full commitment to resolving the problems faced by farmers and will continue to stand by them," said Narendra Singh Tomar, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare.
Tomar urged farmers to abandon their protests and instead discuss their issues with the government -- although so far, Modi has shown no sign of capitulating to protesters' demands.
Modi tries to placate Indian farmers protesting new laws
Indian police agree to allow protesting farmers into capital
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7735
|
__label__wiki
| 0.937802
| 0.937802
|
Woman shot to death by Torrance police was…
Woman shot to death by Torrance police was struggling with bipolar disorder, family says
Police rope off an area following an officer-involved shooting Monday in Torrance at the Chevron station at the corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Cabrillo Avenue that left a San Diego woman dead. (Photo by Robert Casillas/Daily Breeze/SCNG)
Michelle Lee Shirley
Photo of Michelle Lee ShirleyCourtesy her family
By Sandy Mazza | sandymazza@hotmail.com |
PUBLISHED: November 1, 2016 at 10:22 p.m. | UPDATED: September 6, 2017 at 4:57 a.m.
Michelle Lee Shirley was an overachiever, helping to raise her six siblings while still excelling in school and graduating a year early to attend college and pursue a law degree.
But bipolar disorder derailed her life as she was raising her young son and studying for the bar exam about a decade ago. Since then, she struggled to manage the disease while pursuing her goals.
• VIDEO: Michelle Lee Shirley talks about her bipolar disorder
On Monday, family members believe, the 39-year-old woman was unable to escape the grip of her mental illness again.
Several people called police to report an “erratic and reckless” motorist driving through Torrance. When cops found her, Shirley was still driving her car even though its side air bags had deployed and there was recent collision damage.
Rather than stopping when police cornered her, she backed into one patrol car and then accelerated head on into another cruiser, according to a police statement and videos taken by onlookers at the scene.
At least two officers fired many gunshots at the car as it lurched at them near the Chevron gas station at Sepulveda Boulevard and Cabrillo Avenue.
Shirley was hit — how many times hasn’t been disclosed — and taken to County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 3 p.m. on Halloween.
‘Did they have to kill her?’
“I don’t know what was going through her head as she was driving or trying to get away,” her grieving mother, Debra Shirley, said Tuesday. “I can’t even imagine. But why did they have to kill her?
“I feel like they paint people of color with a brush that says: ‘You’re disposable.’ I really feel like police are not equipped to deal with mental illness in the field. Shoot the tires or disable the car.”
She said Michelle suffered delusions when her illness was out of control and that she had come home once believing that the Mafia was after her.
Calls from police common
The Shirley family was accustomed to calls from police saying their daughter was acting strangely or had been hospitalized during a bipolar episode — like the time she was picked up for throwing french fries inside a McDonald’s restaurant.
But she’d never been violent or used drugs.
She had recently moved to the Los Angeles area from San Diego, where she grew up and where her family still lives.
She was staying in a hotel and planned to work as an Uber driver, family members said. But she recently seemed to be off her medication because she wasn’t sleeping much and was speaking at a rapid pace, said her younger sister, Karen Shirley.
“Her behavior was out of the ordinary,” said Karen, who lives in the Los Angeles area and saw Michelle a few days before her death. Family members suspected she wasn’t taking her medication.
They learned of her death when a television news reporter called their home Monday night before police had officially confirmed her identity.
“It’s just been a complete shock to everybody,” Karen Shirley said. “All the sisters were on a conference call all night just listening to each other breathe because we didn’t know what to do next. It’s hard because we’re such a close family.
“She was the oldest. She was the mother when our mother was at work. She raised six of us and we all went to college. She competed in science competitions since she was 9 years old and got accepted to the best universities and law schools.”
Bipolar struck during college
Michelle Shirley graduated from UC San Diego’s Thurgood Marshall College before moving to Chicago to get her law degree at Loyola University.
Bipolar disorder struck hard during college, but it didn’t stop her from finishing her degrees. She talked about her struggle with the disease in an online video for the It’s Up To Us campaign, which raises awareness about mental illness.
“I was working hard to achieve my dream of becoming an attorney,” she said on the video. “I was active in my church. I had my own car and apartment and was working a full-time job while pulling all-nighters to keep my grades up to get into law school. I loved the feeling I got from being recognized for my hard work.
“But then I started sleeping less and less. I started having an overload of creative ideas one after another and I wasn’t completing any. I did strange things. One time I went out and just bought a bunch of plants and gave them away. I shaved my head …”
Meds helped, for a while
After she was diagnosed, medication greatly improved Michelle’s symptoms. But, over time, the disease re-emerged. She struggled to manage it alone. Things got worse, leading to a major breakdown after her son was born and as she was completing law school in Chicago.
“I owned my own condo and it was my last semester of law school but, again, I was working full time and now I had a 3-year-old son to take care of,” she said in the video. “I was barely getting any sleep and those crazy ideas started coming back, but this time I didn’t have any friends or family around to notice.”
She imagined that a vent in her condo was a fireplace and she set her home on fire. That incident, she said, “woke me up to the reality that I had bipolar disorder.”
“I could not just blame stress or the devil. I took the diagnosis seriously. I learned that for some unexplained reason my brain will just kick into high gear and start processing information too quickly.”
Bar exam on horizon
Though she took better care of her mental health after that, becoming an avid hiker and keeping up with her medication, the disease would continue to re-emerge, family members said.
She jumped from job to job, at one point starting a direct-marketing business. But she still held onto her goal of working as a lawyer. Her mother said she was recently considering moving to Oklahoma and taking the bar exam there.
“I’m still realizing my dream, but I’m also taking care of myself,” Michelle Shirley said on the It’s Up to Us campaign video. “If you receive a diagnosis of a mental disorder please take it seriously and seek help because ignoring it can take away years of your life.”
Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Operations Bureau and the District Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate the shooting. Toxicology tests no doubt will reveal whether Michelle Shirley was taking her medications.
Sandy Mazza | Freelancer
Sandy Mazza is a freelancer. She previously worked for Southern California News Group as a city reporter covering Carson and Hawthorne and specializing in features about Los Angeles' growing Silicon Beach tech, bioscience, and aerospace sectors.
sandymazza@hotmail.com
Follow Sandy Mazza @SandyMazza
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7738
|
__label__cc
| 0.508964
| 0.491036
|
No one used plates or eating utensils. Although both the colonists and the Indians occasionally used cloths or napkins if the food was hot, they usually ate with their hands. And not everyone ate everything that was served. Most diners ate what they liked or whatever dish was closest to them.
Finally, it’s important to dispel one last Thanksgiving myth — that the Pilgrims dressed in black and white clothing, wore pointed hats and starched bonnets and favored buckles on their shoes. It’s true that they dressed in black on Sundays. But on most days, including the first Thanksgiving, they dressed in white, beige, black, green and brown. And it’s likely that the Indians were fully clothed to ward off the chill of autumn in New England. Who would wear only a loincloth in Massachusetts in November?
It’s a good thing that Americans today aren’t tested on the history of that first Thanksgiving, because few of us would earn a passing grade.
And yet there’s a legacy about this holiday that threads its way from past to the present and defies both myth and historical evidence. That legacy is generosity.
To be sure, Americans today may not be as religious as the Pilgrims, but most Americans do share their plenty with their family and friends on this special day. It’s a holiday that brings all Americans together in spirit no matter their creed or disposition. And that’s something worthy of our thanks.
Timothy Walch is the director emeritus of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library in West Branch and a member of the Iowa Historical Records Advisory Board. Contact: twalch47@gmail.com.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7740
|
__label__cc
| 0.507009
| 0.492991
|
First or Third Point of View?
by Denise Vega | October 10, 2012 | Writer Tips & Tools
Years ago I attended a writing conference where an editor of middle grade and young adult fiction said never to write in first person, that it was the mark of an amateur. Well, obviously that philosophy has changed, but that’s actually not the point. And the point is also not that you shouldn’t listen to editors–most of them have very valid and insightful things to say and you should listen to them, but also listen to your gut. But that’s for another blog.
No, the point is that I took her words as gospel and wrote my next two novels in third person, even though one of them kept trying to come out in first person.
So what did I learn? That not all advice will work for me or my story and that I should trust my gut when it comes to how I tell the story. And, more recently, that if something changes drastically in my story, I may need to change POV. That’s exactly what happened to me in my current novel.
Third Person First
In the very first draft, the story came out in third person and that made sense because the main character was distancing herself from a particular incident and it felt right to have that distance manifest itself in a third person POV.
Every so often I’d find myself slipping into first person, but knew it was because that’s what I was used to and I was right. Soon third person flowed regularly.
First Person Second
Then I hit that wall I talked about in my September 20 blog, “Giving a Story Time to Grow.” And when the lightbulb went off and I started writing again, the character came out in first person, which was exactly right because she had changed in a way that her voice had no choice but to come out in first person.
So now I’m writing the book in the first person and finding that some existing scenes work with some tweaking and other scenes don’t fit the story anymore, mostly because she’s different so the scene has to be different or tossed out altogether because it’s irrelevant.
Trust your character, trust your gut and the point of view will be there.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7744
|
__label__wiki
| 0.821633
| 0.821633
|
Appetite for Hannibal Lector-style face masks is big business for Derby skin-care firm
Celebrity clients are using the firm's unusual beauty treatments in the endless war on ageing
Paul Whyatt
Few teenage girls tell their parents everything, but when Farrah Allarakha kept her university course a secret from her father, it was because she knew she had to.
Born into a Muslim family, she was told to devote her life to religion.
But Farrah had other ideas. Supported by her mother, she enrolled on a psychology and neurology course at Keele University and planned to enter the world of business.
Today, she is the director of Neo Elegance – a Derby-based skin care company that she founded in 2014 along with sister Farzila, mother Shakila and step-father Shakil.
Already it has become one of Derby’s best-known companies having made headlines with its striking Hannibal Lector-style face masks and growing number of celebrity clients.
Farzila, meanwhile, secured the business more national exposure by appearing on ITV’s Spa Wars series.
Farzila Allarakha at work
The company’s masks are lined with LED lights and have been hailed by beauty experts as the next big advance in the war on ageing.
They can also be used to treat skin conditions such as acne, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation.
Hollywood actress Jessica Alba, who tweeted a picture of herself wearing the gizmo, has embraced the technology offered by Neo Elegance, as have Vicky Pattison and Holly Hagan from Geordie Shore, former X Factor singer Stacey Solomon and ex-Hollyoaks actress Gemma Merna.
Helped by the celebrity exposure, the business has enjoyed a 400% surge in turnover and is targeting a net profit of almost £180,000 this year.
Mum Shakila said she was incredibly proud of her two daughters. “Where we come from, the women are always suppressed,” she begins.
“Their father was very backward and he wanted our daughters to follow religion instead of a career.
"But Farrah was the fighter in the family. Her attitude was ‘I will do what I want to do’.
Hollywood actress Jessica Alba uploaded a picture of herself wearing the gizmo on social media (Image: (Left) Ian West/PA Wire)
“If he had known she was going for further studies, he would have kept her in the house. If he wanted to, he could have murdered Farrah as an honour killing.
"We had to hide the fact she was doing a master’s degree. He had no idea where she was going. As far as he was concerned, she just had a part-time job in Debenhams. Even that he objected to.
“Once we got rid of him, the girls started coming out of their shell. I am proud of them because they managed to come out of that family pressure and achieve what they’ve achieved – which is so much.”
Farrah and Farzila, or Fizz as she is known, decided to launch Neo Elegance having both encountered skin problems while growing up.
“We both had acne,” Fizz says. “We learnt about LED light therapy, which was big in Korea and America, and it worked for us.
"We checked online and saw that very few places offered it as a treatment here in the UK. That’s when we thought we should do it here.”
Sisters Farrah (left) and Farzila run skin treatment company Neo Elegance
Initially, the business was going to be e-commerce. But that changed when the family discovered another gap in the market.
“At first, the idea was people would buy LED light therapy and products that we knew would help their skin, as we ourselves have had skin problems,” Farrah recalls.
“It was purely going to be a retail business. But as we went along in the first year, we realised more professionals were buying our products and we thought ‘hang on, what’s going on here?’.
John Forkin: ‘Assembly Room advisers are the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of their field... we must listen to them’
“Our customers included mobile clinicians and doctors who were on the go all the time, and they wanted gadgets in their treatment range without forking out up to £20,000.
"We realised we had a market that no-one was tapping into. So we then started creating and developing products more around their needs, which was mobile, affordable technology. Everything we do now is mobile, small and doesn’t require the mortgaging of a house to buy.”
With the devices selling well, the family next decided to set up a Harley Street-inspired clinic in Vernon Gate, Derby.
“We realised a lot of people in Derby didn’t want to do the treatments at home,” Farrah says. “They were more interested in coming to us and getting professional knowledge from us, and getting the treatment professionally done.
Neo Elegance treats skin using LED lights
“Going forward we definitely plan to open more clinics. We’ve got an offer, hopefully, to work with a doctor in London. I’d say London is probably our next natural destination, just because we’ve got a lot of demand from customers who want us to be there.”
Much else is also planned, says the 28-year-old. “In 10 years’ time we will have expanded our brand to overseas markets and we will have a chain of clinics across the UK well, particularly in the Midlands.
"To achieve that, we would look for funding into the business – although at the moment we’re doing quite well and the business is able to invest back into itself. And with the clinics, we’re still playing with the idea of whether it should be a franchise or whether we’d run all the clinics. There’s still a lot to think about.
Midlands Engine chief demands better transport links after traffic makes him late for keynote speech in Derby
“Another idea we’ve got is to launch a training school. We get asked a lot by customers about whether we do courses and ‘can you teach us to do this’.
“Ultimately, we want to reach for the stars. We want to go far. What we’re doing isn’t just for ourselves. We’re doing it for our customers because they really love what we’re doing.”
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7745
|
__label__wiki
| 0.987185
| 0.987185
|
Shocked residents fear plans for quarry THREE times bigger than their village
Egginton is among 16 sites earmarked in the Minerals Local Plan
Eddie Bisknell, Local Democracy Reporter
Eddie BisknellLocal Democracy Reporter
The planned location of the Egginton Quarry, highlighted in red
Residents in Egginton say they are "surprised" at "frightening" plans for a quarry that would dwarf their village.
A blueprint for the quarrying of sand, gravel, limestone and rock until 2030 across the region has been put forward by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council.
One proposal, for sand and gravel quarrying near Egginton, would cover an area three times the size of the village and would sit just 112 metres from the nearest house, in Blacksmith's Lane.
Residents in the village say they are shocked to find out about the plans and had not seen any notice or been sent any letters about the consultation.
The plan for Egginton is among 16 sites earmarked in the Minerals Local Plan.
A map showing the Egginton quarry
Clive Gerrard, 82, who has lived in Blacksmith's Lane for 40 years, and is a former parish councillor, said he had not received any notice of the plans.
He said: "I'm totally against, I oppose it fully, but I'd imagine there is no stopping it. The county council and these companies are just far too big to take on.
Massive new quarries planned a stone's throw from these Derbyshire villages
"The quarry looks to be such a big thing, it looks massive.
"I really think it might devalue properties in Egginton. People will think, 'I won't want to live there, right next to the quarry'.
"The most I have heard is whispers and rumours around the village, but nothing like this until I've spoken with you."
Meanwhile, Tony Wassell, of Blacksmith's Lane, who has lived in the village for nearly two decades, said: "I am shocked, this road is just not suitable for heavy vehicles and I don't see how else they are going to get to the site.
"I haven't had any messages about the consultation - the plans are not welcome and I'm shocked."
The planned location of the Eggington Quarry, highlighted in red
Egginton Parish Council chairman Miles Nesbitt was aware of the plans, which he says had been originally put forward by Hanson Aggregates several years ago, but thought they were no longer among "preferred" choices.
He said: "The land over there is largely owned by Hanson, and the separate section near Blacksmith's Lane is privately owned.
"If right, we would be very critical of these plans, as the parish council were when they were first suggested, which we made clear in a letter.
Watch out! Number plate spy cameras mean HUGE fines at Kingsway Retail Park
"We had written to Derbyshire County Council to say that we objected, but as I say, I was of the belief that it was no longer a preferred site."
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7746
|
__label__wiki
| 0.670897
| 0.670897
|
Home » Chief of New York Fed casts doubt on plan for border adjustment tax
Chief of New York Fed casts doubt on plan for border adjustment tax
The president and CEO of the New York Federal Reserve warned today that a controversial border adjustment tax proposed by House Republicans would have "unintended consequences" for U.S. consumers by dramatically raising the cost of imported goods.
Speaking at a keynote session at the National Retail Federation's (NRF's) annual conference in New York, William Dudley said the proposal, which would exempt U.S. exporters from taxes on the sale of their goods but would tax the sale of imported goods, represents a "dramatic change" in the corporate tax code that may not go smoothly as the plan's supporters predict. If not, U.S. consumers could experience significant price increases as retailers are forced to pass along their increased costs, Dudley said.
The provision, included as part of comprehensive tax reform proposed in mid-2016 by House Majority Leader Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas), would end retailers' ability to deduct the cost of merchandise that they import. Retailers would thus be taxed at nearly the full selling price of imported merchandise rather than just their profit.
For example, an exporter that spent $80 on a product that it sold overseas for $100 would pay no tax on its earnings. A company that imported goods worth $80 from abroad and then sold them domestically for $100 would pay tax on the full $100.
In theory, such a revision would result in a big boost to the U.S. dollar, making U.S. imports more price competitive and offsetting the impact of the tax hit. However, should the dollar not rise to anticipated levels, retailers with thin profit margins could get severely hit, critics contend.
Dudley acknowledged that the nation's corporate tax system is in need of an overhaul. However, he cast doubt on whether such a concept is a part of the answer. "I'd like to see corporate tax reform and I'd like to see something that does reduce some of the distortions that occur, but I want to see something, I think, that is probably a little less dramatic," Dudley was quoted by NRF as saying at today's event.
Not surprisingly, U.S. retailing interests are up in arms over the proposal. Retailers will need to increase prices by as much as 15 percent just to stay profitable, effectively creating a new form of consumption tax on Americans, the group said.
"Economic theorists are playing with fire, and it's the consumer who ultimately will lose," said David French, NRF's senior vice president for government relations. "The best way to grow our economy is for Congress to lower tax rates for all businesses, not pick winners and losers."
New service from Jabil will analyze the impact of changes in trade, tax, and tariff policies on a company's supply chain
Industry leaders fed up with tit-for-tat trade war
Supply Chain Quarterly editor publishes new book on supply chain dynamics
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7751
|
__label__wiki
| 0.67379
| 0.67379
|
POSH:funk presents Layo & Bushwacka, Skelly, Paul Collins April 21st :)
Saturday10:00pm-2:30am,2oth April.
POSH:funk are absolutely delighted to bring you out first guests of the year and what guests they are, Space and amnesia ibiza residents Layo & Bushwacka will be making their return to the basement, and who could forget what was the gig of the year when they played for us in sproai weekend in 2010.
Layo & Bushwacka! are one of electronic music’s most esteemed duos. Comprising of Matthew ‘Bushwacka’ B - a percussionist in the London School Symphony Orchestra who was converted into a member of the infamous Rat Pack after a warehouse party in ’88. And Layo Paskin - a North Londoner immersed in the acid house scene who met Mr C at one of the legendary Clink Street parties in 1988, before together setting up their world renowned night club, The End, based in London. It was via their mutual friend Mr C that Layo & Bushwacka! first met, whilst Matthew was working at Mr C’s studio, and by the mid 90s the two had started writing music together. Over a decade later, the partnership has yielded three artist albums, three mix albums, internationally renowned club residencies and a superb record label.
By 1999 they’d already composed their debut album, ‘Low Life’, released on End Recordings, the label spawned by The End. The album announced the arrival of the duo as a force in electronic music; with a record that brought together electro, house and breakbeat, fused with blues, dub and downtempo, all underpinned and informed by their collective experience of underground culture. This inclusive and open minded approach to sound became the blueprint for their future work.
Their second album followed in 2002, this time released on the mighty XL Recordings. Entitled ‘Night Works’, the record featured their unforgettable top ten hit ‘Love Story’, and took their sound onto a bigger and broader canvas, selling 100,000 copies in the process. The accompanying live show brought further acclaim with sellout shows from Glastonbury to Sonar, whilst their famous DJ sets had now garnered residencies at some of the world’s finest clubs, including of course The End.
Their End residency, known as All Night Long, became one of London’s most revered nights with Layo & Bushwacka! taking the club through an edifying tour-de-force of electronic music. The night gave birth to their second mix album ‘All Night Long’, which followed the success level of their first ‘The End’, mixed in conjunction with Mr C and released on XL Recordings in the late 90s. ‘All Night Long’ became a perfect reflection of a Layo & Bushwacka! DJ set; inspirational, educational and all encompassing, it slaloms through all manner of house music and includes their own reworks of such timeless classics as Bebel Gilberto’s ‘So Nice’ and Sly & The Family Stone’s ‘Dance To The Music’, all without missing a beat.
2007 saw Layo and Bushwacka! release ‘Global Underground 33: Rio’. Born out of the ongoing love story between the duo and their second home of Brazil. Layo and Matthew have a unique and unshakeable relationship with the world’s most effervescent nation. Disc one saw them scour their record collections, revisiting gems from the past twenty years; flowing through the music that helped shape the DJs they’ve become. Whilst disc two represents the new wave of electronic music with a track listing that includes the most dynamic producers in dance music today.
Since its 2005 beginnings, Olmeto has continued to provide an exclusive outlet for Layo and Matthew’s creativity. All tracks are by only themselves, with key artists invited to give their interpretations to the duo’s work - from Green Velvet and Loco Dice, to Unkle and Nic Fanciulli. Forthcoming Olmeto releases include the edgy soundscapes of Layo and Bushwacka’s ‘The Longest Day’, with remixes from Mirko Loko and Audiofly. Whilst outside of Olmeto, the duo have recently remixed ‘Dimension Intrusion’ by Fuse (Richie Hawtin) on Plus8, as well as Guy Gerber and Ralph Lawson.
Following the closure of The End in January 2009, Layo & Bushwacka! launched ‘Shake It’, a new bi-monthly warehouse party in London. After so many years in one home in London, they felt the freedom to move around would be the perfect antidote - and so it has proved. It not only allows total freedom but is in keeping with the changing times and nightlife landscape.
Layo & Bushwacka!’s reputation as two of the world’s foremost DJ duos is rock solid. Three artist albums have proven them remarkably talented producers - capable of mixing styles, tempos and genres to create enduring and engaging electronic music. Their trio of mix albums and international club residencies have shown they are masters of the turntables; sonic connoisseurs who can guide a dancefloor on an epic journey through the many facets of their sound. Their label Olmeto, meanwhile, has become a bastion for quality, a label that, much like its figureheads, has become a stamped seal of class.
As you can see these lads are highly respected throughout the world and we are delighted to be able to get the chance to bring them back to the basement for the people of Waterford. Support on the night comes from Skelly and Paul Collins and doors will be at the earlier time of 10 o clock, this was an absolute sell out the last time they played, with the basement being a very intimate venue it would be expected to sell out. Admission on the night is 15 euro this is sure to be one of the gigs of the year make sure to be apart of it :)
Craic house sessions with DJ's Pippy , Victor John Junior & Deep Pete
Great gig in Limerick this weekend.
The 2nd Floor 31 Thomas Street , entrance Via foxes Bow above the Bling Pig, Entrance Via Foxes Bow , Limerick, IrelandDescriptionCraic house Sessions is proud to be back again for another Quality night of Great House music, Following our sessions last week.
This time one of Limericks best house music DJ's Pippy will be headlining the night, If you know Pippy you will know for sure that He will Deliver the finest Deep house tunes and super tight mixing Skills.
Also on the Night will See Home Grown talent house music and Disco connoisseur known as Peter Byrne Aka Deep pete.
Deep Pete plays across the board. Peter is and always will be the peoples Dj when it comes to playing for the crowd.
And last but not least Craic house recordings Label owner and Aspiring Dj/Producer Victor John Junior will be bringing his Sleek ,Sexy & Soulful style of house music to the table.
For the Lovers of Disco , Soul and The Deep sound of house music and everything in between.
This Is A Night that should not be missed!!!
Music Kicks of From 9 p.m. until 1 am on The 2nd Floor 31 Thomas Street, The entrance is on foxes bow above the Blind Pig.
There will be Music and Entertainment downstairs till late. for those who wish to Party on
Hope to see you all There Folks
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7755
|
__label__cc
| 0.715064
| 0.284936
|
Children & Teens » Graphic Novels »Wimpy Kids
Author: Jeff Kinney
In The Deep End, book 15 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley and his family hit the road for a cross-country camping trip, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
But things take an unexpected turn, and they find themselves stranded at a campsite that's not exactly a summertime paradise. When the skies open up and the water starts to rise, the Heffleys wonder if they can save their vacation - or if they're already in too deep
Jeff Kinney is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and a six-time Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award winner for Favorite Book. Jeff has been named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. He is also the creator of Poptropica, which was named one of Time magazine's 50 Best Websites. He spent his childhood in the Washington, D.C., area and moved to New England in 1995. Jeff lives with his wife and two sons in Massachusetts, where they own a bookstore, An Unlikely Story.
Geronimo Stilton and
Chhota Bheem: The Lo
Chhota Bheem: The Gi
Geronimo Stilton: Th
Chhota Bheem: Bull R
Geronimo Stilton: #6
Chhota Bheem: Shivan
Chhota Bheem: Croco
Chhota Bheem: Rocky
Chhota Bheem: Cow Bo
Chhota Bheem :Where
Geronimo Stilton Gra
Chhota Bheem:Revenge
The Wimpy Kid Movie
Diary of an Awesome
A Pocket Full Of Rye
Always A Thief
Amar Chitra Katha :
And Then There Were
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7758
|
__label__cc
| 0.588064
| 0.411936
|
Destiny: Official Tweet Announcing Xbox One Beta Deleted by Bungie Without Explanation
Today Bungie tweeted to announce Destiny’s beta coming to Xbox One in July, but that wasn’t particularly new, as Activision had announced that testing would come by then during its latest financial conference call.
What’s more interesting, is that the tweet was quickly deleted (after having been retweeted by a few Xbox executives and other Microsoft official accounts) without an explanation. Luckily the program I use to read Twitter does not forget as easily as Twitter itself does, and saved the tweet, as you can see below. It could originally be found at this url.
At the moment we don’t know why the tweet has been summarily removed, but a few theories come to mind. It’s possible that Bungie isn’t able to commit to a July date for the beta of the game, and may be preparing to announce a different timing. It’s also possible that the PlayStation beta might start at the very end of July, placing the Xbox beta (which is supposed to come four days after) in August.
It’s definitely difficult to pinpoint the real reason for the deletion of the tweet, but it’s pretty safe to assume that Bungie was not ready to make that announcement. As for the reason, your guess is as good as mine.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7762
|
__label__cc
| 0.518781
| 0.481219
|
For general press inquiries, please email or call our media relations team.
Paul Alexander
Gregory P. Buscone joins Eastern Bank as a Senior Vice President and Regional Group Head in Commercial Banking
BOSTON, April 21, 2017 – Eastern Bank, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Boston, today announced the appointment of Gregory P. Buscone as a Senior Vice President and Regional Group Head in Commercial Banking. Buscone will report directly to Jan Miller, Vice Chairman and Chief Commercial Banking Officer.
Prior to joining Eastern, Buscone spent 17 years at Citizens Bank, serving as a Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Massachusetts Middle Market and Specialized Lending. At Citizens, he managed a group of 30 people with $1.4 billion in middle market loans.
“We’re excited to welcome Greg to Eastern Bank,” said Miller. “Greg’s long-term local experience in commercial banking, coupled with his strong commitment to serving the Greater Boston community, makes him a great cultural fit for Eastern.”
Buscone began his commercial banking career in 1986 at Shawmut Bank. He brings more than 30 years in financial services experience to Eastern, including roles in retail banking, small business lending, and middle market and specialized lending.
Active in the community, Buscone is on the Board of Directors and Treasurer at Bay Cove Human Services, Board of Directors and Vice Chairman at MassEcon, Board of Overseers at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Board of Directors at Associated Industries of MA, and the Financial Services Committee for the Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Buscone earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from The College of the Holy Cross and his MBA from Northeastern University. He lives in Medfield with his wife, Megan, and their six children.
About Eastern Bank
Founded in 1818 and based in Boston, Eastern Bank is America’s oldest and largest mutual bank, with $10 billion in assets and over 120 locations serving communities in eastern Massachusetts, southern and coastal New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Eastern provides exceptional access to fairly priced banking, investment and insurance products and services for consumers and businesses of all sizes. Eastern Bank, which includes Eastern Wealth Management and Eastern Insurance, is known for its outspoken advocacy and community support that has topped more than $100 million in charitable giving over the past 20 years. An inclusive company, Eastern employs 1,900 deeply committed professionals who value relationships with their customers, colleagues and communities. Join us for good at www.easternbank.com.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7765
|
__label__cc
| 0.508753
| 0.491247
|
Author: Hadassa Mor
The Vision of Jenny Merkus
The Vision of Jenny Merkus by Hadassa Mor is an historical novel, based on a true story about a wealthy Dutch woman, who went to Palestine in 1873, in order to build a gigantic, unique house in Jerusalem for Jesus Christ. Her mission was to fulfill a divine message she heard, begging her to build a house for Him after He descends from heaven to earth, following Doomsday. That was the vision of Jenny Merkus, which sent her on this crucial and dramatic voyage to Jerusalem.
While building the House for Jesus, Jenny’s idealistic nature pushed her to volunteer in the uprising that had broken out in the Balkan countries, in order to expel the Turkish regime from their lands. Jenny won admiration and glory as a heroic fighter, but she also lost all her enormous fortune by buying military weapons for the rebels, which left her completely impoverished, unable to complete the construction of the house in Jerusalem intended for Jesus.
The book is written with artistic images, humor and a truly absorbing plot. The writer imbues the pages with a broad range of historical events and intrigues, including the beginning of the Jewish- Arabic conflict in Palestine, with its massive implications to our days.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7767
|
__label__wiki
| 0.705184
| 0.705184
|
How A Techno Party Is Making Tbilisi A Rave Destination
The techno scene in Georgia is still very young. Though we’ve had tech house and minimal scenes in the past, the techno scene as it exists now only came about in 2013. When thinking about partying in Georgia, it’s important to remember that we have faced four wars in the past 25 years. The scene here is different from London and the European capitals. The reason it feels like the early ’90s here is because we’ve gone through times of war when there was no time for partying. Previous generations only had guns and heroin. The new generation is up for this—up for raving. Our generation is young: all 20 to 30-year-olds.
The idea behind BASSIANI was not to create a club with just the best sound system or lineup, but to create a space of equality and tolerance for people of all sexual, ethnic and religious backgrounds. We launched the club in 2014. After a long and tiresome search, we seized on an opportunity to move into the basement of a national football stadium, the Dinamo arena, that was originally built in 1932. It was once a swimming pool. All it took was one look for us to say, “This is BASSIANI.”
The club’s musical direction is dominated by techno, which has become a music of protest here. In its year-and-a-half existence, we’ve hosted many of the international circuit’s significant names, and Function is also a resident, but we also feature a dedicated crew of residents that have put in the work from the local scene, ZITTO, HVL, NdrX & Kancheli. The parties end around 9 or 11 a.m.. Explaining what makes BASSIANI unique as one of its owners is difficult. There’s an energy that you can feel that comes from a crowd that’s out there expressing their emotions while trying to feel something real.
We throw a monthly party at our venue called HOROOM, which is done in conjunction with a LGBTQ civil rights group in Georgia. The baseline level of homophobia in our society is quite high. In a sense, the dance floor at BASSIANI during these parties becomes a platform for victory over hatred, but also as a way of bringing people within that scene onto our dance floor to interact with this music and to create a space where they can do what they like.
Unlike similar queer parties in other cities, HOROOM is not just a gay men’s party, but instead invites the entire LGBTQ community to participate. These parties are not exclusively queer—we also invite supporters—but we have to utilize strict door policies to ensure the safety of our guests. We privately invite every single person who attends HOROOM. This means more than just face control at the door; we require people to register on our website with their full name and a link to their Facebook page. We then have someone who verifies these accounts. It might seem strict, but we are this way because we want BASSIANI and HOROOM to be a truly safe space for the LGBTQ community in Georgia. We also use this same system for pre-sales at BASSIANI, to implement face control before people even get to the club. You need to bring a matching ID to get in if you’re accepted.
Nightlife in Georgia still has some fundamental political issues working against it. Even though the crime rate is very low, the government insists on maintaining a repressive and ineffective zero-tolerance drug policy. Suspected drug users face humiliating human rights abuses from the police. Last year, on June 17, Levan Abzianidze died after the police took him to a narcotics center and forced him to drink a fatal amount of diuretics.
In Georgia there is no distinction between small quantities and large quantities of drugs or between possession and distribution. A small amount of ecstasy is prosecuted the same as a large amount of heroin. We don’t advocate drug use, but this is a problem that affects our scene and even influences tourism to this country. Drug users, and not dealers, currently face harsher penalties than rapists under our local laws. The department of internal affairs parks their cars outside of venues, and there is a risk of arrest just for attending a party. We stand with another club, Mtkvarze, to resist the country’s drug policies, which infringe on the rights of the people on a daily basis. We actively support the “White Noise movement”, which fights for civilized narcopolitics in Georgia. Today there is some talk of rethinking these laws, which would be unthinkable two years ago.
Georgia is trying to attract tourists as it moves towards entering the European Union. Clubbing is one of the most evolved fields of culture in the country and it can play a major role towards achieving both of those mentioned goals. However, the drug policies that currently exist also seriously hamper this process. Every major political party has promised to reform the drug laws, however nothing has happened since they were first put into place in 2003. Now that the elections have happened on October 8, we are hopeful that the laws will be changed sooner rather than later.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7772
|
__label__wiki
| 0.822963
| 0.822963
|
What Teenagers Think About the First Amendment
By Megan Ruge — November 25, 2019 2 min read
Overall, high school students show more support for the First Amendment today than they did 15 years ago—but girls and students of color are more likely than boys and white students to say the amendment “goes too far in the rights it guarantees.”
That comes from a report published last week by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation that looks at trends from seven surveys administered to high school students between 2004 and 2018. More than 100,000 high school students responded to the first survey in 2004, and subsequent surveys involved about 10,000 students each.
According to the most recent survey, from 2018, 26 percent of students agreed that “the First Amendment goes too far in the rights it guarantees"—down from 45 percent who said the same in 2006.
While most students still favorthe First Amendment’s rights and guarantees, the new report points to a growing divide on the topic between boys and white students in one direction and girls and students of color in the other. The 2018 report, for example, shows that agreement with the statement that the First Amendment “goes too far” stood at 40 percent among black non-Hispanic students, 35 percent among white Hispanic students, 33 percent of Asian students, and 22 percent of white students.
“It is pretty worrying that there is starting to be a greater divergence along the lines of race and along the lines of gender,” said John Wihbey, a co-author of the newest report. “And it’s particularly worrying in light of our current political climate where so many questions around race and gender are being worked out.”
The race-related differences in support span all the study years, and the differences by gender started in 2011.
The authors also found a significant correlation between support for the First Amendment and course work. Wihbey said that, though it’s not an even pattern, students who said they had some sort of classroom engagement with the First Amendment are more likely to be supportive of specific First Amendment rights.
“You would expect, and it would stand to reason that, the more classroom education programing you do around the Constitution, what the rights mean, how they’ve played out in practice, whether it’s through a civics curriculum or a history class, that students would be more informed, probably more likely to support the basic tenets of the First Amendment,” Wihbey said.
Of the students who took the 2018 survey, 64 percent had taken a class that dealt with the First Amendment.
The researchers also noticed that students on average tend to be more supportive of holding websites accountable for offensive content than they are of schools disciplining students for doing much the same thing on social media.
But the 2018 survey shows that similar proportions of students favor assigning blame to both schools and websites. Twenty-six percent of students said they “strongly agree” or “mildly agree” that websites should be disciplined for posting offensive content and 28 percent said that they either “strongly agree” or “mildly agree” students should be disciplined by schools. Overall, the newest report said that 47 percent of students separately agree that social media companies “should be responsible for limiting hate speech on their platforms.”
“I guess it’s possible to be a very big supporter of the First Amendment but think that there are certain types of things that are going on online that maybe we should address...through norms and through policies by the companies themselves,” Wihbey said.
Images: The Knight Foundation
Megan Ruge
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7777
|
__label__wiki
| 0.955193
| 0.955193
|
Pasquarelli: Classic comeback
Manning doubts have been answered
TAMPA, Fla. -- Too bad that such an all-time classic Monday night game culminated with such clamor, as referee Johnny Grier and his typically flag-happy officiating crew found themselves in the midst of a maelstrom, with players from both franchises openly questioning the manner in which the contest was administrated.
On a happier note, after the Indianapolis Colts' incredible 38-35 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at least one controversy can be laid to rest.
Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who caromed home the game-winning 29-yard field goal off the right upright with 3:47 remaining in overtime, isn't likely to suggest anymore that quarterback Peyton Manning can't win the big games. Even if he still harbors any such misguided delusions, Vanderjagt won't ever articulate them publicly, as he did during a moment of offseason lunacy.
At the same time, Manning probably won't refer to Vanderjagt as a "liquored up" Canadian again, although both players likely hoisted a toast or two to Indianapolis head coach Tony Dungy on what must certainly have been a raucous charter flight home.
It was not only a homecoming for Dungy, the Bucs' head coach for six seasons until he was jettisoned by ownership after the 2001 campaign, but also his 48th birthday. And rest assured, it will take an occurrence of epic proportions on any of Dungy's future natal days to top what transpired Monday night, when the Colts rallied for 35 points in the second half to send the week's marquee matchup into an extra stanza.
While the haughty-then-humbled Buccaneers were left in a flag daze and bewildered by an esoteric "leaping" penalty against defensive end Simeon Rice -- an 11-yard, half-the-distance infraction that provided Vanderjagt a second shot at the game winner, after he had pushed a 40-yard try wide right -- the undefeated Colts were arguably as high as they have ever been.
"Does it get any better than this?" said Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who caught 11 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns to help drive the frenetic and improbable comeback. "I suppose, if you win the Super Bowl, that's got to be better. But, man, to be down like we were and come back against the Super Bowl champions and that defense? You can't even dream that kind of stuff, you know?"
For the typically trash-talking Bucs players, whose mettle didn't live up to their mouths, the nightmarish loss almost certainly will linger. The defeat dropped the Bucs two games behind the upstart Carolina Panthers, who already own an overtime win at Tampa Bay, in the NFC South. Four games into the season, Tampa Bay is a dented 2-2 team, and winless at Raymond James Stadium.
Several of the Bucs players, using their alleged distaste for the "Playmakers" series and their disdain for Rush Limbaugh's remarks as a lame excuse, have opted not to speak to ESPN and ESPN.com. That was appropriate Monday, since most rationalizations they uttered in group interviews were outlandish anyway and, come crunch time, the Bucs couldn't find even one playmaker to stop the hemorrhaging on their vaunted defensive unit.
In defense of Tampa Bay and its calamitous collapse, coach Jon Gruden's team finished the bitter contest with several star players sidelined by injuries. Among the wounded were cornerback Brian Kelly, wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson and tailbacks Michael Pittman and Aaron Stecker.
Injuries notwithstanding, the Bucs can't simply excuse away a defeat of such mammoth proportions, one in which they led by three touchdowns with less than four minutes to play.
"We can talk about [the officiating], the injuries, whatever," Bucs strong safety John Lynch said. "I don't care what happens. You can't lose that game. You just can't allow a game like this one to get away from you."
But in truth, the Colts, whose 5-0 record marks the team's best start since 1977, when the franchise was located in Baltimore and coached by Ted Marchibroda (now a co-host on the club's pregame show), took the game away from the Bucs in scintillating fashion.
Years from now, when the game is recalled by Colts fans or replayed on ESPN Classic, some of the memorable plays will include a 90-yard kickoff return by Brad Pyatt, the recovered onside kick by safety Idrees Bashir, or Manning's 52-yard frozen rope to Harrison to set up Ricky Williams' game-tying touchdown run.
What should be noted, however, is the manner in which the Colts went after a Tampa Bay defense that is famous for its intimidation tactics.
At halftime, one Tampa Bay team official agreed when a reporter suggested the Colts had fallen into the Bucs' trap, afraid to throw the ball deep and instead relying on too many short passes into the flats. The Bucs thrive in such situations because they pursue so well to the ball and always keep it in front of them. But what opposition offenses do not seem to recognize is that the Bucs don't play as much "cover two" scheme as they did in the past and that there are some vertical opportunities available.
In the second half, Manning, whose 11 completions in the first two quarters added up to a piddling 66 yards and who didn't have a hookup with a receiver for more than 15, began to take advantage of those opportunities. His first scoring strike to a clever Harrison, who beat the Tampa Bay secondary up the seam with a nifty double move, appeared at the time to be just a blip on the radar screen.
But it lit a fire under the Indianapolis offense and, in a sense, validated the notion that the Colts could indeed throw the ball in the "seam" and deep "hook" routes with success.
"We just didn't play our game," Manning said of the first half. "We're not a dink and dunk team, really, and we got ourselves in a rut. Sometimes, when you've got nothing to lose, you decide to leave nothing in the [play] book. We got back to being us. And when we hit a few big plays, you could see guys started to believe, to actually think that we had a chance to pull this thing out."
Pulling virtually everything out of the bag, in a half that should validate him as one of the game's premier performers and perhaps expunge all those suggestions that Indianapolis is a soft team, Manning completed 23 of 32 passes for 320 yards in the second half and the overtime period. More significant, he averaged 13.9 yards per completion, a sign that he was gunning the ball deeper.
In the second half, Colts receivers had catches of 28, 31, 37 and 52 yards. Three of those were authored by Harrison, who was chided by Keyshawn Johnson during the contest. As the player "miked" for sound on Monday night, Johnson was heard making disparaging remarks about Harrison when the Colts star was just catching balls underneath the Bucs' zone defenses. Johnson was notably quiet on the microphone, though, during the Colts' stirring comeback.
Part of the problem for Tampa Bay was that, with Brian Kelly out of the game, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was forced to use undersized "nickel" defender Tim Wansley at cornerback in the "base" defense. Harrison absolutely abused Wansley, finally forcing the Bucs to move free safety Dwight Smith, a cornerback the first two years of his career, to the outside. In that alignment, Jermaine Phillips played free safety. It was a disheveled secondary at times, and the Colts went helter-skelter right through it.
In the first three games, the Tampa Bay defense limited opponents to just 16.8 yards per possession, and 28 of 38 series for enemy offenses ended in zero or just one first down. The Colts averaged 35 yards on their 13 series, still not great, but enough to make the Bucs' seemingly indomitable unit appear vulnerable.
There were plenty of gaffes and low moments in the contest -- like when Bucs wideout Keenan McCardell scored on a 57-yard fumble return after Colts rookie strong safety Mike Doss lost the handle on an interception return -- but in the end what will be recalled most was the high drama of the closing five minutes of regulation play.
Indianapolis got the ball back in some unthinkable and unorthodox ways, and Tampa Bay aided the cause with untimely penalties that stopped the clock, including a 15-yarder on offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker on the Bucs' last possession of the fourth quarter. But when push came to shove, as it often did at the line of scrimmage, it was Manning who most embodied what this year's Colts might be about.
There have been times in the past when, faced with more promising situations and far less challenging defenses, Manning has not led the Colts into the end zone. On Monday, he did it time and again under the most stressful of situations, and then he moved the team into range for Vanderjagt's winning kick.
For the Colts, who now lead rival Tennessee by two games, it may be a truly defining moment. There is little doubt it will be a comeback that silences some of those poor and misguided Manning critics. For Dungy, the last coach or player with a chance to grab a victory in what the league dubbed as "Reunion Weekend," it was just about the greatest birthday present he could have imagined.
And, as Dungy noted, even he didn't imagine it when his team trailed by three scores and the clock had moved under four minutes.
"Good things happen, though, when you keep trying," Dungy said. "Strange things, too, I guess. But when we got backed into the corner, we got aggressive, and we just made up our minds we were tired of being [embarrassed]."
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7782
|
__label__wiki
| 0.800737
| 0.800737
|
Georgieva won’t run for UN Secretary General
By Georgi Gotev | EURACTIV.com
Kristalina Georgieva [Georgi Gotev]
The Bulgarian government announced today (8 February) that Commission Vice President Kristalina Georgieva will continue with her duties – putting an end to expectations that she would run for UN Secretary General to replace Ban Ki-moon, whose second term expires on 31 December 2016.
A brief press release published on the website of the Bulgarian government, states that Georgieva spoke on the phone with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. Reportedly, she told him that the political situation in Europe, the refugee crisis, the discussed EU reforms and her duties as Commissioner responsible for the budget and human resources require her to dedicate all her time to these matters.
The publication puts an end to the growing speculation that Borissov would nominate Georgieva as Bulgaria’s candidate for UN Secretary General. The nomination procedure is already open and several EU countries have notified the UN about their candidates.
The only official confirmation that Georgieva may be a candidate came from Margaritis Schinas, spokesperson for Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who last November said that Georgieva had discussed “the possibility that this issue may arise”.
>> Read: Georgieva to run for UN Secretary-General
Today’s development opens the door for Bulgaria’s most-obvious candidate, Irina Bokova – who currently leads the United Nations largest agency UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to get the nomination.
>> Read: Bulgaria puts forward Bokova’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General
Bokova was the official candidate of the government, but diplomats disclosed that a few months ago they had received instructions to lobby for her campaign, but that the next day they had received another cable telling them that the previous instruction was invalid.
It is the turn of Eastern Europe to lead the world organisation. A strong candidate from this part of the world, especially a woman, would be well-placed to take the post.
According to reports, Slovenia nominated its former President, Damilo Turk, Croatia nominated its former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vesna Pusi?, Slovakia has nominated its Foreign Minister, Miroslav Laj?ák, and Portugal said it would nominate the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres.
The choice of UNSG is governed by Article 97 of the UN Charter in just seventeen words: "The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council."
To be recommended, a prospective Secretary-General must receive the votes of 9 members of the Council and no vetoes. Thus the Charter provides for two distinct stages: The Security Council, a principal organ of the UN, is responsible for the first, the selection of the proposed SG. The General Assembly has the second, the power of appointment. In 1946 the Assembly asked the Council to recommend a single person, and to handle the matter privately. So it has been since.
On 11 September 2015, the five permanent members of the 15-member United Nations Security Council, under pressure from the broader membership of the 193-member Organization, accepted an intrusive role for the General Assembly, in which all members are represented, in the selection of the Secretary-General, heretofore handled in secrecy by the Security Council. Candidates for SG will be invited world-wide, and the full membership will be able to examine those candidates and their CVs in real time. There is the prospect of public grilling of aspirants.
It is expected that in January 2016 the President of the General Assembly of the UN and the President of the Security Council for the respective month would send letters to all 193 member countries, announcing the opening of the procedure. This would open the process of formal nominations. It is expected that by September 2016 the Security Council would make its decision for the next UN Secretary General.
The previous Secretary-Generals having been Ghana's Kofi Annan (1997-2006), Egypt's Boutros Boutros-Ghali (1992-1996), Peru's Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (1982-1991), Austria's Kurt Waldheim (1972-1981), Myanmar's U Thant (1961-1971), Sweden's Dag Hammarskjöld (1953-1961) and Norway's Trygve Lie (1946-1952).
Boyko Borissov
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7783
|
__label__wiki
| 0.723529
| 0.723529
|
Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research - CNS and Neurological Disorders
Indexed in: EBSCO, Scopus.
Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research - CNS and Neurological Disorders is an eBook series that brings updated reviews to readers interested in advances in the development of pharmaceutical agents for th
Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research - CNS and Neurological Disorders is an eBook series that brings updated reviews to readers interested in advances in the development of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) and other nerve disorders. The scope of the eBook series covers a range of topics including the medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology and biochemistry of contemporary molecular targets involved in neurological and CNS disorders. Reviews presented in the series are mainly focused on clinical and therapeutic aspects of novel drugs intended for these targets. Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research - CNS and Neurological Disorders is a valuable resource for pharmaceutical scientists and postgraduate students seeking updated and critical information for developing clinical trials and devising research plans in the field of neurology. The first volume of the series features 9 chapters that cover a variety of therapeutic areas such as:
-advances in the treatment of cerebral gliomas, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia,
-different uses for antidepressants in treating drug users and adolescents suffering from depression,
-research on epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder therapy.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7784
|
__label__cc
| 0.536352
| 0.463648
|
Repentant thief returns 20,000 to elderly lady
A repentant thief returned 20,000 euros to an elderly woman more than three years after mugging her.
La Provence newspaper reported that the 74-year-old had her bag stolen by two young men in 2013, shortly after withdrawing the cash from the bank in Marseille, France.
The thieves appear to have followed her back to her appartment before striking and disappearing without trace.
Subsequent police inquiries proved fruitless until, at the beginning of March this year, the women found a bouquet of flowers left on her front step.
A few days later, a second bouquet, this time delivered in person by a young man who went on to produce an envelope stuffed with … 20,000 euros.
The repentant robber was subsequently arrested. “He didn’t go into details, he just indicated that we wanted to relieve his conscience,” a police source told the newspaper.
The man, 27, was given a court-supervised release. His accomplice has not been found.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7785
|
__label__cc
| 0.689656
| 0.310344
|
Bill Calls for Open-Source Electronic Health Records
By: Roy Mark | April 27, 2009
The proposed Health Information Technology Public Utility Act of 2009 would create a federal agency and grant program to develop open-source electronic health records and an open-source exchange model.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia introduced legislation April 24 that would fast-track open-source electronic health records. The Health Information Technology Public Utility Act of 2009 aims to build upon the Department of Veterans Affairs' use of open-source health records as well as the open-source exchange model of the Nationwide Health Information Network-Connect initiative.
Rockefeller's bill would create a grant program for core safety-net providers to cover the full cost of open-source software implementation and maintenance for up to five years. The legislation also offers the possibility of renewal for up to five years if required benchmarks are met.
Obama plans electronic health records for military personnel. Click here to read more.
"We need advancements in health information technology across the board to improve the quality of care Americans receive," Rockefeller said in a statement. "To make this happen, we need universal access to affordable and interoperable health information technology-from small, rural health clinics to large, urban hospitals."
The bill would create a new federal Public Utility Board within the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to direct and oversee formation of a health IT public utility model. The new office would also develop mechanisms to integrate open-source software with Medicaid.
"Open-source software is a cost-effective, proven way to advance health information technology-particularly among small, rural providers," said Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. "This legislation does not replace commercial software; instead, it complements the private industry in this field-by making health information technology a realistic option for all providers."
Top Vendors of Database Management Software for 2021...
First Industrywide Graph DB Conference Set for Sept....
Previous Will Windows XP Mode Put Compatibility Before Security?
Next Tandberg Data Files for Bankruptcy Protection
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7790
|
__label__wiki
| 0.836606
| 0.836606
|
SonyLIV and JioMusic-Saavn made gains in app install market in Q1: Jana Report
The report said SonyLIV’s share of app installs has increased to 13% by the end of the quarter from 5.9%
SonyLIV, Sony Pictures Networks India’s (SPNI) video on demand app has more than doubled its share in terms of app installs in the first quarter of the year.
According to Jana’s Mobile Majority report, SonyLIV’s share of app installs has increased to 13% by the end of the quarter from 5.9%.
Hotstar retained its position as the most downloaded app but had a 6.6% decline in app installs to 69.4% compared to 76% from 1 January.
Voot at 10.7% ranked third by the end of March, while Amazon (5%) and Netflix (1.4%) trailed by a wide margin. YuppTV’s share of app installs remained unchanged at 0.5%.
The study also revealed that Indian consumers have a strong preference for regional providers. The recent popularity of over the top (OTT) players in India have invested billions of dollars in the sector. With more than 25 OTT players in the video alone, the data points to the fact that consolidation of major players is both inevitable and necessary to survive in a highly competitive environment that is expected to intensify in the region in the coming months.
The research was conducted in India from 1 January through 31 March during which data around streaming app installs and usage was anonymously observed from users of Jana’s mCent browser.
When it comes to music streaming apps, JioMusic-Saavn was the only streaming media company that made gains in app installs market share across Jana’s mCent browser, where they saw a 1.24% share increase.
JioMusic-Saavn had 26.1% share of app installs during the quarter as against 19.4% and 5.4% of JioMusic and Saavn separately on 1 January. Google Play Music’s share dropped to 63.7% from 65% while that Gaana dropped to 4.6% from 4.5%. Similarly, Wynk’s share was down at 3% compared to 3.3%. Hungama’s market share increased to 1.3% compared to 1.2%.
Google Play Music saw the largest share drop with -1.25% over the same period. Hungama at .12% and Amazon at .11% gained the second and third most ground respectively.
The report said Google Play Music launched in India in 2016 and quickly became one of the market’s dominant players with its subscription service launching in April last year.
While new rumours have surfaced about a planned merger with YouTube Remix later in the year, which is expected to further distance the service from competition, large newcomers like Spotify plan for its own music service launch in the country to compete globally with Apple.
The merger also saw a big increase in time spent in app as it went from a combined 32.5% share of time spent in app on 1 January to a 37.8% share by 31 March. Over the same time period, Google Play Music dropped significantly to 40% from 45.7% but still remained 2.2% ahead of Jio Saavn.
“The merger of Saavn-Jio will be interesting to watch and could be a precursor to broader consolidation of Indian-based streaming providers banding together to fight against global tech giants like Google, Spotify, and Apple. The same holds true for streaming video providers, where the rise of Hotstar is yet another example of Indian consumers’ hungry appetite for streaming content, but it will take deep pockets to stave off the larger players who are all making large bets in the region,” said Jana founder and CEO Nathan Eagle.
Jana’s mCent browser is integrated into the billing systems of 311 mobile operators, the technology has cross-border potential as one of the world’s largest compensation platforms, available to 4.56 billion mobile subscribers, or approximately two-thirds of the world’s population.
Tags Hotstar Jana Jiomusic Saavn Sony pictures networks india Sonyliv Internet advertising internet advertising India digital digital news digital ad Ad campaign campaign digital advertising digital ad campaign digital campaign digital India digital media
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7791
|
__label__cc
| 0.698262
| 0.301738
|
The list of countries that restrict entry to Mexican tourists or request negative tests for COVID-19
Around the world, various countries have implemented measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within their territories, among which the restrictions on air travel of tourism and non-essentials.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), these are some of the most important nations in the world that have imposed measures on mexican citizens, as the travel ban or other measures to avoid the increase of infections among its population.
– U.S. While there are no restrictions for Mexicans to make air travel to the United States, the government of that country recently announced that it will begin require a negative test for coronavirus before boarding the plane that takes them to their destination.
– Canada.
– Uruguay.
– Argentina. Mexican citizens may enter as long as they are spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings or children of Argentine nationals and must present a proof that proves said relationship. In addition, they must show a medical certificate with negative result for COVID-19.
– Spain.
– Germany.
– France.
– UK.
– Italy.
– Russia.
(Photo: Alexandre Meneghini / .)
– South Africa. Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative coronavirus test result.
-Saudi Arabia.
– China.
– Japan.
– South Korea allows the entry of Mexican travelers, but they must present negative COVID-19 test result, which must have been done 72 hours prior to departure.
– Australia.
– New Zealand.
Despite the high numbers of infections in Mexico, the health authorities have shown a position contrary to the measure of imposing border restrictions, since they have relied on arguments that they would not be something functional for the control of the pandemic.
In April, the Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo Lopez-Gatell, said they had no plans to close the borders to travel, because within the country there was already enough transmission, “so that there is no benefit to close. On the other hand, it would affect the supply of inputs and the transit of people ”.
(Photo: Presidency of Mexico / .)
He also highlighted that while there is a widespread public view that making this decision can put a physical barrier to epidemics, “there is no scientific or historical proof that these types of measures have some kind of utility ”.
Recently and after the spread of the mutation originating in the United Kingdom, the official explained that nor would they impose forced quarantines on travelers arriving in Mexican territory, since they consider that the evidence does not certify that these actions could be a “mitigating mechanism” faced with a pandemic of such proportions.
For the above, he said, there is no difference between the arrival of ten or 600,000 people, since those who travel are generally because they feel and are in good health, so people at risk of being carriers of the virus may be only a minority.
It is worth mentioning that this has been taken advantage of by United States citizens, who have ignored their government’s recommendations on do not travel to Mexico, a country to which they are attracted because “the restrictions on the coronavirus are more flexible“, Which offers” a little normality to their lives”According to The New York Times.
This situation generated that according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mexico will become the third most visited country, only behind Italy and France.
US trips to Mexico increase due to its “flexible measures” in the face of COVID-19: The New York Times
In the year COVID-19, Mexico will become the third most visited country in the world: UNWTO
This is the reason why Mexico does not close its borders in the face of the coronavirus pandemic
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7796
|
__label__wiki
| 0.687461
| 0.687461
|
DaCunha’s Dispatch 1/14/21
“This year’s election was completely different from last year’s,” stated the Class of 2023 President, Adin Monroe.
No, not the U.S. election, but the Fairhaven High School Class Officer Election.
Campaigning and voting clearly had to be modified this year because of the pandemic, so I have asked class officers, including myself (I got elected class president) speak on the challenges that went along with running for a class officer position.
One obstacle that we freshmen faced was trying to get students that we didn’t know to vote for us.
Ireland Nordstrom, the newly elected Class of 2024 Vice President who was completely new to the district explained, “I had not yet had the chance to meet and connect with my fellow classmates. Especially with the different cohorts, communicating with our class was very difficult, and I had to come up with new ways to reach them.”
Many of the Acushnet students did not know Fairhaven students, and vice versa, making it harder for candidates to communicate their ideas because they didn’t even know half of the kids in their grade.
Freshman Public Relations Officer Grace Dupre described how she found a way to reach students outside of her small class of six.
“I was able to connect with students during this pandemic by using social media,” she said, and this was the case for most, if not all of the candidates.
If this pandemic has proven anything, it’s the power and influence social media holds, especially among new, up and coming generations.
Senior President Nina Medeiros said, “During my previous 3 years in office as president and hugely this year, my fellow class officers and I have used and continue to use social media as the main source of connecting with not only our fellow classmates but their guardians as well.”
As the elected freshman Class President, I can agree that social media played an important role in my campaign too. I and other students posted election date reminders, videos and digital posters that shared a little bit about ourselves, as well as our thoughts and ideas to benefit not only our individual class, but the school as a whole.
Although there are most definitely many advantages to using social media for a campaign, there are also several challenges.
It was tough to tell how much support you had, especially against an opponent; and because of how small the classes are, it was difficult to communicate in person with students that you don’t spend the whole day in the same classroom with.
Students were trying their best to adapt to the new situation before them, and attempted to communicate with classmates face to face (socially distant of course)!
Ireland Nordstrom explained her efforts to try and introduce herself to others, despite limitations:.
“I would say ‘hello’ to other students when walking by them in the halls or saying ‘goodbye’ to them at dismissal,” she said.
Election voting took place digitally this year as well.
Senior Nina Medeiros said, “[The administration] felt it was best to allow those who were in our class office when we left for quarantine to continue their roles in our class office for our senior year.”
So she did not end up having to run again, but mentioned that she plans on having “a fun, safe, and great senior year,” and wants to give students a sense of normalcy that has been missing.
For the rest of the grades, the election was on, but it did not have that sense of competition and excitement that it usually has. Students were simply sent a Google form through their email where they’d choose their candidate of choice. Instead of looking forward to an election day, voting became a responsibility, and this affected the voter turnout.
Adin Monroe shared his disappointment that only 40% of students sent in a vote, but at least it was safe and efficient given the circumstances.
Even with the pandemic, the selected Class Officers are fully committed and looking forward to fulfilling their responsibilities at FHS with innovation, dedication, and hard work!
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7802
|
__label__wiki
| 0.824301
| 0.824301
|
Resources »FAQs
Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank as many candidates as they want in order of choice--first, second, third, and so on. All first choices are counted, and if a candidate has a majority, then they win, just like any other election. However, if nobody has a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and those voters have their ballot instantly count for their next choice. This process continues until a candidate receives a majority of votes and is declared the winner.
Ranked choice voting is a simple, yet powerful change we can make to give voters a stronger voice in our elections. By ranking candidates in order of preference, voters no longer have to vote for the lesser of two evils. If a voter’s favorite candidate can’t win, their vote instantly counts for the candidate they ranked next. The more you rank, the stronger your voice is in democracy.
What are the benefits of RCV?
More voice for voters because your voice matters more with a ranked ballot. You never feel like your vote is “wasted.” If your favorite candidate can't win, your vote counts for the candidate you ranked second.
More choice for voters because ranked choice voting levels the playing field for all candidates and encourages candidates to take their case directly to you with a focus on the issues.
Promotes fairness by ensuring winners earn a majority of the vote and are more broadly representative.
Fosters civil elections by incentivizing inclusive campaigns and coalition building. Candidates run more positive campaigns, focus on the issues, and reach beyond their base.
Minimizes strategic voting, vote splitting, and the spoiler effect because you always get to vote your favorite first without fear you may divide the community and help elect the candidate you like the least.
Reduces costs by eliminating runoff elections which saves administrative and campaign finance needs.
Supports greater voter participation because every vote counts in a single high turnout, more representative election.
Why RCV instead of a runoff election?
RCV has been adopted in cities across the country, including cities in the Bay Area, to replace costly runoff elections. For example, the San Francisco mayoral race cost $3.7 million for a December runoff election. RCV allows voters to participate in a single decisive election that’s more representative of the community and avoids the high costs and low turnout associated with runoff elections.
Why RCV instead of first-past-the-post, aka plurality elections?
In many elections, the candidate with the most votes wins (50%+1). However, this gets more complicated when there’s more candidates in the race. A winner can be declared even if they don’t have a real majority, otherwise known as “plurality winners.” This election system is also called first-past-the-post. This encourages candidates to appeal to only their base and can attack their opponents. Minority groups can be shut out of government altogether, as voters and as candidates and the supposed “winner” isn’t representative of who the majority of voters want to elect.
On the other hand, RCV is an instant runoff system that restores majority rule. RCV ensures that candidates with the most votes and broadest support win. Candidates who are opposed by a majority of voters can never win RCV elections.
What about electing more than one person to office?
When electing multiple people for office, say three city councilmembers, the majority of voters elect all of the seats. Under winner-take-all elections, this means some voters help elect several representative and others do not, even up to 49.9% of voters. We should have an election system where every vote matters and no vote is wasted.
In an election to fill more than one seat, ranked choice voting is used to ensure that voters in the majority elect a majority of seats, but voters in the minority are still able to elect their fair share. The number of votes it takes to get elected to a seat depends on how many seats are being elected. For example, in a contest to elect three members of a city council, a candidate must win more than 25% of the vote to be elected.
Once a candidate has more than enough votes to be elected, extra votes for them aren’t wasted, but instantly go to the next choice on a voter’s ballot. If every seat hasn’t been filled, the candidate in last place is eliminated, and those voters have their ballot instantly count for their next choice. This process continues until every seat has been filled. Since so few votes go wasted, voters in the majority are able to ensure their top candidates win a majority of seats, and voters in the minority are able to come together to elect a fair share of candidates as well. This ensures majority rule while also providing opportunity for minority representation. Fair representation voting ensures that as many voters as possible are able to help elect someone they support.
Where is RCV used?
In California, ranked choice voting (RCV), also known as instant runoff voting, is used in local elections in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and San Leandro. Nationally, there are nearly 30 states that have legislation to enact RCV or have cities using RCV.
Ranked choice voting has a proven track record in communities across the country. A detailed two-year study of the cities that use RCV in California’s Bay Area indicates that voters widely support it and handle the system very well. In each city that was studied, ranked choice voting received a majority of support from voters.
How does RCV impact turnout and competitive elections?
In November 2017, Minneapolis, Minnesota was one of four cities to hold municipal elections with ranked choice voting. With several competitive contests for mayor, city council, and park board, it was a remarkably diverse and positive election season. Results included:
The highest turnout in 20 years;
87% of voters ranked at least 2 candidates, and 73% ranked three;
99.96% of ballots were valid;
92% of voters found RCV simple to use;
84% of voter said they like and want to continue using RCV;
The city elected a gender-balanced council;
The first Somali-American and Latina members were re-elected, and the first two transgender council members were elected;
Women and people of color ran competitively in 18 of the 22 contests and won 12 contests.
Results like these were replicated in the other cities as well. St. Paul (MN), Takoma Park (MD), and Cambridge (MA) all had increases in turnout in 2017. The data also shows that voters in cities across the country handle ranked choice voting with ease.
What happened in the San Francisco 2010 District 10 Race?
The Board of Supervisors race in District 10 was an unprecedented race in San Francisco’s history with RCV. There were 21 candidates, no incumbent and no obvious front runners.
That resulted in an election in which the winning candidate, Malia Cohen, edged out the competition in an exceptionally close race. How close was it?
The top vote-getter in the first round barely topped 12%.
In the first round, the leading four candidates (Sweet, Kelly, Cohen and Tran) were all within about one third of a percent (0.34%) of each other. A fifth candidate (Moss) was within 1% of the first-round leader.
Those five leaders remained the leaders and within 3.5% of each other (as a fraction of the first round continuing votes) for each of the following rounds until they were the last five continuing candidates.
The winning candidate, Cohen, received the most support in the instant runoff than any of the other candidates, specifically, from other African American candidates.
What happened in the Oakland 2010 Jean Quan race?
Oakland voters approved implementation of RCV by a margin of 69% to 31% in 2006. First, despite activist efforts, Alameda County Registrar of Voters (ROV) did not run the RCV count until after election day in 2010. This caused confusion among the public because only the first choice count was reported and no one had received more than 50%. The Alameda ROV now runs the RCV count on election day as votes are counted so a more accurate depiction of the results are displayed. Any delay in process is due to the processing of remaining ballots.
How Quan won:
Jean Quan was 11 points down to Don Perata after the first round, however, she came back to win when each of the mayoral candidates was eliminated.This is not unusual in runoff elections.
Quan received more support than any other candidate. She received 3x the amount of support from Rebecca Kaplan’s voters than the other candidate.
Quan ran an extremely successful on the ground campaign where she built coalitions and reached out for second- and third-choice support.
How does RCV impact women and communities of color?
RCV opens up politics to more diverse voices, including women and people of color. When voters have the power to rank candidates, new and diverse voices can run without worrying about splitting the vote and playing the role of the “spoiler.”
Fifty three (53) offices are elected by RCV in the Bay Area. Women and people of color hold 47 of these seats (89%), a sharp rise from pre-RCV elections. Since RCV implementation, women and people of color have won 81% of all elections, compared to 67% in the same amount of races pre-RCV. These positive effects are likely related to how often it replaces low, unrepresentative, primary or runoff elections and that it allows for multiple candidates to run from the same community. In San Francisco, effective voter participation has increased as high as 300% in traditionally low-turnout precincts.
Furthermore, RCV discourages divisive and negative campaigning since candidates are encouraged to campaign for a core base of support while building a broad coalition of second and third choices from their opponents.
In Cambridge, MA, where a multi-seat version of RCV is used, 95% of voters get one of their top choices elected. Since 1980, when the African-American population crossed 10% of the town's total population, members of the African-American community have been consistently elected to the city council & school committee.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7803
|
__label__wiki
| 0.756982
| 0.756982
|
Hugh Baird University Centre announces exciting new partnership with the University of Cumbria
by Hugh Baird University Centre
The @HughBaird University Centre has announced a new and exciting collaborative partnership with @CumbriaUni which marks a further expansion of the University Centre’s Higher Education provision.
In the first phase of the partnership, the Hugh Baird University Centre will be offering a Foundation Degree(FdSc) Assistant Practitioner in Health and Social Care course from September 2020. The course will give students the knowledge and skills needed to become an Assistant Practitioner, and also the opportunity to progress onto an allied health professional courses, such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Radiography and Physiotherapy.
The Foundation Degree (FdSc) Assistant Practitioner in Health and Social Care course has been chosen to support the current labour market demands in the Liverpool City Region. There is an ever-increasing need for Health, Social Care and Nursing Practitioners within the region, with the sector currently supporting over 6,000 careers and contributing over £170 million per year to the region’s economy.
Hugh Baird College works in partnership with several NHS Trusts across the North West and has recently opened a state-of-the-art health, social care and mental health training hub at their St Winefride's Campus, in partnership with the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. The campus provides a base for the College’s health, social care and mental health courses, which students can study from the age of 14, up to a full honours degree at the University Centre.
The Hugh Baird University Centre is part of Hugh Baird College, one of the largest providers of education and training in Merseyside. The College has invested in a dedicated University Centre with state-of-the-art facilities and has grown its course provision over the last six years. This new partnership adds to their current cohort of partners; the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
In June 2017, the Hugh Baird University Centre was awarded a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold rating for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. The University Centre is one of an elite group of universities to achieve the highest status of the framework. The TEF was introduced by the government to provide evidence about the performance of the Higher Education sector in the UK.
Colette Mawdsley, Dean of Higher Education and Access at the Hugh Baird University Centre, said:
"I am extremely proud to announce our new partnership with the University of Cumbria. The partnership will initially enhance our health and social care provision at the University Centre, and it will provide further opportunities for our graduates to progress into a successful career in the health sector. The partnership enhances our commitment to providing high quality and affordable higher education opportunities to the communities of the Liverpool City Region."
David McGregor, Head of Collaborative Provision at the University of Cumbria, said:
“The University of Cumbria is delighted to be working in partnership with Hugh Baird College. The University has a long tradition of health and social care provision and will be working with the College to support the development of its HE offer in this subject. This is an especially valuable subject area at this time, and we are looking forward to seeing the partnership grow and develop.”
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7804
|
__label__wiki
| 0.536113
| 0.536113
|
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Nadia Reid is celebrated for her intimate musical soundscapes and unique voice, and has been described by The Guardian as “an understated, wise guide through uncertain territory”. Her beautifully-warm vocals coolly wrap round feelings of turbulence.
“Preservation is about the point I started to love myself again. It is about strength and observation. It’s about when I could see the future again. When the world was good again. When music was realised as my longest standing comfort.”
Auckland-born, Dunedin-raised, she has won global success. 2017 saw her tour through Australasia, Europe, and the US including festivals like Green Man and End Of The Road, as well as media appearances on the likes of BBC’s Later… with Jools Holland. Her Spotify streams reached 17.38 million plays, and in New Zealand she was a finalist for the Silver Scroll Awards and the Taite Music Prize.
Her band is Sam Taylor (guitar), Richie Pickard (bass) and Chris O’Connor (drums). She plans to have her third album out soon.
“When I hear a young artist making an album as soulful and rich and self-possessed, I feel so thrilled for all the music they will make over the years to come” – The Guardian
“Just listen and lose yourself in it, for it is often glorious” – themusic.co.au
“Reid’s voice cuts a determined path across the dark and sometimes stormy sea below” – the Listener
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7806
|
__label__cc
| 0.576788
| 0.423212
|
Senate and House Lawmakers Add to FDA’s To-Do List in Fiscal Year 2016 Appropriations Bills
Earlier this month, legislation was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to fund FDA for the next fiscal year: Fiscal Year 2016. Both the Senate bill and the House bill, titled “Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016,” would give FDA a small increase over Fiscal Year 2015 funding. In addition to funding FDA, however, the bills (S. 1800 and H.R. 3049) and their accompanying reports (H. Rept. 114-205 and S. Rept. 114-82) heap on various recommendations and directives. We’ve extracted those items from each of the documents and added some links to background information. We’re not going to get into all of the appropriations funding numbers. Instead, we’ll leave that to the folks over at the Alliance for a Stronger FDA, who have provided initial break-outs of both the Senate and House appropriations bills (here and here).
House Fiscal Year 2016 FDA Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3049) & Report (H. Rept. 114-205)
The following provisions are included as “General Provisions” in Title VII of H.R. 3049:
Sec. 723. Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a detailed spending plan by program, project, and activity for all the funds made available under this Act including appropriated user fees, as defined in the report accompanying this Act.
Sec. 743. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to propose, promulgate, or implement any rule, or take any other action with respect to, allowing or requiring information intended for a prescribing health care professional, in the case of a drug or biological product subject to section 503(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(b)(1)), to be distributed to such professional electronically (in lieu of in paper form) unless and until a Federal law is enacted to allow or require such distribution.
Sec. 744. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to implement, administer, or enforce the final rule entitled “Food Labeling; Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments” published by the Food and Drug Administration in the Federal Register on December 1, 2014 (79 Fed. Reg. 71156 et seq.) until the later of—
(1) December 1, 2016; or
(2) the date that is one year after the date on which the Secretary of Health and Human Services publishes Level 1 guidance with respect to nutrition labeling of standard menu items in restaurants and similar retail food establishments in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), (g)(1)(iii), and (g)(1)(iv) of section 10.115 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec. 745. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to review or approve an application for an exemption for investigational use of a drug or biological product under section 505(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(i)) or section 351(a)(3) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262(a)(3)) in research in which a human embryo is intentionally created or modified to include a heritable genetic modification.
Sec. 746. None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to implement or enforce any provision of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (P.L. 111-353), including the amendments made thereby, with respect to the regulation of the distribution, sale, or receipt of dried spent grain byproducts of the alcoholic beverage production process, irrespective of whether such byproducts are solely intended for use as animal feed.
Sec. 747. For each tobacco product which the Secretary of Health and Human Services, by regulation under section 901(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, deems to be subject to chapter IX of such Act, none of the funds made available in this Act or any other Act may be used to treat any reference in sections 905 and 910 of such Act to February 15, 2007, as other than a reference to the effective date of the regulation under which a tobacco product is deemed subject to the requirements of such Act pursuant to section 901(b)(1) of such Act, and any reference in such sections to 21 months after the date of enactment of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act as other than a reference to 21 months after the date of such final deeming regulation.
Sec. 751. Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall publish a notice in the Federal Register clarifying that until the compliance date specified in the order published by the Food and Drug Administration in the Federal Register on June 17, 2015 (80 Fed. Reg. 34650 et seq.), partially hydrogenated oils shall be considered generally regarded as safe within the meaning of section 201(s) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(s)).
Sec. 752. Notwithstanding any other provision of law—
(1) the Secretary of Agriculture shall implement section 12106 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 and the amendments made by such section (21 U.S.C. 601 note; Public Law 113-79), including any regulation or guidance the Secretary of Agriculture issues to carry out such section or the amendments made by such section; and
(2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement section 403(t) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343(t)), including any regulation or guidance the Secretary of Health and Human Services issues to carry out such section.
The following provisions are included in H. Rept. 114-205:
Funding for Food Safety. – The Committee includes increases of $41,500,000 for the implementation of the FSMA. These increases consist of: $18,500,000 for Inspection Modernization and Training; $5,000,000 for the National Integrated Food Safety System; $11,500,000 for Education and Technical Assistance for Industry; $2,500,000 for Technical Staffing and Guidance Development; $3,000,000 for Import Safety; and $1,000,000 for Risk Analytics and Evaluation. The increases provided in this bill and the increases provided since fiscal year 2011 should assist the FDA in preparation for the implementation of FSMA prior to the effective dates of the seven foundational proposed rules. While the FDA has not implemented the final rules, the Committee understands that most businesses will not need to comply with the two rules for preventive controls for human food and for animal food until August 2016 and that the other five rules will not be effective until fiscal year 2017 and later.
The Committee notes that with these increases, the estimated total funding for food safety since FSMA was signed into law on January 4, 2011, would be over $230 million. In addition to the increases for FSMA, the FDA utilizes base resources for its comprehensive food safety efforts. Prior to the Committee's investment in food safety activities related to FSMA over the past five years, FDA reported that it spent $785 million for food safety in fiscal year 2009 and had an appropriation for food safety of $952.9 million in fiscal year 2010. While some of these base resources prior to the enactment of FSMA covered statutory responsibilities that are not directly linked to FSMA, a large majority of such funds do relate to FSMA and should be accounted for accordingly. The Committee continues to seek far more information on how the agency is spending its resources for FSMA related activities from increased funding and base resources. Therefore, the Committee directs the FDA to provide a detailed accounting of its food safety resources in the fiscal year 2017 budget request, including which pre-2011 base resources are now repurposed for activities in support of FSMA and which resources are the result of appropriated increases from fiscal years 2011 to 2016, a detailed explanation of what the FDA has accomplished with increased food safety resources since fiscal year 2011, and how the aggregate total of these base resources for food safety will be utilized in fiscal year 2017.
Medical Product Safety Funding. – The Committee provides an increase of $4,216,000 for medical product safety initiatives. Included in this amount is $2,500,000 for combating antibiotic resistant bacteria as part of the National Strategy for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (CARB), $1,000,000 for the Precision Medicine initiative, and $716,000 for the evaluation of over the counter sunscreen products. According to the FDA's fiscal year 2016 budget request, the Agency is spending approximately $32.5 million on antimicrobial resistance activities in fiscal year 2015. With this increase, the FDA is expected to spend approximately $35 million on combating antibiotic resistance in fiscal year 2016.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. – The Committee is concerned that the FDA has not yet approved a list of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for use by compounding pharmacists pursuant to the Drug Quality and Security Act (Public Law [113-54], 127 Stat. 587) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353a et seq.). Within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the FDA shall report to Congress on when its review of proposed APIs pursuant to Sec. 503A(1)(a)(iii) will be completed.
Antibiotics. – The Committee urges the FDA to work to foster the development of new antibiotics by supporting greater collaboration between industry and the FDA around adaptive clinical trials and labeling changes. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology has recommended this proposal to help support the type of robust drug development that will be needed to ensure patients are protected from bacterial resistance.
Bioethics. – The Committee notes that the FDA commissioned a consensus study from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on “Ethical and Social Policy Considerations of Novel Techniques for Prevention of Maternal Transmission of Mitochondrial DNA Diseases.” The Committee further notes that the FDA has requested that the IOM produce a consensus report on the ethical and social policy issues related to genetic modification of eggs and zygotes to prevent transmission of mitochondrial disease. The Committee directs the FDA to establish an independent panel of experts, including those from faith-based institutions with expertise on bioethics and faith-based medical associations, and to submit this consensus report to the independent panel of experts upon its completion by the IOM. The Committee urges the independent panel of experts to review the IOM report and report their evaluation of its conclusions, along with any recommendations based on this review, to the Committee within 30 days of the completion of the report by the IOM.
Biological Products. – The Committee commends the FDA for issuing draft guidance to address the mixing, diluting, or repackaging of biological products outside the scope of an approved biologics license application. The Committee urges the FDA to finalize the guidance without delay following the public comment period and continues to emphasize the need for close FDA inspection and supervision of large-scale compounding and repackaging of sterile injectable drugs and biological products, particularly products that are administered into areas of the human body where there is tempered immunity, such as the eye or spinal column, to ensure that they are processed in keeping with current good manufacturing practice for sterile products, in particular 21 CFR 200.50 regarding ophthalmic preparations.
Biosimilars–Naming and Interchangeability – Five years post-enactment of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA), FDA has only released guidances on general issues like scientific considerations in demonstrating biosimilarity, how exclusivity for innovator products may be applied, and how FDA will conduct industry/applicant meetings. These guidances do not address in any way the key considerations affecting patients or providers, such as what biosimilars will be named so that patients and their providers know which specific therapy a patient receives, for which indications can a biosimilar or interchangeable product be used, and scientific considerations for determining interchangeability. Due to the absence of these guidances the FDA was forced to approve biosimilar Zarxio with a “placeholder” name. The Committee finds this unacceptable and directs the FDA to issue naming and interchangeability guidances no later than November 30, 2015.
Blood Plasma Products. – The Committee notes that the FDA has followed the Committee's advice from fiscal year 2015 and is addressing the issue of the use of plasma for post-collection manufacture into critical plasma derivatives, no matter the manner in which the blood is collected. The Committee urges the FDA to prioritize developing policies to allow for the more timely use of plasma from automated donations into other biologics and asks that the FDA update the Committee on its progress with a report no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act.
Blood Product Policies. – Last December, the FDA released draft guidance for industry entitled “Bacterial Detection Testing by Blood Collection Establishments and Transfusion Services to Enhance the Safety and Availability of Platelets for Transfusion.” As the agency is aware, the Committee issued report language in fiscal year 2012 expressing concern for the safety risks to transfusion patients from bacterially contaminated platelets. The Committee is pleased to see the agency take the step of releasing draft guidance. Unfortunately, when the FDA released its guidance agenda for 2015, the final version of this draft guidance was not listed among the agency’s priorities. This is an important safety issue, and it is essential that the agency complete the guidance process in a timely manner. The Committee urges the FDA to do so as quickly as possible.
Centers of Excellence – The Committee is aware of the important contribution of CFSAN’s Food Safety Centers of Excellence in supporting critical basic research as well as facilitating the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The Committee encourages the agency to continue to fully utilize the Centers of Excellence to accomplish these goals and to enhance its level of support for Food Safety Modernization Act activities and to increase funding for base work.
Cord Blood Regulation. – The Committee directs the FDA to undergo a review and seriously consider the potential need for revision of the current regulatory requirements for cord blood licensure, particularly those related to manufacturing and storage, to ensure the correct applicability to this industry since the current regulatory requirements are the same ones that apply to pharmaceutical products. In addition, the Committee directs the FDA to create an advisory task force, comprised at a minimum of public and private cord blood bankers, transplanters and patients, to provide recommendations to the agency about the current licensing requirements and changes that may be necessary.
Cosmetics and Colors. – The Committee directs the FDA to spend no less than the fiscal year 2015 level for cosmetics activities as well as for the Office of Colors and Cosmetics (OCAC). Funding provided for OCAC is for direct support of the operation, staffing, compliance, research and international activities performed by this office.
The Committee notes that, for the past five years, it has directed the FDA to respond to the Citizen Petition requesting that the FDA establish a safe level for lead as a nonfunctional constituent in lipstick. The Committee is aware that in 1975 the cosmetic industry asked the FDA to evaluate the safety of ingredients found in its products. Consistent with this commitment, in 1976 the cosmetic industry established the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) under which the safety of approximately 3,880 ingredients has been reviewed by an Expert Panel of independent scientists, and the FDA has participated through a nonvoting liaison at all meetings of the Expert Panel. The Committee directs the FDA to respond to the Citizen Petition on this lipstick ingredient by December 31, 2015.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel. – As noted, the cosmetic industry established the CIR as a means to assure the safety of ingredients in cosmetic products. Given the breadth and volume of ingredients reviewed and the scientific expertise applied to its process, it is the Committee's belief CIR should be recognized and formalized as a public-private program. The Committee therefore directs that the FDA work with the cosmetic industry to transfer the CIR to the United States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) or some other appropriate third body for the purpose of evaluating and determining the safety of ingredients found in cosmetics. USP is a widely respected independent scientific organization whose drug standards are explicitly incorporated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The Committee directs that the FDA, working cooperatively with the cosmetic industry, report back to the Committee no later than January 15, 2016, with a framework and a detailed plan.
Drug Compounding. – The Committee is concerned that, since passage of the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA) of 2013, the FDA has interpreted provisions of Section 503A of the FDCA in a manner inconsistent with its legislative intent and with the agency’s own previous positions. Specifically, the FDA has taken the position that under 503A, a pharmacist may not compound medications prior to receipt of a prescription and transfer the drugs to a requesting physician or other authorized agent of the prescriber for administration to his or her patients without a patient-specific prescription accompanying the medication. This practice, which is often referred to as “office-use” compounding [(see our previous post here)], is authorized in the vast majority of states and was intended to be allowable under DQSA. The Committee is aware that in 2012, prior to passage of the DQSA, FDA was working on a draft compliance policy guide for 503A of the FDCA that provided guidance on how “office-use” compounding could be done consistent with the provisions of 503A. The Committee understands the intent of the DQSA was not to prohibit compounding pharmacists from operation under existing 503A exemptions; therefore, the Committee directs the FDA to issue a guidance document on how compounding pharmacists can continue to engage in “office-use” compounding before the receipt of a patient-specific prescription consistent with the provisions of 503A within 90 days after the enactment of this Act.
Drug Labeling Approval. – The Committee acknowledges FDA's actions over the past six months regarding the proposed rule, “Supplemental Applications Proposing Labeling Changes for Approved Drugs and Biological Products,” to include a listening session on March 27, 2015, and a reopened comment period that closed on April 27, 2015. However, the Committee continues to be concerned with FDA actions from the beginning of this process and the subsequent failure to find closure on this issue. As things currently stand, the rule would allow a generic drug manufacturer to alter its safety labeling unilaterally without FDA’s prior approval, even if there is more than one generic manufacturer or an innovator manufacturer and generic manufacturer marketing the same bioequivalent drug (a “multisource” drug), and other companies are not required to make a corresponding labeling change.
The proposed rule has the potential to threaten public health by creating unprecedented patient and provider confusion by having multiple labels for bioequivalent products. The Committee urges the FDA to finalize the rule based upon comments it received in the docket and during the March 27 public meeting to meet the stated objectives of ensuring that patients have the most complete and up-to-date information regarding their prescription drugs. The final rule should establish: (1) FDA as the final decision maker of whether or not a manufacturer should change its labeling in a multisource environment; (2) a process by which the FDA collects and utilizes all safety information to determine if a labeling change is required–from the new safety information from the manufacturer to sources such as the Sentinel System and other global databases; (3) a process by which the FDA has defined time parameters to take action on new safety information provided by innovator or generic application holders; and, (4) a process by which manufacturers should have a defined time period to make the corresponding labeling change. A final rule with these minimum requirements should be grounded in scientific evidence, and present no opportunity for mismatched dispensing or use information between the innovator drug and the generic version drug.
Drug Shortages. – The Committee is aware that shortages of critical drugs persist following the 2012 enactment of the Food and Drug [Administration] Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA). Surveys conducted by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the American Hospital Association, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists report persistent shortages of drugs used in anesthesia care, oncology, and other services, owing primarily to problems in manufacturing, which impair patient access to care and patient experiences in the healthcare system, delay surgical procedures, and possibly increase overall healthcare costs. Therefore, within the funding provided the Committee directs the Commissioner to continue to prioritize the public reporting of manufacturing shortages, and to work with industry to prevent conditions that might lead to drug shortages.
The Committee remains concerned about national shortages of drugs to test for and treat Tuberculosis (TB), and recognizes that shortages could lead to further TB transmission as well as the development of drug resistance. The FDA is encouraged to ensure that TB control partners are participating in the Drug Shortages Interagency Task Force, including representatives of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, and the Federal TB Task Force. The Committee requests a report on steps the FDA can take to prevent TB drug shortages and help maintain an adequate supply.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. – The Committee is aware that the FDA recently released draft guidance for the development of drugs to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and related issues. The Committee commends FDA for working with patient groups and urges them to continue this collaborative approach when evaluating the medical needs of a rare disease community.
FDA Partnerships Under FSMA. – The purpose of FSMA is to reform the nation's food safety laws to ensure a safe public food supply. As the FDA continues implementation of FSMA, the Committee encourages the FDA to work in partnership with existing government food safety programs, including the use of MOUs, to verify compliance with FSMA rules once they are finalized as a way to eliminate duplication of activities under the law. In addition, the Committee provides an increase of $2.5 million for the Food Safety Outreach Program under NIFA, and expects that, per the proposal in the President’s fiscal year 2016 budget request, NIFA will serve as the sole agency providing food safety training, education, outreach, and technical assistance at the farm level.
Food Contact Notification User Fees. – The funds made available by this Act include sufficient monies to fund the FDA’s Food Contact Notification Program and shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of 21 U.S.C. 348(h)(5)(A). The Committee recommendation does not include proposed user fees.
Generic Drug User Fee Facility Fees. – When the FDA begins the process for GDUFA reauthorization negotiations on June 15, 2015, the Committee urges all stakeholders to carefully consider providing fee waivers, exemptions, or otherwise reduced fees for small generic drug manufacturers to minimize the disproportionate financial burden on these companies.
Genomic Editing. – The Committee understands the potential benefits to society in the genetic modification of living organisms. However, researchers do not yet fully understand all the possible side effects of editing the genes of a human embryo. Editing of the human germ line may involve serious and unquantifiable safety and ethical issues. Federal and non-Federal organizations such as the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine will soon engage in more extensive scientific analysis of the potential risks of genome editing and a broader public discussion of the societal and ethical implications of this technique. In accordance with the current policy at the National Institutes of Health, the Committee includes bill language that places a prohibition on the FDA’s use of funds involving the genetic modification of a human embryo. The Committee continues to support a wide range of innovations in biomedical research, but will do so in a fashion that reflects well-established scientific and ethical principles.
Harm Reduction. – It is the Committee recommendation that the FDA consider the benefits of harm reduction as part of evaluations under the Deeming regulations for tobacco products.
Imported Pet Food Product Transparency. – As of May 15, 2015, the FDA had received approximately 5,200 reports of pet illness related to consumption of jerky pet treats, nearly all of which are imported from China. The reports involve more than 6,000 dogs, 26 cats, and 3 humans and include more than 1,100 canine deaths. These incidents date back to 2007. The Committee requests that the FDA provide it with a summary of all activities associated with the investigation into the pet illnesses associated these products, including any import alerts and import refusals, within 60 days of the enactment of this Act. In addition, the Committee requests that the agency provide it with semi-annual reports on the status of the investigation into these illnesses beginning in April 2016 until the issue has been resolved.
Late Reports. – The Committee reminds the Commissioner that the timelines specified by the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate for fiscal year 2015 reports are deadlines that must be met. While the Committee notes that the FDA has made progress in providing more timely information and updates, the FDA still has several outstanding reports that are delayed due to long reviews and clearances. The Committee directs the Commissioner to submit these overdue reports. [(See our previous post here.)]
Local Port Cooperation – The Committee directs FDA to work with local governments at high volume ports of entry to explore activities which reduce the risk of food borne llnesses and enhance the capacity of local officials in dealing with food borne threats.
Mammography Quality Assurance Advisory Committee. – More than three years ago, in November 2011, the National Mammography Quality Assurance Advisory Committee approved a change to the mammogram patient report and physician report to include information regarding an individual’s breast density. This process has not been completed. The Committee urges the FDA to implement this change in an expedited manner and must report to Congress on the status of this change no more than 60 days from the enactment of this Act.
Medical Countermeasures. – The Committee directs that not less than $24,552,000 shall be available for the FDA’s Medical Countermeasures Initiative. This total is in addition to the unobligated funds remaining to support the FDA’s emergency response to Ebola and related disease outbreaks.
Medical Gas Rulemaking. – The Committee is concerned that the FDA has not initiated rulemaking to address numerous longstanding regulatory issues for medical gases despite the statutory requirement in FDASIA to issue a final rulemaking addressing all necessary changes for medical gases by July 9, 2016. Designated medical gases are a unique class of drugs that differ significantly from traditional pharmaceuticals and therefore must be addressed in the Federal drug regulations to prevent safety and enforcement issues caused by current regulations. The FDA has never responded to a 1979 Citizens Petition on expiration dating or a 1994 Citizens Petition on calculation of yield, and has not responded to a January 2014 statutorily required report on medical gas regulatory review. Therefore, the FDA shall issue a proposed rulemaking to address each and every regulatory issue that creates safety and enforcement issues for medical gases by September 30, 2015.
Menu Labeling. – The Committee is concerned about recent FDA final determination that increased the size and scope of those affected under restaurant menu labeling regulations. Specifically, the final rule attempts to regulate local grocery chains that typically do not qualify as restaurants. These newly regulated entities do not have clear guidance from the FDA as to how they must comply with numerous provisions of the final regulation. The Committee includes bill language that directs the FDA to implement the final rule no earlier than December 1, 2016, and at least one-year following agency publication of related guidance to newly regulated stakeholders. [(See our previous post here.)]
Molluscan Shellfish – The Committee is concerned that non-tariff trade barriers continue to preclude trade in molluscan shellfish with European Union states. The Committee encourages the agency to expedite its audit of growing areas in Europe and to seek equivalency in sanitary standards where possible to allow a resumption of trade.
Off-Label Guidance. – The Committee notes that in December of 2011, the FDA issued “Guidance for Industry: Responding to Unsolicited Requests for Off-Label Information About Prescription Drugs and Medical Devices”, and a request for comment to assist the agency in evaluating policies for off-label uses of both approved and investigational drugs and devices. The comment period closed on March 27, 2012. Further, the FDA responded in June 2014 to two citizen petitions that were submitted to the agency in July of 2011 and September of 2013 requesting clarification of regulations and policies regarding certain communications related to investigational new drugs and investigational new devices and off-label uses of drugs and devices. In the FDA’s response, the agency stated, “that it plans to issue guidance that addresses unsolicited requests, distributing scientific and medical information on unapproved new uses and manufacturer discussions regarding scientific information more generally, by the end of the calendar year.”
The Committee is concerned that the FDA has yet to issue new guidelines regarding the manner in which truthful and non-misleading scientific information outside of a product label for prescription drugs and medical devices can be conveyed. The Committee directs the FDA to address this issue comprehensively, outlining how manufacturers can communicate with all healthcare stakeholders, and to complete such guidelines within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
Over the Counter (OTC) Medicines for Children – The Committee is concerned that the FDA has not issued a proposed rule revising the monograph regulating the labeling of OTC cough and cold products for children. The Committee directs the agency to publish a proposed rule by November 30, 2015, based on scientific evidence for safety and efficacy in pediatric populations and taking into consideration the October 19, 2007 joint recommendations of its Pediatric Advisory Committee and Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee. While the Committee appreciates the agency's effort to explore possible improvements to the OTC drug monograph process; these efforts should not impede the prompt publication of this proposed rule.
Partially Hydrogenated Oils. – The Committee is concerned that the FDA’s recent final determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) could cause economic disruption in the marketplace and lead to unnecessary litigation [(see our previou spost here)]. More importantly, the FDA should clarify that they have not concluded that PHOs are unsafe but that they no longer meet the general recognition element of the GRAS standard. Further, it is disturbing that the FDA would make such a determination without full public documentation of the data and process used to do so. Therefore, the Committee directs the FDA, in carrying out its enforcement of this determination, to: 1) issue a notice that it will delay the effective date of the final determination until acting on a Food Additive Petition following the procedures identified in 21 C.F.R. 170 38(c); 2) provide a reasonable transition period of 3 years for companies to reformulate products that would allow the marketing of current uses of PHOs during this transition period; 3) clarify that the final determination applies prospectively and after the agency issues the food additive regulation; and (4) that the FDA clarify that products containing PHOs prior to and during this transition period be deemed lawful and in compliance with the FDCA, and not seek to enforce any ban on the introduction of PHOs into commerce until after the revised effective date.
Pharmacy Compounding. – The Committee is very concerned with the draft MOU that the FDA has proposed under Section 503A of the FDCA [(see our previous post here)]. The proposed MOU would complicate patient and prescriber access to compounded medications, and may have a deleterious effect on small pharmacies. Under the draft MOU, the FDA attempts to describe “distribution” as occurring when “a compounded human drug product has left the facility in which the drug was compounded.” In the DQSA, Congress only allowed the FDA to regulate “distribution.” But the MOU appears to exceed the authority granted in the statue by redefining “distribution'' in a manner that includes dispensing–something unprecedented. This overreach could generate exactly the kind of costly and confusing litigation that Congress intended to avoid when it amended and reinstated Section 503A. The Committee expects that, when a final MOU is proposed as a model agreement for the states to consider, that distribution and dispensing are treated as the different and separate activities that they actually are.
Pollock Nomenclature. – The Committee directs the Commissioner to expedite consideration of whether it is appropriate to change the acceptable market name of Gadus chalcogrammus (formerly classified as Theragra chalcogramma) from “Alaska Pollock” to “Pollock” in the Seafood List. It is critical that seafood nomenclature (acceptable market names) is science-based, truthful, and not misleading to the consumer.
Prescription Drug Labeling Inserts. – The Committee is aware of FDA proposals that would subvert repeatedly expressed Congressional intent by permitting the distribution of prescription drugs without printed prescribing information on or within the packages from which such drugs are to be dispensed [(see our previous post here)]. The FDA intends to replace such printed labeling with an electronic labeling system for the majority of prescription drugs. On several occasions Congress has directly declined to provide the FDA the necessary statutory authority to implement this change. As recently as 2012, Congress commissioned a GAO report (GAO-13-592) discussing this issue. The GAO report concluded that such a change could adversely impact public health. Thus, the Committee is very concerned that the FDA is moving to promulgate a regulation that would generally eliminate printed prescribing information inserts for prescription drugs. Therefore, the Committee has included a provision prohibiting the FDA from utilizing any funds to propose or otherwise promulgate any rule that requires or permits any prescription drug or biologic products to be distributed without printed prescribing information on or within the packaging from which such products are to be dispensed, unless such actions are expressly provided by an amendment to the FDCA.
Scientific Integrity. – Pursuant to the President’s 2009 memorandum and as directed by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the FDA adopted a scientific integrity policy in 2012. It appears to conform to the President's directive by maintaining a firm commitment to science-based, data-driven decision making, facilitating the free flow of scientific and technical information, and requiring a fair and transparent approach to resolving scientific disputes. The Committee directs the Commissioner to ensure all FDA centers agencies are complying with the policy and using it to guide their policy and regulatory decisions.
Scientific Study Data. – Sound science, peer review and transparency are essential to effective protection of public health. The Committee is concerned that data from scientific studies utilized in forming public policy may not be available for public review, even under Freedom of Information Act requests. The Committee believes that if public policy is based on a scientific study, that study should be available for public review. The Committee urges the FDA to immediately provide, on its website, the data and studies it uses to support public policy used by the FDA or other Federal agencies based on FDA studies.
Sodium Intake Levels. –The Committee is concerned about the FDA’s continued focus on voluntary sodium reductions and recommendations to remove the GRAS status of sodium given the growing body of evidence that suggests low sodium consumption can lead to health problems in healthy individuals [(see our previous post here)]. The Committee requires the FDA, in coordination with CDC, to convene a panel at the IOM to determine the blood pressure effect and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) implications for healthy people consuming sodium at 3000 mg or less per day. Federal funds should not be expended on sodium reduction activities below 3000 mg per day until the science is formally considered surrounding healthy and safe sodium intake, especially for healthy individuals, and the impact of lower sodium on blood pressure (and an extrapolation to health), including direct research suggesting a negative impact of lower sodium on health.
Spent Grains. – The Committee recognizes that the FDA took into consideration public comments and revised some of its proposed regulations on spent grains used for animal food. Processors already complying with FDA human food safety requirements would not need to implement additional preventive controls when supplying a by-product like wet spent grains for animal food. However, further processing a by-product for use as animal food such as drying spent grains, would require additional compliance under the proposed rule. The FDA has said potential hazards associated with spent grains are minimal, and steps to prevent contamination are likely already in place. The Committee includes bill language to ensure dry and wet spent grains used for animal food are regulated equally.
Sunscreen Ingredient Applications. – The Committee is concerned that another year has passed without the FDA completing its review of the pending Time and Extent Applications (TEAs) and the OTC Monograph rulemakings on sunscreens. Immediate action on sunscreen applications should be a priority since the need for sunscreens is evident by the nearly five million people that are treated annually for all skin cancers and the fact that melanoma is the fifth leading cause of cancer in the U.S. this year. The bill provides the requested funding of $700,000 for the FDA to complete timely reviews of filed requests and determine the safety and efficacy of sunscreen ingredients.
Sunscreen Ingredients and Report. – Thirteen years have passed without FDA final decisions on sunscreen ingredients that have been used around the world for many years. FDA's inaction is particularly concerning because bipartisan reforms were enacted in the Sunscreen Innovation Act (SIA) addressing all of the issues identified as impediments by the FDA [(see our previous post here)]. The Surgeon General called on the Federal government to work with stakeholders to support skin cancer prevention and yet the FDA has still not approved a new sunscreen product since the 1990s.
The FDA shall produce a report to the Committee by September 1, 2015, that contains a detailed analysis of how the FDA is balancing the Surgeon General's Call to Action, the known public health benefits that regular sunscreen use provides to prevent skin cancer and melanoma, and the long history of safe and effective use of sunscreens currently backlogged at the FDA in comparable countries versus the hypothetical risk sunscreens posed to human health in FDA’s GRAS standard. Furthermore, the FDA shall issue draft guidance for industry outlining data required for sunscreen active ingredients to meet the FDA’s safety and efficacy standards and meet SIA's statutory deadlines for publication. The bill provides $700,000 for FDA's sunscreen activities.
Surrogate Endpoints. – The Committee urges the FDA to issue guidance on the use of surrogate and intermediate endpoints for accelerated approval of regenerative medicine products under section 506(c) of the FDCA (21 U.S.C. 356(c)). In the process of issuing guidance, the FDA shall consult with appropriate stakeholders in the development of this guidance.
Tobacco Product Regulation. – The Committee includes bill language making a technical change to the FDA's regulation of newly deemed tobacco products and products with nicotine derived from tobacco under the Tobacco Control Act (TCA). Current law allows the agency to regulate these newly deemed products, and this language maintains the FDA's authority to ensure their safety through the regulatory process. Notably, the TCA provides the FDA with the authority to require that manufacturers submit detailed product formulas to the FDA for each of their products; authority to review any modifications to these newly regulated products going forward; and authority to issue product standards and other enforcement tools, including misbranding, adulteration and post market surveillance. The Committee fully supports these efforts to reduce potentially harmful effects associated with tobacco products. The Committee also supports FDA efforts to subject certain tobacco products to additional provisions, including minimum age of purchase restrictions, health warnings for product packages and ads, and a prohibition of certain vending machine sales.
Rather than amending the FDA's regulatory authority, this language relates only to a specific date–the predicate date of February 15, 2007. The current predicate date was established arbitrarily with the passage of TCA: Congress determined that manufacturers would not have to submit a pre-market approval application to the FDA for tobacco products that already existed on the market at that time. Those products that came onto the marketplace during the transition period after February 15, 2007 but before June 22, 2009 and introduced 21 months after the law was enacted were permitted to stay on the market as long as the manufacturer submitted a substantial equivalence submission to the FDA before the end of this transition period. Products entering the marketplace after this time period are required to submit a premarket tobacco product application. Using the 2007 date means that newly-regulated categories of tobacco products–some of which have the potential to play an important role in harm reduction, and some of which hardly existed in commerce before that date–would face a more onerous approval process than cigarettes.
On April 25, 2014, the FDA released a proposed deeming regulation, which would grant authority for the agency to regulate cigars, vapor products and other products with nicotine derived from tobacco. The Committee hopes that the FDA finalizes that rule as soon as possible and urges the FDA to develop tobacco product safety standards aimed at reducing or eliminating the most harmful constituents for the safety of our public health, with a special focus on protecting young populations. Manufacturers should have to meet these product standards in order to ensure the safe sale of tobacco products in the marketplace. In particular, the Committee urges the FDA to further the extension of the TCA's national minimum purchase age of 18 years to all tobacco products, regardless of when all other aspects of the deeming rule are made final. Further, the Committee urges the FDA to make child-resistant packaging and warning labels mandatory for liquids used with electronic-cigarette vaporizers.
The Committee believes the FDA has discretion to modify the predicate date for these newly deemed products, but the FDA states that it would maintain February 15, 2007 as the predicate date. The Committee is concerned that this approach will dramatically add to the FDA’s substantial backlog of currently pending applications and create a regulatory logjam for the agency–diverting its attention from its core mission to promote public health, ensure the safe use of these products and prevent underage use and abuse. The Committee has therefore established a new policy that treats newly deemed products in the same way as the TCA treated newly regulated products when the law was enacted. Specifically, the language in this bill would make the predicate date for newly deemed tobacco products the effective date of the final deeming rule and mimic the 21-month transition period provided for cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco.
For those products that enter the marketplace after the new predicate date, it is the Committee's recommendation that the FDA provide education to manufacturers on how to complete Premarket Tobacco Applications and Substantial Equivalence Reports for newly deemed products. This education could take the form of guidance, webinars, and/or individual meetings with companies. Such outreach and educational efforts are especially important for small companies manufacturing products that have not been previously regulated by the FDA. Lastly, the Committee would support the FDA if the agency distinguished between premium cigars and other tobacco products in regulation. Premium cigars have consistently been shown to be less harmful and addictive, and are distinct from other tobacco products in regards to the perception among youth.
User Fee Collections/Obligations. – The Committee continues to be concerned about the financial management of the FDA’s user fee programs. The Committee directs that not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, and each month thereafter through the months covered by this Act, the Commissioner to submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate a report on user fees collected for each user fee program included in the Act. The report shall also include monthly obligations incurred against such fee collections. The first report shall include a distinct categorization of the user fee balances that are being carried forward into fiscal year 2017 for each user fee account as well as a detailed explanation of what accounts for the balance and what the balance will be used for.
Senate Fiscal Year 2016 FDA Appropriations Bill (S. 1800) & Report (S. Rept. 114-82)
The following provisions are included as “General Provisions” in Title VII of S. 1800:
SEC. 723. Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a detailed spending plan by program, project, and activity for all the funds made available under this Act including appropriated user fees, as defined in the report accompanying this Act.
SEC. 729. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to enforce the final rule entitled “Food Labeling; Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments” published by the Food and Drug Administration in the Federal Register on December 1, 2014 (79 Fed. Reg. 71156 et seq.) before December 1, 2016.
The following provisions are included in S. Rept. 114-82:
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. – The Committee is concerned that the FDA has not yet approved a list of active pharmaceutical ingredients [APIs] for use by compounding pharmacists pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [FDCA]. Within 90 days of the enactment of this act, the FDA is directed to provide a timeline for when the remaining substances will be considered, and in the meantime re-consider its policy with regard to enforcement of the bulk drug substances provisions under section 503A.
Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers. – The Committee strongly supports the systematic review of healthcare antiseptic active ingredients used in alcohol based hand sanitizers [ABHS] products marketed under the over-the-counter [OTC] monograph to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and consumers, but is concerned about the potential impacts to public health that could occur if ABHS products containing healthcare antiseptic active ingredients are reclassified in a final monograph without full review of available, appropriate science based data and risk models. The FDA is requested not to issue a final monograph regarding OTC healthcare antiseptic active ingredients that are used in ABHS products, until full and fair consideration is given to existing evidence that has been provided to FDA that supports general recognition of safety and effectiveness of OTC ABHS products, and to potential costs associated with the final monograph.
Biosimilars. – The Committee is concerned that FDA has failed to provide the public adequate opportunity to review and comment on regulatory standards for the approval and oversight of biosimilar drugs. Therefore, FDA is directed to provide the Committee with an estimated timeline by which the agency will: finalize all pending draft biosimilars guidance documents, publish draft biosimilar guidance documents included in its 2015 regulatory agenda, and finalize those draft guidance documents. The Committee expects to receive this report no later than 2 weeks after the Committee reports this legislation.
Centers of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation. – The Committee is encouraged by the ongoing research and collaboration underway at the Centers of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation program and commends the FDA for launching this program in 2011 and expanding it in 2014. As such, the Committee directs the Office of the Commissioner to use at least $2,000,000 within existing funds to provide additional funding opportunities for the existing CERSI Centers to allow for the capitalization of ongoing studies and research.
Comparative Oncology. – The Committee recognizes the value in using data from cancers in companion animals to provide answers to important translational questions about cancer biology, diagnosis, and treatment. This research offers an important opportunity to study cancers in thousands of subjects to benefit both human patients and pets. The Committee requests FDA address the use of companion animals in diagnosis and treatment research and encourage the FDA to open grant opportunities in animal models to increase the study of the 1 million companion animals that naturally develop cancer each year.
Cord Blood Regulation. – The Committee directs the FDA to undergo a review and seriously consider the potential need for revision of the current regulatory requirements for cord blood licensure, particularly those related to manufacturing and storage, to ensure the correct applicability to this industry since the current regulatory requirements being applied are the same ones that apply to pharmaceutical products. In addition, the Committee directs the FDA to create an advisory task force, comprised at a minimum of public and private cord blood bankers, transplanters and patients, to provide recommendations to the agency about the current licensing requirements and changes that may be necessary.
Cosmetics. – The Committee provides not less than $11,700,000 for cosmetics activities, including not less than $7,200,000 for the Office of Colors and Cosmetics [OCAC]. Funding for OCAC is for the direct support of the operation, staffing, compliance, research and international activities performed by this office. The Committee notes that FDA’s budget submission stated that FDA would meet a March 2015 deadline, set by this Committee, to respond to a citizen petition regarding trace amounts of lead in cosmetics. This has not occurred, and this unacceptable delay is indicative of longstanding issues with FDA's review of cosmetics. Since 1976, cosmetic ingredients have been reviewed by a private Cosmetic Ingredient Review program, established by the cosmetic industry, with nonvoting FDA participation. The Committee directs FDA to work with the industry to study the transfer of this program to a more formal public-private partnership, similar to the United States Pharmacopeia, if appropriate and beneficial for consumers, and to report back to the Committee on this effort.
Deeming Regulations. – The Committee notes that the Family Smoking and Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which became law in 2009, gave FDA immediate authority over certain tobacco products, and gave authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to deem other products subject to FDA regulation. On April 25, 2014, nearly 5 years after it had been granted the authority to do so, FDA issued those proposed deeming regulations, but has not yet finalized them. FDA is therefore directed to issue a final regulation addressing the deeming of other tobacco products under FDA's jurisdiction within 30 days and to act expediently to implement that regulation once finalized.
Drug Shortages. – The Committee is very concerned about continuing drug shortages, and the serious effects they can have on patients, including children. The Committee directs the Food and Drug Administration to report to the Committee on the work of FDA's intra-agency Drug Shortages Task Force. This report should include which offices and centers are represented on the task force, and how it works with other government agencies and outside stakeholders to address drug shortages. The report should also specify what activities the Task Force has undertaken to prevent drug shortages affecting pediatric patients, including working with outside experts on this issue.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. – The Committee is aware that a patient-focused draft guidance for drug development on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy was submitted to FDA in June 2014. The Committee supports this initiative and requests that FDA provide a detailed description of its plans to move forward with the development of a related guidance.
Farm Regulations. – The Committee remains concerned about how the FDA will determine whether and to what degree a farm or food business is subject to regulation. It is important that FDA is careful to apply new rules appropriately for the size of the operation in accordance with congressional intent.
Foreign High Risk Inspections. – As the importation of drugs, food, and medical devices from China continue to increase, the Committee is concerned about the FDA’s ability to keep pace with the exporter universe and volume of exports. For fiscal year 2015, an additional $2,000,000 was provided for foreign drug safety to address the growing number of human drugs produced overseas and the increasing number of imported drug shipments in order to ensure the continued safety and quality of these products. These funds have been provided to support the agency's overseas inspections, work with industry and other stakeholders in safety in manufacturing, strengthen agency relationships with foreign regulators, and analyze trends and events that might affect the safety of FDA-regulated products exported to the United States.
The Committee is supportive of FDA as it moves toward a more, targeted, risk-based, and efficient inspection model that incorporates commercially available information on high-risk establishments. As with other Federal agencies, such as CMS, better data has helped to make sure a company exists and is in good standing prior to an inspection and to help prioritize FDA's investigations and triage safety inspections. Within the funds provided for the China Safety Initiative the Committee directs the FDA to maintain robust funding for onsite verification support and integration of results in FDA inspection planning.
In Silico Clinical Trials. – In Silico clinical trials use computer models and simulations to develop and assess devices and drugs, including their potential risk to the public, before being tested in live clinical trials. Advanced computer modeling may also prove useful in helping to predict how a drug or device will behave when deployed in the general population or when used in particular circumstances, thereby helping to protect the public from the unintended consequences of side effects and drug interactions. In Silico trials may potentially protect public health, advance personalized treatment, and be executed quickly and for a fraction of the cost of a full scale live trial. The FDA has advocated the use of such systems as an additional innovative research tool. Therefore, the Committee urges FDA to engage with device and drug sponsors to explore greater use, where appropriate, of In Silico trials for advancing new devices and drug therapy applications.
In Vitro Clinical Trials. – In Vitro clinical trials use specimens collected from patients to test how a particular cancer or disease will react to a specific therapy or combination of therapies. This personalized approach to treatment can improve a patient’s quality of life by increasing the likelihood that physicians and researchers will find the proper combination of drugs uniquely suited to treat that individual’s illness. An emerging new scientific methodology, In Vitro trials allow researchers to test therapeutics and treatment strategies on living human tissues without the risks posed by traditional whole patient clinical trials. Personalized treatment through In Vitro trials dismantles the “one size fits all” approach to care and enables medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients in a more efficient and effective way. While the Committee recognizes that In Vitro tests may not always predict clinical responses, it urges the FDA to continue to engage with drug sponsors to explore greater use, where appropriate, of In Vitro clinical trials for drug development programs under Investigational New Drug applications and general therapeutic indications, especially as it relates to complicated cancers and other common disease states.
Mammography Quality Standards Act. – The Committee recommendation includes full funding as requested for implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act. This program sets national quality standards for mammography facilities, equipment, personnel and operating procedures, and has improved the quality of mammography and made mammograms a more reliable tool to detect breast cancers.
Mammography Reports. – The Food and Drug Administration is directed to revise its regulations regarding the summary mammography reports in lay language provided to patients to require the inclusion of information on the patient's breast tissue density; an explanation that dense tissue may mask the presence of breast cancer on mammograms; and advice that patients speak with their healthcare provider about whether they would benefit from additional tests, and about any other questions they may have. The FDA should also revise its regulations regarding the medical report provided to healthcare providers to require the inclusion of information on the patient's breast density and the masking effect such tissue may have on detecting breast cancer.
Master Plan. – The Committee has included $3,000,000 for FDA to complete a feasibility study to update and issue a revised Master Plan for the White Oak campus in order to address its expanded workforce and the facilities needed to accommodate them. The Committee directs FDA to report on this effort by January 1, 2016.
Medical Gases. – The Committee is concerned that FDA has not initiated rulemaking to address numerous longstanding regulatory issues for medical gases despite the statutory requirement in FDASIA to issue a final rulemaking addressing all necessary changes for medical gases by July 9, 2016. Designated medical gases are a unique class of drugs that differ significantly from traditional pharmaceuticals and therefore must be addressed in the Federal drug regulations to prevent safety and enforcement issues caused by current regulations. The Committee disagrees with the FDA report to Congress sent on June 30, 2015 that despite decades of issues created by existing regulations “the current regulatory framework is adequate and sufficiently flexible to appropriately regulate medical gases.”
Nanotechnology. – The Committee recognizes the increased capabilities that FDA has developed to study environment, health, and safety of nanomaterials within FDA’s Jefferson Laboratory Campus, including the National Center for Toxicological Research, and its consolidated headquarters at White Oak, Maryland. The Committee expects FDA to continue to support collaborative research with universities and industry on the toxicology of nanotechnology products and processes in accordance with the National Nanotechnology Initiative Environment, Health, and Safety Research Strategy as updated in October 2011.
National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. – The Committee recommendation includes $10,800,000 for the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, equal to the level provided in fiscal year 2015.
Nutrition Facts Label. – The Committee is concerned that the FDA has not published in the Federal Register the results of FDA’s “Experimental Study on Consumer Responses to Nutrition Facts Labels with Various Footnote Formats and Declaration of Amount of Added Sugars” (78 FR 32394, May 30, 2013). The purpose of the study, as described by the Agency, is “to examine how consumers would comprehend and use this new information”. Given that sound science, peer review and transparency are essential to effective protection of public health, the Committee encourages the FDA to release this study for public review and comment prior to finalizing changes to the Nutrition Facts label.
Opioid Overdose Prevention. – The Committee notes that on June 15, 2015, the CDC issued a report on “Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs Providing Naloxone to Laypersons”, in which the CDC noted the benefits of expanding access to the life-saving drug naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. The Committee urges FDA to promote the development and widespread usage of naloxone products. The agency’s efforts should include working closely with product sponsors interested in marketing naloxone for use without a prescription to expedite review and decisionmaking.
Oversight Activities. – The Committee notes that over the past 5 years FDA’s responsibilities and resources have grown significantly. The Committee is concerned that oversight of FDA has not kept pace with the growth in the agency's regulatory authority or funding. Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000 for the HHS Office of Inspector General specifically for oversight of FDA activities. The funding provided under this appropriation is in addition to FDA oversight activities supported within the Inspector General’s regular appropriation. The Committee instructs the Inspector General to submit a plan, within 60 days of the enactment of this act, on the additional oversight activities planned with this funding.
Pediatric Device Consortia Grants. – The Committee is pleased that the nine FDA-funded Pediatric Device Consortia have assisted in the development of more than 450 proposed pediatric medical devices since its inception in 2009, as well as promoting job-growth in the healthcare sector, and as such, continues to support this critical effort. The program funds consortia to assist innovators in developing medical and surgical devices designed for the unique needs of children that often go unmet by devices currently available on the market. The Committee directs FDA to fund this program at the highest possible level within available resources, and at no less than the level funded in the previous year.
Repackaging for Long Term Care Pharmacies. – In February the Food and Drug Administration released a draft guidance entitled, “Repackaging of Certain Human Drug Products by Pharmacies and Outsourcing Facilities.” The Committee is concerned that in issuing the draft guidance the agency failed to consider the unique nature of long term care pharmacies and the populations they serve. Before issuing a final guidance the Committee urges the agency to consider its implications on patient access to safe and effective medications from long term care pharmacies.
Seafood Advisory. – The Committee remains concerned that despite numerous commitments over many years, FDA has not published final advice on seafood consumption for pregnant women, mothers, and children. The Committee is pleased that FDA released draft advice in June 2014, however, pregnant women and healthcare providers still await clear, actionable and science-based final seafood advice. Based on the recommendation of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, the final FDA seafood advice shall re-evaluate the draft limit on albacore tuna to ensure it is consistent with the FDA net effects report and the Joint United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Consultation on the Risks and Benefits of Fish Consumption, 2010. The Committee directs FDA to publish final advice to pregnant women on seafood consumption in conjunction with all applicable parties. Finally, FDA shall provide a progress report to the Committee 30 days after the enactment of this act and every 30 days thereafter until the final seafood advice is published.
Seafood Economic Integrity. – The Committee recognizes the importance of seafood to a healthy diet, but is concerned that the FDA does not focus sufficient attention on economic integrity issues, particularly with respect to mislabeling of species, weights, and treatment. The Committee encourages the FDA to work with States and the Department of Commerce to more aggressively combat fraud in parts of the seafood industry.
Seafood List. – The Committee directs the Commissioner to expedite consideration of whether it is appropriate to change the acceptable market name of Gadus chalcogrammus (formerly classified as Theragra chalcogramma) from “Alaska Pollock” to “Pollock” in the Seafood List. It is critical that seafood nomenclature (acceptable market names) is science-based, truthful, and not misleading to the consumer.
Sodium. – The Committee is concerned about FDA's continued focus on voluntary sodium reductions and the Institute of Medicine’s [IOM] 2010 recommendation to modify the Generally Recognized as Safe [GRAS] status of sodium, particularly given the ongoing scientific discussion regarding appropriate sodium intake to maintain positive health. The IOM published a more recent study in 2013, which concluded additional research may provide further information with respect to the health effects of sodium intake on general and sub populations. The Committee recommends that a panel be convened, at the IOM or another leading Federal institution, which includes a representative array of research perspectives, including those who have raised concerns on the safety of low-sodium diets. The Committee does not believe any sodium reduction activities should be finalized until the disagreement between the impact of lower sodium on blood pressure (and an extrapolation to health) and direct research suggesting a negative impact of very low-sodium intakes is resolved.
Sunscreen. – The Committee is aware that in July 2014, the U.S. Surgeon General issued A Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer, concluding nearly 5 million people are treated annually for all skin cancers combined, with an estimated cost of $8,100,000,000 per year. As a result, the Surgeon General called on the Federal Government to work with stakeholders to support skin cancer prevention. The Committee is pleased with the bipartisan reforms enacted in the Sunscreen Innovation Act [SIA] in 2014 to improve the process by which the FDA reviews sunscreen ingredients; however, the Committee is concerned that while skin cancer rates in the United States continue to climb, no new sunscreen ingredients have been generally recognized as safe and effective [GRASE] by the FDA since passage of the SIA. The Committee directs the FDA to provide a report that contains a detailed analysis of how FDA is balancing the Surgeon General's Call to Action, the known public health benefits that regular sunscreen use provides to prevent skin cancer and melanoma, and the long history of safe and effective use of sunscreens in comparable countries versus the hypothetical risk sunscreens posed to human health in FDA’s generally recognized as safe and effective [GRASE] standard. Immediate action on sunscreen applications should be a priority.
In addition, the Committee directs the FDA to work with stakeholders to ensure consumers in the United States have access to all sunscreen products that have been shown to be safe and effective; and therefore, requests that FDA, in finalizing the sunscreen monograph consistent with the SIA, include provisions related to the maximum Sun Protection Factor [SPF] and to address spray dosage forms for sunscreens.
Vibrio. – The Committee is aware of the public health challenge related to the naturally occurring bacteria called Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V.p.) that can accumulate in shellfish and believes that more scientific research is necessary to developing proper controls that will reduce the risk to consumers and sustain a healthy domestic shellfish industry. The Committee encourages the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] to increase funding for research into Vibrio illnesses associated with the consumption of raw molluscan shellfish, improve risk assessment models, and develop improved rapid detection methods for virulent Vibrio strains.
Categories: Biosimilars | Cosmetics | Drug Development | Foods | Foods and Dietary Supplements | Hatch-Waxman | Medical Devices | OTC Drugs and Cosmetics | Prescription Drugs and Biologics | Tobacco
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7808
|
__label__wiki
| 0.739522
| 0.739522
|
What 118 years’ worth of climate data reveals about Metro Manila’s future
A Filipino atmospheric scientist wanted to see what over a century’s worth of climate data could say about Metro Manila. Based on the results, it’s time for us to listen.
One hundred years ago, in August 1919, relentless rain barraged the streets of Manila.
The amount of rainfall was, in a word, astounding. It was so copious, in fact, that it rendered the crown jewel of the Spanish colony without bright sunshine for 18 days.
Records indicate that this prolonged rainfall exceeded previously registered precipitation numbers. There were also reports of extended periods of “very remarkable” flooding in Manila and nearby provinces, though data on the actual height of the flooding is either extremely scarce or nonexistent.
In his 1928 account of this then-unprecedented phenomenon, Fr. Miguel Selga, S.J. attributed the nearly three weeks’ worth of dark days in Manila to eight typhoons existing near the Philippine region, five of which tracked along Luzon’s northeastern region and only one of which actually passed through Manila. He wrote:
“[I]n August 1919, no less than eight typhoons affected the normal conditions of the Archipelago giving rise to protracted rains, extraordinary floods and heavy cloudiness[…] almost two-thirds of a month was sunless.”
At the time, the Spanish-born Fr. Selga was the director of the Weather Bureau, the Philippines’ weather agency during the American occupation. The bureau produced a series of bulletins that contained Metro Manila data from 1901 to around 1940. When atmospheric scientist Dr. Gerry Bagtasa came across these bulletins, they piqued his curiosity.
“I thought it would be interesting to see changes, if any, in the climate of Metro Manila,” explained Bagtasa, an associate professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UP IESM).
And for the National Capital Region—which has a population of around 12.9 million—118 years’ worth of climate data is quite telling.
Many non-scientists (even world leaders, including United States president Donald Trump) tend to confuse weather with climate, often referencing anecdotal experiences regarding the former to refute evidence about disturbing trends in the latter. Thus, when discussing meteorological matters, it’s important to understand the distinction between the two.
In a nutshell, weather refers to short-term atmospheric changes. Within this context, one can talk about a delightfully sunny afternoon, for instance, or a storm lasting several days. Climate, on the other hand, is the “average weather,” in a sense—the statistical description of temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and other relevant variables in a given region, averaged over an extended period of time. Naturally, different regions can have different climates.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the “classical” period of measuring climate spans 30 years. Bagtasa’s study, which was recently published in the International Journal of Climatology, examines available data from 1901 to 2018—nearly four times that period.
“I met researchers from Japan who are actively searching for data in different libraries all over the world,” said Bagtasa. “I think they also found data during the Japanese occupation, as well as data from the establishment of the Manila Observatory in 1865 until the end of the Spanish colonization.”
BA Racoma, a PhD student of meteorology at UP IESM and the University of Reading in the United Kingdom who was not involved in the study, opined that in climate change discussions, factoring in a century’s worth of observations is beneficial.
As Racoma, who focuses more on studying extreme weather events than climate science as a whole, succinctly put: “When talking about long-term trends, more data is a good thing.”
Raindrops keep falling (and mosquitoes keep biting)
Bagtasa highlighted a number of key takeaways from his extensive analysis of Metro Manila’s climate data.
For starters, the study revealed an increase in total annual rainfall; Bagtasa attributed this mainly to extreme events, particularly tropical cyclones. He found that rain induced by tropical cyclones contributed close to half (45.2%) of Metro Manila’s mean total rainfall.
“In a way, yes, the result was a bit expected,” Bagtasa shared. “I have another study that showed the number of days along western Luzon when the Habagat flow is enhanced by a distant tropical cyclone, producing heavy rainfall events, had been increasing in the past 60 years. So I thought that that would also affect Metro Manila.”
In the study, which Bagtasa submitted for publication last April, he also warned of a possible rise in dengue cases in Metro Manila. He cited research from 2008 that established a significant correlation between rainfall and previous dengue outbreaks in the region. However, he also clarified that other important factors, such as sanitation and population exposure, play a role in compounding the dengue problem.
Last August, the Department of Health (DOH) declared a nationwide dengue epidemic. To date, Metro Manila ranks third among the regions, both in number of dengue cases (23,251) and fatalities (122).
A heated topic
Bagtasa’s study also affirmed the findings of previous studies about increasing nighttime temperatures. “Daily average and minimum temperature are on the rise comparable to countrywide trends,” Bagtasa wrote. “Consequently, there are more warm and less cold nights.”
Part of this is due to a phenomenon called the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Large cities tend to grow warmer with the construction of more roads and buildings. This is due to the use of impervious, heat-absorbing materials such as asphalt and concrete.
Studies over the last few years reveal an increase in Metro Manila temperature, influenced by urbanization. Alongside greenhouse gas emissions, UHI adds to why Metro Manila nights are literally getting hotter. However, we need more data from outside the urban region to gauge exactly how much it contributes.
Interestingly enough, Bagtasa’s research also showed that nighttime temperatures stopped increasing around the year 2000, seemingly tempered by the cooling effect of increasing rainfall. At first glance, this may not necessarily seem like a bad thing. However, it may actually be indicative of a problem that is right under our noses, in more ways than one.
Last March, Greenpeace’s 2018 World Air Quality Report ranked 11 cities in the Philippines among the 15 cities in Southeast Asia with the cleanest air. Out of those 11 cities, six—Valenzuela, Parañaque, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, and Las Piñas—are in Metro Manila. Numerous media outlets initially took this as a good sign. Unfortunately, it also points to a gap in our knowledge of how polluted our air truly is.
According to Bagtasa, limited literature exists on the air quality of Metro Manila. Furthermore, what’s there doesn’t exactly have promising things to say. “One of the key pollutants we have is black carbon or soot, which are mainly the black smoke we see from jeepneys and buses,” Bagtasa elaborated. He added that black carbon isn’t in current regulatory measurements, is observed mainly for research purposes, and can be “quite difficult to measure.”
The location of air samplers can significantly influence the accuracy of measuring pollution. Thus, reports showing clean air in Metro Manila may actually be based on limited data, non-standard measurements, or even non-uniformly distributed air samplers.
“I don’t think that we are the most polluted, but I also don’t think that we are the cleanest,” said Bagtasa. “With very limited data, it’s just difficult to assess where we rank.”
A future flooded with problems?
In his study, Bagtasa mentioned that rapid, poorly planned urbanization, weak infrastructure bases, and a large number of urban settlers subjected to poor living conditions have left a sizable segment of Metro Manila’s population “very vulnerable to extreme weather events.”
Bagtasa warned that Metro Manila may face increasingly severe problems in the future because of these issues. Worse, a good number of them aren’t even directly about the weather. “I think flooding will be the main issue of NCR. This may then lead to other non-weather related problems like sanitation, diseases, (worse) traffic, etc.”
Still, Bagtasa remains optimistic. “I think Ondoy taught many of NCR’s population about readiness,” said Bagtasa, referencing the 2009 typhoon. Ondoy (known as Typhoon Ketsana internationally) claimed 464 lives and caused about Php 11 billion worth of damage.
Bagtasa recommended keeping waterways clean, noting that garbage still clogs many small creeks. He added that the region may eventually need another waterway in addition to the Pasig River. He also emphasized the importance of river monitoring, as well as the compulsory evacuation of residents along river banks and flood-prone areas. “Metro Manila is naturally the outlet of water falling into Sierra Madre to the east; too much build-up without this in mind will be (and have been) detrimental to us.”
Bagtasa also mentioned that ordinary citizens should observe proper waste disposal and help maintain the esteros the Spanish built for better drainage. “I think these are simple things people should do, then engineering interventions eventually by the government.”
“As disaster risk is a function of exposure (population), vulnerability (circumstances of a community), and hazard (climate change and extreme events), I do agree with the recommendations of the paper that the changes in temperature and precipitation of Metro Manila be taken into consideration and should be addressed immediately,” said Racoma.
Unsurprisingly, dealing with such a large dataset comes with potential challenges. These include incomplete data, changes in measuring instruments or weather observers, or even the impacts of extreme weather events. However, Racoma observed that due to the length of time the study covers, the trends are still apparent, despite the extreme events. He also noted that the study addressed the other challenges by homogenizing the dataset.
According to the WMO, climate data homogenization means “to adjust climate records, if necessary, to remove non-climatic factors so that the temporal variations in the adjusted data reflect only the variations due to climate processes.”
“The Spanish did many weather-related measurements that we can use to understand what’s happening on the microclimate level,” said Bagtasa, suggesting that a similar method of climate analysis be applied by scientists in other regions as well.
“Future climate changes will not be uniformly distributed; hence, it’s important to know how the climate of a certain location behaves with large-scale climatic changes.”
Studying a century’s worth of regional climate records can be a daunting, even maddening task, especially for one person. It’s important, though, because studying the “whats,” “whens,” and “wheres” of the past can help us answer the “whys” of the present—and prepare for the “hows” and “what ifs” of the future.
It’s a lesson best summed up by Bagtasa’s thoughts on current cleanup initiatives in the metropolis:
“I think these are things that must be sustained, and not forgotten in the collective memory of the people.”
Cover photo: Wikimedia Commons
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/ajp3044.0001.001
http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/wcp/ccl/faq/faq_doc_en.html
http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/wcp/wcdmp/CA_4.php
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/06/19/11-ph-cities-have-cleanest-air-in-southeast-asia-report
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/181577/metro-manila-now-an-urban-heat-island
https://psmag.com/environment/why-does-trump-keep-mixing-up-weather-and-climate
https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/joc.6267
https://www.flipscience.ph/health/how-bad-air-pollution-philippines/
https://www.flipscience.ph/technology/dost-up-urban-heat-islands/
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/weather-vs-climate
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/10/04/1957288/doh-dengue-cases-exceed-epidemic-threshold
https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/70240-ondoy-records
https://www.rappler.com/science-nature/43488-on-yolanda-and-microwave-pulses
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248977604_ASTER-based_study_of_the_night-time_urban_heat_island_effect_in_Metro_Manila
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7810
|
__label__wiki
| 0.532026
| 0.532026
|
City: Hong Kong,
Section: University,
Architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects, in collaboration with Leigh & Orange Limited, designed the new Student Residence for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The complex will house over 1,500 students and will become an example of the combination between advanced digital design, sustainable construction techniques and long-term operational strategies. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.
Architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects recently unveiled the project designed together with the Leigh & amp; Orange Limited studio, focused on a new residence building for students of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The new complex will house over 1,500 students and will become a concrete example of how technology and innovation, both at the base of HKUST, can solve contemporary global challenges. Zaha Hadid Architects has asserted that the new buildings will be the result of advanced digital design, combined with sustainable construction techniques and long-term operational strategies. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.
Founded in 1991, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ranks among the best Asian universities and 1st in the world's top Universities under 50 according to the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020.
The location chosen for the new student residence is a steeply sloping site with a height difference of approximately 25 m, located south-east of the HKUST campus. The new complex makes it possible to overcome the challenges related to the site’s orography. On the roof of the complex, architects designed a path connecting the academic buildings located in the northern area of the university campus and the residential buildings located in the southern area. The path includes shady outdoor areas that make it possible to rest and relax, encouraging informal meetings between students, professors and university staff. This element helps increase the sense of community of the campus, as well as strengthening internal relations.
At a distribution level, the residences are arranged in "clusters", designed to combine common spaces with a variable number of bedrooms (single or double). In this way, different groups of students become a family unit sharing an apartment, a solution that aims to encourage a sense of membership and cohesion. Architects identified three types of clusters. The so-called "Linear" cluster for a group of 18 students, where the common spaces consist of an open-plan living area that includes a kitchen which, if needed, can be divided using partitions. The "Y" cluster, on the other hand, houses 27 students and has more common spaces, such as a study areas, a relaxation lounge and a kitchen. Last but not least, the "V" cluster, designed to house up to 36 students with a double-height living area, divided into a quieter upper study space that is connected via a staircase to the lower kitchen-dining area. By relying on an advanced digital design, the architects were able to simultaneously take into consideration several parameters. On the one hand, those relating to the site, which were crucial for determining the configuration and the optimal orientation of the complex. On the other, the parameters relating to interior space and the optimal layout in terms of functionality and comfort (natural light and ventilation), as well as the integration of environmental systems to reduce energy consumption, thus transforming the Clear Water Bay campus into a zero carbon dioxide emissions complex.
Images courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects, renders by Visual Brick
Brief: On-campus accommodation for over 1500 students
Client: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Area: Approx. 35,500 m2 / 5-8 floors
Lead Architect: Leigh & Orange (L&O)
Design Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
AP: L&O
Building Services Engineering: WSP [Asia]
Structural & Geotechnical Engineering: WSP [Asia]
Facade Engineering: WSP [Asia], Inhabit
Landscaping: Earthasia
Sustainability: L&O, WSP [Asia]
Traffic consultant: MVA Asia
Acoustic consultant: WSP [Asia]
Related Articles: University
Related Articles: Hong Kong
CTBUH Urban Habitat Award for skyscrapers and urban context
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7811
|
__label__wiki
| 0.59593
| 0.59593
|
(-)Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)(24)
Legislation(20)
(-)Policy(24)
(-)Retailer
(-)Program History(24)
03/18/2014 FNS-GD-2014-0015 SNAP and ACA Q&A Parts I & II Memo
09/22/2009 From Food Stamps to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
11/20/2008 FNS-GD-2008-0058 Clarification of Farm Bill Certification Provisions of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Questions and Answers #3
08/29/2008 FNS-GD-2008-0048 Q&As on Certification Issues from the 2008 Farm Bill #2
07/03/2008 FNS-GD-2008-0031 Food Stamp Provisions of the Farm Bill
07/02/2004 Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 88-525a)
12/29/2000 The Food Stamp Act of 1977 (As Amended Through PL 106–580, Dec. 29, 2000)
10/28/2000 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2001
08/05/1997 The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (PL 105–33)
08/22/1996 PL 104-193
08/14/1996 Summary of Food Stamp Provisions Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
08/10/1993 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993; Chapter 3, Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act
12/13/1991 Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act Amendments of 1991
11/28/1990 Mickey Leland Memorial Domestic Hunger Relief Act
09/19/1988 Hunger Prevention Act of 1988
09/08/1982 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982
12/22/1981 Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1981
05/26/1980 Amendments to the Food Stamp Act 1980
09/29/1977 Legislative Summary - The Food Stamp Act of 1964
08/10/1973 Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973
01/11/1971 Amendments to The Food Stamp Act
08/31/1964 The Food Stamp Act of 1964 (PL 88-525)
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7814
|
__label__wiki
| 0.559916
| 0.559916
|
Sleepy Hollow Refuge: The Doral Arrowwood Resort
Michael AlpinerContributor
I write with a journalist's mind and a poet's heart
New York's Hudson River Valley is known far and wide as the home of one of the most haunted and haunting locations in the world, Sleepy Hollow.
Sleepy Hollow is a village within the town of Mount Pleasant on the banks of the picturesque part of the Hudson River. It was home to author Washington Irving (1783-1859) who put it on the map for all lovers of things Gothic and gruesome by retelling spooky old Dutch legends from the place. The most famous of these is the legend of Sleepy Hollow--a story of a headless horseman who rides through the mist-enshrouded hills and dales, lopping off people's heads ("as clean as dandelions," as someone says in the Tim Burton film).
Golf course at Doral Arrowwood Resort
Travelers have long gone to the town to soak up the spooky vibes. The graveyard of the village is indeed atmospheric (and it's where the author, Irving, himself is buried). There's also an old Dutch church adjacent to the graveyard, a must-go for lovers of the legend. Travelers will also find other historic names in the graveyard, including millionaire, Andrew Carnegie (although a philanthropist, some say as villainous as the Headless Horseman himself).
Philipsburg Manor, Blue Sky and Trees in Autumn Colors (Foliage) in Sleepy Hollow, Hudson Valley,... [+] New York. Canon EOS 6D (full frame sensor). Polarizing filter.
One of the issues that travelers to the town most frequently exchange online entreaties about is the lack of accommodations in the area. Although the town itself may be lacking in larger scale hotels, year round visitors who want to recreate Washington Irving's haunted Sleepy Hollow experience can find refuge at nearby Doral Arrowwood, in Rye Brook, one of the New York metro areas only resorts.
Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse (also known as Tarrytown Lighthouse and Kingsland Point Lighthouse), Tappan... [+] Zee Bridge (Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) and Hudson River, Tarrytown, Hudson Valley, New York. The image taken in the morning.
Doral Arrowwood is a 30-minute drive from downtown Manhattan but feels miles away, nestled as it is cheek-by-jowl with the Hudson River locale that inspired Irving's tales of old Dutch superstition and fantasy (the resort is about a 15-minute drive from Sleepy Hollow).
After spending a day in Sleepy Hollow following the the trail of the headless horseman, travelers can come back to the modern world of the resort for a soul satisfying meal by Austrian-born chef, Michael Schmutzer whose food is clean and locally-sourced, or a massage in the spa or a swim in the indoor/outdoor pool.
The resort is also known in Westchester for its Saturday Night Buffet Dinner Dance and its Pub, regularly named one of Westchester's best for its comfort food and its convivial atmosphere--something Irving and his ilk would have appreciated (the gas fireplace is a great place to tell ghost stories).
The resort is also known for its extensive conference facilities and for a world-class golf course, both of which make it a good choice for "bleisure" travelers who want to combine business with pleasure (and a bit of ghostly goings on). The resort's adjacent mid-century modern-inspired "Westchester Wing" includes a 174 seat amphitheater, two 50 seat tiered classrooms, 13 small office rooms and the 230-seat Overlook Restaurant. Outside, the property is surrounded by 114-acres of Hudson Valley woodland, great for walking and soaking up the unique atmosphere of the area that inspired painters and authors alike.
Michael Alpiner
My ultimate goal in writing and reporting is to use the most precise and descriptive language to enable my readers to share an experience in the closest possible way.
My ultimate goal in writing and reporting is to use the most precise and descriptive language to enable my readers to share an experience in the closest possible way. This precision results from the innate poet within me, a role that I have accepted joyfully. After thirty years of teaching English, I turned to journalism (though I still teach college writing), which has presented to me a new canvas for my creative expression. My writing has appeared in online and print journals as well as in anthologies. I earned my MFA in Creative Writing from Queens College, was Writer-in-Residence for the Louis Armstrong Museum, served as manuscript judge for Alice James Books, and ran poetry events at Barnes and Noble. Follow my articles along with my writing partner, Gretchen Kelly, on www.luxuryalive.com, and on Instagram at luxuryalive_.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7816
|
__label__cc
| 0.506196
| 0.493804
|
Redefining your studio with hybrid cloud
Due to recent circumstances, cloud is a topic that is on a lot of people’s minds. With more of us working from home, studios and businesses alike are turning to cloud as an option to optimize work efforts.
With this comes a need to maximize efficiency—and that’s where hybrid cloud comes in. Mixing a series of on-premise infrastructure and private and public cloud services, this cloud-computing model aims to give studios the chance to choose their optimal cloud set-up.
Hybrid cloud is one of the remote cloud options we’ve spoken about before, but amongst all these promises of optimized workflows and a revolution in the VFX workplace, how are studios using hybrid cloud and does it actually fulfill its promises?
Despite the significant advancements that have been happening in cloud-based tech, the decision to take the first step can still be a daunting task for any studio—especially as there are still a lot of unknowns about how cloud may impact VFX facilities later down the line.
For an established studio like FuseFX, the decision to move over to a hybrid cloud solution came largely down to the ability to transfer data between different studios. Having opened up studios in two new locations, they needed to be able to do this easily and without complication, and so they leveraged the power of their custom development platform, Nucleus.
The problem that occurred was the ability to scale their cloud-computing to suit their needs. This is a large benefit of using a hybrid cloud model—it scales to fit the needs of the studio, so they decrease or increase depending on their current working situation. FuseFX were able to reimagine their cloud computing and create a hybrid cloud solution that worked for their situation.
What’s more, using a hybrid cloud solution can alleviate some of the constraints faced when using a render farm, especially in the fast-paced studio environment. Often render farms require huge infrastructures and the tech can easily overrun which is, in part, one of the reasons studios are skeptical about the move over to cloud. But, in fact, finding solutions for your render farm is more difficult when you’re limited to just a physical infrastructure.
Of course, the process isn’t always as easy as it seems. Rendering is complicated, even in the normal context of a studio, and that’s why it’s vital to make this process as efficient as possible for artists. This is the same when rendering in the cloud, with artists sometimes having to be more meticulous about their renders, as missing the smallest detail like an asset or a texture can mess up the whole render in the cloud.
It can be tricky to get yourself up and running on the cloud, especially if you’re an established studio, so it’s understandable why studios may be cautious about moving permanently to the cloud.
The first fully based cloud studio was Untold Studios. Launching in 2018, they built their studio using entirely cloud-based infrastructure from the start. Using AWS as their cloud-computing software, the team dynamically adjusts their infrastructure depending on their workflow needs.
One of the benefits to Untold Studio’s cloud set-up is their ability to hire world class talent from around the world. This proved to be particularly advantageous in March earlier this year when COVID-19 hit. With the whole infrastructure being in the cloud, the switch to entirely working from home was a seamless process.
But of course, this leap of faith into the cloud is not necessarily for everyone.
The ‘new normal’ for studios
There have always been doubts from the working world about individuals working from home, and the lack of productivity and breakdown in communication that may ensue because of it.
For studios, there is the added concern about security, having to work on a series of shots for big-budget films, and the idea of uploading these to the cloud can be scary. But if the past few months have proved anything, it’s that these concerns don’t need to cause undue worry, especially for those working with a hybrid cloud infrastructure.
Jellyfish Pictures is one of the studios spearheading the cloud-based revolution. Combining the power of Teradici Cloud Access Software and Microsoft Azure, Jellyfish Pictures have over 300 artists working remotely around the globe with the same workflows and security used in its physical studios.
When a production timeline demands it, studios have to scale quickly in order to complete a project on time. This often means getting artists in from all over the world, having to provide accommodation and bringing them on to the team. But new virtual workstations allow these artists to work remotely and access a studio’s pipeline and project no matter where they are.
For Jellyfish, this is something that came as a significant merit. Having opened its first virtual studio in 2014, with all five sites becoming wholly virtual in 2019, the company was in the perfect position to move artists to work from home, with no compromise to productivity and security, whilst also onboarding people from all over the world—even during these turbulent times.
While the scalability of hybrid cloud is a huge benefit to most studios, for smaller studios the move to this cloud-based solution comes with a larger consideration of cost. Transferring all of a studio’s data into the cloud can be an expensive affair which is further added to by the cost of labor which is often needed to do the initial uploading and organizing of the data.
That’s why it’s important to look at the price, performance and features that are offered when adopting cloud-based tech and making sure that it is the right move for your studio both financially and for your artists as well.
New working environments
While studios may be adapting to this new way of working, it’s important to consider the impact hybrid cloud has on artists as well.
The main areas of concern for artists are collaboration and efficiency—how do you effectively make a content creation pipeline work when you’re not in a studio environment?
In a traditional studio environment, there are large amounts of computing software and high-powered machines to enable artists to get to the final render on time. Artists also tend to spend most of their time glued to one machine, waiting for renders to come through. A hybrid cloud model enables artists to move machines and take their work with them, they can access it from anywhere, at any time. It allows for more flexibility with their work, so they can iterate and create faster, focusing more on the creative aspects.
Yet this can present additional challenges for artists on the more technological side of things. It is likely that most artists have or have access to high-powered computers in their own homes, but this isn’t true for everyone.
The hardware and software that’s needed in VFX studios is astronomical, and attempting to get these to work on a device that isn’t equipped to handle this scale of computing power or GPU, can be a nightmare. It’s important to ensure that artists still have access to all the computer systems and equipment they need to create an efficient work environment in their own homes. As well ensuring that collaboration between artists and teams continues, with it being a key part in making the creative pipeline work, especially in the absence of a studio environment.
What does hybrid cloud mean for the future?
With more and more studios moving to adoption, it’s clear that cloud is here to stay and is likely to have a large impact on the VFX industry and the day-to-day running of studios.
It brings with it possibilities of new and exciting ways of working, where artists aren’t confined to the compounds of a studio—they can be anywhere in the world and still achieve efficiency in their work—and studios can save money and tech resources, while ensuring their data is safe and secure.
Get the latest cloud and industry trends straight to your inbox when you sign-up to our quarterly newsletter.
Cloud Services Cloud Infrastructure Working Remotely Virtual Machines Data Storage
Remote working and cloud: what now, and what’s next?
The seven deadly myths of cloud
Cloud service models and how they’re impacting the VFX industry
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7818
|
__label__wiki
| 0.928039
| 0.928039
|
SQUARE ENIX deliver KINGSGLAIVE FINAL FANTASY XV
©2016 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All right Reserved.
Nuke helps bring the FFXV universe to the big screen
In the three decades since its first release as a game for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, SQUARE ENIX’s FINAL FANTASY franchise has achieved commercial and critical success across multiple platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile phones; explored several genres, including action and tactical role-playing games, MMORPGs, racing games and fighting games; and branched out into new media, including films, novels and manga.
The latest installment of the video game series, FINAL FANTASY XV, was released in Japan on November 29, 2016 to eagerly awaiting fans, but the team responsible, Business Division 2, had already released a prologue in July in the form of a computer animated film: KINGSGLAIVE FINAL FANTASY XV. The game and film share common characters and exist in the same world, with the film providing a backstory about the bond between the main character, Noctis and his father, Regis.
©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The production of the film took several years, employing a team of dozens of artists, including external developers. We spoke with members of the team to understand the challenges they faced during the production, and how they went about solving them to create an action-packed, highly realistic cinematic experience, balanced between fantasy and reality, which would give pleasure to both existing fans of the franchise and to those entering the FINAL FANTASY for the first time.
As cinematic sequence director, Toshiaki Matsumura was responsible for ensuring final image quality. He’s worked on several of the previous FINAL FANTASY releases in various roles, including modeler and movie director.
Toshiaki started using Nuke four years ago, transitioning from Shake. Since both employed a node-based workflow, he found the learning curve fairly easy. Today, he feels Nuke was essential to the success of the movie, speeding up production and helping teamwork.
Toshiaki’s focus was on matching real-world lighting, and on how to control lighting by compositing to save costs. “I adjusted the color intensity of each light source using Nuke to reduce lighting rendering cost. And also, the light source could be shared across sequences by setting the exposure of each light source” he explained. This was accomplished by giving integrity to a linear workflow, but there were also some problems. For example, it could take a long time for rendering to prevent losing realism when controlling exposure in Nuke since renders cannot be clamped. The team chose to compromise with shorter render times that resulted in some noise; fortunately, Nuke’s Denoise function was able to take care of that after the fact, allowing them to keep to their schedule.
Christophe Rodo was one of the team’s cinematic effects supervisors, responsible for special effects, look development and final shot setup. He feels that the film was successful both in bringing new viewers into the FINAL FANTASY while telling another story, and in taking environments and characters to another level. The mixture of European and Japanese culture in the film is particularly appropriate to Chris, reflecting his own relationship with his Japanese wife, and he enjoyed the film’s original use of beautiful CGI architecture, something that’s rarely seen.
Chris started using Nuke eight years ago, in an effort to make his pipeline faster. “We were interested in Nuke because it was so much easier to make new tools to bring in the assets,” he explains. “I started by adding some scripts and, little by little, it became absolutely inevitable, necessary. In this movie, we had a lot of shots to make in a pretty short amount of time, and having Nuke to help us [...] make one shot, use it for another shot, simply modifying it to match the sequence, was absolutely helpful.”
Chris also really likes Nuke’s 3D tools, which he felt helped save time and let them respect the schedule. For example, in a case where he didn’t have all of the live action needed, he made cards from multiple cameras and used the depth information in the scene to integrate all of the effects in Nuke. “It’s challenging, because there are some things you’d always like to have in 3D, but to hit the schedule, we had to do in comp, and Nuke let us do that,” he says.
Taking his family to see the movie, Chris was gratified to see the reactions of the audience, who were amazed by the realism of the characters and the beauty of the environments, and impressed by the action scenes.
Isamu Watamori was responsible for supervising the compositing and post-processing, and for ensuring the film’s final quality. Using his experience of working on pre-rendered cinematics for games for some time, he selected the skills and knowledge for the team and combined them in the feature film KINGSGLAIVE.
For Isamu, one of the most important aspects of movie production is sharing and communicating the correct data across the entire team. As a compositor who is waiting until the last phase of production, he felt it was something he could do to remove the stress from the other artists and designers, and to ensure that everything went smoothly. He feels that Nuke played an essential part in that. In fact, it’s the reason he chose Nuke as a primary compositing tool for this project, citing the simple, node-based structure as the key.
This simple structure also plays a part in making Nuke work well with Maya and other 3D applications; since shaders and lights are easily transferrable and use the same 3D calculations, he could use Nuke to easily identify shading errors early on, and have the asset team make the corrections before the mass production phase. He designed processes after compositing for artists who didn’t have the special skills to deliver the quality required, and even gave the final finish to KINGSGLAIVE himself.
So how did he feel when he saw his name in the credits after watching the film? “Sometimes dreams fail along the way,” he laughs. “I hoped this was not a dream!”
Want to experience the power of Nuke for yourself?
Get a free 30-day trial here!
Video Games Feature Films Animation Foundry Tools Compositing
Ready at Dawn: A new order for texturing in the gaming world
How Remedy nailed the character realism in Quantum Break
Modo brings the landscapes of Borderlands 2 to gritty life
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7819
|
__label__wiki
| 0.723036
| 0.723036
|
Viral Arkansas police officer on a mission to make a difference
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (NewsNation Now) — Viral sensation and Arkansas police officer Tommy Norman is making waves for his brand of community policing.
Norman joined his local police force in 1998 and since then has felt the need to reach out to the community he serves. Norman’s goal is to build bridges with people in the community to form deeper relationships.
Former ‘American Idol’ winner Kris Allen weighs in on COVID’s impact on the music industry
Norman’s commitment to his community has helped him gain 1 million Instagram followers, but for Norman it’s about more than just social media likes.
“If I’m not making a difference here then the followers don’t matter,” Norman said. “God has really blessed me with a worldwide platform, but my heart is here in North Little Rock, my heart is here in Arkansas.”
Norman continues to patrol the streets but he hopes his friendship with his community can make them safer.
“You have to be a friend. You have to know people’s story and be engrained in the community that you serve,” Norman said, “Stay off the main streets. Go into the neighborhoods. Get out of your car. Walk around. Sit on some front porches. Meet people. let them know you’re on a first name basis. It’s okay to be their friend. It’s okay to know that you can count on them if they can count on you. That’s very, very important.”
Norman will join NewsNation Now’s Aaron Nolan to talk about his platform in a livestream coming up on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Arkansas dentist gives back to a teenager in need
NewsNation affiliate KARK contributed to this report.
Man wanted in Killeen convenience store shooting brought back to face charges
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7821
|
__label__wiki
| 0.900601
| 0.900601
|
Business for Sale | West Burlington, Iowa
Discover business opportunities, in or around West Burlington, with well-established brands, who are looking for people like you to help them grow.
As of the 2010 United States Census, West Burlington, located in the Hawkeye State, had a total population of 3,026 people.
City Statistics and Other Information About West Burlington
From a total population of 3,026, West Burlington has a median age of 46.4. The average age of males, in West Burlington, is 36.3 while the average age of females is 48.5. When you compare this to median age of Iowa, West Burlington is 8.4 years older.
The median income of individuals, in West Burlington, is $22,708 while the average household income is $39,107. When comparing the median income of people living in West Burlington to the rest of Iowa, the average income in West Burlington is $4,913 less.
County Name Des Moines County
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7823
|
__label__wiki
| 0.791141
| 0.791141
|
February 7, 2020|In News, Golden Knights|5 Minutes
The New Las Vegas Rampage? Golden Knights Bring Hockey to the Desert for the 2nd Time
Las Vegas Rampage – Golden Knights Bring Hockey to the Desert for the Second Time
Las Vegas will be home to a second professional hockey team in 2020. The Vegas Golden Knights announced Thursday, February 6, the acquisition of the San Antonio Rampage franchise of the American Hockey League.
The deal, pending approval from the AHL’s Board of Governors, will include a bid to relocate the Rampage to the Henderson/Las Vegas area in time for the start of the 2020-21 season. In the meantime, the Rampage is expected to stay in San Antonio for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.
The announcement was made by Vegas Golden Knights Chairman and CEO Bill Foley. “Since our initial season ticket drive began five years ago in February 2015, we have witnessed first-hand the incredible passion and enthusiasm our community has for hockey,” Foley said. “By every relevant metric, the growth of the game here the last few years at all levels has been remarkable. We could not be more proud to bring a second professional hockey club to the Valley to accelerate this growth even further.”
Details regarding the team’s new name, logo and home arena will be announced at a later date following the approval of the team’s relocation. The Golden Knights, however, have announced plans to use their new community arena, Lifeguard Arena in Henderson as the team’s new headquarters and practice facility. The $25 million project was approved by Henderson city officials in May of last year and is expected to be completed in July.
The Golden Knights also announced Thursday that Las Vegas fans can already start placing bids to purchase season tickets for the new team’s inaugural season in the Valley. Fans can place $50 per seat refundable deposits to get tickets for next season and tickets are expected to start at just $10 per seat per game. Current Golden Knights season ticket holders will be given priority to purchase season tickets.
Since their inaugural season in 2017-18, the Golden Knights have been affiliated with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves franchise as their farm team. The five year deal would have kept the two franchises affiliated through the 2021-22 season. That partnership, however, will come to an end after three years following the conclusion of the current season. Speaking to the media last Saturday, Chicago Wolves chairman Don Levin said there is “no scenario at all” in which the Wolves and the Golden Knights would retain their affiliation past this season.
The Golden Knights had been openly shopping for an AHL franchise willing to sell and relocate to Las Vegas. With a dedicated fan base well established after just three seasons in the NHL, it made sense for the Golden Knights to bring a second team to their home city to sell more tickets to a market that is hungry for more hockey. The new team in Las Vegas will nearly double the number of hockey games played in town, and the AHL team’s ticket prices will be more affordable than NHL prices.
As the Golden Knights push for their third consecutive playoff appearance and now with a new head coach leading the team, fans have plenty of excitement to look forward to for years to come. Now, with a new professional farm team located just around the corner, the intimate bond between players and fans will only make an already hockey-crazed town even more dedicated to watching hockey in the desert.
las vegas rampage san antonio rampage las vegas rampage san antonio rampage las vegas rampage san antonio rampage las vegas rampage san antonio rampage las vegas rampage san antonio rampage las vegas rampage san antonio rampage
AHL Bill Foley Chicago Wolves Don Levin Golden Knights Henderson Hockey Las Vegas Rampage Las Vegas Sports NHL
Vegas Strong- Golden Knights 2019-20 Preview
Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury: Game Recap
by Aniea Collins
WWJD #7 – Officially The Las Vegas Raiders – The New Raider Nation
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7824
|
__label__cc
| 0.718044
| 0.281956
|
Waterford Township Treasurer's Office Employee Sentenced for Embezzlement
A woman who worked in the Waterford Township treasurer's office has been sentenced to two years probation for embezzling money from the office.
Melanie Marie Davidson, 27, had only been working as an account clerk for the treasurer's office for three months when officials noticed a discrepancy with a deposit from another department.
The treasury department began investigating the discrepancy immediately, and both an internal and outside audit turned up numerous incidences of embezzlement. The investigation found that Davidson had been taking money from deposits that were made by other Waterford Township departments. Waterford Treasurer Margaret Birch said it is believed Davidson began embezzling the money about 20 days after she began working in the office.
Davidson was quickly fired from her job and charged with embezzlement. She pleaded no contest to the charges. In addition to two years probation, Davidson was also ordered to pay $12,473 in restitution.
Before being transferred to the treasurer's office Davidson worked for the Waterford building and engineering department, but according to director Doug Bradley, Davidson did not take any funds from his department.
If you have been accused of embezzlement or any other white collar crime, it's important to take the proper steps to ensure your rights are protected and aggressively defended. The Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman is backed by years of criminal defense experience, and has helped countless clients throughout Oakland County fight their charges. To schedule a consultation with a skilled Michigan criminal defense attorney, please contact Freedman & Freedman today at (877) 858-5297.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7827
|
__label__wiki
| 0.501424
| 0.501424
|
Reactive: Mumbai – India’s 9/11
Talk Tuesday 16th December, 2008
Dubbed as India’s 9/11, the recent attacks in Mumbai left almost 200 dead and the world reeling. While criticism has been levelled at India’s government for their slow response to the attacks as well as their failure to act on intelligence, Lashkar-e-Toiba – a Kashmiri extremist group based in Pakistan – are being blamed for carrying them out.
What will these attacks mean for the ongoing "war on terror" and will India now be seen as a soft target? Will deteriorating relations between Pakistan and India be brought closer by a new co-operation to work together in the aftermath of the attacks and a joint desire to bring the perpetrators to justice? Or will these attacks simply fuel the existing tensions between these two nuclear powers?
David Loyn is the BBC’s International Development correspondent, and formerly their Delhi correspondent.
Vikram Dodd writes for The Guardian and was in Mumbai shortly before the attacks took place, and returned there the following day to report on them.
Edna Fernandes is a British Indian journalist who was born in Nairobi and grew up in London. She is a former foreign correspondent for the Financial Times in New Delhi as well as political and international business correspondent for Reuters and Dow Jones in London. Her first book Holy Warriors: A Journey into the Heart of Indian Fundamentalism was shortlisted for the UK’s Index on Censorship TR Fyvel prize and nominated for India’s Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Best Book Award. Most recently, Edna has written about the fallout from India’s 9/11 on her website.
Owen Bennett-Jones is presenter and correspondent for the BBC and former Islamabad correspondent. Owen’s coverage of the events in Pakistan in 2007 and 2008 included interviews with Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and President Musharraf, reporting on the country’s corruption, Benazir Bhutto’s return and on the aftermath of her assassination. In 2003 he wrote Pakistan: Eye Of The Storm, a modern history of the country, and he is currently working on a second edition.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7829
|
__label__wiki
| 0.609188
| 0.609188
|
Letter: NFL players can protest on their own time, not when fans pay for a game
Miami Dolphins fans spell out “Stand” for the national anthem during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Jim Rassol/South Florida Sun-Sentinel) - photo by Associated Press
My message to the NFL Commissioner, team owners, coaches, players, cheerleaders and anyone else that is on the field for a football game: The hardworking fans have finally saved up enough to buy tickets, transportation and a few snacks for a fun family outing to a football game. They have come to see the players PLAY not protest.
The players are paid to run up and down the field to play with a ball, hit or tackle a member of the opposing team and see who can score the most points. For this action, they get paid millions of dollars while the hardworking fan in the stands can only dream of one day paying off his house and sending his kids to college.
There is a very simple solution to this whole mess. Only after the anthem, when fans can show their respect for their flag, country, anthem and veterans, will players and the rest be allowed to walk — not run or use gestures but walk — to their positions and play as they are paid to do. If they want to protest or support a particular cause, make them do it on their own time and dime.
The fans have paid to see you perform, so stay out of sight until time to do so. Folks don’t care to see your ungrateful actions. Go into your communities, help the homeless and feed the hungry, but do it at a time when the fans have not paid to watch a football game.
Melinda H. Gravitt
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7830
|
__label__wiki
| 0.547633
| 0.547633
|
PERSONAL (Final exhibition of 15th generation of the World of Art, School for Curators and Critics of Contemporary Art)
Boris Beja, Živa Božičnik Rebec, Nina Čelhar, Neža Knez, Maruša Meglič, Tejka Pezdirc, Pila Rusjan, Dejan Štefančič
Personal, a group exhibition curated by the participants of the 15th year of the World of Art School, has been based on an overview of the recent production of young visual artists. Most of the artists are completing their formal academic training and beginning to define their course, also by exhibiting in quite significant contemporary art venues in Slovenia. Our selection is the result of several months of investigating existing works and projects in the making, and discussions during the second year of the World of Art, School for Curators and Critics of Contemporary Art.. We would like to present the work of artists who pose similar questions about life and who share similar experiences and challenges. The exhibiting artists are between twenty-five and thirty years old, with most of them focusing on the subject and reflections of their own position. This also shaped our selection and helped define the concept of the exhibition, which developed as we proceeded by perceiving the similarities between artists/works. In a time of general hyper-production, we do not promote the approach of maintaining an artistic presence through the constant production of new works, but prefer multiple presentations of works in different exhibition contexts.
The exhibited works reflect situations and details from the everyday life of the artists and their social environment. They are records of intimate experience, momentary impressions and continuing feelings. Using different approaches, the artists translate their relationship with themselves and their personal history, as well as with the individuals from their social circle. They turn also towards socially expected or required roles along with new life situations and transformations. The sincerity of experience that affected the making of the works has become a subtle part of them, so they have an effect even without giving a full revelation of personal experience. They are part of life, which provides ideas for art or merges with it at the level of experience.
Neža Knez opted for a planned immersion into unknown experience by radically changing her life (causing the loss of her sight for ten days). While she could not fully immerse herself in the blind community with this act, she was more interested in her own transformation, which affected every moment of her life. The performative aspect is also apparent in the video by Pila Rusjan and Dejan Štefančič, who are also the principal performers in it. The quiet impression achieved by repeating the move of establishing balance underwater presented their search for balance in partner relationships. Nina Čelhar transferred to canvas her moods, chores and minute discoveries as part of her ritual and search for a daily balance: paper documents and sketches of objects glued to the surface are an essential part of the spaces frequented by the artist. In the role of inconspicuous observer, Boris Beja records what goes on in the waiting area at an international airport. No-one’s home is turned into a social area only through belonging to a group or performing roles defined by social norms and rules of behaviour. Like a religious ritual, the game played by the artist has pre-defined rules, which help build relationships through repetition. Despite their differences, the rules of various communities overlap. The work of Živa Božičnik Rebec involves the viewer in order to examine the perception of personal space and raise issue of the limits set in the process of getting closer to someone. The viewer can decide to throw the ring on either side of the room, and there is already a pile of rings on one side. Similarly, the (im)possibility of choosing to be a member of a certain group or community is examined by Tejka Pezdirc. The letter from her relative reveals the weight of the burden imposed by the social environment, and by recounting family memories, the artist explores the assumption of women’s endurance, as well as the influence of family history on her and the possible transfer and incorporation of patterns. Maruša Meglič focuses on examining the role of women and motherhood. The relationship between the individual parts of the installation, the idyllic family house and the self-sacrificing mother, reflects the artist’s concerns about her current and possible role in the family community.
The exhibition Personal is an opportunity to grasp the everyday moments in our lives and helps us to recognise common impressions, battles, hopes, dreams and fears which are conditioned by social relationships as the result of hierarchies of power and maintained by social norms and rules. Perhaps art makes it easier to empathise with others and reflect on our incorporation into the social environment more carefully.
Curators: Petra Bole, Nina Jesih, Zala Kurinčič, Hana Ostan Ožbolt, Mojca Sfiligoj, Katarina Stopar
Mentors: Alenka Gregorič, Miran Mohar
Head of the School: Simona Žvanut
Coordinator: Miha Kelemina
31 May, at 5 pm: Guided tour through the exhibition
7 June, at 5 pm: Guided tour and the presentation of the catalogue
Accompanying programme and the presentation of the catalogue will be announced on www.scca-ljubljana.si and www.worldofart.org.
SCCA–Ljubljana, Center for Contemporary Arts
World of Art School
Co-producer: Škuc Gallery
Riko d. o. o., Virus d. o. o, Karmen d. o. o, Vino Dominko, Cvetkovci
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7831
|
__label__cc
| 0.7306
| 0.2694
|
This video guide suggests how to ask a girl for her number or social media details effectively.
We’ve all been in situations where we’re with a girl we like, the conversation’s going well, and we want to ask for her number or social media details. But the thing is that we don’t know how to do it properly and in a way that looks cool; and we’re also usually scared of letting her know we’re interested and looking creepy as a result.
Every guy reading this post has been there at some point and it’s a massively stressful experience. You know that if you do nothing she’s lost forever but you’re scared that you’ll ruin it by trying to get her details in an inelegant way.
If you can relate to what I just said then this post’s for you, my friend. So let’s get started with:
The huge mistake most guys make when asking for a girl’s number
The mistake that most guys make is awkwardly waiting until the end of the conversation to ask rather than doing it spontaneously. They spend the entire chat with that fateful question burning away in the back of their brains before timidly blurting it out just before they part ways with the girl. Now this is bad for a few reasons:
1. It makes the girl think your entire reason for talking to her was to get her number
Girls don’t like it when they think you have a hidden agenda behind anything you do with them. They don’t like the tiniest whiff of that notion to be honest. Any time a girl gets the impression that there’s something going on behind the scenes with you that they don’t know about, they’ll usually assume the worse and extricate themselves from the situation.
2. It turns it into this big, scary, and uncomfortable thing
If there’s one thing most women can’t stand, it’s awkward situations, and most will do anything they can to avoid them. By waiting until the end of the conversation to awkwardly bring up swapping details you’re letting her know that this is something you’re uncomfortable with. That in turn will make her feel uncomfortable too and her gut reaction will be to bail or reject you. One thing to remember when you’re dealing with girls is that they’re only ever going to be as at ease with you as you are with yourself and the situation at hand. If you’re nervous about asking for her number then don’t expect her to be comfortable with giving it to you. Finally, girls are attracted to confidence so anything you do that implies insecurity isn’t going to set her heart on fire.
Asking her halfway through the conversation is basically what you’d do if you weren’t so scared or nervous. You’d just be having fun with her and then say ‘Hey, let’s hang out sometime.’ She’d say yeah, then you’d swap numbers, and go right back to the fun. Any time you’ve swapped numbers with a guy it was most likely a situation just like that. Something cool, easy, and free from pressure.
Anyway, here’s a step by step guide to asking for her number in a way that will make her give it to you
Step 1. Tell her you’d like to hang out at a high point in the convo
When the conversation is at a high point, like you’ve just said something funny or made a really insightful comment that’s she’s reacted well to, that’s when you’re gonna drop it. Like I said earlier, say ‘Hey, we should hang out some time.’ Don’t ask if she’d like to hang out, assume that she will. Trust me, that confidence will be very attractive. Maybe she’ll throw up some sort of resistance by saying that she doesn’t give her number out to people she doesn’t really know, but if she does, that’s only a shit test and should be treated as such.
Crack a joke about how she’ll be completely safe because you’re now a reformed man who’s put his stalking days well behind him and she’ll likely laugh and say ‘OK then!’ Just remember that none of this is a big deal. It’s all fun and games and you’re not taking any of it too seriously. You’re not invested in the outcome at all, you’re just having fun in the moment and spreading good vibes.
Anyway, when she does agree to swap numbers that will move us onto:
Step 2. Give her your phone for her to put her number in
Now as I said just above, when you do this, it’s imperative that you have an air about you that seems like this isn’t a big deal at all. Remember that if you’re uncomfortable then she’ll be uncomfortable too. Give her your phone, tell her to put her number in and then look away while she does it. This isn’t anything stressful, it’s a very casual, very normal, very regular part of your conversation. If you want, you can take her phone and put your number in too. (For special bonus points you can save it as something funny like ‘Sex Machine’ which will give her a huge laugh when you text her).
Step 3. Go right back to having fun immediately afterwards
If I haven’t said this before, let me say it now. Getting her number isn’t this big, scary, and stressful occurrence. It’s a natural expression of the fun you guys were already having together. So with that in mind, for the love of all that’s good and holy, go right back to having fun as soon as it’s done. This way she’ll feel at ease and comfortable with giving you her details and not like she’s been dragged into anything weird.
Extra bonus step – Use callback humour when you eventually message her
Callback humour is something comedians do. The idea is that you say something funny which makes the audience laugh and then reference it again for extra chuckles later on in the set, and you’re going to do exactly that when you text this girl. Let’s say for instance that during your conversation with her you said, ‘I’m the undisputed Emperor of Japan! All hail the emperor of Japan!’, then when you message her, you’re gonna say something like “This is the Emperor of Japan and you will kneel before me!’
Assuming she found it funny when you first said it, then calling back to it when you message her will remind her of the great time she had with you, get her laughing again and almost certainly have her responding.
As Bugs Bunny once said “That’s All Folks!” Now you know how to ask a girl for her number or social media details. (And just to confirm this strategy works the same when asking for Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and other social media IDs)
You probably think this guide was a bit simplistic and low on technical knowledge but the truth is that asking a girl for her number is actually a pretty simple thing to do. We as guys tend to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves and end up making what should be a fun and easy interaction into something uncomfortable. Take care and put this info to good use.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7832
|
__label__wiki
| 0.877192
| 0.877192
|
Netflix Releases a Supernatural Series Called Raising Dion!
Netflix has filmed an African American series based in Atlanta, GA. The story is about an African American single mother who learns that her young son has multiple superpowers.
According to Netflix, “the series follows his story as he figures out his powers while learning to adjust with this big secret.” The series showcases a single mother’s drama with raising a son. She must keep her son’s abilities a secret with the help of her deceased husband's best friend Pat, from adversaries who tries to exploit him. Dion’s powers can only be kept a secret until he is forced to use them to protect the ones he love. When he’s tested with fate to protect his loved ones, he will stop at nothing to do as such.
Raising Dion is a family-oriented film that will captivate its audiences with is wide range characters such as single mother, a lesbian aunt, a godfather who is obsessed with his godson’s new abilities with hopes of an inspiring love interest with his mother, bullying and budding friendships.
Ja’Siah Young, who plays Dion is refreshing and will captivate audiences of all ages. Raising Dion is written in a voice for all ages and the Netflix series that has only 9 episodes will not disappoint. There is no surprise that Ja’Siah will be a household name in the future of acting. Audiences should look for him to transcend from a child actor. He will not disappoint the audience with this lead role.
Alisha Wainwright, who plays Dion’s mother Nicole, exemplifies what a mother wouldn't do to shield her son from those closest to him. It’s her job to protect his abilities and to fill his void of loneliness from having a deceased father, Mark played by Michael B. Jordan.
Jason Ritter, who’s notably known as the son of deceased John Ritter, plays the role of Dion’s godfather, Pat. Pat's relationship with Dion is special because of their bond, but when things start to unravel situations became complicated.
Sammi Haney plays Dion’s disabled best friend, displays a friendship with no judgement and no flaws. Her personality sparkles over her disability with her charismatic tactics.
Raising Dion is surely gaining notoriety and a second season should be in the works.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7833
|
__label__wiki
| 0.74563
| 0.74563
|
Huckabee on Trump's UK visit: He's a return to 'respect for all'
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee on President Trump’s visit to the U.K. and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Huckabee also reacts to President Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs against Mexico. FOX Business Network (FBN) is a financial news channel delivering real-time information a...
Making first state visit to great britain president trumpet first lady melania are joined by the royal family and a hundred and seventy guests at the royal banquet at buckingham palace right now, which has been personally overseen by queen elizabeth joining us now. Former arkansas governor and fox news contributor, mike huckabee governor, thank you for joining us. You know they're they're, making ...
lot out of the protests, although when they showed us the folks in front that were protesting, it didn't seem like there were that many there. Is it possible that that people in the uk aren't as horrified by president trump as the media would like us to believe? I know everybody would be shockedto think that the media is over playing criticism about donald trump, since they've played it so straight and pure as journalists throughout his entire presidency, and obviously i'm being incredibly sarcastic, of course, they're over playing it. There are people in london who don't like donald trump, but there are people in manhattan and who don't like donald trump. There are a lot of people who do like him. A lot of people who appreciate him and i think with you, look at the brexit vote. It was a part of the same kind of rejection of the elitism and the snobbery in great britain that we saw in the united states. People are tired of being looked downupon by people in power. People in the high places and they've had enough of it. Donald trump represents return to a little bit of respect for all. And it's interesting too, because if you hear people on the more liberal side talking about what's going on right now with brexit they're saying that the british people of how to change apart and that they made this vote and now they kind of regret it.
And they can't get out that doesn't sound really, maybe straight on to me, i don't know i mean what is your take of how it's being received now at this point, in the same way that they don't want president trump there it seemslike they're. Also recoating quote regretting their idea to brigs it and leave well. I was in great britain the day of the brexit vote back in 2016 and it was a fascinating time to be there. I was back in great britain about a year and a half later and i didn't hear a whole lot of people saying. Oh, we made a terrible. Take people tried to make that about race and about immigration solely. It was really about brits wanting to be brits and having a great sense of pride about their many years and centuries of traditions and law and culture they're, proud of that, and they should be like every nation should be proud. Ofits unique culture, its language, its history, its art, and so when people act like that, this is all about xenophobia and racism. I frankly think that's the statement of an idiot who doesn't know what he or she is talking about, and it's always a money issue too. I mean they don't want to finance people in other parts of europe who who aren't working. You know where the government is spending a ton of money in supporting people and the rest of the population isn't working it. You know it's a straight up.
Bread and butter issue it doesn't have to do with xenophobia there like a lot of americans, don't pay huge taxes and then you knowsit there and they're like wait a second. You know i don't i don't know how much more i can afford to pay. Let me pick it quickly while we're talking about this about the southern border and the idea of putting tariffs on mexico, a the point being that tariffs are horrible for everybody involved for the americans for mexicans for everybody. But i wonder i suspect, maybe that's the point - that it would kind of hurt. Everybody so would get everybody's attention so that they might focus on this issue and maybe call their legislators and say why aren't you doing something one way or the other to straighten out these immigration laws? What are your thoughtswell melissa? You hit the nail on the head. The fact is, this could all be resolved without tariffs. If congress would just go to washington, sit down and do their jobs rather than chase these phony allegations about the president and bring up the nonsense of impeachment, they can fix the immigration situation. There would be no need for tariffs. That'S the way to handle this, but i respect that the president is saying: if you're not going to do your jobs as members of congress, then i got to do something because we really do have a real, not manufactured real crisis at the border. It'S got to be dealt with, so it's already brought mexico to thetable. Their diplomats are now moving to washington so that they can sit down and talk through this. That'S a plus and it's not the ideal.
Nobody likes tariffs, but we don't like our country, invaded by hundreds of thousands of people who are running over our border, because you've got a bunch of people in congress who refuse to do their job yeah. Isn'T it interesting? The mexicans and the americans can sit down right away and talk with democrats. The republicans can't seem to do that governor huckabee. Thank you.
|
cc/2021-04/en_head_0000.json.gz/line7834
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.