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Seven years ago, and today
By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Apr 19, 2012
Do you remember what you were doing on this date in 2005? I sure do.
It was a quiet day here, but I was on edge, jumpy with anticipation, waiting for news from Rome. The papal conclave had just begun, and April 19 would be the first day of actual voting. It seemed unlikely that the cardinals would reach a decision on the first day; that would be unusually fast. But I wanted to be ready. I was at my desk very early in the morning, looking for any news from the Vatican.
The first two rounds of ballots, the morning votes, had already been taken in Rome before most Americans were awake. No surprise there. The next two ballots would be taken in the early evening, Rome time. We could expect to see more black smoke coming from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel sometime early in the evening there—early afternoon here. Then we could relax for a while; there would be no more votes until the next day.
But wait! The smoke began rising before 6 pm (before noon here): ahead of schedule. White smoke! A decision already!
It takes about a half-hour for the cardinals to emerge from a conclave, sort themselves out, and move over to the Vatican basilica to present the new Pontiff to the world. In the past that wasn’t enough time to spread the word very far beyond the Vatican itself. Remember, the last papal election had been in 1978, long before cell phones and PDAs and computers had made it possible for all of us to be “wired in,” ready to receive news instantaneously. From all over Rome, people began running toward the Vatican. The rest of us, in other countries, did the next-best thing: running to our TV sets.
If I was on edge in the morning—and I was—I was even more jumpy with anticipation by noon. Going into the conclave, there had been one cardinal who stood out clearly from the rest. All the other papabile, it seemed, could have been chosen only after a few days of thought, prayer, discussion, and inconclusive early ballots. But if the College of Cardinals swung toward Cardinal Ratzinger, that decision could be made quickly. And since the decision had indeed come quickly, it seemed logical to conclude…
But was I jumping to conclusions? I had written that “Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger will be the main focus of attention as the conclave begins.” But in my attempt to assess the chances of the leading papabile I pointed out that he “may be perceived as too old for the rigors of the papacy.” I added:
More important, Cardinal Ratzinger has been a lightning-rod for controversy both within the Church (because of his disciplinary action against wayward theologians) and outside (because of his insistence that Christ is the sole means to salvation). His public image as the authoritarian Panzerkardinal, although it is completely at odds with his mild personality, would make him the target of vitriolic attacks by secular liberals.
As a journalist I was trying to be reasonably objective. I suppose that alert readers could discern what my friends already knew: that I was hoping and praying that Cardinal Ratzinger would be chosen. But I was also trying to temper my hope with realism; it seemed too good to be true.
After a few minutes that seemed to take much longer, the curtains parted and Cardinal Medina Estevez stepped out at the loggia to deliver the announcement: Habemus Papam!. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square applauded appreciatively, but everyone was still waiting for the name. Cardinal Medina Estevez seemed to take forever working his way through the traditional formula: Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum.
Then he paused, probably just to take a breath, but in my agitated state I felt sure he was deliberately slowing things down to frustrate me.
Dominum….
Yes, yes. Come on!
Iosephum
Here the cardinal paused again. But I didn’t care. I knew the names of the leading papabile, and there was only one Joseph among them. I was already dancing around the room as Cardinal Medina Estevez finished:
Sanctæ Romanæ Ecclesiæ Cardinalem Ratzinger.
And now as the TV cameras panned around St. Peter’s Square, it seemed that everyone else was jumping up and down too.
Today is a holiday at the Vatican. Our Church leaders are celebrating the anniversary of Pope Benedict’s election, and we should be celebrating too. Do yourself a favor: watch a video of that historic announcement, and see whether you agree with me that Cardinal Medina Estevez was shamelessly toying with the anticipation of the crowd, milking the dramatic moment. Then think about what the Holy Father has accomplished in the past 7 years—just glance at yesterday’s CWN news headlines if you need a quick reminder. Finally, take heed of the Pope’s birthday wish “to support me always with your prayers so that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I may continue my service to Christ and the Church.”
Posted by: Defender - Apr. 20, 2012 7:11 PM ET USA
I was teaching 5th grade in a Catholic school and had talked with the older grades and my class about how a pope is elected (including giving them a quiz). Someone walked by and said a pope had been elected, so I turned on the TV and we watched one of the stations for a couple of hours.
Posted by: - Apr. 20, 2012 9:17 AM ET USA
I was on campus at Catholic U in DC, and the mood among the grad students was euphoric! The melancholy brought on by the passing of JP II was immediately overwhelmed by joy, optimism, confidence. We knew instinctively that the cardinals deferred to the Holy Spirit, and the Bride of Christ had been given a worthy steward. Viva il Papa! Thank the Lord for the Holy Father!
Posted by: AgnesDay - Apr. 19, 2012 2:19 PM ET USA
I sure do. We were holding kindergarten transition conferences in one school district I served, and we took a lunch break. That's when the radio was broadcasting the news of Cardinal Ratzinger's election. I was in my own car, nearly lost control, and forgot what restaurant where everyone said they would meet. What a day!
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How Bob Barker Went From WW2 Fighter Pilot, To Television Icon, To Animal Rights Mega-Philanthropist
By Amy Lamare on December 10, 2020 in Articles › Entertainment
Bob Barker is best known for being the long-running host of the game show "The Price is Right." However, at nearly 97, he's accomplished so much more in life. He's been a World War II fighter pilot, a radio host, a television game show host, and now, he's devoted his life to animal advocacy. After Barker retired from "The Price Is Right," he devoted himself full time to making the world a kinder place for animals. Truly, we could all be a bit more like Bob Barker and the world would be a better place.
Bob Barker was born on December 12, 1923, in the tiny town of Darrington, Washington, located southeast of Seattle. He spent most of his childhood living on the Rosebud Indian Reservation with the Sioux tribe in South Dakota. His mother was a schoolteacher on the reservation. When Barker was nine, his mom, and stepfather relocated to Springfield, Missouri. He met his future wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon at an Ella Fitzgerald concert while he was in high school. They began dating when he was 14. He went to Drury College on a basketball scholarship and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. In 1943, Barker joined the U.S. Navy Reserve as a commissioned officer and trained as a fighter pilot during World War II. He remained in college until he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in economics. He married Dorothy Jo during leave from the military in 1945. He spent 18 months learning to fly a number of naval aircraft. He finished his training in early 1945 and was set to deploy that summer but the Japanese surrendered and the war ended before he saw any active duty.
Barker and his wife were living in Florida after the war. Bob was working as a newsreader on the radio when he realized he really wanted to make a career in broadcasting. So he and Dorothy moved to Los Angeles in 1950. He quickly landed a job hosting a radio show in L.A. "The Bob Barker Show" ran for six years. Game show producer Ralph Edwards loved the way Barker interacted with his guests on the show and hired Barker as the host of "Truth or Consequences." Barker became a huge hit and hosted a number of short-lived game shows in the 1950s and 60s while also hosting "Truth or Consequences." Barker hosted the show for almost 20 years and only left it in 1975 to focus on his job at "The Price is Right."
Barker was hired by Goodson-Todman Productions in 1973 to be the host of the revival of a game show from the 50s and 60s called "The Price is Right." The show debuted as a half-hour show and expanded to an hour in 1975. Barker hosted the show for 35 years and Barker became part of television history. His most famous trademark was how he closed every show since 1982: "Help control the pet population: Have your pets spayed or neutered." He signed off this way because he was (and still is) a huge advocate for animal rights. In fact, when he left "The Price is Right" he asked Drew Carey, the new host, to continue signing off that way. Carey honored Barker's request and the tradition continues to this day.
Dorothy Jo Barker died in 1981 and Bob turned to animal rights activism to help him manage his grief. He'd been an animal lover since he was a small boy. In the decades since his wife died, Barker has done a tremendous amount for animal rights. He resigned as the host of the Miss U.S.A. Pageant in 1988 after hosting it for more than 20 years because the producers refused to ban the contestants from wearing fur. He founded the DJ&T Foundation, named for his late wife and late mother. The foundation helps pay for pets to be spayed and neutered.
He's given so much money to the Sea Shepherd Organization, which uses aggressive tactics to stop Japanese whaling ships, that the lead ship in the fleet is named for him. Bob Barker subsequently purchased a helicopter for the Sea Shepherd Society. Here's a video of the "S.S. Bob Barker" in action against some whaling vessels:
He also donated $2.5 million to PETA to help build their Los Angeles headquarters which is now called the "Bob Barker Building." In 2014 he spent $700,000 to move three elephants from a Toronto zoo to a wildlife preserve in California.
Barker became one of the first stars more than 30 years ago to announce he was a vegetarian. He's been a vocal opponent of marine mammals being used as entertainment and called for the release of the Miami Seaquarium's orca Lolita. He's urged people to stay away from Sea World. He called for the end of military medical drills on live animals. The U.S. Coast Guard has stopped this practice and other branches of the military are following. He narrated a video expose of bears in miserable conditions in roadside zoos in North Carolina. That led to six of the bears being moved to sanctuaries. When he learned that some circus lions were malnourished in Bolivia, he gave $2 million to Animal Defenders International to bring them to a sanctuary in Colorado. He was even on hand when the lions touched down at the airport in Denver.
Barker turns 97 on December 12, 2020, and he has no plans to slow down his animal advocacy work. In fact, since he and his wife didn't have children, he plans to sell most of his belongings, donate the proceeds to animal rights groups, and die broke.
Bob Barker Articles
Bob Barker Net Worth
Drew Carey Net Worth
Alex Trebek Net Worth
Alan Thicke Net Worth
Meredith Vieira Net Worth
Lanisha Cole Net Worth
Susan Olsen Net Worth
Chris Harrison Net Worth
Johnny Carson Left A Surprisingly Massive Fortune To Charity
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WWE Chairman And CEO, Vince McMahon, Is Back In The Billionaire's Club – For Now
By Travis Pulver on April 12, 2016 in Articles › Sports News
Vince McMahon, the Chairman and CEO of the WWE, must be walking around with a huge smile plastered on his face. The 32nd installment of WrestleMania ended up being the most successful to date, with over 100,000 tickets sold, generating more than $17 million in revenue. The company also set a new a record, having reported $4.55 million in merchandise sales. So, in spite of all the grumbling over the card leading up to the event, it was a resounding success.
If that wasn't enough to make him smile, the value of his stock should. It has been on the rise over the last few weeks, and is up 18 percent since mid-February. After the closing bell on Friday before WrestleMania, his shares (which equal 52 percent of the company) were worth $687,000,000.
After some early growing pains, it is looking like the WWE Network is doing well. In a press release following WrestleMania, the company announced that the network now has 1.82 million subscribers.
All the aforementioned are things that should make the 70-year-old head of World Wrestling Entertainment smile. However, what they resulted in, is what is probably making him a very happy man these days.
He's back in the billionaire's club.
Thanks to the rise in the WWE's stock over the last few weeks, McMahon has added over $100 million to his personal wealth, raising his net worth to $1.1 billion. It was under $1 billion, a little over a month ago when Forbes came out with its annual list of the world's billionaires.
McMahon's wealth has had almost as many ups and downs as the average wrestler's career. In 2001 he claimed to have a personal net worth of over $1.1 billion, but sometime between 2002 and 2013 he is believed to have fallen from the billionaire ranks.
When the WWE Network was launched in 2014, his wealth shot up to $1.2 billion and got as high as $1.6 billion. However, investors were disappointed the network had only 667,000 subscribers after the first few months and in April, the stock's value dropped by 29 percent.
Investors became disappointed again in May, when the deal with NBCUniversal was announced. The stock's value took another major hit, dropping 40 percent in a single day. McMahon ended up losing $350 million and saw his net worth drop to $750 million.
It took quite a bit of time for his wealth to recover, but it appears to have finally done so. The question now is whether his wealth will remain above $1 billion or if he'll fall back below the line. That could depend on whether the WrestleMania Curse strikes again.
After the last two WrestleMania events, even though they set new attendance and revenue records, the company's stock took a dip. In spite of new records being set once again this year, the stock's price took a small dip by the closing bell on Monday (the first day of trading following WrestleMania 32).
Will the trend continue and see McMahon fall out of the billionaire's club again? Only time will tell.
Vince McMahon Articles
Vince McMahon Lost Almost $300 Million On Paper After WWE's Stock Dip
WWE Stock Crashes 40% One Day – Vince McMahon No Longer A Billionaire
WWE's Vince McMahon Net Worth Surges To Just Under $4 Billion, As He Roars Back Onto List Of Richest Americans
Vince McMahon Net Worth
How Vince McMahon Became The Billionaire King Of Wrestling
Here's How Vince McMahon Lost More Than Half A Billion Dollars In One Week
Vince McMahon Lost Out On The Deal Of A Lifetime When He Decided Not To Buy The UFC
Vince McMahon's Net Worth Has Been Powerslammed This Year
WWE Founder Vince McMahon Bringing Back The XFL
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The "Try It, You'll Like It!" blogathon: 12 Angry Men (1957)
This post is part of the "Try It, You'll Like It!" Blogathon, hosted by Sister Celluloid and Movies Silently, where we write about "gateway films" that might bring non-classic-film lovers into the fold! For all entries, click here!
Some of the inflexible reasons given for avoiding classic films: "I don't watch old movies." "I don't watch black and white movies." "I don't like the way they acted back then." "Movies keep getting better, so why should I watch something from when they weren't as good as they are now?" All that's needed to break that logjam is one distinguished and impressive piece of cinema. All that's needed is 12 Angry Men.
Securing an audience's attention starts with the word, and Reginald Rose strung together some great words for his Emmy winning teleplay for Studio One, Twelve Angry Men in 1954. The following year he adapted the script for the stage. The theatrical play has enjoyed many professional and amateur tours and revivals, including a multi-Tony nominated 2005 Broadway production. In 1957 Rose and star Henry Fonda co-produced the 12 Angry Men feature film version for United Artists.
Former actor and live television director veteran Sidney Lumet (Fail-Safe, Network, The Verdict) made his impressive feature debut with this project, collaborating with the great cinematographer Boris Kaufman (L'Atalante, On the Waterfront, The Pawnbroker). The visionary artists created a universe inside of a single room. The black and white cinematography gives an almost documentary-like feel to the proceedings; a sense of the immediacy of a newspaper. The view of the sparse set, at first a wide empty room that slowly fills to overcrowding humanity pulls the viewer into the atmosphere. The variety of shot angles and actor placement, combined with the judicious decisions of when or when not to use close-ups guides us subtly through the developments of plot and character.
Over the course of a wet, humid afternoon in New York City, jurors debate evidence given in a first-degree murder trial. By rote, the judge charges the twelve strangers with the fearsome task. After weeks of testimony, a preliminary vote shows that eleven jurors are convinced of a guilty verdict. Juror #8, however, votes "not guilty" feeling that with the life of the young defendant at stake, some discussion is merited. Oh so reluctantly, the discussion that ensues reveals much about the trial and much more about the jurors.
Ed Begley, George Voskovec, Lee J. Cobb, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Jack Warden
Robert Webber, Joseph Sweeney, Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam, Edward Binns, John Fiedler
Such words and such art behind direction deserve a fine ensemble of actors to bring it to life. The cast of 12 Angry Men was in the enviable position of weeks of rehearsal before shooting so that these professionals could create and truly know their characters. The last of the ensemble to pass away, Juror #5, Jack Klugman, spoke of the pride they all took in this project. Such pride of craftsmanship shows in the film.
Juror #1: Martin Balsam, high school football coach
The foreman is a reasonable man striving to do his duty and keep order.
Juror #2: John Fiedler
He is not the sort to stand out in a crowd and is easily dismissed by others.
Juror #3: Lee J. Cobb, owns a messenger service
A man filled with inner rage.
Juror #4: E.G. Marshall, stockbroker
Prides himself on his clear thinking.
Juror #5: Jack Klugman
A man from a disadvantaged background who feels the outsider.
Juror #6: Edward Binns, labourer
An unimaginative working man with a big heart.
Juror #7: Jack Warden, salesman
The guy that does not want to be here.
Juror #8: Henry Fonda, architect
Courageous and compassionate observer.
Juror #9: Joseph Sweeney, senior citizen
In his case wisdom has come with age.
Juror #10: Ed Begley
Prejudice blinds his thoughts.
Juror #11: George Voskovec, watchmaker
The European immigrant has a balanced view of the proceedings.
Juror #12: Robert Webber, advertising man
Bright young executive is all surface.
E.G. Marshall, Henry Fonda, John Fiedler (seated)
Lee J. Cobb, Edward Binns
Juror #8 begins and ends the discussion with the point that he doesn't know if the defendant is guilty or innocent, but given the case, as presented, there is room for reasonable doubt. As they deconstruct the prosecutor's case and the defense's lackluster performance, one by one, other jurors come to sense that reasonable doubt. Still others, for reasons that eventually become more clear and more personal, stubbornly cling to their original vote. Hearts and mind are laid uncomfortably bare as these strangers clash and bond.
12 Angry Men is a compelling and timeless drama. Perhaps the timelessness of the film will be the most surprising and welcome aspect to the non-classic film fan. It may well be a shock for them to discover that although technology, fashion and certain mores have changed, people haven't really changed. The same principles, fears and behaviors influence our personalities and our interactions. The powerful and memorable 12 Angry Men will have the non-classic film fan wondering what other films from bygone eras will speak to them.
Amanda Garrett December 5, 2015 at 9:52 AM
Great review! 12 Angry Men is one of the few stage plays turned into movies that really works onscreen because of great direction and cinematography, but especially the really great performances from Fonda and company
Caftan Woman December 5, 2015 at 2:03 PM
Indeed. Everyone was at the top of their game in "12 Angry Men" and that is what makes it so enthralling.
Steve Bailey December 5, 2015 at 12:27 PM
This is such a good movie! Whenever I watch it, I always want to think -- but never believe -- that I would have the fortitude of Henry Fonda's character. Everybody slings every invective possible at him, but he holds firm in his belief. You did a very nice job summing up the appeal of this timeless movie!
My husband was called for jury duty once and I asked him if he thought he was Fonda or Cobb. After some deliberation he decided that he was probably Warden. What would we do if put to the test?
Rich December 5, 2015 at 12:31 PM
One thing (among many) I like about this Hall of Fame-caliber film is how Lumet makes the weather palpable. The longer the deliberation takes, the more we see the jurors do things like take off their jackets, roll up their sleeves, and just sit motionless, to the point where the heat is a physical presence, one that's clearly affecting their thinking - and you can almost feel it yourself as you watch the story unfold.
The impact of the weather adds so much to the atmosphere in the room and the reactions of the jurors. A very important detail that speaks to the quality of the film.
Great film. I liked your descriptions of each juror.
And Rich's comments about the heat.
I'd like to see any classic movie naysayer try to keep up their bluff against "12 Angry Men"!
Can't be done!
I love this movie, too. Although I've read that there are some huge flaws in the way that Fonda went about collecting his evidence, etc., it takes nothing away from the joy of the film itself.
It can be difficult to pull off an ensemble cast sometimes, but this one gets it right.
"Can't be done!" Hear, hear.
Juror #8's arguments get no quibble from me as he's not trying to convince me of guilt or innocence, but reasonable doubt, and it is so compelling. I guess that's why we watch it over and over.
ClassicBecky December 5, 2015 at 4:30 PM
This movie could not have been cast better -- each individual stands out, and that's hard to do with 12 actors. I've seen this movie so many times. Of course Fonda and Cobb are the most spotlighted, but all of the others create unforgettable characters as well. I always liked the character of E.G. Marshall, cleaning his glasses, seemingly unmovable -- then he has the moment of enlightenment, cleaning his glasses and seeing the facts. Jack Warden also did such a good job. He was so annoying, constantly talking about the damned ball game, and sticking out like a sore thumb as someone who just didn't care about anything but getting out of there. Your review is excellent, CW, as usual!
Caftan Woman December 6, 2015 at 9:15 AM
Thanks, Becky.
So many interesting performers and performances help to make "12 Angry Men" as much a pleasure on the 100th rewatch as on the first viewing.
JazzFeathers December 6, 2015 at 12:29 AM
I'v enever known about this film, but I've always liked 'closed rooms' stories. This sounds worth watching.
You've convinced me ;-)
It is such a thrill to think about your first time seeing "12 Angry Men". I have no doubt you will be impressed.
Silver Screenings December 6, 2015 at 9:28 AM
"Compelling" and "timeless" are perfect descriptions of this exceptional film. I liked how you itemized each juror and noted his motivation. Brilliant – I would not have thought of it.
So glad you chose this important film for the blogathon. It is a great introduction to classic film, and a thought-provoking examination of human nature.
Caftan Woman December 6, 2015 at 10:07 AM
Thanks so much for those kind words. Now all I have to do is find a newbie on whom to test my theory. Of course, my confidence in this movie is unshaken.
Rick29 December 6, 2015 at 9:43 AM
Indeed, it is "compelling and timeless." It's also an actors' showcase and the perfect example of how to film a stage play with a confined setting (I never even notice that almost the entire film takes place on one set!).
A bonus to the film itself is the cast. Who wouldn't want to see more of Fonda or Cobb or any of those gentlemen after watching "12 Angry Men"? There's a lifetime of good movies waiting.
Thanks so much for joining in! Great choice. This film absolutely sucks you in and doesn't let go. You're absolutely right: this cast knew what it was doing and had a director to match. It's amazing to see them in action. Lovely review!
Thanks a lot. I love this idea for a blogathon and the contributions are all so convincing and interesting.
carygrantwonteatyou.com December 6, 2015 at 2:55 PM
What a perfect choice. I've always thought the film should be required viewing for prospective jurors. Don't you? Even my classic film-hating sibling liked this one--proof that you're on to something!
Ha! So happy to hear of the results of your own experiment with the movie. Just think if we blogathon contributors ran the world! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Jacqueline T. Lynch December 6, 2015 at 4:38 PM
Splendid post on this very special movie. I agree with Rick's comments above that the weather and atmosphere play a huge role in our being able to visualize the men's psychological discomfort by making it also a physical discomfort. The characters are all so finely drawn and meticulously acted. I love E.G. Marshall especially. Great pick and great job.
When Klugman asks Marshall "Don't you sweat?", he's speaking for the rest of us in the audience trying to get an understanding of the man. Most of us would be opening the window, trying to fix the fan, getting rid of the ties, etc.
Virginie Pronovost December 7, 2015 at 7:57 AM
Great article! I completely agree with you, 12 Angry Men seems to be a perfect film for those who are not too much "into the classics". Loved your presentation of each juror!
Caftan Woman December 7, 2015 at 12:35 PM
Lê December 7, 2015 at 10:19 AM
Wonderful post! I love 12 Angry Men, and it is indeed a timeless movie. It may not please the action-lover, but the characters have palpable pains, and nothing has changed since 1957. I confess that whenever I see someone with "glass marks" on the nose I think about the movie.
Thanks for the kind comment!
Ha! I think about those "glass marks" as well - too often.
Joe Thompson December 10, 2015 at 9:25 PM
Hi Caftan Woman. Excellent review. The first time I saw this story, it was in a production of "12 Angry Women" at my sister's all-girl high school. I have to ask her what part she played. Maybe #9. It is a wonderful start to Sidney Lumet's career in film.
Caftan Woman December 12, 2015 at 7:56 PM
What a cool choice for high school. I've sat through a lot of (too many) musicals in high school auditoriums.
Mary Aalgaard December 16, 2015 at 6:02 AM
Your final paragraph says it all. This film shows the complexity of human beings. The play is often taught in school because of the story and great writing. I taught it to 9th graders, and we watched the movie. It is so well done. Great choice.
I'm also participating in the blogathon. I'm making my way slowly through the list, a long, but good one!
I'm so glad you read and commented. I didn't realize the play was taught in schools. It must be quite a kick to see the reaction of the young people.
An Invitation to Classic Movie Christmas Parties
SINATRA CENTENNIAL BLOGATHON: Frank's Musical Osca...
The "Try It, You'll Like It!" blogathon: 12 Angry ...
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Gideon Spanier
Viva tech! Why Lévy is backing start-ups
Ahead of his retirement, Publicis Groupe's CEO is launching an investment initiative and a tech event.
Viva Technology: event launched by Lévy (left) and Groupe Les Echos’ Francis Morel
Maurice Lévy was a humble IT worker at Publicis Groupe when he risked his life to save the company’s computer records from a fire in 1972. So it is appropriate that Lévy, now chief executive of Publicis, is marking the group’s 90th birthday and his retirement by celebrating technology.
He has launched a global initiative, called Publicis 90, to find and invest in 90 start-ups and employee projects. The winners will be announced at Viva Technology, a three-day fair in partnership with Groupe Les Echos that takes place from 30 June to 2 July.
It is hoped that up to 30,000 delegates will attend the event, which is billed as a cross between the Consumer Electronics Show and SXSW. Speakers include Google’s Eric Schmidt and Tim Armstrong of AOL.
The puzzle is why Lévy, who steps down next year after 30 years as chief executive, did not try to turn Publicis into more of a tech champion before.
One reason is that France has been a tech laggard, as Maxime Baffert, head of Publicis 90 and Lévy’s former executive assistant, concedes. "When I visit Silicon Valley and London and Israel, clearly we are behind," Baffert says on a trip to London to meet start-ups. "But France is catching up."
He believes the UK has been an early adopter of technology because the economy has been stronger than in France and there are more investors thanks to London’s role as a financial hub.
A fitting celebration
The idea behind Publicis 90 is that investing between €10,000 and €500,000 each in 90 start-ups is a better way to mark a 90th birthday than a coffee-table book or corporate film.
Publicis received more than 3,500 applications. These have been cut down to a shortlist of 320, split evenly between four regions – France, the rest of Europe and the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Thirty-three start-ups are from the UK.
About 60 Publicis employees are on the shortlist and could be entitled to a paid sabbatical. But it will mean the company can take an 80% stake if their idea is successful.
One tech industry figure suggests Publicis 90 should be an annual event if the company is serious about building links with start-ups. Baffert says it’s a one-off, though he points out that Starcom already has an outreach initiative, NextTechNow, while Publicis invests in start-ups through Iris Capital.
Ahead of Viva Technology, start-ups have been set challenges by established companies such as LVMH, Axa and AccorHotels, which could lead to partnerships. "Maurice has been contemplating it for at least ten years," Baffert says of the Paris event. "He’s very patriotic." That said, virtually all the talks at Viva Technology will be in English to reflect its international outlook.
Baffert, whose day job is running Publicis’ web design company Proximedia, is a former civil servant who got frustrated with the French public sector.
He says Lévy is easier to work for than many previous bosses: "He treats people with respect." Lévy thinks "like a chess player" and can be "funny" too, Baffert adds. When the 2013 merger with Omnicom collapsed, it didn’t faze Lévy as "he’s seen the ups and downs" over the years.
It was Lévy who memorably said: "Everyone is starting to worry about being Uber-ed." But Baffert is optimistic that the ad industry can regain the initiative. "We don’t have to be taxis," he claims. "We can be the Uber."
(This article first appeared on CampaignLive.co.uk)
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Ahmad Khan Rahami Is American, Naturalized Or Not
Handout/Getty Images News/Getty Images
By Krutika Pathi
On Monday morning, the FBI announced that 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahami is wanted for questioning in relation to the two bombings that took place in New York City and New Jersey over the weekend, and he was arrested after a Monday morning shootout. Currently, the information regarding Rahami is scarce — we know he is 5-feet 6-inches tall, weighs around 200 pounds and has brown hair and eyes. What else do we know? A glance at some news headlines brings up another facet of information: that he is a "naturalized Afghanistan citizen." Sometimes he's a naturalized Afghanistan immigrant, or naturalized U.S. citizen from Afghanistan. The problem with highlighting these specific words is that it subtly undermines anybody who is a citizen of America.
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), "naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)." If we are to go by this definition, it's pretty clear that Rahami is just an American with an address in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He is an American regardless of his naturalization or his crimes, and, most importantly, he is an American regardless of his ethnicity.
The Washington Times' headline is "Ahmad Khan Rahami, naturalized Afghanistan citizen, sought for questioning about NYC blast." Other headlines include: "Naturalized US citizen from Afghanistan sought in NYC blast" and "Naturalized U.S. citizen from Afghanistan sought in Manhattan blast." The terms used to described alleged suspects carry connotations and this is important to consider — Rahami is an American citizen.
When words like naturalized and Afghanistan are highlighted, it seeks to otherize Rahami as a suspect because in it, lies an implication that his ethnicity is an important factor in the crime committed. The use of such words in headlines itself, as opposed to the body of the article, seeks to establish a crucial separation of Rahami from America.
Dylan Roof's crime of murdering nine people in a historically black church was racist and investigated as a possible act of "domestic terrorism," but the word terrorist wasn't as easily splashed across headlines as apparently Rahami's ethnic origin. These are two separate cases and they shouldn't be conflated, but since 9/11 many Americans hold the belief that only Islamic extremists commit terrorism. There's a range of data that does not support this and there's evidence showing that U.S. security is actually more preoccupied with the activities of right-wing extremists.
To reiterate Rahami's ethnicity and origin as distinct from whiteness and America is harmful because it only perpetuates damaging ideologies and Islamophobic rhetoric. This is not to condemn his alleged involvement in the recent bombings or downplay the seriousness of the act; but it is worth considering the negative impact using such words has on public understanding. And ultimately, Rahami is American — whether he was naturalized or born in this country does not detract from that.
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Obama To Take A Pay Cut In Solidarity With Federal Workers
The president will give back 5% of his salary each month as a show of support for government workers hit by the sequester.
By Gavon Laessig
Gavon Laessig BuzzFeed News Reporter
Posted on April 3, 2013, at 5:01 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will return 5 percent of his salary each month to the Treasury in a show of solidarity with federal workers smarting from government-wide spending cuts, the White House said Wednesday.
Obama's decision grew out of a desire to share in the sacrifice that government employees are making, said a White House official, who was not authorized to discuss the decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Hundreds of thousands of workers could be forced to take unpaid leave — known as furloughs — if Congress does not reach an agreement to undo the cuts.
The president is demonstrating that he will be paying a price, too, as the White House warns of dire economic consequences from the $85 billion in cuts that started to hit federal programs last month after Congress failed to stop them. In the weeks since, the administration has faced repeated questions about how the White House itself will be affected. The cancellation of White House tours has drawn mixed reactions.
A 5 percent cut from the president's salary of $400,000 per year amounts to $1,667 per month. The move will be retroactive to the March 1 — the day the cuts started to kick in — and will remain in effect for the rest of 2013, the White House official said.
Jason Reed / Reuters
The notice followed a similar move a day earlier by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who committed to taking a salary cut equal to 14 days' pay — the same level of cut that other Defense Department civilians are being forced to take. As many as 700,000 civilians will have to take one unpaid day off each week for up to 14 weeks in the coming months.
On Monday, the White House said 480 workers on the president's budget staff had been notified they may have to take days off without pay. Obama's press secretary, Jay Carney, wouldn't say whether notices have gone out to Obama aides outside the Office of Management and Budget, including senior staff in the West Wing. But he said pay cuts remained a possibility for additional White House employees if a budget deal to undo the cuts isn't reached.
Every federal agency is grappling with spending cuts. Carney said the White House also has been trying to cut costs by slowing down hiring, scaling back supply purchases, curtailing staff travel, reducing the use of air cards for mobile Internet access and reviewing contracts to look for savings.
Gavon Laessig is a deputy news director and front page editor for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York.
Contact Gavon Laessig at gavon@buzzfeed.com.
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Future of the U.S. Postal Service
2011-11-21T13:01:42-05:00https://images.c-span.org/Files/134/302809-m.jpgPostmaster General Patrick Donahoe spoke about Postal Service operations and financial difficulties in the service. He spoke about reasons for cutting thousands of jobs, closing thousands of local post offices, and possibly ending Saturday delivery. He will also talked about about postal workers' health and retirement benefits. He responded to questions from the audience.
Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe spoke about Postal Service operations and financial difficulties in the service. He spoke about reasons… read more
Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe spoke about Postal Service operations and financial difficulties in the service. He spoke about reasons for cutting thousands of jobs, closing thousands of local post offices, and possibly ending Saturday delivery. He will also talked about about postal workers' health and retirement benefits. He responded to questions from the audience. close
Filter by Speaker All Speakers Patrick R. Donahoe Mark Hamrick
Patrick R. Donahoe Postmaster General U.S. Postal Service
Mark Hamrick President National Press Club
National Press Club | Luncheon SpeechNational Press Club | Luncheon Speech
National Press Club Speech
Nov 21, 2011 | 1:01pm EST | C-SPAN 1
Feb 04, 2012 | 4:31am EST | C-SPAN 3
Nov 21, 2011 | 10:55pm EST | C-SPAN 1
Nov 22, 2011 | 3:19am EST | C-SPAN 1
Feb 03, 2012 | 10:01pm EST | C-SPAN 3
See all on U.S. Postal Service
Future of the Postal Service
James Miller spoke about the future of the United States Postal Service. He said that systemic changes are needed if…
U.S. Postal Service Change Proposals
Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe and others outlined changes that could make the financially unstable Postal Service…
Future of U.S. Postal Service
Patrick Donahoe talked about the financial status and future of the U.S. postal service. Topics included loss of revenue and…
Mark Acton talked about how the postal service decides which offices to close, when the closures are expected, how much…
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Home > Artists > Sir Max Beerbohm > Artwork
Scholar Poet R C T [R C Trevelyan, 1872-1951]
Sir Max Beerbohm (1872-1956)
Signed, inscribed with title and dated 1941
Pencil with watercolour
10 ¼ x 5 ½ inches
The Abinger Chronicle, vol 2, no 7, October 1941;
R C Trevelyan, Selected Poems, London: Macgibbon & Kee, 1953
Rupert Hart-Davis, A Catalogue of the Caricatures of Max Beerbohm, London: Macmillan, 1972, No 1681
Scholar Poet R C T
During the Second World War, Max Beerbohm developed a friendship with the poet and translator, Robert Calverley Trevelyan (1872-1951). Like his younger brother, the historian, G M Trevelyan, R C Trevelyan had been a member of the elite intellectual society, the Apostles, while at Cambridge. Consequently, he became a friend of members of the Bloomsbury Group, including E M Forster, with whom he travelled to India in 1912. Trevelyan had married the Dutch violinist, Elizabeth van der Hoeven, in 1900, and they settled at The Shiffolds, in Surrey, about four miles from Dorking. There they brought up their son, the artist, Julian Trevelyan, who was born in 1910. Robert’s translations – mainly from Greek and Latin, and including three plays by Sophocles – influenced his own poetry and verse dramas.
On the eve of war, in January 1939, Beerbohm and his wife, Florence, left their home in Rapallo, on the Italian Riviera, and returned to England. They moved into Abinger Manor Cottage, a small Tudor house owned by their friends, the writer, translator and patron, Sydney Schiff, and his wife, Violet. It was located in the village of Abinger Common a mile or so north of The Shiffolds, the home of the Trevelyans.
The parish of Abinger had attracted creative figures for some years, including E M Forster, who, since 1925, had lived at his family home at Abinger Hammer. In 1939, a number of these figures came together to found the monthly literary magazine, The Abinger Chronicle, published by R C Trevelyan and edited by Sylvia Sprigge. the wife of the Manchester Guardian journalist, Cecil Sprigge. Apart from Beerbohm, Forster and Trevelyan, the chief contributors to The Abinger Chronicle were Oliver Lodge, Desmond McCarthy and the composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams (a contemporary of Beerbohm’s at Charterhouse).
Beerbohm drew the present affectionate caricature of Trevelyan for the October 1941 issue of The Abinger Chronicle. In her memorial essay, ‘Max in Abinger’, published in The Twentieth Century in July 1956, Sylvia Sprigge described Trevelyan as ‘a heavily-booted, tall, striding scholar-poet, with a tiny rucksack on his kindly, stooping back containing one or two books to read’ (page 66); this exactly matches the image presented by Beerbohm.
Early on the morning of 3 August 1944, the Beerbohms’ Abinger home was almost demolished by debris, as a result of the bombing of the nearby church. They survived, though their landlord, Sydney Schiff, died two months later, possibly as a result of the shock. They eventually found refuge with Ralph and Violet Wood at Flint Cottage, Box Hill, north of Dorking (which was once the home of the Victorian novelist, George Meredith). Their move may have contributed to the folding of The Abinger Chronicle, the last issue of which appeared in September 1944.
Cold-Shouldered Yet Mr Bonar Law (to Tariff ...
Evenings in Printing House Square Lord ...
Mr Maurice Baring, Testing Carefully the Russian ...
Mr Maurice Baring, Telling a Fairy Story
Cashmere – and again the queue! Mr ...
A Nightmare. Mr Henry James Subpoena'd, as ...
King Edward the Seventh
Mr Frank Wallace
'the Old War-Horse', Sir William Vernon Harcourt
Mr J Comyns Carr
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Our Year
Our Mission: To provide a safe community where people can live, work, and thrive.
Your Department
The Chandler Police Department employs 322 sworn officers and 161 civilians who serve a growing population of over 240,000 residents. There are five police facilities to meet the needs of the community: the Chandler Police Department Main Station, the Desert Breeze Substation, the Chandler Heights Substation, the Property & Evidence Building, and a newly built large vehicle storage building.
After months of gathering input from community members and employees, the Department launched its new Strategic Plan in 2015. This plan outlines objectives towards meeting its five primary goals: prevent crime; provide effective police services; develop, strengthen, and sustain partnerships; develop personnel; and enhance infrastructure.
Each objective is assigned an “owner” who facilitates action and, on a monthly basis, reports progress towards achieving the objective.
The current Strategic Plan is anticipated to see the Department through to 2020. However, Department administrators are committed to reviewing the goals annually and adjusting as necessary.
Arizona Child Abduction Response Team Launches Out of Chandler PD!
In 2015, the Chandler Police Department served as the lead agency for the Arizona Child Abduction Response Team (AZ-CART). This multi-jurisdictional team is composed of over thirty agencies and approximately 280 team members. The Chandler Police Department is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and managing the team during critical incidents involving missing, endangered, and abducted children.
At the request of any law enforcement agency in the State, AZ-CART will deploy personnel and resources to support that agency’s operation. AZ-CART was deployed four times during this reporting period – twice to Mesa, once to Scottsdale, and once to Phoenix.
In addition to coordinating activations, the Department facilitates quarterly team meetings and training. “Patrol Response to Missing and Abducted Children” training was presented to the entire Department this year. Also, in an effort to provide service to agencies across the state, the Department provided “AZ-CART/ Missing and Abducted Children” training in the form of day-long courses. Agencies that benefited from this training include those in Safford, Page, Pinetop-Lakeside, and Kingman. Training was also presented to regional private security managers, the Arizona Homicide Investigators Association, and the FBI.
Recognizing a need for a formalized process to guide the direction of the team, the Department formed the AZ-CART Oversight Team. This team consists of representatives from participating agencies with the goal of addressing issues and concerns with the team’s overall performance and to identify and implement new protocols to improve the team’s response and efficiency.
CPD Awarded Gold Standard Assessment Accreditation with Excellence
On November 22, 2014, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) awarded the Chandler Police Department the prestigious Gold Standard Assessment with Excellence. The Department is the first police agency in the state to receive such an honor. In order to attain the Gold Standard, the agency must be in compliance with 484 mandatory standards and also in compliance with over 90 percent of the optional standards. This was the department's 7th consecutive re-accreditation. In 1996, the Police Department sought out and received accreditation for the first time demonstrating its voluntary commitment to the highest standards of performance.
CALEA accreditation is an integral component of Chandler's professional reputation and assists us in our ability to help make Chandler one of the safest cities in the nation.
CPD Hosts 26th Annual International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) Conference
In April 2015, bike patrol officers and bike paramedics from around the world descended upon downtown Chandler for the 2015 International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) Conference. IPMBA is a non-profit educational organization providing resources, networking opportunities, and the most complete training for public safety bicyclists.
Headquartered out of Chandler’s San Marcos Golf Course, training topics featured at this conference included:
Using Bicycles in Emergency Management Operations
Youth Bicycle Safety Education
Mountain Bike Use in Urban Search and Rescue
Prevention and Treatment of Mountain Bike Injuries
Defensive Tactics and Close Quarter Bike Movements
Additionally, live demonstrations and participative exercises were offered to attendees. Conference organizers were very complimentary of the Department’s efforts in hosting the event.
Marti Braken – Police Records Supervisor
Emma Bribiescas – Sergeant
Geraldine Candio – Police Records Supervisor
Charles Cote – Lieutenant
Zach Cummard – Sergeant
Melissa Deanda – Sergeant
Chad Ecalono – Sergeant
Michael Fornicola – Detention Supervisor
Cathie Gura – Planning & Research Analyst
Shawn Hancock – Lieutenant
April Long-Blanchard – Planning & Research Analyst
Vance Lunt – Commander
Michael Mills – Sergeant
Susan Moore – Operations Support Supervisor
Cecilia Ortiz – Crime Analysis Data Technician
Preston Pierce – Sergeant
David Ramer – Lieutenant
Christy Schoonover – Dispatch Supervisor
Michael Stewart – Sergeant
The Police Administrative Section is proud to announce that for 2014, the City of Chandler experienced a historic low crime rate:
UCR Part I Crime Volume decreased 5.3% from 2013
UCR Part I Crime Volume is at its lowest level since 1988
UCR Part I Crime Rate decreased 6.3% from 2013
Additionally, the City’s Part I Crime Rate was at its lowest point in 30 years. (Part I crimes are offenses that can be categorized as violent crimes or property crimes. Crime categories include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, human trafficking–commercial sex acts, human trafficking–involuntary servitude, burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny-theft, and arson.)
To meet its primary objective of preventing crime, the Department implemented crime suppression meetings so as to enhance investigative and prevention abilities through intelligence-led policing. The Department also expanded its interaction with the community through Twitter, Facebook, public safety meetings, and a community forum. From a crime fighting aspect, the Criminal Investigations Bureau assigned Investigative Analysts to each of the three CIB sections to provide tactical intelligence on gangs, drug syndicates, and other criminal groups. Also, the Department’s Teleserve Specialists were reclassified to Police Investigative Specialists and assigned to precincts to assist command staff with their crime fighting plans. Finally, the Community Resources Section decentralized its Crime Prevention Unit, and through the addition of a Crime Prevention Officer (CPO), is able to provide a dedicated CPO to each of Chandler’s three precincts.
Pertaining to the goal of providing effective police services, every member of police management has reviewed the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing Report. To better utilize the Department’s resources, the Operational Support Commander Bureau was created – charged with overseeing the Community Resources Section, Traffic Enforcement, and the Impound Unit. To facilitate an efficient arrest process, in late 2014, the Chandler and Gilbert Police Departments opened the Gilbert-Chandler Joint Holding Facility.
Towards the Department’s efforts to develop, strengthen, and sustain partnerships, a Chandler School Resources Officer (SRO) was added to Summit Academy. The Department now has SROs in every high school and middle school in the City. This year, the Department formed an LGBT liaison committee to help strengthen relations with LGBT communities through education and communication. On a research front, the Department met with the ASU School of Criminology and Criminal Justice to assist with the anticipated implementation and evaluation of body worn cameras. Finally, the Department hosted the Annual Police Explorer Competition with nearly 800 attendees.
To the ends of developing personnel, the Department developed its first supervisor school. Additionally, police command staff attended “Bias of Privilege” training facilitated by the Tempe Police Department. Over the course of this fiscal year, 21 employees were promoted.
The Department’s final goal of enhancing infrastructure was approached through the testing of body worn cameras by patrol officers. As a result, the Department hopes to implement wide-scale use of cameras by 2016. Other technological enhancements include the installation of radio frequency scanners and mobile printers in patrol vehicles as part of the police mobile office project, and the introduction of non-emergency text messaging to the Department’s dispatch center. The Department also completed a multi-year Facilities Masterplan for the optimization of the use of space and to plan for new facilities and space needs. Twelve projects were identified as priorities. This year, the Department hired 35 new officers and 21 civilian staff members.
Other achievements of the Chandler Police Department include the successful receipt of CALEA re-accreditation for the sixth time. Also, the Forensic Services Section successfully completed ASCLD/LAB reaccreditation. This year also saw the introduction of a new police badge – replacing a design that was implemented in 1980.
Media Relations Unit
This year the Media Relations Unit issued its first ever "Silver Alert." Fortunately, 71-year-old Michael McNally later returned to his home in good health.
Silver Alerts are a valuable tool for law enforcement to use to locate missing endangered adults.
In order for a Silver Alert to be issued, specific criteria must be met:
The subject must be entered into the state and national database as a missing person.
The case officer must contact the Media Relations Unit to draft a press release which includes a photo of the missing person.
All area hospitals must have been checked.
Contact with friends and family members shall have occurred.
The Department dispatch center shall have issued a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) for the subject.
The missing person is 65 years or older and his/her disappearance is unexplained or suspicious.
The subject is endangered.
When these criteria are met, the Media Relations Unit works with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Department of Transportation, and local media to issue the alert.
Professional Standards Section
The Professional Standards Section (PSS) includes the Internal Affairs Unit and the Backgrounds & Audits Unit and is supervised by the PSS Commander. The goal of PSS is "to instill citizen and employee confidence in the Department by maintaining professional standards of the Department and its employees." The Chandler Police Department has participated in Commission Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) for over 15 years. CALEA standards are a nationally recognized standard of best practices in police organizations. The Department's participation in CALEA, coupled with our internal policies, helps to create a strong foundation to provide the high level of service our citizens expect from us and we demand from each other.
The Internal Affairs Unit oversees the handling of all internal investigations, as well as internal and external complaints. The unit is composed of a sergeant and an administrative assistant. The unit currently uses a software product called IAPro to manage the internal investigations and properly manage timelines that are required by state statute. IAPro also provides an early warning system which was developed with the employee in mind. The early warning system activates an "alarm" when an employee receives any combination of alleged complaints, sustained complaints, uses of force, etc. It is then incumbent on the supervisor to provide a level of assistance for the employee to avoid any future issues and help to maintain the Department standards.
The Background & Audits Unit handles all aspects of recruiting, backgrounds, and audits. The unit comprises a sergeant, three detectives, and a CALEA manager. They conduct both scheduled and unscheduled audits throughout the Department on a regular basis. The purpose of these audits is to ensure quality control and to confirm that department and CALEA standards are met. In November 2014, Chief Sean Duggan, Commander Jason Zdilla, and CALEA Manager Beth Medrano accepted the Department's 7th consecutive accreditation, as well as the prestigious Gold Award, at the annual awards banquet held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This unit also handles all of the hiring and background needs for the Department. In December 2014, Detective Mark Stevens graduated from the Academy of Polygraph Science, and now is the Department's first certified, in-house Polygraph Examiner. Detective Stevens not only handles polygraph exams for prospective new employees, but can also accommodate requests for criminal polygraph examinations. Detective Stevens' polygraph skills have already proven to provide a higher level of service, greater accuracy and professionalism, and a cost savings to the Department for the future.
By investing in the future and maintaining best practices, the Chandler Police Department will continue to instill citizen and employee confidence in the Department and position itself as a world class organization.
Support Services Section
The Police Property & Evidence Unit processes a wide variety of items that are seized in relation to investigations, found, or held for safekeeping. During this past fiscal year, there were over 18,500 items received and processed by staff, and over 15,500 items released or destroyed. The destroyed items included several hundred pounds of narcotics as well as several hundred pounds of biohazard items.
Bicycles were given to a number of charities during two bicycle give-away events this past year. A total of 197 bicycles were distributed among the participating charities.
The Records Unit receives requests for offense reports generated by police officers. Personal identifying information must be redacted before any offense report is released. During this past year, Records staff processed over 89% of these offense report requests within seven business days.
Each month, the Records Unit is required to validate each entry originated by the Chandler Police Department in the Arizona Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center systems. Records personnel ensure that the entries for warrants, stolen vehicles, boats, and guns are valid, active, and that all records contain complete and accurate information. The Unit consistently met the monthly deadlines for validating this information.
With the creation of the Operations Support Bureau, the Desert Breeze Substation welcomed Commander Matt Christensen. The Police Department also started a precinct based Crime Prevention program and welcomed Officer Dan Chavarria as the Desert Breeze Crime Prevention Officer.
Over the past year, the Department formed a strong partnership with Macerich Properties and the Chandler Fashion Mall. As a result, the Department developed programs that included quarterly training for Chandler Fashion Mall security personnel. To date, the Department has provided training on how to safely approach potential suspects and on child abduction response. Future training includes practical exercises for active shooter, fire response, and missing children.
This year, Desert Breeze police officers conducted a community awareness program reminding Chandler citizens of the dangers associated with leaving children and pets in locked cars during the summer months. The program was entitled PAWS and will become an annual event.
The Chandler Police Department also recognized the public safety potential of sharing access to Chandler Fashion Mall's array of seventy plus cameras. The Department recently entered into a memorandum of understanding that will allow the Police Emergency Operations Center and Communications Section access to camera feeds when a significant event occurs at Chandler Fashion Mall.
A new technology project was launched out of Desert Breeze Substation called the "3SI" tracker program. The "3SI" tracker program enables Field Operation personnel to proactively apprehend criminals during the commission of thefts, residential burglaries, and vehicle burglaries.
New crime fighting technology was introduced into the Main Precinct this year. 3Si Security Systems allows the embedding of GPS technology onto just about any object. When removed from its intended location, the item can then be tracked. To date, Main Precinct officers deployed these tracking devices over 40 times with numerous resulting arrests.
SmartWater CSI, another emerging technology implemented at Main, not only allows law enforcement to identify stolen vehicle catalytic converters, but also helps to deter these thefts in the first place as criminals come to know of its existence. SmartWater is a forensic solution that carries a unique chemical code that embeds into the vehicle part, transfers onto tools used to remove the part, and sometimes spreads onto the person doing the removal. The Chandler Police Department was the first agency in the state to successfully utilize SmartWater CSI in the field.
As part of our continuing efforts to develop community partnerships, in May, the Main Precinct sent out introductory letters to all area faith based community leaders. After receiving numerous responses, Main Precinct Crime Prevention Office Tina Balsewicz scheduled several presentations for churches and other groups in the precinct.
Due to the extremely rapid hiring pace, the Department added “satellite” Field Training Officers (FTOs), whose primary function is to train new officers to work the streets of Chandler. As the number of new hires fluctuates, these satellite FTOs can be activated to train on an “as-needed” basis. The Department is also in the process of adding satellite Training Sergeants to help prepare the newly promoted sergeants. The Sergeant Field Training program was revamped and changed from two to four weeks in duration. The program now includes a more comprehensive training format to include overviews of the Criminal Investigations Bureau, the Special Assignment Unit, and canine training.
The Chandler Heights Precinct has worked diligently to enhance the quality of life in this rapidly growing part of the City, highlighted by the Department’s mission to provide a safe and secure environment. With this growth, the Chandler Heights Precinct has experienced an increase in business starts, general construction, and new subdivisions. The Department’s efforts are evidenced by projects in the neighborhoods entailing high visibility campaigns, HOA partnerships and community events.
This year, officers conducted a number of walking tours through the neighborhoods to contact residents. Additionally, personnel visited large commercial parking lots to hand out information about minimizing crime opportunities. The precinct’s activities have been featured in the News for Neighbors Newsletter from Neighborhood Programs, The Commander's Corner of the San Tan Sun News, and a message through the City’s HOA Academy, to name just a few.
Partnerships with an array of stakeholders like Walmart, Sunshine Valley, Dignity Health, and other businesses helped the Department to achieving its strategic goals. Crime prevention efforts increased through the designation of a Crime Prevention Officer to this precinct. As a result, community members are challenged to be active in the City’s crime fighting efforts.
Enhanced reporting and communications from the Department and an expansion of social media have been significant in reaching our citizens in South Chandler. Meeting law enforcement demands and staffing the southern part of the city remain ever present in future planning.
Forensic Services Section
During Fiscal Year 2014-15, employees of the Crime Scene Unit received extensive training in advanced forensics and employee development. Crime Scene Unit employees also participated in the following events:
Presented on forensic topics at three youth and two citizen academies
Assisted the Police Explorers in preparing for a forensic competition
Trained Police Explorers on buried body and skeletal remains crime scene processing
Participated in the annual GAIN event
Presented a static display at the annual CPD Open House
Instructed a 30-hour photography course for detectives
Assisted with fingerprinting of summer lifeguard employees
Presented a “Crime Lab Experience” for youths at the City’s Science Spectacular celebration as part of Arizona Science Week (the 4th year we participated)
Created and displayed “Forensic Art” at the downtown Friday Art Walk in February 2015
Operational Support Bureau
Crime Prevention Unit
During Fiscal Year 2014-15, the Crime Prevention Unit has been progressing in terms of revising crime prevention programs and through the use of new computer based technology.
In January 2015, the Unit added a new Crime Prevention Officer in order to decentralize the function for the first time in the Department’s history. This move allowed placement of one Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) at each precinct along with newly reclassified Police Investigative Specialists. The new model allows the CPO and the Investigative Specialists to work with the precinct commander in order to effectively deal with area crime trends.
The goal of each CPO is to continue to develop new and ongoing community partnerships with local businesses and with other community organizations. As stated in the Department’s Strategic Plan, these partnerships are essential in order to disrupt and combat crime.
The CPOs implemented a new computer program for home and business security surveys. Utilizing iPads when in the field, they conduct the survey, compile photos and recommendations, then email the resulting survey forms to the home or business owner. This cutting edge technology not only increases productivity, but also demonstrates professionalism.
Over the past year, the Crime Prevention Unit assisted and trained members of the Department’s Media Relations Unit on the effective use of the Department’s social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter.
On a final note, the Unit coordinated Department-wide training for sworn personnel about the Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), which is assigned to Crime Prevention Sergeant Greg Howarth. The CIT training is a collaborative effort with the Scottsdale, Mesa, and Gilbert Police Departments along with many behavioral health organizations. The goal is to provide the best possible and up-to-date information pertaining to mental health issues.
Firearms Training Unit
Fiscal Year 2014-15 kept the Firearms Training Unit’s three employees busy with evaluations, qualifications, inventory monitoring, ammunition and weapons orders, and firearms maintenance. Additionally, Unit members had the opportunity to train a number of new officers. To facilitate a more seamless process in the lateral transfer of officers from other agencies, a new step was added to the lateral hiring process. In-state and out-of-state lateral applicants are now required to shoot an Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) qualification course. Results of this qualification shoot are factored into the hiring process.
Encouraging partnerships with other agencies remains a priority. During this past year, the Unit invited the Mesa and Apache Junction Police Departments, the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Attorney General’s Office, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to utilize Chandler’s range and shoot house for training.
The Unit has been deeply involved in the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program, which is a valuable tool to develop evidence for crimes involving firearms. In this process, Unit members test guns that are seized as evidence or are set for destruction. Unit personnel fire three rounds and collect the casings so they can be compared to other casings in the NIBIN system. The Unit test fired at least 200 firearms this past fiscal year to help support the NIBIN program.
Other accomplishments include the following:
Provided multiple open range days for 429 participants
Armored over 400 rifle, pistol, and shotguns
Helped facilitate two SAU tactical operator applicant tests
Hosted two Police Science groups from Basha High School for approximately 45 students
Provided firearms training for two new detention officers
Held pre-academy training sessions for a total of 19 police officer recruits
Held post-academy training sessions for a total of 16 officers-in-training
The Unit is dedicated to helping citizens as well as employees. Employees provided firearms simulator training to two youth academies and two citizens’ academies. They also participated in the annual “Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods” (GAIN) event and provided tours of the range during the Department’s annual open house. During the annual Explorer Competition, the Unit hosted three events: a shooting competition at the range; a “Hogan’s Alley” exercise in the shoot house; and a simulated scenario at the Department’s new simulator facility. The Unit also presented a firearms safety course and simulator training for citizens.
This past year, the Unit was fortunate enough to receive funding for a new “use-of-force” simulator. The Ti Training Simulator was purchased. It utilizes real firearms with drop-in laser kits, carbon dioxide for the recoil, and Dolby Surround Sound for the gun fire. There are over 500 scenarios for the simulator with 25 new evolutions sent to the Unit each quarter.
The range underwent facility testing by an industrial hygienist to help address range performance issues. Several City Departments met to develop a remediation plan. Improvements are scheduled to occur over Fiscal Year 2015-16.
School Resource Officer Unit
The Community Services Section currently has ten certified police officers that serve as School Resource Officers (SROs) for the Chandler, Kyrene, and Mesa Public School Districts. These officers are assigned to secondary schools located throughout Chandler for the entire school year. The schools served by these officers include Chandler High, Hamilton High, Basha High, Bogle Junior High, Andersen Junior High, Willis Junior High, San Tan Junior High, Summit Academy, Pueblo Middle School, and Aprende Middle School. All of the SRO positions are grant funded through the Arizona Department of Education. Seven SRO grant positions are in the Chandler Unified School District, two in Kyrene School District, and one in Mesa Public Schools District.
The SROs provide an individual service to the parents, students, and staff of the schools they serve. First, they provide an enforcement presence on campus and take the appropriate police action when needed. Second, they serve as a resource to the school’s counseling and attendance staff and are routinely called upon to talk to students and investigate a variety of calls. Most importantly, the officers serve as a classroom resource providing Law Related Education (LRE) classes covering topics ranging from substance abuse to constitutional law. This year, the SROs provided over 2,600 hours of LRE instruction, reaching approximately 26,000 students. They counseled over 2,000 students, making approximately 700 parent contacts, and attending 155 school meetings. Two members of the SRO Unit were recognized by the Arizona Department of Education and received the prestigious award of "LRE Officer of the Year."
The Wilderness Youth Experience Program facilitates interaction between “at risk” youths and the SROs, who serve as mentors while hiking and learning “no trace left behind” backpacking. This program incorporates instruction in the classroom with field experience of hiking in the White Mountains, Superstition Mountains, and mountains in Flagstaff, Arizona. A large part of the program focuses on team building, cultural diversity, decision making, leadership, and communication skills. In Fiscal Year 2014-15, four Wilderness Youth Experiences were completed, supporting 59 students from Chandler, Kyrene, and Mesa junior high schools. Students participating in this program have shown overall positive changes in their work habits, grades, and conduct.
Each year, the SRO Unit organizes week-long “Youth Academies” during school intersession and summer breaks. The Youth Academy was created to develop citizen awareness and an understanding of the role of law enforcement by providing Law Related Education. These classes introduce students to the different functions of the Chandler Police Department. Students participate in several activities designed to reinforce the lessons taught by each instructor. This insight provides each student with the opportunity to identify positive contributions they can make to their schools, homes, and community. This year, the SRO Unit hosted four Youth Academies and graduated over 100 students.
In Fiscal Year 2014-15, the Police Training Unit experienced a tremendous amount of change in responsibilities. With the completion of new training certifications, alterations in defensive tactic techniques, policy revisions, and mandatory training, the Training Unit has experienced an exciting and challenging transition.
From November 2014 to February 2015, the Chandler Police Department Training Unit certified nearly 300 officers in the use of the “Carotid Restraint Control Hold” technique. This training required that officers pass a written examination and receive classroom instruction on the proper application of the technique. The training concluded with a hands-on evaluation of the technique and a certification ceremony.
In January and June 2015, the Training Unit offered its first and second “Supervisor School.” Classes focused on skills that would allow a newly promoted supervisor to succeed in his or her duties as a first-line supervisor. The training also focused on leadership, communication, evaluations, “Use of Force” reporting, and motivating employees. Each course was acknowledged for its instruction, and class evaluations were very high.
In February 2015, the Firearms Training Unit and Training Unit held specialized quarterly briefing trainings to provide officers with valuable decision making exercises. During the first quarter, the Firearms Training Unit facilitated the training, which comprised exposure to the Ti-Simulator for firearm based training. Participants were allowed to work through several scenarios on the machine, while the Training Unit debriefed the participants about a recent officer-involved shooting in Flagstaff, AZ.
Between March 2015 and July 2015, the Training Unit hosted the inaugural “Chandler Police Leadership Cohort Class.” This class provided employees from throughout the Department with training on topics that included: DISC Personality Assessment; Institutional History and Culture; Motivating and Influencing Employees; Team Building; Decision Making; Customer Service; Conflict Management; Critical Thinking; and Leadership Development.
In April 2015, a group of Defensive Tactics Instructors (DT), Commander Zdilla, and Legal Advisor Tom Zaworski collaborated to re-write the “Use of Force Policy” for the department. The final product included a “Use of Force Philosophy,” clearer definitions on levels of force and levels of resistance, de-escalation policy, and restraint devices. The new policy was disseminated in briefing trainings around the stations by DT Instructors.
In May 2015, the Training Unit conducted 2nd Quarter Briefing Training which spotlighted “Reality-Based Scenario Training” in lethal force, less-lethal force, and de-escalation tactics. Each patrol sergeant was invited to have their team attend training, during which the sergeants were asked to complete the training and review their team’s performance. All participants provided positive feedback to the instructors and highlighted the need for more of this type of training.
Starting in April 2015, the Training Unit conducted the Advanced Officer Training (AOT) lecture portion of training. It contained training in Ethics, Crime Prevention, Homeland Security, Incident Command System, Arizona Child Abduction Response Team, Body Worn Cameras, and a Legal Update.
Throughout the year, the Training Unit staff worked closely with the Professional Standards Section Hiring Unit to provide recruit testing. Staff participated in oral boards, physical fitness testing, and pre-academy exercises. The Training Unit had approximately 37 new officers participate in pre-academy and then post-academy training this year.
Volunteers in Policing Services
The mission of the Volunteers in Policing Services (VIPS) program is to support members of the Chandler Police Department in providing police service and to promote community partnerships. During Fiscal Year 2014-15:
The Chandler Police Department benefited through the participation of over 62 active volunteers.
Volunteers dedicated 12,455 hours to the Department and community. This constitutes an estimated $297,000 of “value added” for the City of Chandler or the equivalent of six full-time employees.
Volunteers assisted in 23 different areas of the Department.
The Department is very impressed with the dedication of its Volunteers. 46% percent of the Department volunteers have been volunteering for more than five years. Of the 62 volunteers, two have been volunteers with the Department for 5-9 years, eleven for 10-14 years, six for 15-20 years and one has been a volunteer for over 20 years.
One of the most revealing measures of the success of the VIPS program is that Chandler Police Department currently employs 46 former Department volunteers. The majority of these employees are sworn officers, with the highest rank being a lieutenant. The highest ranking civilian is the Support Services Section Manager.
The City of Chandler Mayor & Council, Chandler Non-Profit Coalition and For Our City recognized volunteers who make a difference in the community. Three Chandler Police Department volunteers were nominated for individual awards. A total of 39 Department volunteers met the requirements for the Mayor’s recognition program by volunteering over 100 hours.
This year, Department volunteers began the Crime Deterrent Vehicle Program. Volunteers work with Crime Prevention and patrol officers to place a marked patrol unit at stores with high rates of shoplifts. Volunteers leave the vehicle in the parking lot as a deterrent to shoplifting.
Also this year, Motorist Assist volunteers jump-started 144 vehicles, changed 73 flat tires, and transported 151 citizens.
Finally, volunteers fingerprinted 3,693 individuals this year.
The community and the Police Department have greatly benefited from the efforts of the Chandler Police Department volunteers. They are an exceptional group of individuals committed to making a difference. The VIPS program makes every effort to develop and promote a positive working relationship between the volunteers, law enforcement, and the residents of the community.
Criminal Investigations Section
Burglary & Auto Theft Unit
The Burglary and Auto Theft (BAT) Unit investigated a number of significant cases in the past year.
Between January and March 2015, a spike of commercial burglaries occurred at medical and day spa businesses. These same types of burglaries were spiking throughout the Valley. Investigation led to suspect David Kirby Womack and his 12-year-old stepson. David was arrested for the burglaries and is still in jail awaiting trial. Twelve Chandler burglaries were cleared from this case. Womack was also charged by other agencies (seven at last count) for over 60 burglaries that occurred within their jurisdictions.
During 2014, there were a large number of commercial burglaries with the same modus operandi. The suspects removed the locking cylinder from the door to gain entry. Once inside, they stole cash registers. Christian Kirchhoff was arrested in July 2014 for multiple burglaries. After he bonded out of jail, the same type of burglaries began occurring again. Over the next several months, the BAT squad worked these cases. Through search warrants, surveillance, and GPS trackers, Kirchhoff and his accomplice, Nicholas Semonella, were arrested. Both suspects eventually pled to the crimes and received a sentence of multiple years in jail.
A large spike in vehicle burglaries began occurring along the I-10 corridor between Chandler Boulevard and Ray Road. The suspect used a device to "punch" through the vehicle’s door lock to gain entry to steal purses and car stereos. Tommy Ray Ruelas was identified as a suspect; and with the assistance of Department’s Criminal Apprehension Unit, he was located and arrested. Tommy was charged with multiple vehicle burglaries and booked into jail. Additionally, surveillance was done, and other subjects believed to have been involved in window smash burglaries in the area were contacted and interviewed. Subsequently, the vehicle burglary rate in the area has dramatically decreased.
In May 2015, a vehicle burglary occurred in Chandler and a purse was stolen. The victim’s credit cards and checks were used. The suspect also opened a credit account in the victim’s name and purchased nearly $12,000 worth of appliances. The victim's losses amounted to nearly $20,000. Detective Wiseman conducted the investigation, ultimately identifying Angela Swendra as the suspect. Angela was a career criminal with two prior stints in the Department of Corrections. Upon her arrest, search warrants were conducted, leading to the identification of 25 additional victims. As of this report, Angela is in jail with no bond.
Criminal Apprehension Unit
During 2014, the Criminal Apprehension Unit (CAU) made 223 arrests, cleared 123 warrants, and generated 31 case reports – primarily narcotics and property crimes cases stemming from warrant and case apprehensions. During the first six months of 2015, the Unit made an additional 72 arrests, cleared 43 warrants, and generated 52 case reports.
Over the course of the last two years, the main focus of CAU’s “non-investigative” time has been utilized to assist the Narcotics and Human Trafficking Units with surveillance, security, and arrest teams.
While the main focus of the Unit’s collaborative efforts is within the Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau, CAU has also continued to forge and maintain relationships with other units outside the Department. The Unit continues its relationship with the U.S. Marshals East Valley Violent Offender Task Force with CAU Detective Rob Englert nearly completing his first year as a task force member. Participating since 2008, this relationship benefits the Department primarily during high profile felony investigations. The added manpower during critical felony case work has been invaluable. Through the Department’s involvement with the U.S. Marshals Office, CAU participated in several annual warrant round-ups such as “Operation Grinch,” “Operation Justice,” and the annual domestic violence “warrant sweep.”
The Unit also forged solid working relationships with the Phoenix Police Department’s Neighborhood Enforcement Teams(NET), the Tempe Criminal Apprehension and Surveillance Team, Scottsdale Police Department’s High Enforcement Arrest Team, local U.S. Marshals Service and FBI teams, and Homeland Security’s Border Patrol Tactical Unit. The Unit also established a direct liaison with the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit with the assignment of a probation officer to the East Valley. This assignment alone has aided in the investigation, location, and arrest of nearly half of the Unit’s cases.
The following are some of the significant cases investigated by the Criminal Apprehension Unit during this reporting period:
August 2014 – Following a rash of valley-wide pharmacy robberies involving the theft of oxycontin, CAU was assigned to locate and track suspect Christopher Sain. The team installed a GPS tracking unit on his vehicle, and the information gathered was used to help develop further evidence against Sain.
October 2014 – Following an armed robbery at Subway at 875 S. McQueen Road, suspect Juan Jose Stephenson was identified. CAU detectives tracked Stephenson and, following a ruse, were able to take him into custody without incident.
January 2015 – CAU assisted the Department’s Family Crimes Unit in locating and arresting suspect David Hony – suspected of aggravated assault (domestic violence). In the course of the investigation, a valley-wide “attempt-to-locate” was issued to law enforcement agencies detailing suspect Hony’s death threats against his wife and threats that he made against any law enforcement officer who tried to contact him. CAU detectives tracked Hony to Goodyear. Following a vehicle containment, the Unit took Hony into custody without incident.
February 2015 – In conjunction with the Gila River Indian Community Police, CAU assisted in the surveillance and arrest of sexual assault and multiple felony warrant suspect David Vailfale in Chandler.
March 2015 – Following a shooting on South Alma School Road in Chandler (believed to be drug related), CAU detectives, in conjunction with Border Patrol Tactical Unit detectives, tracked the suspected shooter, Juan Enriquez, to a Phoenix location where he was arrested without incident.
April 2015 – After receiving the case from the Department’s Property Crimes Unit, CAU detectives conducted a lengthy investigation to locate and arrest career criminal/burglary suspect Jesse Bernal. Over the course of two and a half months, CAU followed numerous leads before locating suspect Bernal in the area of Baseline Road and 48th Street in Phoenix. Following a short vehicle pursuit involving Tempe and Chandler personnel, the suspect vehicle, found to be stolen in an unrelated Tempe case, was located damaged in the area of 40th Street and Baseline. Additional leads were developed after which suspect Bernal was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force and CAU personnel at a hotel in Tempe. Bernal was charged with numerous felonies.
May 2015 – In cooperation with the Phoenix Police Department’s South Mountain NET Squad, outstanding burglary suspect Armando Simon Dangerfield was located. After a vehicle containment was utilized, Dangerfield was arrested for four outstanding felony warrants stemming from burglaries. He was also charged with aggravated assault on law enforcement personnel for an incident involving his initial flight from CAU in Phoenix.
Criminal Intelligence Unit
This fiscal year, a significant change to the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) was the assignment of a detective to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. This resulted in an additional detective position to the Unit. There was also an agreement signed to provide staffing for the Southwest Border Desk at the National Operations Center in Washington DC. This rotation is scheduled to begin in late 2016. These assignments, as well as the Unit’s participation with the East Valley Fusion Center and the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center, illustrate the Department’s continued support of interagency operations and information sharing.
Further personnel realignment has allowed for a more directed focus of the Department's intelligence capabilities. The creation of and participation in crime suppression meetings has provided a bi-weekly informational sharing forum. The Criminal Intelligence Unit will continue efforts to improve intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination to Departmental personnel.
As a result of continued efforts to establish partnerships with businesses within the City of Chandler, CIU has thoroughly investigated crimes affecting businesses within the Chandler community.
Financial Crimes Unit
While looking for a solution to staffing and case load issues, the Financial Crimes Unit came up with the idea to train civilians in its field - initially assisting with cases, but with a long term goal of having civilian investigators. A beta test was run; and in 2014, Nancy Thiry was selected to be the Unit’s first Investigative Specialist. Nancy’s efforts were immediately recognized and she is currently attending the same training that detectives go through. The Unit found this to be a cost effective way to increase staffing while providing opportunities for civilian employees to work on cases.
In efforts to foster working relationships with the officers of the Field Operations Section, detectives attended briefings to answer questions, assist with investigations, and provide training. Positive feedback from this interaction prompted subsequent “ride-alongs” with patrol officers so that Unit detectives could better understand the challenges faced on initial investigations. The results were reported as “astounding!” Participants were able to find solutions to some of the problems encountered. Additionally, partakers came away from the experience with a greater respect for each other’s jobs.
This year, the Financial Crimes Unit coordinated the "Criminal Investigations Bureau" week for all officers in the field training program. Unit member duties included meeting with each officer and scheduling them with several detective and support groups for the week. The detectives provided trainees with warrant/subpoena templates in order to learn to write their own court orders. Additional topics included information on how an investigation/case proceeds from start to finish, how to conduct follow-up investigations on cases, and a review of the many aspects of on-going investigations.
Gang Enforcement Unit
For Fiscal Year 2014-15, the Gang Enforcement Unit (GEU) began working with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) during Operation GRIT (Gang Research Intelligence Targeting). This operation served several purposes: crime suppression, intelligence gathering within Chandler, and building a partnership with another agency. In 2014, approximately 130 subjects were arrested during the first four months. This operation continued into 2015 (Operation GRIT II), with 140 subjects arrested to date. As a result of social media posts indicating the presence of participants on the street, it is believed that crime is being deterred. 2015 notes the addition of another asset to the operation: an officer from the Gila River Police Department joined the team which establishes a partnership with and intelligence from a tribal agency that borders the City.
This year, the GEU began taking an interest in weapons-related cases resulting in the Unit's ability to assist patrol officers with potential threats.
The GEU also began working hand-in-hand with Probation employees to target probationers who are recidivist and those with gang terms. This effort has kept probationers in compliance with their probation terms. If they violate their terms, Probation is on-scene to investigate and possibly make an arrest. This saves time and adds a resource that allows the Unit to be more effective.
Since the beginning of 2015, the GEU has been tasked with training new officers during “selective enforcement week.” Unit members teach officers about pro-active techniques and how to develop intelligence and sources on the streets. Unit members are also teaching officers how and when to use discretion for the benefit of the community.
Human Traficking & Vice Unit
During Fiscal Year 2014-15, the Narcotics Unit split into two teams with the new team being renamed the Human Trafficking and Vice Unit. This split allows one unit to focus primarily on narcotics investigations, while all vice-related investigations are handled by the new team.
In February 2015, Detectives Russo and Oseroff became the first two members of the Human Trafficking and Vice Unit. Since being assigned to the unit, these detectives have conducted dozens of investigations which have resulted in as numerous arrests – the majority of which are class 2 felonies. To solidify the City’s commitment in the fight against human trafficking, the Chandler City Council approved two new Detective positions to be added in Fiscal Year 2015-16.
Narcotics Unit
The Narcotics Unit, which consists of seven detectives, recently assigned a detective to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Phoenix Task Force. This is first time Chandler has had such a partnership with the DEA in almost a decade.
In 2014 the Narcotics Unit conducted dozens of prostitution stings which generated over 100 arrests. During the Super Bowl, members of the unit assisted the FBI with several operations Valley-wide targeting prostitution. During these operations, two juveniles were found to be prostituting against their will and were rescued from the lifestyle and returned home.
This year, a Narcotic Trained Officer (NTO) program was initiated. This program enables specially trained patrol officers to identify trends and individuals involved in the sales of narcotics. These NTOs are also trained on how to conduct patrol-based narcotics investigations – something that has traditionally been done by detectives.
Property Crimes Unit
This year, the Property Crimes Unit focused on bolstering working relationships with patrol officers. Unit members attended briefings bi-monthly in order to provide training on various investigative topics and to discuss current crime trends. The Unit also renewed a partnership with the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department in investigating arson calls. This Unit continues to improve relationships with other agencies, working several multi-agency cases with Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, and Gilbert Property Crimes Units.
Two new technologies were introduced to the Unit this year. Detectives received training on “Carfax” which, when implemented, will provide vehicle history reports to desktop computers and smartphones. LeadsOnline, a pawn management/reporting database, was purchased. Area pawn shops and second-hand dealers will be able to enter data and photos into the system for immediate access by law enforcement.
A notable case worked this year involved burglaries occurring in south Chandler. Starting in September 2014, a pattern was identified in which several single family residences were being burglarized – involving theft of weapons, jewelry, and cash. On November 7, 2014, a suspicious vehicle was stopped in the area of McQueen and Chandler Heights Roads. Having been sighted in areas of previous burglaries, detectives went on to link the vehicle’s occupants – Shawnta Wilson and Armondo Dangerfield – as potential leads. Through thorough investigative efforts, not only did detectives tie these suspects to the south Chandler burglaries, but also cleared a number of cases out of Gilbert, Phoenix, Peoria, and Surprise.
Robbery Homicide Unit
In April 2015, members of the Robbery/Homicide Unit met with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) Cold Case Homicide Unit. This Unit comprises Deputy County Attorney Bob Schutz (Chief of the Major Felonies Bureau) and MCAO Investigators Dennis Olsen, Mike Meislish and Alex Femenia. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange ideas on how to best utilize the Cold Case Homicide Unit’s services for Chandler’s unsolved homicides.
The City of Chandler has approximately 38 homicides that meet the criteria for inclusion into the cold case homicide data bank that, per state statute, each police agency is required to maintain. As time and resources permit, these cases will be assigned based on solvability factors, such as potential for new forensic evidence based on technological advances or availability of witnesses that may provide new information.
It was decided that the best protocol would be to assign a Chandler detective to a cold-case homicide to thoroughly review it and create a “task list.” Once completed, the Robbery/Homicide Unit and the MCAO Cold Case Unit would meet to discuss investigative strategies and delegate assignments, such as follow-up interviews and crime lab work. The potential of this partnership cannot be overstated. It brings in resources, expertise, and experience to the Chandler Police Department that may not otherwise be available.
Special Assignment Unit
The Chandler Police Department Special Assignment Unit (SAU) is specially trained and utilized in exceptional instances when other than standard police procedures and weapons are required. SAU has the responsibility of responding to critical incidents. The philosophy of SAU is that every decision is made with the preservation of life constituting the first priority of any devised strategy. This philosophy guides our training and ensures operational decisions strive to obtain peaceful resolutions, whenever possible.
SAU participated in some notable events over the past year that demonstrated their capability and enhanced their readiness to respond to critical incidents. The Unit was chosen to assist with on-site security, threat response, and working with the Tactical Operations Center at the 2015 Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. Also this year, the Unit participated in a multi-agency training exercise held at Perry High School that was designed to increase interoperability among regional partners. SAU also partnered with Intel, the City’s largest employer, to conduct a large scale training exercise based upon a response to workplace violence. Participation in these types of operations and large scale training events ensures that the Chandler SAU is prepared to respond to and resolve critical incidents.
Special Victims Unit
This year, the Family Crimes Unit and the Sex Crimes Unit merged and are now collectively named the Special Victims Unit (SVU). This name was chosen as it truly identifies the Unit’s client base. Further, dropping the specific Unit names will diminish stigma. Members from each discipline still focus on either sexually motivated crimes or family and domestic violence-related crimes; however, they are in the process of cross training and now respond to either crime type during call outs. Joining forces allows for better service, more collaboration, and use of "best practices."
Victim Services Unit
The International Association of Chiefs of Police honored the Chandler Police Department’s Victim Services Unit with the Excellence in Victim Services Award for its innovative, victim-centered methods and use of collaborative partnerships. This past year, the Unit worked with nearly 1,000 Chandler residents and visitors of all ages whose lives were disrupted by a traumatic event. The Unit’s four Crime Victim Advocates addressed victims’ safety needs, provided education and support services for assistance during family, civil and criminal justice processes, and connected them with long term community resources for additional support. The Unit worked with various sections of the Department to include Patrol, Special Victims Unit, Human Trafficking Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Robbery Unit, and Homicide Unit. Along with partners in criminal justice and social services agencies, the Advocates provided services to help victims cope with distressing effects of crime and ultimately to reduce the risk of re-victimization. This multidisciplinary team approach continues to be beneficial to the individual victims and the community as a whole.
Planning & Research Section
The Planning & Research Unit has much to report this year. First, the Police Department, in partnership with the Municipal Utilities Department, constructed a joint Municipal Utilities Maintenance and Police Specialty Vehicle Storage Facility. It is located behind the Surface Water Treatment plant located on Pecos Road, east of McQueen Road. The Police Department’s area provides 3,500 square feet of storage space for police vehicles, such as the command van, DUI command van and radar trailers. The Police portion consists of four bays, two of which are drive-through bays.
In 2013, the Department commissioned McClaren, Wilson and Lawrie to complete a facility study to include projections for police facility needs through City build-out, anticipated for some time in the 2030s. This study included very detailed interviews and workshops with staff in an effort to determine staffing and facility growth needs. In July 2014, the Chandler Police Department Facilities Masterplan was completed. The Department now has a guideline in place to consider when planning facilities. As a result, twelve projects and a number of facility recommendations have been identified.
This year, the Crime Analysis & Research Unit (CARU) and the Criminal Investigations Bureau began hosting bi-weekly “Crime Suppression Meetings” at the Main Police Station. These meeting provide a regularly scheduled forum for sharing information and resources. If a crime trend or pattern is noticed, open dialogue ensues to determine what is currently being done and what can be done to help address the issue or solve the case. Crime Suppression Meetings have been attributed with assisting in the identification and arrests of prolific offenders as well as initiating successful public awareness campaigns. These meetings are open to all employees. Feedback from the meetings has been very positive with a common theme of how beneficial it is to bring the various divisions and units of the agency together to discuss current crime trends and patterns.
This year, CARU purchased BAIR Analytics crime analysis tools – used to provide predictive crime analysis. BAIR’s technology tools have been used by law enforcement for more than 20 years. As a result of this purchase, a one-year contract embedded a BAIR crime analyst, Emelia Cowan, within the agency. Emelia is a trained and certified Crime Analyst through BAIR Analytics. She has been providing training in advanced analytical techniques and methodologies to existing CARU staff.
In July 2014, the Department sought the assistance of the Tempe Police Department in the development of an updated Strategic Plan. Tempe PD has a long-standing strategic plan model that the Chandler PD wished to emulate. As a result, the Department’s current mission statement, “To provide a safe community where people can live, work and thrive,” was conceived. Additionally, five goals, 19 objectives and 90 strategies have been identified. Strategy “owners” report monthly progress towards completion. With this Strategic Plan in place, the Department has a “roadmap” of sorts to guide Department employees towards meeting the overall goals of preventing crime, providing effective police services, developing, strengthening and sustaining partnerships, developing personnel and enhancing infrastructure.
Throughout the year, a number of building structure “touch-ups” have occurred at the 16-year-old Main Station. This year, flooring in the Records Section and adjacent hallway was replaced. Approximately 20 cubicles and office spaces have been re-configured. Multiple areas have been painted. The main stairwell also received a fresh, new look. New furniture has been installed in Forensic Services and chairs in Briefing and De-briefing have been recovered. With the implementation of the Department’s new strategic plan, the Police Chief wanted to remind employees about the overall mission of the Department. For this reason, the Department’s Mission Statement is discernibly posted in the station’s Community Room and the main hallway next to the patrol briefing room.
Communications Section
In FY 14-15, Chandler Police Communications saw the addition of new technology to better support service efficiencies. In March a system called ASAP to PSAP (Automated Secure Alarm Protocol to Public Safety Answering Point) was implemented. Traditionally, when a home or business alarm activation occurs, the alarm company calls the police non-emergency phone number and an emergency call taker enters the information into the dispatch computer.
This new ASAP to PSAP interface allows alarm monitoring companies to enter the alarm activation information directly into the dispatch computer. By circumventing the phone process, the police response time can begin up to three minutes sooner. In addition, if there is follow-up communication required between the police department and the alarm company, it is handled similar to instant messaging between the alarm company and the dispatcher. This new format allows for near instant information exchange.
Text and picture messaging into the police department’s non-emergency phone number (480-782-4130) was also implemented in this fiscal year. This service allows community members to make general inquiries and report non-emergent calls for service via text messaging. It will also allow members of the hearing impaired community to contact the police department directly, and without the assistance of a third party. As the usage of this system develops, it will put the police department in a progressive position in preparation of Next Generation 911 technology.
Police Technology Section
The 2014-15 year brought many changes to the Police Department. Federal changes to Criminal Justice Information System security required the Department to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 which also coincided with the citywide replacement of desktop computers. This was fortunate as the existing hardware was between 6 and 8 years old – well beyond usable life expectancy. The new computers were well received by employees and are working well. The Police Technology Section, with assistance from Police Planning & Research employees, worked hard to test and implement the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) functionality in the Department’s records management system. The process has been long and arduous, but is seeing positive results that should assist in providing useful information internally as well as meeting reporting requirements to state and federal entities.
PDInfo, a new internal single source of Department personnel information, became available this year. This internally developed program will continue to grow as it becomes the Department’s single source for all non-RMS information.
Police Technology continues to work to expand the relationship and collaborative efforts with City Information Technology. Successes include the joint efforts in establishing network connectivity to the Chandler/Gilbert holding facility project, developing network infrastructure to support MDC units, certifying City IT personnel – which enables them to work with police information systems - and collaborating on the Department’s mobile office pilot project.
Detention Services Unit
Gilbert-Chandler Joint Holding Facility
In December 2014, the Chandler and Gilbert Police Departments opened the Gilbert-Chandler Joint Holding Facility, a groundbreaking effort in the arena of multi-agency cooperative efforts. This particular project was over two years in the making and involved many people from both cities, in a number of departments, which included Police, Records, Detention, Legal, Professional Standards, Planning & Research, Police Technology, and Streets Division. Through the dedication of everyone involved, realization of the goal of a joint holding facility was obtained – a goal that afforded improvements in a number of critical areas:
This facility allows for 24/7 detention services for both agencies, a luxury neither agency had ever enjoyed.
The booking process was streamlined, reducing the amount of time it takes an officer to book a prisoner. This puts the officer back on the road as quickly as possible.
The number of officers needed to book a prisoner has been significantly reduced.
Detention services fleet efficiency has been improved through combined transports.
Detention officer safety is improved by the increase in the number of detention officers on duty at any one time.
Expenses to the county for contracted detention services have been reduced.
When the facility opened, detention employees from both agencies were combined with a further commitment from each agency to increase the number of detention officers and supervisory positions. Today, the facility has a total of 15 detention officers and four supervisors. In the first several months of operation, there has been a significant increase in the number of offenders being booked due to the ease of the new booking process. While it has taken time for people to become accustomed to the new process, positive feedback has been received. Facility employees continue to make adjustments based on comments by the end-users, and maintain a commitment to seek new and innovative ways to improve.
Annually, the Chandler Police Awards Program recognizes the extraordinary individual and collaborative accomplishments of members of the Department.
Sworn Officer of the Year
Officer Nate Jacobs
Communications Employee of the Year
Ron Parks
Civilian Employee of the Year
Dan Gentile
Sworn Supervisor of the Year
Sergeant Gary Minor
Civilian Supervisor of the Year
Jack Christiansen
Unit Citations
Sergeant Mark Gluzinski, Detectives Bob Lenz, Jeremiah Stout, Jason Schouten, Steve Pfeifer, Ron Moore, Mike Moore, and Investigative Specialist Nancy Thiry
Patrol Team 2
Sergeant Ray Kieffer, Officers Leonard Bettendorf, Loranda Tibble, Gene Campbell, Jeffrey Del Nero, Cornathan Eckwood, Nicole Cockerham, Keith Aguiar, and Emma Bribiescas
Sergeant David Ramer, Officers Brad Carroll, Phil Robinson, Mark Jordan, Scot MacKenzie, Sara Rozema, Noah Dueker, William Walker, and Josh Cohen
Katie Cain, Jean Watson, Denise Allen, and Veronica Viera
Patrol Team of the Year
Sergeant Jeff Okonowski, Officers Michael Prendergast, David Parsons, David Pilkington, Ashley Lewis, Nicholas Boos, Gregory Thudium, Tina Balsewicz, Brian Morganthaler, Nanette Rathers, and Jessica Mikita
Officer David Payne
Sergeant Pete Rowton
Melanie Slate
Sergeant Ray Kieffer
Lieutenant David Ramer
Lifesaving Award
Officer Richard Allen
Officer Hilton Drew
Officer Lucas Jonas
Officer Joshua Logan
Officer Jeremy Nolan
Officer Doyle Sikes
Officer Darrin Vigessa
Meritorious Service Award
Officer John Allison
Tiffany Anderson
Flo Berrier
Sergeant Greg Howarth
Tanya Keeton
Sergeant Tom Lovejoy
Officer David Parks
Officer David Pilkington
Nicole Potter
Detective Mike Russo
Keri Sherwood
Officer David Woodard
Thank you for your dedicated service.
Sergeant Keith Benjamin
Cynthia Cottrell
Joseph Ficarra
Officer Leon Forcum
Officer Kevin Johnson
Officer Rod Quirino
Officer Doug Rose
Officer Brian Shumway
Marian Thiel
Population 242,115 244,439 247,552
Area (Square Miles) 70 70 70
Street Miles 831 839 843
Sworn Employees 320 320 322
Civilian Employees 159 159 161
Total Employees 479 479 483
Calls for Service 137,482 145,400 139,177
Adopted Budget $68,850,751 $68,419,966 $68,577,844
Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) is a collective effort by city, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies to present a nationwide view of crime. Agencies throughout the country participate in the FBI UCR Program and provide monthly summarized reports on ten Part I offenses known to law enforcement and reports on persons arrested. The Part I offenses - murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, human trafficking/commercial sex acts, human trafficking/involuntary servitude, burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny-theft, and arson - are considered indicators of the level of crime occurring within the United States.
Part One Offenses
Criminal Homicide 10 6 6 8 3 4 2 1 1 4 5 4 4
Rape (1) 51 56 46 61 62 64 52 60 79 124 130 146 134
Robbery 246 241 205 195 171 149 162 111 114 157 142 123 102
Aggravated Assault 517 498 484 429 446 411 359 294 296 273 370 333
HT-Commercial Sex Acts (2) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 0 3 5 0 2
HT-Involuntary Servitude (2) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0
Burglary 1,231 1,414 1,376 1,373 1,344 1,146 993 954 770 864 784 658 547
Theft 5,871 5,768 5,599 5,766 5,741 5,168 4,628 4,461 4,367 4,895 4,653 4,455 4,458
Motor Vehicle Theft 832 802 483 380 334 256 279 228 256 393 372 317 377
Arson 68 92 62 51 35 78 77 97 47 21 15 11 17
Totals: 8,826 8,877 8,261 8,263 8,136 7,276 6,552 6,207 5,930 6,734 6,476 6,047 5,994
Population 249,532 251,686 253,352 255,424 238,604 240,898 243,559 246,183 249,497 250,626 255,867 259,095 263,165
Index per 1,000
1 - Arizona began using the expanded definition for Rape according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program in 2014.
2 - Arizona began tracking of Human Trafficking Part I crimes according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program in 2014.
Priority Response Time
Priority 1 - Total Count 17,652 18,322 19,371
Priority 1 - Response Time 6:21 6:15 6:21
Priority 2 - Response Time 17:34 17:21 17:18
Administration $6,393,160 $6,118,993 $5,275,130
Professional Standards $1,005,257 $1,044,144 $1,073,962
Property & Evidence $408,950 $423,429 $430,981
Forensic Services $2,579,527 $2,231,128 $2,344,291
Field Operations $28,517,792 $29,405,504 $29,680,538
Criminal Investigations $11,275,978 $11,516,907 $12,126,609
Planning & Research $986,065 $1,133,401 $1,150,366
Communications $5,466,218 $6,346,544 $6,183,135
Records $1,643,334 $1,675,105 $1,691,252
Detention Services $2,651,782 $2,691,382 $2,593,113
Community Resources & Training $3,201,707 $3,505,967 $3,943,826
Capital $4,720,981 $2,327,552 $2,084,641
Chandler Mourns Loss of Two Officers
Officer Bryant Holmes
End of Watch: 10/28/2014
On October 28, 2014, Officer Bryant Holmes, a five-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department, was involved in a fatal traffic collision at the intersection of Recker and Baseline Roads in Gilbert, Arizona. Officer Bryant was on his way in to begin his shift at the Department.
Bryant was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, with his sister and three brothers. He graduated from Mountain View High School in 1998. After a two-year mission in Ecuador, where he became a fluent Spanish speaker, he went on to Rio Salado and Mesa Community Colleges, studying business management and criminal justice.
Bryant married the love of his life, Stephanie, and four beautiful children followed: Daughter Ashlyn, sons Randon and Dallin, and finally little Evelyn. Jobs at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mangos Café, Bank of America, and Direct Alliance Corporation were stepping stones on his path to his dream career as a Chandler Police Officer in 2009, a profession he had always respected and admired. He consistently demonstrated his problem-solving skills in response to the wide-ranging calls for service.
As a patrol officer, Bryant was able to use his Spanish as one of the Department’s certified translators, a key role in calming many situations and providing concise communication with many Chandler residents.
In addition to receiving a number of citizen commendations over the course of his career, Bryant and Team 11 were honored as the 2011 Patrol Team of the Year for their pro-active approach to policing their downtown beat and for their community involvement.
Bryant’s friends would tell you that he loved mountain and road biking and that he was a walking encyclopedia when it came to fancy cars. But everyone who knew Bryant knew his true devotion was to God and his LDS Church, and to his beautiful family.
On October 31, 2014, Officer David Payne was riding his police motorcycle when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. David dedicated his career to traffic enforcement and to the removal of impaired drivers from the roadway.
David began volunteering with the Chandler Police Department in 2002 and became one of the first certified phlebotomists to do blood draws for DUI investigations. In 2004, he was hired as a Detention Officer and began his career with the City. Three years later he was hired as a Police Officer. After graduating from the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy in 2007, he worked as a Patrol Officer on various shifts. In June 2013, he transferred to the Traffic Unit, which was his dream job.
David had a passion for removing impaired drivers from the roadways and had arrested nearly 400 DUI drivers since 2007. In 2012, he was awarded the Lifesaving Award for responding to a motorist who was having a medical emergency.
David was a certified instructor for both the "Drug Recognition Expert" and "Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus" programs and was appointed as the Department’s Phlebotomy Coordinator. He was highly respected within the DUI enforcement community.
On the night of the incident, David was preparing for a full and busy weekend of drill with the National Guard and several nights of DUI task force over the Halloween weekend. He knew he had two important obligations and he would not give up one for the other, so he planned to do both. David epitomized what it is to be a motor officer and a soldier, and he would do both to the best of his abilities.
David is remembered as a beloved son, a dedicated, loving father, and a friend to many here at the Chandler Police Department and across the valley. Officer David Payne made the ultimate sacrifice and is awarded with the Purple Heart.
CPD Fallen Officers
Officer James Snedigar
End of Watch: April 16, 1999
Officer Rob Nielsen
End of Watch: June 12, 2002
Detective Carlos Ledesma
End of Watch: July 28, 2010
End of Watch: October 31, 2014
The Chandler Police Department celebrated the lives of Officers Bryant Holmes and David Payne through a number of ceremonies and events. Below are some photos in which Bryant and Dave were memorialized.
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Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence > Year 1950 > December 1950 Decisions > G.R. No. L-2315 December 29, 1950 - PEOPLE OF THE PHIL. v. DOROTEO ABATAYO
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DOROTEO ABATAYO, Defendant-Appellant.
A. Abad Tormis, for Appellant.
Assistant Solicitor General Inocencio Rosal and Solicitor Federico V. Sian, for Appellee.
1. CRIMINAL LAW; TREASON; EVIDENCE; IDENTITY OF THE ACCUSED BY PERSON MALTREATED BY HIM. — A person would easily remember another who had maltreated him, for during the maltreatment he would instinctively turn his attention to the offender; consequently, it is improbable that the complaining witness should have been mistaken as to the identity of the accused.
2. ID.; ID.; DEFENDANT PARTICIPATION IN THE ARREST OF AND SEARCH FOR GUERRILLA MEN AS TREASONABLE ACT. — Defendant’s participation with the enemy in the investigation and threatening of the defendant’s countrymen in the course of the search for guerrilla men, for the purpose of having been liquidated, and in the arrest of two of them who had never been seen again after their capture, constituted treason under the provisions of article 114 of the Revised Penal Code.
JUGO, J.:
Doroteo Abatayo was accused before the People’s Court, Manila, of the crime of treason. The information contained five counts, the first four of which were abandoned by the prosecution, and the trial proceeded only with regard to the fifth.
The general allegations which precede the counts, and the fifth count, read as follows:jgc:chanrobles.com.ph
"That on or about and during the period comprised between December 8, 1941 and September 2, 1945, both dates inclusive, more specifically on or about the dates and in the different places hereinafter mentioned and within the jurisdiction of this Court, the abovenamed accused, Doroteo Abatayo, not being a foreigner but a citizen of the Philippines, owing allegiance to the United States of America and the Commonwealth of the Philippines, in violation of his allegiance and fidelity aforesaid, did, then and there, wilfully, unlawfully, feloniously and treasonably adhere to the enemy, to wit, the Imperial Japanese Government and her armed forces, with which the United States of America and the Commonwealth of the Philippines were then at war, intentionally giving said enemy aid and comfort in the following manner, to wit:chanrob1es virtual 1aw library
"5. That on or about December 6, 1944, in the municipality of Minglanilla, province of Cebu, Philippines, and within the jurisdiction of this court, the accused, Doroteo Abatayo, in furtherance of his adherence to the enemy, the Empire of Japan and her armed forces, with treasonable intent to give aid and comfort, as he did give aid and comfort to said enemy, in company and jointly with other members of the Japanese sponsored constabulary and Japanese soldiers, did, then and there, wilfully, unlawfully, feloniously and treasonably go out on patrol for the purpose of apprehending, arresting and capturing prospective guerrillas, as a result of which, Pedro and Jose Abellanosa were arrested as guerrilla suspects and one ’John Doe’ was killed.
During the trial, after the prosecution had rested, counsel for the defendant moved that the case be dismissed for lack of evidence. After a prolonged oral argument between counsel and the fiscal, the court denied the motion. Upon said denial, counsel for the defendant stated in open court that the defense waived the right to present evidence. The court convicted the defendant and sentenced him to suffer fifteen (15) years of reclusion temporal, with the accessory penalties of the law, to pay a fine of P5,000 and the costs. The defendant appealed.
The appellant refused to state at the trial that he is a Filipino citizen; but this was proved by his statements, Exhs. A and B.
Marcelino Veloso, information clerk of the provincial jail of Cebu, was present when the defendant put his thumbmark and his signature on Exhibit A and his signature on Exh. B. This evidence was not rebutted by the defense.
At about midnight of December 6, 1944, a group of more than two hundred Japanese soldiers, armed with rifles with fixed bayonets, accompanied by armed Filipinos in Japanese uniform, among whom was the appellant, repaired to the house of Jose and Pedro Abellanosa in barrio Tubod, Minglanilla, Cebu, in pursuance of their campaign to suppress the resistance movement. The appellant was armed with a rifle and was wearing a Japanese military uniform and cap. He was known as a Japanese undercover man. One of the group knocked at the door which was closed and demanded admittance. Upon the opening of the door, ten Japanese soldiers and eight Filipinos, one of whom was the appellant, entered. They searched the house and examined the personal properties of the inmates. A Japanese soldier slapped Teotima Abellanosa, mother of Pedro and Jose, on both cheeks and hit her on the head. Jose and Pedro were not in the house. Said Japanese called the full name of Doroteo Abatayo and ordered him to tie the hands of Teotima and Santos Rodriguez, her husband, at their backs. Teotima and Santos were then taken downstairs and there they were grilled and intimidated. A Japanese soldier pressed the barrel of his pistol on the abdomen of Santos, while the appellant pointed his rifle at Teotima saying he would kill her if she refused to reveal the whereabouts of her sons, who were guerrilla men under Major Ibañez. Notwithstanding the maltreatment and threats by the Japanese and the appellant, neither Teotima nor Santos nor Gloria, daughter of Teotima, revealed the whereabouts of Pedro and Jose. However, the soldiers, together with the appellant, were able to extract from a neighbor named Julian, who was outside the house, information as to the place where Pedro and Jose were. The soldiers then arrested the two guerrilla men and tied their hands at their backs. The soldiers, together with the appellant, returned to the house of the Abellanosa family with their captives Pedro and Jose. Pedro whispered to his mother, "We will leave it to God." Jose said: "Mother, you may just consider that we will be gone forever." Teotima and Santos were untied, but Pedro and Jose were taken away by the patrol.
On the afternoon of the next day, Teotima and Gloria saw for the last time Pedro and Jose, who were tied and led by the armed forces, including the appellant, along the road to Minglanilla. On this occasion the appellant was armed with a revolver instead of a rifle. Pedro and Jose have never been seen again by the other members of their family, who received the news that they had been killed.
The above facts were proven by the testimony of Teotima Abellanosa and Gloria Abellanosa.
The appellant contends that his Filipino citizenship has not been established. This contention is untenable, for he thumbmarked and signed the statement Exhibit A regarding his Philippine citizenship, and he signed Exhibit B in which the same fact appears, in the presence of the information clerk of the provincial jail, Marcelino Veloso. It is true that the signature of the appellant appearing in Exhibit B is not the same as that in Exhibit A, but he may have changed his signature. If he really did not thumbmark Exhibit A, it would have been very easy for him to prove it by making another thumbmark in court, which might have been compared by experts with that appearing in Exhibit A. Thumbmarks never lie. The appellant did not present any evidence.
The defense argues that Teotima and Gloria could not have recognized the defendant, as he was among numerous Filipinos wearing Japanese uniforms at midnight. This contention is not well founded. The lamps were lighted in the house upon the order of a Japanese soldier. As the appellant tied Teotima and Santos, they could have easily distinguished him from the other Filipinos.
The appellant was called by a Japanese, using appellant’s full name, when the former ordered him to tie Teotima and Santos. This circumstance contributed to fix the attention of the witnesses on the defendant.
After Pedro and Jose had been captured, the appellant was one of the group of soldiers who returned to the house of the Abellanosa family and there was seen again by the witnesses. On the following day, when the appellant and other soldiers led Pedro and Jose along the road to Minglanilla, he was seen for the third time by Teotima and Gloria, who closely examined his face and physical features.
It should be borne in mind that a person will easily remember another who maltreats him because he turns his attention to the offender consciously or unconsciously.
In view of the circumstances above set forth there could have been no mistake as to the identity of the Appellant.
The defendant maintains that his acts did not constitute treason for he simply accompanied a Japanese patrol without guiding it. This is not supported by the facts of record. The appellant tied the spouses Santos and Teotima and threatened them with death should they refuse to reveal the whereabouts of Pedro and Jose and investigated the other inmates of the house. He helped the Japanese patrol in the search for guerrilla men, for the purpose of having them liquidated. Pedro and Jose were never seen again after their capture.
The appellant further argues that Pedro and Jose could not have been guerrilla men, because they were members of the constabulary rendering service to the Japanese. Apparently they were so at the beginning, but they were even then in connivance with the guerrilla forces, which they afterward joined. For that reason they were hunted, caught, and liquidated by the Japanese.
It results from the above facts that the appellant is guilty of treason under the provisions of article 114 of the Revised Penal Code.
In view of the foregoing, the judgment appealed from is affirmed, with costs against the appellant. So ordered.
Moran, C.J., Pablo, Bengzon, Padilla, Tuason, Montemayor and Reyes, JJ., concur.
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Chicago Reporter (https://www.chicagoreporter.com/young-hip-hop-artists-speak-truth-about-violence-chicago/)
Young hip-hop artists speak the truth about violence in Chicago
By Kari Lydersen | February 15, 2012
Rapper Young DBoy Low and his friends shoot a video with the help of Project Spitfire, a nonprofit that uses music to help young people break free of the vicious cycle of gangs, drugs and violence. The group pairs young musicians with professional producers who help them record songs and videos. [Photo by Carlos Javier Ortiz]
Growing up in Mexico and then Mesa, Ariz. with a mother who worked long hours, Jose Castro started writing out of loneliness. Soon he was rapping, and after turning 18 he moved to Las Vegas to try to make it big.
Several years ago he felt like he was close— performing at the House of Blues and other big venues, working with producers and musicians with major label connections. Like many well-known rappers, his songs were about guns, girls and getting high. That also summed up his lifestyle.
It was intoxicating, but he could tell it was a vicious cycle. He promised himself that when he got a record deal, he would quit drugs. In the summer of 2009, Castro signed a contract with the label 5-7 Records, but he kept right on partying— “I broke my promise,” he said. About two weeks later, the deal fell through. Then on Nov. 11, 2009, Castro had what he describes as a near-death experience. Codeine was his drug of choice at the time, and he chugged a bottle of cough syrup while also smoking lots of marijuana.
“I started feeling really bad, my speech was going away, my legs were going numb, I felt little shocks all over my spine, my insides were burning hot, my brain was swelling like it was going to pop in my head. I thought I was going to die, and I didn’t want to be remembered as a junkie.”
He looked at himself in the mirror and the face staring back was gaunt, wide-eyed, a stranger. He asked God to help him, he said, and thought of his mother. Then he said he felt a powerful embrace, more loving and protective than even his mother’s hugs when he was a child. He walked out of the room knowing that he would survive and change his life.
Today at age 22, Castro— his stage name as well as his last name—is still rapping, and his songs still sound raw and edgy, throbbing with the tension of street life. He raps about “hope for the ‘hood,” the power of his faith, the mistakes he’s made and the tragedy of young people losing their way, like the mother of his almost-two-year-old daughter—“a young girl looking for answers … a lost angel.”
Now music is Castro’s way of exploring his own struggles and—without preaching—offering advice and inspiration to those still caught up in the vicious cycle of gangs, drugs and violence.
Using music to help young people break free of that cycle is also the mission of Project Spitfire, a year-old grassroots non-profit organization. Founded last January by youth worker Henry Mann, with start-up funding from the prominent anti-violence group CeaseFire, Project Spitfire pairs young musicians with professional producers who help them record songs and videos. Spitfire also provides the young artists a $100 signing bonus, photo shoots and publicity. Project Spitfire is in the process of recording a compilation CD that along with performances will help show youth that they have alternatives and opportunities. Mann is insistent that the music and the group stay genuine, working with young people who really are or have been involved with gangs and violence, encouraging them to express themselves uncensored, steering clear of “positive hip hop” clichés.
“There is a lot of really crappy conscious hip hop out there where they’re just saying ‘put down the guns,’ but obviously that’s not working,” said Mann, 23, who moved to Chicago from Maine in 2006 to attend the University of Chicago, where he studied for two years before transferring to the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he is finishing a degree in political science. He worked on youth media projects through CeaseFire and the social service agency Sullivan House, including documentary work with youth in the juvenile justice system. “There’s a middle ground between that and glorifying what goes on out there. I’m just asking you to tell your story, who you are,” Mann said. “If we can build relationships, then we can connect them with other organizations too, and be a bridge.”
Last winter Spitfire, working largely through CeaseFire’s connections, put out a call for musicians to submit demos and personal statements. The project has signed six artists, and it’s looking for more. Marilyn Pitchford, program manager for CeaseFire West, has referred several young men to Project Spitfire and says she is highly impressed by Mann’s passion for the project.
“It can be a great outlet for some of the guys, if they’ve been a victim or a perpetrator” of violence, she said. “Often we only hear one side of a story. This is a way for them to tell their story, I think it’s a great outlet for them. A lot of them don’t ever get counseling or therapy. So this can be a great resource, a healing tool.”
For Castro, that process began when he moved to Chicago several months before hearing of Project Spitfire, after a brief stint in Washington state where he had gone looking for work only to find that temporary construction and other jobs were shutting down for the winter. His biological father, whom he barely knew, invited him to come live in Cicero so the two could build a relationship. Turning over a new leaf, in general, this is where Castro made his musical transformation. He recently completed a CD called “Spiritual Warfare,” in part with the help of Spitfire and affiliated producer Raul Parra, also featuring rapper Nobull, another Project Spitfire artist. Castro has signed with a local label called Q7 Records. Many of the songs are about love— of Jesus and his fellow human beings. (Listen to Castro’s music here.)
“I used to think love was for sissies and you weren’t supposed to show it,” he said. “But love is the greatest weapon you can use to get someone on your side.”
Castro hands his CD out to young people on the streets, engaging them in conversation when possible. He performed recently at New Life Church in Cicero, a far cry from the House of Blues. Sometimes he misses the success he was having in Las Vegas.
“I had it made— my own place, cars, girls. But how do you acquire that? Selling drugs, hurting people, not even caring about your loved ones. It isn’t worth it.”
He eventually hopes to build an international career as a Christian rapper, starting with performances around Chicago. He raps in Spanish and English, and wants to tour Mexico and South America.
“It’s a slow process,” he said. “But you don’t want something like a microwave, you want something like a crock pot—it tastes better.”
Like Castro, another Spitfire artist, Eric Brown aka Young DBoy Low, has been writing and rapping nearly his whole life. His nine siblings and his parents are all artistic—he grew up surrounded by painting, poetry, gospel music and hip hop. But living in Bronzeville and other tough South Side neighborhoods, music and art weren’t enough to keep them out of trouble. DBoy has been shot at numerous times and beaten up, he said. His songs brim with violence and tragedy. DBoy and his brother, Chill, both 22 years old, applied together to join Spitfire. Soon after they got the news that they’d been accepted, Chill was jailed on charges of possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm. DBoy said he was present during the incident leading to the arrest, and is lucky he didn’t end up hurt or behind bars also.
“It shows even when we go real hard in our music about stopping the violence, we still get caught up in it,” he said. “You try to be goody two shoes, but if you haven’t been a victim of violence you can’t just sit there and say ‘stop the violence.’ You don’t know how hard it is. Here we see violence every day, whether verbal or physical. It’s always easy to find, and if you don’t pay attention it will find you.”
[Click here to view photos of DBoy]
And DBoy said violence—in the form of retribution—can find you in Chicago even when you try to escape the gang culture where much of the trouble originates. “It’s your enemies who won’t let you move on,” he said. “Rival gangs don’t care about you wanting what we call ‘out.’ They don’t care about you changing your life and wanting to raise your kids in a different environment. You will still be gunned down on sight.”
“See, you can try to erase your own past, but you can’t erase the pain someone else has suffered due to the hands of your gang sign,” DBoy said.
DBoy writes his lyrics in neat cursive in a battered black and red notebook he’s had for years. Finished songs are in the front of the book, notes and brainstorms are in the back. The lyrics are full of word play, homages to Chicago and delicate images mixed with harsh realities. The song “Gentrifications,” for which Project Spitfire helped him shoot a video, whimsically describes different Chicago public housing projects as individual people who meet tough fates. A man named Robert Taylor who is “tall as hell” ends up overdosing. A silent girl named Ida B. Wells lived on 39th Street and was raped by her father. When she took his gun and tried to fight back, the police came and shot her dead.
DBoy sings about his own life—running away from home and being abused by his stepfather, “and there’s nothing you can do because he’s three times your size.” He also writes about the lives of family members—his cousin shot in a church parking lot, his grandmother suffering from Alzheimer’s, his aunt who died suddenly of cardiac disease: “She loved everybody, how’d she get a bad heart?”
Invoking the Christian Fenger Academy High School student beaten to death in 2009: “They say loving gets you killed, so I stay froze. I know Derrion Albert’s mom’s heart is closed.”
He hopes that by talking bluntly about the issues that so many young people face, he can help children get through the hard times—“so someone who feels that they are alone can hear my music and know that they’re not alone.”
Along with specific streets, buildings and other landmarks in Chicago, the city’s famous wind is a constant presence in DBoy’s songs. “If you ever watch a scary movie, right before the killer strikes the wind blows.”
One of the songs he’s recorded with Spitfire’s help is called “Too Young to Die.” Sitting in his girlfriend’s apartment in Englewood, where young people are shot on a regular basis, he raps softly:
“Too young to live, too young to try
How does all this pain feel when you’re too young to cry?
Even when a bird gets wings, you can tell he’s too young to fly.
But in the city of the wind, you’re never too young to die.”
Check out DBoy on YouTube.
This article is the fourth installment in a series on youth violence. Funding for this project was provided by The Chicago Community Trust via the Community Media Workshop, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation.
Kari Lydersen is a Chicago-based reporter, author and lecturer in the journalism graduate program at Northwestern University, where she heads the Social Justice & Investigative specialization.
A Chicago youth group continues its slain leader’s fight for safety, housing and health care
Inspired by the death of 18-year-old co-founder Damian Turner, Fearless Leading by Youth challenges some of Chicago’s most powerful institutions.
Trying to survive: Chicago teen keeps his head up even after taking a bullet to the chin
While Ondelee Perteet’s recovery has been remarkable, the sad story of young people wounded by gunfire has become a very common one in Chicago.
More young people are killed in Chicago than any other American city
Since 2008, more than 530 youth have been killed in Chicago with nearly 80 percent of the homicides occurring in 22 African-American or Latino community areas on the city’s South, Southwest and West sides.
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The Movie-TV Connection Game (July 2015)
What do Ryan and John have in common?
Welcome to our latest installment! As always, you will be given a pair or trio of films or performers. Your task is to find the common connection. It could be anything--two stars who acted in the same movie, two movies that share a common theme, etc. As always, don't answer all the questions so others can play, too. There is a single best answer for each question.
1. Basil Rathbone and Laurence Olivier.
2. John Garfield and Ryan O'Neal.
3. Joanne Woodward and Sally Field.
4. Lon Chaney, Sr. and Bela Lugosi (in addition to the Dracula connection).
5. Michael Caine and Basil Rathbone (and Without a Clue is not part of the answer).
6. The TV series Falcon Crest and The Waltons.
7. Born Free and From Russia With Love (there are 2 connections!).
8. Marathon Man and Little Shop of Horrors.
9. The TV series The Colbys and the movie Dracula A.D. 1972.
10. The TV series The Bob Newhart Show and Hitchcock's The Birds.
11. Tommy Kirk and Simone Simon.
12. The TV series The Danny Thomas Show and the movie Muscle Beach Party.
13. Jack Lemmon and Dwayne Hickman.
14. Leslie Nielsen and George Hamilton.
15. The first season of the TV series Bracken's World and Charlie's Angels.
Labels: movie-tv connection quiz, rick29 (author)
Bill O July 16, 2015 at 8:07 AM
1. Richards III. And Olivier played Moriarty in 7% Solution.
Rick29 July 16, 2015 at 9:45 AM
And thanks to Bill, this quiz is off to a rousing start!
9. Stephanie Beacham.
10. Suzanne Pleshette.
14. Love at First Bit and Dead and Loving It.
Rick29 July 16, 2015 at 11:11 AM
Yes, yes, and yes! Very good, Mr. Hartzog.
DKoren July 16, 2015 at 10:53 AM
7. Both have scores by John Barry?
Yes, that is one of the connections!
Patricia July 16, 2015 at 11:12 AM
3. The Three Faces of Eve and Sybil (both about women with Multiple Personality Disorder)
Rick29 July 16, 2015 at 1:40 PM
Well done! Hey, Sybil had a lot more personalities than Eve.
Bill O July 16, 2015 at 11:15 AM
7. As well as Matt Monro vocals for title themes.
I'm impressed...also because you spelled Matt's last name correctly.
Caftan Woman July 16, 2015 at 11:44 AM
6. Earl Hamner created both.
8. Both feature scary dentists.
Yes and yes. "Scary dentists" is a very accurate description!
Gilby37 July 16, 2015 at 12:28 PM
4. Played the vampire in London After Midnight and its remake Mark of Vampire
15. Peter Haskell
Also for #4, both were directed by Tod Browning
Great job on #4, Gilby! Although Peter Haskell did guest star on CHARLIE'S ANGELS, there is a better connection between the two shows.
12. William Asher
I didn't think of that, but, yes, that's a very good connection. There's another one, too.
3. Woodward and Field both played characters who initially dislike the Paul Newman character but ended up falling for him. ("The Long Hot Summer," "Absence of Malice"
--Don Effenberger
Don, I was thinking of the split personalities when I wrote the question, but I may like your connection even better!
ClassicBecky July 16, 2015 at 1:45 PM
Boy, apparently you have to get up as early as possible to get in on this game! All the ones I know are already taken. I tried with the ones not yet answered, but no luck. I love these things though, Rick, and always have fun reading them.
Quick recap: 2, 5, 11, and 13 have not been answered. There's another answer to 15.
Bill O July 16, 2015 at 1:53 PM
12. ANNETTE! 15. Unseen voice.
Impressed that you got the unseen voice. Not many people remember BRACKEN'S WORLD.
2. Both played boxers, Body and Soul and The Main Event
True confession: I always kinda like THE MAIN EVENT.
So do I!
11. Animal transformations. Shaggy Dog, Cat People.
Wouldn't it have been awesome to have them both in the same movie?
toto2 July 16, 2015 at 3:17 PM
13. Both dressed as women
Jack in "Some Like It Hot" and Dwayne in "Ski Party"
Excellent, Toto! SKI PARTY is a surprisingly funny variation of SOME LIKE IT HOT.
And thus, #5 is the only unanswered question!
5. Scrooges.
That's a great connection. The fun part of this game is learning about connections other than the ones I thought of. I didn't realize Basil played Marley! There is another less interesting connection between the two actors.
5. Ok. Dressed to Kill.
Rick29 July 16, 2015 at 11:06 PM
And that concludes this month's game! Thanks everyone for playing.
Thanks for providing the excellent quiz!
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Stairs (yes, stairs!) in Movies
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Tag: PV
Rooftop Solar Panels Just Got Easier to Install in Washington State
The state Building Code Council has unanimously approved a change in state law to allow installation of simple rooftop solar power systems without review by an engineer. This change should reduce project costs by $500 to $2,500 and eight weeks of review time previously experienced by homeowners, state Department of Commerce officials said. An emergency […]
Global renewable energy jobs count tops 6.5 million – IRENA
Approximately 6.5 million peopled were employed by the renewable energy industry worldwide last year, according to the latest figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The Abu Dhabi-based agency, which represents over 150 countries and was launched in 2009 with a goal of providing a renewable energy-focused partner to the International Energy Agency (IEA), will today publish Renewable Energy and […]
Wells Fargo & Strata Solar team up on 9 North Carolina PV power plants
Banking giant Wells Fargo has invested US$100 million of tax equity financing in nine PV projects in North Carolina. Power from the utility-scale projects, built by Strata Solar, will be sold to state utility Progress Energy Carolinas. Strata Solar said three of its projects – Bladenboro, Wagstaff and Nash 58 – exceeded 6MW in capacity, […]
Thin-Film Solar Cell Efficiency Record Set By Solar Frontier
By Sandy Dechert, Planetsave In the close race for PV efficiency, copper indium gallium (di)selenide cells have taken the lead again in tests at the Atsugi Research Center in Kanagawa, Japan. The Fraunhofer Institute, Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization, has independently verified the results. A Solar Frontier 0.5cm2 CIS configuration achieved 20.9% conversion efficiency, a […]
Solar energy now same price as conventional power in Germany, Italy, Spain
Originally published on RT.com Solar energy now costs the same as conventionally generated electricity in Germany, Italy and Spain, a report has revealed. The research has warned, however, that high installation costs are impeding other countries from achieving grid parity. An analysis by consulting firm Eclareon, carried out on behalf of an international group of […]
Solar Installations Make Cents for Big Businesses
The Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar have released the annual Solar Means Business report, ranking the top brands in the U.S. based on their installation of solar power at their warehouses, stores and facilities. The Top 25 Corporate users have deployed more than 445 MW of solar energy at nearly 1000 facilities in 30 states. These […]
Solar Heat Could Help Gas Power Plants Generate More Electricity, Run More Cleanly
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are testing a device that can harness solar heat to increase a natural-gas power plant’s efficiency 25 percent from the same amount of fuel. The PNNL approach builds on what’s called solar thermal energy production. Instead of relying on photovoltaic cells to directly convert sunlight into energy, solar thermal […]
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Sweeping ocean view, lawns and pool - Ambani-Piramal residence dazzles India
Updated : January 18, 2019 02:07 PM IST
The 50,000 square-foot mansion, which stands in the swanky locality of Worli in South Mumbai and has sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the Sea-Link bridge is still a step down for the bride, given her father's home is more than eight times that size.
Isha's father is Mukesh Ambani, a telecom and petroleum magnate whose net worth is pegged at $43 billion, and whose 27-floor, 400,000 square foot Tetris-tower-like residence is a prominent structure on the Mumbai skyline.
As the celebrations from what many in India are calling the wedding of the year wind down, all eyes are now turning to the multi-million dollar mansion that Isha Ambani, the daughter of India's richest man will move into with husband, Anand Piramal.
It was in that house that Isha got married to Anand Piramal on Wednesday, the culmination of week-long celebrations that included a private concert by US singer Beyonce.
The wedding was described by some as a mini-Davos summit, as it was attended by two former US secretaries of state, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, along with Saudi Oil Minister Khalid Al-Falih, private equity doyens Stephen Schwarzman and Henry Kravis, CPPIB CEO Mark Machin, and WPP Founder Martin Sorrell, along with dozens of Bollywood celebrities.
After the wedding, Indian media reported that, Isha, 27 and Anand, 33, would move into Gulita, a 50,000 square foot mansion that the groom's parents gave them as a wedding present.
The Piramals, who have interests in real estate and pharma, bought the property, previously owned by Hindustan Unilver, at a reported price of $62 million in 2012.
Marked by a stunning glass facade and three glazed steel structures, Gulita has seen hectic remodelling work in the months leading up to the wedding.
The largest of the steel structures is 11 metres tall and it was constructed using 3D modelling tools, according to Eckersley OCallaghan, a London-based architecture firm which handled the project.
The Mumbai Mirror newspaper reported that the house has three basements, multiple dining rooms and an outdoor pool.
Many in India, where tens of millions live in dire poverty, have followed the wedding, for its dazzling display of wealth and influence.
Isha's twin brother, Akash, is set to marry fiancee Shloka Mehta early next year.
Disclosure: Network18, the parent company of CNBCTV18.com, is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.
Tags Ambani-Piramal residence Anand Piramal Arabian Sea davos 2019 Isha Ambani mansion
WhatsApp delays new privacy policy by three months amid severe...
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Home Entrepreneurship
AI has a dirty little secret about artificial intelligence
Updated : March 31, 2018 06:27 AM IST
For more than a decade, Google has used people to rate the accuracy of its search results.
More recently, investors have poured tens of millions of dollars into startups like Mighty AI and CrowdFlower.
Researchers have tried to find workarounds to human-labeled data, often without success.
There's a dirty little secret about artificial intelligence: It's powered by hundreds of thousands of real people.
From makeup artists in Venezuela to women in conservative parts of India, people around the world are doing the digital equivalent of needlework —drawing boxes around cars in street photos, tagging images, and transcribing snatches of speech that computers can't quite make out.
Such data feeds directly into "machine learning" algorithms that help self-driving cars wind through traffic and let Alexa figure out that you want the lights on. Many such technologies wouldn't work without massive quantities of this human-labeled data.
These repetitive tasks pay pennies apiece. But in bulk, this work can offer a decent wage in many parts of the world — even in the U.S. And it underpins a technology that could change humanity forever: AI that will drive us around, execute verbal commands without flaw, and — possibly — one day think on its own.
For more than a decade, Google has used people to rate the accuracy of its search results. More recently, investors have poured tens of millions of dollars into startups like Mighty AI and CrowdFlower, which are developing software that makes it easier to label photos and other data, even on smartphones.
Venture capitalist S. "Soma" Somasegar says he sees "billions of dollars of opportunity" in servicing the needs of machine learning algorithms. His firm, Madrona Venture Group, invested in Mighty AI. Humans will be in the loop "for a long, long, long time to come," he says.
Accurate labeling could make the difference between a self-driving car distinguishing between the sky and the side of a truck — a distinction Tesla's Model S failed in the first known fatality involving self-driving systems in 2016.
"We're not building a system to play a game, we're building a system to save lives," says Mighty AI CEO Daryn Nakhuda.
Marjorie Aguilar, a 31-year-old freelance makeup artist in Maracaibo, Venezuela, spends four to six hours a day drawing boxes around traffic objects to help train self-driving systems for Mighty AI.
She earns about 50 cents an hour, but in a crisis-wracked country with runaway inflation, just a few hours' work can pay a month's rent in bolivars.
"It doesn't sound like a lot of money, but for me it's pretty decent," she says. "You can imagine how important it is for me getting paid in U.S. dollars."
Aria Khrisna, a 36-year-old father of three in Tegal, Indonesia, says that adding word tags to clothing pictures on websites such as eBay and Amazon pays him about $100 a month, roughly half his income.
And for 25-year-old Shamima Khatoon, her job annotating cars, lane markers and traffic lights at an all-female outpost of data-labeling company iMerit in Metiabruz, India, represents the only chance she has to work outside the home in her conservative Muslim community.
"It's a good platform to increase your skills and support your family," she says.
The benefits of greater accuracy can be immediate. At InterContinental Hotels Group, every call that its digital assistant Amelia can take from a human saves $5 to $10, says information technology director Scot Whigham.
When Amelia fails, the program listens while a call is rerouted to one of about 60 service desk workers. It learns from their response and tries the technique out on the next call, freeing up human employees to do other things.
When a computer can't make out a customer call to the Hyatt Hotels chain, an audio snippet is sent to AI-powered call center Interactions in an old brick building in Franklin, Massachusetts. There, while the customer waits on the phone, one of a roomful of headphone-wearing "intent analysts" transcribes everything from misheard numbers to profanity and quickly directs the computer how to respond.
That information feeds back into the system. "Next time through, we've got a better chance of being successful," says Robert Nagle, Interactions' chief technology officer.
In a project that used Google Street View images of parked cars to estimate the demographic makeup of neighborhoods, then-Stanford researcher Timnit Gebru tried to train her AI by scraping Craigslist photos of cars for sale that were labeled by their owners.
But the product shots didn't look anything like the car images in Street View, and the program couldn't recognize them. In the end, she says, she spent $35,000 to hire auto dealer experts to label her data.
Trevor Darrell, a machine learning expert at the University of California Berkeley, says he expects it will be five to 10 years before computer algorithms can learn to perform without the need for human labeling. His group alone spends hundreds of thousands of dollars a year paying people to annotate images.
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Hero for the Faith
Alan Hustak recounts the life of a Canadian political figure whose death in a house fire 50 years ago was a sacrifice for his faith
Alan Hustak
Hero for the Faith June 1, 2016 | By Alan Hustak
Fifty years ago, Quebec’s Lieutenant Governor, Paul Comtois, died a martyr to the faith trying to save the Blessed Sacrament from the chapel in Bois-de-Coulonges – the century-old vice-regal residence that was destroyed in a fire in the winter of 1966 (“Sea to Sea,” February-March 2016).
Comtois, 70 at the time of his death, was known for his smooth and welcoming manner, and had spent a lifetime in public service. But when the Queen’s representative died during Quebec’s so-called Quiet Revolution, the media made no mention of the circumstances of his death or of his deep religious convictions. By then, religion in the public square had at best become a private matter; at worst, an eccentricity that shouldn’t be mentioned.
It was another eight years until the then editor of the Toronto-based Catholic Register, Larry Henderson, began asking questions and the truth began to emerge.
“After checking the story out, I came to the conclusion that this act, which would have become a part of the history of mankind in any other time, has been deliberately overlooked,” Henderson wrote.
Maureen Peckham, a nun with The Society of the Sacred Heart, took up the story and wrote about the Lieutenant-Governor’s “supernaturally splendid beau geste” in her introduction to John Cotter’s The Affirmation of Paul Comtois.
“The glorious martyrdom of Paul Comtois, passed over as it was by an unbelieving world and by an all too unbelieving Church, has nonetheless remained in the faithful memory of God’s true friends,” she wrote.
Still, as recently as 2005, the Quebec government’s official history of Quebec’s 27 lieutenant-governors steered clear of the subject. It simply read that Comtois “lingered behind the others in the burning residence too long and was never seen alive again.”
One of the first to suggest that Comtois should be considered for sainthood was an Oblate priest who described him as “a man who laid down his life as a believer in the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, a martyr of Jesus in the Host.”
The floor collapsed beneath him, and Comtois was lost in the inferno.
Paul Comtois was immersed in Roman Catholicism from the moment he was baptized in 1895 at the church in Pierreville, 100 kilometres east of Montreal, where his father, Urbain, was the organist. His mother, Elizabeth McCaffrey, was a devout Catholic of Irish descent.
Comtois was educated at the seminary in Nicolet, where he was taught by Georges-Alexandre Courchesne, a future bishop of Rimouski, and studied agronomy with the Trappists at the Oka Agricultural Institute before getting his degree from the Université de Montréal.
In 1918, he inherited the ancestral farm at Chenal Tardif from his Uncle Hercule. He married Irène Gill in 1921 and they had five children.
Not All That We Desire
Launching Questions
Quebec's Religious State
Unlike most farmers in rural Quebec at the time, Comtois had a classical education and a university degree. He spoke to his farm animals in Latin. As an agronomist, he collected awards for cultivating crops with above-average yields. He never turned his back on his rural roots. He became a member of the Sacred Heart League and joined the Knights of Columbus. In 1928, he was elected president of the local Catholic school board; and in 1930, he ran as the Conservative candidate in Nicolet-Yamaska. He lost by one vote to the Liberal, Aimé Boucher.
The election results were contested and the seat declared vacant. But Comtois failed to carry the riding in the by-election that was called in 1933. He turned his attention to local issues, helped start a caisse populaire (credit union) for farmers and in 1948 was elected mayor of Pierreville.
He ran as a Conservative in 1957 and won when John Diefenbaker first became prime minister. Comtois was ideally suited to be Minister of Agriculture, but Diefenbaker mismanaged his Quebec caucus and instead appointed him Minister of Mines and Technical Surveys. He was one of only two French-Canadians in the Cabinet, the other being Léon Balcer.
Portly but dignified, Comtois and his wife accompanied Queen Elizabeth on the royal yacht Britannia in 1959 after Diefenbaker insisted that a Canadian Cabinet minister be with the Queen at all times while she was in the country.
In 1961, Quebec’s lieutenant-governor, Onésime Gagnon, died in office.
En route to Quebec for the funeral, Diefenbaker took Comtois by surprise by declaring that he would be the new lieutenant-governor. In his three-volume autobiography, Diefenbaker dismisses Comtois in a single sentence as “a man of sound judgment who steered his office away from political trouble.”
One of the perks of being lieutenant-governor was the Bois-de-Coulonges (Spencer Wood in English), a sprawling residence that perched like a white castle on a 100 acre site in suburban Sillery, high above the St. Lawrence River. Originally built in 1860 to house British Viceroy Lord Elgin after Quebec City became the capital of the United Province of Canada, Spencer Wood was every bit as impressive as Rideau Hall, the Governor-General’s residence in Ottawa.
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After Confederation, the mansion and all of its Victorian appointments and artworks was given to the Quebec government as a residence for its lieutenant-governors.
Narcisse Perodeau, the 14th man to hold the position, had converted two 2nd floor bedrooms into a private chapel in 1925. When Comtois assumed office, he had all the trees on the estate pruned, refurbished the sugar maples and apple orchards, and opened the grounds to the public.
After Comtois was invested as Knight Grand Cross in the Sovereign, Military and Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta in 1963, he asked Archbishop Colonel Maurice Roy for permission to keep the Blessed Sacrament permanently in the chapel at Spencer Wood, where he and his family recited the rosary each evening.
Initially, Roy was reluctant to grant the request but relented after Comtois assured him that he would protect the Host with his life. Roy made it clear that the Blessed Sacrament was being entrusted into Comtois’ personal care and was not being given to the residence.
After returning from a reception on February 21, 1966, with their overnight guests – the Montreal art dealer Mac Stearns and his wife – Comtois and his wife were preparing for bed when a fire began just before midnight in the basement and spread quickly. Everyone, including the household staff, managed to escape before the flames reduced the building to ashes. Everyone, that is, except Comtois.
According to his daughter, Mireille, in a Catholic Register article in 1974, her father was in the chapel and he “ordered me to jump from a nearby window… The last I saw of him, he was standing under the sanctuary lamp in his pyjamas and wearing around his neck the souvenir Rosary from his father, which he said every night and wore to sleep.” The floor collapsed beneath him, and Comtois was lost in the inferno.
The next day, when they found him, “His arms had been burned off and were separated from his body,” according to firefighter Brian Turpin, who found the charred body face down.
Turpin recalled in an interview with the Catholic Register that “the small case for the Host was at his front.” Near him was a reliquary that held the remains of a newly minted medal of Saint Pierre Julien Eymard, a 19th-century French priest known as the Apostle of the Eucharist, who founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. There was also a paten, which had partially melted.
At the state funeral, Archbishop Roy acknowledged Comtois in his homily as someone who was deeply moved by the spirit of the Vatican’s ecumenical council. “He experienced no greater satisfaction than helping his fellow citizens know and love each other. He was a man entrusted with great responsibility, and he discharged the duties of his important public office with dignity and with grace.”
The idea of having Comtois declared a Servant of God, the first step on the road to being proclaimed a saint, has been bandied about over the years. While it has been mentioned from time to time, Pierre Lafontaine, at the archives of the Archdiocese of Quebec, says no formal application has been made to the Vatican.
Alan Hustak is a Montreal-based author, journalist, and broadcaster.
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Orchestral Music Review
UNC Symphony Concert: Superb Music Making Abounds
Chapel Hill -- ( Thu., Oct. 13, 2016 )
UNC Chapel Hill Department of Music: Scholarship Series - UNC Symphony Orchestra with alumnus soloist Michael Rowlett ’94
$10 -- Memorial Hall , (919) 962-1039 , http://music.unc.edu/event/scholarship-series-unc-symphony-orchestra-alumnus-soloist-michael-rowlett-94/ -- 7:30 PM
By William Thomas Walker
October 13, 2016 - Chapel Hill, NC:
The balcony of Beasley-Curtis Auditorium of the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill's Memorial Hall was well filled with friends, relatives and other music lovers for the opening concert of the UNC Symphony Orchestra. Music Director Tõnu Kalam had chosen a challenging and enterprising program by sandwiching works by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) and Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) around a rarity by William Bolcom (b. 1938). The featured soloist, clarinetist Michael Rowlett, is a UNC alumnus and former concerto winner from 1994.
The Overture to Egmont, Op. 84 made a dramatic and rousing concert opener. Defiance of tyranny was a centerpiece of Beethoven's philosophy. This overture is the opening to incidental music he composed for Goethe's 1787 tragedy based on the life of Lamoral, Count of Egmont, a 16th century Dutch nobleman whose beheading sparked the resistance to Spanish domination which led to Netherlands' independence. The music distills the essence of the drama. The dark, heavy opening chords have the rhythm of a Spanish saraband. Lyric phrases evolve into a rich, sweeping theme in the cellos. The forward drive is halted before a gradual surge builds to a paean to victory.
Kalam led a superbly controlled and phrased interpretation and secured remarkably accomplished playing from his student musicians. The intonation and tone of the string sections were excellent. Woodwinds and brass matched them in their quality.
Many older music lovers may remember local tours by composer Bolcom and his wife, Joan Morris, and their infectious popular songs recitals featuring the Gershwins, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, etc. While he was grounded in Serialism and had composed some Neo-Classical works, he was heavily influenced by the ragtime of Eubie Blake as well as jazz. Much of Bolcom's eclectic background is reflected in his Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. It was commissioned for and premiered by Stanley Drucker, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic under conductor Leonard Slatkin on January 3, 1992. The playing style of Benny Goodman influenced Bolcom who mixed "Benny-isms" throughout all three movements. Bolcom wrote "the first movement is roughly Sonata-Allegro form and has a strong Goodman nuance, as does the slow 12-beat-to-the-bar second movement. The last movement alternates a Brazilian chorinho with an ebullient Ravelian waltz."
Rowlett played the socks off the Bolcom concerto. The clarinet has little rest throughout all three movements. His energy and enthusiasm never flagged, and his breath control and articulation were wonders to see. His tone was, by turns, warm or raspy as needed. It had an extraordinary color palette. Dynamics and rhythms were beautifully judged.
Every section of the orchestra played with skill and style, readily shifting from lyric to dissonant to jazzy. There was a bit of the Big Band era sound in the singing "Cantabile" second movement. It opened with a striking duet between Rowlett's clarinet and Matthew F. Wolfe's tuba – a rare exposure for that instrument.
Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 107, ("Reformation") was composed to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the "Augsburg Confession," an early document of the Lutheran Reformation in 1830. The event was cancelled, but the work was completed and, after delays, was premiered in Berlin in 1832 under the composer's baton. Its reception was mixed, and the obsessively critical composer withdrew it. It was only published after his death. In the meantime his Symphony No. 3, "Scottish" and Symphony No. 4, "Italian" had been published. Mendelssohn had had a thorough grounding in Baroque counterpoint from his teacher, Hans Zeller. This led Mendelsohn to produce the revival of J. S. Bach's St. Matthew's Passion, which initiated the revival of Bach and other older composers which would eventually evolve into today's early music movement.
Zeller's Baroque grounding is reflected in Mendelssohn's skilled use of Renaissance polyphony in the opening movement, which juxtaposes brass and woodwinds with low strings, almost like an organ, in a slow introduction. Near its end, the "Dresden Amen" floats delicately on the violins (reminiscent of Wagner's use in Parsifal). The lively second movement is folk-like. The third slow movement serves as an introduction to the final, fourth movement, which makes great use of Martin Luther's chorale "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott." Its melody is introduced by solo flute, an instrument played by Luther, before being masterfully taken up by other woodwinds, brass, and strings in turn.
Kalam led his skilled and well-rehearsed musicians in a well-considered and richly satisfying interpretation. What full and rich sounds the cellos, violas, and double basses made. Woodwinds were marvelous, not the least flute soloist Sarah Haines. Brass played with great polish. It was fascinating to see, from the balcony, an ophicleide played by Wolfe, seated by the trombones.
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FASHION_BEAUTY
ART_DESIGN
DRYgram
wE ARE aLSo MADe oF PapEr!
AnAloG ClUBbInG
ANALOG CLUBBING: A TALK WITH JEFFREY HINTON
Text by Riccardo Slavik
Clubs, gay and mixed ones in particular, have always been places of freedom, experimentation, creativity, they are historically the birthplaces of an outsider’s ‘extended family’ . It’s usually in clubs that we, as gay men or women, freaks or creative outcasts, meet and build our own elective family, and in the wake of the tragic shooting at Pulse in Orlando, Florida, Jeffrey Hinton’s ‘Analog Clubbing’ acquires an extra layer of meaning. Being essentially Jeffrey’s own journey in Clubland from the early days of Punk to Raves and beyond, the video installation at Blanco is a joyous cut-up of creativity, memories, parties, fashion shows. A kaleidoscope of images and video clips that is as much a testament to a lost era as the proof of how important, free, and even political, nightlife can be. We had a little talk about it last week while setting up the exhibition ( I ended up putting up flyers for hours because that’s what happens when you work in a club).
RS: I wanted to ask you about the relationship between clubbing and creativity, because I think clubbing & nightlife have an element of freedom that often helps people get in touch with their true self and creativity.
JH: If we look at the times the exhibition starts from, the mid 70s, we were very poor, but at the same time there was a lot of excitement, a lot of things being invented, there were a lot of things going on politically too, Gay Liberation, Feminism, it felt like the world had to change and more importantly i felt like I was going to be part of that change. There was this backdrop in London, there were elements of the past but also you could feel change in the air. I always felt like an outsider and I found other people like me, my brother was older and part of the Gay Liberation Front, so early on I was going to marches and meetings and I met transgender people, ‘genderfuck’ people, as we called them, people who were quite out there, visually and verbally and I loved these people, I felt very strongly connected to them, and really, they are the same people I’ve met ever since, the same energy, even now. But in the 70s, there were still a lot of derelict buildings and squatting was very easy so we could meet and gather and be together in lots of different places and live together, in a pre-internet world, even the phone, we didn’t use so much, we were living together, we were with each other 24 hours a day, and the people I lived with were very creative, it was a volcanic hodgepodge of creativity and you were immediately involved in it, whether by your looks or through music, or film, you would play with every single medium, and there was a naiveté to it because you were creating for the energy of it rather than because you were trying to sell something or make a marketable product, i don’t remember anyone trying to make lots of money or get a career, we were doing things that felt good to us, to amuse each other, and clubbing was very much a part of that, all these clubs that are depicted here, were put together by a group of people for that group of people, it wasn’t done for the mainstream, in fact the minute it became mainstream we would move on to another place, some evolved into something else, Kinky Gerlinky evolved into something much much bigger, but at the same time that was happening at the peak of the AIDS crisis, people were dying, and in a sense it needed to be a bigger club where people could celebrate.. No matter your state of health you could become the goddess, or the plant or whatever you felt like being for the night, so the fact that it was getting bigger and bigger seemed to help, with the kind of grief that was going on…And then as with the exhibition it does move on into the ‘rave’ era where people started going to larger venues that were more about music…
RS: Personally I’ve always found it so interesting that such a small scene, and I’m thinking specifically about The Blitz and its scene, was so influential in such a global way.
JH: Because it was really just a group of friends more than an actual ‘scene’ and it carried on from Punk because the punks I knew where quite fluid in their sexuality… Even when I was involved in the Gay Liberation Front, it was more about liberation, period. The same people i knew from punk were in the end the same sort of people that would later be part of Blitz and New Romantic, and later at Taboo, Leigh Bowery. They were all attracted to a similar energy, and i really believe it IS about an energy from within, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, it’s WHO’s wearing it.. Leigh Bowery was always Leigh Bowery, he wasn’t an outfit, a mannequin in an outfit, his energy was extreme and you always felt it, when i was with him I didn’t think about the drippy head or the latex costume, they were part of his character but it was still him, and that was kind of an important element to remain within these groups of people, you couldn’t just follow a trend, you couldn’t be dressing for it… It’s a NY kind of attitude, the idea of Club Kids and things like that, they were in a way an advert for clubs like The Limelight, they were a commercial product, ‘ come look at the freaks!’ that wasn’t the mindset in London, you didn’t walk around to be a freak, you were being you, more versions of you..
RS speaking of this particular video, is there a timeline or storyline you’ve followed?
JH: It pretty much revolves around me, because I’m at the center of it. I still do videos, take pictures, I’m obsessed with looking underneath the surface of the life around me, I’m looking from within at what I love about these people and this moment and this place in time, and this one in particular starts in a club called Sombrero, which was a very underground club that went through various phases, it went through a punk phase, and I loved it because it played very new disco and italo-dance from the time, and it was tiny, with an amazing lighted-up dance floor… and through the 80s we had amazing venues like that, that we could pick during the week, with amazing decor, we could take them over for nothing, like Le Kilt, The Beat Route, Billy’s, where The Blitz was, which was again a very tiny restaurant, and it was pretty much the same people, but it was such a collection of people, you had film-makers, designers, make-up artists, I never went to college but I learned from all these people, about film making about fashion, I didn’t know i was learning but i was helping them and learning, and I was obsessed with music so i was collecting music from around the world …
and I’d already lived in NY a couple of years, with poets, and that was another important time for me and then I came back and met more creative people, I already knew some, like Princess Julia, Jeremy Healy, Boy George… the scene had a very DIY attitude, and I don’t remember ever having a meeting and talking about it, we would just do stuff, we just threw it together and it became what it became
In London at the time pubs would close at 11pm and clubs at 2am and after that there were always parties there was always somewhere to go even though all the official places were closed and it would be someone’s house or something and we would ‘borrow’ toiletries and such as we never had much in the squat, actually that’s something we used to do at Blitz too since it was a restaurant, we would go through the kitchen and get bread and cheese and other things fill some bags with it have a dance and bring it to the squat…
RS: I think it was a very particular moment in space and time as so much happened from such a small group of people and without even really trying.
JH: About this particular time, i always remember the playfulness, the color, making an outfit in seconds and living in squats was great because there was lots of stuff everywhere, pretty smelly most of it, as we didn’t have washing machines, and some of the best outfits were made out of necessity because you had to find out which one smelled the least and kind of make that work.. and musically it was great ,there was a lot of great music coming out everywhere and we would play with it, which is what i did, i was chopping it up and editing it I did the same with videos, especially at Taboo where i was editing it all and going from stuff that was completely delusional to something kind of recognizable or completely normal then completely change again and that was what made it a great hedonistic environment and it made you feel like you were on drugs even when you weren’t, it was a kind of warped Wonderland..
But again it wasn’t like London today, we had spaces to do experimental things, now spaces want money just to let you use them… back then we could create a club out of nothing. I come from the small clubs where you had a mix of petty criminals, drug dealers, rent boys, prostitutes, outsiders and always a few people who didn’t really know where they were but liked it and stayed… that kind of quirky balance was integral to most underground and avant-garde clubs up to the 90s, and people like Bowie, or actors and other famous people could go there because it was such an odd insular mix and nobody bothered you.. at the same time I have no nostalgia, I love working with younger people who maybe make me see things in my memories i haven’t noticed, but I wouldn’t look at these times through rose-tinted lenses, because even the things in this exhibition, these clubs and parties, they were fun but it was also a very sad time for me, I wasn’t that confident, i was shy, it was all ‘growing up’ time, a good one, and it taught me lots of stuff, an endless amount of things, but at the same time it wasn’t a walk in the park, i was having fun but there was also a lot of pain, not just AIDS and its effects on the community, but also just general stuff, life. Look at the images and see the positivity, the energy, there is a positive energy of fun and creativity, nobody was really making money or getting paid so I think a big part of it is showing how much was done just with creativity and just the desire of doing things.
ANALOG CLUBBING is at Blanco, Piazzale Lavater 18, Milano till the first week of August
WINDOWS ALIVE
ISSUE #16 Is OuT!
UNREAL CITY
IMPERFECT, ERGO BEAUTIFUL
CLARULECIS
FASHION AND NEW DIALOGUE
BACK TO YOUR BAROQUE
WHERE SHALL WE GO DANCING TONIGHT?
Where to buy it
Copyright © 2016 Collectible DRY - Created by Artwork ™
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Reggie "Combat Jack" Ossé, A True Hip-Hop Renaissance Man
ByShawn Setaro
Shawn is an Associate Editor at Complex and the writer and reporter of Infamous: The Tekashi 6ix9ine Story, a Complex/Spotify podcast about the controversial rapper.
Shawn is also the former editor-in-chief of Rap Genius and the creator and host of The Cipher, a critically acclaimed hip-hop podcast. He has written about music and culture for Forbes, The Atlantic, Vibe, The Source, GQ, Esquire, The Sondheim Review, and more.
Reggie "Combat Jack" Ossé died on Wednesday morning, just a few months after revealing that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer.
Ossé is best known for his role as the host of the Combat Jack Show, a pioneering hip-hop podcast. The show began in 2010 as an online radio show, before eventually transitioning to a podcast format. Ossé built up a gang of co-hosts, including Aaron "A-King" Howard, Premium Pete, producer Just Blaze, and the internets favorite 'Lo head, Dallas Penn, among others.
After years of revamps and reinventions, the show boiled down to the format fans most remember: Ossé using his lifetime of experience as a music business insider, and as a hip-hop fan who had grown up right alongside the genre, to get stories out of guests that they wouldn't share anywhere else.
Ossé's was one of the first hip-hop podcasts, and arguably the most successful. The show spawned a number of related projects: a TV series on this very website, a satellite radio show, an entire podcast network (the Loud Speakers Network), and an investigative podcast series hosted by Ossé called Mogul: The Life and Death of Chris Lighty.
But Ossé's history goes much further back than podcasting. He started his professional career as an entertainment lawyer, who represented everyone from Dame Dash and Nore to R.A. the Rugged Man (the last of whom once memorably attempted to offer Ossé a very unusual thank-you gift for his services). Ossé moved up quickly, starting his own firm with Ed Woods in 2001. [Woods, tragically, died earlier this week.] But by the mid-2000s, Ossé had burned out on lawyering, and found his "second childhood" in his online alter ego Combat Jack.
He moved from the law to working for MTV. Then, shortly after publishing a book about hip-hop jewelry, Ossé decided that he wanted to share stories from his music biz days. So to maintain anonymity, at least at first, he created the persona "Combat Jack" and began writing, initially on a site run by notorious blogger Byron Crawford, and then on his own site, Daily Mathematics.
After several years, Ossé was offered an online radio show, and his journey as a broadcaster began—a journey that ran, in the early years, side-by-side with a job as Managing Editor at The Source. The Combat Jack Show had nearly everyone in hip-hop as a guest in its run (which, as of this writing, is still ongoing). Jeezy, Common, Pete Rock, Chuck D, LL Cool J, J. Cole, Kool Herc, Jessica Rosenblum—pioneers, business people, rap legends, and up-and-comers alike all paid a visit to Ossé's studio, and his relaxed demeanor and insider's knowledge base drew out countless revelations.
You can find most of the Combat Jack Show archives for free on SoundCloud.
Marc Ecko Talks About Diddy, Coming Up, and His New Book on The Combat Jack Show
NewsVideosCombat JackCombat JackOriginal News
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Home » Daily Current Affairs , Daily GK , Daily news » DAILY GK 17 SEPTEMBER 2020
DAILY GK 17 SEPTEMBER 2020
Govt Jobs Portal2:07:00 AMNo comments
1. CABINET APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW AIIMS AT DARBHANGA
· Central Government has given its consent for the establishment of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) at Darbhanga, Bihar with an outlay of Rs.1264 crore.
· PM Narendra Modi has also given its approval to the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Project from Palwal to Sonipat via Sohna-Manesar-Kharkhauda, benefitting Haryana’s district of Palwal, Nuh, Gurugram, Jhajjar and Sonipat, at an estimated cost of Rs. 5,617 crore.
2. GLOBAL AYURVEDA SUMMIT
· 4th edition of Global Ayurveda Summit was virtually inaugurated by Vice-President Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu on the theme “Emerging Opportunities for Ayurveda during Pandemic“.
· It will culminate on October 14, 2020. Due to COVID-19, it is being conducted as a web event for 30 days with virtual exhibition and conference on emerging opportunities for Ayurveda.
· It is being organized by the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry)-Kerala in partnership with Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy).
3. MAGLEV TRAINS TO INDIA
· Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed a MoU with Swiss Rapide AG to Maglev Train (Magnetic Levitation) Projects in India.
· The MoU will enable the Indigenous manufacturing of the State-of-the-art Maglev Trains.
4. JAPAN’S NEW PRIME MINISTER
· Yoshihide Suga was formally elected as Japan’s New Prime Minister.
· He will succeed Shinzo Abe, who was Japan’s Longest serving Prime Minister and stepped down due to health problems.
· Yoshihide’s party Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds a majority in the Japan Parliament.
5. WORLD OZONE DAY 2020 – SEPTEMBER 16
· The first International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was observed on 16th September 1995.
The theme for the 2020 is “Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection”.
· The 2020 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer or World Ozone Day marks the celebration of 35 years of the Vienna Convention and 35 years of Global ozone layer protection.
6. INDIA TO BE SELF-RELIANT IN FERTILIZERS PRODUCTION BY 2023
· The Union Minister of Chemical and Fertilizers D.V. Sadananda Gowda announced that India will be self-reliant in fertilizer production by 2023 while addressing a webinar on Self-Reliant India and Sustainable Agriculture Organized by cooperative Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) for farmers of Karnataka.
· Currently, the fertilizer production of the country is 42-45 million tonnes, and imports are at around 18 million tonnes.
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EnergyCommentary
‘A Political Report Masquerading as Science’: The Truth About the New Climate Report
Cal Thomas / @CalThomas / November 29, 2018
The latest National Climate Assessment report calls for a look back at past predictions from global warming adherents and whether they came to fruition. Pictured: French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a meeting to present a 10-year energy plan for the ecology transition at the Elysee Palace in Paris, November 2018. (Photo: Pool/Blondet Eliot/Maxppp/ZUMA Press/Newscom)
Cal Thomas / @CalThomas
Cal Thomas is a syndicated columnist, author, broadcaster, and speaker with access to world leaders, U.S. presidents, celebrities, educators, and countless other notables. He has authored several books, including his latest, “America's Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and Superpowers and the Future of the United States." Readers can email him at [email protected]
Each time an end-of-the-world prophecy is delivered—whether by a self-deluded preacher, a group of politicians, or scientists—we are told that we must believe. Never mind how many of their prophecies have been wrong in the past, this time they mean it.
The latest prophecy of doom and planetary extinction comes from a government report authored by people appointed during the Obama administration. This report, and others before it, concluded that Earth is warming, humans are responsible, and that we have only 10 years to fix it.
But wait, haven’t there been earlier deadlines, which have passed, and aren’t we still here with weather patterns behaving much as they have before, to wit, hot summers, cold winters, fires, floods, and earthquakes?
Paul Krugman, the notoriously wrong columnist for The New York Times (he predicted “a global recession, with no end in sight,” if Donald Trump became president), has gone beyond science, labeling those who disagree with global warmists “depraved.”
When you resort to name-calling, you have lost the argument.
Granted, people these days tend to listen only to information that ratifies beliefs they already hold. On this issue, the warmist cult promotes only information—whether it is from people masquerading as scientists, like Bill Nye “the science guy,” who is not a scientist but a mechanical engineer, to others with credentials mostly outside of climatology.
So, what is the truth and how can we know it?
The media and much of political Washington, including even a few Republicans, have accepted this flawed doctrine as truth. They claim climate change is “settled science” and many believe it. Why? Because of unsettling comments from scientists with experience and knowledge in the field; scientists who lack a political agenda are largely ignored.
Responding to the government report, ClimateDepot.com, my favorite website with links to knowledgeable and skeptical scientists, notes:
The National Climate Assessment report as reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences, is basing one of its headline scare scenario(s) on a study funded by climate activist billionaire Tom Steyer. Climate expert Dr. Roger Pielke Jr. noted on November 24 that the claim of economic damage from climate change is based on a 15 degree F temperature increase that is double the ‘most extreme value reported elsewhere in the report.’ The ‘sole editor’ of this claim in the report was an alum of the Center for American Progress, which is also funded by Tom Steyer.
Climatologist Pat Michaels calls the government report “systematically flawed” and says it “should be shelved.”
John P. Dunne is head of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory at Princeton University. His webpage describes him as “an expert in ocean biogeochemistry, climate and earth system modeling with over 20 years of experience developing instruments, collecting field observations, and performing analysis and modeling studies.”
He wrote Climate Depot: “Two years into the Trump administration it is sad to see this 400-page pile of crap.”
Climate Depot founder Marc Morano says of the government report:
It is a political report masquerading as science. The media is hyping a rehash of frightening climate change claims by Obama administration holdover activist government scientists. The new report is once again predetermined science. The National Climate Assessment report reads like a press release from environmental pressure groups—because it is! Two key authors are longtime Union of Concerned Scientist activists, Donald Wuebbles and Katharine Hayhoe.
The Trump administration has promised to issue its own report that will include “more transparent and data-driven information.”
If these scare tactics by leftists who want even more government control over our lives were to be accepted as fact, our economy would crumble and the outcome would produce little, if any, change in global temperatures.
Riots in Paris over the rise in the gas tax imposed by President Emmanuel Macron in an effort to minimize France’s reliance on fossil fuels are an indication of how little the public is willing to tolerate even the smallest economic fluctuation. French gas prices are now over $7 a gallon.
Would Americans accept a similar scenario here if we embraced flawed climate change “science” and its pronouncements of doom, our markets crashed, and the economy spiraled out of control?
(c) 2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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American Pakistan Foundation (APF)
About American Pakistan Foundation (APF)
American Pakistan Foundation, APF, Pakistan diaspora American Pakistan Foundation (APF) Mission The mission of the American Pakistan Foundation is to catalyze support for projects and initiatives that are important to the future of Pakistan and its relationship with the United States. Background Pakistan stands at profound crossroads today and is facing grave domestic and foreign policy challenges. On the domestic front, there is a significant shortfall of energy and major cities are experiencing massive blackouts, having a dire effect on economic productivity. Regarding education, 1 in 10 of the world’s children that do not go to primary school lives in Pakistan. Additionally, 66% of Pakistanis are under the age of 30 and according to the UN projections, Pakistan’s population will rise to 240 million in 2030. An estimated 36 million jobs will need to be created in the next ten years to absorb the youth bulge. The current scenario presents a grim outlook for the future. We, at the American Pakistan Foundation, believe that it does not have to be this way. Providing the young people with opportunities can set Pakistan on a path of economic progress which will be beneficial not just for Pakistan but also for the global community. Our Inception The American Pakistan Foundation was formed in 2009 as the result of a meeting in New York City, at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The meeting included representatives of the Pakistani American Diaspora, the private sector and public policy makers. The attendees of the May 2009 meeting concluded that the private sector had a vital role to play in the future direction of Pakistan and that promoting greater understanding and trust between the U.S. and Pakistan was imperative. APF was formally launched in December 2009 with an inaugural benefit in New York City featuring U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Dr. Moeen Qureshi and former Secretary of State General Colin Powell.
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Guitar Evenings
Concerts/Masterclass
“Musica…” Series
Started in 2008 as a part of ACCUMM Foundation Concert Series in Sutu Palace, a beautiful historical building located in the center of Bucharest, the Guitar Evenings (Serile de chitară in Romanian) has grown as one of the most important guitar festivals in Romania. Founded by Costin Soare and Petru Maier Bianu, writer and cineast, the festival is now organized by Kitharalogos Cultural Association, whose has among its objectives the following: bringing top-class guitarists to play recitals in Bucharest; offering masterclasses to the young guitarists and giving them the opportunity to play in the special gala from Sutu Palace; organizing each year a conference on different subject matters regarding the guitar and its development; stimulating the young generation of Romanian composers to write for guitar, an instrument unfortunately neglected by most of the important Romanian composers; promoting the young generation of Romanian guitarists with a developing career in the country and abroad; organizing each year a historical instrument concert (lute, archlute etc.)
Since becoming an international festival (2015, the 5th edition), important guitarists from all over the world and important local guitarist have given recitals and masterclasses in Bucharest in places such as: National University of Music, The National University Library, „George Enescu” National Museum, Instituto Cervantes, Balassi Institute. The Bucharest music lovers and guitarists have had the opportunity to listen live to Carlo Marchione, Gabriel Bianco, Duo Melis, Lorenzo Micheli, Andras Csaki, Mircea Gogoncea, Bogdan Mihăilescu etc.etc., with a broad range of repertoire from Renaissance music to Contemporary music (including at least 10 world premieres by Romanian composers in the „musica…” project of Costin Soare).
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How it works Toggle Dropdown
How we can help Toggle Dropdown
Type 2 diabetes remission
Type 2 diabetes prevention
Home / Stories / Isobel: "I feel like my normal self again, well and healthy and I am determined to stay that way.”
Isobel: "I feel like my normal self again, well and healthy and I am determined to stay that way.”
Jan 08, 2021 Posted by: Lourdes Spranger Testimonial
Isobel Murray is a retired civil servant from South Ayrshire, Scotland, mother of two sons, and grandmother of two grandchildren. Her journey to diabetes remission began through her involvement in the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT).
In June of 2011, Isobel suffered from what she described as a life threatening heart attack: “I had 30 minutes to live when they got me to the hospital, it was a shock.” Having been a smoker for most of her life, Isobel was advised by her cardiologist that while her smoking was not the sole cause of her heart attack, now was the time to stop.
It would be some 6 months later in November 2011 that, during a routine blood test, her nurse noticed that her blood glucose levels were exceptionally high. It was then that she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D).This came as a real shock to Isobel: “I was absolutely gobsmacked. I had put on a stone after I quit smoking but I still wasn't necessarily that heavy. At the time I was diagnosed I was probably 8.5 - 9st.”
Not long after being prescribed diabetic medication to manage her T2D, she noticed that her weight started to increase, despite being more mindful of her eating. In addition to this, her work situation was becoming increasingly stressful, juggling a large workload in reduced hours as she was in the process of retiring. Isobel highlighted that while she loved her job and fellow colleagues, it was becoming hard.
Isobel was now at the point where she was becoming extremely frustrated with her diabetes and it began to weigh on her mind even more: “My medication prescription was increasing at each appointment and it was awful. My health had deteriorated quite a bit by this point. My heart was okay but generally speaking I felt terrible.”
Starting the programme
3 years later, Isobel found out about the DiRECT study from her doctor. For decades the standard approach to the management of T2D was through medication. However, a newer approach was on the horizon which aimed not just to manage T2DM, but to put it into remission without the need for medication.
Isobel jumped at the chance as her medication was now causing her more problems than it was solving. When asking her diabetic nurse what they thought about this opportunity Isobel was told: “I think you are the one person that would definitely go for this and make it work as you are so determined”.
Expectations and challenges
Isobel had some apprehension at the start of the programme, which is understandable when you are embarking on changing behaviours: “I would not say I was scared about it, but I was a bit apprehensive as I was told I was to take all this medication for years, and then suddenly on day one I was not to take any of it. I was questioning how I would react to it”.
Isobel found that once the programme commenced, it was not as challenging as she expected.“Once you get through the first couple of weeks and settle yourself down, you begin to see positive changes in yourself and this helps manage any fears”.
Reflecting back on her experience: “I am not going to say it is easy as it is not, but when you have a goal at the end of it that you are desperate to achieve and you are feeling better everyday as you are not taking medication that has been causing you more problems that it is resolving, then that really does give you that motivation to keep going and get it done”.
Isobel found that everyone around her was extremely supportive and this provided her with that extra push to keep going when things felt difficult. “The people that I made friends with at the gym were fantastic, they all heard about what I was doing and they used to walk up when I was on a bike and say... go on hen, you are doing really well, look at you!”.
Reflecting back on what kept Isobel motivated, the initial significant weight loss was key: “The fact that you start to lose weight soon after starting, and you are getting rid of all the big clothes and going out and buying newer and smaller clothes that were 2-3 sizes down was a good feeling. You can both see and feel how you are progressing.”
For some, the convenience of total diet replacement makes it easy to follow. Isobel spent a total of 17 weeks on this stage. Surprisingly, Isobel found being on the shakes and soups actually made her day-to-day life easier, as she could now forget about cooking and going to the shops. “You have to learn to get used to being on total diet replacement with just soups and shakes, and when you do, it frees you up”.
This break from cooking and shopping was something Isobel used to her advantage, as she was now able to exercise at the gym on a regular basis: “I would sometimes go for a swim in the mornings and then back again in the evening with my husband Jim”.
Isobel’s husband, Jim, was undoubtedly her biggest source of support during her time on the trial. She describes Jim as her rock: “He was so happy for me with seeing this weight falling off and seeing how well I was feeling and looking”. Isobel jokes that he even spoke at one of the interviews she did for Scottish news where he said that he actually quite enjoyed her being on the trial as he was able to eat all the foods that were in the house.
In addition to support from her husband and her friends, Isobel received a great deal of support from her dietitians and the various healthcare professionals that were working alongside her on the trial. She found the experience with the dietitians absolutely fantastic. Isobel found working with her dietetic team “extremely valuable” and she continues to use the skills she learnt 6 years on after her time on the study.
The positives gained
Isobel completed the full 2 years of the trial which is no mean feat. She showed extreme resolve and determination from day one and this is reflected in what she has achieved. Her HbA1c went down from 70 to 40mmol/L, she lost 3.5 stone (22.3kg) during the first 17 weeks and maintained 4.5st (25kg) weight loss over the full two years of the trial.
While this was a major achievement, from the very beginning, Isobel's main aim and ultimate goal was to not just come off, but to remain off, her diabetic medication. It is now some 6 years on from the start of the trial and she has not taken a single dose of diabetic medication.
“I feel like a normal person and I know that sounds stupid, but I feel like my normal self again, well and healthy and that is what is important to me and I am determined to stay that way.”
Advice to others
Isobel's advice to anyone who may be considering starting the programme is that while it can be challenging to begin with, it helps to know that you are being fully supported by healthcare professionals: “If you really want to do this, you can. If I can do it at 60 odd years old then anybody can do it. Go for it and put everything you have into it as you will reap the benefits.”
Kelly: “I’ve lost almost 60kg, my joints aren’t in pain, I’m so much more mobile and my cholesterol level has dropped, my GP is thrilled!” Dec 16, 2020
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W. Andrew Jack
PDF Binder
Word Document Binder
Washington +1 202 662 5232 ajack@cov.com Download V-card
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Andrew Jack has a diverse corporate and securities practice with clients principally in the energy, industrial manufacturing, technology and sports and entertainment industries. He regularly represents corporations, board committees, and other forms of enterprises in mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, financing activities, securities law compliance, corporate governance counseling, and executive compensation arrangements. Mr. Jack also co-chairs the firm's Energy Industry Group.
LanzaTech in its formation of LanzaJet, a joint venture with Suncor Energy and Mitsui & Co. to develop and produce sustainable aviation fuel.
Rogers Corporation in its credit facilities and acquisitions of DeWal Industries, Diversified Silicone Products and Griswold.
ExxonMobil in structuring and establishing with Chevron, Shell, and ConocoPhillips the Marine Well Containment Company, a venture dedicated to build and deploy a rapid response system to capture and contain oil in the event of a potential future underwater well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico.
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. in its $420 million underwritten public offering of common stock and convertible senior notes and in its acquisition of Solar Integrated Technologies.
Joy Global Inc., a worldwide leader in high-productivity mining solutions, in its $270 million acquisition of the parent holding company of Continental Global Inc, its $1.1 billion acquisition of LeTourneau Technologies, Inc. and subsequent sale of LeTourneau’s drilling systems business, and a $500 million senior notes offering.
D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission in relocation of the former Montreal Expos to Washington DC, including stadium development and interim lease agreements with Major League Baseball and the Washington Nationals, $535 million stadium revenue bond offering, and related legislative approvals.
JLG Industries, Inc. -- $3.2 billion merger into Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Global Strategic Alliance with Caterpillar for the development, manufacture and marketing by JLG of Caterpillar-branded telehandlers, Acquisitions of Omniquip and Gradall Industries, public offering of $125 million common stock, private placements of $125 million senior notes and $175 million senior subordinated notes.
Independent board committees of two technology companies addressing stock options practices, evaluation of strategic alternatives, succession of senior management.
Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. (successor to Chiron Corporation) in its plans to locate, construct and operate a cell culture-derived influenza vaccines manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina.
Barclays in its 20-year naming rights and sponsorship agreement with the New Jersey Nets for the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Kamylon Capital in its sale of Forgitron Technologies to Accuride Corporation.
Energy Conversion Devices in the sale by its subsidiary Ovonic Battery Company (OBC) of OBC’s 20% interest in Cobasys LLC to SB LiMotive Co. Ltd., a joint venture between Samsung and Bosch.
Special Committee of the Board of Directors of NYFIX, Inc. on the $144 million sale of NYFIX, Inc. to NYSE Euronext.
World Resources Institute - Global Leadership Council, Member
Society for Corporate Governance, Member
News and Insights (Showing 5 of 80) (Showing 80 of 80)
SEC to Permit Use of Electronic Signatures
November 20, 2020, Covington Alert
On November 17, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) took long-awaited action to modernize its electronic filing requirements to permit the use of electronic signatures in SEC filings. The rule amendments will become effective immediately upon their publication in the Federal Register. We expect that public companies and other filing persons ...
Firms vie for dominance in new sustainability law practices
Media Mention
October 21, 2020, Thomson Reuters
Andrew Jack and Kevin Poloncarz are quoted in a Thompson Reuters article regarding the emergence of ESG and sustainability focused practices within major law firms. The article describes Covington's 100+ lawyer cross-disciplinary sustainability solutions team as the largest ESG Big Law undertaking and highlights the firm's focus on carbon reduction; corporate ...
SEC Updates Business, Legal Proceedings and Risk Factor Requirements of Regulation S-K
August 31, 2020, Covington Alert
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May 22, 2020, Inside Energy & Environment
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Companies Face Greater Scrutiny for Misleading Environmental Claims and Nonstandard Sustainability Reporting
November 19, 2018, Inside Energy & Environment
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Google Staff in Rare Push Want Executive Pay Tied to Diversity
June 5, 2018, Bloomberg
Andrew Jack is quoted in a Bloomberg article regarding the push by employees and investors of Google's Alphabet Inc. to tie executive pay to progress on workplace diversity, According to Jack, investors care about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. “Boards and compensation committees would be well advised to review their company’s published ESG ...
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April 4, 2018, Inside Energy & Environment
On March 8-9, 2018, a bespoke group of approximately 200 leading entrepreneurs, investors and advisors focused on deploying and commercializing cutting edge technologies gathered in Monte Carlo from across the globe for the 11th annual CleanEquity® Monaco Conference. Complementing other plenary sessions and emerging company presentations, the conference ...
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Forecasting the Future for Corporate Renewable Energy Procurement
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Another Large Equity Fund Sharpens its Focus on Climate Risk Disclosures
August 31, 2017, Inside Energy & Environment
Today The Vanguard Group, the Nation’s second largest fund group with over $4 trillion in assets under management, issued three publications — a press release, an open letter by Vanguard’s CEO, and its 2017 Investment Stewardship Annual Report — highlighting Vanguard’s evolving view that responsible disclosure and management of climate risk is an essential ...
The Greening of America
Third Quarter 2017, Corporate Board Member
Andrew Jack is quoted in a Corporate Board Member article regarding the pressures facing boards to increase companies' sustainability efforts. "The direction of global capitalism is still toward reducing the carbon intensity of the energy infrastructure and continuing to invest in technology that drives greater efficiency," Jack says. "Capital tries to get the ...
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Large Equity Funds Are Demanding Greater Boardroom Attention to Sustainability and Climate Risks
March 27, 2017, Inside Energy & Environment
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Becoming Clean #6: W. Andrew Jack
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Opportunities for Shaping How Trump Administration Policies Might Affect Ongoing Transformation of the Electric Power Sector
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Outside Forces on the Boardroom
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Home » Forums » Discussion Forum » Vaccine contaminants and safety » Page 13
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June 17, 2020 at 00:46 #55194 Reply
Paul, either of us can throw scientific papers at each other. I can throw this one at you:
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M18-2101
Original Research 16 April 2019
Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccination and Autism
A Nationwide Cohort Study
Anders Hviid, DrMedSci
, Jørgen Vinsløv Hansen, PhD
, Morten Frisch, DrMedSci
, Mads Melbye, DrMedSci
657 461 children born in Denmark from 1999 through 31 December 2010, with follow-up from 1 year of age and through 31 August 2013.
The study strongly supports that MMR vaccination does not increase the risk for autism, does not trigger autism in susceptible children, and is not associated with clustering of autism cases after vaccination. It adds to previous studies through significant additional statistical power and by addressing hypotheses of susceptible subgroups and clustering of cases.
And there are plenty more where that came from.
I chanced upon it. Iain Orr sent me a link to an article called Are We Born Racist:
https://www.berkeleywellness.com/article/are-we-born-racist
There was a link at the bottom of the article about vaccinations, and as I had been commenting here I followed it. One link led to another, and I found that study.
So you can throw papers at me and call them “embarrassing to my position”, though I don’t really have a position about vaccination except that the scientific consensus is almost certainly a lot closer than any opinion of mine; I admit that I have no expertise about vaccination.
I do have a position that I think you know a lot less about vaccination than you seem to think. I don’t accept that you “have an interest in the vaccine debate”; I think that you’ve spent a lot of time reading anti-vax websites and exchanging e-mails with anti-vaxxers, some of them quite prominent I expect, and I think you’ve spent hardly any time at all reading scientific studies or examining the academic discussion of them.
The academic literature is where the real vaccine debate is, and I challenge you; you don’t have any interest in that debate at all, do you?
This is why I think we should have a discussion about how we should go about investigating things. Because if your answer to every objection is merely “Big Pharma, money, MSM” over and over again, and forever moving the goal posts so that we never investigate how a multitude of studies find no link between MMR and autism, then I say you’re not offering readers science but conspiracy theory, and thereby undermining your readers’ understanding of the scientific process itself.
Oh how mighty and powerful these antivaxxers are. They have mostly little or no scientific knowledge or training at all, and they can quote their high priests of antivaxx, the Wakefields and the Mikovitss, disgraced former researchers held in high esteem by the movement. They can bombard people who know much more about these topics than them and yet they win every single argument with these tactics. You can never win Clark. Have you not realised that you cannot have a rational discussion where it is a matter of faith?
SA, we must all of us climb from the fertile, productive plains and foothills – which are the battleground – to the bare and cold high country of thought, where the arduous inhospitality makes allies of us all.
What becomes of one’s suspicion when no media can be trusted? Knowledge is power, and the public is disempowered, by paywalls, non-disclosure agreements, wholly-owned journals, medical staff’s “ongoing education” by the pharmaceutical industry, complicity and secrecy of regulators, outright government classification, and relentless, confusing, misleading bullshit in the corporate media, endless reams of it.
Experiments in psychology have repeatedly shown that aggression is a response to the perception of threat. Those we call conspiracy theorists and those that purvey it feel they have to fight, and they are right; there is an ongoing information war. Where they are wrong is that it does not have just two sides; all the commercial entities are competing for profit, and for their very survival, as the bigger companies buy up the small specialised ones, and buy out their generalist competitors.
This is why I am in XR. It is only XR that clearly states that it is this system that is toxic; that we are not fighting this company or that government, but trying to transform this Toxic System itself, which corrupts every entity, because all have no option but to participate in it.
I am being robust with Paul – I have to be, for he has fought so long and so hard that he has forgotten how to stop; it’s never safe to stop. But I’m sure he strongly suspects that despite our differences, we share the same goal.
XR Principle 1: “We have a shared vision of change:
– Creating a world that is fit for generations to come.”
Paul, come with me. You need a weapons upgrade 😀
And I don’t trust some of your allies. In fact I don’t trust anyone, and I’m not going to ask you to trust me.
– Nullius in Verba.
@ Clark June 17, 2020 at 19:34
‘…I’m not going to ask you to trust me…’
Smart move, that, anyway.
But you have been trusting certain parties, and you don’t have the means to check their claims. A lot of the means are in Bad Science. Did you notice that it repeatedly criticises the media?
How the crooks who run Big Pharma got their ‘Blank Cheque’ and ‘No Liability’ legislation through the Senate and Congress, in an almost exact re-run of the Federal Reserve scam in 1913:
Coronavirus Pt 2: ‘Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste’, Replay
(Scroll down to the box:
‘Rep. Dave Obey (D-WI), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee made the following statement on the floor of the House on December 22, 2005:)
To circumvent this outrage of the public, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist attached a
shortened version of the bill to the 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, HR 2863,
literally at the eleventh hour, giving sweeping, unprecedented immunity for drug companies.
Called “Division E—Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act,” Frist’s addendum
added 40 pages to an existing 423-page bill at 11:20 on Saturday night, December 17, 2005, well after the House Appropriation Committee members had reached final agreement on the defense bill, had signed off, and most had gone home…..’
And of course, the crook in the White House (George W. Bush) signed off on it.
Even Rep. Obey seemed to forget his ‘outrage’ when the House reconvened in January.
I haven’t had sight of his bank records, but….
Trust us, we’re Big Pharma – we had 600 lobbyists on the case…
You’ve changed the subject Paul. You’ve done that over and over again, on this thread, the 9/11 thread, and countless other threads.
Propagandists’ standard practice: when the evidence is going against you start discussing something else; avoid proceeding to the conclusion because if you admit the fallacy someone might link to it when you’re deploying the same argument upon someone else in future, and this would reveal your essential dishonesty.
Paul, OK, you’ve changed the subject, and I see you’ve been busy posting disinformation from the Swiss Propaganda Research site, and the mods have been busy deleting it.
As with the “MMR causes autism” hoax, I have strong reasons to accept the half-a-million-dead figure for covid-19 in the UK. and it isn’t because “that’s what it says in the MSM”. You can treat me with respect and show an interest in why I accept that, or you can dismiss me as a brainless dupe, which is what you’ve done so far.
What’s the point of campaigning against Western wars if you’re going to encourage policies that would kill say 2% of the entire global population? That’s over 150 million people, 150 Iraq invasions, over seven World War Ones. You’re completely undoing your own good work many times over, and all because you trust some highly dubious, completely anonymous site.
@ Clark
I moved on, because it seemed you were not answering as soon as I found and presented credible evidence for my position, and against your position. Remember? Instead, you go off on a tangent:
‘…@ Clark
You do go on…I did of course reply to you, but as the information was rather embarrassing to your position, you didn’t notice it:
‘… A conservative estimate based on the research suggests that at least 69% of individuals with an ASD diagnosis have microglial activation or neuroinflammation. Encephalitis, which is defined as inflammation of the brain, is medical diagnosis code G04.90 in the International Classification of Disease, 10th revision; however, children with an ASD diagnosis are not generally assessed for a possible medical diagnosis of encephalitis. This is unfortunate because if a child with ASD has neuroinflammation, then treating the underlying brain inflammation could lead to improved outcomes..’
I’m pretty sure you have twigged to the essence of the above information – ‘…at least 69% of individuals with an ASD diagnosis have microglial activation or neuroinflammation. Encephalitis, which is defined as inflammation of the brain, is medical diagnosis code G04.90 in the International Classification of Disease, 10th revision…’. So, as encephalopathy is accepted as a Table disease for Vaccine Court purposes, as it is actually warned as a possible side effect of the MMR vaccine on the informayion leafleyt that comes with the vaccines (but which are rarely given to the parents of the child having the injection), then saying the MMR vaccination cannot cause Encephalopathy/Autism is total rubbish. But still folks parrot it.
If you expect me to allow you to tell me how to think, or how to put my arguments, I’m afraid your barking up a gum tree.’
Same still holds.
Yeah, and I asked you how you found that paper, and I didn’t believe your answer. I then showed you a paper that demonstrates that there is no more autism among the MMR vaccinated than among the MMR unvaccinated; it is one of many.
To you, you’ve landed a punch, that will help you win. To me, there’s something interesting going on, something to be discovered.
And that’s the difference; my curiosity – your conflict.
Conflict kills Paul; I shouldn’t have to tell you that. Here’s another question, but “as the answer is rather embarrassing to your position” I fully expect you to ignore it. What happens, how many die or suffer, if you win, but you’re wrong?
Or are you infallible, like the Pope?
This is a direct challenge to Paul
Reporting of half truths by liars and interpreted by ignorant people is a dangerous thing in the internet. Because you need knowledge to debunk this rubbish.
This is of course a quotation , not referenced on this occasion, but obviously from an anti-vaxxer website which sounds plausible but is not.
“A conservative estimate…” this means nothing, we are not estimating here we need data, is there data to prove this assertion? I doubt it. If so then I need a scientific study not say so to believe this or debate it.
“Encephalitis, which is defined as inflammation of the brain, is medical diagnosis code G04.90 in the International Classification of Disease, 10th revision;
…” NO it is not. G04.09 is
“ICD-10-CM Codes › G00-G99 Diseases of the nervous system › G00-G09 Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system › Sequelae of inflammatory diseases of central nervous system G09
Sequelae of inflammatory diseases of central nervous system G09-
Category G09 is to be used to indicate conditions whose primary classification is to G00-G08 as the cause of sequelae, themselves classifiable elsewhere. The ‘sequelae’ include conditions specified as residuals.
Do you know what this means? No I don’t think you do, you just regurgitate pseudo rubbish.
If you want to look at classifications of encephalitis then you need to look at G-04
“An inflammatory process involving the brain (encephalitis) and meninges (meningitis), most often produced by pathogenic organisms which invade the central nervous system, and occasionally by toxins, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions.”
and G-05
ICD-10-CM Coding Rules
“G05.3 describes the manifestation of an underlying disease, not the disease itself.”
As to neuroinflammation, you can read all about it here.
A role for immune responses, involving antigen presentation and immune-response-generating cytokines, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease was recognized for a decade before the term neuroinflammation came into widespread use [1, 2]. A PubMed search using “neuroinflammation” as the only key word yields some 300 papers, none before 1995 [3]. While some chronic/remitting neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, have long been recognized as inflammatory, the term neuroinflammation has come to denote chronic, CNS-specific, inflammation-like glial responses that do not reproduce the classic characteristics of inflammation in the periphery but that may engender neurodegenerative events; including plaque formation, dystrophic neurite growth, and excessive tau phosphorylation. In this way, neuroinflammation has been implicated in chronic unremitting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease – diseases that historically have not been thought of as inflammatory diseases. This new understanding has come from rapid advances in the field of microglial and astrocytic neurobiology over the past fifteen to twenty years. These advances have led to the recognition that glia, particularly microglia, respond to tissue insult with a complex array of inflammatory cytokines and actions, and that these actions transcend the historical vision of phagocytosis and structural support that has long been enshrined in the term “reactive gliosis.” Microglia are now recognized as the prime components of an intrinsic brain immune system [4], and as such they have become a main focus in cellular neuroimmunology and therefore in neuroinflammation. This is not the inflammation of the adaptive mammalian immune response, with its array of specialized T-cells and the made-to-order antibodies produced through complex gene rearrangements. This is, instead, the innate immune system, upon which adaptive immunity is built [5].
As to autism, I urge you to read this paper, a very good start, even if you just read the abstract below:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition of heterogeneous etiology. While it is widely recognized that genetic and environmental factors and their interactions contribute to autism phenotypes, their precise causal mechanisms remain poorly understood. This article reviews our current understanding of environmental risk factors of ASD and their presumed adverse physiological mechanisms. It comprehensively maps the significance of parental age, teratogenic compounds, perinatal risks, medication, smoking and alcohol use, nutrition, vaccination, toxic exposures, as well as the role of extreme psychosocial factors. Further, we consider the role of potential protective factors such as folate and fatty acid intake. Evidence indicates an increased offspring vulnerability to ASD through advanced maternal and paternal age, valproate intake, toxic chemical exposure, maternal diabetes, enhanced steroidogenic activity, immune activation, and possibly altered zinc–copper cycles and treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Epidemiological studies demonstrate no evidence for vaccination posing an autism risk. It is concluded that future research needs to consider categorical autism, broader autism phenotypes, as well as autistic traits, and examine more homogenous autism variants by subgroup stratification. Our understanding of autism etiology could be advanced by research aimed at disentangling the causal and non-causal environmental effects, both founding and moderating, and gene–environment interplay using twin studies, longitudinal and experimental designs. The specificity of many environmental risks for ASD remains unknown and control of multiple confounders has been limited. Further understanding of the critical windows of neurodevelopmental vulnerability and investigating the fit of multiple hit and cumulative risk models are likely promising approaches in enhancing the understanding of role of environmental factors in the etiology of ASD.
So Paul, I urge you to cut out the crap. If you really have a genuine interest in understanding and helping people with ASD then you have to be open minded enough to at least believe that it is really not at all related to vaccination but due to other important factors, and that there are people out there who are genuinely interested in helping autistic people, but it is not the antivaxxers. If you do not even wish to engage with me and answer this important post by me on whatever basis you choose, then you would have exposed yourself as a sham. In which case I suggest that this forum thread should be closed.
SA, the quote is not from an anti-vax site; it’s from the paper Paul linked; it’s on PubMed:
Paul neglects to tell me how he found that paper from the 6.2 million on PubMed.
But yes, I’m considering requesting the thread be closed and deleted, because Paul neglects to engage in structured debate. The scientific literature is the place for this sort of discussion, because, apparently, in this public forum censorship is the only way to prevent aggressive promotion of disinformation.
I find that very sad in itself, and sadder still for me personally that Paul does not care about my sadness. In the way he treats us, our world would be better if you, I and all others like us were simply dead, for we merely obstruct his path, which he is sure leads to paradise. Or we may meekly conform to his battle-cry, or cease meddling in the world. The choices he will permit us seem to me reminiscent of fascism; indeed, literally Naziism, since I know from personal interaction that Paul will not trust me because he thinks I may be a Jew.
And this is a Corbyn supporter who sees no anti-Semitism among Corbyn’s supporters.
‘Yeah, and I asked you how you found that paper, and I didn’t believe your answer. I then showed you a paper that demonstrates that there is no more autism among the MMR vaccinated than among the MMR unvaccinated; it is one of many…’
I’ll cover you’re latest ‘comment’ first: ‘..and I didn’t believe your answer…’ – so you’re calling me a liar. Well, I found it while following other links, as I generally do. I did not say, nor was I intending to put across any idea I had trawled through a host of scientific papers which I mostly wouldn’t understand (that covers the first point below, as well – I have stated as much before. ‘…you’re pretending to scientific expertise that you do not possess…’ is total rubbish). I did say that even I could understand the paper I was trying to get you to acknowledge (minus some scientific words: basically,
‘…at least 69% of individuals with an ASD diagnosis have microglial activation or neuroinflammation. Encephalitis, which is defined as inflammation of the brain, is medical diagnosis code G04.90 in the International Classification of Disease, 10th revision; however, children with an ASD diagnosis are not generally assessed for a possible medical diagnosis of encephalitis. This is unfortunate because if a child with ASD has neuroinflammation, then treating the underlying brain inflammation could lead to improved outcomes..’.
Anybody with any interest in the subject of Autism should be able to understand that, even me.
You would have noticed if you had followed up the paper that there were a number of Meta-studies (or whatever they are called) of the basic info, which showed it wasn’t just a freak one-off.
The impact, in my opinion, shatters all the false allegations that the MMR cannot cause Autism or ASD, because the MMR information leaflet admits it CAN cause brain inflammation of encephalitis. The fact that you are studiously ignoring that obvious point indicates it has greatly surprised you, and you have no adequate response, apart from ‘showering me with papers that conclude MMR can’t cause ADS or Autism’ (or words to that effect).
Now I know that there are oodles of papers out there saying that, but their are Big Pharma and their $billions who fund most of the studies one way or another.
Why have they not been able to prove the paper/s I referred to are wrong? Because if, as I have repeated time and again, they are right, it blows their assurances of MMR not causing ADS / Autism out of the water.
You previously commented:
‘..Additionally, you’re pretending to scientific expertise that you do not possess. There is absolutely no way that someone who was utterly naive about Dane Wigington’s hoax with the stroboscopic effect has the background knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to interpret the significance of that paper.
And I do not believe that you are being openly honest with me. You wrote:
– “It’s on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website; as you will note, I gave the link where I found it above.
There are 6.2 million papers in that library, PubMed Central. You just “found” it there, did you? I don’t believe you. So again I’m asking you to be honest, and to get down off your high horse and treat me as your equal…’
You have referred to ‘..Dane Wigington’s hoax with the stroboscopic effect..’ before, and I replied then that I had no idea what you were talking about. I still don’t; I’ve never even heard about it, except from you.
‘…There are 6.2 million papers in that library, PubMed Central. You just “found” it there, did you? I don’t believe you. So again I’m asking you to be honest, and to get down off your high horse and treat me as your equal…’
I ‘just found it there’ by following other links, as I generally do.
‘..I don’t believe you. So again I’m asking you to be honest, and to get down off your high horse and treat me as your equal…’
If I wrote that sort of unjustified ad hominem crap, I’m sure my comment would be deleted.
You make me out a liar, from your unjustified assumptions that I was trying to mislead you.
I really would like your opinion (or Dr. Edd’s) of the ‘..over 69%..’ papers.
Looks like it might be the ‘smoking gun’.
The authors have been involved in vaccine/biologic litigation. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.”
But also when you look at this ‘smoking gun’ you find that they quote 16 studies. None of those studies have any statistical power to answer the question asked. The highest study examined 47 cases with 25 controls. Not only not sufficiently powered but also skewed. Of the sixteen studies 13 have 20 or less subjects, and only two have 47 subjects. Two studies are only observational. I wonder how this paper got accepted.
Then let us look at this
“RETRACTED ARTICLE: Systematic Assessment of Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mercury Reveals Conflicts of Interest and the Need for Transparency in Autism Research “ with these authors:
Janet K Kern 1 , David A Geier 2 , Richard C Deth 3 , Lisa K Sykes 4 , Brian S Hooker 5 , James M Love 4 , Geir Bjørklund 6 , Carmen G Chaigneau 4 , Boyd E Haley 7 , Mark R Geier 2
The reason for the retraction is probably because of conflict of interest!
And finally, the grand titled “Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc.”
This institute has three employees and Mark Geier is the director and a budget of about $9000 dollars.
– “Now I know that there are oodles of papers out there saying that, but their are Big Pharma and their $billions who fund most of the studies one way or another.”
So you approve of scientific evidence when it confirms your existing faith, but straight back to conspiracy theory when scientific evidence goes against it.
– “The fact that you are studiously ignoring that obvious point indicates it has greatly surprised you, and you have no adequate response, apart from ‘showering me with papers that conclude MMR can’t cause ADS or Autism’”
I am surprised neither one way nor the other, because I realise I’m no specialist in either brain inflammation or autism. But neither are YOU, Paul. In fact you have not demonstrated any ability to reason scientifically at all. Instead you work a ratchet – cherry-picked science that advances your goal, and conspiracy theory “big pharma fund lots of stuff” when the science points the other way. With dogged application of this technique anyone and “prove” anything. It’s exactly what Professor Patrick Holford was exposed as doing in Bad Science.
OK there is probably some evidence that neuroinflammation has a role to play in some psychiatric disorder but this does not mean that
1. We know how to treat these disorders with anti-inflammatory drugs but are not doing so.
2. That because in rare cases vaccines cause encephalitis, that autism is caused mainly by vaccines.
In fact there it is much more likely that absence of vaccines predisposing to maternal infection with these common viruses is actually more likely to lead to foetal neuroinflammation. It is of course well known that rubella (german measles) can cause serious foetal damage in pregnant women oftenl leading to miscarriage. Catholic bishops should be up in arms encouraging women of child bearing age to be vaccinated.
SA, be fair; it’s a review paper, summarising the research of I think six other papers.
I advise against “conflict of interest” approach, because that’s the same technique as conspiracy theory. Always look at evidence rather than scientists. Something’s amiss here, and we don’t know what it is yet. But the evidence and reasoning are to be found, somewhere.
As we all in here probably know, not all science is the absolute truth, and papers do get published that perhaps shouldn’t and I am sure ‘Bad Science’ addresses this question. Findings are confirmed AND REFUTED OR RETRACTED But the formula that Paul uses is simple:
Pick a scientific paper that I agree with and believe blindly in everything the paper I agree with says. The rest is all big pharma lies.
We should review what we actually have here.
Paul has shown us I think two court cases where damages were awarded for brain inflammation for two different vaccines.
That paper says there should be more research to see if vaccination causes brain inflammation, and it postulates a link between brain inflammation and autism.
All of that may have been followed up.
To follow up properly we’d have to read the whole review paper, and all the papers it was based on, to see if it properly reflects those papers. But there’s no way Paul has done that because:
– “..the formula that Paul uses is simple: Pick a scientific paper that I agree with and believe blindly in everything the paper I agree with says. The rest is all big pharma lies.”
Precisely. We can spend hours checking out that paper; meanwhile Paul is on the covid-19 thread spreading another form of lethal disinformation.
Citing a paper like that one is basically a clever way of cheating. It’s like filibustering; a massive time eater. But crucially, Paul doesn’t know he’s been set up to cheat. He just gets the link from an anti-vax site and accepts it in good faith. Paul is someone who can’t even tell that Dane Wigington is a charlatan.
And Paul does not have the courage of his convictions to answer me. He hides. What hope do we have of being believed if someone who claims to be progressive and anti imperialist, HIDES from answering a fellow anti imperialist just because I am telling the truth and know more about the subject than he does. Come on Paul be courageous, defend your reputation.
SA, sorry, I was replying too quickly without reading your comments thoroughly enough; I see you’d already dealt with most of the issues I’d raised. To be fair to myself, also some of our comments crossed.
With such small samples and the conflict of interest statement, Paul’s cited paper does look particularly weak, especially since it’s up against broad studies with samples of hundreds of thousands.
Paul, it would be nice to be able to turn to you for the following, and as it is you that raised the matter, it is you that I should turn to, but you have consistently demonstrated contempt for the scientific process, so I shall turn to SA.
SA, PubMed has a list of eighteen citations of the article “Relevance of Neuroinflammation and Encephalitis in Autism”. I don’t yet know how many support or criticise it, but it shows that this issue has not been ignored by the scientific community.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4717322/citedby/
The other article was retracted by the journal’s editors; here’s the retraction notice:
The editors indeed cited inadequate declaration of conflicts of interest, but I’m more interested in this bit:
– “Furthermore, the article itself contains a number of errors, and mistakes of various types that raise concerns about the validity of the conclusion. As a result, this article is being retracted by the editors without the agreement of the authors.”
I’ve had a fish around but I haven’t found any discussion as to what the errors are. Any idea where I should look?
You seem to be looking into that link I gave. Anything you come up with I will try to follow up.
You seem to blow hot and cold; one comment you have a reasonable tone, the next is threatening or abusive.
Let me make a few things clear. I believe Craig and his Moderators are perfectly capable of policing this Blog, and don’t need Deputy Dogs or vigilantes backing them up.
[ Mod: Indeed we are empowered to moderate discussions, Paul, and there is a case to answer here. You may have noticed that you’ve been premoderated for the last few days, due to your continuing dilation and distraction. The reply below about the use of mercury in medicine serves as further evidence of that phenomenon.
Your previous contributions are under review with regard to adherence to the commenting guidelines. As you’ve posted more than 6,400 comments over the years, along with hundreds of forum replies, the process will take some time to complete, at which point we’ll highlight issues of concern in the blog support forum and decide whether further intervention is required. In the meantime, kindly refrain from submitting further public comments to this blog. ]
If I am told by them I cannot post on vaccine matters, I shall obviously desist.
[ Mod: Kindly desist from posting further comments about vaccines (or indeed any other topic) which involve allegations of widespread conspiracy. Thank you for your co-operation. ]
Re SA, I already told him I would not respond to him due to his hostile and threatening posts – Hell is likely to freeze over before I relent on that.
If you, Clark, continue to threaten me and pile on the ad hominems, I shall cease responding to you as well. I hope it doesn’t come to that. Peace and Truth.
E1012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 21, 2003
MERCURY IN MEDICINE—TAKING UNNECESSARY RISKS I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
‘…FDA will allow a product to present more of a risk when its potential benefit is great—especially for products used to treat serious, life-threatening conditions.’’ This argument—that the known risks of infectious diseases outweigh a potential risk of neurological damage from exposure to thimerosal in vaccines, is one that has continuously been presented to the Committee by government officials. FDA officials have stressed that any possible risk from thimerosal was theoretical: that no proof of harm existed. Upon a thorough review of the scientific literature and internal documents from government and industry, the Committee did in fact find evidence that thimerosal posed a risk. The possible risk for harm from either low dose chronic or one time high level (bolus dose) exposure to thimerosal is not ‘‘theoretical,’’ but very real and documented in the medical literature. Congress has long been concerned about the human exposure to mercury through medical applications. As a result of these concerns, in 1997, Congress instructed the FDA to evaluate the human exposure to mercury through drugs and foods. Through this Congressionally mandated evaluation, the FDA realized that the amount of ethylmercury infants were exposed to in the first six months of life through their mandatory vaccinations exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) limit for a closely associated compound methylmercury. The FDA and other Federal agencies determined that in the absence of a specific standard for ethylmercury, the limits for ingested methylmercury should be used for injected ethylmercury. The Institute of Medicine, in 2000, evaluated the EPA’s methylmercury standard and determined that based upon scientific data that it, rather than the FDA’s, was the scientifically validated safe exposure standard. Rather than acting aggressively to remove thimerosal from children’s vaccines, the FDA and other agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adopted an incremental approach that allowed children to continue to be exposed to ethylmercury from vaccines for more than two additional years. In fact, in 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refused even to express a preference for thimerosal-free vaccines, despite the fact that thimerosal had been removed from almost every childhood vaccine produced for use in the United States. On three occasions in the last 15 years, changes have been made to vaccine policies to reduce the risk of serious adverse effects. First, a transition from oral polio vaccine to injected polio was accomplished in the United States to reduce the transmission of vaccine-induced polio. Second, an acellular pertussis vaccine was developed and a transition from DTP to DTaP was accomplished to reduce the risk of pertussis—induced seizures in children. And third, when the Rotashield vaccine for rotavirus was linked to a serious bowel condition (intersucception), it was removed from the U.S. market. Ethylmercury has been largely removed from every major childhood vaccine manufactured for use in the United States, except the influenza vaccine, which continues to contain trace amounts. This success, however, does not change the fact that millions of American children were exposed to levels of mercury through vaccines that exceeded comparable federal guidelines. Many parents, and a growing number of scientists, believe that this mercury exposure may have contributed to the explosive growth in autism spectrum disorders, and neurological and behavioral disorders that this country has experienced…’
From that excerpt from a report to Congress, it is clear that Mercury is dangerous, and the CDC has played around dangerously with children’s lives, and that the mercury/Autism/ASD link is certainly not settled.
You know yourself the majority of ‘Scientific Papers’ are financed in one way or another by Big Pharma, and the bias in them is to be expected (as Ben Goldacre might say).
It happened with cigarettes, lead, mercury, Bisphenol A etc. A number of chemicals banned in Europe are still allowed in the US, thanks to the Corporations lobbyists.
In the case of vaccines, the government is also backing the same horse as Big Pharma, and mostly backed also by the MSM (you explained how there was a time the MSM backed the dissidents).
We are both contributing to the longevity and length of this wild goose chase of a ‘discussion’. I have finally resolved not to contribute any more, even though discussion with you has been interesting and fruitful. But I find that this has been such a huge diversion from what we should be spending our time on. So now we are researching neuroinflammation! Leave that to the specialists and let us concentrate on the governments serious incompetence in everything they are doing.
The answers in any case are summed up from this article from 2010
PAUL, YOUR ARGUMENT TECHNIQUE IS AGGRESSIVE AND I OBJECT.
I am merely one person, and I cannot cope with an onslaught that you need only copy and paste from the formidable anti-vax publicity organisation.
[ Mod: Paul has been advised to desist from submitting further contributions (see the inline moderation notice above). His commenting history is currently under review and issues of concern will be posted in the blog support forum in due course. ]
Node’s going to be livid with me.
Paul, I’m sorry it came to this, and I’m sorry you can’t reply. You wrote:
– “You seem to blow hot and cold…”
If you want to understand where I’m coming from, read your copy of Bad Science until you understand it. Yes, there are important issues of corruption and distortion in medical science, but no, just dismissing counter-arguments with “Big pharma, government buddies, MSM” and then changing the subject yet again does not address it.
After you’ve understood Bad Science you’ll be ready for Bad Pharma to learn how medical corruption is really done, and it’s a fascinating story. This book started a parliamentary review, I think, but there is still much work to be done.
Clark, I agree that the factual arguments should stand on their own without recourse to the motives of the researchers. However, it seems Paul doesn’t quite understand the science, so he’s choosing his side based on motives. He tries to undermine the claims of the medical and scientific professions who are confident that vaccines (with or without the thimerosal/ethylmercury preservative) do not cause autism, by alleging that they’re swayed by financial incentives. Their ethics are being bought off by Big Pharma, according to Paul, and they’re prepared to mislead and endanger the public on that basis. Of course that view implies a wide-ranging conspiracy of fraud, malpractice, silence and cover-up. Well, if that’s the line Paul wishes to pursue, it would be even-handed to examine the motives on the other side of the debate as well.
We’re aware there are a few bad eggs who bend the rules for their own purposes: Andrew Wakefield is perhaps the most prominent example. As it happens, the authors of the paper Paul cited earlier – “Relevance of Neuroinflammation and Encephalitis in Autism” – are equally disreputable. The head of the research team, Dr Mark Geier, was struck off for numerous misdemeanours including professional misconduct, hazardous negligence, incompetence and misrepresenting areas of expertise. That’s not mere subjective opinion: those are words from the actual court rulings.
In the mid-2000s, riding the wave of concerns about thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, Maryland doctor Mark Geier and his son, David, began to promote a theory that a pathological interaction between mercury and testosterone explained many symptoms of autism. That claim came after the Geiers published a few studies suggesting a link between thimerosal and autism—studies that the Institute of Medicine characterized as having “serious methodological flaws.” Despite that review, the Geiers proceeded with their controversial work. They established an unapproved treatment that involved daily injections of leuprolide (Lupron) , a drug used to treat prostate cancer and to chemically castrate sex offenders. In children, the drug is approved only to treat precocious puberty, a rare condition in which puberty begins before the age of 8 years. Side effects in kids can include bone and heart damage. Leuprolide also carries a risk of exacerbating seizure disorders, a condition commonly associated with autism. The Geiers sometimes paired those injections with chemical chelation, a risky treatment for patients with heavy metal poisoning. To peddle their treatments to parents and insurance companies at a cost upward of $5000 a month, the Geiers improperly diagnosed children with precocious puberty—without performing the necessary diagnostic tests. They also misled parents into believing that the regimen was approved to treat autism, according to a 2011 investigation by the Maryland Board of Physicians. The board revoked Mark Geier’s state medical license, saying his practice “far exceeds his qualifications and expertise,” and other states followed suit. His son, who holds only a Bachelor of Arts degree, was charged with practicing medicine without a license.
The Wikipedia page on Mark Geier doesn’t mince words:
Mark R. Geier (born 1948 in Washington, D.C., U.S.) is an American former physician and controversial sometime professional witness who testified in more than 90 cases regarding allegations of injury or illness caused by vaccines.[2][3] Since 2011, Geier’s medical license has been suspended or revoked in every state in which he was licensed over concerns about his autism treatments and his misrepresentation of his credentials to the Maryland Board of Health, where he falsely claimed to be a board-certified geneticist and epidemiologist.[4]
Mark and his son, David Geier, are frequently cited by proponents of the now-discredited claim that vaccines cause autism. Geier’s credibility as an expert witness has been questioned in 10 court cases.[5] In 2003, a judge ruled that Geier presented himself as an expert witness in “areas for which he has no training, expertise and experience.”[2] In other cases in which Geier has testified, judges have labeled his testimony “intellectually dishonest,” “not reliable” and “wholly unqualified.”[2] Another judge wrote that Geier “may be clever, but he is not credible.”[6]
Geier’s scientific work has also been criticized; when the Institute of Medicine reviewed vaccine safety in 2004, it dismissed Geier’s work as seriously flawed, “uninterpretable”, and marred by incorrect use of scientific terms.[2] In 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics criticized one of Geier’s studies, which claimed a link between vaccines and autism, as containing “numerous conceptual and scientific flaws, omissions of fact, inaccuracies, and misstatements.”[7] In January 2007, a paper by the Geiers was retracted by the journal Autoimmunity Reviews.[3] New Scientist reported that the supposed institutional review board (IRB) that Geier claimed approved his experiments with autistic children was located at Geier’s business address and included Geier, his son and wife, a business partner of Geier’s, and a plaintiff’s lawyer involved in vaccine litigation,[8] and the Maryland State Board of Physicians referred to it as a “sham IRB” that did not meet the requirements of state or federal law.[4]
There’s more detail about the suspension of his licences in an article entitled “Mark Geier: Not a Leg to Stand On“:
Dr. Geier, through his Institute of Chronic Illness and Genetic Centers of America, misdiagnosed autistic children with precocious puberty so he could claim that he was using Lupron on label, rather than for an unapproved, experimental indication (i.e., autism). This also allowed him to bill insurance companies for the lupron. His actions got him into hot water with various state medical boards, starting with his medical license in Maryland being suspended on April 27, 2011. Since then, one by one, 11 of his 12 medical licenses were suspended, an application for a thirteenth license in Ohio was denied, and some of those suspensions became complete revocations. The last actions I wrote about were the revocation of his license in Missouri and suspension of his Illinois license. At the time, the only state left in which Dr. Geier could practice was Hawaii.
As of April 11, 2013, that is no longer the case.
David Geier (his son and co-author), who was also charged over the same affair, was convicted of practising medicine without an appropriate licence (he only had a BA degree in Biology). The co-author Janet Kern is an employee at Geier’s private institute, which operates from a residential suburb between Baltimore and Washington. You can read an investigation into their misdemeanours by Brian Deer – the same journalist who exposed Andrew Wakefield: “What Makes an Expert?” (BMJ, 2007).
Geier’s malpractices managed to extract large medical insurance payouts for the benefit of his own business (and his own bank balance). If anyone has been swayed into manipulating medical research for a profit motive, Paul, it’s the authors of the very paper you rely on. Well done for rooting out another disingenuous quack – to set alongside Andrew Wakefield, Loretta Bolgan and Judy Mikowitz – whose malfeasance was confirmed by judicial rulings. Yet somehow you cast the allegations of corruption at the mainstream industry-wide consensus. It really beggars belief.
It seems to me that you lose the “motives” round with a swift technical K.O. But let’s put that aside and focus on the issues.
Several of Geier’s published articles were retracted due to serious flaws and misrepresentations. The Harpocrates article outlines an underlying confusion between methylmercury (a neurotoxin, commonly found in seafood) and ethylmercury (used in thimerosal, easily flushed out of the body). Moreover, the causal theory implodes with the simple observation that the incidence of autism in the US continued to increase after thimerosal (and thus, ethylmercury) was completely removed from regular vaccines in 2001. I’ll conclude with an up-to-date summary from “Epidemiological controversies in autism”, published in January this year:
Claims that childhood vaccines fuelled an epidemic of autism were widely publicised in the late 1990s. One “theory” incriminated the measles component of the triple measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the second one implicated thimerosal (ethylmercury) received through other childhood vaccines. However, trends in rates of ASD were shown to be uncorrelated to trends in uptake of MMR or thimerosal-containing vaccines [8]. Controlled observational studies (case-control and cohort studies) equally failed to show increased risk of ASD in individual children exposed to MMR or thimerosal-containing vaccines in various doses [9]. Thimerosal was removed from vaccine production in the early 2000s, with no effect of autism trends. Younger siblings of children with ASD also have no raised risk of ASD after immunisations [10]. Remarkably, no study has ever supported a risk association of autism with vaccines, and as shown in meta-analyses and systematic reviews [9], the convergence of negative findings across investigators, study designs, samples and countries has been impressive. Further claims were made that the risk could be confined to a small, vulnerable, subgroup that epidemiological studies would not be capable to detect. Systematic search for this hypothetical subgroup (defined by regression, onset immediately after MMR shot, co-occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation, and abnormal persistence of measles virus in the gut wall) failed to validate its existence [11–13].
There is a wealth of scientific literature on this topic (although I note you have already discounted it with an allegation that it’s all funded by Big Pharma).
Paul, debating with you is like fighting the Black Knight from Monty Python’s Holy Grail: he loses a limb with every strike but battles on regardless.
“You’ve no arms left”
– “It’s only a flesh wound. Have at you!”
“What are you going to do, bleed on me?”
– “I’ll bite your legs off! I’m invincible!”
“You’re a loony!”.
Like Mark Geier, you have no legs left to stand on, Paul.
Iain Dale Rides To Rescue Charles Crawford
Muellergate and the Discreet Lies of the Bourgeoisie
The Route to Independence Leads Through Oban
John Rentoul and Margaret Beckett: Never Seen Together
The Arrest of Manny Singh
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Downtown Des Moines' Asian Garden will be renovated, expanded to address vandalism, lack of upkeep
Kim Norvell
Plagued by vandalism and deferred maintenance, the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden in downtown Des Moines is undergoing a redesign as part of a newly formed entity's goal to restore the garden's beauty and ensure its upkeep.
The planned $750,000 rehabilitation, renovation and expansion will help address damage to the garden and pagoda along the Des Moines River resulting from vandalism, lack of maintenance and flooding. A new nonprofit, The Friends of the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden, raised the money needed for the project and has created a fund for long-term care of the site.
"It's nice to see improvements being implemented and fixing the vandalism that's plagued this particular site for a long time," said Steve Wilke-Shapiro, a member of the Urban Design Review Board, which approved preliminary plans last week.
The design team of OPN Architects, Country Landscapes, Snyder and Associates and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden plan to first address security issues, such as overgrown trees and shrubs, and damage from vandalism, such as graffiti, shattered marble sculptures and missing finials along the marble railing, said Jim Henry, project architect with OPN.
It also will remove a water feature along the riverfront that has been decommissioned because of damage from high water and which is too secluded, making it difficult to ensure its security. It will be replaced with a rock garden lined by grasses.
"A big thing is visibility into the site from the street" to enhance security, as well as the view of the riverfront from Robert D. Ray Drive, Henry said.
To the south, a new entrance will be created using different landscaping, lighting and interpretive signs.
And to the north, the garden will be expanded into a large open swath between the pagoda and Interstate 235, known as the Jim Muto Recreation Area. There, designers will create a gravel walking path that connects with a wood-planked boardwalk near the river. The boardwalk will zig-zag through pockets of wetland plantings.
In between both installations, designers plan a series of drumlins, or oval-shaped mounds, that will be feature wetland and other native plantings — all of which are resilient to flooding should the site experience flooding, Henry said.
Built in 2009, the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden was developed by the Chinese Cultural Center of America as a monument to the late Gov. Ray, who advocated for the resettlement of 40,000 southeast Asian refugees in Iowa in the 1970s.
The garden was built as a symbol of a strong cultural and trade relationship between China and the United States. Paul Shao, an Iowa State University architecture professor who emigrated from China, first designed the site in 1991.
Shortly after the garden opened, the Chinese Cultural Center of America disbanded. The city and the Riverwalk Development Authority were tasked with maintaining the monument, but an original $1 million endowment could not sustain long-term maintenance costs.
Once the restoration project is completed, The Friends of the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden will maintain a capital expense endowment fund for upkeep and may contract with the neighboring Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for care of the garden.
The garden refresh and expansion is expected to be completed in late summer 2021.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct name of Country Landscapes.
Kim Norvell covers growth and development for the Register. Reach her at knorvell@dmreg.com or 515-284-8259. Follow her on Twitter @KimNorvellDMR.
Your subscription makes work like this possible. Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.
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©2021 Distractify. All rights reserved.
Home > Relationships
Source: iStock Photo
New Mom Wants Smoker MIL to Shower and Change Clothes Before Holding Her Newborn
By Robin Zlotnick
A nervous mother-to-be. A mother-in-law who's a heavy smoker. And a phenomenon known as thirdhand smoke, which is a real thing. Sounds like a potential recipe for an explosive family confrontation, doesn't it? That is probably why this "worried daughter-in-law" wrote into Slate's parenting advice column asking how to approach this very delicate situation.
"I am expecting my first baby soon," this mom-to-be writes. "When the baby is born, my in-laws will be coming for a visit." However, her mother-in-law is a heavy smoker. Although she's not worried about her actually smoking in front of the baby, she is worried about thirdhand smoke. We all know what secondhand smoke is. We've all walked down a city street and been subjected to a puffy cloud of someone else's tobacco smoke.
But the concept of thirdhand smoke was new to me. According to a paper published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, "thirdhand smoke is a result of combusted tobacco, most often from smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or cigarillos. Thirdhand smoke remains on surfaces and in dust for a longtime after smoking happens, reacts with oxidants and other compounds to form secondary pollutants, and is re-emitted as a gas and/or resuspended when particles are disturbed and go back into the air where they can be inhaled."
Basically, thirdhand smoke is bad for you, just like secondhand smoke and actually smoking. It lingers in the air, clings to dust, and gets into our lungs where it doesn't belong. And this mom-to-be doesn't want thirdhand smoke from her mother-in-law infecting the lungs of her brand new baby. Understandable.
That's why she and her husband decided that, after she smokes, grandma has to shower and change her clothes before she can pick up the baby. The expectant mom recognizes that this is a potentially sensitive subject and a big ask, and she doesn't want to hurt her MIL's feelings. So she asks, "How can we still be welcoming and let her know we are excited to have her around while setting these boundaries? Also, how long should we remain strict about the issue? How should we handle this when we are visiting my in-laws?"
Slate's Care and Feeding correspondent Carvell Wallace said that while his first instinct was not to worry too much about thirdhand smoke, he does realize it's a real thing and should be taken seriously. And he recognizes that her MIL might feel ostracized no matter what when she and her husband bring up this issue. But he said something magical: "You are perfectly within your rights to ask for what you want; her response to that is her business, not yours."
Isn't that freeing? This couple should feel free to do what they think is best for their infant. They can and should try to soften the blow by not making it personal and making sure she they say to her that they're excited for her to be part of the family, but beyond that, there's nothing they can do to try to control her reaction. She's either going to understand or not. All that matters is that ultimately, she respects their decision.
"With any luck," Carvell writes, "this will spur her to take a second look at her relationship to smoking and maybe even cause her to let go of something that is clearly standing in the way of being with her grandbaby."
I know that my own grandfather used to enjoy smoking a pipe, but he gave it up the minute I was born. I'm not sure if there was a conversation with my parents that inspired this decision, but this may be the kick she needs to give up the habit once and for all. If not, that's OK too. But she still has to respect their wishes if she wants to interact with her grandchild.
Now, Carvell does admit that things change a bit when it comes to the new parents visiting their in-laws. "When she's visiting you," he writes, "I think you can be strict about this. When you are visiting them, I think you have to, for necessity's sake, be less so. It's not possible for them to clear all residual smoke and nicotine off of everything in their home. You may want to stay in a hotel for that reason."
It's going to be tough, but if they approach the conversation with as little judgment as possible, I think they might be OK. This is not an indictment of her life choices. It's just what they are choosing to do to keep their baby as healthy as possible.
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Open 7 Days a Week - 9am to 6pm
985 Robert Blvd Suite 101, Slidell, LA 70458
OCC MED
LABS & X-RAYS
Dr. Wade Estopinal “Dr. E.”
By KEVIN CHIRI, The Slidell Independent
It’s not hard to understand why Dr. Wade Estopinal enjoys his day-to-day routine of seeing patients at his Slidell clinic.
Estopinal got the most challenging start imaginable in his medical career, working at the former LSU Charity Hospital system in the emergency room, where he saw every bit of trauma a physician could encounter.
“We had some nights when there were 10 to 12 gunshot victims,” he said. “It was really very sad to see so much violence like that, and realize there were a lot of people who had nowhere to turn in their lives. So much social injustice out there—it was a sad situation to see.”
The compassion from Estopinal is something he carries with him to this day, now one of the co-owners of Doctor’s Urgent Care clinic, located at 985 Robert Blvd., St. 101. Life in his daily clinic work is an abrupt change from the challenging experience he gained during his days of training at Charity.
“No matter what else is happening, as a doctor, my work is all about the patients,” he said. “I know some people believe doctors don’t care enough, but with me, that’s all I care about.”
Estopinal had a strong family to teach him those values. Growing up in Marrero, he was one of nine children who were taught one important lesson from their dad: “money doesn’t grow on trees."
“We were working from a young age,” he said. “I had a paper route I operated every day for 17 years, taking me into college.”
Unlike most young people who enter college and still are uncertain about what career they want to follow, Estopinal said the Catholic upbringing from his mother and father seemed to guide him from an early age.
“I grew up knowing I wanted to serve in some capacity, and as a Catholic, I figured it was either to be a priest or be a doctor,” he said. “I began volunteering in high school at Jo Ellen Smith Hospital, and then I knew I wanted to be a doctor.”
For Estopinal, the only question was what field of medicine he would enter and as he began taking different rotations as an intern, he quickly found a love for emergency room medicine.
“I liked it because it let me deal with every kind of situation you could imagine,” he said. “I had the trauma, I helped people with injuries and I even got to deliver babies. It was kind of like being an old-fashioned doctor who went to see families and handled everything. I really liked that.”
Estopinal believes most doctors “are born to be in this field,” and he sees himself the exact same way.
“I have a deep faith and I believe God gives people like me the tools to do this,” he said. “It certainly takes a special person to live this kind of life and deal with the things we face''
He came to Slidell to work in the emergency room in 1993 and continued as an E.R. doctor for many years, until Katrina struck and brought about a new opportunity.
“I had joined with Dr. (Charles) Preston in his local clinic in 2003, along with two other doctors,” he said. “But after Katrina, only he and I were left there, and we were the first clinic to open in Slidell, so we were very busy.”
He said it forced him to choose between the clinic or the E.R., a decision he is thankful for today.
“I’ve got three wonderful children and now looking back, I feel blessed that I was forced to choose one thing, and I chose the clinic,” he said. “Now I am home at normal hours and I spend more time with my family.”
“It was a real blessing that Katrina forced me to change what I was doing,” he added. “Family is everything. I probably would have burned out from the E.R. work if I hadn’t been forced to choose.”
“When I walk in the door of a room to see a patient, everything else gets put aside,” he said. “I care about this community, and the patients I see, and I want to do my best to help them. As I said before, I think it is actually a calling to be a doctor, and I love that I am doing this.”
Aimee Coulon, APRN
By CHRISSY SMITH, The Slidell Independent
Aimee Coulon is an advanced family/emergency nurse practitioner who has traveled the world to work in the medical field and help others, but now she says she feels settled in Slidell as a NP for Doctor’s Urgent Care.
Although only 30 years old, Coulon has more experience than most her age. She started college at age 16, and was a junior in college by age 18. She said at that point she knew she had to pick a career path, but was not initially sure of what to do. “My dad and I talked and he told me it was time to pick a path. I did some soul searching and praying, and all I could remember was that at age seven, I said I wanted to be a missionary so I could help people. It was then that I knew I wanted to go into the medical field,”
Coulon said. Originally from Monroeville, Alabama, Coulon went to Springhill College in Mobile, Ala. where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Although most nursing school graduates need actual work field experience before being accepted into nurse practitioner school, Coulon got right in because of her stellar reputation.
She graduated in 2009 with her nurse practitioner degree, and moved to Slidell where she took a job in New Orleans. “I knew I didn’t want to stay in my hometown, but I still wanted to be close to my family. New Orleans just made sense to me, and I was living in Slidell so I was only three hours from my family,” Coulon said.
While living in Slidell, some of her friends introduced her to a man who is now her husband. Although the two hit it off, Coulon said she was in a dilemma because she already had made plans to move to New Zealand. “I knew if I didn’t go through with the plans I had been working on, then I might never do it. I told (husband) Chad that I needed to still do this and he completely agreed,” Coulon said. So she left for New Zealand where she said her eyes were opened to a whole new mindset. She worked in the emergency room in New Zealand, but traveled around doing other types work to help others. “We brought items to kids at the tribes like coloring books and things we take for granted here. The women would make things we could buy, and if you just bought one thing it was be a big deal to them. In New Zealand, there wasn’t a lot of crime and we walked everywhere,” Coulon said.
While there, Chad visited a couple months in and the two went on a four-day hike that Coulon said really brought them together. Several months later, Coulon’s family, along with Chad, came back to visit, and Coulon said it was a magical time. “We went on a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier where Chad proposed to me,” Coulon said. “My family was there and took pictures of it all. It was really surreal.” The couple decided to get married right after Coulon returned to the states on July 11, 2013. She and Chad then planned a wedding and reception that their whole family could attend. “I knew that my home would now be in Slidell because that’s where Chad and his son lived. I had been back for maybe two months and was not looking for a job yet. But we were leaving the gym, and there was a little business expo going on so I stopped by the booth at Doctor’s Urgent Care,” Coulon said. She talked with CFO, Scott Leonard, for almost 45 minutes and things just clicked. “The people here are great, and everyone gets along so well. I have worked a lot of places, and this is by far the best place I’ve ever worked,” Coulon said. “The people here really make it worthwhile. There is a family atmosphere here and you get positive feedback.”
She has also found a new love for “healthy living” and helping people get truly healthy. Coulon is now using her new-found passion helping coach people all over America lose weight, get off diabetic/blood pressure medicines; and just start living truly better healthier lifestyles.
The nurse practitioner says after traveling and accomplishing those goals, she is now focused on her family in Slidell with her husband, and three amazing boys. “Life is just getting better and better.”
Dr. Peter R. Galvan is an internist in Slidell, Louisiana. Galvan served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged with commendations before he started his medical practice. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1989 and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
985 Robert Blvd Suite 101
©Copyright 1996-2021, Doctors Urgent Care, 985 Robert Blvd. Suite 101, Slidell, Louisiana (LA). All rights reserved. Information subject to change without notice.
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Saudi gets aggressive in Yemen; Bergdahl tried to escape 12 times; Brad Carson apologizes for chems; Kirby drives south; And a bit more.
"It was the co-pilot's intention to destroy this plane," a French prosecutor said this morning of the downed jet in the Alps. But, he said: "It was a voluntary action on the part of the co-pilot... He is not known as a terrorist.” The Guardian has live updates of a press briefing taking place this hour, here. And, more below.
The Saudis and as many as nine other nations began an airstrike campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in an effort to blunt their advance and restore the Hadi government. One day after Yemeni President Hadi reportedly fled the country by boat, Saudi Arabia, which has been fearful of the growing instability right across the border, launched an airstrike campaign that aims to stop the Houthis. Saudi forces had amassed along the border with Yemen, to prevent spillover violence, but the country’s mounting an airstrike campaign wasn’t necessarily expected. But the move framed the contours of what could become a proxy war inside Yemen between regional powers – Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries against Iran.
Reuters this morning: “Warplanes from Saudi Arabia and Arab allies struck Shi'ite Muslim rebels fighting to oust Yemen's president on Thursday, a gamble by the world's top oil exporter to check Iranian influence in its backyard without direct military backing from Washington.
“Riyadh's rival Iran denounced the assault on the Houthi militia group, which it backs, and made clear the kingdom's deployment of a Sunni coalition against Shi'ite enemies would complicate efforts to end a conflict likely to inflame the sectarian animosities fuelling wars around the Middle East.
“Warplanes bombed the main airport and the nearby al Dulaimi military air base of the Houthi-held capital Sanaa, residents said, in an apparent attempt to weaken the Houthis' air power and ability to fire missiles.” More here.
The NYT’s Mark Mazzetti and David Kirkpatrick: “...By Wednesday morning, Houthi forces had seized Al Anad air base, which until recently had been used by American counterterrorism forces, about 35 miles from Mr. Hadi’s refuge in Aden, the country’s second-largest city.” More here.
The U.S. is not part of the effort, but is working in close coordination with the Saudis. Bernadette Meehan, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, said the U.S. and Saudi Arabia had created a special cell with the Saudis. Meehan, in a statement last night: “While U.S. forces are not taking direct military action in Yemen in support of this effort, we are establishing a Joint Planning Cell with Saudi Arabia to coordinate U.S. military and intelligence support.”
What’s a joint planning cell? A defense spokesman told The D Brief late last night that the U.S. is playing a “limited role” and that this is not something that the U.S. is in any way leading. The spokesman to The D Brief: “At the request of the [Gulf Cooperation Council] the [Defense Department] will participate in a Joint Combined Planning Cell to monitor the current situation in Yemen and facilitate communication between the US and GCC. The JCPC will function as a fusion center for security activities and operations to synchronize efforts in response to the Yemen crisis. We will not get into operational specifics however our support is limited and not in a combat role.”
This is a good analysis/primer of Iran, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, by Stratfor, here.
In the meantime: U.S. airstrikes actually begin over Tikrit. First it was surveillance, then yesterday there was the news that the U.S. was planning airstrikes. Then they actually began late yesterday in a sign that the U.S. recognizes the Iraqis need help – and that Iranian assistance ain’t necessarily that great.
The WSJ’s Julian Barnes, Raja Abdulrahim and Matt Bradley: “U.S. warplanes began airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Tikrit in what American officials said was a sign of the failure of Iranian-backed forces to retake the city. The offensive to retake the city has been stalled for more than a week and American officials on Wednesday said they began the strikes after the Iraqi government formally requested help. The U.S. in recent days began providing video feeds and other intelligence to Iraqi forces, drawing the Americans into closer coordination with Iranian-allied Shiite militias spearheading the campaign.
“The U.S. intervention is a blow to Iran, which has played a major role in commanding the Shiite militias and has also supplied weapons. Those militias account for about 20,000 of the 30,000-strong force involved in the operation.”
What does Tikrit say about Iran, according to the U.S.? U.S. officials say the operation in Tikrit shows how weak Iranian support is for Iraq’s government. With the U.S. now stepping up its support in the operation, there’s hope it will drive a wedge between Iraq and Iran.
A U.S. official to the WSJ: “Tikrit shows the complete failure by Iran to produce results on the ground.” More here.
Just this morning, Central Command put out this vid of airstrikes against a militant compound in Tikrit: watch it here. And here’s another, here.
Welcome to Thursday’s laden edition of The D Brief, Defense One's first-read national security newsletter by Gordon Lubold with Ben Watson.
Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was charged with one count each of desertion and “misbehavior before the enemy,” nearly nine months after returning to the U.S. Defense One’s Lubold: “For the desertion charge, Bergdahl faces a maximum punishment of a reduction of rank to private, forfeiture of all pay and confinement of five years. The other charge, that of “misbehavior before the enemy,” also carries a maximum of life in prison. Bergdahl has not been paid by the Army until sometime after his capture and it’s expected that he is owed hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“It’s likely that under whatever punishment Bergdahl is given, he will lose that money and be dishonorably discharged. But it’s somewhat less likely that Bergdahl, held by the Taliban for almost five years, would see any jail time…” Read the rest, here.
Bergdahl tried to escape a dozen different times, including one attempt that lasted more than a week, according to a letter provided by his lawyer to The New York Times: “‘Without food and only putrid water to drink, my body failed on top of a short mountain close to evening,’ Sergeant Bergdahl wrote… ‘Some moments after I came to in the dying gray light of the evening, I was found by a large Taliban searching group’ … [that] hit him, tried to tear out his beard and hair, and returned him to his captors.
“‘I was continuously shown Taliban videos…Told I was going to be executed. Told I was never going back. Told I would leave the next day, and the next day told I would be there for 30 years.’ …The case will now go to Fort Sam Houston, Tex., for a hearing that is similar to a grand jury in a civilian court. After that, a military tribunal will determine whether Sergeant Bergdahl should be court-martialed.” More here.
John Kirby, who left the Pentagon’s press podium this month, would have been in the thick of it yesterday with Bergdahl – and loved every minute of it. But instead, he was driving south to his home-state of Florida with his wife, Donna, to visit family and participate in an event at his high school in St. Petersburg. Washington likely hasn’t seen the last of Kirby, but for now he’s in transition to whatever comes next.
Said Kirby to the Tampa Tribune’s Howard Altman about yesterday’s news about Bergdahl, likely somewhat wryly: “I heard about that.”
Read Altman’s piece about Kirby and how he sees life after the podium, here.
Meantime, here’s an interesting development: Brad Carson, the undersecretary of the Army, apologized to U.S. veterans of the Iraq war for their exposure to chemical weapons. The NYT’s C.J. Chivers: “The under secretary of the Army on Wednesday apologized for the military’s treatment of American service members exposed to chemical weapons in Iraq, and he announced new steps to provide medical support to those with lingering health effects and to recognize veterans who had been denied awards.
[Carson] acknowledged that the military had not followed its own policies for caring for troops exposed to old and abandoned chemical munitions that had been scattered around Iraq, and he vowed improvement.”
Here’s part of what Carson said: “To me, the scandal is that we had protocols in place and the medical community knew what they were, and yet we failed in some cases to implement this across the theater… That was a mistake, and I apologize for that. I apologize for past actions and am going to fix it going forward.”
Why Carson? Because then Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel appointed him to lead a panel to work to identify service members who had been exposed to chems in Iraq after the NYT raised the issue in a big investigative piece in October. Read today’s Page Oner here.
Check it out: Any veterans who believe they may have been exposed to chemical warfare agents while in combat in Iraq—and who have had trouble getting care or treatment can contact Carson directly, NYTs C.J. Chivers says this morning on his own site: “So, then, if you are a veteran who may have been exposed to sulfur mustard, sarin or chlorine, take a moment and cut-and-paste this email address: brad.r.carson.civ@mail.mil. It leads directly to the under secretary’s in-box, which from my experience I can say he checks himself and is not filtered by staff.” More (including a backgrounder on the matter), here.
Non-martial bliss: Fort Bliss got a new commander last month after the previous one was fired after investigators found he had “cheated on his wife, misused a government credit card and failed to register private firearms he kept in his on-base residence.” Kevin Lilley for Army Times with more, here.
Ash Carter today at 12:30 will deliver the keynote at the State Department’s Global Chiefs of Mission Conference. What he’ll say, according to a senior defense official: “He’ll respond to the House bill passed last night and argue that stashing defense funding in overseas contingency operations will fail to provide the Department the ability to plan and invest in critical modernization efforts. He will also draw the link between a strong economy, education, and health care system and our national security, including the future health of our all-volunteer force. Secretary Carter firmly believes that Congress must overturn sequestration not just for the Pentagon but for State and agencies across the government.” Watch it on the Pentagon Channel, here.
$46 billion of waste? This morning, John McCain will speak at the Center for Strategic and International Studies to talk about one of his favorite things: acquisition reform.
Here’s a taste of what McCain will say about the “ambitious steps” he hopes the U.S. will take to make some “meaningful changes” to the acquisition system: “Many of our military’s challenges today are the result of years of mistakes and wasted resources. According to one recent study, the Defense Department spent $46 billion between 2001 and 2011 on at least a dozen programs that never became operational. And what’s worse, I am not sure who, if anyone, was ever held accountable for these failures…”
And the R&D numbers ain’t great, McCain will say: “The Defense Department is facing an emerging innovation gap. Commercial [research and development] in the United States overtook government R&D in 1980, and now represents 80 percent of the national total. The top four U.S. defense contractors combined spend only 27 percent of what Google does annually on R&D.” Watch McCain at CSIS at 8:30 this morning here.
More of who’s up to what today if you scroll to the bottom.
A senior French military official said a pilot was locked out of the cockpit of this week’s tragic crash of a GermanWings plane with 150 people on board. But so far, no credible indications the crash was a result of terrorism. NYTs Nicola Clark and Dan Bilefsky with the latest, here.
U.S. drops 60K leaflets over ISIS' base in Syria. USA Today's Tom Vanden Brook: "The leaflet drop near Raqqa, the Islamic State's self-proclaimed capital, took place on March 16. An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter dropped a specialized leaflet-dispenser bomb for the first time in Syria, according to Col. Tadd Sholtis, an Air Force spokesman... The leaflets depict recruits to the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, being fed into a meat grinder... Another sign [on the leaflet] reads, "Now serving 6001," and the man in the front of the line drops a ticket with that number, Sholtis said." More here.
Meantime, defense hawks versus fiscal hawks: defense hawks won. The NYT’s Jonathan Weisman: “House Republicans beat back protests from fiscal hawks and narrowly passed a budget that increases war spending but slashes domestic programs and begins to privatize Medicare with a goal of balancing the federal books in nine years.” Read the rest here.
The House passed their budget last night, drawing jeers from the White House for its “gimmicky” workaround the dreaded sequester. Tara Copp for The Washington Examiner, here.
Did anyone care? Afghan President Ashraf Ghani made that speech to Congress yesterday. But Hill staffers noticed the meager turnout of reporters to cover the event in what was seen as an embarrasing showing of interest in the Afghan president’s appearance, historic for its signaling of a completely new relationship with modern-day Afghanistan. It might have been because it’s been all-Ghani all the time for the last few days – first at the Pentagon then at Camp David, then again at the White House. And the press’ attention may have been diverted by Bergdahl and events overseas – like Yemen.
But Defense One cared: Molly O’Toole covered the event and wrote that midway through Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani’s address to Congress, congressional doorkeepers were still quietly directing pages and staffers to fill seats between U.S. lawmakers—a marked contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s standing-room-only audience in early March. Defense One politics editor Molly O’Toole: “‘[B]ecause of the dispute between the president of the United States and the prime minister, whether the president was informed or not about it — great political theater,’ [Sen. Lindsey Graham] said, explaining the congressional attention deficit between Ghani and Netanyahu. ‘…I wish it would’ve gotten the same attention as the prime minister’s speech because Americans are still dying in Afghanistan.’
“Among the no-shows on Wednesday was Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas… [whose] office confirmed he did not attend and was not in town, saying, ‘He did give away his ticket, though.’” More here.
A new generation of defense leaders are taking impressive steps to shore up Europe’s security, Derek Chollet, former assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, writes in Defense One: “One such leader is Norway’s Defense Minister, Ine Eriksen Soreide. In office since 2013, she has quickly established herself as one of NATO’s rising young (age 38) stars… and has pushed Norway to spend more on defense, hold tough against Russia and stay engaged in the fight against the Islamic State, or ISIS.
“Another defense leader to watch is Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen… Last summer she was instrumental in Berlin’s decision to resupply the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters with lethal assistance… [and] has also worked to maintain Germany’s leadership in northern Afghanistan.” Read the rest, here.
America’s surveillance programs are undermining human rights across the globe, even as the State Department calls advancing internet freedom a “foreign policy priority,” Alex Sinha of the ACLU and Human Rights Watch argues in Defense One, here.
A new report ordered by Congress says the FBI could stand to speed up its integration of intelligence collection and analysis in the fight against terrorism in the states. AP’s Eric Tucker: “The report looked at five terror plots and attacks in the last few years, including the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. It identified lapses in communication and coordination among different offices of the FBI… Even though the FBI cultivates confidential sources for intelligence purposes, no human sources provided actionable intelligence to stop or prevent any of the five plots, it found.” More here.
Who’s doing what today? State Secretary John Kerry begins again a round of talks with his Iranian counterpart on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions… the House Armed Services Committee talks readiness posture with each service’s vice chief today at 8 a.m. (line-up and live stream here) … Sen. John McCain hits up the Center for Strategic and International Studies a half hour later to talk 114th Congress’ defense priorities (more here)… Retired Gen. John Allen reviews the counter-ISIS strategy with the House Foreign Affairs Committee at 8:30 a.m. also (more here) … HASC’s Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittee talks aviation modernization at 9 a.m. (line-up and live stream here)… the Senate Armed Services Committee reviews CENTCOM, AFRICOM and SOCOM budgets with Gens. Lloyd Austin, David Rodriguez and Joseph Votel at 9:30 a.m. … the House Appropriations Defense subcommittee hears from Army Secretary John McHugh and Gen. Ray Odierno on the Army’s budget at 10 a.m. … HASC’s Emerging Threats and Capabilities subcommittee talks technological advantages at the Defense Department at 10:30 a.m. (full roster and live stream here).
Also today: Afghanistan’s Ashraf Ghani hits up the Council on Foreign Relations in NYC at noon (catch it live here)… Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks at the State Department at 12:30 p.m. … Defense Information Systems Agency Director Lt. Gen. Ronnie Hawkins, Jr., speaks at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Central Maryland Chapter luncheon at 1 p.m. in Greenbelt, Md. … Ghani’s Kabul cohort and Afghanistan CEO Abdullah Abdullah heads to Brookings for a 2 p.m. discussion. Live stream link, here.
NEXT STORY: How Mercenaries Are Changing Warfare
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John Breeden II
John Breeden II is a journalist and reviewer with over 20 years of experience covering technology. He is the CEO of the Tech Writers Bureau, a group that creates technological thought leadership content for organizations.
US Soldiers May Take Flying Ubers to the Front Lines
That’s the premise of a new partnership between the U.S. Army, NASA, and the ride-hiring company.
How the U.S. is Preparing for a Quantum Future
Not surprisingly, it's a complex issue.
Tomorrow's Quantum Computers Are Already Threatening Today’s Data
Large-scale quantum computing could be just five years away.
3 Predictions for Government Tech in 2018
Here's which tech will move from buzzword to implementation.
Four Ways to Automate Cyber Defense
Humans aren’t fast enough to respond to network attacks and breaches. Machines can help us, if we help them.
What It Would Really Take to Knock Out the Power Grid
As our electrical system lifts itself out of the stone age, the defense built around it will require added vigilance.
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Archaeology Science
Germany to host first-ever conference on ancient Egyptian military history
Mira Maged
Germany will host for the first time in May 2020 a conference entitled “Perspectives on the Ramesside-Era Military System in Ancient Egypt,” according to Mohamed Refaat Abbas, Director-General of the Scientific Research Department at the Ministry of Antiquities in Alexandria and one of the main organizers of the event.
Abbas is the first-ever Egyptologist from Egypt to receive a grant from Germany’s Fritz Thyssen Foundation, according to MENA, which he used to organize the much-anticipated conference alongside Egyptology Professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Friedhelm Hoffman.
Set to take place at Munich’s Egyptian Museum, the conference is expected to promote the study of ancient Egyptian civilization in Europe, especially since Munich is one of the world’s most remarkable tourist hotspots, an official statement issued by MENA News Agency said.
Numerous scientific studies and research projects appealing to western scholars are set to be showcased at the conference, Abbas added, noting that featured studies will explore Egypt’s military history.
The Ramesside period includes both the 19th and 20th Dynasties, beginning in 1189 BC and ending in 1077 BC, Abbas explained.
The period, during which Egypt’s ancient kings thrived, is defined by an exceptionally successful performance by Egypt’s military, according to Abbas, who went on to note that the histories of these dynasties were documented on the walls of Egypt’s distinguished temples, including in Karnak and Abu Simbel.
Abbas is one of the main organizers of the conference and also plans to present a “significant” paper at the event.
The Fritz Thyssen Foundation, founded in 1959, is a private, nonprofit organization in Germany well-known for its support of research in the humanities, social sciences, and medicine.
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Egypt to construct the Cairo Eye, Africa’s largest Ferris wheel
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Egypt’s Minister of Health refutes claims that Egypt has highest coronavirus death rate
Strategic cooperation agreement between Russia and Egypt comes into force
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Tags Abu Simbel archaeology Egypt-Germany relations Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities germany Karnak Temple Munich Ramesses
Photos: Egyptian-German mission discover New Kingdom artifacts in Heliopolis
Features/Interviews
How King Tut exhibitions became a multimillion-dollar industry
Zahi Hawass says Nefertiti’s tomb could be discovered in 'a matter of weeks'
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Ronaldo, Neymar or Messi who is better in Fifa 16 / PES 2016
Fifa 16 and PES 2016 are the main football simulators, released by Electronic Arts and Konami respectively. In addition to sharing the taste of virtual football fans, the games still have their own "opinions" when it comes to the quality of players. We prepared a full comparison between the digital versions of the three football players who were nominated for the Ballon d': Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Messi.
FIFA 16 - Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is second to none Messi, despite having a lower overall level than the Argentine. Rated a 93, the Portuguese Real Madrid remains, even with the ups and downs of the Merengue team.
His main features in the game are finalizing very accurate (95), the strength of the shot (94), his impressive jumps (94) and his top speed (93), able to overcome the best defenders in the game.
FIFA 16 - Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi keeps his morale high in the latest version of the game. Even after a season with a complicated injury, the Argentine is still the best player of FIFA 16, evaluated with a 94.
Very fast and skillful in real fields, Messi also runs much in FIFA 16. His main attributes are acceleration (95), ball control (96), dribble (96) and balance (95). This makes the player can escape from bumps and even carts beefier players.
FIFA 16 - Neymar
The Brazilian Neymar Jr. was one of the highlights of brilliant season at Barcelona, who led the team to the title of the Champions League and the Club World Cup. In addition to the five-star facility dribbling and kicking with both feet, Neymar also follows the standard speed of his competitors (91 acceleration and top speed of 90). Another highlights are the dribbling (94), agility (92) and ball control (90).
PES 2016 - Cristiano Ronaldo
Two points behind Argentina's Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo does not have to be ashamed of in PES 2016. With 92 points, the Portuguese is one of the players with better performance on the field, thanks to his high speed and physical strength.
With 97 points, halter and power of the kick, Ronaldo is a fear to the defenders by both the high as the floor. His offensive skill (93), speed (93), physical explosion (90) and finishing (92) are also lethal weapons.
PES 2016 - Messi
In PES 2016, the story is not much different. Messi beats Ronaldo and get the honorable job of best player in the game, with the overall score 94. With impressive numbers in offensive skill (97), ball control (96) and dribble (96), the Argentine is difficult to stop in the Konami game. In addition, Messi also ends very well (94), and knows to protect himself from the harsh entries with a balance to envy (94).
PES 2016 - Neymar
Despite being the poster boy of the Konami game, Neymar is not on par with his opponents. Even with 90 points overall, the former Santos has no numbers as impressive as those of competitors. Comparison aside, the Brazilian is one of the best in the game with excellent numbers in dribbling (94), ball control (90), physical explosion (93), offensive skill (88) and speed (88).
PES 16 or FIFA 16 - which game is better - comparison
FIFA 16 licenses: new teams and leagues - rumors and news
PES 2016: Strategy guide
categories: Ronaldo; Neymar; Messi; Who is Better; Fifa 16; PES 2016
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Riverside Authorities Catch DUI Defendant On Run For 8 Years
On August 17th, 2015, the police were successful in arresting a man in a west suburban neighborhood of Riverside. The defendant, Pablo Leonardo, initially claimed to be a different person but eventually confessed to his true identity after being confronted with fingerprint results. Mr. Leonardo had been evading a warrant stemming from a drunk driving incident that occurred eight years ago.
According to Riverside police, they stopped Leonardo’s vehicle at Harlem and Olmstead because they suspected it was violating license plate registration requirements. The arresting officer reported that Leonardo was a passenger in the vehicle and that he was extremely fidgety and reluctant to answer questions.
The driver was a Chicago woman, aged 33. Her driver’s license was not updated and for that, she was taken into custody. She received several citations. However, she was later granted bail and was then released.
The passenger on the other hand was a completely different story. According to the Sun-Times, he was acting nervous and suspicious the whole time, and for good reason. Initially, he provided false information during his interrogation. He continuously insisted that his name was Pablo Menardo-Jacob, but upon fingerprint investigation, his true identity of Pablo Leonardo was revealed.
Pablo Leonardo had a DUI warrant issued in November of 2007. Once Leonardo’s identity was confirmed, he stated that he had changed his name and date of birth frequently over the years to avoid suspicion and capture.
He also reportedly told police that he often traveled between Guajardo in Mexico and Illinois. Authorities, despite having had Leonardo in custody several times since his initial DUI warrant, we're unable to confirm Leonardo’s identity during the times that he was previously in their custody. As a result, he was able to roam for 8 years as a fugitive.
He is currently being held without bond.
When a person is facing drunk driving charges, especially if a warrant has been issued, it is a good idea to consult a trustworthy DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. Although public defenders are available, private attorneys are often able to provide a level of personal attention, experience, and expertise that you’d be incredibly lucky to have appointed to your case at no cost.
If you or your loved one are facing DUI charges in Riverside, contact an attorney today to help limit the damage. If you need to keep your license to drive, there is a limited amount of time to request a hearing with your driver’s safety office. If you’d like, you can hire an attorney for them to present at your DMV hearing to help ensure you’ll be able to keep your license.
Those facing charges in Riverside can call (844) 241-1221 today to speak with an experienced former prosecutor with years of experience defending drunk driving defendants. Having been the former District Attorney Prosecutor of Riverside, you can count on attorney Randy Collins to provide you and yours with the care, compassion, and aggressive pursuit of justice that every case needs to be successful.
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Europarl TV
Home Politics “The Turkey-Libya agreement is geographically absurd”
“The Turkey-Libya agreement is geographically absurd”
Speaking at the Atlantic Council think tank of international affairs in Washington on Tuesday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said how he “arrived (in the US) at a turbulent time, but also at the best point in Greece-US relations.”
Mitsotakis noted how Greek economy is reacting favorably to the reforms legislated and pursued by his government, and he underlined making an early repayment of the country’s loans to the IMF after his government won the July 2019 national elections.
He then referred to the potential purchase of F-35 fighter jets, when the country’s budget allows for it.
The Greek Prime Minister also emphasized how he has always been a firm supporter of the NATO alliance and proceeded to condemn Ankara’s recent policy in the region and beyond.
“I made it clear in London (at the recent NATO Leaders’ Summit) that it is unacceptable for one ally to provoke another ally,” he noted, “yet Turkey continues to provoke, and the issue should be discussed again in the alliance.”
Concerning energy policy, he praised the recent signing of the EastMed gas pipeline agreement in Athens as a milestone in Greek-American relations, and stressed how this is a significant accord not only for Greece and the signatory countries, but also for Europe, as it would cover its energy needs for the next 30 years. He also said he wanted to make sure it is clearly understood that no one is ruled out from this agreement, and that Greece does not, as he said, stand in Turkey’s way.
He then mentioned that the “Turkey-Libya so-called ‘agreement’ cannot produce anything of legally accepted stature, as it is an agreement legally unfounded, null and geographically absurd,” he noted.
“But we are inclined to keep all communication channels with Turkey open,” he added.
“If Turkey agrees that we must resolve our differences over the maritime zones decisively, then we can go to The Hague, but even then the condition is to respect international law and recognize that our only difference in the Aegean concerns the continental shelf.”
“We will not accept any violation of our sovereign rights,” he stressed.
On the EU prospects of western Balkan countries, Mitsotakis said that “the European road of the western Balkan countries is in our favor (…) but as far as Albania is concerned, we have made it clear that the rights of the Greek ethnic minority there should be respected,” he added.
On the heated situation following the killing of top Iranian army commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad by a targeted US bombing, Mitsotakis said there should be a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
“We have close relations with the Arab world, but we do not forget who our allies are,” he said, and here he took the opportunity to refer to Greece’s economic cooperation with China, saying Piraeus is the natural port route from Africa and Asia.
On refugee policy, he said that “you cannot have the Schengen Agreement and not have a common (E.U.) asylum policy. It is very unfair to put the burden on the countries at the EU’s borderline. I cannot wait for the EU to respond on this,” he said.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis finally referred to the deepening of strategic cooperation with the US, “for which there is now widespread and intraparty support in Greece, especially after SYRIZA’s policy shift in favor of it,” he concluded.
D K
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SYRIZA’s Iliopoulos: The gov’t is leading the country to a new social and economic bankruptcy
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Sakharov Prize 2019
EP Delegation on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to Malta
Monetary Dialogue: opening statement by Christine LAGARDE
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An employee of the company managing the Athens metro (Stasy) was hospitalized on Wednesday after an attack by two young men who had earlier...
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Manfred Weber backs Mitsotakis’ plan for an EU vaccination certificate
Draft bill on university police and other changes in universities unveiled
Gennimata to government: You are afraid of progressive reforms
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innogy’s operating business develops as expected in the first nine months of 2019
Various activities reported as discontinued operations in the new segment Divestment Business
Adjusted EBIT at about €1.1 billion, adjusted net income at around €0.2 billion due to structural effects
2019 outlook technically adjusted for effects related to the takeover by E.ON
In the first nine months of fiscal 2019, innogy SE’s earnings declined year on year as expected, with adjusted EBIT of €1,060 million and adjusted net income of €212 million.
innogy’s takeover by E.ON results in significant structural effects in the reporting: activities to be sold off in relation to the E.ON/RWE transaction have been assigned to the new segment Divestment Business and are stated as discontinued operations going forward. Consequently, these activities no longer contribute to adjusted EBIT and adjusted net income; the prior-year figures were adjusted accordingly. The 2019 outlook has been technically adjusted for the same reason: for the current fiscal year, innogy now forecasts adjusted EBIT of about €1,600 million and adjusted net income of about €400 million.
Takeover of innogy by E.ON
Following approval of the transaction by the European Commission, the shares in innogy held by RWE amounting to roughly 76.8 per cent were transferred to E.ON on 18 September. As a result, E.ON is innogy’s new majority shareholder. Furthermore, innogy’s minority shareholders which had accepted E.ON’s voluntary public takeover offer and held approximately 9.4 per cent of the shares received the offer consideration for their shares by the end of September 2019.
In this context, all of the shareholder representatives on innogy SE’s Supervisory Board resigned with effect from 4 October 2019. At the request of innogy’s Executive Board, the District Court of Essen appointed new members of the Supervisory Board as of 5 October 2019. Details on the new shareholder representatives can be found on the Internet at https://news.innogy.com/supervisory-board-of-innogy-se-court-appointed-new-shareholder-representatives/.
On 10 October 2019, the Supervisory Board elected Johannes Teyssen, Chief Executive Officer of E.ON SE, as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board also decided on changes to the Executive Board of innogy. innogy SE’s new Executive Board now has three members: Leonhard Birnbaum (Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the grid and retail business), Bernhard Günther (Chief Financial Offer and Chief Human Resources Officer) and Christoph Radke (Chief Operating Officer Divestment Business, Legal & Compliance, Procurement). Details on the Executive Board can be found on the Internet at https://iam.innogy.com/en/about-innogy/investor-relations/corporate-governance/governance.
On 21 August, innogy sold its 49 per cent stake in the business of Slovakian VSEH (Východoslovenská energetika Holding a.s.) to RWE. VSEH is a holding company, whose subsidiaries are engaged in the business of electricity supply and distribution as well as retail in Slovakia. The company’s earnings in 2019 up to the time of deconsolidation are stated under income from discontinued operations. As a result of this reporting, the expected earnings of some higher, double-digit million euros from the Slovakian energy company in 2019 no longer contribute to the Group’s adjusted EBIT for the current fiscal year.
Business performance from January to September 2019
Following the takeover of innogy by E.ON, innogy’s activities in renewables, the gas storage business and the stake in the Austrian utility Kelag are to be transferred to RWE in a further step. Furthermore, in order to fulfil a commitment made by E.ON to the EU Commission as a prerequisite for anti-trust approval, innogy will sell its remaining Czech activities (mainly retail business). The previously stated activities form the segment Divestment Business which was newly created in the third quarter 2019; they are initially reported in the 9M statement as discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS 5.
All income and expenses for the reporting year and the previous year in relation to these activities are recognised separately in the income statement, condensed into one line as ‘Income from discontinued operations’. Among other things, as a result of this reporting these activities no longer contribute to the consolidated figures for external revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBIT, non-operating result, financial result and taxes on income, and are also no longer included in adjusted net income. The figures for capital expenditure and employees also only include continuing operations. The prior-year figures were adjusted accordingly. In the balance sheet, the assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations are also presented separately, but in accordance with IFRS 5 the balance sheet for the prior-year period has not been adjusted.
At the level of the individual divisions, earnings developed as follows:
The adjusted EBIT of the Grid & Infrastructure division amounted to €1,160 million, down year on year (€1,318 million). In the Eastern Europe segment in particular, income declined due to the lack of earnings from the Czech gas business, which was sold in early February 2019. In the segment Germany, lower extraordinary items and higher staff costs contributed to the lower earnings.
In the Retail division, adjusted EBIT fell from €348 million in 9M 2018 to €161 million in the reporting period for 2019. The decline was mainly driven by regulatory interventions in relation to introducing the price cap for standard tariffs in Great Britain. Other negative factors were higher grid fees and wholesale prices for electricity and gas in Germany, which could not be passed on or not yet passed on in full to the customers.
While adjusted EBIT in the Netherlands/Belgium was on par with last year, it was lower than in the previous year in Eastern Europe. In particular, regulatory intervention resulted in higher procurement costs from wholesale price increases being borne by energy utilities.
It is positive, that innogy has been able to expand its customer base in two regions since the start of the year, despite intense competition. In Germany, by the end of September 2019 the company added almost 230,000 new customers, and in Netherlands/Belgium, it noticed a gain of around 35,000 customers.
In Corporate/New Businesses, adjusted EBIT continued to drop from –€211 million in 9M 2018to –€261 million in the current reporting period for 2019. At the Innovation Hub, earnings were significantly undermined by the weaker performance of the portfolio and portfolio consolidation (from –€9 million in 9M 2018 to –€30 million in 9M 2019), while at eMobility higher growth expenditures for the international expansion of business had an anticipated negative impact on earnings (which fell from –€30 million in 9M 2018 to –€45 million in 9M 2019). In the segment Corporate/other the reduction of earnings was mainly due to higher expenses for internal IT projects and higher depreciation due to the introduction of the new SAP system S4/HANA.
Income from discontinued operations totalled €307 million (previous year: €276 million). The increase was primarily driven by the deconsolidation gain from the sale of the Slovakian company VSEH and from the operating performance of the segment Divestment Business which was formed in the third quarter 2019 and which is also reported as a discontinued operation. An opposite effect was felt from impairments recognised for the Nordsee Ost offshore wind farm, which was revalued due to the bankruptcy of a service provider, including a revision of the maintenance strategy and the impact of the so-called ‘acceleration model’ on the valuation.
Positive non-operating result. The non-operating result, which contains certain non-operating and aperiodic effects, improved from –€441 million in the same prior-year period to €217 million in 9M 2019. Among other things, this improvement was driven by deconsolidation gains from the sale of the Czech gas grid business, while negative valuation effects of commodity derivatives compared to the same period last year and expenses in relation to the RWE/E.ON transaction had an opposite effect. Additionally, the non-operating result for 9M 2018 was influenced by goodwill impairments on innogy’s United Kingdom retail activities (–€748 million).
Financial result lower than in previous year. A decline was registered for net interest (from –€269 million in 9M 2018 to –€301 million in the same period of 2019). This development was due to initial recognition of interest expenses from lease liabilities in connection to the first-time application of IFRS 16 and weaker positive effects from the reversal of differences in carrying amounts from the debt transfer from RWE. Lower average borrowing rates and positive effects from the removal of the interest-bearing debt of our Czech gas grid business which was sold off at the end of February 2019 had a positive impact on net interest. Interest accretion to non-current provisions was higher as a result of lower interest rates (–€44 million in 9M 2018 versus –€73 million in the 2019 reporting period). The other financial result improved from –€64 million to –€26 million, mainly due to positive income on securities in 9M 2019 versus a loss in the same period of 2018.
Additionally, in the third quarter of 2019 innogy paid back early a loan of €700 million which was originally due on 20 October 2020.
As of 30 September 2019, the effective tax rate was 51 per cent. One of the main reasons for this is that innogy wrote off deferred taxes in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, as it was not anticipated that these could be used. As a result of the presumed transfer of the Renewables business, the option of applying the related earnings contributions to determine the recoverability of deferred tax assets was no longer available.
As anticipated, adjusted net income came in at €212 million, down compared to the previous year (€458 million). This was mainly due to weaker adjusted EBIT. The normalised tax rate for calculating adjusted net income remained unchanged at 27.5 per cent.
Capital expenditures almost on par with previous year. During the reporting period, capital expenditures were almost the same as in the prior-year period (€1,055 million in 9M 2018 versus €1,034 million in 9M 2019). Furthermore, innogy recorded significantly higher proceeds from disposals/divestments in the Grid & Infrastructure division. This stemmed primarily from the sale of the Czech gas grid business.
Cash flows from operating activities of continuing operations fell from €1,055 million in 9M 2018to –€163 million in the 2019 reporting period. Effects related to working capital were partly responsible for this development, as this item usually fluctuates sharply during the year. Compared to the previous year, the impacts of a number of different items were felt, including an effect from commodity procurement for the retail business related to the reporting date, which influenced working capital positively in 2018 and thus had a corresponding opposite effect during the reporting period for 2019. The free cash flow of €802 million was considerably higher than the prior-year figure (€217 million), due to the sale of the Czech gas grid business. After deducting dividends from free cash flow, the budget deficit amounts to –€127 million, up by €822 million versus the same period of 2018.
The net debt of continuing operations rose to €18,009 million during the reporting period, comparedto €16,985 million at the end of 2018. This was due to the budget deficit and first-time applicationof IFRS 16, as the reporting of lease liabilities had a negative impact on net debt. The decline in the discount rates since the beginning of the year from 1.8 per cent to 1.0 per cent in Germany andfrom 2.8 per cent to 1.8 per cent in the United Kingdom resulted in an increase in provisions for pensions to €4,504 million. The positive performance of plan assets had an opposite effect. On balance, the net debt of discontinued operations amounted to €1,111 million at the end of the reporting period.
Outlook for 2019
Structural effects during the first nine months of 2019 had an impact on the outlook for the whole year. Various activities which will be transferred to RWE following the takeover of innogy by E.ON (activities in renewables, the gas storage business and the stake in the Austrian utility Kelag) as well as the remaining business in the Czech Republic are reported as ‘Income from discontinued operations’ in the new segment Divestment Business. As a result of these structural effects, the above activities are no longer included in the consolidated figures for adjusted EBIT and adjusted net income. Adjusted for these effects, innogy now forecasts adjusted EBIT of about €1,600 million (previously about €2,200 million) and adjusted net income of about €400 million (previously about €800 million) for the current fiscal year.
This document contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current views, expectations, assumptions and information of the management, and are based on information currently available to the management. Forward-looking statements shall not be construed as a promise for the materialisation of future results and developments and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those described in such statements due to, among other things, changes in the general economic and competitive environment, risks associated with capital markets, currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in international and national laws and regulations, in particular with respect to tax laws and regulations, affecting the Company, and other factors. Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates assumes any obligations to update any forward-looking statements.
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Growing Farmers: Women in Agriculture
Whether working on a farm or ranch, or in an ag-related position, women are making a big impact in agriculture. A lot has changed over the last 10-15 years and women are playing a crucial role in initiating new ideas on farms and ranches across the U.S.
According to a report by the USDA, the share of U.S. farms operated by women has nearly tripled over the past three decades. When secondary operators are counted, the number of female farmers increases to one million – or about 30 percent of all U.S. farmers. We asked women ag leaders to weigh in on what resources they find helpful, and what we can do to encourage the next generation of women farmers.
Check Out a Wide Variety of Opportunities
Whether through growing up on the farm and fostering a desire to stay there, or developing an interest through career exploration programs, more women than ever before are pursuing careers in agriculture. Female farmers and ranchers are a part of the largest growing segment of people working in agriculture. For those who don’t want to work on the farm or ranch, but do want to work in ag, alternative career opportunities are plentiful. Careers can range from Veterinarian to Food Science specialists, Horticulturists to Agribusiness and Communications, and more. In fact, as many as one in three people work in agriculture worldwide, and as many as one third of those people are women. Because the field is so diverse, more women than ever before are pursuing careers in agriculture and creating their own career path and lending their own unique talents.
Because women are playing a more active role, there are many resources that have been developed exclusively to support women as they carve their niche. Programs designed for women work to address some of their unique questions and challenges.
Helpful Resources for Women in Ag
American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership program -- The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership (AFBWL) program engages women with the training and education they need to become powerful advocates for today’s agriculture. The program provides women with leadership training, communication skills, and networking to strengthen their ability to encourage positive change in their communities and in the agricultural industry.
The USDA’s Women, Land, and Legacy program – This outreach program connects women with resources for making informed decisions for their land and communities. It creates a bridge between government, non-profit organizations, faith based and community groups.
FarmHER – FarmHer connects, inspires, and empowers women in agriculture. Whether it be online, on the farm or ranch, or at an event, this organization brings women together to build a better understanding of how their lifestyles improve the world around them.
Annie’s Project – This nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational programs designed to strengthen women’s roles in the modern farm enterprise. Annie’s Project fosters problem solving, record keeping, and decision-making skills in farm women.
Forming a network doesn’t need to mean a formal set of membership requirements. These women in Wisconsin have developed a local support system that started as a simple potluck where they get together share information and tour one another’s farms. These loosely-organized networks have sprouted business partnerships and resource-sharing opportunities. They serve as an example of what can be accomplished by teaming up and working together.
Nurturing Early Interest
Whether your daughter is an animal lover, an avid gardener, or someone who loves to cook, you may have a future ag professional on your hands. In other words, people don’t need to grow up on the family farm or ranch to have a career in agriculture. Because careers in agriculture are so diverse, a small interest can develop into a fulfilling career path. If you think your child may have an interest in an ag-related field, introducing them to 4-H or FFA programs may help them explore or develop that interest and see a viable future career for themselves.
Supporting the Next Generation
The opportunities for women in agriculture are growing. Whether you have a family background, or simply want to explore, there are career pathways to suit just about any interest. Finding hands-on opportunities and classes to support an interest has been said to be the best way to learn and create connections.
Looking for more ways to support an interest in agriculture? Get involved in your local Farm Bureau and take part in activities at a local level.
How to Winterize Your Farm Equipment
Find out how you can get smarter insurance for agriculture
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THE ISIMANGALISO DROUGHT
It is common knowledge that the KwaZulu-Natal North coast is experiencing significant drought and it is during times like these that we need to endeavour to conserve our water and protect our land to the best of our ability.We at Emdoneni Lodge would like to encourage everyone to do all that is in their power to save our water and protect both the land and the wildlife affected by the recent droughts and it is so encouraging to hear of all the systems set in place in order to help combat the effects of the drought on the coast.
Source: http://isimangaliso.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/iSimangaliso-151206-aerial.jpg
The iSimangaliso (meaning miracle and wander) Wetland Park is a well-known heritage sight here on our South African coastline. The Wetland provides many a wildlife with a place of safety and source of water and food. The Wetland Park is 332 000 hectares in size and houses 3 major lake systems, 8 interlinking ecosystems; 700 year old fishing traditions; most of SA’s remaining swamp forests Africa’s largest estuarine system’ 526 bird species and 25 000 year old coastal dunes – some of which are among the highest in the world which is why it is imperative to us to conserve the land and protect it – as well as any other areas that are being negatively affected – from the effects of the on-going drought in the area.
There has been extensive coverage and research done into the damage and impact the drought has on people and livestock in the area but it has become evident that there has not been a large amount of research done into the effects of the drought on wild life and wild species that inhabit the area, which as you can see is a massive amount. With Lake St Lucia Estuary being the largest estuary in Africa, not only does it impact local bio-diversity but it also impacts bio-diversity on a national and global level and is material to the viability of many local and national economic activities and so we would like to share with you the systems and procedures being put in place in order to help protect and conserve the area:
Currently, there is a beach spillway in place that will transfer any water flows from the Umfolozi catchment through to Lake St Lucia as soon as the Umfolozi river flow increases.
The tender that was put together to remove portions of the dredge spoil pile that was placed in the mouth of the Lake St Lucia estuary is in an advanced stage. We are pleased that the funding has been secured and contractors are expected to commence with the site establishment and development in the early parts of the New Year (2016).
Park management are refining game numbers
The refurbishment of current and existing boreholes as well as the sinking of new boreholes for the animals, staff and visitors is currently underway
Water trucking
iSimangaliso with Ezemvelo are taking every effort to step in and assist by rescuing animals that are stuck in mud and relocating others to better grazing
The aim of this tender or process you may ask? The intervention mentioned above will contribute to the hydrological and estuarine restoration of the Lake St Lucia system and wetland by encouraging the link between the Umfolozi River and the lake and making this link a more stable one.
Research has indicated that with some of the land removed and the increased stability in the connection to the Umfolozi, the mouth of the estuary will become more open more often then closed.
Apart from what is being done to assist the situation we feel it is also vital that people in the area understand what should not be done or what not to do:
Breaching the Lake St Lucia’s estuary mouth in an artificial manner as a quick fix is most certainly not viable. Although it may seem like a temporary solution, it would increase the amount of salt loading an worsen the sanitary situation. Furthermore, without substantial freshwater flows, the mouth would be most likely to close soon after being artificially opened or breached, as sand would be driven into the estuary from the sea along with high levels of salt. If limits of tolerance of the normal estuarine invertebrate fauna is reached it could also cause significant negative long term impacts on fauna.
For more information visit www.isimangaliso.com and download the document “Lake St Lucia: Understanding the problem and finding the solution.” Support is most certainly needed for iSimangaliso’s Rare and Endangered Species fund; to make enquiries about donations to the fund, feel free to email debbie@iSimangaliso.com
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3 Iraqis dead from H1N1 virus in January
Three Iraqis died of swine flu and hospitals recorded 66 other cases of the H1N1 virus last month, a health ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday.
"There were 69 cases of swine flu in southern Iraq in January, and three of those people died," said Dr Hawra Abdullah.
She added two of the deaths occurred in the southern port city of Basra, while the third person died in Diwaniyah, south of Baghdad.
Abdullah did not have a tally for 2010.
The World Health Organisation declared last August that the H1N1 - commonly known as swine flu - pandemic was over, more than a year after it threw the world into a panic.
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Hezbollah poised to ride out indictments
Pro-Syrian President Bashar Assad protesters, hold up Assad and Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasralah portraits during a demonstration to show their support for their president, in Damascus, Syria. (AP)
Published Saturday, July 02, 2011
In a country with a history of scores left unsettled, Hezbollah is in a strong position to ride out an indictment accusing a high-ranking member of one of the most dramatic political assassinations in the Middle East.
The group has spent the past year laying the groundwork for thwarting any move to implement the all-but-inevitable indictment in the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. It has warned to "cut off the hand" of anyone who tries to arrest its members and repeatedly cast doubt on tribunal's investigation.
The work appears to have paid off.
Since the Netherlands-based court released the indictments Thursday, there has been no real sign that Lebanese authorities are willing to arrest the four suspects, including Hezbollah militant Mustafa Badreddine.
To do so, they would have to directly confront the Iran- and Syria-backed group that is firmly in control of the Lebanese state.
Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah planned a speech Saturday to address the indictment.
The most prominent of the four people named in the indictment is Badreddine, who appears to have a storied history of militancy.
He is suspected of building the powerful bomb that blew up the US Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, killing 241 Americans, mostly Marines, according to a federal law enforcement official and a book "Jawbreaker," by Gary Berntsen, a former official who ran the Hezbollah task force at the CIA.
He also is the brother-in-law of the late Hezbollah military commander Imad Mughniyeh and is suspected of involvement in the 1983 bombings of the U.S. and French embassies in Kuwait that killed five people.
Hezbollah has always had serious muscle, boasting a guerrilla force that is better armed and stronger than the national army.
But the group has amassed unprecedented political clout in the government, having toppled the previous administration in January when then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri — the slain man's son — refused to renounce the tribunal investigating his father's death.
The new premier, Najib Mikati, was Hezbollah's pick for the post. He issued a vague promise Thursday that Lebanon would respect international resolutions as long as they did not threaten the civil peace.
The ambiguous wording leaves ample room to brush aside the arrest warrants if street battles are looming. The Cabinet is packed with Hezbollah allies, so there is little enthusiasm within the current leadership to press forward with the case.
And the indictments do indeed threaten to ignite fresh violence in Lebanon. In the six years since Hariri's death, the investigation has sharpened the country's sectarian divisions — Rafik Hariri was one of Lebanon's most powerful Sunni leaders, while Hezbollah is a Shiite group. It has also heightened other intractable debates, including the question of the role of Hezbollah — and its vast arsenal, which opponents want dismantled.
Walid Jumblatt, a Hezbollah ally and leader of the tiny Druse sect, warned Friday that the indictments could lead to new civil strife in Lebanon and painted the case as a matter of justice versus stability.
"As much as justice is important for the martyrs and the wounded, so too civil peace and stability is the hoped-for future," said Jumblatt, whose own father was a victim of a political assassination in Lebanon and who was once an ardent supporter of the tribunal before switching alliances. "Civil peace is more important than anything else."
He pointed to widespread fears that the case could further divide the country, which has been recovering from decades of bloodshed, including a 15-year civil war that ended in 1990 and more recent sectarian battles.
The younger Hariri and his allies, now relegated to the opposition, and the international court will likely push for action against the four. But there is little they can do to force the government to do so.
Lebanese authorities have until the end of July to serve the indictments on suspects or execute arrest warrants. If they fail, the court's recourse is to publish the indictment. Details in the indictment about the investigation into the killing — so far kept under wraps might in theory prove embarrassing to Hezbollah, but the group is unlikely to be severely hurt by them.
While Jumblatt appeared to be offering a stark choice — either turn a blind eye to a dastardly crime, or run the risk of chaos — Hezbollah's leader has taken another tack.
Nasrallah has worked tirelessly to convince the Lebanese that the tribunal is not fit to deliver justice. For more than a year, he has gone on a media offensive against the tribunal, taking nearly every opportunity to call it biased, politicized and a tool of archenemy Israel.
He also said early on that he knew Hezbollah would be accused of the crime, a pre-emptive strike that dampened the impact of Thursday's indictment and bolstered his credentials as the man in charge in Lebanon.
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'Worst song ever' tops 30 million YouTube views
Time magazine described as a "train wreck". (SUPPLIED)
Published Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A song by a California teenager that has been mercilessly panned by music critics has topped 30 million views on YouTube and rocketed up Apple's iTunes charts.
"Friday," sung by 13-year-old Rebecca Black, was uploaded to YouTube last month by Ark Music Factory, a Los Angeles-based company that was hired by the girl's parents to produce the song for their daughter.
"It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday, everybody's looking forward to the weekend," the chorus goes. "Partying, partying, partying. Fun, fun, fun, fun. Looking forward to the weekend."
The video attracted scant attention until a popular comedian linked to it on his blog 10 days ago saying "Songwriting Isn't for Everyone."
As the tune began to attract attention on YouTube, a Yahoo! music blog called it a "mind-meltingly horrific song" and asked readers "Is YouTube Sensation Rebecca Black's 'Friday' The Worst Song Ever?"
Time magazine described "Friday" as a "train wreck" and the video as "hilariously dreadful."
The poor reviews only fueled more interest in the video and it has become a viral hit, racking up millions of YouTube views, spawning a slew of parodies on the video-sharing site and making Black an Internet sensation.
A total of around 17,000 YouTube viewers have hit the "like" button on YouTube for the song while the vast majority -- 133,100 -- have gone for "dislike."
"Friday" was nonetheless number 45 on the iTunes list of best-selling 99-cent singles on Monday.
Amid the deluge of venom, Black has shown considerable poise and dignity in interviews and appearances in which she has addressed her numerous detractors.
The aspiring singer told ABC's Good Morning America that some of the comments had made her cry.
"When I first saw all these nasty comments I did cry," Black said. "I felt like this was my fault and I shouldn't have done this and this is all because of me.
"Now I don't feel that way," she said.
"I think I have talent on some level," Black told Good Morning America. "I don't think I'm the worst singer but I don't think I'm the best singer."
Asked who she would most like to sing a duet with, the YouTube star said Justin Bieber, the Canadian teen idol who was also discovered on YouTube.
"I have Bieber fever," she said. "I am in love with Justin Bieber."
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Join Us This Week
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SHOWING UP AND STANDING UP: PALM SUNDAY
by Kim Becker |
on March 29, 2010 |
Luke 19: 37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38″Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40″I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
I was at a joyful public event, a demonstration and celebration of sorts last Sunday afternoon. Like Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, it was even in the streets, at the corner of Lake Street and 4th Ave. It was even a celebration of sorts, even though we were gathered to grieve something tragic and senseless: the death that week of a young man, only 20 years old, James King. He had been walking down Lake Street by First Avenue, just the other side of the expressway, with his sister, when someone rode up to him on a bicycle, stopped and shot him several times, point blank. He died almost immediately. King was not a member of any gang, but word on the streets now is that he got into some kind of argument or altercation with a gang member.
Not to let this tragedy go unanswered, to keep the community from simply accepting this and acquiescing to such things, a public vigil was organized for last Sunday, at 4 PM. Being a member of this neighborhood now, I felt the need to show up, stand up, and be counted among those who said, “This is not right! This we cannot simply accept. This we will not remain silent about.”
The chief organizers were MAD DADS and V.J. Smith, who spoke here several weeks ago. Also present were King’s mother, his sisters and other relatives. Plus members and leaders of her church, members and leaders of some other community organizations, members of King’s graduating high school class, former teachers, friends, members of city council and of community agencies, and finally, neighbors who simply wanted to gather, grieve, and to show up, stand up, and be counted in solidarity with James King and his family.
As sad as the occasion was, with friends and family members weeping and holding each other for comfort, there was also a joyful, lively, and life-affirming feeling to the gathering. Most of the people there were African-American, so the speaking and the singing had the robust and joyfully assertive tone of a traditional African-American worship service. Even with secular city officials present, nobody apologized for speaking or praying “in the name of Jesus.” Some spoke who had also lost sons and daughters and friends to senseless street violence. But with time you can heal, and you can overcome the grief, and the desire for vengeance, they said. Another person spoke up who said that he had once belonged to a gang, and had done jail time, but that he had overcome that and left his past, and anyone else there in a gang could, too. Others spoke and urged people in the crowd not to take revenge, but to come forward with any information they might have about the crime and to report it to the police. Pay no attention to the social code against “snitching,” V.J. said. You get targeted, or you end up in jail, and they won’t be there for you the way we’re here for each other now. Almost all of them said they had found the power to overcome their past and to turn their lives around through none other than Jesus Christ. And everyone here can do so too, they asserted.
But I have a confession to make. There stirred within me during this street gathering some questions and criticisms, mostly along the line of, “What good does this serve? How much good does this do, when the people responsible for this kind of tragedy are probably not even here to hear these messages of hope and of challenge? There’s a lot of good preaching here, but all of it to the choir. Who really thinks that the killer is here to even hear the pain of Mrs. King? Who thinks that any gang member who might have information on the crime would even show his face at an event like this? And if they’re not here, then how will events like this stop future gang killings and catch the killer? How will songs and sermons like what I’m hearing now at this corner near the McDonald’s bring back the businesses and the jobs that would give these young men something to aspire to other than status in a gang and money from something other than selling crack?” I confess that such questions ran through my mind. But I’m glad I didn’t voice them. Sometimes, silence is the better part of wisdom.
Because my thoughts soon ran this week to another time when God’s people showed up and stood up in the streets to be counted for Jesus Christ and to assert their faith, hope and love in the face of fear, despair and hatred. And someone did come to Jesus and say out loud, “Stifle your disciples; can it, cool it, and curb your enthusiasm. What good is all this? Who is this really helping? In fact, isn’t this dangerous and needlessly provocative? When the high priest and the religious establishment have not approved this gathering, when they weren’t even consulted or considered? Don’t you know what kind of authority they have to squash you like a bug under their feet? And if that’s not scary enough, have you bothered to look up toward the top of the tower on the Antonia Fortress, overlooking this very gate? Do you not see there the points of Roman spears, the sun glinting off Roman shields and helmets, and the idolatrous, imperial red banners with the golden Roman eagle? Don’t you think they’re watching every move down here? Don’t you think they might even be taking down names?”
Luke tells us it was the Pharisees who challenged Jesus about the propriety of all this allegedly irresponsible noise and celebration, and this party, “takin’ it to the streets.” They were very responsible and restrained people. They always knew the proper thing to do. And celebrating like this was neither a reasonable, realistic, nor responsible thing to do.
To which Jesus could have said, “You know, you have a point there. Sorry about all this noise and this mess. Sorry about all the disruption and disturbance I caused you. Someone will clean up all the palm branches and the coats on the ground, and whatever the donkey dropped along the way, and soon you’ll never know we were even here.”
Instead, Jesus says, “I tell you, that if these people were quiet, the very stones would cry out [for joy].” And that in spite of the fact that the powers and forces of death were looming all around and overhead. Jesus knew that he would be dead within only a few days—he even said so. There was a mother there who would also lose her son: Mary. And some friends who would soon huddle together to hug each other and weep over another promising young life snuffed out in its prime by the biggest, baddest gang around: the Roman Empire.
Nevertheless, within the shadow of the Roman fortress, in the presence of his enemies, with the dragon of death raising its ugly head and baring its teeth, Jesus insisted on celebrating. He evidently thought that celebrating was the reasonable, realistic and responsible thing to do. Twenty centuries later, that’s what lurks in the background and the shadows of today’s Palm Sunday celebration. There’s an aspect of “nevertheless” and “in spite of,” to our celebration and acclamation of Jesus as King, the promised Son of David. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” in spite of the forces and powers of death, depression and despair arrayed around him and that jubilant, exuberant crowd. And around us too, in the forms of gangs, whether they’re street gangs like the Bloods, or bigger gangs like Al Qaeda, international drug cartels, or the cartels and political organizations that peddle the most addicting and destructive drugs of all: fear, pornography and weapons.
So what good are celebration, or worship, or gatherings like the one last Sunday in honor of James King, or even this one this morning? Especially when those who need most to hear what we have to say aren’t even around, but who may now be hatching and carrying out their death-dealing schemes? Well, I can think of three things to say, three reasons why it was more helpful to take it to the streets than not, whether it was last week in Minneapolis, or 2,000 years ago outside Jerusalem:
1)It was good for me to be there at Lake and Third. I think of my presence there as self-care, like prayer and physical exercise. At the very least, it felt good to push back against the forces of depression and despair that would keep us hidden in our homes, with our shoulders hunched, for fear of offending the gangsters, whether they’re local gangs or global ones. For as Abraham Lincoln said, “To remain silent when one should protest makes cowards of men.” Becoming repressed, depressed and cowardly would be worse than anything that might happen for showing up, standing up and being counted. On the back of MAD DAD’s truck is a bumper sticker that says, “History is made by people who show up.”
Secondly, I’d like to believe that my showing up helped someone else who was there. Because everyone else who showed up certainly helped me. And we are all worth the good it did us. By our simple presence we helped each other remember and believe that not everyone is either a gangster or a victim. By the simple decency and courage shown by showing up, we helped each other remember and believe that God is still alive and at work cultivating and encouraging love and hope and faith even in the face of fear and evil. We believers may have our struggles and our doubts, wondering why it is, in God’s good world, such things as a senseless murder of an innocent person may happen. Or why the powers- that-were were allowed to lay their bloody hands upon the Prince of Peace. But if I were a gangster, I would have even more trouble and doubt over the fact that so many people find the strength and the decency not to give in to fear and intimidation and just stay at home and hide. If I were a gangster, I would have an even greater crisis of doubt over the fact that a hundred caring and concerned people are willing to gather in the street, to speak out and voice their outrage and their love for one another and their commitment to make this a safer, better community.
Who knows if, by our presence, we prevented someone else in that crowd from joining a gang and either killing or getting killed? Who knows if there wasn’t a young person there who thought to himself, “There really are other people for me, who will have my back when times get tough, people other than the gangsters who are trying to recruit me. These are the kind of people who will be there for me when times are tough, more so than the Bloods or the Crips.” As V. J. said, “Look around you, young people; these are your ‘homeys’ and not the pimps and the dope dealers. Your real ‘homeys’ are the people who ask you, ‘How’re you doin’? And ‘are you stayin’ clean, going to school, doin’ your homework, comin’ home at reasonable hours of the night?” I’d like to think that each of us being there added up to indisputable evidence that what V.J. Smith said was true.
Thirdly, it was good to be there because it was all we could do then and there. And its only by doing what we can do here and now, or at any given moment, that we can affect and improve tomorrow and forever. That’s all we’re capable of; its all we’re responsible for: the little we can do, here and now. I’ve always valued what I read on the plaque of another pastor’s desk, that said, “I will not let the big things I cannot do keep me from doing the little things that I can do.”
And who knows what results will come from the little we can do here and now? In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of a wealthy man who left for a trip abroad, after commending parts of his treasure to three of his servants. To one he gave 5 talents of gold; to another 2, and to another 1. When he returned, he found that the one with 5 talents of gold had invested that money and gained another 5, while the one with 2 had gained another 2. To both of them he said, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful in the little things; now I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
So it does no good to stay at home and wring our hands about the big changes that we cannot make in the days to come. No, of course we don’t have the power to guarantee that by next Tuesday all drug and gang activity in Minneapolis will end, and that by the following Thursday there will be no more hunger, war or cluster bombs throughout the world. We don’t even know if we’ll have next Tuesday or Thursday. But we do have today, here and now. And we always have opportunities to do something, somewhere, for someone, here and now.
Back to my original question– What good does this gathering, this celebration, do?– let me turn that question around and ask, “If we pray ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done,’ every week, hopefully every day, and believe that it is being answered, if we believe that God is “making all things new,” that “the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ,” and that “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea,” then who’s really being most reasonable and responsible? Those who cower in fear and despair, or those who show up and stand up to be counted with Jesus at the gates of Jerusalem, and with Mrs. King and V.J. Smith and MAD DADS?
We never know the power of doing the little we can, whenever we can, even if it is but to praise, celebrate and affirm. From Nazi-occupied Russia comes the true story of two Jewish women, living in the forests and hiding from the Nazis, who were captured by a Nazi patrol when they were sneaking into a town for food. They were accused of being partisans, guerrilla fighters, and were threatened with execution the next morning. That night, they had what they thought would be their last meal, a bowl of watery soup with a few pieces of fat floating in it. One woman took out one of the pieces of fat and started using it to polish her shoes.
“What are you doing, polishing your shoes at a time like this?” the other woman asked.
She replied, “My father always taught me that, no matter how bad things seem, do something nice to help yourself feel better and look better. At least you’ll have your self-respect, if nothing else.”
So the other woman removed some of the fat from her bowl of soup and began polishing her shoes too. The next morning, they were brought in before a Gestapo officer for interrogation. The officer looked them over and said to his adjutant, “Release these women; they obviously are not partisans, because partisans living in the woods would never have nice, clean, new street shoes.”
Again, “I will not let the big things I cannot do keep me from doing the little things I can do.” Doing what we can, when we can, with what we have at any given moment, regardless of the obstacles arrayed against us, is always the most reasonable, realistic and responsible thing to do. You never know what God may do with it. And if God has the last word on human history, and if that word is Jesus, and if Jesus is God’s yes and amen to all the prayers of the Psalms and the promises of the Prophets, even God’s Yes and Amen to each one of us, then showing up and standing up, to gather, praise and celebrate, to be counted for Jesus, like those worshipers outside the gates of Jerusalem five days before Jesus died, that is reasonable, realistic and responsible, too.
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POCIUS, MARTYNAS
Zalgiris Kaunas 7 Forward
Height: 1.96 Born: 28 April, 1986 Nationality: Lithuania
@ltumarty
Totals 16 8 381:52 174 37/79 18/60 46/65 8 35 43 37 7 36 2 15 34 57 132
Averages 16 8 23:52 10.9 46.8% 30% 70.8% 0.5 2.2 2.7 2.3 0.4 2.3 0.1 0.9 2.1 3.6 8.3
11 * at Power Electronics Valencia 25:46 9 4/11 0/2 1/2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 4 1
12 * vs Olympiacos Piraeus 26:06 17 4/6 2/4 3/4 1 5 6 4 1 3 2 20
13 * at Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul 25:34 6 1/3 1/3 1/2 1 2 3 4 3 1 3 3 4
14 * vs Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul 28:04 13 2/7 2/3 3/5 1 3 4 2 2 2 3 5 9
15 vs Power Electronics Valencia 26:01 8 3/4 0/3 2/3 5 5 3 1 2 4 4 10
16 * at Olympiacos Piraeus 21:47 5 1/5 1/5 3 3 4 2 4 3 2 1 -2
6 Totals 153:18 58 15/36 6/20 10/16 3 19 22 18 4 14 0 8 16 19 42
Average 25:33 9.69 41.7% 30% 62.5% 0.5 3.2 3.7 3 0.7 2.29 0 1.3 2.7 3.2 7
1 * vs Partizan mt:s Belgrade 17:36 17 2/4 3/4 4/6 2 1 1 5 3 10
2 * at Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv 23:43 6 3/5 0/6 0/2 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 1 3 1
3 vs Asseco Prokom Gdynia 27:49 18 0/4 3/7 9/14 1 5 6 1 3 1 7 15
4 at Caja Laboral Vitoria 27:25 16 4/6 0/4 8/10 1 1 4 2 2 8 17
5 vs Khimki Moscow Region 13:13 4 1/2 0/3 2/2 3 3 2 1 2
6 at Partizan mt:s Belgrade 24:16 6 2/6 0/1 2/2 1 2 3 3 3 5 3
7 vs Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv 25:05 10 1/2 2/3 2/2 1 1 4 2 1 2 2 10
8 * at Asseco Prokom Gdynia 23:50 16 5/7 1/2 3/3 1 1 4 2 1 3 18
9 vs Caja Laboral Vitoria 23:43 10 2/3 1/4 3/4 1 1 1 1 3 3 6
10 at Khimki Moscow Region 21:54 13 2/4 2/6 3/4 1 2 3 2 4 1 1 2 3 8
Average 22:51 11.6 51.2% 30% 73.5% 0.5 1.6 2.1 1.9 0.3 2.2 0.2 0.7 1.8 3.8 9
Index rating 27 Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Zalgiris Kaunas 1/31/2014
Points 26 Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Zalgiris Kaunas 1/31/2014
Offensive rebounds 3 Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Zalgiris Kaunas 3/13/2014
Defensive rebounds 6 Zalgiris Kaunas vs. CSKA Moscow 3/6/2014
Total rebounds 7 Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Zalgiris Kaunas 3/13/2014
Assists 7 Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Partizan Belgrade 2/13/2014
Steals 3 Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Zalgiris Kaunas 10/28/2010
Blocks 1 Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus 12/18/2014
Minutes 34 Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Zalgiris Kaunas 1/31/2014
Layed high-school basketball at Holderness HS, NH.
Played college basketball at Duke University (2004-09).
Moved to Lithuania for the 2009-10 season, signed by BC Zalgiris Kaunas.
Played there also the 2010-11 championship.
Moved to Spain for the 2011-12 season, signed by Real Madrid CF.
Moved to Turkey for the 2014-15 season, signed by Galatasaray Istanbul.
Back to Lithuania for the 2015-16 season, signed by BC Zalgiris Kaunas.
.moved to Spain for the 2016-17 season, signed by UCAM Murcia.
Member of the Lithuanian National Team.
Won the silver medal at the 2013 European Championship.
Won the bronze medal at the 2010 World Championship.
Played at the 2011 European Caampionship.
Played at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Won the 2012-13 Spanish National Championship with Real Madrid CF.
Won the 2013-14 and 2015-16 Lithuanian National Championship with BC Zalgiris Kaunas.
Won the 2012 Spanish National Cup (King's Cup) with Real Madrid CF.
Won the 2012 Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid CF.
Won the 2010 Baltic League with BC Zalgiris Kaunas.
Played the 2010 and 2011 Lithuanian All Star Game.
Has been member of the Lithuanian U-18 and U-20 National Team.
Has been member of the Lithuanian University National Team.
Played at the 2009 World University Games.
Played at the 2005 Hoop Summit with the World Team.
2009-10 Zalgiris Kaunas 16 130 8.1 22/49 44.9 18/47 38.3 32/44 72.7 33 10 23 4
2010-11 Zalgiris Kaunas 16 174 10.9 37/79 46.8 18/60 30 46/65 70.8 43 7 37 2
2011-12 Real Madrid 14 104 7.4 26/52 50 8/32 25 28/31 90.3 23 3 12 1
2012-13 Real Madrid 12 38 3.2 9/16 56.3 4/19 21.1 8/8 100 10 3 4 0
2013-14 Zalgiris Kaunas 20 217 10.8 38/78 48.7 34/95 35.8 39/50 78 58 8 49 2
2014-15 Galatasaray Liv Hospital Istanbul 19 118 6.2 19/41 46.3 19/60 31.7 23/30 76.7 33 6 27 2
2015-16 Zalgiris Kaunas 19 65 3.4 19/44 43.2 5/26 19.2 12/18 66.7 35 2 16 0
Totals 116 846 7.3 170/359 47.4 106/339 31.3 188/246 76.4 235 39 168 11
Averages 116 846 7.3 170/359 47.4 106/339 31.3 188/246 76.4 2 0.3 1.4 0.1
2016-17 UCAM Murcia 9 30 3.3 10/17 58.8 2/13 15.4 4/7 57.1 10 2 13 0
Totals 9 30 3.3 10/17 58.8 2/13 15.4 4/7 57.1 10 2 13 0
Averages 9 30 3.3 10/17 58.8 2/13 15.4 4/7 57.1 1.1 0.2 1.4 0
2005/06 Duke 28 42 1.5 11/17 64.7 5/16 31.3 5/8 62.5 8 8 13 0
2006/07 Duke 27 52 1.9 11/18 61.1 8/26 30.8 6/7 85.7 15 3 8 1
2007/08 Duke 4 16 4 3/5 60 2/8 25 4/4 100 9 2 4 0
2008/09 Duke 22 32 1.5 7/13 53.8 4/26 15.4 6/7 85.7 13 6 7 0
2009/10 Zalgiris 33 359 10.9 78/138 56.5 35/107 32.7 98/122 80.3 86 22 60 4
2010/11 Zalgiris 20 213 10.7 52/93 55.9 20/58 34.5 49/60 81.7 41 15 41 4
2011/12 Real Madrid 43 204 4.7 38/80 47.5 31/82 37.8 35/47 74.5 71 13 38 4
2012/13 Real Madrid 15 83 5.5 17/33 51.5 13/31 41.9 10/11 90.9 26 5 15 1
2013/14 Zalgiris 26 244 9.4 56/107 52.3 28/83 33.7 48/57 84.2 71 12 53 5
2014/15 Galatasaray 26 178 6.8 32/63 50.8 27/74 36.5 33/42 78.6 49 6 43 6
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You are here: Home / FairMormon Conference / 2003 FairMormon Conference / Shining New Light on the Mountain Meadows Massacre
Shining New Light on the Mountain Meadows Massacre
Gene Sessions
Editor’s note: This is a transcription of a FAIR Conference presentation by Gene Sessions. As with most transcriptions, this one includes artifacts of speech that are not always included in written material. There are also a couple of places where the original recording was inaudible; those have been marked as such.
This is a very serious subject, I’m charged with talking to you a little bit about the Mountain Meadows Massacre and what’s happening these days with the literature on the subject.
I think most of you have seen, if not all of you, have seen a tremendous upsurge in publications on this atrocity. Hard to tell exactly why that has happened. I think there are a number of ways to understand that. One is that increasing attention came upon the state of Utah because of the Olympics; there were numerous mainstream national publications that paid much more attention to Utah and Mormonism than normally do. You may have seen some of the articles that appeared pretending to be balanced views of the state and Mormonism.
Some of you may have noticed in magazines like The New Yorker that, in that particular case as I recall, an 11-page article on the state–six pages devoted to the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and two pages to polygamy, the rest about the state of Utah and its wonders.
This event has become in recent years something that a lot of people know about who didn’t know about it before. Part of the reason for that is President Hinckley who, in 1998, decided to build a new monument at the Meadows on the spot of the original army cairn that held the partial remains of 34 victims buried there by the army in May of 1859; and I want to get back to that story in a minute but I’m trying to outline for you a few reasons in my mind that this has gained so much attention recently.
Another reason of course is the publication of Will Bagley’s book. Will began work on his book well before the Hinckley initiative on the Meadows. He was employed by a former Mormon in California who, frankly, wanted to pin the Massacre on Brigham Young. He put an ad in the Salt Lake Tribune asking for applicants to write a new history of the Mountain Meadows Massacre and in the course of interviewing several who applied (inaudible) except for Br. Bagley. Will was, by his own words to me–this is first hand words–the only one who said that he could and would pin it on Brigham Young. So Will was hired, he quit his job at Evans and went to work full-time writing a new history which was published by the University of Oklahoma Press last year.
I must tell you up front (you can throw tomatoes or whatever you want at me) that I was one of the readers that the University of Oklahoma Press sent a manuscript and I recommended publication because I believed very strongly and still do that Br. Bagley had done intense research and that it was fairly exhaustive. He solved whatever he could see and looked very deeply, plumbed very deeply, to find much information that Juanita Brooks did not have when she published her landmark book in 1950. And so I was impressed with that and recommended that the Oklahoma Press publish the book but I cautioned the Press that it was an anti-Mormon polemic and that I did not agree with Will’s conclusions and we’ll talk more about that some more here if time allows.
His book did very well in the first printing, it was very quickly into a second printing, and then shortly after all the hoopla over his book which ascribes the motivation of the murderers to Brigham Young ordering these people killed to avenge not only Joseph and Hyrum but also Parley P. Pratt who had been murdered in Arkansas the May before the Mountain Meadows Massacre occurred in September–by the way on September 11. The anti-Mormons on the web are making a whole lot out of that right now–the two atrocities happening on the same day and so on all committed by mad fanatics, religious fanatics.
In any case, we could probably waste the whole time here talking about why there is so much interest today in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I grew up in Ogden, Utah. The first time I heard about it was from a Catholic classmate who was feeling pressure at having to take Utah history in the seventh grade which really turned out to be half a year of Sunday School (laughter) and his parents who to immunize him against Utah history told him about the Mountain Meadows Massacre and I was told about that when I was in the 7th grade and I dismissed it and later in high school heard about it again, went to my seminary teacher who said, ‘It’s a lie, it didn’t happen,’ and pretty much forgot about it until I was a history student and found out that it did indeed occur.
So I think there’s been a long period since the execution of John D. Lee in 1877 where Mormons would just as soon not talk about this and successfully did not. But beginning in 1990 when President Hinckley supported the building of the monument up on the hill there, if you’ve been there, the Dan Sill Hill monument which has all the names of the people we know were killed there; and then in 1999 when a second monument was built at the bottom of the draw on Church property with Church funds suddenly it became alright to talk about that and so there’s much discussion in Mormon circles about the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
I’ve been invited to speak in stake priesthood meetings on the subject. I’ll never forget one evening, a chapel packed as full as this room and more, I was supposed to speak for forty-five minutes and was there with them for an hour and forty-five minutes; and finally had to say that I was tired and wanted to go home! The Institute director at Weber called his staff together and had me give them a two-hour presentation on this so they’d know about it.
So it’s okay now to talk about this but let’s be honest, for years and years, this was a subject that we just didn’t talk about and when we did we either said, ‘Well that was John D. Lee and a bunch of renegade Indians,’ or we’d try to ascribe it to some external force rather than to face the fact that some 50 Mormons taking orders from local ecclesiastical leaders actually went out and tricked these 120 people out of their encampment with a white flag and then proceeded to murder them in cold blood with the exception of 17 small children.
So it’s a very, very hard thing to discuss especially if you’re a Mormon and especially as I know some of you are descended from people who were involved in this.
But anyways, we could talk about the history–I’ve got my own perspective on this. I think most of you know the great historian Carl Becker said (this was pre-feminist days) “every man is his own historian,” I guess we could say ‘every person is his or her own historian.’ And we all have to make up our own minds about what happened there that week.
It’s an awful story, you can’t put a smilie face on it. This was cold-blooded murder of innocent people. Occasionally someone will come up to me and say, ‘Well don’t you think they deserved it?’ And, no I don’t think they deserved it. I don’t care how many of the stories you believe about whatever the immigrants did to get killed, nothing they did came anywhere close to justifying the murder of little children and the oldest child saved was six-years and 11 months old. Everyone older than that was murdered. In fact most of the murdered people were women and children. So there’s no justification. Even if you wanted to make some justification for killing the men, it breaks down pretty fast. It’s just- there’s no justification for the murder of these people.
So it’s an ugly, ugly story.
Then we get to the place where, alright what are we faced with today in 2003 as non-Mormons and ex-Mormons and anti-Mormons and others take a look at this story and try to make sense out of it? I think you also, in this group are much more aware than I am, there are a lot of people out there who find not only Mormonism to be abhorrent but find religion itself to be not healthy at all, in fact not benign but dangerous.
I have not had a chance to read Krakauer’s book Under the Banner of Heaven but it’s getting lots and lots of attention. It’s selling like hotcakes, particularly in the east and California where people are more aware of Mormons and it is a sensational story about the Lafferty case. The message seems to be there, as I’ve talked with friends who have read it and read the reviews, that religion–organized religion, in this case Mormonism–can and too often is dangerous and a bad thing rather than just something that if you’re not religious you might want to ignore.
So we’ve got a big problem here as historians and in your case, if you want to defend Mormonism. I’m a practicing Mormon, I don’t smoke, drink or chew or go with girls who do (laughter). I give of my excess income once a month to the guy with the suit on at Church and so forth. So I’m with you to a point.
But as a historian, our job is to let the chips fall where they may and I’ve looked at this story for many years, long before I became involved in the Mountain Meadows Association in 1998 so I’ve been involved in this whole mess for the last five years and I think I know what happened there.
I don’t agree with Will Bagley. I certainly don’t agree with Sally Denton. Her book outsold Bagley’s book in a couple of weeks; I’m sure Will’s hurting over that. Denton’s book is just trash frankly. The first chapter is about stuff that I know about first hand and I barely got through it with my stomach contents intact. But, it sells well and I’m getting e-mail from people all over the country because I’m on our website linklist, all the e-mail that people write into the Mountain Meadows Association’s website I get their message and dozens and dozens of people writing in and saying, ‘I just finished Sally Denton’s book.’ One man said, ‘I hope that the American people within the next ten years wake up and drive the Mormon Church out of existence.’ Two sentences in his message: ‘I just finished Sally Denton’s book’ and then ‘let’s drive them out of existence.’
It’s pretty hard to look at this story without having revulsion against the men who did it. I don’t have ancestors who were there. Mine were here in Utah but they were all up north, and some of you who have ancestors who were there, it’s awful! And, I must tell you that I become very angry when people want to excuse what these men did.
Do I understand why they did it? I think I do. But I still don’t excuse it and I’ve got a friend with whom I spent hours and hours and hours discussing the Mountain Meadows Massacre–he’s a non-Mormon who has read voluminously on the subject and it’s interesting to get his perspective. And he doesn’t agree with Bagley or Denton.
We have a similar view of what happened but… I don’t know, I’m trying to make you see this is just not fun. It just isn’t fun. I’ve told my wife who was about to divorce me over it sometimes, ‘I wish (a) that it had never happened, and (b) that since it did I don’t know about it.’ I mean I really wish ignorance on myself which being a college professor makes me something of a sinner! Ignorance is bliss (the old clichÈ).
What I’d like to do for a few minutes and then we’ll open this up to questions is refer you to a particular incident that occurred–well two instances that occurred–that I think puts a perspective on how the non-Mormon/anti-Mormon quote/unquote or slash/slash–whatever you want to call people–how they view this.
In October 1998 I was invited with the rest of the Mountain Meadows Board–including descendants of the Bakers and the Fanchers and the Dunlaps and others–to visit with President Hinckley in the Church office building. President Hinckley was with us for about fifty-five minutes. It was an amazing event. He talked about his history with the mass graves, taken to the Meadows the first time in 1947 by his father; they walked the ground silently, shed tears. President Hinckley said he walked away knowing that this was a sacred place and so he had a feeling for the incident.
And then in 1998, President Hinckley was at Dixie College to dedicate the pioneer camping ground there on the campus, asked his folks to take him up to the Meadows, was ashamed at the condition of the Church property there. Called us together to say, ‘What do you want to do?’ and the result was we built this beautiful monument down there that some of you I’m sure have seen and I hope most of you have seen. It is a replica of the original cairn that the army constructed over the rifle pit where 34 partial remains were chucked in May of ’59.
In the course of preparing to put that new monument there, we made every effort in the Association to discover where the remains were because we knew that cairn had migrated a bit over the years–farmers had knocked it down, vandals had carried off rocks and so forth. Brigham Young ordered it knocked down once according to Dudley Leavitt, he was there with a party in the 1860s and they came up to it and he ordered it destroyed.
So we were worried that there were bones that we might discover and the descendants of the Bakers and the Fanchers and others had made it very clear that they did not want that to happen. So we did a lot of cores. We had an archaeologist from BYU, Shane Baker, come down and do some cores to try to find the- whatever graves might be there. Long story made short, he missed. He (inaudible) the grave by six inches and the second scoop of the backhoe dug them up. That was on August 3, 1999.
This resulted in a firestorm of activities. The remains, and all kinds of confusion about what state law had to say about these things, the sheriff came immediately and pronounced it was not a recent murder site, so it was an archaeological site and et cetera.
Eventually the remains wound up in BYU. I saw them just a few days after they were brought to BYU for the public archaeology folks to try to make some sense out of what they had. The partial remains, they found 29 individuals. We’ve known for years that some of that grave had washed away and we’ve had accounts of farmers seeing bones sticking out of the ground and so forth.
So anyway, eventually because the BYU people didn’t have the people to take care of it they transferred the cranial matter to the University of Utah where an archaeology graduate student (now has her Ph.D.) Shannon Novak was commissioned to take a hard look at the cranial material to see what she could determine from the cranial matter.
In the meantime, the descendants in Arkansas became very angry. They wanted them reburied immediately and enormous pressure began to come upon us in the Association to try and keep this whole thing afloat–to get the Church and the state and whoever else we could to get those bones back in the ground–so we worked hard to get that done.
And finally, the week before the dedication of the new monument which was to take place on September 11, a Saturday, 1999, a man in Harrison, Arkansas named J.K. Fancher who is friends with Dixie Leavitt the governor’s father, got on the phone and called Dixie and said, ‘Your son’s got to intervene.’ So the governor called the state archaeologist and within a few hours the bones had been removed from the University of Utah and brought altogether and on Friday morning, the day of the funeral that had been scheduled for the bones, they were brought to St. George and brought to a funeral parlor where they were placed in four small little caskets and buried that afternoon in a Baptist funeral.
You should’ve heard all the Mormons there trying to sing “Amazing Grace.” Then the next day you should’ve heard all the non-Mormons trying to sing “We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet.” There was some humor.
Anyway and the end of that story is; then the story is that in March of 2000, a yellow journalist by the name of Chris Smith at the Salt Lake Tribune (he’s not; his skin’s not yellow it’s what he does) published a three-part series in which he announced rather bald-faced (he knew better) that the bones were full of secrets that would have been revealed if the archaeologists had been allowed more time with them and that the Mormon Church conspired with the governor, who was a descendant of one of the killers. (Although the governor’s ancestor claims that he was just a picket rider, most of the people who were there were just there. Picket riders, eh? Didn’t do anything!) That the bones were then, under this conspiracy, quickly replanted.
The Associated Press and every other wire service in the world picked that up and here’s the message that went out to the world and which is now in all these books (Krakauer’s book, Denton’s book, et cetera): The bones came out of the ground, they were revealing the nasty truth that the Mormon Church didn’t want out there and so the Mormon Church conspired to get them buried quickly so those truths could not be revealed.
That bit of misinformation has been enormously damaging. It is one of those myths that all of you who understand history know how these things happen shows up in one book and pretty soon a graduate student puts it in his dissertation and pretty soon it’s in ten other books and pretty soon it’s the truth.
So the “truth” is, my friends, that we had twenty-nine partial remains that were going to tell us the Mormons–not Indians–killed these people and because the Mormon Church didn’t want that information out it conspired to get those bones buried quickly in order to hide the truth. That is the “truth” now.
And if you want to stand up in front of a crowd like I’ve done over and over again and try to persuade folks that isn’t the truth–you’re wasting your time. But let me tell you in just a couple of sentences how you don’t have to take my word that it’s not the truth.
In 1859 of May of that year, Major Carleton came up out of California with a bunch of guys. They’d met some other guys from Camp Floyd who were already there. And Carleton, surveyed the remains that were strewn all over the Meadows by wolves and wolverines or badgers or whatever they are. Major Carleton said this; it’s on our website,1 it’s everywhere. It’s been public record for 144 years: “…nearly every skull I saw had been shot through with rifle or revolver bullets.”
So what truths were there in the bones? Well were they smokers? Did they; were they malnourished? What did they eat? It didn’t tell us who killed them any better than we already knew. Who killed them? Who had guns in Iron County in 1857? Who? The Mormons. Did Carleton’s sentence tell how they were killed? Yes, a coup de gr‚ce, they were shot in the head. So the idea that there was a new truth here, that the Church had to be afraid of is just hogwash.
And secondly, it is also hogwash there’s (in 10 minutes on the phone you can demonstrate this) J.K. Fancher is not a Mormon. He’s a distinguished citizen of Harrison. He has no sympathy for the Mormon Church. He’s a lateral descent of Alexander Fancher. He’ll tell you, ‘I called Dixie and said, you better get your son to bury those bones or there’s going to be hell to pay.’ That’s how it happened. And Mike Leavitt called the state archaeologist and said, ‘Turn them over to those people so they can bury them or there’s going to be trouble.’
But the truth is not the truth anymore because Chris Smith said otherwise and so forth.
Let me get to the last incident. I was not in favor of the Olympics. You say, ‘So what?’ Well what the ‘so what’ is, is as soon as I saw everybody celebrating about the Olympics and as soon as I heard from my president at the University that we would be dismissing classes so they could use the ice sheet there for something called curling my wife and I began to save our money and our sky miles and planned a trip to Maui for twenty-two days (laughter) figuring that, ‘Hey it’s the last chance I’ll ever have to go to Maui in February in my racket unless I take a sabbatical and even then I probably won’t be able to.
So we were in Maui, and the second day before we came home, the Olympics were over. We were coming home on Tuesday, it was a Monday, I think the closing ceremonies were on Sunday. I’m sitting on the beach and this very piece of–whatever it is–rings. (Laughter) It rings and it’s John Hollenhorst, Channel 5 News, and he says, ‘Hey what do you think of this lead sheet they found down at Lee’s Ferry?’ I said, ‘What lead sheet?’ He says, ‘Where have you been man?’ I say, ‘In Maui, I’m still in Maui.’
Well you’re all familiar with the lead sheet and my friend Steve Mayfield here and I have had a lot of conversations. I don’t know if you’ll be able to see this. You’ve probably seen this and some of you may not be able to see this real well, but here’s a pretty poor rendition of what this–but anyways here’s what the thing looks like and a park service worker at Lee’s Ferry before the Olympics found this thing in a building at an old fort there. Steve tells me they’re pretty sure it was put where they found it in about 1998 or ’99, something like that. Right Steve?
It’s an old piece of lead; recent metallurgical studies have shown that it was mined in the (inaudible) Ozark Plateau in southern Missouri not far from the homeland of the massacred people before 1865. The script on it, in case you haven’t seen it, and I–this is my own attempt to try to copy it (Steve’s done better work) and his friends, George Throckmorton and others, says that basically, ‘Lee’s at the Paria River. It’s January of 1872, he’s sick, he’s tired, he knows he’s going to be taken pretty soon but he doesn’t really care–he’ll take the blame, he doesn’t fear death. Brigham Young through George A. Smith ordered this done.’
Well of course this created an enormous media frenzy, ‘smoking gun,’ ‘boy this is it, now we know for sure, Lee admits it’ and so on. Well somebody right away, one of my friends, wrote and said, ‘Well didn’t Lee say that in the Confessions of John D. Lee/Mormonism Unveiled?’ and the answer is yes but nobody paid any attention because everybody knew his lawyer wrote that book. Got any lawyers in here? We won’t go further with that. (Laughter) But we’ll say this, I think you know that Lee’s lawyer was working pro bono ‘almost.’ The second trial, his deal with Lee was, ‘I’ll defend you but I get your book and the rights to your book.’ And then he had the book for several months after Lee’s death and no one doubts that he manufactured much of what’s in the latter part of it because it’s so inconsistent with the rest of his work.
Anyway, long story made short, I jumped in really quickly and said, ‘It’s a hoax.’ And my reasons were (inaudible) handwriting analysis, my reasons were that the message is inconsistent with Lee’s diary at the same time. He was at the Paria but he was not saying stuff like this. In fact the day after this was supposed to be written Lee went on a five-day horse-packing trip with one of his sons looking for the location for a new ranch and was really looking forward to it. He’d just finished two houses, he put a (inaudible) in one of them and he had everything going for him at that moment–he really thought he was out of the woods and he was okay.
And if you read the rest of his diary, and six months on either side, he’s very defensive about Mountain Meadows. If anybody suggests Brigham Young does it he calls them a damn liar, I could tell you some specific incidents but I read very carefully the whole journal and six months on either side when I finally got home. I told Hollenhorst from Maui that I thought it was a hoax and he read it to me over the phone, I said, ‘That’s not Lee. It just isn’t Lee.’
Well later on–misspellings are another issue–later on, Steve and his friends in the criminal justice/criminology racket did handwriting analysis and so on and found it entirely inconsistent with Lee not only when he wrote on paper but when he writes things scratched into rocks and things like that–it’s just completely different.
He used ampersands instead of the word “and;” he didn’t use the dashes. This hoaxster tried to imitate his double line of capital letters, didn’t notice that Lee only did it on the verticals instead of; and did not do it on the horizontal so it’s a clumsy hoax.
Well, I bring this to your attention because to this day more than a year later people like Sally Denton and numerous others are still blowing this all over the place as the ‘smoking gun’ despite the fact that I think people like Steve and his associates and people in my end of things, historians like the late Dean May, he and I talked this a lot, are just utterly bemused that anyone with a brain in his head could continue to think that this is a genuine historical document. And there’s always the chance that it is, but if it is, boy there’s an awful lot of things we’ve got to explain to believe that it is.
Now why is this? And I’m going to conclude with this. I find it enormously amusing that people who hate Mormons and who hate Mormonism believe that the best way to attack Mormonism is to attack somebody like Brigham Young. This may not be a popular thing to say but I think one could very easily look at what happened at Mountain Meadows–what really happened at Mountain Meadows. It wasn’t a conspiracy; there was no order from Salt Lake to kill these people. What really happened at Mountain Meadows may call into question some other flaws that existed in the nineteenth-century Mormon Church; other flaws that exist in the way decision-making took place and so forth and make criticism that way. But for some reason people from Bagley to Denton to Krakauer and whoever else- Chris Smith; the web is full of this invective. The only thing they can do to satisfy their bloodlust is to go after Brigham Young on this. It seems to me stupid. If I were one of those people, so what? A conspiracy manipulated by a rotten guy like Brigham Young, it seems to me much less damning than if you try to call attention to some other things that may have been going on in Mormonism at the time that will allow ordinarily decent men to commit such a crime.
Anyway the point is I think for you folks and your interest, this is a good example it seems to me of how people can pick up a piece of history, some of it accurate–much of it inaccurate–twist it, turn it just a little bit. It becomes a powerful tool and there are literally thousands of people out there now who reading these books think they now understand the real nature of nineteenth-century Mormonism and nothing could be further from the truth.
And by the way Steve has a whole bunch of photographs where the Lee lead sheet was found and pictures of the location, the man who found it, better pictures of it other than I showed you, so Steve I’m sure you wouldn’t mind afterwards if people want to come up and ask you questions about it.
The information just continues to come in–Steve nod your head or shake it if I’m right or wrong–is that this is a very, very bad clumsy hoax but nobody wants to believe that outside of Mormonism. Everybody wants desperately for this to be. We’ve got a former Mormon who is now a born-again Christian secretary down the hall from me and I was preparing some materials a year ago to give a talk and she came in and she saw that and she said, ‘Oh wow that’s great can I have copies of all that?’ I said, ‘Well, I’m sorry Carol; it’s a hoax.’ And she said, ‘You’re kidding.’ That brought her down to tears!
I don’t know what else you’d like me to say about that except that, and my own belief is, let me summarize this way–that looking at incriminating statements, corroborating those incriminating statements the participants made for years afterwards, looking at other evidence that is incontrovertible–this was a bad decision made by local leaders. One bad decision followed by another. It’s like you teach your kids: you tell a lie, you’ve got to tell another lie to cover up the lie you just told and another lie to cover up the lie that you told to cover up the first lie. It goes on and on and on and that’s what happened that week in September of 1857 in Cedar City.
But I’ll also mention to you that the Glenn Leonard, Richard Turley and Ron Walker book is as I understand it finished. Some of you may have better information on that? Glenn Leonard, the Church Museum Director; Ron Walker from BYU; and Richard Turley, the Director of the Archives of the Church–they have had full access to everything the Church has including the Jenson papers, including the Morris affidavits and so on that neither Bagley nor Brooks were allowed to see and Denton didn’t even come to Salt Lake to ask if she could see.
And those materials, by their promise in public, will be available for the public to peruse when their book has been published will actually mean (inaudible) and I’ve had the privilege of seeing much of that manuscript and I’m enormously impressed with what those men are doing. I think it’s going to be an honest, painfully accurate depiction of what happened there and the cascading series of bad decisions and events that led to this horrible atrocity committed by Mormons with the help of the Paiutes.
I also believe without any question, even though the Paiutes might deny loudly that they were involved, that there indeed were. At the beginning of the attack; at the beginning of the week somewhere in the neighborhood of three hundred Paiutes–there may have been only a handful left by the end of the week when the actual murders took place–but they were involved from the beginning and anyone who suggests otherwise is just missing enormous amounts of evidence.
So that’s my view; and I also believe, when I was reading Will’s manuscript, that if you accept his thesis then you have to deny that just about everything we know about what happened down there. It doesn’t make any sense in light of what we know happened that week: the decision-making process, the people who were involved, all that has to be just entirely ignored if you believe that it was a conspiracy hatched in Salt Lake and conveyed there by George A. Smith.
So that’s my own personal view on it. I hope this is the kind of presentation you were hoping for, I wasn’t really sure exactly what you wanted from me today but I think that summarized it pretty well.
Q: I’m sorry but I’ve come to this discussion very late and I just want to know what is the evidence or non-evidence that there were rapes, that there were women and children who were seriously harmed before they were murdered?
SESSIONS: Okay most scholars I respect don’t think there were such events occurred, unless there were Paiutes who took people away from the scenes of the killings. And the main reason that we don’t believe any of those stories is because it happened so fast. One scholar–Robb Briggs from California who has done a really fine study of this from the point of view of an attorney–made this statement which is kind of chilling. He said, ‘Whatever you say about the Mountain Meadows Massacre it was really carried out well. It was timed beautifully, it was carried out with precision, there was correlation. They wiped them out in just a few minutes and there wasn’t time for any of that to happen.’ So those who suggest that I think they’re going to have to revisit their thinking. I don’t accept the accounts of those kinds of events for me are specious. That doesn’t say they didn’t happen, but it doesn’t seem to be likely at all.
Q: My question relates to Brigham Young’s involvement. Is there any; does the historical evidence vague enough that the connections to Brigham Young are based primarily on your bias? I mean just taking those vague events and if you’re against Mormonism well okay then maybe we can jump to this conclusion, or is it pretty much just bad research?
SESSIONS: Some of all of that. In the case of Will Bagley, he started with the premise that Brigham Young ordered it done and that’s been suggested for years.
Let me tell you this, if you go to Arkansas today and talk to the descendants–and I know dozens of them now–they all believe Brigham Young ordered it done. They all do and they’re; when you say well why did he order it done? They almost all of them believe it was done for greed. That Brigham Young was in a tough spot, and the Mormons were poor and this train comes through with all this money and cattle (inaudible) killed for their money.
So if you decide that at the beginning obviously, and then you can go back and find–‘Oh aha! See, oh yeah, see?’ And that’s what, in my view, Bagley did. And I tried to change his mind about that for years as he was working on the book, I was pretty good friends with him and we took a couple of trips to the Meadows together, and we had a lot of time to sit in the car together. And I could see him making that very mistake you decide upon.
As far as evidence, again, on the first of September Brigham Young met with a bunch of Paiutes; sub-chiefs brought up to Salt Lake by Jacob Hamblin. Dimick Huntington wrote in this journal (he was in the meeting) that Brigham Young said, ‘You can have the cattle on the California road.’ And Bagley makes a lot of that as a smoking gun kind of thing. In fact at one time he thought that was going to make his book. But as it turns out he also told the Utes that, he also told the Shoshone that. He was trying to get the Indians on his side in the coming Utah War; he thought there was going to be a big fight. Other than that, I don’t know of any verifiable evidence at all that Brigham Young ordered that.
The only other piece of the story that might suggest that he did is that just before the massacre happened, George A. Smith was sent on a long speech-making trip through Southern Utah. We don’t know a lot of what he said in his speeches. We know about some of what he said but they were tough speeches about standing up to the army and the Americans and it was incendiary. And so, there are those who think that Smith was sent down there with that kind of invective and then when he got done with his speech, he’d pull a stake president or a few bishops aside and say, ‘And by the way don’t hesitate to kill anybody you can.’ But that’s all speculation.
I think most scholars who are honest about this, the trail doesn’t lead to Brigham Young–it just doesn’t in my view at all.
Q: For anyone who is interested in the context that this all took place, read Gene’s book on his biography of Jedediah Grant.2 It’s an excellent background to all of this.
SESSIONS: It’s out of print.
Q: Go find it. I certainly agree with your assessment of Bagley’s book. As I read it I found it is all this prodigious research but Will just can’t seem to say probable, I mean, he always says probable when he should say possible if not definite. His bias would get in the way.
What would your advice be to a roomful of LDS apologists when they are confronted with the argument that, okay, and this is argument certainly Brooks made and certainly Bagley made that, whether or not Brigham Young ordered it done, he was involved in the cover-up. What’s your advice?
SESSIONS: I don’t think there’s a way to apologize for that because frankly, he was. And I think if you want to apologize for it, the only thing you can do is say, well let’s figure out why he committed the cover-up–and he did.
In my view if the Civil War hadn’t happened, you and I might not be here today and the Cougars might not be playing football because the momentum generating in Arkansas in 1860 for example, to come out here and do a full scale investigation was getting really intense. Then the Civil War happened and the whole thing just went away and it wasn’t until the early ’70s that it kicks back up again and by that time the crime is 15 years old and so yeah, there was a cover-up and it was done well.
In fact some people like Will like to point to statements Brigham Young made in the aftermath, like it had to be done and, when Dudley Leavitt in his diary described the tearing down of the monument there was a cross on it that quoted the Bible that, “Vengeance is mine…saith the Lord”3 and Brigham Young said, according to Leavitt, ‘It should read, “Vengeance is mine, and I have taken some.” Bagley makes a big thing out of that as well.
Now that’s all part, in my view, of the cover-up. He had to put forth this rhetoric that said, ‘Keep your mouths shut. This had to happen.’ But, it’s clear to me from other accounts that we have of Brigham Young in late ’57-early ’58 that he was furious about it. As you know he knew how to swear and he used a lot of nasty words to describe how mad he was that this had occurred.
The Lee family tradition on… (I’m positive some of you are in the Lee family. They’re everywhere.) The Lee family tradition is that when Lee went to tell Brigham about the event, Brigham already had some inkling that his worst fears were true and that it had been done by Mormons and not the Indians.
But he was very, very angry. And then in the aftermath of that meeting with Lee, he was despondent for days. We’ve got solid evidence for that. Then his reaction was, and to answer your question, well we’ve got to keep under- this would kill the Church. This is going to set the Church back, this could destroy it. So, surely, he did an excellent cover-up. The only thing he could do was say was there a good reason for it and if you were a practicing Mormon well, to save the Church. I guess that’s the best-
Q: Why did the massacre happen?
SESSIONS: In my view there’s one word that tells you why and the word is fear; these guys were scared. All the settlements had been pulled back, Cedar City was ordered to stand. It was the last major settlement between here and California going on the southern route. There were a couple of little, you know, Harmony and there were a few people living down in Washington down that way–but Cedar was it. There were six hundred people in all of Iron County between Parowan and Cedar City. These people were absolutely scared to death. They had been hearing for years the wind over the passes that the Californians were going to come and wipe them out.
You want to have a great (inaudible) if you’re interested in this. You want to see how blessed you are to just get the anti-Mormon stuff that’s out there now. Pick up the Sacramento Bee for the 1850s–hardly a week goes by that in that paper, there isn’t an editorial saying, ‘We need to raise an army and go wipe the Mormons off the face of the earth.’ And the folks in Cedar were scared, in my view, out of their minds that that was exactly what was going to happen.
On Wednesday, some militiamen who were coming out–the massacre happened on Friday–on Wednesday night some militiamen were coming out to- they were told when they were rounded up they were going to go out and bury some people that got killed by the Indians and some of them were coming out and near Pinto Junction they came upon three people from the party making their way back to Cedar City for help.
And not knowing what’s going on, they killed them. They fired on these people. They killed young William Aiden who was, had been a Mormon and was leaving with the party to come to California. Two of these guys, there are various accounts, some say two got away there- or one got away, anyway at least one got away. They killed all three of them eventually. But on Wednesday when only one got away they were just convinced that he made it back to the wagon circle and were telling them, ‘This is not Indians, this is Mormons.’
And I don’t doubt at all that that was the final straw that broke the camel’s back. The decision was made the next day to kill them and it was made out at the Meadows; and Major Higby reported in various accounts, ‘Kill everyone who is old enough to tell the tale.’ And Mormons interpreted that as people at the age of accountability so they tried to pick the kids who looked like they were under eight to save, and killed the rest.
So in my view it was naked fear–they were just scared to death that these guys were going to go on to California and report that Mormons had attacked them and this would bring them in a mob out of California. That’s my view and the view of many other historians as well.
Q: First of all who do they think did the lead sheet, is that still linked to Hofmann?
SESSIONS: Steve? You can come up here. Steve’s done a lot more work on that than I have.
STEVE MAYFIELD: First of all, it’s alright. As Scott mentioned, at Sunstone this next week on Thursday morning, the forensic examination that was done on the scroll and the background will be presented by George Throckmorton and myself. So that’s okay. First of all, does anybody not recognize George Throckmorton? George Throckmorton is a trained forensic document examiner; he’s presently the manager of the Salt Lake City Police Crime Lab where I work. He is also one of the two forensic document examiners that exposed the Mark Hofmann forgeries and he was invited by the Park Service to look at the scroll.
Now back to your question, who did it and if it’s a forgery which to get to the end–yes it is. I can give you a hundred dollar answer or the ten-cent answer and they’re both the same!
Who did it? I don’t know. Like Brother Keller said, ‘I don’t know. We don’t know.’ Part of my presentation next Thursday will be discussing the possibilities that Hofmann did it or not. After the discovery of the document last year, KSL TV and Deseret News asked Jack Ford down at the State Prison to, ‘Ask Mark.’ And so Jack Ford who is the PR man for the State Prison system, and who says he does this on a monthly basis where he’ll go over and ask Mark, ‘Will you talk to the press.’ And he says, ‘No,’ and he comes back and says, ‘Sorry.’
So he, on behalf of the press went and asked Mark, ‘Did you have anything to do with the scroll? Yes or no question.’ And Mark’s answer was, ‘I have nothing to say about it at this time.’ That’s where it stands. I wrote a letter two weeks ago to Mark asking him the same question and it came back to me with a stamp on it. We cannot deliver without his full booking name and number, like you know, this famous guy in prison and they don’t know where he is (laughter). The letter came back okay so. Come to Sunstone and we’ll discuss the matter.
SESSIONS: Linda Sillitoe who did the book Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders and now works at Weber in our library and I had a long chat. I asked her what she thought and she initially thought it could very likely be Mark. You may ask, ‘Well gosh he’s been in the slammer since ’86-7, but there was, Steve right? The possibility that it was put there…
MAYFIELD: What I have here is a photocopy. In 1988-89, Mark Hofmann attempted suicide–this is the second one which they took him out to the hospital. At that time he was in the hospital in Salt Lake they did a shakedown in his cell. That’s basically where they search for things. They came across a one-page piece of paper on stationary from the prison in which Mark had listed: ‘Mormon and Mormon-related autographs I have forged’ and on the other side was ‘Non-Mormon forgeries’ and down near the bottom he has listed ‘John D. Lee.’
You start asking anybody who have dealt with the forgeries says, ‘We have nothing that we are aware of that–John D. Lee.’
This was in ’89. So when this comes up, the right reaction is, when you find something like this where was Mark and has he ever been down there? Now the problem you have down there at the Fort, down there at Page, one of the investigators, Farnsworth, says, ‘In their investigations, the background- his whereabouts, (inaudible) information that he was ever down in that area.’ I’ve even asked Mark’s ex-wife Doralee the same thing, she said, ‘No, he’s never been down there.’ So if he had anything to do with it he did not most likely did not put it down there.
SESSIONS: Okay. Thanks Steve. The point that I was going to make was that Linda said, ‘Well if they ask him, he’ll say I don’t have any comment about that.’ And I said, ‘Well that’s too bad.’ Which is what he said. And then she said, ‘But it wouldn’t matter if he said yes or no, you still wouldn’t know! (Laughter) So that’s the fix we’re in with Hofmann.
I don’t think…somebody said, ‘Oh it was probably done by Will Bagley.’ (Laughter) We disagree about a lot of things, in fact we’re not really very close anymore because he got angry because I was telling the story about, ‘I can pin it on Brigham Young’ I guess. But I don’t think…I really don’t think so.
Q: I’m just wondering how well Will Bagley’s book has been received in the historical community?
SESSIONS: Depends on who the historical person is. Dave Bigler who is a former Mormon, born-again Christian thinks it’s the best thing that’s ever been done or will be done. Dean May, who died a few months ago who was the Dean of Utah History in the state I believe (inaudible) Thomas Alexander, the two of them probably share that title, have little regard for it. Tom’s comment to me was, ‘This is history by rumor.’ And so it depends who you talk to about it.
Q: You said that it was fear basically that caused the September 11 executions. They were afraid the wagon trains would get back to California and say it was the Mormons. But what caused the initial attack that started off the whole thing?
SESSIONS: Good question. As I was answering the other question I realized I was skipping past that.
There was a meeting held on Sunday, the High Council met, and the initial decision was not to attack and there had been a lot of trouble with these folks coming down the road and the same motivation, it seems to me, was involved: ‘If they get to California and tell the Californians how weak we are and how poorly defended we are, we’re in big trouble.’
I think that also provoked the initial attack. There was a sense of anger at these folks for what they’d done but there was also this sense of, ‘Gosh, if they get out of here and tell the folks in California, ‘Yeah we went through there and we can do whatever we want. We think they’re poorly armed, they’re poor, they’re living in 10×10 dugouts–no problem.”
See Brigham Young’s gamble was, and you know this in the Utah War, that he could bluff his way through to a good conclusion. Will (inaudible) he thinks Brigham Young thought that Christ was going to come and save us from the mob and that’s part of his thesis but most historians think he was trying to bluff his way by convincing people that the Indians were with us; that we had…we were well armed. That anybody who comes in here we’re going to use them up and the Fancher party knew that was all a lie and if they got to California, same thing.
Q: You mentioned about a book that is just completed and will be coming out very soon on this and, by Greg Turley? I mean he’s-
SESSIONS: There are three scholars.
UNIDENTIFIED: It’s going to be awhile.
SESSIONS: Is it?
UNIDENTIFIED: From what I understand the final manuscript will be in the spring so it will be some time after that.
SESSIONS: Okay, for those of you who can’t hear, that the final manuscript appears to be still being done.
I met with those guys and did a commentary at Kirtland in May at the Mormon History Association–they were predicting then (inaudible) summer and I assumed it was done. I think they were finding more material and wanted to make sure they were very complete in what they’re doing.
Q: I haven’t finished my question- because you know, I had briefly stopped (inaudible) Turley and some information, wanted to make sure that it was being utilized. Can you tell us who had, (inaudible) writing this book?
SESSIONS: It’s defensive. The Church came to the conclusion with Bagley’s book that there had to be another version of the story that the Church brought forth. My advice to them was to bring in a non-Mormon scholar, for example, (inaudible) a highly respected historian in Arkansas. They chose not to do that. I think that was a (inaudible) mistake but, to make up for that they have announced rather loudly that, ‘Here’s our book, once you’ve read it, everything we looked at is available.’ It will be really hard for those guys to tell any lies even if they were inclined to do so.
Q: Don’t you think there will be a lot of good information and, like, for us that are here now to not really form any conclusions until we–if we have a sincere interest in wanting to know what really is happening–to get a hold of that book and read it?
SESSIONS: I’m telling everyone–friend or foe alike–hold your judgment until you read their book and it’s going to tell, I think, a very close story to the truth.
Q: What were the three authors again?
SESSIONS: [Glen] Leonard, [Richard] Turley, and [Ronald] Walker.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Gene Sessions on February 6, 2007:
When I spoke at the FAIR Conference some time ago on the Mountain Meadows
Massacre, I talked about a good friend from Arkansas named J.K.
Fancher. J.K. read the transcript of my speech on the FAIR Web site
and contacted me to correct a couple of statements I made about his
role in the 1999 reburial of remains at the Meadows. I indicated in
my remarks that J.K. “is no friend of the Mormons.” I only meant by
that remark that he is not a Mormon apologist and on the other hand is
certainly a concerned member of the victims’ family. J.K. definitely
is a friend to the Mormon people and has spent his life kindly and
positively relating to Mormons and participating in bridging the gap
between Mormons and descendants of the victims of the Massacre.
I also reported false information I had received that J.K. had been
involved directly in getting Governor Leavitt to release victims’
remains for reburial at the Meadow on September 10, 1999. J.K. tells
me categorically that he was not involved in that fashion at all and
asked me to post a correction on the FAIR site that would fix this bit
of mythmaking I had unwittingly perpetuated.
In spite of this
correction to that detail of the story, I stand by my contention that
the bones were reburied quickly to satisfy the wishes of their kin and
not to hide the truths they might reveal about the Massacre.
Anti-Mormons continue to report that the Church conspired with the
State and the Mountain Meadows Association to get the bones quickly
back into the ground because they threatened to tell a more damaging
version of what happened. This is a blatant falsehood that has become
accepted history. Thank you for allowing me to correct these
1 Brevet Major J.H. Carleton, Special Report on the Mountain Meadow Massacre, U.S.A. May 25, 1859. (last accessed on 9 December 2005).
2 Gene Allred Sessions, Mormon Thunder: A Documentary History of Jedediah Morgan Grant (University of Illinois Press) 1982.
3 Romans 12:19.
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REACTION: Rosler delighted with convincing win
Head Coach praises players again
Uwe Rosler was delighted with his Fleetwood Town side after they continued their superb start to the season with a 2-0 win against Coventry City.
Second half goals from Chris Long and Martyn Woolford was enough to earn Rosler's side their third league win of the season on a wet afternoon at Highbury Stadium.
And Rosler praised his players for the way they adapted in the second half to earn a win they more than deserved.
“I think it was a tactical battle between two good footballing sides and Coventry asked a lot of questions from us in the first half," said Fleetwood's Head Coach.
“I think we were on the back foot more than I thought we would but we still created two or three chances and they had one.
“In the second half, we made some changes and I think the substitutes gave us a big lift.
“That is what I have always said, it is about the team, about the squad and in the end, we were worthy winners.”
Rosler feels his side's change of tactic in the second half, and introduction of substitutes Ashley Hunter, Kyle Dempsey, Martyn Woolford, really helped the side get the three points.
“I think with how the game panned out, we needed to make a change because they had too much of the ball," said Rosler.
“We needed to make sure we got on the front foot more and create more chances and I thought there was a better solution for that situation.
“Kyle did really well and of course Woolford came on, and Ash Hunter came on, which gave us a big lift.”
But Rosler is happy that his side's counter attacking and clinical striking was rewarded in the end with their second 2-0 league win on the bounce.
He added: “I think that’s our game, when you go through all of our goals this season, we have gotten seven goals out of those scenarios and that is us.
“What we have is pace, power, quality but I have to be honest, I thought Coventry was a very good footballing side.
“They put a lot of pressure on us and crossed many balls into the box and we defended very well.
“It was just a little bit too much for Coventry at times I felt, especially in the first half.”
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The Financial Express > Economy
TPC to invest Rs 18,500 cr on new plants
Mumbai, Aug 4 | Updated: Aug 5 2005, 06:38am hrs
Tata Power Company (TPC) would invest Rs 18,500 crore over the next five years for new projects including some abroad, even as it is planning a 500 mw plant in South Africa at an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.
South Africa, which was earlier surplus in power, is facing some power shortage and there is move to seek private sector power in good terms, TPC chairman Ratan Tata told the annual general meeting here. The company was looking to set up a 500 mw plant in that country at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore.
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Buzz Patrol Bollywood Hollywood South Indian Movies Box Office Photos Videos Movie Reviews
24/1 (10.4 ov)
Disney Pictures held to ransom by hackers threatening to leak new Pirates of the Caribbean film
Walt Disney Pictures has not confirmed which film it is being blackmailed for - Pirates of the Caribbean, Cars 3 or Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Los Angeles: Disney chief Bob Iger said on Monday hackers claiming to have access to one of the company's unreleased movies were demanding a 'huge' ransom, according to US media reports.
He did not reveal which film had been stolen but said the company would not be giving in to the blackmail attempt, according to The Hollywood Reporter, quoting Iger from a meeting in New York with employees of the Disney-owned ABC television network.
The weekly reported on its website - citing multiple unnamed sources - that Disney is working with federal agents and monitoring for leaks online.
Movie website Deadline identified Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, which opens on 26 May, as the target, without revealing its sources, while some film writers speculated on Twitter that Pixar's Cars 3, due for release next month, might have been hit.
Although both films are expected to do well for Disney, their profits are likely to be dwarfed by another film on the company's slate - Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which hits theaters on 15 December.
"IMO, if it were Last Jedi, he would pay in a heartbeat. But Pirates... meh," Ryan Parker, a staff writer on the Hollywood Reporter, speculated on Twitter.
The cyber-thieves demanded to be paid in online currency Bitcoin and are threatening to release five minutes of the movie, followed by 20-minute segments until the ransom is delivered.
The hack follows a recent cyber attack on internet streamer Netflix that led to 10 episodes of Orange is the New Black being leaked ahead of release.
Dead Men Tell No Tales is the fifth in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, which stars Johnny Depp and has taken $3.7 billion at the box office since 2003.
Sci-fi novelist Paul Tassi, who comments on technology and the internet for Forbes Magazine, said Pirates would be unlikely to suffer were it the target, since its release date is so near.
"Yes, going to a movie in theaters is one of the more exhausting media experiences still left in society, but the kinds of people who are willing to pay money to see Johnny Depp stumble his way through a fifth Pirates of the Caribbean movie in theaters are probably not the type to download a stolen copy of it right before it comes out," he said. "And like all movies, Pirates would appear on torrent sites regardless practically the day of its release, so the hackers seem to be really over-estimating their impact here."
More than 2,00,000 computers in 150 countries were hit by a ransomware cyberattack, described as the largest-ever of its kind, over the weekend. Since Friday, banks, hospitals and government agencies have been among a variety of targets for hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in older Microsoft computer operating systems. Microsoft president Brad Smith said the US National Security Agency had developed the code used in the attack.
The Walt Disney Company didn't respond to requests for comment.
Buzzpatrol
As Star Wars fan movies mushroom globally, a new era of alternate storytelling comes to fore on YouTube
Far from the amateur, camcorder-in-the-woods aesthetics of some past efforts, recent productions range from intricately plotted live action to digital shorts made with motion-capture suits.
Fashion designer Satya Paul passes away aged 79 in Coimbatore, confirms son
Satya Paul, who had suffered a stroke in December, died at Sadhguru's Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore on Wednesday.
BMC files FIR against Sonu Sood for converting Mumbai residential building into hotel; actor denies allegation
Sonu Sood has denied allegations of unauthorised development, saying that he has taken approval from the BMC and was only waiting for clearance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Canadian actor Taran Kootenhayoo, best known for indie film Bella Ciao!, dies at 27
Taran Kootenhayoo passed away on New Year's Eve with no cause of death disclosed
Kapil Sharma announces Netflix debut: 'It's close to my heart, can't wait to share with fans'
Though it is unclear whether Kapil Sharma's project is a comedy special, series, or film, it will premiere on Netflix in 2021.
Arjun Rampal joins Kangana Ranaut in Razy Ghai's action-drama Dhaakad
“I am excited about it, it is a fantastic script," Arjun Rampal said on joining Kangana Ranaut-starrer Dhaakad
Tanya Roberts, That '70s Show and Bond actress, in 'poor condition' after collapsing at home
Tanya Roberts’ publicist confirmed that the actress, known for her role in the James Bond film A View to a Kill, was hospitalised after falling at her home.
Banita Sandhu tests positive for COVID-19 in Kolkata, admitted to private hospital
Banita Sandhu, who tested positive for COVID-19, was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata after she refused to be treated at a government facility.
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What to do when Bolivia hates you
Lewis Manalo used his life experiences to write on Ghost Recon: Wildlands, and was met with the wrath of both the critics and the entire country of Bolivia
Lewis Manalo
Thursday 1st August 2019
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands is an open-world shooter released by Ubisoft in 2017. You play as Nomad, an American special operations soldier fighting a fictional drug cartel in a fictional version of Bolivia.
During the open beta for Wildlands there was a glitch which caused Nomad to say "Shitballs!" more often than the devs had intended. It was one of Nomad's barks, but during the beta he said "Shitballs!" when he missed a shot, when he got into a jeep, when he threw a grenade, when he received help from his teammates, or even when he just turned a corner. Basically, he said "Shitballs!" for any and every reason. This issue was resolved before release, but for the 6.8 million people who played the beta, it was too late; Ghost Recon players now think of "Shitballs!" as Nomad's catchphrase.
I wrote that line.
I wrote many of the lines in Ghost Recon: Wildlands, and working with the game's narrative director, Sam Strachman, I had a ball. Joining Sam, a handful of other writers, and the rest of the narrative team, we worked our butts off to deliver a world-class narrative for a AAA video game. I loved working with the team. I made friends who I'm still close with today. I was proud of what we'd done. And then the reviews came.
"I loved working with the team. I was proud of what we'd done. I made friends who I'm still close with today. And then the reviews came"
Most reviews agreed that the co-op gameplay was amazing, but when reviews bothered to mention the writing, they savaged it. GQ said the "overcooked writing does the serious themes a disservice," and noted that the heroes were "unlikeable morons invading a foreign country without a formal declaration of war." Gamespot wrote that the "squad chatter" was "poorly-written," and that the "the narrative perpetuates the notion that a cartel is only worth taking seriously when one of your own has been tortured to death." Ars Technica summed it up as, "Terrible writing across the board."
It didn't help that Donald Trump had just been sworn in as president. It didn't set a tone that welcomed a story of American interventionism. Eurogamer wrote, "Ghost Recon: Wildlands' premise reads like a 5am Trump tweet," as if no other president had ever been capable of sending troops overseas. The marketing for the game didn't help, either. The advertising sold Wildlands based on its gameplay -- the obvious strategy for a military shooter -- but all that showed people was a group of American operators travelling to a foreign country and shooting brown people. Ubisoft's official stance on all its games seems to be, "We don't make political statements."
Bolivia formally complained to the French embassy about the game. The French embassy had to apologize. And it was all the writing's fault. As far as the media was concerned, the game was racist. Imperialist. American propaganda. Cliché. What did they know about Latin America? What did they even know about spec ops soldiers? Spec ops soldiers don't say "Shitballs!"
Wildlands was marketed on the fun of its gameplay, and reviewers weren't kind to what it offered beyond that
It's amusing to have your writing dismissed as uninformed, when, in fact, you have a unique knowledge of the topic. I was a combat engineer in the 82nd Airborne Division. Serving in Afghanistan in 2002 and 2003, I went on many missions with Special Forces teams. I lived with them in firebases on the Afghan border with Pakistan. Back in Fayetteville, North Carolina, I'd see them socially, at cookouts, at the gym. I'd run into them at Olive Garden. I can tell you, "Shitballs!" is the kind of thing an operator might say.
If you're in the most heavily-mined country in the world, looking at a local population who's starving to death, seeing women who've been oppressed for decades, taking rocket attacks every week but not getting permission to fire back? You'd better have a sense of humor. People in war zones tell jokes.
"It's amusing to have your writing dismissed as uninformed, when, in fact, you have a unique knowledge of the topic"
As far as what the narrative team knew about Latin America and the drug trade, Don Winslow is the man who took home the only "writer" credit for the game, and he spent six years researching the drug trade for his award-winning novel about Mexican cartels, The Power of the Dog. Personally, before I wrote for Ghost Recon, I was working in film, producing documentaries about communities living in the Amazon River Basin. I spent weeks in a Colombian jungle with a guide who'd been a cocalero. And maybe I did encounter legal coca, which, you know, people sometimes take. For the altitude.
I never said the writing and story were perfect, but it's a shame that so many reviewers dismissed the work because of their biased take on its politics. I have written reviews myself, and you usually take your lead from the marketing and PR because it's what your audience has seen, too. With a marketing campaign focused on how much people would enjoy the game, reviewers and players weren't expecting anything more than mindless fun. In most games, the mission giver is never a terrible, vengeful human being. Your enemies are never loving parents. Your allies never have political views, let alone Leftist views that your character might disagree with. And you definitely don't satirize machismo. Not in a video game.
Manalo was lead writer on Ghost Recon Breakpoint, which will be a 'different kind of narrative experience' to Wildlands
I appreciate a good review as much as the next writer, but what the audience thinks is what matters the most. Audiences express themselves in sales, and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands sold. No one thought it would sell as well as it has. It outsold amazing, better-reviewed games, becoming one of the top ten selling games of 2017. It's two years later, and the game is still selling.
I'm not going to pretend that the writing sold the game, but in blog posts, in forums, in player reviews, it seems that the more of the game a player gets through, the more likely they appreciate the writing. Many players struggle with understanding that the narrative is not the kind of apolitical, superficial narrative that they were sold. Many struggle to understand that though some characters are ridiculous and that they make jokes, the story itself is not a joke. In some Ghost Recon forums, the writing of Wildlands has become the subject of deep debate.
For example, there's quite a long thread on Steam called "Is this game supposed to be satire?" The narrative team had something to say, and though it may not be heard by all the millions of people who play the game, we have reached at least a few of them.
After my work on Ghost Recon: Wildlands, I was given the opportunity to be lead writer on Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, and with more cinematics and dialogue choices, Breakpoint will prove to be a different kind of narrative experience than that of Wildlands -- or any other game in the Ghost Recon franchise. The narrative team definitely learned some key lessons from its experience with Wildlands.
The first and best lesson? Don't underestimate your audience. Whatever others might tell them -- that the game has no politics, that it's political propaganda, or that it's just meaningless entertainment -- the players will figure it out.
Deep themes and complex character development won't be for everyone, but if you put it there, the right players will find it. They'll think about it. They'll discuss it. And if they don't, at least give them a few laughs.
Write lines like "Shitballs!"
Lewis Manalo is an award-winning writer and game developer. His work includes writing for the Ghost Recon franchise and creating the interactive novel The Spy and the Labyrinth. Find him online at www.princessrevolver.com.
YouTube channel GameXplain accused of overworking and underpaying staff
Owner André Segers says he is "absolutely committed" to a postive work/life balance and fair compensation
Trevor Cook Studying Game Development, Full Sail UniversityA year ago
Having served for almost 5 years in the Infantry, I can attest that comments like, "Shitballs!" and the squad banter were among the most realistic parts of this game.
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Inquest finds multiple failings caused death of vulnerable patient
Wednesday 5 November 2014
Ifeanyi Odogwu
A jury has criticised the acts and omissions of a private hospital in a damning narrative verdict. Ifeanyi Odogwu represented the family of Leah Syles.
Leah was a nineteen-year-old female patient detained at The Dene Hospital under section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983. She had been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The inquest heard evidence that Leah was a prolific self-harmer. In the days leading up to her death there was an increase in severity of her self-harming, she expressed suicidal ideation, and presented with triggers which ought to have altered her risk level. Despite this, Leah’s risk and observation level was de-escalated to the minimum acceptable level for any patient. On 12 July 2012, Leah was discovered by nursing staff unconscious in her bedroom with a ligature around her neck. It emerged that there was a delay of at least six minutes before the Ambulance Service were called.
The central issues at the inquest were whether Leah was appropriately risk assessed, whether her level of observations were appropriate to her risk, record keeping, handover of information between staff shifts, and the adequacy of the emergency response. In a highly critical narrative, the jury found the following:
It was not clear from notes or records available to staff on the night shift on 10 July 2012 what the expected level of observations were for Leah
A formal risk assessment had not been appropriately performed on 10 July 2012
All staff on duty on 10 July 2012 were not aware of recent factors affecting Leah’s risk
Staff did not take appropriate action to respond to Leah’s behaviours, feelings, and up-to-date risks on 10 July 2012
Staff did not adhere to the risk assessment policy and accurate records were not kept
Leah presented with features on the 10 July 2012 that altered her risk level
The level of observations for Leah Styles on the night shift of 10 July 2012 was not appropriate
The risk assessment procedure adopted during the day shift of 10 July 2012 was not appropriate
The record keeping for Leah’s observation levels and risk assessments in hospital notes was not consistent or appropriate
The emergency response procedure after Leah was found on her bedroom floor was not appropriate
The jury also concluded that the minimum observations and the minimum risk level was a causative factor leading to Leah’s death. After legal submissions, the Coroner removed a short-form verdict of suicide.
Ifeanyi was instructed by Clare Evans of McMillan Williams Solicitors.
Ifeanyi Odogwu is a member of the Garden Court Inquests Team.
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JAGUARS NEWS
The Value of Not Making the Move
A look at the players the Jaguars didn't overspend on
By Travis Johns
With all these great moves in free agency, I want to take a moment and look back on the master plan of Dave Caldwell this offseason. While I love the signings of Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson and Prince Amukamura (among others), some of the best moves Dave Caldwell made this past week were the contracts that he didn’t sign, the players he didn’t go all-in on and the money he didn’t throw out the window.
Alex Mack
Alex Mack, former center of the Cleveland Browns who was signed by the Falcons this March, was a player who Caldwell let walk for good reason. We all know how we tried to sign him a few years ago when Cleveland put the transition tag on him (which, for those who don’t know, allows a team to match any contract offer that the tagged player receives), but Cleveland matched our unfavorable contract and kept their valued center for two more seasons. Mack opted out this offseason and was seen as a target for the Jags, but signed with Atlanta.
Mack has a lot to like about him. He’s been to 3 Pro-Bowls (first as an alternate in 2011, then selected in 2013 and 2015). He’s been one of the best centers in the league for years now and would fill an obvious hole on this team (which would also be the biggest hole on the offense). He didn’t miss a snap for the first 5 years of his career (from 2009-13). Mack was able to do all this while playing for the most dysfunctional organization in the history of the NFL. He’s also a very smart guy who is squeaky-clean character wise. What’s not to like?
The problem with Mack is that there are a few concerns that would make me steer away from making him the richest center in the league. Obviously that’s a concern, but if he was a perfect player I’d have no problem with giving him a huge deal. The first concern is his age and career trajectory. As we know, players generally start low, get better and peak and finally decline by the end of their career. Mack came in and started strong, making the 2009 All-Rookie team. He’d reached his peak by 2013, which started a string of great play for that year, 2014 (until his injury) and 2015. I have questions about when Mack will start to decline. I’m sure he has one or two great seasons left, but does he have any more after that? I would prefer to make a long-term investment on a center who can play for the team for years. Even this year, we invested in big-name players who were young and peaked fairly recently. A 30-year-old isn’t necessarily the player that we need right now. He also had a severe injury in 2014 that could come back to haunt him. I just think that Mack is a short-term investment who is now making long-term (and a massive amount of) money in Atlanta.
Bruce Irvin
One of the players that I am ecstatic we didn’t add, dynamic pass rusher Bruce Irvin would underperform if he signed with the Jags.
Bruce Irvin had a solid career during his four years with the Seattle Seahawks. In four years, Irvin produced 132 tackles, 22 sacks, 3 interceptions and scored 2 touchdowns on one of the best defenses in the NFL. He has experience playing the SAM linebacker position and defensive end in a scheme similar to Gus Bradley’s (including one year at the LEO position with Gus in 2012, where he produced 16 tackles and EIGHT sacks as a sub-package player). He’s only 28 years old and has the potential to grow into a #1 pass rusher for a good defense.
Irvin has way too many red flags for our team to sign him. He was suspended in 2013 for 4 games for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. He was also ejected from Super Bowl 49 for starting an unnecessary fight with Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (making him the first and only player ever ejected from a Super Bowl). Besides these obvious flaws, Irvin also has some flaws in his game that would make me hesitant to add him. First off, Irvin is only a pass rusher. He has never shown the ability to cover in short zones or defend the run. We could never expect him to play OTTO in this scheme because of these deficiencies, but he would not have supplanted Dante Fowler at the LEO position. Basically, Irvin would be a detriment to our team if he started or would only be a situational player. He’s also wildly inconsistent. His most productive year, 2012, he produced 6 of his 8 sacks in three different games. He’s never been a consistent player with his production and doesn’t always seem to put in the effort required to be one. Another stat that I thought was interesting, although it may not have an effect on his game, is that he has only had 2 career sacks while behind. Now, granted, his teams weren’t down every game, but this still makes me wonder if he can only produce well because teams are forced to throw the ball consistently. This leads me to my final point: Irvin has never been “the man” and doesn’t suit that role. Jags fans wanted to bring him in and let him rack up sacks, but he’s never been the best pass rusher on his team, save maybe 2012 when he was a sub-package player. He’s been surrounded by an incredible defense and an offense that can complement them, which he may not have in Jacksonville (stay tuned; we’ll find out in 2016).
So basically, when I look at Irvin, I see a complementary piece who can be great in the right situation. His new team, the Oakland Raiders, can actually surround him with premier pass rushers (Khalil Mack, Mario Edwards, maybe Aldon Smith again) and draw attention away from Irvin. This wouldn’t have happened in Jacksonville and he would have looked like a massive bust.
Olivier Vernon
Vernon’s situation comes with a much shorter description. The best edge-rusher in a weak FA class, Vernon was seen as a hot commodity for a Jags team that desperately needed some heat off the edge. Vernon is young and coming off a 7.5 sack season after posting 11.5 in 2013 and 6.5 in 2014. At only 25 years old, it seemed like Vernon would be a perfect fit in black and teal.
However, Vernon’s value was incredibly overstated due to the weak free agent class. He was able to produce numbers largely because he was never the focus of the offensive gameplan. He played with Pro-Bowler Cameron Wake for his entire career, Ndamakong Suh in 2015 and several quality defensive tackles throughout his Miami tenure. Like Bruce Irvin, Vernon could attack the QB as he pleased because he rarely received chips by the RB or double-teams. For this reason, there’s also reason to question whether or not he can be the lead pass rusher on a defense. He also was massively overpaid. I know the Jags have cap room to spare, but I really don’t think there’s a reason to overpay Vernon that much money. He’s making more per year than Malik Jackson and made more guaranteed money than JJ Watt, the best defensive player in the NFL. There is no way he deserves that kind of money and I would never pay him like that, even with all the cap room in the world. Dave made a good decision to back down and not overpay like New York did.
Eric Weddle
The prize of free agency that plenty of Jags fans wanted, Eric Weddle was primed to be overpaid as a stopgap option for the team at FS. Instead, Dave made the smart decision to not pursue Weddle and went for Tashaun Gipson, one of the most underrated players (formerly) on the market.
Weddle would have been a solid player, there’s little question there. But why would we target a player who is in the back-end of his career and isn’t the best player on the market at his position when we can steal the best FS in free agency? Weddle is 31 years old and played in the league for 9 seasons, yet he only had 19 interceptions and 3 touchdowns in his entire career. Gipson, on the other hand, has been in the league for 4 seasons and has 14 interceptions and 2 touchdowns. The Jaguars need a ball-hawk who can force turnovers and be a true center-fielder. Weddle just isn’t that anymore. Gipson is the better short and long term player for ths team.
I’ve had questions about some moves our team has made since the start of the Gus Bradley era. However, this is the most impressed I’ve ever been with Caldwell and the entire organization. It makes me hopeful that we’re truly an organization on the rise.
You guys agree with me or think I’m an idiot? Let me know in the comments section below or on twitter @twjohns97 . Keep reading our stuff on genjag.com and make sure to pre-order your membership to Generation Jaguar for the 2016 season! Go Jags!
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One More for Free - Screaming Females - 'Arm Over Arm'
2009 will go down as the year that everyone-EVERYONE-started to take notice of Screaming Females in the wake of the release of their third LP (and their first on a label of any kind), Power Move (Don Giovanni, April, 2009). From their first TV appearances (dancing with puppets on Chicago's cult public access TV show, "Chic-a-Go-Go", then making their national TV debut as a musical guest on MTV's "It's On! With Alexa Chung"), first multi-page national print media press and having lead Female Marissa Paternoster be named "Best Shredder in New York City 2009" by the Village Voice to being the band that everyone from Dinosaur Jr., Throwing Muses, Dead Weather and Arctic Monkeys personally asked to tour with, 2009's been quite the weird and exciting year for Screaming Females. After all, they're doing exactly what they've done, the way they've always done it...organically, with friends. It's just that now all of these people are noticing how amazing they are. And they can, y'know, quit their day jobs in lieu of touring all the time and recording new material with both their own band and their side projects because of it. Amen to that, right?
TOUR BLOG:http://screamingfemales.blogspot.com/
MP3: "Arm Over Arm" -http://www.forcefieldpr.com/screamingfemalesarmoverarm.mp3
Label Page - http://www.dongiovannirecords.com/
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/screamingfemales
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Statement of support for Australia's first female Chief Justice of High Court
Gilbert + Tobin is delighted to congratulate the Hon. Susan Kiefel AC QC who has been sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the High Court.
Chief Justice Kiefel’s appointment is a strong statement about the significant contribution made by her and other women to the law in Australia. As proud supporters of women in the law, Gilbert + Tobin is pleased that women’s contributions are increasingly being recognised by their appointment to significant leadership roles.
Andrean Duffy
Contact Andrean
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Home | Opinion
I Was a Teenage Kahanist: A Naturalized Leftist's Guide to Israel's Right
If you don’t conduct some sort of discussion with the most fanatic people on the other side, you won’t understand them – or yourself.
Nissan Shor
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Israeli right-wing activists shout slogans during a rally against supporters of Mohammed Allan, a Palestinian prisoner on a hunger strike, in Ashkelon, Aug. 16, 2015. Credit: AP
I’m left-wing. I didn’t imbibe it from my mother’s milk; I wasn’t born that way. I evolved. At age 14, as part of some infantile thrall of youth and quest for belonging, I still thought I could be a Kahanist. Well, for about a week or two. I remember it vaguely, but I don’t want to talk about it. I’ve repressed that embarrassing phase. There was a moment when I regurgitated slogans I’d heard at home. “Death to the Arabs” was one of them. This was during the Oslo period. Rabbi Kahane had been assassinated three years earlier, but violence always remained in fashion in Israel. And I wanted Mom and Dad to love me. So I said what they expected to hear from me, as a good son and a good boy, to proud parents.
Israeli fascism-lite: Good for Im Tirtzu, bad for Startup Nation
What happens when an Israeli loses the will to eat hummus
The Israeli city where coexistence is alive and kicking
That didn’t last long. Maturity arrived later, in the 1990s. I discovered that there’s a whole world outside Israel. My parents had undergone Soviet indoctrination that went on from the day they were born until the day they immigrated to Israel. They understood only force and didn’t believe in human rights. I was a fan of Guns N’ Roses and I read books by beatniks and existentialists. I was doomed to disappoint my folks.
It soon dawned on me that I couldn’t be both a culture-loving humanist and an extreme right-winger. Or even just a regular right-winger, for that matter. The two didn’t go together. You had to choose. So I did. If I’d gone on being right-wing for even one unnecessary minute, something within me would have died.
Being a left-winger was my adolescent rebellion. My parents still haven’t gotten over it. I was the first native-born left-winger in the family, who proceeded to betray Israel. My maternal grandfather had become a member of the Labor Party. My father said he was a “fantasist,” and added, “Don’t listen to him. He’s not right in the head.” Until my apostasy, that was the farthest left anyone in the family had ever been. Everyone else – uncles and aunts, cousins, grandparents, nephews, in-laws – positioned themselves as far to the right as it got in this country.
Just come to us for a holiday meal – your ears will burn. Think Avigdor Lieberman – and then move to the right. Lehava? More to the right, keep going. Perpetrators of “price-tag” acts? Go on, I’m telling you. Keep going right until you hear a boom.
I’ve become used to my right-wing family. They haven’t got used to me, but that’s their problem. “You’re a sick individual,” my father tells me every time I make the mistake of getting into an argument about politics with him. For them it has nothing to do with ideology. It’s a matter of mental health: They look at me as though I’ve lost my mind. Who knows? Maybe they’re right. Maybe we really should carpet-bomb the Gaza Strip back into the stone age. Expel all the Palestinians to Jordan. Massacre women and children to deter terrorists. Give opponents of the regime long prison terms. Shut down Haaretz forthwith and reinstate the military government.
Illustration.Credit: Sharon Fadida
Maybe I really am nuts and they’re the normal ones.
“You used to have some sense,” my mother says. I try to explain to her that 20 years have passed since then. I was in the eighth grade and had no idea what human beings were. But from her perspective, I could have remained right-wing to this day. If I’d persisted along those lines, the sky would be the limit. I’d have become MK Miki Zohar. A dumb, content rightist.
I’ll tell you what the problem is: There are people who are born leftists. They grow up in families that are already second- and third-generation Israeli left. That’s all they know. That’s the left-wing elite. It’s made up of people in whom certain values have taken root, which they then pass on as a sort of spiritual inheritance to their offspring. The result is that there is a hefty percentage – a few tens of thousands, I bet, even a few hundreds of thousands – of leftists and centrists (former leftists) who can’t even imagine what it is to be right-wing. To them it seems alien or bizarre. An awful character trait. These people are afraid of right-wingers, which is why they draw hasty conclusions: Every online comment, every curse, every public show of crass, aggressive rightism – all this appears to them to signal the end of the world. Like a harbinger of the inevitable collapse of Israeli society.
The left-wing elites hate the right-wing mass because they know it only as a caricature of itself. Like a political slogan. They delegitimize it and strip it of its humanity, because those people are this “other” that doesn’t stir empathy. You mustn’t touch or talk to them. The “other” is the contemptible, the disgusting, the ugly. Those sorts of elites are engaged in what has become the left-wing sport in Israel: condemnation. It’s a popular pastime. Those rightists, those violent types, these not-nice people are without conscience or morality. This dichotomy serves as a means of segregation.
Right-wingers are seen as deformed, as bearers of the burdens of sin and crime. And the left-wingers remain free of all guilt (but not from guilt feelings, of course). They’re not involved, after all. This doesn’t exist in their families. They’ve never had the virus. They haven’t been tainted with the stain of rightism. They look at the right-wingers from the viewpoint of independent observers. Like referees sitting on tall chairs in tennis matches. Except that it’s not tennis, it’s free-for-all wrestling. The traditional, entrenched elitist left preserves integrity – and has the ballots to prove it. It passes on the sense of absolute justice from generation to generation, like upmarket real estate in the center of Tel Aviv.
I was born into an extreme right-wing family, and I will die in an extreme right-wing family. I am neither surprised nor impressed by violent, racist militancy. And I know how to take it in the right proportions. Life is not the Facebook page of the “Shadow.” If you don’t conduct some sort of discussion with the most fanatic of the right-wingers, you won’t understand them, and in the end you won’t understand yourself, either.
For the purist left the right is a slogan – an image that exists in some ruined parallel universe, like an alien. A UFO. And the more Israeli reality solidifies into isolationism, the greater grows the gap between those who make a point of being clean and the dirty types on the other side, until the alienation morphs into horror and hatred.
So I suggest making contact with the right-wingers – those strange creatures whose opinions really are something unbelievable, an indescribable horror. From my experience I can tell you that most of the time it will be like talking to the wall. But occasionally something moves. I’m talking about truly tiny movements, micro-movements. But at least there’s movement. And we, after all, are thirsty for movement. Dying of thirst.
On the other hand, you can go on branding, mocking and scorning the mass right-wing, Web-talkback public. Go on feeling superior to them. Lording it over them. That will really help you. Us. All of us.
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Private Games
by Mark Sullivan
Read by Paul Panting
Genre: Mystery & Thriller / Fiction / Thrillers
ebook Hardcover Large Print Trade Paperback See All
On your mark
Private, the world’s most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect more than 10,000 competitors who represent more than 200 countries.
Get set
The opening ceremony is hours away when Private investigator and single father of twins, Peter Knight, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder. A high-ranking member of the games’ organizing committee has been killed. It’s clear to Peter that this wasn’t a crime of passion, but one of precise calculation and execution.
Newspaper reporter Karen Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus claiming responsibility for the murders. He promises to restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and to destroy all those who have corrupted the games with lies, corruption, and greed. Immediately, Karen hires Private to examine the letter, and she and Peter uncover a criminal genius who won’t stop until he’s completely destroyed the modern games. “America’s #1 storyteller” (Forbes) delivers an exhilarating, action-packed thriller that brings the splendor and emotion of the Olympics to a wildly powerful climax.
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Cincotta proud to represent Guatemala
Stefano Cincotta (pictured) in training with Guatemala on May 27, 2015. (Photo: Byron de la Cruz)
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala -- Stefano Cincotta will look to solidify his place in the Guatemala set-up, when the Central American runner-up visits Mexico (May 30 in Tuxtla Gutierrez) and Uruguay (June 6 in Montevideo) in upcoming friendlies.
The 24-year-old was born in Guatemala, but grew up in Germany and represented that nation at multiple youth levels (he was also eligible to play for Italy, the country of his father). He’s currently on the roster of Chemnitzer, but has also played for Kickers Offenbach, SV Wacker Burghausen and Switzerland’s FC Lugano.
Last March, Cincotta made his debut for the Chapines in a 1-0 loss to Canada, an experience that helped to convince him that his international future was with Ivan Sopegno’s side.
"I'm fine,” said the defender after his arrival in Guatemala for a training camp. “Physically, I come in good shape. I have adapted quickly. We're growing. If we train well, the results will be the ones we want.
"I think we face every game well focused and, of course, we do not want to lose."
With the intention of earning a spot in the side, Cincotta – primarily a left-sided player -- is keen to demonstrate his versatility.
"For me it's the same [the right side or middle] as for the left side,” he expressed. “I want to help the national team in whatever position it is.”
Although he has played in only two matches for Guatemala, Cincotta has already developed close relationships with his teammates, finishing: "I look at them all as like family, like brothers. They are very good to me and so I give back to them in return.
"I am very proud to be here.”
See also: CONCACAF CONCACAF Gold Cup Guatemala SCCL Stefano Cincotta TGuatemala World Cup Qualifying
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Double Portrait of Lillian Browse
Leonard Rosoman
Picasso - 85 GravuresChevaux et Cavaliers VI
Item Code: LR-88729-s
Base price $19,751
Signed and dated acrylic on paper.
On double sheet of paper.
When Rosoman was in his late eighties he made a painting that "depicts three generations of the Crawshay family in their house in Sussex. Although Rosoman caught the characters of the three Crawshay daughters well, there is something slightly impersonal about this commission. But in his 2004 double portrait of his former dealer Lillian Browse was quite different." - Tanya Harrod 'Leonard Rosoman'.
Exhibited at the 2004 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
Leonard Rosoman (1913-2012) was a British artist best known for his work during the Second World War and for his later murals. Upon completing part of his training at the Royal Academy schools in 1935-6, his big break as an artist came a year later with a commission to illustrate a children’s book by the scientist JBS Haldane.
With the advent of the war, Rosoman joined the Auxiliary Fire Service, producing paintings based on his experiences as a fire-fighter during the Blitz. Further commissions followed from the War Office to document naval activities in the Far East. His returned to Britain with major teaching positions and commissions, including the ceiling of the chapel at Lambeth Palace. He was elected RA in 1969 and OBE in 1981.
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Samuel Major
Rep. Samuel Major
Former Representative for Missouri
Major was the representative for Missouri and was a Democrat. He served from 1931 to 1933.
He was previously the representative for Missouri’s 7th congressional district as a Democrat from 1927 to 1929; the representative for Missouri’s 7th congressional district as a Democrat from 1925 to 1927; the representative for Missouri’s 7th congressional district as a Democrat from 1923 to 1925; and the representative for Missouri’s 7th congressional district as a Democrat from 1919 to 1921.
Contact Rep. Samuel Major
I live in Missouri.
I want to urge Major to take an action on a bill.
Visit Rep. Samuel Major’s website »
Look for a contact form on Rep. Samuel Major’s website to express your opinion.
Visit Major’s Website »
Head over to Rep. Samuel Major’s website. If you are having a problem with a government agency, look for a contact link for casework to submit a request for help. Otherwise, look for a phone number on that website to call his office if you have a question.
Not all Members of Congress will accept messages from non-constituents. You can try your luck by visiting Major’s website. Otherwise, try contacting your own representative:
You are currently on the website GovTrack.us, which has no affiliation with Major and is not a government website. Choose from the options above to find the right way to contact Major.
Samuel Major is pronounced:
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ThinkResponsible
Edition|
GLS InSight
Anniversaries in Spain, the Czech Republic and Portugal
2020 is a very special year for three GLS companies: GLS Spain, GLS Czech Republic and GLS Portugal have been successfully active in their markets for 15 years – each with a very different history. All three celebrators have one thing in common: a continuous expansion of their networks and a successful development.
GLS Spain was launched in 2005, when the predecessor company Extand Sistema S.L., which had been part of the GLS Group since 2000, received its current name. Over the years, the parcel and express service provider has grown dynamically in terms of network, capacity and personnel. The acquisitions of the express parcel companies ASM in 2016 and Redyser in 2017 contributed to strengthening its presence in the Spanish market in the long term. Today, GLS Spain has a network of 29 hubs and depots and is always close to its customers with more than 460 agencies.
GLS Czech Republic began operations as a start-up company on 1 April 2005. The Hungarian sister company provided support in the preparation, from establishing the initially eight depots and the hub to setting up the IT. The newcomer got off to a good start. With the strong GLS network behind it, the company was able to quickly assert itself on the market and to convince customers of its performance – with delivery rates of almost 100 percent. This is still the most important goal of the company today, which serves around 5,800 customers via a national network of 24 depots and a hub.
GLS Portugal originates from the joint venture of GLS with Kislog, the parent company of the former GLS network partner Personalis S.A. On 1 November 2005, operations started. In order to be competitive on the highly contested national market, GLS Portugal scores with flexibility. In addition to its high-quality parcel service, the company offers express shipping and a pallet service. With three own locations and 34 agencies, both the densely populated coastal regions and the hinterland are reliably covered. A great added value for many customers is the support of their internationalisation and export strategies through the connection to the GLS European network.
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Photo Credit: Michal Knitl / Shutterstock
We Can Defeat Terrorism by Upholding the Unity of Our Society
Arun K. Singh
Distinguished Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Asia Program
The former diplomat on the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, India-Pakistan ties, and the security situation in Kashmir
Arun K. Singh was Indian Ambassador to the U.S., France and Israel, and served in various capacities in the Ministry of External Affairs, including dealing with Afghanistan post-2001. Now a teacher, commentator and keen observer of geopolitics, Mr. Singh discusses in this interview the evolving situation in Afghanistan and how it is linked to the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. Excerpts:
The U.S. appears to be planning an exit from Afghanistan after making a deal with the Taliban. How do you assess the evolving situation?
The U.S. under President Donald Trump clearly wants to pull out of Afghanistan. This is not something new. Even under former President Barack Obama, there was a concerted attempt to pull out of Afghanistan. There is a certain amount of wariness in American society about this prolonged involvement in Afghanistan. It has now gone on for almost 18 years. There have been costs, economic and social. Obama was not able to do it, partly due to the push from the U.S. military and partly because he was worried that if there was a major terrorist attack in the U.S. after the pullout, and sourced from Pakistan or Afghanistan... that would have been devastating. The U.S. also did not want to convey the message that it lost in Afghanistan. Then there would have been wider consequences.
Photo Credit: Paris Malone / Shutterstock
Express Explained Live - India and U.S. Under Joe Biden: Aspects of Continuity and Change
Jan 4, 2021 | By Arun K. Singh
Photo Credit: Leo Altman / Shutterstock
On Visas, Expect Biden Administration to be Less Restrictive Than Trump
Nov 16, 2020 | By Arun K. Singh
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The Herbal Resource
Information on Medicinal Herbs & Functional Medicine
Herbs List
Herbs by Health Condition
Pasque Flower Medicinal Uses, Toxicity and Side Effects
Botanical Name: Pulsatilla vulgaris.
Other Common Names: Common pasque flower, European pasque flower, windflower, meadow anemone, pulsatilla, pulsatilla (Spanish), Gewöhnliche Küchenschelle (German), pulsatille vulgaire (French), stor kubjelle (Norwegian), backsippa (Swedish), opret kobjælde (Danish), lännenkylmänkukka (Finnish).
Habitat: Pasque flower can be found in Eastern and Central Europe north to Denmark and southern Sweden, and in western Asia.
It prefers full sun or partial shade and thrives best in a well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. The plant can be propagated by seeds, root division or cuttings.
Description: Pasque flower is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It can grow up to 40 cm tall with sturdy erect rhizomes, long stems, and hairy silvery-gray leaves.
The flowers appear in spring. They are large, bell-shaped and have six dark violet flower petals. Varieties with pink and white flowers occur and are often grown in gardens for ornamental purposes.
After flowering, feathery seed-heads appear that are very decorative. Pasque flower is hermaphrodite (male and female organs) and is pollinated by bees.
Plant Parts Used: The above-ground parts of the plant are used as herbal medicine.
The plant is harvested when it is in bloom. The herb is toxic when it is fresh, so the plant material must be properly dried before it can be used for medicinal purposes. The dried herb starts to lose its medicinal properties after a year or so.
Pasque Flower Medicinal Uses
Medicinal Applications and Health Benefits of Pasque Flower
Active Ingredients and Substances: Pasque flower contains sesquiterpene lactones, protoanemonin, anemonin, triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin).
In addition, it contains flavonoids (delphinine), tannins, carbohydrates (arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose) and essential oil.
Other Related Plants Belonging to the Genus Pulsatilla
In herbal medicine, it is not always distinguished between the plant species pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) and small pasque flower (Pulsatilla pratensis) as they are considered to have quite similar medicinal properties.
In homeopathy, it is mostly small pasque flower that is used and in traditional herbal medicine, many other species have been used that belong to the genus Pulsatilla.
In China, for example, bai tou weng (Pulsatilla chinensis), an important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is considered a good treatment for infections in the digestive system, especially amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis).
Spring pasque flower (Pulsatilla vernalis) also belongs to the same Genus, but very few medicinal uses are associated with this beautiful spring plant.
Traditional Uses of Pasque Flower
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) – Illustration ©The Herbal Resource
Pasque flower was a very popular medicinal herb in the past, and it was used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.
The plant’s juice was used as an herbal remedy for warts, the powdered root was used as sneezing powder and it is known that the herb was used as a treatment for plague in many countries.
As a treatment for high fever, it was believed that when the fresh finely shopped plant was placed on the wrists which resulted in blisters, forced the “evil” causing the fever to come out.
The herb was traditionally used as a treatment for a cough, insomnia, and against a convulsive pain in the genital organs of both sexes. Therefore, it was often prescribed for premenstrual pain, especially in the context of “nervous exhaustion”.
Pasque flower was also used as an herbal remedy for ailments associated with the digestive system and the urinary tract. In addition, it was used as a treatment for neuralgia, migraine, and inflammation of the skin and the mucous membranes.
In the 1800s pasque flower was popular as a treatment for menstrual problems, conjunctivitis, and other eye ailments, severe coughing (whooping cough), intestinal worms, eczema and meningitis (acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord).
Modern Day Medicinal Applications
Pasque flower is not used as much in herbal medicine as it was before, but it is still considered a valuable remedy for cramps, menstrual disorders, and anxiety.
It is often used specifically to treat a pain in the genital tract in both men and women (eg. in the uterus, testicles, and epididymides), in particular where there is a combination of vaginal cramps and general nervous tension.
The herb may also be helpful as a remedy for irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps. In addition, the herb is believed to alleviate stress reactions, anxiety and headaches associated with these ailments.
In France, the herb has traditionally been used to treat a cough, and as a sedative for sleeping disorders.
Extracts of pasque flower have been used to treat certain diseases in the inner eye, including inflammation of the iris (iritis), inflammation of the outer coating of the eye (scleritis), disorders of the retina, cataracts, and glaucoma.
The herb has otherwise been used as a treatment for coughing associated with of asthma and pertussis, and other respiratory ailments like bronchitis.
The antibacterial properties can make it useful in treating skin infections, especially boils.
An oil or tincture of the herb can be used locally to lessen ear pain.
As tea: Add ½-1 teaspoon (0.12 to 0.3 g) of dried herb to a cup of water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes before straining. The tea can be drunk three times a day or when needed
As a tincture: 1:10 in 40% alcohol. 1-2 ml three times daily.
As a liquid extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol: 0.12-0.3 ml three times daily.
Possible Side Effects, Toxicity and Interactions of Pasque Flower
Pasque flower (and other plant species belonging to the genus Pulsatilla) are quite toxic when fresh. The fresh unprocessed plant should therefore never be used as medicine.
This is because the plant contains a substance called ranunculin, which is poisonous but when the herb is cut or crushed, an enzyme is released which converts ranunculin into protoanemonin, which is a very irritant yellow essential oil.
Protoanemonin can cause severe skin irritation (including blemishes) and if swallowed, it can cause severe kidney and urinary tract damage, as well as paralysis of the central nervous system.
However, when the harvested plant material is dried by heat, the protoanemonin is rapidly broken down and converted into another non-toxic substance known as anemone.
Without chemical analyzes, however, it is difficult to know how quickly this conversion occurs. For this reason, the dried pasque flower herb should be used with great caution and only by qualified healthcare practitioners.
Ingestion of large doses of the dried herb has been reported to cause severe gastroenteritis. Use of high doses of preparations made from dried herb has also been known to result in kidney and urinary tract irritation. These observations indicate that protoanemonin may still be present in dried plant material.
Pasque flower should under no circumstances be used during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
Skin contact with the fresh plant can cause skin irritation.
When using herbal-based painkillers such as pasque flower, a caution should be exercised in the following circumstances: When using strong synthetic painkillers, pain in children, neurological diseases, depression and psychosis, liver and kidney disease, and for those who have experienced allergic or anaphylactic reactions.
Prolonged treatment with herbal analgesics is not recommended.
Supporting References
Atkins, Rosie, et al.: Herbs. The Essential Guide for a Modern World. London, Rodale International Ltd. 2006.
Barnes, Joanne; Linda A. Anderson & J. David Phillipson: Herbal Medicines. A guide for healthcare professionals. Second edition. London, Pharmaceutical Press 2002.
Foster, Steven and Rebecca L. Johnson: Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine. Washington D.C., National Geographic 2006.
Hoffmann, David: Medicinal Herbalism. The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, Healing Art Press 2003.
Mills, Simon & Kerry Bone: The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. St. Louis, Elsevier 2005.
Stuart, Malcolm: The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism. London, Orbis Publishing 1979.
Williamson, Elisabeth M.: Potter’s Herbal Cyclopaedia. Essex, Saffron Walden 2003.
Thordur Sturluson
Thor Sturluson has a BS in Biology, majoring in Botany, from the University of Maine and a masters degree in Zoology from the Open University in London. He's an experienced Biologist with a history of working in the environmental services industry. A trained scuba diver and researcher, Thor's has a keen interest in nature conservation and animal/plant protection. His work and botany passion has made The Herbal Resource what it is.
Latest posts by Thordur Sturluson (see all)
What is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana? - June 3, 2019
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© Copyright 2018 The Herbal Resource · All Rights Reserved!
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Dashcam video captures brutal beating of man, 65, at bus stop in Buena Park; suspect sought
By Mary Stringini, FOX 11
BUENA PARK, Calif. (FOX 11) - A 65-year-old man remained hospitalized on Friday morning after being brutally beaten at a bus stop in Buena Park. The vicious attack was caught on camera, and police asked for the public's help in locating the suspect.
Officers responded to a bus stop at Beach Boulevard and Orangethorpe Avenue around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday and found the victim unconscious, according to the Buena Park Police Department.
Witnesses told officers the victim and another man got into a shouting match, then the suspect pushed the victim to the ground and proceeded to kick and stomp the victim repeatedly in the head before taking the victim's bike and riding away eastbound on Orangethorpe Avenue, police said.
Video of the beating was captured by the dashcam of an Orange County Transportation Authority bus.
"This is disgusting when you really look at the videotape," said Buena Park Police Sgt. Mike Lovchik. "This was truly a one-sided fight and there was absolutely no justification for the assault."
The victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition and has yet to regain consciousness, the BPPD said early Friday.
The suspect was described as white, 25 to 35 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a large build and light hair in a bun. He has some facial hair and wears glasses and was wearing a green and gray sports jacket with "Converse'' on the front and the number "8'' on the back, police said.
Anyone who has information about the assault or the suspect was asked to call Buena Park police at 714-562-3901 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.
CNS contributed to this report.
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McKenna Provides Leadership With Attitude
Stellar Senior Leading the Way for Hilltoppers
Leadership comes in many styles. For Duluth Marshall Senior Alli McKenna it comes with a lot of energy.
Mckenna says, “I am the loudest one on the team probably. The most crazy on the team. I try to get everyone pumped, sometimes it doesn’t work but i trey my hardest.”
Starting when she was young, Alli has loved the pitch ever since she can remember.
McKenna comments, “Soccer has been pretty much my entire life athletic wise.”
She shares that passion in her own unique way with her Hilltopper teammates.
Mckenna says, “I have never had as much fun with a group of girls in my life we all get along so well we have such good chemistry on and off the field.”
Head Girls Soccer Coach Nic Bacigalupo says, “I think the players look to her if we’re having a down day she’s the first one to get things going she’s the first one to say something.”
But Alli not only leads with her attitude, her play speaks for itself. She’s tallied 10 assists and 16 goals so far this season.
Coach comments, “She leads by example and that’s very important, showing other upperclassmen and underclassmen what to do and how to do it and how to act and how to prepare for games.”
McKenna adds, “Definitely a little more on the wild side, I like to have fun with things.”
And the zaniness is working the toppers ended an impressive 12 and 4 season and won their first round of the section 7a tournament 7–0 over Proctor. Something Alli has been ready for her whole career.
Coach comments, “She’s a very competitive athlete, and that you can’t coach.”
McKenna adds, “Overall it’s been amazing and I loved it so much every year.”
Win, lose or draw this senior season has been a success.
McKenna explains, “All the amazing teammates I have and just being able to come out here everyday and spend so much time with them. I’ll never get anything more exciting.”
Categories: Features on Fox-imported, High School Sports-imported, Norther Star Category-imported, Northern Star, Sports-imported, Video
Minnesota Lawmakers Introduce Anti-Copper Mining Legislation
Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 15
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In new book, Comey says Trump 'untethered to truth'
Former FBI Director James Comey is sworn in before his testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, June 8, 2017.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Former FBI Director James Comey blasts President Donald Trump as unethical and "untethered to truth" and calls his leadership of the country "ego driven and about personal loyalty" in a forthcoming book.
Comey reveals new details about his interactions with Trump and his own decision-making in handling the Hillary Clinton email investigation before the 2016 election. He casts Trump as a mafia boss-like figure who sought to blur the line between law enforcement and politics and tried to pressure him personally regarding his investigation into Russian election interference.
The book adheres closely to Comey's public testimony and written statements about his contacts with the president during the early days of the administration and his growing concern about Trump's integrity. It also includes strikingly personal jabs at Trump that appear sure to irritate the president.
The 6-foot-8 Comey describes Trump as shorter than he expected with a "too long" tie and "bright white half-moons" under his eyes that he suggests came from tanning goggles. He also says he made a conscious effort to check the president's hand size, saying it was "smaller than mine but did not seem unusually so."
The book, "A Higher Loyalty," is to be released next week. The Associated Press purchased a copy this week.
Comey also describes Trump weighing whether to ask the FBI to investigate, with an eye toward debunking, a salacious allegation involving Trump and Russian prostitutes urinating on a bed in a Moscow hotel. Trump has strongly denied the allegation, and Comey says that it appeared the president wanted it investigated to reassure his wife, Melania Trump.
Trump fired Comey in May 2017, setting off a scramble at the Justice Department that led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the Russia investigation. Mueller's probe has expanded to include whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey, an idea the president denies.
Trump has assailed Comey as a "showboat" and a "liar."
Comey's account lands at a particularly sensitive moment for Trump and the White House. Officials there describe Trump as enraged over a recent FBI raid of his personal lawyer's home and office, raising the prospect that he could fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, or try to shut down the probe on his own. The Republican National Committee is poised to lead the pushback effort against Comey, who is set to do a series of interviews to promote the book, by launching a website and supplying surrogates with talking points that question the former director's credibility.
Trump has said he fired Comey because of his handling of the FBI's investigation into Clinton's email practices. Trump used the investigation as a cudgel in the campaign and repeatedly said Clinton should be jailed for using a personal email system while serving as secretary of state. Democrats, on the other hand, have accused Comey of politicizing the investigation, and Clinton herself has said it hurt her election prospects.
Comey writes that he regrets his approach and some of the wording he used in his July 2016 press conference in which he announced the decision not to prosecute Clinton. But he says he believes he did the right thing by going before the cameras and making his statement, noting that the Justice Department had done so in other high profile cases.
Every person on the investigative team, Comey writes, found that there was no prosecutable case against Clinton and that the FBI didn't find that she lied under its questioning.
He also reveals new details about how the government had unverified classified information that he believes could have been used to cast doubt on Attorney General Loretta Lynch's independence in the Clinton probe. While Comey does not outline the details of the information - and says he didn't see indications of Lynch inappropriately influencing the investigation - he says it worried him that the material could be used to attack the integrity of the probe and the FBI's independence.
Comey's book will be heavily scrutinized by the president's legal team looking for any inconsistencies between it and his public testimony, under oath, before Congress. They will be looking to impeach Comey's credibility as a key witness in Mueller's obstruction investigation, which the president has cast as a political motivated witch hunt.
The former FBI director provides new details of his firing. He writes that then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly - now Trump's chief of staff - offered to quit out of disgust at how Comey was dismissed. Kelly has been increasingly marginalized in the White House and the president has mused to confidants about firing him.
Comey also writes extensively about his first meeting with Trump after the election, a briefing in January 2017 at Trump Tower in New York City. Others in the meeting included Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's first chief of staff, Reince Priebus, Michael Flynn, who would become national security adviser, and incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer. Comey was also joined by NSA Director Mike Rogers, CIA Director John Brennan and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.
After Clapper briefed the team on the intelligence community's findings of Russian election interference, Comey said he was taken aback by what the Trump team didn't ask.
"They were about to lead a country that had been attacked by a foreign adversary, yet they had no questions about what the future Russian threat might be," Comey writes. Instead, they launched into a strategy session about how to "spin what we'd just told them" for the public.
Comey then describes talking to Trump one-on-one after the broader meeting.
He says he described the allegations about Russian prostitutes. He writes that he told Trump about the dossier because it was the FBI's responsibility to protect the presidency from coercion related to harmful allegations, whether supported or not. Comey said he left out one detail involving an allegation that the prostitutes had urinated on a bed once used by the Obamas.
Trump raised the subject again a week later, after the dossier had been made public. He then told Comey, the director writes, that he had not stayed in the hotel and that the most salacious charge could not have been true because, Trump said, "I'm a germaphobe. There's no way I would let people pee on each other around me. No way."
Comey writes that Trump raised the issue again, unprompted, during their one-on-one dinner at the White House and it bothered the president that there might be even "a one percent chance" his wife might think it was true.
Comey then registers surprise, writing that he thought to himself "why his wife would think there was any chance, even a small one, that he had been with prostitutes urinating on each other in a Moscow hotel room."
Lemire reported from New York.
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'Mean' Gene Okerlund dies at 76, WWE announces
Cast members Gene Okerlund and Hillbilly Jim attend the WWE screening of 'Legends' House' at Smith & Wollensky on April 15, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for WWE)
FOX NEWS - Legendary wrestling announcer “Mean” Gene Okerlund died at the age of 76, WWE announced Wednesday.
Okerlund was one of the more recognizable names in sports entertainment with his career spanning the American Wrestling Association, World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment.
Okerlund rose to prominence with his interviews with Jesse “The Body” Ventura, “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan. He would conduct backstage and in-ring interviews as well as provide commentary at the broadcast announce table.
Ventura gave Okerlund the moniker “Mean Gene” though he was widely considered one of the friendliest people in the wrestling business.
See the Full Story at FoxNews.com
Plano hospital sets up tents in the lobby to expand capacity
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Sandy Hook 5 years later
The former Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — Out of a senseless tragedy, they have sought ways to find meaning in advocacy.
Many relatives of the 26 children and educators killed five years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School have dedicated themselves to charity, activism and other efforts to channel their grief and, in many cases, to help prevent violence.
"You have two choices," said Rebecca Kowalski, whose 7-year-old son, Chase, died in Newtown. "I could be in the bottom of a bottle; I could not get out of my bed. Or, I could do what's making us heal a little bit every day."
Some organizations, like the Kowalski's youth triathlon program, honor the passions of the children who were lost on Dec. 14, 2012.
Others have jumped into the policy fray to lobby for gun control or improved mental health care. In some cases, they have traveled the country, and even the world, as recognized experts in their fields, such as Jeremy Richman, a scientist whose Avielle Foundation for the study of brain health is named for his slain daughter.
The Sandy Hook families have created a website to share each of their stories and information about the various projects they have started in memory of their family members.
A look at some of them:
SEEKING SAFER SCHOOLS
Alissa Parker had Michele Gay's phone number on her refrigerator because Parker's daughter, Emilie, had been invited to a birthday party for Gay's daughter, Josephine.
The day before the party was to be held, both children were killed.
Parker, who had lived in Newtown less than a year and didn't know many other parents, called Gay. The two bonded over their shared loss and eventually teamed to form Safe and Sound Schools, a foundation that provides information and resources about school safety.
They travel, usually separately, to schools around the country, giving talks that detail their personal experiences on the day of the shooting and discussing in detail how their children died. They then talk about what can be done to make schools safer, everything from making sure that classrooms can be locked from the inside to involving first responders in school emergency drills.
"I feel very solid that this is what Josephine wants me to be doing, and Alissa feels the same way about Emilie," Gay said. "We made a deliberate choice to be guided by our children and their spirits. We wanted to be positive. We wanted to avoid the political and some of the hot button issues and be focused on the practical things that everybody can do to make the community safer."
RUNNING FOR HEALING
Kowalski said her healing has come by organizing a children's triathlon program, Race4Chase , in memory of their son, who loved to race and had competed in a similar event the summer before the shooting.
The free day camps, run in conjunction with the YMCA, teach children the fundamentals of swimming, biking, running, nutrition, strength and flexibility. At the end of six weeks, campers come together for a sanctioned triathlon.
The program has grown to 20 locations in three states.
"We originally wanted a brick-and-mortar place where families could come and work out and be together," Kowalski said. "We knew we were going somewhere, but we didn't know where. Chase provided us with the direction. Now, we have 20 places, and people have really embraced what the program is all about."
EMOTIONAL LEARNING
While some in Newtown avoid speaking the name of the shooter, Adam Lanza, Nelba Marquez-Greene freely discusses the social and emotional problems of the man who killed her 6-year-old daughter, Ana Grace.
"I want people to remember that Adam, the person who did this, was also once 6 and in a first-grade classroom and that if we had reached out earlier, then maybe this could have changed," Marquez-Greene said.
Marquez-Greene's Ana Grace Project works with schools in New Britain, a city just west of Hartford, to teach empathy, combat bullying and help socially isolated children.
The foundation's Love Wins campaign, created with a local teacher, builds on the existing curriculum and also brings therapists and interns into the schools to help identify children who need extra help with social skills.
Scarlett Lewis, whose son, Jesse, was killed at Sandy Hook, also has been pushing for more emotional learning in schools. Her Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement has developed its own social-emotional learning curriculum which began on a pilot basis in four schools in Connecticut, Hawaii, Arkansas and New Mexico and has been downloaded by many other schools and organizations.
"I believe this is an urgent matter," Lewis said. "I believe it would have saved my son's life, as well as the lives of other victims across the United States and reduce bullying."
TEACHER SCHOLARSHIPS
The family of slain first-grade teacher Vicki Soto decided to hold a 5K race in her hometown of Stratford, Connecticut, annually around her November birthday to celebrate her life.
In 2013, about 500 runners took part, many wearing outfits adorned with Soto's favorite animal, the pink flamingo. Last month's race had more than 4,000 runners and walkers.
With the proceeds, the Sotos have given out more than $90,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in education.
Emily Mackay, of Stratford, received one of the first scholarships in 2014. She expects to graduate this spring from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in communications disorders and plans to get a master's degree so she can pursue a career in an elementary school as a speech pathologist.
"Being a part of Vicki's legacy has really motivated me throughout school. I will forever be grateful and honored that the Soto family believed in me to carry on Vicki's legacy and will always teach my students with her in mind," Mackay said.
The Sotos also have established a literacy campaign at the local library that involves such things as after-school tutoring, and the creation of mentor-text learning programs.
SANDY HOOK PROMISE
Sandy Hook Promise, one of the best-known organizations to form in the shooting's aftermath, was co-founded by several Newtown families, including the parents of first-grade victims Dylan Hockley and Daniel Barden.
The group lobbied for mental health care changes and gun control legislation in the months after the shooting, successfully advocating for state laws limiting sales of some guns in states such as Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois and New Jersey.
The group also was heavily involved in a failed effort in 2013 to get a federal law banning some semi-automatic weapons and expanding criminal and mental background checks for gun purchases.
The group says it had 17 families from Sandy Hook who lobbied 49 senators over seven days.
Sandy Hook Promise then switched its focus from legislation to community-based prevention programs, education and public service campaigns designed to change "gun violence acceptance attitudes and behaviors," said Nicole Hockley.
Among other things, the organization teaches people to recognize those who exhibit warning signs such as a bullying victim who has a fascination with firearms, has threatened to hurt themselves or others, has access to guns and has become disinterested in school.
They point to events such as one in Cincinnati in 2015 in which a counselor trained by the organization was able to identify a threat to a middle school that resulted in the arrest of a student who had told others he was planning to bomb the school and had recruited others to help shoot children.
"We absolutely know it's making a difference because we've trained over 2 million children and adults in the last 2 1/2 years," Hockley said.
The group this week launched its latest public service announcement, depicting a newscast covering a school shooting the day before it actually takes place to illustrate how knowing warning signs can prevent such tragedies.
Associated Press writer Dave Collins contributed to this report.
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Magnitude 6.5 earthquake strikes north of Boise, Idaho, U.S. Geological Survey reports
Magnitude 6.5 earthquake strikes in Idaho
The U.S. Geological Survey reports the magnitude 6.5 temblor struck just before 5 p.m. It was centered 73 miles (118 kilometers) northeast of Meridian, Idaho.
A large earthquake struck north of Boise, Idaho, Tuesday evening, with people across a large area reporting shaking.
One person on Twitter posted a video the moment the earthquake occured, which appeared to show items on their living room table shaking as the person announced "there is an earthquake happening!"
Katie Link posted a video on Twitter of her chandelier shaking expressing disbalief that Idaho would experience something like this.
"Am I dumb like I thought Idaho for sure doesn’t get earthquakes...at least not ones you can actually feel yet alone shake your entire house," wrote Link.
Marcus Smith, an emergency room health unit coordinator at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center, said the hospital, about 65 miles (104 kilometers) south of the epicenter, shook but the quake didn't interfere with the treatment of any patients. The hospital in Blaine County is on the front line of Idaho's coronavirus outbreak, in a region with the highest per-capita rates of known COVID-19 cases in the nation outside of New York City and surrounding counties.
“It felt like a wave going through the ground, so I knew right away what it was. It just felt like waves going through the ground,” he said.
BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 14, 2017: The downtown Boise skyline. (Photo by Joe Jaszewski for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The earthquake is added stress during an already stressful time for the region, but Smith said everything seemed fine, for now. “Until the next one, I guess,” Smith said. “I mean, that’s what we do. We’re all good.”
Brett Woolley, a restaurant owner in Stanley, said he heard earthquake coming before he felt it.
“I heard the roar, and at first it sounded like the wind but then the roar was tremendous,” Woolley said about 10 minutes after the earthquake. “The whole house was rattling, and I started to panic. I'm sitting here perfectly still and the water next to me is still vibrating.”
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Who owns your contacts?
A company’s database of contacts can be a valuable asset. When an employee leaves a company, can the employer prevent him taking his contacts with him so as to hinder unwelcome competition ? Even if there are no non-compete covenants, IP law can assist if you can show that the employer owns IP in the contact database and any use by a former employee would be an infringement of that IP.
In the recent case of Pennwell Publishing v Ornstien, the judge said:
” where an address list is contained on Outlook or some similar program which is part of the employer’s e-mail system and backed up by the employer, the database or list of information … will belong to the employer.”
In that case the employer was entitled to retain the list of contacts and got an injunction preventing use of it, but not of individual parts of its content which were known to the employee by other means.
In another case, Hays Specialist Recruitment v. Mr Ions, the information was not held on the company’s own internal systems but was held on LinkedIn, an on-line social networking site. Hays alleged that Mr Ions had uploaded business contacts from the company’s confidential database to his account at LinkedIn and sought an order for disclosure of documents in connection with an action for breach of confidentiality. The employee argued he had been encouraged to join LinkedIn and that once a business contact had accepted the invitation to join his network, the information ceased to be confidential as it could be seen by all his contacts. The court decided that, even if confidentiality in the information had been lost, Hays may still have a claim against Mr Ions and ordered disclosure but only in relation to contacts he had made while an employee at Hays.
The case highlights the tension between encouraging employees to use social networking websites for business reasons on the one hand and wanting to protect confidential information on the other.
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Home / World News / Burns to be in Vienna to shore up support for N-deal
Burns to be in Vienna to shore up support for N-deal
US Under Secretary of State William Burns will travel to IAEA headquarters in Vienna to shore up support for the Indo-US civil nuclear deal when Delhi plans to brief the UN Board of Governors on a safeguards agreement.
By HT Correspondent | PTI, Washington
US Under Secretary of State William Burns will travel to IAEA headquarters in Vienna on Friday to shore up support for the Indo-US civil nuclear deal when New Delhi plans to brief the Board of Governors of the UN atomic watchdog on a safeguards agreement.
Burns, who is travelling to Geneva for a meeting over Iran's controversial nuclear programme, will have a stopover in Vienna on Friday.
"Friday, he's (Burns') going to have some consultations at the International Atomic Energy Agency, related to the nuclear deal," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters without elaborating.
"... I don't have many more details for you than that, that he is going to be in Vienna at the IAEA for some consultations on the civil nuclear deal...," he said.
With Manmohan Singh Government bracing for a trust vote on July 22, India on Wednesday said it has decided to scale down Friday's special briefing for the IAEA on the safeguards agreement and other aspects of Indo-US nuclear deal, confining it to its 35-member Board of Governors and NSG countries which are not part of the Board.
The IAEA has said its Board of Governors will meet on August 1 to discuss a draft safeguards agreement with India, necessary for the implementation of the deal unveiled by US President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in July 2005 which would allow India commerce in nuclear material and technology.
In addition, India must obtain a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a group of 45 states that export nuclear fuel and technology.
Burns, undersecretary of state for political affairs, will travel on Saturday to Geneva for talks with Iran on its nuclear programme.
FILE PHOTO: US President Donald Trump speaks to the media before boarding Air Force One to depart Washington on travel to visit the US-Mexico border Wall in Texas, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US.(REUTERS)
Trump will leave White House before Biden inauguration, may go to his golf club
Donald Trump will be the first president in a century and a half to snub the inauguration of his successor.
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claps his hands at the ruling party congress in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP)
Kim Jong Un’s new missile could be an attempt to get Joe Biden's attention
The next step is for him to fire them into the air to get President-elect Joe Biden’s attention.
People react (left) as the body of a relative is retrieved from the rubble of a building in Mamuju, West Sulawesi; residents inspect (right) damaged buildings in Mamuju.(AP)
Midnight quake kills 42 in Indonesia
AP, Mamuju
More than 600 people were injured by the magnitude 6.2 quake, which sent people fleeing their homes in the darkness on Friday. Authorities were still collecting information about the full scale of casualties and damage in the affected areas.
A destroyed building is pictured following an earthquake in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, Indonesia January 15, 2021, in this picture obtained from social media. Palang Merah Indonesia/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. REFILE - CORRECTING YEAR(via REUTERS)
A Covid-19 patient, one of 12 to be transferred in a military airplane, is assisted by medical staff at the Ponta Pelada airport in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, on January 15, 2021, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.(AFP)
How we got to two million Covid-19 deaths
On April 2 more than 3.9 billion people -- half of the world's population -- were forced or called on to confine themselves, according to an AFP count. The same day the threshold of one million cases is crossed.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said US was also increasing the scope of metals-related sanctions against Iran administered by the State Department.(Reuters)
During his four years in office, Trump has tried to force Tehran back into talks over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its activities in the Middle East.
A resident wearing a mask past by a mural depicting idyllic home life in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province. (AP)
US steps up claims Covid-19 may have escaped from Chinese lab
China has repeatedly rejected charges that the virus might have emerged from a laboratory. But the US has obtained new information about illnesses at the lab.
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Donate Give Monthly
Eliminating trachoma worldwide
The Fred Hollows Foundation | 08/08/12
Home Latest Eliminating trachoma worldwide
The Fred Hollows Foundation is playing a critical role in the elimination of trachoma by supporting a global survey to identify where people are living at risk from this blinding disease.
The UK government has taken the lead in fast-tracking the elimination of blinding trachoma by providing £10.6 million to a consortium of international NGOs, which includes The Foundation.
Sightsavers, a UK-based partner organisation of The Foundation, will administer the funds that will be used to map the prevalence of trachoma in more than a thousand districts in 30 countries around the world.
The Foundation will be surveying about a quarter of these currently un-mapped districts, focusing particularly on Ethiopia in the Horn of Africa, which has the highest prevalence of trachoma and avoidable blindness in the world.
The survey will allow for:
Millions of people living in suspected endemic countries to be surveyed by March 2015
Up to 1,100 local surveyors and analysts to be trained to carry out disease mapping
A mobile application to be developed to accurately record mapping data
Open access to disease maps to be made available via www.trachomaatlas.org
Trachoma is a chronic inflammation of the external lining tissue of the eye and eyelids and is often prevalent amongst the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. The disease can be spread through poor hygiene conditions and is one of the more painful ways to go blind.
The Foundation, as part of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and together with the World Health Organisation has resolved to eliminate trachoma worldwide by 2020 through treatment already proven to be successful in some countries.
To achieve this goal, the locations of the disease must be identified over the next three years; mapping is the critical first step in identifying those most at risk from the disease and ensuring they receive the right treatment.
Gabi Hollows, Founding Director
Ian Wishart, CEO
She Sees
Sight Simulator
The Fred Hollows Humanity Award
Make a tax deductible donation
The Fred Hollows Foundation is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
Eligible tax-deductible donations have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Tax Office.
The Fred Hollows Foundation is accredited by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), responsible for managing the Australian Government's aid program.
The Fred Hollows Foundation receives support through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
The Fred Hollows Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands on which we work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.
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Influential Women
Women in Energy: Eileen Perillo, Shell
Today’s featured 25 Influential Women in Energy honoree is Eileen Perillo, vice president of finance for unconventionals at Shell USA Co.
Hart Energy Staff
Mon, 03/30/2020 - 04:30 AM
WIE2020 - Eileen Perillo
Eileen Perillo has built a 16-year career at Shell USA Co., working on both sides of the Atlantic and on some of the company’s most notable projects. Those projects have included conventional oil and gas assets overseas, typically $500 million or greater in size, and subsequently a variety of unconventional projects in the U.S. as well as dry-gas assets in Canada to feed an LNG export terminal.
Currently, Eileen holds the position of vice president, finance, unconventionals, based in Houston, a role she accepted in December of 2017.
Eileen’s career at Shell began in its lubricants consumer North America division, after which she joined what is now its M&A division. She served in M&A for three years, initially in upstream commercial finance, based in The Hague, Netherlands, and thereafter as the upstream Americas strategic cost leadership manager. In late 2010, she joined Shell Trading with financial responsibility for the Americas crude and refined products business.
During Eileen’s tenure in M&A, Shell navigated its return to Iraq after the end of the Iran-Iraq war. Eileen was finance lead on the first two bid rounds to get Shell back into Iraq on the upstream side as part of its new business development group. Shell became operator of Majnoon Field in Iraq and was in a joint venture (JV) with Exxon Mobil Corp. in West Qurna Field.
Click here for the 25 Influential Women In Energy special report.
Take a look at all of the Women In Energy honorees.
Other transactions also stand out, including Shell’s work with Gazprom on the Sakhalin-2 LNG plant in the far east of Russia, where Eileen was instrumental in negotiating terms of an LNG offtake agreement. Elsewhere, Eileen has been active on the divestiture side of M&A, arranging exits from some of Shell’s exploratory interests in Libya and from some of its interests in the North Sea.
Returning to The Hague in 2014, Eileen joined finance projects and technology projects, with oversight of the conventional oil and gas capital projects portfolio. This largely involved working with JV partners on projects around the world: Ireland, the U.K., Norway, the Netherlands, the Middle East, Brunei and Malaysia.
Eileen’s current assignment in the U.S. unconventional sector includes financial responsibility for Shell’s shale portfolio. Eileen’s finance organization includes team members in these countries as well as in business operations centers in Krakow, Manila and Chennai.
Prior to joining Shell, Eileen held a variety of finance positions for over 10 years with PPG Industries Inc.
Eileen was attracted to an international career as she traveled in the U.S. and overseas with her father, who served in the military. This background gave her “an international mindset” and led her to earn an international MBA from the University of South Carolina, she says.
In terms of motivation, “what I really appreciate about Shell is that we operate on a scale where we can impact the lives of people and countries in terms of their socioeconomic and political development,” says Eileen. “It feeds into the health and wellbeing of the places where we do business.”
In addition, as Shell navigates its way through the “energy transition,” she observes, “we’re on the cusp of having all different kinds of energy. Shell’s position in working to lead that transition from a hydrocarbon-based industry to a much more diversified set of energy sources is still very motivating for me.”
Looking back on her career progression, one instance when she was treated differently due to gender was in an internal interview at PPG in a chemicals facility “that had never had a female in a leadership position,” she recalls. “I got a ‘little lady’ talk and was warned I needed to ‘toughen up.’ It was the only time it blatantly hit me in the face. My reaction was to ignore the undertone and simply to do my job.”
As for advice to others, “I’ve told college students and young professionals that they have to find ways to work collaboratively in teams, because it’s challenging to do things by themselves,” says Eileen. “But, equally, you need to figure out how to stand out as an individual. That’s not always an easy balance to strike. You need to know when to support and when to stand out.”
In addition to her father’s emphasis on honesty and integrity, “most of the mentors I’ve worked closely with have given me the hard truth when I needed to hear it, but were also very supportive,” she says. “I think I’ve been blessed to work with a lot of great people.”
NYSE: RDS.A Royal Dutch Shell Plc
Chart reflects yearly performance.
Saudi Arabia To Tender Construction For Mecca 600 MW Solar Project
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Natural gas accounted for 62% of utility-scale additions, while wind and solar photovoltaic represented 21% and 16%, respectively. Coal accounted for 69% of the 18.7 gigawatts that retired last year.
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Baker Hughes on Dec. 11 revealed a significant new advancement supporting its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon equivalent emissions by 2050 by entering into an agreement to purchase 100% of its Texas electricity from renewable sources.
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Fitness Chevron Right
What a Workout: Melissa Paris Bodyweight Boot Camp
I need to sweat to feel like I'm getting a real workout. Whether that comes from spinning, Pilates, an elliptical, or several sets of strength training, it doesn’t matter, as long as I need a shower when I'm done.
By Alyssa Sparacino
Melissa Paris, founder of Melissa Paris Fitness
Credit: Brian Friedman
This is probably why I wasn’t a huge fan of Antigravity Yoga. (I recently tried out a class with a co-worker.) Sure, I used my abs to swing my legs around as I was backward somersaulting into a silk hammock (Yes, it was an unusual workout). And I can see how you could get some seriously defined muscles once you had mastered the techniques, but I left feeling pretty much the same way as I’d arrived.
It was a different story after Melissa Paris got a hold of me. Paris is a certified personal trainer based in New York City and Long Island, who works with clients in individual and group-class settings.
About 30 minutes into our intense ab-crunching, low-lunging, high-kneeing, push up-planking class, Paris yelled out “If you aren’t slipping on your sweat, you aren’t working hard enough.”
If you think Paris sounds like a drill sergeant, you are both close to and far from the truth. As an ex-cheerleader, she’s a perfect blend of pep and pushy.
“I love bonding over a good workout,” she says. “I love making people feel good about themselves.”
Her bodyweight conditioning class is basically made up of an hour of non-stop movement. There is a group of two moves (burpees and bicycle crunches, for example), and each move is performed for either 30 seconds or one minute each, with three sets per group. You get a few seconds break in between sets, and a short water break between groups.
For most moves there was an option one or option two. For example, you could walk up from a forearm plank to a push-up plank or jump from forearm to hands. You also had the option of using both hands for burpees or just one.
Paris says this type of workout allows you to own your own body weight. “Mixed with the intervals, it gives you a killer combination of strength training and cardio all in one shot,” she says.
It was the quickest hour-long workout I’ve ever had. There’s no time to think about anything other than the move of the moment. Paris reminds you to rely on your body, not your head. Wanna give up? She’ll yell “You can’t give up on the last 10 seconds.” And it makes you think, “She’s right, I’ve already made it this far (admittedly with a couple of sporadic breaks), what’s a few more seconds?”
By the end of the workout, I felt accomplished, motivated, and yep, sweaty. Next time, I’ll bring an extra shirt.
9 Steps to a Stronger Core
Blast Fat With Circuit Training
Post-Workout Refueler
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insideoutequinehealth@gmail.com
P.O. Box 5, Moonee Vale, 3055
Erika Gough is a qualified Equine Nutritionist and one of the country's most trusted experts in the field. Her knowledge has been developed through a combination of formal education and extensive hands-on experience. She established Inside Out Equine Health when she realised that many horse owners struggled to create diets for their horses that were based on sound scientific principles and up-to-date research.
Having created tailored diet plans for almost 600 horses nationally and internationally and conducted thousands of faecal egg counts, Erika’s methods have been proven and her results speak for themselves.
Since founding Inside Out Equine Health in 2015, Erika has worked with a wide range of horses, many of whom had severe health problems. Through the tailored development of simple, natural and scientifically sound diet plans, she has restored the health and improved the lives of performance and pleasure horses alike.
Erika is passionate about passing on her knowledge and has written and presented extensively on equine health, nutrition and parasite control. Her writing can be found in a range of publications including Hoofbeats Magazine and Think Horsemanship. She regularly attends a range of equestrian events and conferences to ensure her knowledge remains up to date.
Erika is consulting Nutritionist for a range of prominent equine organisations, including the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, Equitation Science International, Carlton Clydesdales (prior to their retirement), and a wide range of racing stables and studs, professional instructors and riders.
Erika’s work is based on scientific evidence and informed by research in the field. She maintains professional relationships with researchers and practitioners, often working alongside veterinarians, professors of parasitology, and other key equine professionals to ensure her work remains accurate and effective.
This is my one of my money pits, Lilah, an 8yo friesian x WB
What questions do you have?
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Celebrity Chevron Right
Hilary Duff Chevron Right
The Lizzie McGuire Cast Opened Up About Disney+ Canceling the Reboot
This is not what dreams are made of.
Updated Jan 15, 2021 @ 4:00 pm
Update Jan. 15, 2021: In a new interview with Vice, several Lizzie McGuire cast members spoke about how disappointed — and surprised — they are about Disney+ canceling plants to bring the show back. Robert Carradine, who played Lizzie's dad Sam, explained that things seemed to be going in the right direction and that a slew of Disney executives enjoyed the table reads for the first two episodes.
"When we did the read-through of the first two scripts, there were literally three rows of chairs and in each chair was some kind of a Disney executive," Carradine told Vice. "I mean, there were 25 of them in there. And they were laughing their asses off."
"Every single step of that trajectory had to be green-lit by somebody who's high up in the organization," he said of rumors that the show felt too "grown-up" for Disney+. "So, you go to all that trouble and they decide at the last minute, out of the blue, that it needs to be more kid-friendly? I don't get that."
Hallie Todd, who played Lizzie's mom Jo, echoed the sentiment.
"I'm sad. We had the best time when we got together for those two episodes. It felt like no time had passed, except that all of a sudden these kids were adults," she said. "It just seems ridiculous. There's always more to it than you hear, and I certainly am not privy to those conversations in the back room."
Previously: The saga of 30-something Lizzie McGuire has reached an upsetting conclusion.
After production on the reboot of the beloved Disney Channel show was halted in February and star Hilary Duff voiced her hopes that Disney+ would allow the series to move to Hulu, fans awaited updates.
Ten months later, Duff hammered the final nail in modern Lizzie’s (likely bespoke) coffin. On Wednesday afternoon, the former Disney star announced that the reboot “isn’t going to happen.”
“I’ve been so honored to have the character of Lizzie in my life,” the actress wrote on Instagram. “She has made such a lasting impact on many, including myself. To see the fans’ loyalty and love for her, to this day, means so much to me. I know the efforts and conversations have been everywhere trying to make a reboot work but, sadly & despite everyone’s best efforts, it isn’t going to happen.”
RELATED: Hilary Duff Wants the Lizzie McGuire Reboot to Move to Hulu
Duff went on to say that she was committed to making the character’s return “honest and authentic,” and, implicitly, the reboot that was in production wouldn’t have allowed that.
“We can all take a moment to mourn the amazing woman she would have been and the adventures we would have taken with her. I’m very sad, but I promise everyone tried their best and the stars just didn’t align. Hey now, this is what 2020s made of.”
OK, but will we ever find out what Lizzie was doing with that alpaca? We just want answers.
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Historic Agreement Between Oklahoma City/Tinker AFB to Create Thousands of Jobs, Millions in Investment, Potential for More Partnership
Published: Wednesday, February 4, 2015
TINKER TO ACQUIRE LAND FOR KC-46A PEGASUS MAINTENANCE
Tinker Air Force Base officials announced today the acquisition of 158 acres of land on the west side of the base to stand up a depot maintenance facility for the Air Force’s next-generation aerial refueling aircraft, the KC-46A Pegasus.
The land purchase was made possible through a joint effort of the U.S. Air Force ($8 million), the City of Oklahoma City ($23.5 million) and Oklahoma County ($12.5 million). The land was formerly owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. (BNSF), where it operated a rail yard that primarily served the former General Motors manufacturing facility.
Prior to selecting the 158-acre property as the location for its KC-46A depot operations, the Air Force evaluated a number of potential sites both on and near Tinker AFB. After extensive review, the service determined that this property would be the best value for the taxpayer and would also increase the base’s security by incorporating land between disconnected portions of the base, connecting all of the base’s property.
Read more at OKCChamber.com.
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New logo, new website, new image for S3 Group
Asia, Asia, export, export, Logo, S3 Group, S3 Group
It took us a while… with several internal debates, tests, surveys, changes, more debates, tests and surveys, but… here we are:
S³ has a new logo and website, in summary, a new image to the world!
There are obviously still a couple of details (and some more-than-details) pending to be fixed, e.g. the Chinese language version, presence on social media, etc., but in the coming months most definitely the company’s online presence will see a substantial transformation!
Desarrollo de un nuevo logo para S³
The first phase was the development of a new logo, to substitute the one that has accompanied the company since its start in 2003, having become totally obsolete.
A new logo was designed, more up-to-date and refreshing, incorporating lime green, representing growth, innovation, freshness, closeness, connection, hope, money and luck.
But we also kept ’our’ blue, meaning professionalism, seriousness, integrity, sincerity, calmness and success.
Simultaneously, a set of additional logos has been created for use in certain specific contexts or applicable to the different companies and professional activities of our Group. An example is the new logo for ‘Strategic Sourcing Solutions’, the original ‘embryo’ of the Group.
Also, our website had become outdated and it therefore needed more than a quick fix. The overall corporate imagetowards the market has been entirely modified, while still maintaining e.g. the main service categories the Group currently offers:
Sourcing: the core and origin of the company, with a wealth of information and examples on how to buy better in Asia. Export: currently a less prominent area, with still a hugely relevant expertise. Consultancy & Training: where most changes have been made, highlighting training as one of the main activities of the Group.
Finally, it is worthwhile commenting on how two important chapters have been given more attention:
Projects: this area contains an appealing set of examples of projects in which the S3 team has put to the test its experience and know-how. More examples will be added over the next few months, as for now most of them were already present in the former website, so the most recent new projects will be included as well.
News: most of the items on display will come from the articles published in our quarterly S3 Newsletter, but in the future specific content will be developed, , creating a professional blog, that gradually will start replacing the Newsletter you are reading now.
Visit the new website and let us know your comments! www.GroupS3.com
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In images and words, The "IMatter" Project reflects the vitality and strength of communities through the beauty and promise of youth
Rob Goldman’s “IMatter” Project is a multimedia youth empowerment program that celebrates the sanctity and self-worth of teens and young adults. The captivating campaign uses public media -- print, radio and web-- as a catalyst to engage communities in conversations regarding the challenges facing our youth. The social movement cultivates civic empowerment, uplifting and uniting citizens of all ages while instilling a sense of communal pride and promise.
The program features Goldman’s compelling photographic portraits accompanied by “IMatter” statements, written and spoken by each subject. Irresistible faces broadcast self-reflective messages of optimism that drive community engagement through larger-than-life banners, billboards, audio recordings, radio broadcasts and interactive exhibits. Captivating works are designed to provoke intergenerational discourse about critical youth issues that include anxiety, depression, homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, gang violence and suicide.
The aesthetic uplift of the campaign inspires people to imagine and build a healthy community while promoting empathy, belonging and hope. We bring together the forces and faces of communities with an enticing platform that unites governmental, civic, educational, corporate and philanthropic forces to bring about positive change for youth.
The "IMatter" Project launched in Northport, New York in 2013 where images of local youth and their "IMatter" statements filled the windows of the Northport Public Library. Since then, the "IMatter" Project has been successfully implemented in a variety of public venues including colleges, libraries, civic associations, public schools and the Raymond J. Lesniak Recovery Recovery High School in New Jersey. The project is currently being implemented as a "Compassion Campaign" in partnership with the city of New Haven, Connecticut.
Our Founder & Director - Rob Goldman
Rob Goldman is an internationally published photographer, community-engaged artist, educator, author and speaker. His work interweaves aspects of art, education and social action to foster personal and professional growth while building community.
For over 30 years Rob's photographs have been celebrated in gallery exhibitions and national magazines including: Cosmopolitan, Time, Brides and Mademoiselle, and have appeared in ads for Club Med, Microsoft, AT&T, Marriott and Seagrams. Rob is currently on the adjunct professor faculty at Wesleyan University and Eastern Connecticut State University where he is teaching courses in photography and social engagement art.
He is the author of Shooting From The Heart: Creating Passion & Purpose in Your Life and Work. Rob's message is simple: "The world doesn't change, we do.
Positive change requires listening to the voices in our hearts that guide us to toward our true selves and our true purpose." This guidebook will help readers become more conscious of how thoughts and emotions get in the way of our ability to live with deep peace.
info@imatterproject.com
© 2018 Center for Creative Development LLC
"IMatter" Voices
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MainAll NewsUS & CanadaNo to incitement on Twitter? Not when it comes to Israel
No to incitement on Twitter? Not when it comes to Israel
The social media network permanently blocked Trump, but Ayatollah Khamenei's account calling for the destruction of Israel is up and well.
Tags: Twitter Iran Trump
Nissan Tzur , Jan 09 , 2021 9:12 PM
While Twitter announced a permanent ban of President Trump out of "fear of continued incitement to violence" it turns out the accounts of individuals using the social media network to hatemonger against people or groups they deem "inferior", including ones calling for the destruction of the State Israel and Jewish people, continue to spread their message with little or no restrain.
Iran's "Supreme Leader," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, makes regular use of his account, for example, to threaten Israel, the US, and other Western states.
In a tweet from 2018 that still appears on his account, the "Supreme Leader" threatened to destroy the Israel, writing, "Our position against Israel is the same we have always taken. Israel is a malignant cancerous growth in the West Asian region that must be removed and eradicated. It is possible and it will happen."
Last July, Khamenei published a post vowing to retaliate for the American assassination of Quds Force General Qassem Suleimani in January of that year.
In May of last year, Khamenei reiterated his call to destroy the Jewish state.
In 2014, Iran's "Supreme Leader" tweeted a nine-point plan explicitly detailing means of eliminating Israel.
Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, accused of committing systematic human rights violations, is another leader of a rogue regime with an active Twitter account, conveying messages in support of communism and hatred of the US.
Media outlets representing the Chinese Communist Party are also known for spreading their message via Twitter. For example, People's Daily, considered the Chinese government's main propaganda apparatus, tweeted last November that "all available evidence suggests that the coronavirus did not originate in Wuhan, but could have reached China through imported frozen food products and their packaging."
Other highly controversial figures such as including former NFL star O.J. Simpson, charged with the 2008 murder of his ex-wife and her partner and sentenced to a lengthy prison term on charges of robbery and attempted kidnapping continue to run uninterrupted Twitter accounts.
Even radical Nation of Islam preacher Louis Farrakhan, widely considered amongst the most vicious anti-Semites in the world, as well as renowned neo-Nazi Richard Spencer continue to make good use of the platform to spread their message.
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Woman Alleges Judge Raped Her When He Was a Prosecutor
by Beth Karas | Mar 21, 2016 | News | 185 comments
I’ve been following a story that broke last week–not only because of the unusual and sensational allegations that a prosecutor raped a teen witness but also because a name mentioned is familiar to me. The familiar name is not the accuser or the alleged perpetrator. Rather it’s the defendant who was on trial at the time of the alleged sexual assaults. The story is described in detail in a civil complaint filed last week in Utah. It involves behind-the-scene activities during the 1981 trial in Salt Lake City of white supremacist serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin. Franklin was being tried for two of the many murders he committed between 1977 and 1980 in an attempt to start a race war. On August 20, 1980, Franklin fired at four people as they were at a crosswalk–two black men and two women–one…
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Neo Baath V
Neo-Baath v. the Shiites
Brig. Gen. Muhammad Abdullah Shahwani, the head of the Iraqi secret police, has charged 27 employees in the Iranian embassy in Baghdad with espionage and sabotage. He blames them for the assassination of over a dozen members of the Iraqi secret police in the past month. He claims to have seized from “safehouses” Persian documents that show that the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq and its militia, the Badr Corps, served as Iranian agents in helping with the assassinations.
SCIRI is represented in the caretaker government by Adil Abdul Mahdi, the Finance Minister, and the party has been an ally of convenience of the US against the Sadr Movement. The party was formed in Tehran by Iraqi exiles in 1982 and was close to Iranian hardliners. SCIRI officials vigorously denied Shahwani’s charges on Thursday. They said that the neo-Baath network in the Allawi government is seeking to discredit Iraqis who fought against Saddam from Iran in the 1980s.
SCIRI is close to Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, and there is some danger that if the neo-Baathists attack this Shiite party they will push Sistani into opposition to the government. Indeed, insofar as most of the neo-Baath are Sunnis, this sort of campaign could finally produce the kind of Sunni-Shiite violence many feared before the war, but which has largely so far been avoided.
Shahwani’s allegations are disturbing, coming when they do, because they may be an attempt to damage SCIRI’s prospects in the January elections. If the secret police are manipulating documents to tie a major Iraqi party to foreign intrigue and domestic assassination, this move would bode badly for Iraq’s development as a democracy.
Personally, I find Shahwani’s allegations fantastic.
It was clear as soon as Allawi and the neo-Baath faction was put in power by the US in late June that they wanted to target Iran. Defense Minister Hazim Shaalan decried Iran publicly as Iraq’s number one enemy this summer.
Shahwani is an old-time Baath officer. In 1990 he broke with Saddam, who is said to have killed three of Shahwani’s children in revenge. Shahwani came out of Iraq and to join US efforts to overthrow the dictator. This summer, he was appointed head of the Mukhabarat or Iraqi secret police, which the US Central Intelligence Agency is rebuilding with $3 billion. Shahwani is alleged to be a long-time CIA asset who is being groomed as a replacement for caretaker Prime Minister Iyad Allawi should the latter be assassinated.
Shahwani is part of a network of ex-Baathists (or perhaps neo-Baathists) around Iyad Allawi, including Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib and Defense Minister Hazim Shaalan. As Ed Wong and Erik Eckholm of the New York Times recently reported, the Allawi government has been bringing large numbers of former Baathists into the government. This step reverses the extreme de-Baathification measures implemented at the behest of Ahmad Chalabi begining in June of 2003.
On 21 September, al-Sabah reported that Judge Zuhair al-Maliky had opened an investigation into Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib and the head of the Iraqi secret police, Muhammad al-Shahwani for their harassment of members of the Hizbullah Movement of Iraq headed by Hassan al-Sari in Baghdad. Sari’s HMI was established in the early 1980s, and is very close to the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq. (Later on the “Iraqi Hizbullah” hived off from it to organize the Marsh Arabs displaced by Saddam from the south (headed by Abu Hatem al-Muhammadawi. The HMI remained separate. Neither the Hizbullah Movement of Iraq nor the Iraqi Hizbullah is related to the Lebanese organization of the same name, which Western news sources inexplicably transliterate in Persian as Hezbollah). The two ex-Baath officials had reportedly ordered the secret police to raid “the office of Hizb Allah Movement in Baghdad and arrested some members, including the movement’s general-secretary Hassan Al Sari, without any arrest warrant.” [Thanks to Nicholas Blanford for information about HMI].
Complaints began surfacing about Shahwani in August. Iraqi Shiite leaders visiting London this summer contacted the Deccan Herald, a south Indian newspaper, among others, to express concern about the secret police chief:
‘ Despite earlier promises that no one in Iraq would be arrested without due process, Shahwani’s critics say he is using ex-criminals to round up suspects and hold them without charge in secret prisons.
“On the day the National Assembly was appointed three members were arrested, along with another 57 others, all this on the orders of Shahwani,” one prominent Iraqi visitor told Deccan Herald on condition he was not quoted by name.
“When we heard of this we approached Prime Minister Allawi and they managed to get one man released. All the others remain under arrest.
“Shahwani only responds to the orders of the Americans, he was forced on Allawi. That’s why this is occupation, you can draw your conclusions.” ‘
Hyderabad, in South India, was ruled by the Golconda Shiite state in the 1500s and 1600s and has an old Shiite community that is connected to the Gulf through immigration and study. Presumably it is this Hyderabad connection that explains why the Iraqi Shiites complained to the Deccan Herald in particular about Shahwani.
Appendix I (1:35 pm)
Bartle Bull has an excellent opinion piece in the NYT today on the turn of the Sadr movement toward civil politics, the formation of the Patriot Party, and its possible alliance with Ahmad Chalabi.
Chalabi’s office just put out this news release:
‘ Muhammad Shahwani has violated the charter of the Iraqi intelligence service, the Transitional Administrative Law and the bill of rights of the Iraqi people by spying on Iraqi citizens, falsely arresting and imprisoning Iraqis, and fanning the flames of sectarianism. He continues to act without authority while making false accusations against Iraqi parties
and personalities who led the struggle against Saddam and are leading the struggle against terrorism today.
He has filled the ranks of the intelligence service with Baathists and Saddam loyalists and he has failed to protect the Iraqi people from terrorism.”
“The Iraqi National Assembly and the Iraqi judicial system are discussing what action to take to prevent Shahwani abusing the rights of Iraqis in the same way that Saddam’s regime did.” ‘
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Conspiracy in the Streets
THE TRIAL THAT IS NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREReprinted to coincide with the release of the new Aaron Sorkin film, this book provides the political background of this infamous trial, narrating the utter craziness of the courtroom and revealing both the humorous antics and the serious politics involvedOpening at the end of 1969--a politically charged year at the beginning of Nixon's presidency and at the height of the anti-war movement--the Trial of the Chicago Seven (which started out as the Chic…
Leidėjas: The New Press
Conspiracy in the Streets | knygos.lt
THE TRIAL THAT IS NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE
Reprinted to coincide with the release of the new Aaron Sorkin film, this book provides the political background of this infamous trial, narrating the utter craziness of the courtroom and revealing both the humorous antics and the serious politics involved
Opening at the end of 1969--a politically charged year at the beginning of Nixon's presidency and at the height of the anti-war movement--the Trial of the Chicago Seven (which started out as the Chicago Eight) brought together Yippies, antiwar activists, and Black Panthers to face conspiracy charges following massive protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, protests which continue to have remarkable contemporary resonance.
The defendants--Rennie Davis, Dave Dellinger, John Froines, Tom Hayden, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale (the co-founder of the Black Panther Party who was ultimately removed from the trial, making it seven and not eight who were on trial), and Lee Weiner--openly lampooned the proceedings, blowing kisses to the jury, wearing their own judicial robes, and bringing a Viet Cong flag into the courtroom. Eventually the judge ordered Seale to be bound and gagged for insisting on representing himself. Adding to the theater in the courtroom an array of celebrity witnesses appeared, among them Timothy Leary, Norman Mailer, Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins, and Allen Ginsberg (who provoked the prosecution by chanting "Om" on the witness stand).
This book combines an abridged transcript of the trial with astute commentary by historian and journalist Jon Wiener, and brings to vivid life an extraordinary event which, like Woodstock, came to epitomize the late 1960s and the cause for free speech and the right to protest--causes that are very much alive a half century later. As Wiener writes, "At the end of the sixties, it seemed that all the conflicts in America were distilled and then acted out in the courtroom of the Chicago Conspiracy trial."
An afterword by the late Tom Hayden examines the trial's ongoing relevance, and drawings by Jules Feiffer help recreate the electrifying atmosphere of the courtroom.
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A soft opening for a small-town shop on Small Business Saturday
COLTON, S.D. (KELO) – Small Business Saturday promotes local shopping every year across the country, and today on a main street corner in small-town South Dakota, a new store opened up adding another shopping experience to the area.
In the past this building was known in town as a gas station and mechanic shop.
After a fire damaged the inside, one family again made it beautiful and turned it into a place where old furniture and decorations could have new life. That family has a history with the building– from 1950 to 2010, Howie’s Service was owned by Brenda Amundson’s mother and father. Then it was sold out of the family, but after the fire burned through it, Amundson’s son bought it back and fixed it up. What once was Howie’s Service is now Dust to Dawn.
“10 days ago we decided, oh, maybe we should do it, Saturday after Thanksgiving, it’s small business Saturday, so that’s appropriate. And you know, with the whole, pandemic thing, Black Friday is kind of like, online, we want to support the small businesses and hopefully they’ll support us,” owner Brenda Amundson said.
Saturday was Dust to Dawn’s soft opening.
by Jazzmine Jackson / Jan 15, 2021
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- The winter storm kept law enforcement in Sioux Falls busy Thursday night.
Sioux Falls police say they responded to 29 crashes between four and six p-m.
BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) -- In a statement Friday, South Dakota State University says it's aware of an allegation of discrimination and harassment.
SDSU officials say the alleged incident happened Thursday in a campus residence hall toward a student living in that building.
by Lauren Soulek / Jan 15, 2021
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) - Many state capitols are bracing for potential violence ahead of inauguration day, following last week's assault on the US Capitol.
The group Hold the Line Minnesota has hosted several protests this winter. While those have all remained peaceful, the FBI warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
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Kevin J. Conner
Resources for the Church
Books by Kevin Conner
Books by Mark Conner
Books by Richard Holland
Foundations of Christian Doctrine (Part 1)
‘Welcome to the End’ Seminar
Methods and Principles of Bible Research (Key of Knowledge Seminar – Part 1)
Interpreting the Bible (Key of Knowledge Seminar – Part 2)
PDF Book Downloads
Celebrating the Life of Kevin Conner
5 Comments / News / By John
Thank you to all of those who attended or watched the thanksgiving service for Kevin Conner today at CityLife Church in Melbourne, Australia.
You can watch a video of the service online at any time.
It is hard to summarise 92 years of a life well lived in a few minutes but here is the Eulogy of Kevin’s life, as read out by his daughter-in-law, Nicole Conner, at the service. See also, Mark’s poem which he wrote about his dad, Nearing the End as well as “What’s next for Kevin’s ministry?“
Kevin John Conner made an entrance into this world at the Women’s Hospital in Carlton, Melbourne on the 6th of February 1927. We can only imagine how overwhelmed his 20-year-old, single mother, Joyce Miller, would have been. While the birth certificate listed the child’s name as ‘Kevin John’, his mother wrote her name as ‘Ruth Connor’, which was not her real name. These appear to be the actions of someone who was desperately trying to work out how to raise a child in the harsh depression years. She only managed a few months before he became a ward of the state. Kevin grew up as an orphan in multiple foster and children’s homes, including the Salvation Army Boys Home in Box Hill where he lived from ages of 8 to 14. He never met his mother or his father.
Later in life, he did discover he had a stepsister, Noeline, living in Tasmania, whom he contacted. Both Noeline and her husband Terry, were very warm towards him. From them he also found out that his mother would often wonder how he was doing. Sadly, she had passed away at this stage.
Kevin described himself as a somewhat dreamy, shy, and withdrawn boy. The environment and circumstances of these formative years left him feeling insecure and lonely, with many questions about his worth and identity.
He took his first job at the age of 14, working on a farm in Culgoa, near Swan Hill in Victoria – feeding cows and pigs and doing maintenance work. It was during this time, in 1941, while on holidays in Melbourne that Kevin decided to attend a Salvation Army church service at City Temple on Bourke Street.
He had enjoyed the Salvation Army style of singing since his time at the Box Hill Boy’s Home. He didn’t remember much of the sermon that was preached that day, but at the end of the meeting he found himself walking forward while the band was playing the closing song Only a Step to Jesus.
Only a step to Jesus
Come, He waits for thee
Come and thy sins confessing
You will receive a blessing
Do not reject the mercy
He freely offers thee.
He knelt at the ‘mercy seat’ and committed his life to Jesus. No fanfare, no emotion, only a sense of inward peace.
In a twist orchestrated by grace and providence, Kevin would return to this very place, in February 2002, at the age of 75, to speak at a seminar.
Kevin found employment in diverse workplaces, including working as an orchard hand, processing 16mm and 35mm film of people’s lives at a Kodak film shop in Abbotsford, (which required a 20 mile ride on his bike each day from his home in Box Hill), a grocery shop, a bakery, and a Shell service station.
At the age of 18, Kevin was no longer a ward of the state. He joined the Royal Australian Air Force and was based in Townsville, Queensland, where he served for 18 months before World War II ended. These were difficult days, and his Christian faith was tested through various temptations and ridicule from those who mocked his religious beliefs.
After returning from his time in the Air Force, Kevin poured his life into the Box Hill Salvation Army. These were happy days for him as he devoted himself fully to his Christian faith and the life of the church. He learned to play a number of brass instruments, including the Euphonium (which he learned from Bandmaster Stan Wellington through many tears of frustration), and eventually the Flugel Horn, Second Cornet, and Double B Bass (BASE).
These formative faith years in the Salvation Army greatly influenced Kevin’s life. He loved the army band music, and you would have heard that being played as you came into the auditorium tonight.
He was also profoundly influenced by General Catherine Booth’s book “Aggressive Christianity”. Reading this, he began to develop a hunger for more of the Holy Spirit in his life. This eventually led him to attend services at a number of Pentecostal churches in places such as Richmond and Kyabram where it was reported that God was doing some amazing things.
After his own personal experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Kevin felt a vocational call to the pastoral ministry. He applied to be the pastor of the Bendigo Assemblies of God – a congregation of 35 people. He was just 21 years of age. Kevin had always wanted to be an evangelist but now he was a pastor – and in his own words felt, “totally unprepared and totally unqualified”.
It was during this time in Bendigo, that Kevin met a young woman by the name of Joyce Douglas. He said he noticed her as she sang like an angel and played the piano. They shared a mutual love for music and their friendship blossomed. Eventually, Kevin proposed and they were married on the 10th of May 1952.
A year later, on the 24th of May 1953, a beautiful baby daughter was born to Kevin and Joyce – Sharon Ruth. She was a happy, healthy and contented girl who brought great delight to her parents. Eight and half years later, on the 26th of October,1961, Mark Andrew arrived, and to everyone’s surprise and delight, with a head of red hair … just like Joyce’s two older brothers, Stan and Ken Douglas.
Kevin and Joyce had 39 years of marriage that could be described as harmonious and loving. Joyce’s sudden death on the 20th of October 1990, left everyone devastated. Kevin again found himself battling those feelings of loneliness. Grace and Providence would again step in, but we will come back to that.
Church Ministry Life
Kevin was greatly influenced by what came to be referred as “The Latter Rain Movement” – a spiritual renewal movement that began back in 1948 in Saskatchewan, Canada and spread from there to many Pentecostal churches around the world. His relationship with people such as Ray Jackson from the USA, Rob Wheeler from New Zealand, and W.H. Offiler from Bethel Temple in Seattle, Washington shaped his understanding of God’s Word and God’s purpose for the church.
Kevin was also always hungry to know and experience more of God – language that described the Latter Rain movement. This led him on a journey through a number of churches and Christian denominations in his lifetime. This was not without cost, as he often faced rejection, criticism, and misunderstanding. For example, Kevin was ex-communicated from three different churches in his lifetime.
By 1970, Kevin had become a renown travelling minister, teaching and ministering in many churches around Australia and New Zealand. In 1971, Kevin travelled to the USA where he taught in conferences all up and down the West Coast for 18 months. This led to an invitation by Dick Iverson, Senior Pastor of Bible Temple in Portland, Oregon, to come and be part of the leadership team.
Kevin moved his family lock, stock, and barrel to the USA. They travelled for thirty days by boat in August 1972, on the P&O passenger ship, the ‘Oriana’. Kevin and the family spent 10 years in Portland. This was an enjoyable and healing season for Kevin and Joyce, especially after the recent rejection they had both gone through from their previous church. During this time, Kevin was Dean of Portland Bible College where he wrote many of the textbooks that have been read by students of the Bible all around the world and translated into many languages.
It was at PBC, that students and young leaders such as Ken and Glenda Malmin, Wendell and Gini Smith, Mike and Marsha Herron, Rick and Merilee Johnson, Lanny Hubbard, and Frank Damazio (who later married Sharon) grew in their love for and understanding of the Bible under Kevin’s teaching and eventually became influential church leaders in their own right.
During this time, Kevin’s reputation grew, primarily for his ability to teach the Bible in insightful ways, his genuine love for people, and his unique sense of humour.
Some of you might remember these unique Kevinisms …
He would ask an unresponsive audience, “Is anyone out there?”
“I was born in a hurry.”
“If you are taking notes, be sure not to muck it up when you preach it!”
“The bigger the nose the more fresh air you get!”
“I’m living under the spout where the glory comes out.”
“Got my name on heaven’s roll – which is better than a sausage roll.”
“None of those bells, smells, incense, and nonsense.”
“Stay away from those cemeteries, I mean ‘seminaries’ and demon nations, I mean ‘denominations’.”
“They gave me the left foot of fellowship … I was there two times – the first and the last.”
“I can’t stand to watch my wife mow the lawns, so I close the blinds.”
“Why are you looking at me like a cow looking at a new gate?”
“Don’t be a Pentecostal frog … jumping from one church to another.”
“That’s from the Reversed Version of the Bible.”
*Some Christian minds are like cement – all mixed up and set hard.”
“I am not looking for the undertaker, I am looking for the uptaker!”
“If you have any complaints, send them to post office Box 666.”
“The rest is written in Acts 29 – and not fit for publication.”
“Stop looking for a sneaky rapture!”
“A little Kevin leaveneth the whole lump.”
“Can I help it if I am right?”
“And all the sheep said, ‘Aaaamen.’”
In 1981, Kevin, Joyce, and Mark returned to Australia. Sharon stayed in the USA. She and her husband, Frank, and their family, moved to Eugene, Oregon, to plant a church.
Kevin became part of Richard Holland’s leadership team at what was then known as Waverley Christian Fellowship (now CityLife Church). Kevin’s teaching, his establishment of ACTION night (All Church Teaching In One Night), church membership, elders and deacons, a missions committee, and home meetings, helped the church grow from strength to strength. When Richard, due to health issues, resigned in 1987, Kevin became the second Senior Minister of the church and served in that capacity for eight years, from 1987- 1994. The church continued to grow under Kevin’s leadership, supported by faithful team members such as David and Rosemarie Searle and John and Julie Steele from New Zealand.
Kevin was also instrumental in facilitating the INTERMIN ministers’ conferences (‘inter-ministry’) in partnership with other ministers and churches, including his long term friend Hal Oxley, Senior Minister of Life Ministry Centre at the time. These conferences provided inspiration and quality teaching to 100s of ministers for many years.
Kevin’s son, Mark Conner, became Senior Minister in 1995. At that time, he wrote his dad a new job description. Kevin found himself busier than ever – teaching in Bible College, writing more books, leading a local ministers’ fellowship (MFI Australia), hosting the ‘Key of Knowledge’ seminars, and continuing his travelling ministry. These years brought him great joy and fulfilment.
Latter Years
Joyce, as you remember, passed away in October 1990. Eighteen months later, on the 10th of April 1992, Kevin remarried a long term friend of the family and partner in church ministry, Rene Arrowsmith. Rene and her family, which including her son Greg Arrowsmith and her niece Lorraine Pearson made Kevin feel very welcomed.
Kevin and Rene had 26 happy years of marriage together before Rene passed away on 4th October last year. Together, Kevin and Rene travelled to over thirty nations around the world bringing teaching, inspiration, and encouragement to many churches and ministers.
Kevin passed away peacefully at the Villa Maria Aged Care Centre on Monday 18th February at 2.00 pm. He was 92 years old and had been cared for and loved by family and dear friends during his last days.
Kevin grew up as an orphan with no family or place to call home. He finishes this life with a worldwide family of thousands of people who loved him deeply. Despite his popularity as a great teacher, spiritual father, and wise mentor, he always carried himself with a humility and simplicity of heart. The name “Kevin” means “kindness” and the name “John” means “beloved”. Kevin truly was a kind man loved by all. A gentle man who shook the world.
May his life and legacy continue for years to come.
5 thoughts on “Celebrating the Life of Kevin Conner”
Michele Manalo
Nicole, I want to thank you for this beautiful eulogy of our beloved and kind and most treasured Bible teacher. Both my husband, Bill Manalo and I have found a constant inspiration to follow on to know the Lord and His ways and make Him known in greater and greater ways. We are so blessed to have Brother Kevin as one of the greatest inspirations of a life dedicated to digging deep into the Word of God to find the “gold, silver and precious stones” God has for both our lives and the lives of those people we know. We nearly have all of Kevin’s books and so blessed to have personally met with Kevin on a few occasions. He was truly an example of a man who loved God and His Word and was just as fruitful because of it—just like the blessed man and the fruitful tree in Psalm 1:1-3.
Thank you Brother Kevin for leaving such a wealth of Bible knowledge for all who have a heart to search it out. Thank you, Mark and all who are involved with making these resources continually available to the Church for years to come.
I was especially brought to tears at the mention of the meaning of Kevin’s names, Kevin “kind” and John “beloved” because we named one of our sons “Kevin” after Brother Kevin and also named another son John who has gone ahead of us to the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s such a personal connection for me.
God bless all the family and friends of Brother Kevin Conner!
Just a note of clarification to my previous comment…our son, Kevin was named after Brother Kevin, but not our son, John.
I felt the eulogy was Very well done Nicole. Well done greatly appreciated.
Doyle Baker
I recently heard of the passing of Kevin Connor. I represent the multiple hundreds of ‘anonymous’ followers and readers of Kevin’s books. I first was introduced to Kevin Connor in Trenton New Jersey, USA. I was a member of a small church who’s pastor attended Bible School in Anchorage Alaska and benefited from Kevin’s teachings. Kevin also visited our church, conducting a series of life-changing messages. I would like for everyone to know what a tremendous contribution God made to the body of Christ, worldwide, through Kevin Connor. The Holy Spirit gave Kevin unique insight into the scriptures. It will only be realized in heaven by the many whose walk with God was very positively influenced.
Thank You God for Kevin Connor!
Peter Bazeley
I want to thank God that He raised Kevin from very humble early circumstances to become a giant in the faith in these end times. I , identify with Kevin because I also never knew my natural parents and I was adopted as a baby. Over the many years thatI have lived in Melbourne. I was privileged to attend Kevin’s ministry on about half a dozen occasions. After he officially retired as senior minister of W C F, I wrote to him several times with questions or comments and he always replied either by letter or phone. Well done good and faithful servant!
About Kevin
Kevin Conner is recognized internationally as a teaching-apostle after many years of church and Bible College ministry. He has written many textbooks used by ministers and students throughout the world. He was in great demand as a teacher and travelled extensively. Kevin passed away peacefully on 18th February 2019 at age 92. He lived a full life, inspired many people, and finished his race well. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
Copyright © 2021 Conner Ministries Ltd
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Senators team up to keep Daylight Saving Time during pandemic
Daylight Saving Time is scheduled to end on Sunday, November 1
Changing our clocks forward in March, then backward again in November is something all Americans begrudgingly do twice a year. This summer that all could change. The full story: http://bit.ly/2JGtKlA
By: WFTS Staff
Posted at 2:10 PM, Sep 16, 2020
WASHINGTON - Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have teamed up to make a push to keep Daylight Saving Time across the country during the pandemic.
It’s the latest push by Florida lawmakers to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.
On Wednesday, Scott and Rubio released a joint statement saying they will introduce legislation to keep the United States on Daylight Saving Time through November 7, 2021.
Daylight Saving Time is scheduled to end for the year on Sunday, November 1.
The senators say their bill will help provide stability for families dealing with enough change with virtual learning, working from home and other disruptions the COVID-19 pandemic has caused.
“After months of staying inside amid the coronavirus pandemic, families across the nation could use a little more sunshine and time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer… I’m glad to join Senator Rubio to lead this effort in Congress,” Scott said in a statement.
In 2018, Florida lawmakers approved a bill to keep Florida on Daylight Saving Time permanently. But it can't be enacted without congressional approval.
“Our government has asked a lot of the American people over the past seven months, and keeping the nation on Daylight Saving Time is just one small step we can take to help ease the burden,” Rubio said.
Legislation to make daylights savings time permanent has also been introduced in Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Vermont. Similar legislation has been struck down in Idaho, Mississippi, New Mexico, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time and neither does Arizona, minus the Navajo Nation in the northeastern part of the state, according to NASA. Indiana began observing daylight saving time in 2006.
What is daylight saving time?
It was invented to make the best use of daylight hours. Benjamin Franklin created the concept of Daylight Saving Time, according to NASA, and it has been used throughout much of the U.S., Canada and Europe since World War I.
Can any state opt-out of it?
Yes, all a state has to do is pass a state law.
The official start/stop dates have been amended multiple times
In 1966, former President Lyndon Johnson signed a law stating that Daylight Saving Time begins on the last Sunday of April and ends on the last Sunday in October of each year, according to NASA.
The law was amended in 1986, and Daylight Saving Time officially began on the first Sunday in April, but the end date remained the same.
Former President George W. Bush signed an energy policy bill in 2005 that would extend Daylight Saving Time by four weeks, beginning on the second Sunday of March, according to NASA, and it went into effect in 2007.
It's referred to as "summer time" in Europe
Most of Europe observes summer time, which begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.
It may affect your health
According to Health.com, in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates drop in March, immediately following the time change. In addition, heart attacks spike after the spring time change, and the number of strokes rises when Daylight Saving Time starts and ends.
Exhaustion and fatigue are a common effect as well, especially in teenagers, Health.com reported.
Tips to alleviate the switch
Those worried about easing into a new schedule can take small steps like eating dinner early, using a lightbox in the morning, taking an afternoon nap and avoiding screens before bedtime.
For tips on how to survive the start of Daylight Saving Time, read here.
This story originally reported by Matthew Borek on abcactionnews.com.
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Historic St. Louis Architecture on Laclede’s Landing
Home to Some of the Oldest Buildings in St. Louis
The Home of
Historic Downtown St. Louis Architecture
As the oldest district in St. Louis, Laclede’s Landing is also home to some of the city’s oldest buildings. From warehouses and saloons to markets and factories, Laclede’s Landing has been the home of thousands of businesses over the past 250 years.
Every one of these century-old buildings has an intriguing story awaiting discovery.
Read ahead to uncover the stories hidden behind the facades, and next time you’re on Laclede’s Landing, take a look around—inside or out—to experience firsthand the history and architecture that make Laclede’s Landing unique.
Years of History
Historic Buildings on Laclede’s Landing
Christian Peper Building (Raeder Place) – 1901 (707 N. First Street)
By the end of the 19th century, St. Louis had become the largest processor of chewing and pipe tobacco in the United States, and the Christian Peper Building played a vital role in the local tobacco industry. Designed by native German Frederich Raeder, the six-story building was built in the Victorian Italianate style and once stored tobacco for the Christian Peper Tobacco Company. At one time, the building’s plank floors were slanted so workers could roll large tobacco barrels down toward the Mississippi. In 1906, the company produced a series of racy cards for their Turkish brand Kadee cigarettes—one of the first uses of artistically-posed nude models for advertising.
In 1971, the City of St. Louis officially recognized the building as a City Landmark. Today, the Christian Peper Building is known as Raeder Place and houses residential apartments, multiple options for loft living in Downtown in St. Louis, the Old Spaghetti Factory, and the offices of Abstrakt Marketing Group.
Cast Iron Building – 1873 (712 N. Second Street)
In 1793, Jacques Clamorgan transferred the title of this property to his mulatto mistress, Esther, to throw off his creditors and avoid losing the land. When she refused to give it back, he threatened to sell her daughter in the New Orleans slave markets. Esther appealed to the Missouri governor’s wife, Marguerite McNair, and ended up retaining the property. The current building features one of the most striking examples of cast-iron facades in St. Louis.
Cherrick Building – 1890 (800-804 N. First Street)
The three-story, Federal-style structure known as the Cherrick Building today once housed Smith, Beggs & Co., which repaired engines for the St. Louis Fire Department in the 1870s. It also previously housed Frederick S. Plant Seed Company and the Cherrick Distribution Company, a salvage grocery warehouse.
Cutlery Factory – 1882 (612 N. Second Street)
Shortly after the Civil War, retired Quartermaster General E. Anson More retained his supply connections and ran a commission and grocery business at this location. His son Elmer, who graduated from Washington University and later taught Sanskrit at Harvard, went on to become editor of The Nation magazine. Henry Shaw, former hardware importer and founder of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, later purchased the building. The interior is architecturally unique with eight segmental brick arches—each 10 feet wide and 16 feet high—that serve as load-bearing partitions.
Today, the Cutlery Factory serves as the home of 612North, a premier event space and the closest wedding venue to the Gateway Arch in the city.
Eads Bridge – 1874 (Washington Avenue & Leonor K. Sullivan Drive)
A National Historic Landmark
A marvel of its time and a beautiful, bold example of early steel bridgework, the Eads Bridge was one of the final two bridges installed (the other being New York’s Brooklyn Bridge) that fully connected the United States overland from coast to coast.
When James Buchanan Eads, a St. Louis marine engineer, was commissioned to build the bridge, he insisted on steel—a decision many questioned, as steel had only just begun to be produced cheaply and had never been used for a project of this size. Eads combated busy river traffic, swift currents, and unsafe depths, using top-side falsework and cantilever cables to connect the arches and pressurized pneumatic caissons to sink the bridge’s mid-river piers more than 100 feet.
When concerns arose over the stability of the newly erected bridge, an elephant (at the time, it was believed that elephants would refuse to walk on unstable surfaces) was brought in and led successfully across the span to validate its structural integrity.
Feather Building – 1882 (809 N. Second Street)
During the nation’s westward expansion, J.D. Streett & Co. manufactured and supplied wagon wheel grease in this building, and later produced “Street’s Ideal Motor Oil” for the Tin Lizzie (a nickname for the Ford Model T). The building is a classic example of the “stars-and-bars” construction method, which features cast-iron bars running the length and width of the structure, capped and bolted on the building’s exterior. This process keeps the brick walls from bulging or moving away from the building. The Feather Building gained its name from the feather mattresses that were once manufactured there.
First Street Ironworks – 1881 (720-722 N. First Street)
In 1875, the Buck Stove & Range Co. began manufacturing at this site. In 1906, the metal polishers went on strike for a nine-hour workday. BS&R obtained an injunction, broke the boycott, and later filed a contempt claim with the United States Supreme Court. The case, Gompers V. Buck Stove and Range Co. (221 U.S. 418), was dismissed May 15, 1911. The First Street Ironworks Building was the location of the last Laclede’s Landing machine shop and stands as one of the area’s most historically accurate renovations.
Greeley Building – 1881 (618-624 N. Second Street)
When Carlos S. Greeley started his wholesale grocery business, he put in no stock of liquor. Word traveled up and down the levee about this experiment and bets were taken as to its success. This “dry grocery” house grew into a St. Louis institution whose profits helped build the Kansas Pacific Railroad and contributed to the Boatman’s Bank, the St. Louis Cotton Factory, Lindenwood Seminary, and Washington University. In 1980, the building’s cast-iron facade was re-exposed and refurbished.
Hoffman Brother Produce Building – 1883 (700 N. Second Street)
Actress Betty Grable—the #1 pin-up girl of the 1940s and Hugh Hefner’s inspiration for Playboy magazine—developed her “million-dollar legs” working summers here at her grandparents’ produce market. Until the mid-1930s, it was the headquarters for produce distribution throughout the burgeoning St. Louis community, before being taken over by the Ferman Tent Company. The building features one of the most elaborate brick facades in St. Louis.
Levee House – 1900 (800 N. Third Street)
Captain William “Buck” Leyhe was the colorful master of the steamboat Golden Eagle and other famous Mississippi River steamers. His family’s Eagle Packet Company operated from this location and offered passenger service until 1956. The building is a later example of a simple-faced brick laid in red-colored mortar.
Morgan Landing Building – 1905 (214 Morgan Street)
This site has served as a saloon for over 130 years. It once was home to Jimmy Massucci’s Café Louie, the pub in which the name “Laclede’s Landing” is said to have originated. In cold weather months, industrious saloon keepers of the early 1900s were known to skirt Missouri’s “blue laws” by selling booze from the middle of a frozen Mississippi River—even on Sundays—and thus outside the law’s reach.
Now, it stands as the westernmost lodge of local brewpub Morgan Street Brewery, whose Golden Pilsner won silver and gold medals at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival and 2010 World Beer Cup, respectively.
Muddy Water – 1881 (724-730 N. First Street)
Housed in this building in 1914, the Western Wire Products Company is credited for creating the precursor to the modern chain link fence. They also manufactured the “Never Sag Knitted Wire Bed Spring,” which boasted a lifetime guarantee and was used in the furniture lines of several national companies. The building itself is a unique example of an original 19th-century interior with a late-20th-century exterior renovation.
Old Judge Coffee Building – 1884 (710 N. Second Street)
Originally built for the offices of Scharff & Bernheimer, one of the largest Mississippi River shipping firms of the era, this building was purchased by Old Judge Coffee in 1918 and converted into a factory and spice warehouse. At peak demand, the company produced over 3 million pounds of coffee per month. Notable features of this five-story brick building include cast-iron columns at street level and large lower windows with matching smaller windows on the second and third floors. On warm St. Louis days, you can still catch the scent of cinnamon from wood supports on the third floor.
Raeder Place Building – 1873 (719-727 N. First Street)
On September 20, 1820, the First Missouri Legislature was held here at the famous Missouri Hotel. The assembly preceded the state’s August 10, 1821 admission into the Union. In 1831, the hotel’s owner, Major Thomas Biddle, was killed in a duel with Spencer Pettis on Bloody Island, a “neutral zone” sandbar in the middle of the Mississippi River. The current six-story building, which once housed Christian Peper Tobacco Company, is unique in its simple Victorian cast iron design that supports large windows and spreads natural light throughout the building.
Schoellhorn-Albrecht Building – Before 1844 (721-723 N. Second Street)
Built prior to the modern street grid, these buildings are some of the oldest in Laclede’s Landing. If you visit in person, you’ll notice the slope of the windows on Morgan Street doesn’t match the current grade of the road. Meyer Friede, an early silversmith and Missouri’s first Jewish legislator, was a resident here in the 1860s. The Schoellhorn-Albrecht Machine Company ran its business from here, manufacturing capstans for barges and shipping steamboat engines as well as deck equipment used during the Gold Rush. Another interesting peculiarity is the uneven sidewalks on Morgan Street between Second and Collins Alley. Underneath is a cellar room purportedly used to hide runaway slaves as they made their way into Illinois.
Trader’s Building – Before 1868 (801-805 N. Second Street)
This set of buildings, once used for storing and blending whiskey, might have been raided as part of the infamous St. Louis Whiskey Ring. The scheme ran an extensive network of bribes to distillers, IRS agents, and elected officials in order to defraud the federal government of liquor taxes. Legend says the money was used to finance the second presidential campaign of Missouri favorite, Ulysses S. Grant. The building’s ground floor double doors are framed with iron, a decorative and functional feature that protected the brick from damage when horse-drawn wagons backed in to load and unload.
Witte Building – 1905 (707 N. Second Street)
Witte Hardware, one of St. Louis’ oldest companies, was housed here until 1975. It was equipped with all the “latest” features, including electric elevators and a floor devoted to showroom samples. The company also manufactured “hardware store guns” under the Expert, I.X.L. label—which are now highly-sought items by rifle and shotgun collectors. The Witte Building is an excellent example of authentic historic renovation with original timber and steel structures for the corridors, showcasing a glass elevator and a vast, five-story atrium.
Here’s a look at life on #LacledesLanding.
Snap a photo of a special moment while you’re here, and don’t forget to tag us!
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Arbitration and Mediation in the Workplace - Important Considerations for an ADR Program
Cost: Complimentary
This event is available for on-demand viewing. If you have previously registered click here to login using the email you registered with.
Employers and employees may face workplace disputes involving an array of matter types, and there are a number of important reasons why an employer might choose to implement an arbitration program in the workplace. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as arbitration and mediation, are often utilized to reduce the uncertainty and expenses of litigation, and can help reduce and resolve business and employment disputes.
Join this webcast for insight into the ADR process and how to address the creation and implementation of an employment ADR program. You will also learn:
How to best prepare for your employment mediation and/or arbitration
The benefits and roadblocks of an arbitration program
What rules and procedures to follow
How to choose and designate the right ADR administrator
REGISTER NOW! (Not able to attend? STILL REGISTER you will receive an email with how to access the recording of the event)
HON. PETER B. SKELOS (Ret.)
Associate Justice, Appellate Division, 2nd Dept., Nassau
Honorable Peter B. Skelos’ illustrious career includes 11 years spent as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Second Judicial Department where he served until his retirement in 2015. Judge Skelos’ judicial career began in 1995 when he was elected to the District Court, Nassau County. (read full bio…)
RHONDA L. EPSTEIN, ESQ.
Employment Law / Co-op and Condo Law Specialist
Rhonda L. Epstein, Esq. is a seasoned litigator with more than 35 years of wide-ranging experience in civil litigation. She concentrates her legal practice primarily in the areas of employment law and housing discrimination. Ms. Epstein is also experienced in various matters involving the directors and officers of cooperatives and condominiums, their Board of Directors, and property managers. (read full bio…)
DAVID S. FEATHER, ESQ.
Employment Law Specialist
David S. Feather, Esq. has been engaged in the practice of law for nearly 25 years and is a seasoned litigator who has focused his legal practice on labor and employment law matters. Representing both employees and employers/management, he practices in both the State and Federal Courts and regularly appears before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights and the United States and New York State Departments of Labor. (read full bio…)
JACQUELINE SILVEY, ESQ.
General Counsel, NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation)
Jacqueline Silvey, Esq. is General Counsel of NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation). She is involved in various management operations of the company including panel development, oversight and implementation of commercial and employment dispute resolution initiatives, the creation and implementation of various rules of procedure, and the general business affairs of the company. Ms. Silvey reports directly to NAM’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Roy Israel, and she works closely with NAM’s Sr. Vice-President of Finance, Patricia Giuliani-Rheaume, in the area of corporate governance. She also oversees neutral recruitment throughout the United States and internationally. Ms. Silvey joined NAM in January, 2007 as Staff Counsel. (read full bio…)
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Questions? Please email [email protected]
or call at (212) 457-4981
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How ‘Unraveled’ Does Trump Have to Be? Presidential Disability and the 25th Amendment.
By Matthew Kahn
Monday, October 23, 2017, 7:00 AM
(Photo: Flickr/White House)
Vanity Fair recently reported that White House sources believe the president is “unraveling.” As politicos across a widening swath of the ideological spectrum grow concerned with the president’s conduct, temperament and basic competence, references to the 25th Amendment have proliferated. It even showed up in the Vanity Fair piece: Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon told Trump that the biggest threat to his presidency wasn’t impeachment but the 25th Amendment. Trump reportedly replied, “What’s that?”
It’s a good question.
The 25th Amendment addresses two essential components of executive-branch function: presidential succession and presidential disability. Before the 25th Amendment was ratified by the requisite three-fourths of the states in 1967—after passing both houses of Congress in 1965—the practice of the vice president becoming president rather than taking over as acting president in the event that a president died was a norm, not a law. By the 1960s, there was no controversy over that convention, but Congress and the states nevertheless sought to ratify the norm as a provision of the Constitution. Section 1 of the amendment clearly states that if a president dies, resigns or is removed by Congress, “the Vice President shall become President.” Section 2 also creates a mechanism for filling the vice presidential vacancies that ensue. The third section provides a process through which presidents can voluntarily and temporarily transfer executive powers to the vice president. (Those looking for an instructive—if dramatized—primer on that matter should watch the fourth-season finale of “The West Wing,” aptly called “Twenty Five.”)
What makes the 25th Amendment of interest to Bannon—and a matter about which Trump should educate himself—is the amendment’s remedy for presidential disability, especially Section 4, which creates a mechanism for forcibly removing a president who is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office” but won’t admit it.
For anyone hoping for a panacean comment in the congressional record that would justify Trump’s removal, the actual history will disappoint. The history of this provision does not give much by way of directive as to when a president is disabled enough to warrant the process it creates, much less the extent to which mental eccentricities rise to the level of a disability finding. Even less does it answer the question of whether such eccentricities are valid as disabilities when they were, as in Trump’s case, plainly evident at the time of election. But the history gives a great deal of insight into the scenarios of presidential deterioration that Congress feared and how those concerns led to the procedural instrument that Congress and the states ratified.
Most histories of the 25th Amendment begin in the moments after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, but concerns about presidential incapacity were evident more than a century before the shooting in Dallas.
President William Henry Harrison’s most notable legacy is his unfortunate death 41 days after taking the oath of office. His death precipitated the first crisis of presidential succession and disability. The constitutional provision then in effect left doubt about how and in what capacity the vice president took over for a dead president. Article 2, Section 1, Clause 6 (which the 25th Amendment later modified) said:
In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
That language does not make clear whether a president’s death caused the vice president to assume the presidency or merely take on the presidential powers in an acting capacity until a special election chose a successor. When Harrison died, Vice President John Tyler adopted the former interpretation and took the oath of office; to quell allegations that he’d usurped the presidency, Congress voted to back him shortly thereafter. The legislature agreed that the powers of the presidency are inextricable from the office of the president; under the Constitution, there could not be an acting president.
That understanding of succession worked when a president died, and it would have worked if a president was removed or resigned. But it was troublesome in the fourth scenario that Article II covered: disability. A 1964 House report captured the problem well: “The Tyler precedent … has served to cast doubt on the ability of an incapacitated president to resume the functions of his office” (Page 4). Tyler and the legislature did not have to consider the possibility that Harrison could be able to retake office. But that scenario arose less than half a century later.
President James Garfield spent 80 days severely ill from infection after being shot in July 1882. The president’s disability was reported in major newspapers. During that time, executive-branch functions ground to a halt. Herbert Brownell Jr.—attorney general to President Dwight D. Eisenhower and an important figure in the drafting of the 25th Amendment—would later testify to Congress that “the department heads transacted only such routine business as could be transacted without the President’s supervision, and it was claimed that important questions of public policy which could be decided only by the President were simply ignored” (Page 11). The vice president, Chester A. Arthur, refused to assume the powers of the presidency on his own during Garfield’s sickness—-even though prominent academics argued at the time that the vice president had the sole discretion to declare a presidential disability. A congressional report later said that about 60 days into Garfield’s illness, his seven-member Cabinet thought it would be more prudent if Arthur acted as president. But four members firmly agreed that there was no way for Garfield to resume his office if Arthur took over. They agreed not to broach the subject further with Garfield or Arthur. The consequence for government was not lost on the media: The New York Times wrote on Aug. 15, 1881, that the paper thought the country urgently needed a mechanism for ensuring someone could exercise the presidential powers and believed “the lack of Congressional action in the past [was] a matter to be greatly deplored.” The president’s health declined for another month before he died on Sept. 19.
Nearly 40 years later, when President Woodrow Wilson fell ill in 1919, the ambiguity was an issue once again. Despite the president’s clear inability to act—some bills became law during that period because the president failed to act on them within the 10 days provided by the Constitution—the vice president refused to take on the powers and responsibilities of the presidency. One account describes:
Vice President Thomas Marshall refused to assume the presidency unless the Congress passed a resolution that the office was, in fact, vacant, and only after Mrs. Wilson and Dr. Grayson certified in writing, using the language spelled out by the Constitution, of the president’s “inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office.” Such resolutions never came.
Marshall, like Arthur, feared that the Constitution contained no mechanism through which the president could regain his office should he recover from his illness. Only the closest advisers even knew of Wilson’s sickness; Edith Wilson kept her husband sequestered in his bedroom for most of the time between his stroke and the end of his term, and many historians have concluded that she was probably the principal decision maker for the country during that period.
Despite the experiences of both Garfield and Wilson, Congress remained largely dormant on the issue for 30 more years. When the public learned about Wilson’s condition after his death, the House Judiciary Committee debated the question of disability but stalled over whether the remedy should be a constitutional or statutory change. Other presidents suffered from significant illnesses, both public and private, during the interregnum—Franklin Roosevelt’s polio was well known, but his doctors reportedly concealed his high blood pressure and congestive heart failure during the 1940s. Not until the Eisenhower administration did Congress take the first serious steps in the 11-year process that would ultimately produce the solution of which Bannon recently warned President Trump.
In 1955, after Eisenhower’s poor health required extended hospitalization, the president called on Congress to clarify the mechanisms for handling succession and disability. As the National Constitution Center notes, the Cold War made the possibility of a president who could not discharge the executive powers an even more frightening prospect and may have spurned Congress to act. In January 1956, the House Judiciary Committee convened a special subcommittee to study presidential disability. Despite a comprehensive digest of written and oral testimony from prominent law professors and government officials on an array of questions related to disability, the subcommittee’s work stalled shortly after considering a draft amendment in 1958.
Foremost on the subcommittee’s agenda was determining whether there was any basis to deduce what the founders meant by “inability” in the original language of the Constitution. The answer would frame whether the problem required a statutory or constitutional solution. The panel received a range of views. Several respondents said that the term could encompass any definition that Congress saw fit (with one respondent specifically mentioning that he believed mental disability should be a consideration). Others said it was deliberately vague so as not to foreclose potentially threatening scenarios that the founders didn’t or couldn’t envision. Still others said there was just no way to know. The consensus was that the term was purposely ambiguous and open to interpretation. Yet in the face of that conclusion, almost every respondent agreed that Congress should not enact a specific definition into the law. To do so would risk over-politicizing questions of a scientific and medical nature.
Moreover, experts disagreed about who should determine presidential incapacity. The questionnaire that the subcommittee distributed asked whether the vice president, the Cabinet, the Supreme Court or Congress should be responsible for the determination. Respondents suggested an inconclusive variety of permutations of one or more of those entities.
The subcommittee held hearings on at least one draft constitutional amendment. That proposal, written in close consultation with the Eisenhower administration, included provisions to address disability:
SEC. 2. If the President shall declare in writing that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.
SEC. 3. If the President does not so declare, the Vice President, if satisfied of the President’s inability, and upon approval in writing of a majority of the heads of executive departments who are members of the President’s Cabinet, shall discharge the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.
SEC. 4. Whenever the president declares in writing that his inability is terminated, the President shall forthwith discharge the powers and duties of his office.
During testimony before the subcommittee, Attorney General Herbert Brownell Jr. faced pushback over several points in the proposal. Some members took issue with the administration’s choice to designate the Cabinet as the determining body. Rep. Ken Keating noted that specifying that only department heads “who are members of the President’s Cabinet” could judge presidential disability left the president influence over who would participate. Brownell conceded that point, arguing that “the president should have a certain flexibility there” (Page 9). (Though that concern was ironed out in the ratified amendment, a 1981 Office of Legal Counsel memo suggests that a related controversy—whether acting heads of departments should participate in the disability determination—persisted for decades.)
At Brownell’s testimony, Rep. Emanuel Celler, the chairman of the subcommittee, said history showed that the vice president and Cabinet would be reluctant to use the power granted under Brownell’s amendment even if they had it. During Wilson’s illness, he noted, Vice President Marshall would have enjoyed support from legal scholars if he claimed he retained the authority to assume the powers of the president when Wilson became unable to fulfill his duties. But Marshall resisted. “They were not usurpers,” Celler said, “They were fearful that they might be called usurpers.” Moreover, the chairman was skeptical that passing an amendment would change the strategic calculus of the Cabinet, whose loyalty he thought would continue to lie with the president.
The attorney general rejoined that Marshall’s hesitance to take over from Wilson stemmed from the vice president’s uncertainty about whether Wilson’s disability would end and if he would be able to resume his duties. But an amendment would guarantee that if the president recovered his or her ability to perform the duties of the office, there was a clear process for returning the presidential powers. Moreover, the attorney general countered, being loyal to the president meant that invocations of the amendment would carry more legitimacy; the public could trust that those who had the president’s interest at heart were making the call. Lastly, Cabinet officers swear an oath to the Constitution, not to the president; when those duties came into tension, loyalty to the constitution should win out, Brownell argued.
Notably absent from the Eisenhower-era proposal is the provision in the modern amendment that current debate is so focused on: the power of the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to challenge—and Congress’s subsequent power to judge—the president’s assertion that he has regained the fitness the Cabinet said he lacked.
The final version of the 25th Amendment provides that when the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet determine that the president is unable to perform his duties, the vice president becomes the acting president. Upon a written declaration by the president that the disability no longer exists, he or she resumes the office unless, within four days, the vice president and principal officers or other congressionall designated body tell Congress that they believe the president is wrong and that the disability persists. Then, Congress has 21 days to vote on the matter; with support from two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate, the vice president is to continue as acting president. If the vice president and the Cabinet do not contest the president's assertion or Congress does not vote to retain the vice president as acting president, then the president resumes office.
But there was no such mechanism in the draft before the committee. It’s perhaps not a surprise that a draft heavily influenced by the executive branch might presume that there would be no reason to challenge the president’s determination on that point, but Congressman Keating objected to this model: What would happen if the president prematurely reasserts his ability? Keating saw only two options. Either the president would fire his Cabinet, or the Cabinet would reassert the president’s incapacity. Both possibilities would halt the executive branch’s function. But the attorney general believed that impeachment was a sufficient bulwark against such a scenario.
Members of the panel seemed open to Brownell’s assessment. Some, including Keating, believed that any solution was better than the ambiguity of the constitutional provision in place at the time. But Congress ended up stalling yet again. The legislative record gives little insight into when and why the Brownell proposal failed. But for about five years, Congress ceased further consideration of the disability question.
According to a congressional report, Eisenhower reached an informal agreement with Vice President Richard Nixon that the latter would assume the powers of the office if and when he was unable. If the president could inform Nixon of the need to transfer the powers of the office, he would do so; but if the disability prevented the president from such communication, Nixon could decide to take over the office on his own until the president was able again. President Kennedy entered into a similar arrangement with Vice President Lyndon Johnson. That one was nearly put to the test.
Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 caused members of Congress to fear the narrowly averted constitutional crisis that would have ensued had Kennedy survived the shooting but in a prolonged coma. Within the year, the House and Senate judiciary committees took up, once more, the task of resolving the problem.
The committees quickly settled on the need for a constitutional amendment rather than a statutory remedy. Although Article II made clear that Congress would designate succession beyond the vice president, identical text in Senate and House judiciary committee reports showed that the committees believed the Constitution’s explicit grant of congressional power to create the line of succession meant that the founders did not intend to let Congress legislate on the question of presidential disability—a closely related topic. The committees also lacked confidence in what it viewed as the only alternative mechanism: the Article I “necessary and proper” clause.
The Constitution does not vest any department or office with the power to determine inability, or to determine the term during which the Vice President shall act, or to determine whether and at what time the President may later regain his prerogatives upon recovery. Thus, it is difficult to argue that [the necessary and proper clause] gives the Congress the authority to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying out such powers. (Page 7)
The House was prepared to enact a five-part solution that two-thirds of the Senate had already approved, the Bayh-Celler proposal (named for the chairmen of the House and Senate judiciary subcommittees on constitutional amendments). Congress had already dismissed competing proposals that addressed succession but not disability. The first two sections of the Bayh-Celler bill codified existing practices. First, the vice president would take over the office of president, not merely act as president, in the event of a president’s death, resignation or removal. Rep. Edward Hutchinson reported that “there [was] no disagreement over section 1” (Page 17). Second, if there was no vice president at any time, the president would nominate a candidate to be confirmed by a majority of the House and Senate.
The last three provisions addressed disability. Section 3 codified the practice of informal agreements that Eisenhower and Kennedy had adopted: The president could preemptively transfer his or her powers to the vice president before a period of disability. The section would create the position of acting president to distinguish this case from the dilemmas that Vice Presidents Tyler, Arthur and Marshall had faced.
Sections 4 and 5 created the provision of greatest importance to the late unpleasantness. Section 4 provided that with the support of a majority of the “principal officers of the executive departments,” the vice president could assume the powers of the presidency. Congress derived the “principal officers” language from the opinions clause of Article II. (“[H]e may require the Opinion in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments.”) By dropping Brownell’s proposed requirement that an officer be a “member of the President’s cabinet,” the president could not exclude a principal officer from the deliberation by removing him or her from the Cabinet.
A House report notes the past controversy over the determining body and engages particularly with the proposal of a fact-finding commission. Rather shortsightedly, the report suggests that “If the President is so incapacitated that he cannot declare his own inability the factual determination of inability would be relatively simple” and that there would be no need for a fact-finding body. (It seems like nearly nothing is simple about determining whether a president is disabled despite his or her belief to the contrary.) The report further said that in hard cases, the risk that a commission would return a split decision was unacceptably high. If a commission returned a 4-3 vote either to remove to retain the president, it would shatter the legitimacy of whoever held presidential powers afterward: “[T]he effect on the international position of the United States might well be catastrophic.” Nevertheless, the amendment would give Congress authority to empower another body, providing “flexibility for the future.”
Section 5 (which was reorganized under Section 4 in conference committee) provides that the president may resume the office by submitting a written declaration to the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate that no disability exists. If the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet disagree with the president’s judgment, then they must give a written declaration to the House speaker and president of the Senate within two days. Congress must then decide within 10 days whether the disability persists; a two-thirds vote of both houses can override the president’s determination. (Peculiarly, the report cites the impeachment provision of Article 1, Section 3, Clause 6 as the basis for the two-thirds threshold, even though impeachment requires only a majority of the House and two-thirds of the Senate.) Otherwise, the president resumes office.
But the views that the House and Senate committees put forward were not without dissent; rather, both included memos from individual members who disagreed with the structure of the amendment. Perhaps most notable were two warnings from Rep. J. Edward Hutchinson. Regarding Section 4, he noted: “The language of the resolution offers no hint that the determination of inability shall be based on medical or psychiatric evidence. Instead, the determination will be a political one” (Page 19).
Perhaps more gravely, Hutchinson feared that the mechanism of Section 4 risked significantly destabilizing the executive branch. A president’s credibility would be pitiful if his or her assertion of ability was sustained by more than a third but less than a majority of Congress. Moreover, as Attorney General Brownell had noted almost a decade earlier, the Cabinet and vice president might try to remove the president once again. The president could remove executive officers, but doing so would leave Cabinet offices unfilled and disrupt the function of those departments.
With changes to how long the Cabinet (four days) and Congress (21 days, and meeting within 48 hours if not in session) have to act after the president tells Congress he has no disability, and over the objections of Hutchinson and a few others, the bill cleared both the House and Senate with the requisite supermajorities on July 6, 1965. It was ratified by its 38th state on Feb. 10, 1967.
In September, Jane Chong observed two myths about impeachment: that the process is purely political, and that the House cannot begin considering it without clear evidence of criminality. One can say something similar about the 25th Amendment. The process is not purely political, though the final mechanism is a political process. And there’s no particular threshold that needs to be reached before the relevant body—in this case the Cabinet—starts thinking about it. That said, objective criteria like medical considerations should be at the fore. (A 1983 Miller Center commission co-chaired by Sen. Birch Bayh and Attorney General Brownell endorses the view that science should be central to the judgment.) And a Cabinet should always be vigilant about signs of presidential disability; it is the constitutional duty of Cabinet officers.
Each citizen should draw his or her own conclusion about presidential disability. But make no mistake: Invoking Section 4 would have a dramatic and potentially dangerous effect on our politics. Even if meticulously executed, the process is fraught with political pitfalls that could further undermine divisions among the public and legitimacy in U.S. institutions.
So although Bannon might have been right that the 25th Amendment could pose a real threat to the Trump presidency, it should give the president's political opponents little, if any, solace.
Correction: This post was updated on Oct. 24 at 10:49 a.m. A previous version incorrectly stated that the 25th Amendment allows the vice president and principal officers of the executive departments two days, and Congress, 10 days, to act if the president asserts that he has no disability. The amendment gives four and 21 days, respectively.
Matthew Kahn is a second-year student at Harvard Law School and a contributor at Lawfare. Prior to law school, he worked for two years as an associate editor of Lawfare and as a junior researcher at the Brookings Institution. He graduated from Georgetown University in 2017.
@matthew_j_kahn
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James O'Brien Ridicules Idea Of David Davis Becoming Prime Minister
22 October 2018, 10:57 | Updated: 22 October 2018, 11:14
David Davis is one of the reasons Brexit is in such a mess, says James O'Brien, asking why on earth we would make him Prime Minister.
A report this weekend suggested that Conservative Brexiteers are looking to install Mr Davis as Prime Minister in order to ensure Britain leaves the European Union.
But James pointed out that Mr Davis was Brexit Secretary for two years and didn't achieve a thing.
Speaking on his LBC show, he said: "Can you imagine being so delusional that you would look at someone's failure to do a good job with even the vaguest scintilla of competence as a qualification for promotion?
"David Davis' job for the best part of two and a half years was to come up with a plan for getting out of the European Union. That was his only job. Not only to come up with a plan, but to negotiate with the European Union in a way that facilitated and accelerated that departure.
"And he failed on a scale that even Chris Grayling would struggle to have achieved. And that is really saying something, isn't it?
"David Davis, who didn't even know that Germany isn't allowed to negotiate bilateral trade deals. David Davis who didn't even know how the European Union worked, despite having dedicated his entire life campaigning to leave it.
"He should be made Prime Minister now? That will somehow improve the situation that he's done more than anybody else to render ridiculously difficult?"
Watch the full video at the top of the page.
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No respite for Jews at German spas | DECEMBER 22
Already in the late 19th century, hostility towards Jews was common in German spas, some of which advertised themselves as “free of Jews.” In the Baltic and North Seas, entire islands presented themselves as anti-Semitic. Nevertheless, some had a small Jewish population. On the beaches of the North Sea health resort of Wangerooge, swastika flags were displayed as early as 1920, just after becoming the symbol of the Nazi party. When the Nazis had been voted into power, the situation became even harder for the island’s Jews. On December 22nd, 1938, Fritz Jacoby, himself a beneficiary of the work of the Boston Committee for Refugees and a recent arrival to the United States, turned to Willy Nordwind, its co-chair, on behalf of Marga Levy, a 24-year-old native of Wangerooge. In the wake of the pogrom of November 9-10, all of her male relatives had been incarcerated, there was no money and no way to make a living. Thus, the grateful Mr. Jacoby implores the Committee to provide the young woman with a “domestic affidavit” which would enable her to “work day and night to feed her parents.”
Banned from his art | NOVEMBER 22
The works of the Expressionist painter and graphic artist Bruno Gimpel were classified as “degenerate” during the Third Reich. Neither his voluntary service as an aide in a military hospital during World War I nor his “mixed marriage” with an “Aryan” woman spared him the usual repressive measures. On November 22nd, 1938 he received a letter from the Reichskammer der Bildenden Künste, the Nazi authority in charge of the visual arts, which yet again denied him membership and banned him from all branches of his profession. In 1935, this institution of the Third Reich had once before rejected a request for admission by the Dresden artist. Since 1937, he had no choice but to make a living by giving drawing lessons to Jewish children.
Resistance by Jews in exile | OCTOBER 22
Since 1920, Toni Sender was a delegate of the Social Democratic Party in the parliament of the Weimar Republic. Early on, she began to oppose National Socialism and warned of the dangers it posed to democracy. Exposed to hostility and threats as a social democrat and a Jew, she fled in March 1933 first to Czechoslovakia and then to Belgium, continuing her struggle against the Nazis in exile. In 1935, she emigrated to the United States. There too, as an orator and journalist, she tried to inform the public abroad about the criminal character of National Socialism. As this letter from the Secret State Police (Gestapo) to the investigating judge at the People’s Court (Volksgerichtshof), dated October 22nd, 1938, demonstrates, her resistance did not go unnoticed.
Abandoned synagogues | SEPTEMBER 22
On Rosh Hashanah, Arthur Kochmann had two wishes for the Association of Synagogues for Upper Silesia: that in the new year, every member’s wishes would be fulfilled, but also that Jews in Upper Silesia “would maintain their inner unity at all times” – two wishes which unfortunately had to come into conflict with each other many times in the fall of 1938. The number of emigrants from Gleiwitz had risen considerably over the past few months. Arthur Kochmann points at the dramatic consequences for many smaller synagogues in and in the vicinity of Gleiwitz: many would have to be closed and sold. For a long time, a provision for the protection of minorities from 1922 had protected many Jews in Gleiwitz from the anti-Semitic laws of the Nazis, but with its expiration in 1937, the reprieve came to an end.
Coercion | AUGUST 22
Within the first few months after the annexation of Austria by the Nazis, Dr. Joachim Weichert, a Czech-born lawyer, lost most of his clients. He had no choice but to compile the documents necessary for emigration. In June, the family was notified by the Consulate General of the United States that valid affidavits and other documents had arrived for them from America. Nevertheless, due to the fact that the Czech quota was exhausted for the time being, they were put on a waiting list and told they wouldn’t receive visas for the next eight months. By August 22nd, it had been almost two weeks since Dr. Weichert was ordered by the Devisenstelle (financial administrative office in charge of supervising monetary transactions and emigration) in Vienna to submit within one week an itemized list of his assets. In this official communication from August 22nd, he is given an ultimatum of three days, after which criminal measures will be taken.
Bread for strangers | JULY 22
In this letter, Isidor Nassauer, based in Neuwied am Rhein, cooly describes his emigration plans to his friends, the Moser family, who are already in the US. Unsolicited, his brother-in-law has sent an affidavit, which due to a missing signature could not be used and had to be sent back. While waiting for the signed document, Mr. Nassauer is taking English lessons. Even though he has no idea how he will subsist in America, the fact that “so much bread has been baked for strangers” there gives him confidence. He is most concerned about selling the family house and seems certain that selling or liquidating the business (a brush factory) will be easy. In general, Jews were forced to sell their property far below its actual value.
Billy Wilder | JUNE 22
Samuel (later “Billy”) Wilder had a mind of his own: born in 1906 into an Austrian-Jewish family in the Galician town of Sucha Beskidzka, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he was expected to join his father’s business, which consisted mainly of a chain of railroad restaurants. But after the Realgymnasium and a brief stint at law school in Vienna (he dropped out after three months), he decided to follow his true leanings. At the paper Die Stunde, a tabloid of questionable repute, he got his first shot at practicing his writing skills. In 1926, an opportunity arose for him to move to Berlin, where he freelanced for various tabloids and took up screenwriting. After the Nazis’ ascent to power, Wilder first moved to Paris and was given the opportunity to direct his first movie, Mauvaise graine. In 1934 he entered the US on a visitors visa. From 1936, he was under contract at Paramount Pictures. June 22, 1938 was his 32nd birthday – the sixth he celebrated in exile.
Ready for Germany | MAY 22
The writer of this letter was a young man from Hildesheim, Fritz Schürmann (later Frank Shurman), born in 1915. Even though he is said to have struggled with antisemitism well before the Nazis rose to power, he joined the Deutscher Vortrupp (“German Vanguard”) in 1934, a group of young, extremely nationalistic Jews whose slogan was “Ready for Germany” and who hailed National Socialism as a force preventing Germany’s downfall. Given these views, it must have been especially painful for him to confront the bitter reality of rejection by German society. In this letter, he thanks a Mr. Dilthey in Berlin for the distinction of having spent time with him and dramatically informs him of his Jewish identity. “I am a Jew! A Jew in a desperate position: a Jewish German who in spite of everything that has befallen him or perhaps because of it cannot shed his ties to Germany […].” Denied his identity as a German by the Nazi regime, the writer communicates the crippling effects of the political situation on his psyche and the absurd notion of having to leave Germany in order to be able to be German.
Brain drain | APRIL 22
Jenny Brinitzer was born in Riga, Latvia in 1884. After studies in Berne, Berlin and Kiel, she managed to establish herself as the first female physician in Hamburg Altona. There, the mother of three worked for 20 years in a joint practice with her husband, the dermatologist Dr. Eugen Brinitzer. In 1933, Jews constituted about one fourth of Hamburg’s physicians. Jewish physicians who worked directly for health insurance funds or for the public health service had been dismissed within the first two years of the Nazi regime. Starting in 1935, the Nazis began circulating a list of 150 Jewish doctors in Hamburg as part of their campaign to separate Jewish doctors from their “Aryan” patients. In April 1938, Dr. Jenny Brinitzer and her husband left Germany and emigrated to Bangalore, India.
Women’s Rights are Human Rights | MARCH 22
Since its founding in 1904, the League of Jewish Women had worked to ensure the dignity and independence of Jewish women and especially to protect them from sexual exploitation by facilitating professional training. By 1938, another issue had come to the fore: emigration. On March 22, 1938, the Group of Professional Women within the League, represented by Dr. Käthe Mende, hosted a discussion for “female youth” about questions of career and emigration. The guest speaker was Lotte Landau-Türk, and the discussion was moderated by Prof. Cora Berliner, a former employee in the German Department of Commerce and a professor of economics who had been dismissed from public service after the Nazi rise to power in 1933.
Coffee and cake in “Frankfurt on Hudson” | FEBRUARY 22
Between the Nazis’ rise to power in 1933 and the year 1938, about 16.000 Jews had immigrated to the United States. Many German Jews had made their home in New York, especially in the neighborhood of Washington Heights in northern Manhattan, gaining it the nickname “Frankfurt on the Hudson.” The event schedule of the German-Jewish Club lists a “Family evening with Kaffee-Klatsch” which offers “artistic and musical interludes.” The event is geared towards the needs of the older members of the community, as “a substitute for lodge, singing club, social club and other associations,” promising participants an opportunity to discuss what they had on their minds. In addition to cultural activities in German, the massive influx of German-speaking Jews to Washington Heights led to the establishment of numerous new synagogues, beginning with “Tikvoh Chadoshoh”—“New Hope.”
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Prudential (3/1989)
WCRS, London
Johnathan Greenhalgh
The Paul Weiland Film Company, London
Category: banking/insurance
Prudential "I want" [01:00]# Men of all ages and at all stages in their life are shown expressing a wish. Among them a young man getting ready for work saying "I want to be on time", a punk rocker leering at the camera, saying " I want to be a brain surgeon", a father's "I want to be somewhere else" after his offspring has just smashed a valuable vase in some classy gallery. At the end the logo of Prudential insurance. VO and super: "Whatever you want to be in life, you want to be with Prudential.
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Prince William and Kate Middleton have some very exciting news
Jenny Proudfoot August 30, 2019 9:50 am
And it’s all about Princess Charlotte...
The Cambridges are one of the most talked-about families in the world, but while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spend the most time in front of the cameras, it’s their children that really steal the limelight.
From Prince George’s cheeky grin to Prince Louis’ royal wave, these toddlers never fail to make news. But it was the public favourite, Princess Charlotte, who got everyone talking this week as it was announced that she was preparing for her first day of school.
Yes, it has been confirmed by Kensington Palace that the four-year-old will be arriving at Thomas’s Battersea on Thursday 5th September for her very first day.
And that’s not all, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and her brother Prince George joining her for the occasion.
Kate Middleton had to miss Prince George’s first day at Thomas’ Battersea in 2017 due to her hyperemesis gravidarum, with Prince William dropping off his son solo. Princess Charlotte’s first day therefore will be a very important day for the whole family.
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‘We are delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have decided that Princess Charlotte will join her elder brother, Prince George, at Thomas’s Battersea,’ Simon O’Malley, the school’s Headmaster announced earlier this year in a statement. ‘We greatly look forward to welcoming her and all of our new pupils to the school in September.’
We’re wishing Princess Charlotte a very special first day at school!
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Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate Pricing
COVID-19 Crisis - Judge Rules Derogation From Human Rights 'Essential'
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a public emergency which is threatening the life of the nation. A High Court judge wrote those words in reaching the momentous conclusion that, whilst the crisis persists, derogation from certain fundamental human rights is not merely justified, but essential.
The judge gave his ruling in the case of a profoundly deaf dementia sufferer in his 80s who was living in a care home which, in common with almost all such facilities, has been closed to visitors during the pandemic. His daughter lodged an emergency application with a view to achieving his discharge from the care home and his return home with an appropriate package of support. Members of his family had previously visited him very frequently – his daughter almost every day – and there was no doubt that the embargo had had a seismic impact on his quality of life.
His right to liberty and personal security, enshrined in Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), together with his Article 8 right to respect for his home and family life, were clearly engaged and the judge emphasised that there was a need for heightened judicial vigilance to ensure that his fundamental rights and those of others in a similar position were not eclipsed by the COVID-19 crisis.
However, Article 15 of the ECHR permits signatory states to derogate from Articles 5 and 8 if such a course is strictly required in times of war or other public emergency threatening the life of the nation. After much reflection, the judge ruled that the pandemic represented just such an emergency and that a derogation was justified. He noted that no judge of his generation could ever have expected to have to reach such a conclusion.
Fundamental rights and freedoms are required to be protected as vigilantly at times of crisis as in less challenging circumstances. Given the particular threat that COVID-19 poses to the lives of the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, however, the derogation was essential. The judge emphasised that it would only continue for so long as the unprecedented public health crisis persists and that notification of his decision would be sent to the Council of Europe.
Returning to the facts of the case, the judge noted that the man – who was privately funding his stay in the care home – was adamant that he does not have dementia and that he wished to return home. His family was divided as to where his best interests lay and his daughter was fulsome in her praise of the kind and attentive care he had received from the care home's staff.
Every effort had been made to meet the family's concerns amidst the stark realities of the crisis. A plan had been formulated to educate the man, who was able to use a communication board, to the world of Skype and instant messaging. Members of his family would also be permitted, by arrangement, to wave at him through his bedroom window. The judge was satisfied that, although such arrangements would require time and creativity, they represented a proportionate way forward which respected the man's dignity and would meet his particular needs so far as possible. He opened the way for a doctor to conduct Skype or FaceTime interviews with the man in order to assess his capacity to make important decisions for himself.
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Amended regulations drastically affect Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Canada August 23 2010
At the beginning of the year, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”), in cooperation with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (“HRSDC”) and the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”), proposed dramatic amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. The final amendments were officially published on August 4, 2010, but will not take effect until April 1, 2011. Among the significant regulatory changes are the following:
1. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (“TFWP”) has been amended to clarify the process for and establish the factors to be considered in assessing the genuineness of all offers of employment.
The new regulations provide a set of criteria by which immigration officers may assess the genuineness of an employment offer. The amended regulations also clarify that genuineness will be assessed in all offers of temporary employment, Labour Market Opinion (“LMO”) and LMO-exempt, where an employer-specific work permit, as opposed to an open work permit, is required.
Currently, there are no established factors by which an immigration officer may consider the authenticity of a temporary employment offer. However, before an officer can issue a work permit, he or she must be satisfied that there is an actual job opportunity for the applicant, that the employer is able to employ the applicant, and that the applicant is qualified and able to fill the proffered position.
Making a determination that a temporary employment offer is genuine hinges on the following factors:
Whether the offer is made by an employer that is actively engaged in the business in respect of which the offer is made;
Whether the offer is consistent with the reasonable employment needs of the employer;
Whether the terms of the offer are able to be reasonably fulfilled by the employer; and
Consideration of the past compliance of the employer with federal or provincial laws that regulate employment in the province in which it is intended that the foreign national work.
2. Noncompliance will subject an employer to a two-year period of ineligibility to access the TFWP, as well as public notice of such ineligibility.
If it is determined that an offer of employment is not genuine (i.e., where an employer has been found to have provided significantly different wages, working conditions, or occupational duties than what was represented in the application), the employer will be subject to a two-year bar from the ability to participate in the TFWP.
Hence, the employer will be precluded from hiring any foreign nationals in Canada for a period of two years. In determining whether the bar will apply to a particular employer, the assessment would be undertaken at the time of the application or request and take into account any employment of temporary foreign workers in the immediately preceding two years. In addition to being barred from use of the TFWP for the next two years, the employer’s name, address, and period of ineligibility to access the TFWP would be posted on CIC’s external website for public viewing. Please note that this determination of ineligibility will be made by the officer processing the application. Thus, decisions affecting an employer’s very ability to participate in the TFWP may be made according to the discretion of one immigration officer.
3. Work permits, with certain exceptions, will be issued for a maximum of four years in duration, followed by a period of four years in which the temporary foreign worker will not be authorized to work in Canada before a subsequent work permit could be issued.
Temporary work permits in Canada will only be issued for four years and will be truly “temporary” in nature. Once the four year maximum is reached, the foreign worker will be prohibited from seeking an extension or subsequent work authorization for a period of four years. The exceptions to this rule are: (1) for foreign workers who perform work pursuant to an international agreement between Canada and one or more countries, such as NAFTA and (2) for foreign workers whose work will create significant social, cultural, or economic benefits or opportunities for to Canadians or permanent residents (intracompany transfers for non-NAFTA nationals).
Once the four-year cap limit has been reached, the temporary foreign worker will not be required to leave Canada, provided that he/she can maintain legal status in Canada. However, he/she will not be authorized to work until the subsequent fouryear period has elapsed.
4. Established expiration dates for LMOs
HRSDC will be required to establish a period of time during which an LMO is in effect. The impact of such an expiration date will require employers to apply for a work permit for an employee within a specific time period or the employer would be required to request a new LMO.
Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Safeguards, in the Fourth Industrial Revolution *
Seyfarth Global Immigration Update: January 2021 *
New Canadian Entry Requirement: Mandatory Beginning November 10, 2016 *
The State of Crowdfunding in the Cannabis Industry *
Related Canada articles
New employer compliance requirements and ramped up enforcement measures to take effect on April 1, 2011 *
Proposed regulatory changes amending the Canadian temporary foreign worker program *
Canada: cracking down on non-compliant employers *
Global immigration series - CanadaU.S.: the world's longest border is creating challenges for business travel * - USA
Dr Allen Giles
Principal Patent Attorney
"Lexology provides a "one-stop" source of informed comment."
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Graham Wants to Reign in Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), disturbed by a 35 percent rise in the projected cost of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, will introduce legislation to reign in the cost of the program. The new benefit was initially estimated to cost $395 billion over the next ten years when the bill passed Congress and was signed into law by President Bush in December 2003. A mere two months after becoming law, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revised the figure and projected the bill to cost an estimated $534 billion. Graham said his greatest concern is that the cost explosion is going to be borne by future generations and noted that every dollar spent on the new Medicare prescription drug benefit is borrowed money. “As we try to improve senior’s health care we cannot do it in a way that will doom their grandchildren with debts they cannot afford to pay,” said Graham. “I didn’t vote for the bill last year because I was concerned the projected costs would turn out to be wrong. Even I was surprised at how quickly and dramatically the projected costs of the program spiked. I’m afraid this isn’t going to be the last bit of bad news we receive about the long-term costs of this new entitlement.” Graham proposes controlling the long-term costs of the program by:
Placing caps on Medicare prescription drug outlays. The caps would be equal to the estimate of outlays for Prescription Drug Benefit for Fiscal Years (FY) 2005-2013 as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The caps for FY 2005-2013:
2005: $800 million (program not in full effect)
2006: $25.7 billion
Requiring the President to submit legislation to Congress reducing the costs of the prescription drug benefit upon determination the cap will be exceeded in any fiscal year. The President’s legislation would be considered on a fast-track basis and could not be amended or filibustered. Failure by a President to submit legislation would allow any Senator to move to discharge from the Finance Committee any Medicare reform legislation to lower the cost of the drug benefit.
“I want seniors to have a prescription drug benefit, but I’m not prepared to do it at all costs,” said Graham. “The Medicare prescription drug benefit, as it’s currently structured, allows uncontrolled expansion that will topple the entire system.” “My legislation limits Medicare prescription drug spending to the original $395 billion of borrowed money,” said Graham. “Any year the bill exceeds the original estimate, the President and Congress will be forced to act to reduce the cost. Controlling costs when you have to borrow all of the money is sound fiscal policy. It makes for a winning situation for today’s seniors and future generations of Americans.” ####
Graham Continues Fight for Guardsmen and Reservist Benefits
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), a member of the Armed Services Committee in the Senate, this week introduced legislation to benefit members of the National Guard and Reserves. The National Guard and Reserve Readiness and Retention Act is a comprehensive reform bill to modernize healthcare and retirement benefits for members of the National Guard and Reserves. “The increased demands placed on the men and women who serve this country in a part-time capacity require a modernization of their benefits,” said Graham. “Guardsmen and Reservists will soon make up 40 percent of our forces on the ground in Iraq and over the past decade have seen a dramatic increase in the time they spend on active duty. We must be sure to take care of every person that puts their life on the line to fight for liberty and freedom throughout the world.” “We need to take advantage of the momentum that is building in Congress to ensure Guard and Reserve personnel are fairly compensated for their service, said Graham. “The reform package being introduced today provides better health coverage and a more equitable retirement system for these citizen-soldiers.” Provisions included in the bill: Expand Access to Health Care – All Guard and Reserve members and their families would be eligible for health coverage through TRICARE, the military health system, regardless of their mobilization status. Unlike active-duty personnel, reservists would pay a modest annual premium. This change would improve unit readiness and eliminate the need for reservists and their families to change health care providers when mobilized. In the last session of Congress, Graham secured funding for expanded TRICARE eligibility for unemployed reservists and guardsmen and those that are not eligible for health insurance from their employers. He also won concessions to provide TRICARE coverage to all guardsmen and reservists once they received orders to deploy and allowed reservists and guardsmen to stay on TRICARE six months after deployment to ease the transition back to their private insurance. Provide Assistance To Cover Cost of Private Health Insurance Premiums – During periods of mobilization, reservists who opt to maintain private health coverage for their families rather than TRICARE would receive assistance in paying their health insurance premiums. Since families are also called on to sacrifice during mobilizations, this provision is intended to make it easier for them to maintain their existing health coverage and doctors. Enhance Retirement Benefits – Reservists with long careers could begin drawing retirement benefits as early as age 53, rather than the current minimum age of 60. The age for starting benefits would drop one year for every two additional years of honorable service. For example, benefits would start at age 60 for those with 20 years of service and age 59 for those with 22 years of service. “The National Guard and Reserves are increasingly being called upon to help protect our country and defend American interests,” said Graham. “They are playing a vital role in Operation Iraqi Freedom and are an integral part of the war on terrorism. We must take proactive steps to modernize benefits and improve recruitment and retention. Failure to act will result in a bloodletting in the Guard and Reserves, as many will choose to quit when their terms expire. This would have a devastating impact on the American military.” ####
Graham Statement on DOE Decision to Delay Modern Pit Facility Site Selection
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the Department of Energy’s decision to delay the final environmental impact statement for the Modern Pit Facility (MPF). The final report was expected to identify a preferred site for constructing an MPF. Potential sites for the MPF included Savannah River Site in Aiken, Los Alamos and Carlsbad, New Mexico, the Nevada Test Site, and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. In Fiscal Year 2004, Congress appropriated $11 million to DOE for continued work on a pit manufacturing capability to address aging stockpile concerns. A pit, made of plutonium, triggers a nuclear explosion in all modern thermonuclear weapons. Graham made the following statement: “I am very disappointed in the decision by Secretary Spence Abraham and Ambassador Linton Brooks, Director of the National Nuclear Security Administration, to delay the site selection for the Modern Pit Facility (MPF). “Throughout the process, the Department of Energy (DOE) assured Congress that site selection was on-track. DOE has maintained from the beginning that congressional concerns about MPF would not impact their timing for site selection. “In the future, DOE would better serve the taxpayer by determining whether they plan to go forward with a program before coming to Congress requesting taxpayer dollars. “I’ve always tried to take a balanced approach when dealing with these issues, but this decision damages our relationship with DOE. The news to delay a decision was completely unexpected and frankly, unwarranted, as DOE scientists and engineers are ready to make a MPF site selection. “The indecision on the part of the DOE leadership will have a negative impact on this program and could impact a broad range of other national security programs. “DOE naively assumes delay will promote broader support for MPF and other programs. I believe their indecision will have the opposite effect.” #####
Senate Passes 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The $373 billion bill contained the seven remaining spending items which make up the federal budget. Graham voted for the bill which passed 65-28. The legislation already passed the House of Representatives and will now be sent to President Bush for his signature. “I am pleased that my colleagues have come together in a bipartisan fashion to finish the work on the federal budget,” said Graham. “I would like to thank my colleague, Senator Hollings, and all the members of the delegation for working together to benefit all South Carolinians.” Graham noted the bill contains millions of dollars to fund South Carolina related projects. They include: Agriculture Projects Upstate
$900,000 for a Department of Agriculture study done in cooperation with Clemson University to characterize land use changes while preserving natural resources.
$273,000 to Clemson University to continue research to develop innovative pest control techniques.
$270,000 to Clemson University for cotton quality research.
$234,000 to Clemson University for peach tree short life research in southeastern orchards.
$270,000 to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study of animal waste treatment in Florence.
$90,000 to ARS for the study of emissions from livestock waste water in Florence.
$3.15 million to the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston for construction.
$270,000 increase to FY03 funding for research staff at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston as additional scientists are necessary to conduct priority research.
$3.768 million to study shrimp aquaculture in South Carolina and six other states.
Transportation Projects Upstate
$11 million for site acquisition and design for a new Federal Courthouse in Greenville.
$1 million to South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for surface improvements to the Arkwright Connector in Spartanburg.
$200,000 for multimodal transportation center improvements in Greenville.
$4 million to SCDOT for the U.S. 78 Bamberg Scenic Highway Project.
$4 million to SCDOT for the Bobby Jones Expressway/Palmetto Parkway extension.
$2 million to the City of Orangeburg for railroad relocation projects.
$2 million for riverfront redevelopment in North Augusta.
$1.5 million for the Sumter Municipal Airport to install an Instrument Landing System (ILS).
$1.05 million for improvements to Assembly Street, Whaley Street, and Rosewood Drive in Columbia.
$500,000 for the construction of the Bishopville Bypass in Lee County.
$440,000 to the Fairfield County Airport for a runway extension.
$400,000 for the construction of a pedestrian walkway over U.S. 601 to service South Carolina State University and Claflin University.
$1.4 million to SCDOT to upgrade the I-95 and S.C. 327 interchange in Florence County.
$4 million to the Medical University of South Carolina Intermodal facility for maintenance, acquisition, and rehabilitation of bus facilities.
$3 million to SCDOT for construction on Bowman Road and Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant.
$1.25 million to the North Charleston Regional Intermodal Transportation Center for maintenance, acquisition, and rehabilitation of bus facilities.
$1.25 to SCDOT for the construction of the Cooper River Bridge replacement.
$1 million to SCDOT for construction of a four lane divided arterial over an approximately 10-mile corridor of U.S. 278.
$1 million to SCDOT for improvements to the Berlin G. Meyers Parkway Extension in Georgetown.
$1 million to Andrews Municipal Airport for pavement reconstruction.
$300,000 to the Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority for maintenance, acquisition, and rehabilitation of bus facilities.
$250,000 to SCDOT for the construction of a U.S. 17 and Bowman Road interchange in Mt. Pleasant.
$200,000 for the Myrtle Beach Regional Multimodal Transit Center.
$4 million to the SCDOT to help replace South Carolina’s transit fleet.
$3.5 million to SCDOT for the Inroads Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) project to place video cameras, changeable message signs, and other safety devices along South Carolina’s interstate highways.
$2.25 million to SCDOT for a construction study of I-73.
$1 million to SCDOT for statewide transit facilities construction.
$750,000 to conduct a Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor Study.
$300,000 to SCDOT for the research and development of ball bearing packages with intelligent safety aids for vehicles.
$250,000 for a corridor and borders project in association with I-73.
Veterans Administration & Housing and Urban Development Projects Upstate
$1 million to the city of Rock Hill for the revitalization and development of the Arcade-Westside area of Rock Hill.
$500,000 to the Winchester Conservation Museum for building expansion in Edgefield.
$225,000 to the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind in Spartanburg for the construction of a teaching/living facility.
$175,000 to the City of Greenville for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
$150,000 to the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Aiken, SC and Augusta, GA to enhance two food bank warehouses.
$350,000 to the University of South Carolina for a geological study of uranium groundwater contamination.
$300,000 to Calhoun County for water infrastructure improvements for the Fort Motte water system.
$250,000 to Kershaw County for water and wastewater infrastructure development.
$150,000 to Calhoun County for the construction of a community recreational facility.
$100,000 to the Eau Claire Development Corporation for land acquisition near Farrow Road.
$300,000 to Alligator Rural Water Company in Chesterfield County for water infrastructure improvements.
$150,000 to Lee County for renovations to the Ashwood Gymnasium.
$2 million increase in funding for the School of Science and Mathematics at the College of Charleston to enhance and expand science and technology programs.
$1.2 million to the Town of Ravenel for the construction of a main sewer transmission line along Highway 17.
$1 million to the Five Rivers Community Development Corporation in Georgetown for economic development and affordable housing.
$1.4 million to the Commission of Public Works of the City of Charleston for wastewater tunnel replacement.
$400,000 to the Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment Corporation for storm water infrastructure improvements.
$250,000 to the Town of Estill for water infrastructure improvements.
Commerce and Justice Programs Upstate
$10 million for the National Textile Center. NTC is a research, development, and technology transfer consortium that links the textile industry to leadership research and education programs at Clemson University and other universities.
$1.1 million to the Palmetto Expo Center in Greenville to develop security enhancements and renovations related to emergency utilization.
$1 million for technology improvements and network infrastructure to support the Greenville Automotive Research Park.
$850,000 to the City of Greenville Police Department for communication system upgrades.
$350,000 to the Abbeville County Sheriff’s Department for mobile data computers and in-car cameras.
$300,000 for the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Department for the purchase of mobile data computers and communications upgrades.
$300,000 to Spartanburg County for an advanced 9-1-1 notification system.
$300,000 to the Union County Sheriff’s Department for mobile data computers and communications upgrades.
$100,000 to the city of Tega City for law enforcement technologies.
$9.4 million to the South Carolina Judicial Department to continue purchasing equipment for the integration of the case docket system in to a state-of-the-art comprehensive database to be shared between the court system and law enforcement.
$500,000 to the University of South Carolina for the National Center for Prosecutorial Ethics.
$350,000 to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Department for the purchase of mobile data computers
$100,000 to the City of Columbia to support a methamphetamine initiative.
$33.123 million to the Federal Corrections Institute (FCI) Williamsburg for a new prison facility.
$10.532 million to the FCI Bennettsville for a new prison facility.
$500,000 to the Marion County Sheriffs Department to implement a records management system.
$17.275 million for the Cooperative Offshore Fisheries Enforcement Program. This program provides the equipment and funding for South Carolina Department of Natural Resources enforcement officers.
$16.75 million to Bonneau Ferry for Coastal/Estuarine Land Acquisition.
$14 million to the Medical University of South Carolina.
$4.5 million to ACE Basin for estuarine procurement, acquisition, and construction.
$2.5 million to Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties for a shared information system for local law enforcement.
$2 million to the National Marine Fisheries Service for South Carolina Cooperative Research.
$1 million to the National Marine Fisheries Service for South Carolina Oyster Recovery.
$800,000 to the National Marine Fisheries Service for the Charleston Health and Risk Assessment in Charleston.
$750,000 to the Low Country Children’s Center in South Carolina for continued support for a collaborative effort among local organizations in Charleston that provide full services to children who have been abused.
$650,000 for research into the Charleston Bump.
$650,000 to the National Marine Fisheries Service for the study of South Carolina Shrimp Pathogens.
$500,000 for Billfish Tagging in the Charleston Bump and other locations.
$500,000 to the National Marine Fisheries Service for the South Carolina Taxonomic Center to support fishing activities.
$500,000 for the Freewoods Farm Living Farm Museum in Horry County.
$350,000 for the Hampton County Sheriff’s Department for the purchase of computers and surveillance equipment necessary to patrol high crime areas of the county.
$300,000 for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department for the purchase of mobile data computers and in-car cameras.
$175,000 to the National Ocean Service for South Carolina Marine Debris Removal.
$100,000 to MUSC for a program which helps single head-of-household women with children turn away from crime and drugs and become self-sufficient.
$100,000 to the National Ocean Service for Edisto Beach Marsh Protection.
$20,000 to the Yemassee Police Department for the purchase of radios and in-car cameras.
$2 million for the South Carolina Truancy and Dropout Prevention Initiative.
$2 million to the South Carolina Seafood Alliance to promote and develop fishery products and research pertaining to American fisheries.
$1.5 million to SLED to continue the funding for necessary equipment for SLED’s criminal justice information system, to convert existing databases and integrate systems for accurate and rapid production of information to support identifications for criminal and civilian purposes.
$1.5 million to SLED for continued funding to support the growing state and local law enforcement needs in the only full service forensic laboratory in the state.
$1.5 million to provide community-based, cost effective alternative programs for juveniles who are, have been or may be subject to compulsory care, supervision or incarceration in public or private institutions in several states including South Carolina.
$1 million to the Southeastern Law Enforcement Technology Center to partner with SPAWAR System Center Charleston to advance research and development into software radio technology.
$1 million for SLED to continue funding for equipment to support a federal and state collaboration of investigators and forensics experts to solve crime.
$695,000 for the South Carolina Domestic Violence Reduction Initiative of which $150,000 is for Safe Passage which assists victims in Greenville and Anderson. $150,000 for Safe Homes which assists victims in Spartanburg, and $220,000 for the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, which assists victims in Aiken, Barnwell, Allendale, Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda Counties.
$500,000 for the South Carolina Export Consortium.
$500,000 to SCDNR for the RecFIN program to support inshore recreational species assessment and enhancement.
Labor and Health and Human Service Projects (HHS) Upstate
$500,000 for the Greenville Hospital Center to provide assistance in serving rural areas.
$250,000 for the Call Me MISTER program at Clemson University.
$250,000 for a Montessori project at Lander University.
$200,000 for the University Center in Greenville.
$200,000 for the Health Education Center at the University of South Carolina-Spartanburg.
$100,000 for a finance study at Clemson’s Strom Thurmond Institute.
$5 million for the Strom Thurmond Fitness Center at the University of South Carolina.
$1.2 million to the University of South Carolina to purchase equipment for the Multidisciplinary Science Center.
$500,000 to Commun-i-care in Columbia to support a program that distributes prescription drugs to low income, uninsured South Carolinians.
$4 million to the Oncology Center at MUSC for facility improvements and equipment.
$1 million to Trident Technical College to equip the information technology center, electromechanical skills lab, and the hospitality, tourism and culinary arts program.
$200,000 to the Advanced Technology Institute in North Charleston.
$200,000 to the St. James-Santee Family Health Center in McClellanville.
$200,000 to the Beaufort County School District for the development and implementation of a modal program in technology and literacy for K-12 teachers.
$200,000 to Charleston County for a Charleston Media Technology Park project.
$100,000 to the College of Charleston for the purchase of scientific equipment.
$500,000 to the Jason Foundation for Education to extend science education and professional teacher development programs to schools in South Carolina.
$500,000 for the South Carolina Women’s Business Center.
$300,000 to South Carolina Educational Television to continue the Bridges Demonstration Project to develop educational curriculum compatible with digital broadcasting.
Florence Attorney Bryan Harwell Nominated to Federal Bench
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced President Bush has nominated Bryan Harwell of Florence to fill a federal District Court vacancy in South Carolina. Harwell has been a member of South Carolina’s legal community for over twenty years including service as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge G. Ross Anderson, Jr. and State Circuit Judge Rodney A. Peeples. He served as a JAG officer in the South Carolina Air National Guard from 1987-1993. Harwell has also been a member and past chairman of the Florence-Darlington Technical College Area Commission/Board of Trustees, a business law teacher at Francis Marion University, and an Order of the Palmetto recipient. “I want to thank President Bush for nominating Bryan Harwell to the federal District Court,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Bryan for almost twenty years. I have complete confidence in his ability to be an outstanding federal judge.” “Bryan has a deep knowledge of the law equaled by a great understanding of people,” said Graham. “He is a dedicated public servant and is well respected among his peers. His legal experience and unwavering character make him an ideal choice. He will make his state and nation proud serving on the federal bench.” Harwell is a partner at Harwell, Ballenger, Barth and Hoefer in Florence, a position he has held since 1984. ####
Graham Announces Rural Development Funds for Chesterfield County, Ehrhardt, and Pamplico
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey (R-South Carolina) today announced Chesterfield County Rural Water Company, and the towns of Ehrhardt and Pamplico will receive over $3 million in grants and loans to upgrade waste water disposal infrastructure. “Infrastructure improvements help provide better services to residents and businesses,” said Graham. “In addition, these investments help promote future economic development efforts in the area.” Chesterfield County Rural Water Company will receive a $141,800 grant to be used as a cost overrun on a large project. The additional funds will be used to loop new waste disposal lines together along Highway 601 where new turn lanes are being added to the highway. Ehrhardt will receive a $273,900 grant and a $50,500 loan to upgrade and expand the town’s existing waste water treatment plant from fifty thousand gallons per day to sixty thousand. Additionally, the funds will be used to purchase 36.31 acres of land for the upgrade. Pamplico will receive a $2,277,300 grant and a $495,800 loan for the construction of a new waste water treatment facility, approximately 31,000 feet of lines, two new pumping stations, and rehabilitation of the existing sewer system. The awards were made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####
Graham Reaction to the State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statements on President Bush’s State of the Union Address. On President Bush’s Discussion of Social Security and Personal Accounts for Younger Workers: “The President’s leadership on saving Social Security has been unprecedented. I applaud him for taking on this very important issue. “Social Security’s impending bankruptcy remains the biggest domestic issue facing the United States. President Bush understands that we can’t sit on the sidelines and simply watch Social Security go bankrupt. By establishing personal accounts within Social Security we can strengthen the system for future generations without harming current retirees or those nearing retirement. “Politicians in the past have committed political malpractice by allowing Social Security problems to get out of hand. The personal investment accounts discussed by President Bush would allow younger workers to get better rates of return on their Social Security taxes. This would help them create a nest egg for retirement and help save the system from future bankruptcy. “President Bush deserves a lot of credit for bringing this issue to the forefront of public debate. For too long, Social Security modernization has been an issue many politicians would rather ignore. He understands the problems are serious and the sooner we begin addressing them the better.” On President Bush’s Efforts to Win the War on Terror: “President Bush has a plan to keep America secure. The people who attacked us on 9-11 have either been captured, killed, or are on the run. Afghanistan, once a breeding ground for terrorists, is now an emerging democracy. Saddam Hussein, a ruthless dictator who defied the United Nations and the international community for a dozen years, is now behind bars awaiting trail. We are making progress in winning the war on terror and we must continue to show strength and resolve.” On President Bush’s Tax Relief Efforts Stimulating the Economy: “When I speak with business leaders and families in South Carolina, one thing is very clear -- the tax cuts President Bush signed into law were necessary to help rejuvenate the economy. By reducing the tax burden, we’ve been able to expand our economy and lower costs on families providing for their basic needs. “The $1,000 per-child tax credit, lower capital gains taxes, and lower tax rates across the board are all very popular initiatives and have played a role in helping the economy rebound. President Bush was right in pushing his tax cut through Congress and the economy will continue to progress as long as we keep the tax burden low.” #####
Graham Announces $54,000 to Assist Research Opportunities at Voorhees
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Voorhees College in Denmark will receive a $54,000 research infrastructure development grant to assist the school expand its opportunities to participate in federally funded research projects. The funds will help the college send a representative to educational and training sessions at the National Institute of Health (NIH). The NIH offers participants an opportunity to interact with program specialists from a variety of federal agencies increasing the schools’ ability to compete for grants that traditionally go to larger institutions of higher learning. “I’m pleased we’re helping historically black colleges and universities develop the infrastructure necessary to compete for research grants,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. This will be the fourth year Voorhees has participated in the program. Other South Carolina participants include Benedict College, Claflin College, and South Carolina State University. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ####
Graham Announces Firefighting Grants to Boiling Springs, Iva, Lake City, and Newberry
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $310,000 in grants to fire departments in Boiling Springs, Iva, Lake City, and Newberry. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grants will help the fire departments improve their training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase new firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and, make modifications to fire stations and facilities. Boiling Springs Boiling Springs Fire Department will receive $153,846. Iva Grove Fire Department will receive $16,650. Lake City Lake City Fire Department will receive $90,879. Newberry Newberry Fire Department will receive $49,500. The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel. Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ####
Graham Announces $2.6 Million in Health Grants for DHEC and MUSC
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham today announced the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control will receive a $2.1 million grant for immunization and vaccination programs for children. The grant to DHEC will fund immunization and vaccination program operations and infrastructure, and vaccine purchase. The $2.1 million dollar grant represents an initial portion of the annual award for program operations, or infrastructure activities. The Centers for Disease Control anticipates a second round of awards once the FY2004 appropriations process is completed. The initial award can be used by South Carolina’s immunization program to maintain essential program activities such as immunization registries, outreach, disease surveillance, outbreak control, education, and service delivery. “This grant will help ensure effective immunization practices and proper use of vaccines to achieve high immunization coverage throughout South Carolina,” said Graham. Graham also noted the Medical University of South Carolina will receive two grants totaling more than $500,000 for heart and vascular disease research. “Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for men and women in the U.S.,” said Graham. “This research will help save lives. I am proud that South Carolina’s colleges and universities are on the cutting edge of medical research.” All the grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ####
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Statement On Boeing South Carolina Expansion
Today's decision validates my belief South Carolina is the best place in the country to do business. This is huge news for our economy.
On the Passing of Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher was one of the great role models in the history of the conservative movement.
Statement On Indictment Of Suspected Al-Qaeda Terrorist
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John McCain (R-AZ) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) released the following statement regarding the Administration’s decision to bring alleged al Qaeda operative Ibrahim Suleiman Adnan Adam Harun to the United States for trial in civilian court:
“We are deeply concerned that this Administration’s pattern of rushing to indict foreign enemy belligerents like Ibrahim Suleiman Adnan Adam Harun in civilian court – rather than detaining them in military custody at Guantanamo – has undermined our nation’s intelligence collection efforts and made our country less safe.
“Harun is a foreign member of al Qaeda who has allegedly attempted to kill U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan and participated in planning or carrying out an attack against Americans in Nigeria. As such, he should be treated as a foreign enemy belligerent at war with our country – not a common criminal.
“Based on Section 1022 of the Fiscal Year 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, there is no doubt he should be placed in military custody at Guantanamo.
“It is important to remember that law of war detention, under which our intelligence community can easily return to question detainees months or even years later, helped connect the dots that ultimately led to Osama bin Laden.
“When we place individuals like Harun and Sulaiman abu Ghayth in our civilian legal system, read them their Miranda Rights, and focus on prosecution rather than intelligence collection, we miss valuable information that will prevent future attacks.”
Graham and McCain Statement on Syria
Washington – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and John McCain (R-Arizona) today released the following statement on Syria:
“We are extremely disturbed by reports that chemical weapons have been used today in Syria. President Obama has said that the use of weapons of mass destruction by Bashar Assad is a ‘red line’ for him that ‘will have consequences.’ If today’s reports are substantiated, the President’s red line has been crossed, and we would urge him to take immediate action to impose the consequences he has promised. That should include the provision of arms to vetted Syrian opposition groups, targeted strikes against Assad’s aircraft and SCUD missile batteries on the ground, and the establishment of safe zones inside Syria to protect civilians and opposition groups. If today’s reports are substantiated, the tragic irony will be that these are the exact same actions that could have prevented the use of weapons of mass destruction in Syria.
“It is imperative that the Administration come up with a plan to secure the chemical weapons sites in a post-Assad Syria. We cannot imagine a more volatile scenario for the Mideast and our own national security than to have these chemical weapons caches fall into radical Islamist hands. We need to take this threat seriously and time is not on our side.”
Graham, Ayotte Statement on Sulaiman Abu Ghayth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) released the following statement regarding the Administration’s decision to bring alleged al Qaeda member Sulaiman Abu Ghayth to the United States for trial in civilian court:
“We are disturbed by the Administration’s decision to bring Sulaiman Abu Ghayth—a foreign member of al Qaeda charged with conspiring to kill Americans – to New York for trial in federal court. The Obama Administration’s lack of a war-time detention policy for foreign members of al Qaeda, as well as its refusal to detain and interrogate these individuals at Guantanamo, makes our nation less safe.
“We are at war with al Qaeda and its affiliated groups, and America’s detention policy must reflect that reality.
“Military detention for enemy combatants has been the rule, not the exception. By processing terrorists like Sulaiman Abu Ghayth through civilian courts, the Administration risks missing important opportunities to gather intelligence to prevent future attacks and save lives.
“A foreign member of al Qaeda should never be treated like a common criminal and should never hear the words “you have a right to remain silent.”
“Abu Ghayth’s capture and decision to try him in civilian court raises several questions. For example, did U.S. officials properly interrogate Abu Ghayth before he was read his Miranda rights? If so, for how long? Given the fact that the U.S. required repeated interrogations of detainees in law of war custody over many years in order to find bin Laden, why would the Administration believe that a few hours or days of interrogation of someone so close to bin Laden would be sufficient?
“The American people and their representatives in Congress have been clear that they do not want foreign members of al Qaeda brought to the United States. The Obama Administration’s decision to try Abu Ghayth in a New York district court clearly contravenes the will of the American people. This decision by the Obama Administration will not go unchallenged.”
Senators Introduce Legislation On Mental Illness and Gun Violence
The Alice Boland Case is 'Exhibit A' of a broken background check system.
Graham, McCain and Ayotte Statement on Benghazi Attack
Washington – As the U.S. Senate continues to consider the Administration’s national security nominees, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John McCain (R-AZ) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today released the following statement on what we do know and what we still do not know about the attack on the U.S. Special Mission facility in Benghazi, Libya that killed four brave Americans on September 11, 2012:
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was not aware of the classified cable that, according to published media reports, Ambassador Chris Stevens sent in August 2012 stating that the U.S. Special Mission facility in Benghazi could not survive a sustained assault from one or more of the militia groups that were operating in eastern Libya. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee that he was ‘surprised’ to learn that Secretary Clinton had never seen the cable.
After the initial reports about the attack in Benghazi, Secretary Panetta and General Dempsey met with President Obama during a previously scheduled meeting. Both Secretary Panetta and General Dempsey testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee that this was the last time either of them spoke with the President during the attack in Benghazi. We also know that the President spoke for nearly one hour that night with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and held a press conference on the attack at the White House the following morning before departing for a political campaign event in Las Vegas, Nevada. We do not know what other actions the President took during the attack in Benghazi.
In testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary Clinton stated that the FBI was the first agency to debrief the U.S. personnel who were evacuated from Benghazi on September 12. It took multiple days before those reports, which made clear that there never was a spontaneous protest outside of the U.S. Mission in Benghazi, were provided to the U.S. intelligence community.
General Dempsey testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee that the U.S. military never provided additional support to the U.S. Mission in Benghazi prior to September 11, 2012 because they never received a request to do so – despite the fact that the U.S. Mission in Benghazi had been attacked twice already in the preceding months, and despite Ambassador Stevens’ August cable stating that the U.S. Mission in Benghazi could not survive a sustained attack by militants operating in the area.
Secretary Panetta and General Dempsey testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee that, from the beginning of the crisis on September 11, 2012 in Benghazi, they believed it was a terrorist attack based on the nature of the event. Similarly, Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, has cited a transcript of a September 14 meeting between then-CIA Director David Petraeus and the members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, in which, according to Senator Feinstein, ‘Petraeus very clearly said that it was a terrorist attack.’
In an address on the morning of September 12, 2012, President Obama spoke of ‘acts of terror,’ but later that day, in an interview with CBS’s ‘60 Minutes,’ he refused to characterize the attack in Benghazi as a terrorist attack. He then spent nearly two additional weeks claiming that he did not know whether the incident in Benghazi was a terrorist attack, contrary to what the then-Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have said that they believed to be true at the time.
“What we do not know:
We do not know whether the President was made aware of the classified cable that, according to published media reports, Ambassador Chris Stevens sent in August 2012, stating that the U.S. Mission in Benghazi could not survive a sustained assault from one or more of the threatening militia groups that were operating in eastern Libya.
We do not know whether the President's national security staff made him aware of the attacks on the U.S. Mission in Benghazi that occurred in April and June of last year and the assassination attempt on the British Ambassador in Benghazi around the same time.
If the President was informed, we do not know what actions he may have taken.
We do not know what person or persons, representing what executive branch agency or agencies, changed the unclassified talking points to remove references to Al-Qaeda and a terrorist attack in describing the attack on the U.S. Mission in Benghazi.
We do not know why, on the anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in American history, after multiple attacks last year on U.S. and Western interests in Libya, and with rising insecurity in countries across the Middle East, U.S. military units and assets in the region were not ready, alert, and positioned to respond in a timely fashion to what should have been a foreseeable emergency – despite the fact that there is a U.S. military base in Souda Bay, Crete, which is a short flight to Benghazi.
We do not know what the President did or who he was in contact with during the seven hours of the attack, and we do not know why the President did not reach out to Libyan President Magariaf to ensure deployment of a U.S. tactical team that was held up for three hours at a Libyan airport.
We do not know why the testimonies of the U.S. personnel who were evacuated from Benghazi on September 12 – eyewitnesses who knew there never was a demonstration outside the U.S. Mission – were not shared in a timely way with, and immediately factored in to the judgments of, our intelligence community.
We do not know whether this failure reflects obstacles that still exist to the free sharing of information across executive branch agencies, which was a key concern of the 9/11 Commission.
We do not know why the Administration did not do more to support and assist the new Libyan government that took power after the fall of Qaddafi, including in the establishment of civilian-led national security forces that operate under central government control, a counterterrorism force that is trained and equipped to combat Al Qaeda and its affiliates, national justice and prison systems, and effective control over the immense stockpiles of weapons and dangerous materials that exist across Libya. The result of this so-called ‘light footprint’ approach was that Al-Qaeda, its affiliated groups, and local militias were able to establish sanctuaries almost uncontested in the ungoverned spaces of eastern Libya. Some of these individuals were involved in the attack on the U.S. Mission in Benghazi.”
Graham Named 'ACU Conservative'
Senator Graham was recognized by the American Conservative Union (ACU) for his conservative voting and received the 'ACU Conservative' award.
Graham Introduces Resolution Expressing Support for U.S.-Israeli Relationship & Concerns about Iranian Nuclear Program
We have no better friends in that part of the world than Israel. Last year President Obama told the people of Israel, 'We have your back.' Our resolution builds upon that statement and makes it clear that if Israel is one day forced to protect themselves we will stand with Israel.
Graham, Klobuchar, Schumer, Hoeven Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Rise in Metal Theft
Legislation would crack down on thieves and make it harder for them to sell stolen metal
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Charles Schumer (D-NY) and John Hoeven (R-ND) today reintroduced bipartisan legislation in the new Congress to crack down on the growing problem of metal theft. Metal theft has jumped more than 80% in recent years, as thieves steal high-priced metal from critical infrastructure as well as businesses, homes, churches and even veterans’ graves – causing families pain and threatening public safety. The Metal Theft Prevention Act would help crack down on metal thieves and make it harder for them to sell stolen metal.
“Thefts and resale of high-priced metals stolen from churches, businesses, and our nation’s critical infrastructure has skyrocketed in recent years,” said Graham. “Our legislation makes it a federal crime to steal from these sites. It also creates common-sense safeguards to prevent resale without interfering with states’ rights to prosecute.”
“In communities across Minnesota, thieves are stealing high-priced metal from public infrastructure, churches, and even taking brass stars from our veterans’ graves. These crimes are costing businesses thousands of dollars, threatening public safety, and causing families real pain,” Klobuchar said. “This legislation will crack down on metal thieves, helping put them behind bars and make it more difficult for them to sell their stolen goods.”
“It is time to put thieves who steal scrap metal from homes, businesses, infrastructure – and even veterans’ graves – behind ironclad bars,” said Schumer. “This practical plan will combat the rash of metal theft by requiring recyclers to keep detailed documentation of metal purchases, capping the amount of cash recyclers can pay for scrap metal, ensuring that those selling metal are authorized to do so, and by making metal theft a federal crime. This proposal will safeguard families, business owners, and commuters who are endangered by the stripped infrastructure, fires, and financial hit as a result of these crimes.”
“What the federal law does is make sure that thieves can’t steal metal in one state and sell it in another state,” Hoeven said. “ At the same time, we’ve worked to craft the bill so that it is flexible and responsive and takes into consideration the concerns of businesses and Attorneys General across the country by ensuring that state law will supersede federal law in the case of metal thefts.”
Between 2009 and 2011, the National Insurance Crime Bureau found over 25,000 insurance claims related to metal theft, an increase of 81 percent over claims made between 2006 and 2008. In a recent study, the U.S. Department of Energy found that the total value of damages to industries affected by the theft of copper wire would likely exceed $900 million each year.
The Metal Theft Prevention Act calls for enforcement by the Attorney General and gives state attorneys general the ability to bring civil actions to enforce the provisions of the legislation. It also directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review penalty guidelines as they relate to metal theft and make sure they are adequate. The bill also makes it an explicit federal crime to steal metal from critical infrastructure.
In addition, the legislation would also make it much tougher for thieves to sell stolen metals to scrap metal dealers. It contains a “Do Not Buy” provision which bans scrap metal dealers from buying certain items unless the sellers establish, by written documentation, that they are authorized to sell the metal in question. As a result of the bill, scrap metal dealers would be required to keep detailed records of metal purchases for two years and make them available to law enforcement agencies. The bill would also require that purchases of scrap metal over $100 be done by check instead of cash, to further help law enforcement track down thieves. Klobuchar, Graham and Schumer introduced similar legislation in the previous Congress.
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HZMO work during COVID-19 epidemic
About HZMO
Pensions According to EU Regulations and International Social Security Agreements
How Is Your Pension Determined?
More information available in our brochures
Child Benefit by Application of EU Regulations – the Family Benefit in the Republic of Croatia
Eligibility to Child Benefit
Application for Insurance and End of Insurance
Central Database of HZMO
Issuing of A1 Certificates (Applicable Legislation/EU)
Issuing of A1 Certificates
The following regulations apply to the rights and obligations from the social security system between the Member States of the European Union, the countries of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the Swiss Confederation:
Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (abbreviated: Basic Regulation)
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems (abbreviated: Implementing Regulation).
Determination of applicable legislation is one of the fundamental principles of coordination. It provides for the coverage of persons moving within the EU by the social security legislation of one Member State only and prevents a simultaneous application of legislation of two or more Member States or that such persons remain uncovered by a social security system. Persons pursuing an activity as employed or self-employed persons in a Member State shall be subject to the legislation of that Member State (lex loci laboris).
In special situations, when it is necessary to deviate from the above criteria, special rules apply, which relate to:
Posted persons - temporary posting of workers to another Member State
Persons who regularly work in two or more Member States
Derogation according to Article 16 of the Basic Regulation
Members of the flight and cabin crew
A portable A1 document (so-called A1 Certificate) is a document valid throughout the EU. It proves which legislation applies to a person and confirms that the contributions are paid in the issuing Member State. It also proves that there is no obligation to pay contributions in the other Member States in which the activity is pursued.
The obligation to issue A1 applies to specific situations (when a person pursues an activity in the other Member States outside the competent state). It covers: posted employed and self-employed persons, civil servants, seafarers (when the ship's flag rule does not apply), flight and cabin crew members, employed and self-employed persons working in two or more Member States, EU contract staff and persons approved of exemption according to Article 16 of the Basic Regulation.
For the application of an individual rule, special application forms have been created and the necessary documentation to be submitted has been determined.
All regional services and offices of HZMO, according to the seat of the employer, are responsible for issuing certificates for posted employees. The application for the issuance of A1 certificate is filled in and stamped by the employer and submitted to the competent regional service or office of HZMO. An employer is also obliged to complete an employers' questionnaire, which contains detailed information about his operations. The employer submits to HZMO such questionnaire, along with the mandatory documentation stated in the questionnaire. In all other situations, the issuance of A1 certificates is performed centrally, with the Regional Service in Zagreb as a competent service.
Goran Carević
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e-mail: goran.carevic@mirovinsko.hr
A. Mihanovića 3
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The National Videogame Museum launches new video game preservation network
Vikki Blake 26th February 2020 Business News
The National Videogame Museum (NVM) has launched a new initiative to develop best practice and share knowledge across the museum sector about preserving and exhibiting video games.
In conjunction with the Science and Media Museum, Bath Spa University, British Library and Museum of London and more, the NVM – which is situated in Sheffield, UK – has also partnered with BFI Southbank to launch of a new White Paper entitled “Time Extend” that details “video game history, heritage and preservation”.
“In order to develop as an art form, to become more diverse and reflect all kinds of areas of our lives, and to build a cultural confidence that is sometimes absent, we need to be able to learn about video games,” said Gina Jackson, Trustee for the BGI, the charity which governs the NVM. “In order to learn about them, we need to be able to access them and make sense of them. The work we’re doing at the NVM and BGI isn’t out of nostalgia. It’s out of a concern for the future. We want to be able to inspire and educate new kinds of game-makers to make new kinds of games.”
“This group is for anyone who cares about or works in video game preservation,” added Ian Livingstone, chair of the BGI. “We recognise that in the UK and around the world, the expertise in this field isn’t just locked inside museums and heritage institutions, but also inside a wide range of dedicated and passionate private collectors. The VHS will bring everyone together to preserve the important heritage of videogames in our country.”
The NVM educates the public on the art, science, history and technology of video games by celebrating video game culture and allowing the public to play most of its exhibits, which include games consoles, arcade machines and other interactive experiences, including some games designed exclusively for the Museum. It is the UK’s only permanently accessible collection of video games and related memorabilia and has welcomed over 140,000 visitors since it opened in 2016.
The NVM also specifically preserves the history of UK development through its UK Collection, a special collection launched with Rebellion that focuses “on the story of British videogames creation”.
Tags culture Develop Newsletter MCV Newsletter museum National Videogame Museum Preservation rebellion Sheffield uk video game history White Paper
Previous TIGA reveals safeguarding principles for companies to ‘demonstrate a real commitment to their players’ wellbeing’
Next Aardvark Swift spotlight: Accessibility in games
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Algeria: Four Christians face proselytism charges
Algerian Christians request prayer for four Christians, including three from the same family, who will appear in court on 6 November in Province of Bouira, in the Kabylie region.
These Christians are accused of “inciting a Muslim to change his religion” (a criminal offence under the penal code) and “performing religious worship in an unauthorized place” (contravening the 2006 ordinance governing non-Muslim worship).
The charges follow accusations made in July 2018 by a woman (aged 40) whose husband (50) had converted to Christianity. She and members of her family filed a complaint against her Christian husband, and also against a Christian family that had tried to mitigate a conflict between the wife and husband, accusing them of “wanting to pressure her to become a Christian.” The defendants were to appear before court 9 October, but the hearing has been postponed to November.
In a separate case for which MEC has previously requested prayer, a Christian from Tizi Ouzou has been charged with “illegal importation of Christian materials.” The young man (29) was returning from a visit to a Middle Eastern country in the summer of 2016, and had with him some items, such as keyrings and scarfs, with Christian inscriptions. He had previously been tried and acquitted, but the prosecutor has now decided to appeal. A new court date has yet to be set.
Algerian Christians request prayer:
a. for those facing charges to know the presence of Jesus and the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit as they deal with the legal system
b. that they would be acquitted of all charges
c. that Christians in Algeria will know the Lord’s peace, wisdom and guidance in the face of ongoing pressures
d. that those responsible for the intimidation of Christians would know the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness and new life offered by Jesus
e. for just laws and greater societal tolerance in Algeria toward Christians
Israel: Church arson leads to call for mutual respect December 15, 2020
Turkey: Challenges Facing Christians 2016-2020 December 7, 2020
Iran: Second Christian convert given 80 lashes November 16, 2020
Somaliland: Christian couple released and deported November 13, 2020
Algeria: Prayer requested for closed churches November 9, 2020
Algeria: Call for prayer regarding church closures October 15, 2020
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