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Ready for Action: the Canon Cinema EOS C70
Canon Announces UHDxs Series CJ20ex5B 4K UHD Portable Zoom Lens
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You are at:Home»News»Canon USA Announces New EF 500mm and EF 600mm Telephoto Lenses
Canon USA Announces New EF 500mm and EF 600mm Telephoto Lenses
By DVi News on February 7, 2011 News
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced two new versions of its popular Image Stabilizer (IS) super-telephoto lenses. The EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM super-telephoto lenses deliver incredible image quality at all apertures for professional photographers and filmmakers. It has been 11 years since Canon initially introduced its Image Stabilized 500mm and 600mm lenses and in that time the Company has listened to feedback from professionals and worked to implement their most desired enhancements. Replacing the current EF 500mm f/4L and EF 600mm f/4L IS lenses, both the new EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM and new EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM have experienced a drastic weight reduction making them lighter and more durable than their predecessors. Both lenses also achieve a higher level of image quality through the incorporation of two fluorite optical lens elements which help to minimize chromatic aberration and eliminate color blurring around the edges of the subject. Both new lenses offer improved Image Stabilization, providing the equivalent shutter speed of approximately four steps faster in addition to enhanced durability and operability through thoroughly re-designed optical and mechanical components.
“These lenses were made to be used under the harsh and challenging conditions faced by professionals in the fields of photojournalism, sports and nature photography. Utilizing valuable customer feedback, we have re-designed these lenses to create a powerful telephoto lens lineup for working professionals,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
Lighter, More Durable and Enhanced
Canon engineers succeeded not only in reducing the overall weight of these lenses but improving on their optical performance as well. The optical formula of each new lens was re-designed to include two fluorite elements instead of one fluorite and two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass elements. The new lens element configuration weighs less yet performs better. Other factors contributing to the overall weight reduction include increased use of magnesium alloy, use of titanium and a smaller and lighter Image Stabilizer mechanism.
Optically, both lenses will outperform their predecessors through the use of two fluorite elements over the previous one fluorite and two UD glass elements. More fluorite results in better image quality as it reduces chromatic aberration to a greater degree than UD glass. The reduction of chromatic aberration contributes to superior resolution, contrast, and color fidelity; this is especially evident when used in conjunction with Canon’s Type III EF Extenders. In addition to the fluorite lens elements, the new super-telephoto lenses also include a nine-blade circular diaphragm for a smoother appearance in areas outside the depth of field of the main subject. In addition, Canon’s SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) is applied to four internal groups in each lens to improve resistance to flare and ghosting.
A convenient and useful feature when shooting in the often adverse conditions professionals find themselves in, these new lenses are treated with Canon’s new fluorine anti-smear lens coating. The fluorine layer is highly oil- and water-repellent so that any oil smears or water droplets on the lens can be wiped off quickly and easily, without the aid of solvents, using a soft dry cloth.
The new Series II EF super-telephoto lenses can correct camera shake up to four full shutter speed steps, compared with two shutter speed steps with their predecessors. This improvement is made possible by a new low-friction stabilizer mechanism that is not only more efficient than the previous design but also smaller and lighter. Other enhancements to the IS systems of both new super-telephoto lenses have enabled quieter operation; ideal for use during video capture.
Canon has developed a third Image Stabilization mode option for its super-telephoto EF lenses. First introduced in late 2010 with the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, and EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses, and now available on the new EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses, IS mode 3 is designed to provide professional sports and wildlife photographers with greater tracking flexibility. When mode 3 is selected on the lens, the Image Stabilization effect will not occur until the shutter is pressed, making the viewfinder image more natural in appearance while tracking a subject. In mode 3 when the shutter button is pressed halfway, the lens will begin detecting camera or lens movement and only during exposure, when the shutter is fully depressed, will the Image Stabilization engage.
Helping filmmakers achieve smoother and more appealing focus shifts when filming on EOS DSLR cameras, Canon has included a new Power Focus (PF) mode on the Company’s new super telephoto lensesi. This mode allows manual rack focusing to be operated smoothly by turning a playback ring that is normally used for the focus preset function. Both low-speed and high-speed focus shifting are available.
Additionally, a new security slot attachment has been included on both of the new super-telephoto lenses to allow a wire-type security lock to be easily affixed, a great safety feature for professionals shooting from high vantage points above arenas and crowds.
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Sports and Nature Photography
The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM offers professional photographers a lighter weight option for those situations that require a long focal length with improved image quality and enhanced durability over its predecessor. Great for a wide range of applications, the EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is ideal for professional photojournalism, sports photography and nature and wildlife photography. The optical formula of the new lens has been enhanced to include two fluorite lens elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping to reduce photographer fatigue and make the lens more portable, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by 18 percent from 136.5 oz to 112.5 oz. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation and has been enhanced through the incorporation of a rolling-ball-friction system in place of sliding parts in the compensation optics barrel for a minimum-friction structure. The overall durability of the lens has also been enhanced through increased usage of magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches and a new fluorine anti-smear coating applied to the front and rear elements.
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM
The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available in May for an approximate retail price of $9,499.00.
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Wildlife and Photojournalism
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is the successor to the current EF 600mm IS lens first introduced in 1999. This new lens has been engineered for outstanding optical performance and durability and includes two new fluorite lens elements for improved quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping photographers in the field, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by a substantial 27 percent from 189.1 oz to 138.3 oz. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation and has been enhanced through the incorporation of a rolling-ball-friction system in place of sliding parts in the compensation optics barrel for a minimum-friction structure. The overall durability of the lens has also been enhanced through increased usage of magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches and a new fluorine anti-smear coating is applied to the front and rear elements.
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available in June for an approximate retail price of $11,999.00.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with 2009 global revenues of US $35 billion and is listed as number six in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2010 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei.
Availability and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
i Power Focus is found on the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, and EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses.
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‘Bargaining is not going great,’ teachers tell…
NewsNews Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
‘Bargaining is not going great,’ teachers tell Mt. Diablo Unified school board
Teachers hold signs at a rally before a meeting of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District board on Monday, March 25, 2019 as contract negotiations stretch on without an agreement.
By Annie Sciacca | asciacca@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: March 26, 2019 at 7:57 a.m. | UPDATED: March 27, 2019 at 4:33 a.m.
CONCORD — Hundreds of teachers and their supporters packed the meeting room of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District board and the adjacent school auditorium Monday night to vent about contract negotiations that have stretched for 267 days.
Amid chants of “Hey, hey, ho, ho, the status quo has got to go,” and “Whose schools? Our schools,” the teachers said it’s unacceptable that an agreement hasn’t been reached yet over their demands for higher pay, smaller classrooms, better support for bilingual education and more nurses, counselors and librarians.
Although the Mt. Diablo Education Association has not yet declared an impasse in the bargaining talks, the union’s leaders said Monday it’s time to express their frustration to the school board.
“We are not saying we want to strike, because that’s not what’s best for our kids,” union delegate Alissa Juarez said during a rally inside a packed auditorium at Monte Gardens Elementary School in Concord just before the school board met. “But we will if we have to. Bargaining is not going great and we want that message to go to the board.”
District nurse Christina Miric said more nurses are needed, pointing out there’s only one per 2,400 students and a more manageable ratio would be closer to one per 1,750. The current caseload allows her to spend only one day a week at each school, she said, even as the number of students requiring specialized healthcare plans and attention from certified nurses has increased.
Many speakers said they believe the district is not listening to their demands.
Since contract negotiations are supposed to be private, the board did not publicly discuss it during the board meeting. But before the public comment portion of the meeting began, trustee Brian Lawrence said he wanted to clear up some misinformation about the budget, noting that money spent on or designated for materials like textbooks is often earmarked specifically for that purpose and the district spends about 90 percent of its budget on salaries and benefits.
“This can be collaborative or more adversarial,” he added.
The public comment period followed a presentation by Superintendent Nellie Meyer, who emphasized that the district’s priority is to fund staffing first, then materials and facilities.
She said data shows Mt. Diablo Unified’s teacher compensation has become increasingly competitive with other school districts including San Ramon Valley, Martinez, Pittsburg, West Contra Costa and Oakland Unified in the last few years. According to Ed-Data.org, the average teacher salary in Mt. Diablo Unified in the 2017-18 school year was $78,200.
Jeff Hagerstrand, a teacher, acknowledged that Mt. Diablo had improved since his early days there, “when we were laid off every year and then maybe rehired.”
Because Mt. Diablo Unified has become a “destination district,” it’s important for it to continue being competitive and stand behind its teachers, he said.
The outcry comes just after other teachers unions have won major victories through strikes, as Oakland Unified teachers did for seven days, or pre-strike bargaining. After voting to authorize a strike, teachers at San Ramon Valley Unified reached a tentative agreement with the district to secure a 4 percent raise and smaller class sizes, among other things.
Many who spoke Monday noted it was not long ago that many teachers defended the district when a splinter group campaigned for a new school district to take over Northgate High School and its feeder schools.
Karen Jenkins, a teacher in the district for almost 20 years, was among those who advocated for Mt. Diablo at the time and helped campaign to keep the district together.
Yet, Jenkins said, “It’s awkward that we are on the same team, rooting for the same kids and that negotiations have gone on this long.”
East Bay Editors' Picks
Annie Sciacca | Reporter
Annie Sciacca covers local government in Oakland and the East Bay. She joined Bay Area News Group in 2016 and has covered business, politics, education and breaking news across California, including many of the state's largest and most destructive wildfires.
asciacca@bayareanewsgroup.com
Follow Annie Sciacca @AnnieSciacca
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Simon Majumdar is the creator, writer and host of the “EAT MY GLOBE: Things You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know About Food” podcast.
For as long as Simon can remember, food has always meant far more to him than just what he puts in his mouth and stomach. He has always been just as interested in the impact food has had on culture and civilization and the impact that culture and civilization have, in turn, had on food.
It’s hard to overestimate the relationship between food, civilization and culture. Along with the need to defend themselves, it was the ability to raise crops and domesticate animals for milk, flesh and hides that first allowed humans to form into social groups that later became cities and nations. From the earliest records we have of civilizations and the beginning of the great empires of ancient times, food was an important tool to keep the populace happy, a source of trade and vast wealth, and even a way to pay troops (Roman soldiers were partly paid with hugely valuable salt giving us the Latin “Sal Dare” to give salt, which we still use today in the word “salary”).
Formalized routes for the trading of food became established (for example, the Spice Trail). As people migrated along these routes, they took their food, ingredients and cooking styles with them, interacting with the original inhabitants of each land in a symbiotic way that led to the creation of new dishes. This still goes on to this very day. You only need to drive around the United States and see the impact that the cuisine of new arrivals to America have on the restaurants in our main streets and shopping malls, and on TV, to see the power food can have. Which of you out there doesn’t crave BBQ (the result in different regions of the United States, of slavery and the immigration of German refugees.)? Who fails to think of chicken soup when they are ill or depressed (thanks to the influx of Ashkenazi Jews)? Even the All-American hamburger has a long history that dates back to the Roman empire and to the Mongolian warlord, Genghis Khan.
Wars and riots have been fought over food that we might now treat as cupboard staples. The stock exchanges we now look to every day to check our shares and 401(k)s were founded to sell options and futures in spices, and excesses and shortages in food supplies can still create vast wealth or shameful poverty.
This is what the “EAT MY GLOBE” podcast is all about. Not just sharing our joy for food, but also looking at some of the stories that make food one of the great sources of understanding our history.
The “EAT MY GLOBE” podcast is a production of “It’s Not Much But It’s Ours” and “Producergirl Productions” and is created with the kind cooperation of the UCLA Department of History and its Public History Initiative.
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Faith, hope and love at the coming General Election
With the announcement of a General Election on 12 December, how can Christians engage in politics?
So, now we know, a general election has been announced for 12 December following a vote in the House of Commons to overrule the Fixed-term Parliament Act.
For those of you suffering from whiplash regarding all things Brexit and Westminster, here is a brief reminder of how we got here. Following the government’s revised agreement with the EU, Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed to get agreement for his expedited timetable for passage of the bill. This was despite agreement for the bill to receive detailed scrutiny by Parliament.
Parliament previously refused to give backing for the Brexit agreement in a meaningful vote, so Johnson was obliged to request an extension until 31 January which the EU agreed to. This was because earlier legislation had been passed to require an extension if parliament had not approved a deal. The combination of these measures meant he would not be able to deliver Brexit by the end of October as promised.
Parliament will now dissolve for the election before there is time for the Withdrawal Agreement to pass through Parliament. The election is therefore likely to be fought largely on the grounds of the Conservative’s commitment to pass the withdrawal bill, while other parties will, in varying ways, stand on platforms of opposition to this plan. Platforms of those who want a ‘cleaner, no deal, Brexit’, those who want a second referendum to confirm the agreement, or those calling to cancel Brexit altogether. Many other issues will also be raised, and it is essential these receive attention too.
We are in strange times. Politics has moved at a frantic pace for months and we are seeing significant realignment of the political parties and their priorities. This means some who had identified clearly with one party for many years no longer have the same attachment, and others who have not engaged in politics before are now passionately involved.
Many of us will be asking questions about what it means to work out what our faith means at this time. In this political moment of uncertainty and highly charged political rhetoric the Evangelical Alliance passionately believes Christians can and should engage in politics, but we are also aware of some of the challenges many of us may encounter. We can’t tell you who to vote for or whether to back Brexit (deal or otherwise). But we will seek to encourage and equip you in your Christian witness in this topsy-turvy, highly charged and unprecedented political moment.
In it all we believe we can be guided by faith, hope and love. These eternal tenets of the Christian faith can guide our witness, motivate our engagement and season our influence.
It is our passion and our conviction that the Christian faith guides our engagement with politics. Politics is not some separate thing that is disconnected from what we believe; it is a part of who we are as we live our lives as disciples of Jesus.
We want more faith in politics – and by that we mean people of faith in politics, and specifically people who place their faith in Jesus. If we look through the history of the church, we see time and time again that Christians have stood up in the public sphere as agents of change for the good of society. We need such people now. These times are difficult, and many people are disappointed, disheartened and disillusioned. This can be our spur towards greater engagement and not less. God’s kingdom gives us a faith-filled perspective beyond the momentary turbulences of our current time. We are assured of the future of God’s kingdom being fully established and trust in the truth that it is advancing forcefully here and now.
Faith in politics does not, however, mean faith in our political system. This is not where our faith lies. Again, a tour through church history is instructive. The early church did not have faith in the Roman Empire, and the reformers did not have faith in the fifteenth and sixteenth century rulers of their day. The Victorian social reformers may have worked through the systems and structure of government (as well as private enterprise and charity), but their faith was never in the system to deliver all that was needed.
As Christians we can stand assured that God is not fazed by any amount of political chaos or uncertainty. He is the rock who we have faith in, and through the perfect faithfulness of His Son, how we can have assurance of our faith. We do not trust in earthly institutions – even when they are valuable and contribute to righteousness in our nations. We certainly do not trust in political institutions and party ideologies when they are placed in primary position for deliverance from all trials. That’s political ideology as idolatry.
Our politics need people of faith, but we cannot place our faith in politics.
Christians hope in the glory of the risen God. This is our hope that transcends circumstances and delivers joy and assurance of salvation. But what does this mean in the coming election campaign?
It means we must be ambassadors for hope. We must speak up for the kind of society we want to see, the glimpses of the redemption of creation that we long for, and the reconciliation of all things on heaven and earth that the Bible promises will come to pass.
If we are not witnesses to a compelling Jesus-orientated vision for society, we let others set the agenda. If we allow despair and frustration drive our political process, we are abdicating responsibility to those who are fuelled by alternative agendas. Our hope is not in our ability to deliver utopian ideals, or in the promise of political parties, but in a belief that God cares about our day to day reality, the nitty gritty of our world, not just some distant future. Those who offer political liberation frequently disappoint or corrupt. Our hope is in a freedom in which Christ has set us free.
Our faith is grounded in a belief that God will come once more to judge the living and the dead. We have certain hope there will come a day with no more pain and suffering, when our worship to God and his glory will encompass all of creation. That day is not today, but we see dimly what is to come. We are created in God’s image and we are His image to all of creation.
So we speak hope into our political culture, we offer a vision of what it looks like for societies to flourish, for families to thrive, for communities to grow. We demonstrate with our lives and with our actions, as well as our crosses on a ballot paper, what Christian hope means.
While the world is tempted to fear, we hold firm to a God of hope who holds the whole world in his hands and commands us to fear not.
“And the greatest of these is love.”
In 2017 the Evangelical Alliance published our What kind of society? resource. This was premised on the belief that if society was more loving, more free, more just and more truthful we would all benefit. Love is the anchor of all these values, and what sustains and fuels them in the Christian life. It is the heartbeat of the Christian faith and is desperately needed in our society.
Love is tangible and it is a robust foundation for our common life. Love pushes us forward and presses us out. It encourages us deeper. Love forces us to re-evaluate our context and encourages us to respond, in our love of God and His love for us, we are formed into disciples who love all that He loves.
Love is contrasted with hate, and we’ve heard plenty about hate speech recently – some of it deeply concerning and some which seems more like a thinly veiled attempt to silence views disagreed with. If we heard as much about promoting love as discouraging hate that might be a start. But love is not the absence of hate, love is the outworking of hating the right things, we should hate the persistence of injustice, we should hate the discord that drives too much of politics.
The Evangelical Alliance noted in What kind of society?: “Love requires that we know people. We can be generous at a distance but we cannot love without proximity.”
You and I cannot change political culture overnight but we can love our neighbour. And while this does have broader meanings, it also has meaning literally. If we start with showing love to those around us, those in our family, and community, regardless of whether we agree with their politics, that will have lasting and valuable contribution to public life.
Love should define our engagement in politics and our priorities at this election.
Above all else we are called to love one another as Christ first loved us. That should focus our approach to politics, our policy priorities and our practice as we engage in the political process. When we debate, discuss and disagree in this election season, may we be known by the love we have for each other, may we be recognised as Jesus’ disciples.
Invite one of the Evangelical Alliance advocacy team to speak at your church during this election campaign – email Beulah on b.olisanekwu@eauk.org
@danny_webster
About Danny Webster
Danny joined the Evangelical Alliance in 2008 and has held a range of roles in the advocacy team. He currently oversees the public policy work across the UK and engagement with the parliaments and assemblies, and respective governments. Before working for the Evangelical Alliance, Danny, who has degrees in politics and political philosophy, worked in parliament for an MP. Danny is passionate about encouraging Christians to integrate their faith with all areas of their life, especially when it comes to helping them take on leadership outside the church, and helped initiate the Evangelical Alliance's Public Leadership programme. He frequently provides comment on current political issues, both in Evangelical Alliance publications and to the press.
See more from Danny Webster
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Archive: July 12, 2007
The Sedona Conference® Publishes The Sedona Principles, Second Edition, Addressing Electronic Discovery
Tagged with RESOURCES
SEDONA, AZ – The Sedona Conference®, the nation’s premier nonpartisan law and policy think tank, has announced publication of The Sedona Principles, Second Edition, Best Practices Recommendations and Principles for Addressing Electronic Document Production. Building on the success of first edition of The Sedona Principles, which appeared in January 2004, the second edition has been eagerly anticipated by lawyers and judges across the country looking for guidance in the fast-paced world of electronic discovery.
The Sedona Principles, Second Edition, may be downloaded here free of charge.
Jonathan Redgrave, chairperson of the Steering Committee of The Sedona Conference® Working Group 1, which drafted both editions of The Sedona Principles, said “the second edition provides helpful and timely guidance for the issues and circumstances that the amended civil rules, by their nature, cannot address.” He added, “we are very grateful for the contributions and thoughts of the literally hundreds of members of the working group that make this a consensus document reflecting views from a wide array of interests and specialties.”
Richard G. Braman, Executive Director of The Sedona Conference®, said that publication of the second edition “represents a new milestone in our efforts. It reflects the fact that our Working Groups produce ‘living documents’ that are open to substantive revision as developments in our society and laws may require. This evolution is in the grand tradition of the common law and also the mission of The Sedona Conference® to move the law forward in a reasoned and just way.”
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EditorialEH SecurityHacking
Are there blind spots in your data compliance strategy?
By Irfan Shakeel
There’s no getting away from data compliance issues. They present a significant challenge to businesses in every industry and around the world, a challenge which is only increasing as new regulations come into play. On top of HIPAA and PCI DSS regulations, which US companies have had to deal with for years, came the introduction of GDPR in May 2018, affecting all companies that deal with customers in the EU.
January 2020 will bring the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) into effect, which heaps more regulations onto businesses that interact with residents of California, and the New York Privacy Act still hasn’t been voted into law, but it also hasn’t gone away.
Image source: https://termly.io/resources/infographics/gdpr-vs-ccpa/
At the same time as regulations are increasing, data is multiplying. Customers require you to make it quick and easy for them to log in and check out, which means using cookies to record their personal details. Successful marketing has to be personalized and customized, requiring you to store even more customer data.
And yet businesses of all sizes are expected to maintain 100% compliance with data regulations. It’s no surprise that many of them fail.
Companies are not succeeding in keeping up with data compliance regulations
According to one report, 72% of companies are not fully GDPR compliant one year after it came into effect. These include corporations the size of British Airways, which was fined £183 million in July after a data breach, which investigators blamed on inadequate security arrangements.
The upcoming introduction of the CCPA doesn’t bode well for data compliance. Some 70% of privacy professionals report that their systems won’t be ready to support the new regulations. According to the Financial Times, only 42% of businesses are prepared or expect to be prepared for CCPA by January, which, of course, means that 58% likely won’t be ready.
But the known lack of preparedness isn’t the real danger in data compliance.
The ‘unknown unknowns; could bring down your compliance
To quote former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, the biggest problems facing your data compliance aren’t the “known unknowns” but the “unknown unknowns.” He wasn’t talking about data privacy when he said this, of course, but the principles definitely apply. The real killers here are the blind spots in your compliance strategy which mask holes that you don’t notice and don’t know about.
Image source: https://www.imperva.com/learn/data-security/data-loss-prevention-dlp/
If you already have data loss prevention practices in place, chances are solid that you’re most of the way towards data compliance. You’ve probably already covered the basics, like appointing a dedicated data protection officer, or even a data protection team; setting strong access controls and encryption rules into place; and implementing a system of automated alerts so that you’ll know about any
potential data breach as soon as possible.
These are all vital steps, and they bring you about 80% of the way to full data compliance. Unfortunately, the Pareto principle takes an ominous turn here and hints that closing the remaining 20% of the distance is likely to take more work than the first 80%.
However, failing to do so could end up undermining all your data compliance efforts so far.
Shining a light into shadow IT
We live in an age where the self-service nature of SaaS apps makes it super easy for your employees to pick and choose the best tools for them to do their job. Add to that the tech know-how of a generation of digital natives, and you have all the ingredients you need for a disaster of epic proportions.
IT teams are increasingly losing their grip on what’s termed “shadow IT.” This refers to the dozens of apps that employees use to process, analyze, and respond to confidential customer data.
The trouble is that you don’t know what apps they’re using, which data is stored on those apps, or what type of controls and safeguards are in place to prevent external actors from hacking into the apps.
That’s why, to quote Uri Nativ, co-founder and VP engineering of the SaaS management solution Torii, “Your IT department must take back control of their organization’s tech stacks immediately. A single system of records for all your SaaS is the foundation of compliant SaaS management.”
Torii steps in to create visibility into murky SaaS tech stacks. It enables IT managers to discover, investigate, and control access to SaaS apps, setting limits on data access and removing unreliable apps. With Torii, you can also put automated workflows into place to ensure that employees who leave the company no longer have access to their apps or the data stored therein, which has been the cause of a previous breach and fine for at least one company so far.
The right tools can clear up your blind spots
There’s no denying that data compliance is a huge challenge, and one of the biggest elements are the blind spots that prevent you from keeping track of confidential user and customer data.
The good news is that the right tools like Torii can clear up those blind spots, ensuring that you always know where your data is and what safeguards surround it, and keep your company out of a compliance-driven storm.
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Irfan Shakeel
Irfan Shakeel, the founder of ehacking project, he also hosts cyber security training classes at EH Academy. He has discovered many vulnerabilities in the famous platforms (like Google, Dailymotion, Harvard University & etc.). He specializes in Network hacking, VoIP pentesting & digital forensics. He is the author of the book title “Hacking from Scratch”.
What are the most popular security mistakes every iPhone user makes daily
Every one of us knows that the iPhone is a very secure smartphone. It keeps your security intact and data confidential from online threats....
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Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa wins marathon gold at World Athletics Championships
Athletics IAAF World Championship Sport
Lelisa Desisa (Photo: AFP)
Ethiopia has scored its first marathon title since 2001 with Lelisa Desisa placing first at the World Athletics Championships in Qatar. The race began just before midnight to avoid the brutal daytime heat.
Lelisa Desisa ran 2 hours, 10 minutes and 40 seconds and forced a sprint finish to win the marathon race in Doha, Qatar and claim the gold medal for Ethiopia on Saturday.
The 29-year-old Desisa placed ahead of his compatriot Mosinet Geremew and Kenya’s Amos Kipruto. Geremew was only four seconds slower than Desisa, with Kipruto 11 seconds behind Desisa’s time.
Desisa’s win brings the first world championship marathon gold for Ethiopia in 18 years.
“This is for 100 million of Ethiopians who were behind me,” said Desisa after the race. “I am the second man from my country to win this title and it is not just for me, it is for my country.”
Qatar organizers scheduled the race to start around midnight, to take advantage of cooler temperatures.
Desisa claimed silver at a 2013 championships in Russia.
Separately, Desisa won the Boston Marathon in 2013 and 2015. After the city was hit by a terror attack on the day of his 2013 triumph, Desisa donated his medal to the city.
Source: DW
Tags: Athletics, Doha, Ethiopia, Lelisa Desisa, Mosinet Geremew, Sport, World Athletics Championships
Great Ethiopian Run launches “Running for a Cause”
Mainova Frankfurt Marathon: Course Record Holder Meskerem Assefa returns to defend women’s title
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6 minute read 1 Jul 2017
Why Peru is Latin America’s hidden growth story
EY Reporting
By EY Reporting
Insights from external journalists, academics, practitioners and EY professionals
Reporting, EY Global Assurance’s insights hub, provides high-quality content tailored for board members, finance directors and audit committee chairs.
Related topics Assurance Financial accounting advisory services Reporting insights
ey-guide-peru-business-investment-2016-2017-eng-set (pdf)
Peru has become a leading emerging market, with impressive growth underpinned by improved corporate governance.
Twenty years after the end of a period marked by hyperinflation and terrorist activity, Peru has come to be seen as one of the world’s leading emerging markets. In the view of the International Monetary Fund, it has become a “rising star,” with a good base of economic stability, low inflation and steady GDP growth.
Now the sixth-largest economy in South America, Peru has continued to grow while larger nations such as Brazil and Argentina have faltered. This has enabled the country to reduce unemployment and poverty, and it has even started to be talked of as a potential middle-income country (one of the categories the World Bank uses to classify economies; Brazil, India and China are all middle-income countries).
The Government of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, elected in July 2016, is now trying to consolidate this progress by prioritizing investment in technology and infrastructure projects, and positioning the country as a hub for international trade in the region. These initiatives are being supported by structural and regulatory reforms aimed at making it easier to do business in Peru.
Structural reforms include a new institutional framework for public and public-private infrastructure investment, aimed at reducing red tape, along with reductions in administrative procedures, changes to the labor market and a new, more efficient tax regime for SMEs. These are building on the reforms that got under way in the 1990s. In the intervening years, Peru has increased its competitiveness and dismantled trade barriers, with average import tariffs falling to just 1.1%.
Julio Velarde, Governor of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, highlights the fact that economic growth has averaged more than 5% per annum since 2000, and suggests that there is still room for improvement. “President Kuczynski is planning a new phase of growth based on pushing investment in infrastructure and increasing domestic demand,” he says.
He sees three main economic challenges facing the country. “First, the last Government had a higher deficit than the new Government was expecting, which has meant reductions in public expenditure. Second, Peru – like many countries in Latin America – has been affected by the corruption scandals related to Brazilian companies such as Odebrecht. Third, earlier this year, we had the worst flooding in the north of the country since 1925.”
Indeed, estimates suggest that the floods, which were linked to the El Niño weather cycle, could take more than 1% off growth this year. However, increased spending on infrastructure may offset some of the negative impact.
Velarde points out that, despite these challenges, Peru still has many strengths. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Peru totaled US$2.05b in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of 61% over the same period last year.
There are other indicators of a healthy economic trajectory, too. “In 2015, we had a trade deficit of US$2.9b. Now we forecast a trade surplus of US$4.9b for 2017, because we have been one of the most successful countries in boosting exports, which grew by around 15% during the last 12 months,” says Velarde. He adds that Peru is the world’s second-largest producer of copper, and copper production this year is expected to be 90% higher than three years ago. Textile exports are also beginning to increase.
The country’s traditional strength in mining and minerals remains a strong attraction for foreign investors, according to Roque Benavides, Chairman of Buenaventura, Peru’s largest publicly traded precious metals mining company. (He is also currently the President of Peru’s National Confederation of Private Business Associations.) The company reported a 24% increase in net sales in Q1 2017 to US$272.8m, underlining the relatively healthy condition of the sector.
Peru is one of the world’s biggest producers of base and precious metals, and among the top four producers of silver, lead, zinc, tin and molybdenum. This strength is proving to be a compelling proposition for investors. An estimated 70% of current exports are raw material, mainly minerals.
“There are some social issues that have affected mining projects, but in general terms, the investment environment for mining is quite strong, particularly in terms of taxation,” says Benavides.
We are pursuing responsible macroeconomic policies that are good for growth and good for investment.
Julio Velarde
Central Reserve Bank of Peru
He continues: “Peru is blessed with natural resources, but it is what has happened around it – such as the building of infrastructure worthy of an advanced economy, and the creation of a secure environment for investors – that has really attracted investment, both Peruvian and foreign.”
The Government’s relentless focus on implementing investment facilitation measures has been supported by steps designed to make it easier to do business in Peru. In the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2017 rankings, Peru retains third position among Latin American countries and is 54th globally. This has incentivized both Peruvian and foreign investment. According to Benavides, around 80% of private investment in Peru is from Peruvian nationals.
Efforts to implement high corporate governance standards have played a key role in affirming confidence in the investment climate. IFRS is standard in financial reporting in Peruvian firms.
According to Juan Paredes, Assurance Leader at EY Peru, the current generation of management is highly professional and fully committed to a strong reporting process. Listed firms comply with the separation of CEO and chairman functions and have begun to implement other corporate governance leading practices. “We have some big companies that are listed abroad and that have adopted strict internal regulations with respect to disputes between board members, management and the audit committees,” he adds.
Buenaventura, one of the country’s largest companies, has put good corporate governance at the heart of its operations. “We’ve adapted to international norms and, like most Peruvian companies, we feel that we are getting a boost from adopting IFRS,” says Benavides.
Velarde adds that the Peruvian companies that have received a premium in the value of their equity on the stock exchange are the ones that have made an effort to incorporate better corporate governance standards.
The issue of corporate governance has risen to the top of the agenda in Latin America since the Odebrecht scandal, which affected most of the region. The scandal broke in late 2016, when Brazil’s largest construction company pleaded guilty in a US federal court to having paid US$788m in bribes to government officials throughout Latin America in order to secure public works contracts.
The shockwaves spread quickly across the continent. Velarde says Peru was particularly badly affected, as Odebrecht established itself in the country more than 40 years ago. “That has not only affected Brazilian companies, but also some Peruvian companies that were partnering with them,” he explains. “In turn, that has affected public investment in Peru.”
Lessons are being learned. One side effect of the Odebrecht affair should be a more intense oversight of contracts in future. “Companies will need more time to look at projects, because of the trust issue that has arisen out of this,” says Benavides. “Some people will be looking at contracts much more closely, and that means projects could be delayed, or will take additional time to complete.”
Despite these challenges, the impressive economic performance of the last decade and a half won’t be undone overnight. The reforms have burnished Peru’s reputation as an investor-friendly location.
“I’m optimistic about Peru’s prospects, as I am about many countries in Latin America,” Velarde concludes. “We have put behind us the days of hyperinflation and fiscal deficits, and we are pursuing responsible macroeconomic policies that are good for growth and good for investment.”
The views of third parties set out in this article are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.
Unnoticed by many, Peru has become one of the world’s leading emerging markets. Reforms there have burnished the country’s reputation as an investor-friendly location.
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Holocaust and Human Behavior / Open Aggression and World Responses
The Voyage of the St. Louis
World Responses
Rearming Germany
The "New Germany" on the Olympic Stage
"The George Washington of Germany"
Intervention in Spain
A Decline in Public Enthusiasm
Taking Austria
A Refugee Crisis
Crisis in Czechoslovakia
Beyond Any Nation’s Universe of Obligation
The Night of the Pogrom
Opportunism during Kristallnacht
A Family Responds to Kristallnacht
Thoroughly Reprehensible Behavior
A Visitor’s Perspective on Kristallnacht
World Responses to Kristallnacht
Diplomatic Responses: The Smallbones Scheme
Two Who Dared
The Narrowing Circle
Mocking World Leaders
Refugee Blues
A Pact with the Soviet Union
Targeting Poland
The Hangman
A previous version of this newly revised reading was titled “The Failure to Help.”
By 1939, nearly half of the 1933 Jewish population of Germany had left the country. Now, after Kristallnacht, the remaining Jews were desperate to get out. To do so, they needed visas to enter another country. Among those who had the “right papers” were the 937 men, women, and children who boarded a ship, the St. Louis, in Hamburg, Germany, on May 14. Each had paid $150—a significant sum of money in 1939—for written permission to enter Cuba. But only a few people on the ship wanted to stay in Cuba. Most were on a very long waiting list to immigrate to the United States.
As the St. Louis neared Cuba, the Cuban government, in response to pressure from Cubans opposed to increased Jewish immigration, suddenly canceled the landing permits of all Jewish passengers. When the ship docked in Havana, only about 30 passengers were allowed ashore (all were non-Jews or Jews with special visas). The rest were forbidden to enter the country. While the ship remained in the harbor, two passengers tried to commit suicide, and one of them succeeded. To prevent other attempts, the crew lowered lifeboats and shone lights on the waters around the ship. Special patrols were added after the captain heard rumors of a mass suicide pact among the passengers.
Passengers aboard the St. Louis, seeking refuge from Nazi-occupied Europe, wait to find out if they will be allowed entry into Cuba in June 1939.
When news of the first suicide attempt reached the United States, many Americans demanded that their government accept the passengers immediately. Others sent the Cuban government telegrams of protest, but neither nation was willing to reconsider its refusal to admit the St. Louis’s passengers. As a result, the ship was forced to leave Cuban waters on June 2 with all but 30 passengers still on board. Unsure of where to take the remaining passengers, the captain marked time while Jewish organizations tried desperately to find a country willing to accept the refugees. Within two days, every country in Latin America had refused to do so.
As the ship slowly headed north, a number of prominent Canadian citizens asked Prime Minister Mackenzie King to help the St. Louis passengers. He quickly made it clear that he was “emphatically opposed” to allowing them to enter Canada. Immigration Minister Frederick Blair agreed. He pointed out that “if these Jews were to find a home [in Canada] they would likely be followed by other shiploads.” The line, he insisted, “must be drawn somewhere.”1
On June 7, the captain had no choice but to return to Germany with most of his passengers still on board. The Nazis turned the incident into propaganda. They claimed that it demonstrated that Jews were universally disliked and distrusted. On June 10, Belgium accepted 200 passengers from the St. Louis. Two days later, the Netherlands promised to take in 194. Britain and France admitted the rest.
Furious at the role the US government had played in the crisis, a resident of Richmond, Virginia, wrote:
[The] press reported that the ship came close enough to Miami for the refugees to see the lights of the city. The press also reported that the U.S. Coast Guard, under instructions from Washington, followed the ship . . . to prevent any people landing on our shores. And during the days when this horrible tragedy was being enacted right at our doors, our government in Washington made no effort to relieve the desperate situation of these people, but on the contrary gave orders that they be kept out of the country. . . . The failure to take any steps whatsoever to assist these distressed, persecuted Jews in their hour of extremity was one of the most disgraceful things which has happened in American history and leaves a stain and brand of shame upon the record of our nation.2
1 : Irving Abella and Harold Troper, None Is Too Many: Canada and the Jews of Europe, 1933–1945 (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2012), 63–64.
2 : Quoted in Arthur Morse, While Six Million Died: A Chronicle of American Apathy (New York: Overlook Press, 1985), 280.
Connection Questions
What was the reason given by each country that refused to receive the refugees on the St. Louis? What were some consequences of their refusals?
From the story of the St. Louis and the controversy over the children’s immigration bill sponsored by Senator Robert Wagner and Representative Edith Nourse Rogers (see reading, World Responses to Kristallnacht), what conclusions can you draw about the universe of obligation of the United States in 1939? How do the words included in this reading from the resident of Virginia add to or complicate your answer?
In 2015, millions of refugees from a civil war in Syria tried to flee to safety in Europe. The government of Iceland initially agreed to accept 50 refugees. One Icelandic citizen posted the following statement to Facebook:
Refugees are human resources, experience and skills. Refugees are our future spouses, best friends, our next soul mate, the drummer in our children’s band, our next colleague, Miss Iceland 2022, the carpenter who finally fixes our bathroom, the chef in the cafeteria, the fireman, the hacker and the television host. People who we'll never be able to say to: “Your life is worth less than mine.”
Compare this response to the one from the person in Richmond, Virginia. How are they similar and different? What ways are available to individuals today to help others in need in far-away places?
Pair with Video
Turned Away on the M.S. St. Louis
Responding to a Refugee Crisis
Students think about the responsibilities of governments as they consider how countries around the world responded to the European Jews trying to escape Nazi Germany.
Victim and Survivor Voices
Holocaust survivor Sol Messinger describes his experiences attempting to emigrate from Germany to Cuba in 1939 aboard the ship the M.S. St. Louis.
Justice & Human Rights
Understanding the Global Refugee Crisis
Students use videos and readings featuring US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power to develop a historical and human understanding of today’s global refugee crisis.
Refugees Aboard the St. Louis
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Cornelius Bennett
First Name Cornelius#5
55 Year Old Football Player#15
Former linebacker best known for his time with the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons. He was a 2-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year and was named to five Pro Bowls during his illustrious career.
He was a star at the University of Alabama, winning the SEC Player of the Year Award. He was eventually named to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
He retired with the third most fumble recoveries in NFL history with 27.
His second marriage was to Kimberly Bennett.
He played in a Super Bowl with quarterback Chris Chandler as a member of the Falcons.
Cornelius Bennett Popularity
Cornelius Bennett Is A Member Of
First Name Cornelius
Cornelius Bennett Fans Also Viewed
Marc Gomez
China Anne McClain
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Former NBA Player Vin Baker Lost $100 Million – Here’s How He’s Working To Get It Back
During his career, Vin Baker was a force on the court. He played 13 seasons, earning nearly $100 million, making four All-Star appearances and winning an Olympic gold medal along the way.
But as his playing days ended, Baker’s free-spending and alcoholic ways had taken their toll. He lost all of the money from his career. The bank foreclosed on his properties. He went to rehab three times. He even had visions of how his life would end.
“I was going to die in a car crash,” Baker said. “It played through in my mind many times.”
Baker knew he needed help to get back on track. He stopped drinking. Days of sobriety turned into weeks, then months, then a year. He had an ally in Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz, who owned the Seattle Supersonics when Baker played there.
Schultz gave Baker a chance – and the 6’11” forward became one of the tallest baristas Starbucks has ever seen. He’d open the store at 3:45 a.m., ready to greet customers as they started their day. Baker wrote about the experience in his autobiography God and Starbucks, released this summer.
Now, he’s devoting his life to basketball and his children. One of his happiest moments? When his son received a scholarship to play at Boston College.
Simply seeing others experience the joy of basketball has helped Baker in overcoming his past demons. He took a job this summer serving as the director of basketball for Camp Greylock, a boys summer camp in Becket, Massachusetts. He’s also coached middle school and high school kids and hopes to impart his hoops knowledge on the young minds.
“I very much love the process of seeing a kid who can first dribble at 5 or 6 years old and get to the point of scoring and developing a game,” Baker said.
The kids at camp receive plenty of advice and excitement from having an NBA All-Star coach their game. For Baker, getting to interact and make memories with them is just as rewarding.
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Application of Terms and Conditions
The Supplier shall supply and the Customer shall purchase the Goods and Services in accordance with the quotation which shall be subject to these Terms and Conditions; and
The Contract shall be to the exclusion of any other terms and conditions subject to which any such quotation is accepted or purported to be accepted, or any such order is made or purported to be made, by the Customer.
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Supplier means EU Automation GmbH, a company registered in Deutschland under 06858540 of Hessenring 15 K, 64546 Mörfelden Walldorf, Deutschland and includes all employees, any of it’s trading styles and/or divisions and agents of EU Automation GmbH
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If Goods are being ordered from outside EU Automation GmbH’s country of residence, import duties and taxes may be incurred once the Goods reach their destination. EU Automation GmbH will look to make all additional charges clear where possible on the quote. If a Purchaser is buying internationally, they are advised to contact their local customs authorities for further details on costs and procedures. The Purchaser of the Goods will also be the importer of record and as such should ensure that the purchase is in full compliance with the laws of the country into which the Goods are being imported. Please be aware that Goods may be inspected on arrival at port for customs purposes and EU Automation GmbH gives no guarantee that the packaging of the Goods will be free of signs of tampering.
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The Delivery Date is an approximation only. The Goods may be delivered by the Supplier in advance of the Delivery date.
If the Customer fails to take delivery of the Goods or any part of them on the Delivery Date and/or fails to provide any instructions, documents, licences, consents or authorisations required to enable the Goods to be delivered on that date, the Supplier shall be entitled upon giving written notice to the Customer to store or arrange for the storage of the Goods and then notwithstanding the provisions of sub-Clause Risk 1.i risk in the Goods shall pass to the Customer, delivery shall be deemed to have taken place and the Customer shall pay to the Supplier all costs and expenses including storage and insurance charges arising from such failure.
With effect from the Commencement Date the Supplier shall, in consideration of the price being paid in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and the quotation provide the Services expressly identified in the quotation.
Non-Delivery of Goods and Services
If the Supplier fails to deliver the Goods or provide the Services or any of them on the Delivery Date (or Commencement Date, as appropriate) other than for reasons outside the Supplier’s reasonable control or the Customer’s or its carrier’s fault, if the Supplier delivers the Goods and/or provides the Services at any time thereafter the Supplier shall have no liability in respect of such late delivery.
Risk and Retention of Title
Risk of damage to or loss of the Goods shall pass to the Customer at:
in the case of Goods to be delivered at the Supplier’s premises, the time when the Supplier notifies the Customer that the Goods are available for collection;
in the case of Goods to be delivered otherwise than at the Supplier’s premises, the time of delivery or, if the Customer wrongfully fails to take delivery of the Goods, the time when the ii. Supplier has tendered delivery of the Goods; or
Notwithstanding delivery and the passing of risk in the Goods, or any other provision of these Terms and Conditions, legal and beneficial title to the Goods shall not pass to the Customer until the Supplier has received in cash or cleared funds payment in full of the price of the Goods.
Sub-Clause 2 notwithstanding, legal and beneficial title of the Goods shall not pass to the Customer until the Supplier has received in cash or cleared funds payment in full of the price of the Goods and any other goods supplied by the Supplier and the Customer has repaid all moneys owed to the Supplier, regardless of how such indebtedness arose.
Until payment has been made to the Supplier in accordance with these Conditions and title in the Goods has passed to the Customer, the Customer shall be in possession of the Goods as bailee for the Supplier and the Customer shall store the Goods separately and in an appropriate environment, shall ensure that they are identifiable as being supplied by the Supplier and shall insure the Goods against all reasonable risks.
The Customer shall not be entitled to pledge or in any way charge by way of security for any indebtedness any of the Goods which remain the property of the Supplier, but if the Customer does so all money owing by the Customer to the Supplier shall (without prejudice to any other right or remedy of the Supplier) forthwith become due and payable.
The Supplier reserves the right to repossess any Goods in which the Supplier retains title without notice.
The Customer’s right to possession of the Goods in which the Supplier maintains legal and beneficial title shall terminate if:
the Customer commits or permits any material breach of his obligations under these Terms and Conditions;
the Customer enters into a voluntary arrangement under Parts I or VIII of the Insolvency Act 1986, the Insolvent Partnerships Order 1994 (as amended), or any other scheme or arrangement is made with his creditors;
the Customer is or becomes the subject of a bankruptcy order or takes advantage of any other statutory provision for the relief of insolvent debtors;
the Customer convenes any meeting of its creditors, enters into voluntary or compulsory liquidation, has a receiver, manager, administrator or administrative receiver appointed in respect of its assets or undertaking or any part thereof, any documents are filed with the court for the appointment of an administrator in respect of the Customer, notice of intention to appoint an administrator is given by the Customer or any of its directors or by a qualifying floating charge-holder (as defined in paragraph 14 of Schedule B1 of the Insolvency Act 1986), a resolution is passed or petition presented to any court for the winding up of the Customer or for the granting of an administration order in respect of the Customer, or any proceedings are commenced relating to the insolvency or possible insolvency of the Customer.
The Supplier may assign the Contract or any part of it to any person, firm or company without the prior consent of the Customer.
The Customer shall not be entitled to assign the Contract or any part of it without the prior written consent of the Supplier.
Defective Goods
If on delivery any of the Goods are defective in any material respect and either the Customer lawfully refuses delivery of the defective Goods or, if they are signed for on delivery as “condition and contents unknown” the Customer gives written notice of such defect to the Supplier within 7 Business Days of such delivery, the Supplier shall at its option:
repair the defective Goods within 30 Business Days of receiving the Customer’s notice; or
replace the defective Goods within 30 Business Days of receiving the Customer’s notice; or
refund to the Customer the price for those Goods (or parts thereof, as appropriate) which are defective;
but the Supplier shall have no further liability to the Customer in respect thereof and the 1. Customer may not reject the Goods if delivery is not refused or notice given by the Customer as set out above.
No Goods may be returned to the Supplier without the prior agreement in writing of the Supplier. Subject thereto any Goods returned which the Supplier is satisfied were supplied subject to defects of quality or condition which would not be apparent on inspection shall either be replaced free of charge or, at the Supplier’s sole discretion the Supplier shall refund or credit to the Customer the price of such defective Goods but the Supplier shall have no further liability to the Customer.
The Supplier shall be under no liability in respect of any defect arising from fair wear and tear, or any wilful damage, negligence, subjection to normal conditions, failure to follow the Supplier’s instructions (whether given orally or in writing), misuse or alteration of the Goods without the Supplier’s prior approval, or any other act or omission on the part of the Customer, its employees or agents or any third party.
Goods, other than defective Goods returned under sub-Clauses 13.1 or 13.2, returned by the Customer and accepted by the Supplier may be credited to the Customer at the Supplier’s sole discretion and without any obligation on the part of the Supplier.
Subject as expressly provided in these Terms and Conditions, and except where the Goods are sold under a consumer sale, all warranties, conditions or other terms implied by statute or common law are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.
The Customer shall be responsible for ensuring that, except to the extent that instructions as to the use or sale of the Goods are contained in the packaging or labelling of the Goods, any use or sale of the Goods by the Customer is in compliance with all applicable statutory requirements and that handling and sale of the Goods by the Customer is carried out in accordance with directions given by the Supplier or any competent governmental or regulatory authority and the Customer will indemnify the Supplier against any liability loss or damage which the Supplier might suffer as a result of the Customer’s failure to comply with this condition.
Customer's Default
If the Customer fails to make any payment on the due date then, without prejudice to any other right or remedy available to the Supplier, the Supplier shall be entitled to:
cancel the order or suspend any further deliveries or provision of Goods and Services to the Customer;
appropriate any payment made by the Customer to such of the Goods and/or Services (or the goods and/or services supplied under any other contract between the Customer and the Supplier) as the Supplier may think fit (notwithstanding any purported appropriation by the Customer); and
charge the Customer interest (both before and after any judgement) on the amount unpaid, at the rate of 2% per annum above the Bank of England base rate from time to time, until payment in full is made (a part of a month being treated as a full month for the purpose of calculating interest).
This condition applies if:
the Customer fails to perform or observe any of its obligations hereunder or is otherwise in breach of the Contract;
the Customer becomes subject to an administration order or enters into a voluntary arrangement under Parts I or VIII of the Insolvency Act 1986 or the Insolvent Partnerships Order 1994 (as amended) or (being an individual or firm) becomes bankrupt or (being a company) goes into liquidation;
an encumbrancer takes possession, or a receiver is appointed, of any of the property or assets of the Customer;
the Customer ceases, or threatens to cease, to carry on business; or
the Supplier reasonably apprehends that any of the events mentioned above is about to occur in relation to the Customer and notifies the Customer accordingly.
If sub-Clause ii applies then, without prejudice to any other right or remedy available to the Supplier, the Supplier shall be entitled to cancel the Contract or suspend any further deliveries under the Contract without any liability to the Customer, and if the Goods have been delivered but not paid for the price shall become immediately due and payable notwithstanding any previous agreement or arrangement to the contrary.
The Supplier will not by reason of any representation, implied warranty, condition or other term, or any duty at common law or under express terms of the Contract (or these Terms and Conditions), be liable for any loss of profit or any indirect, special or consequential loss, damage, costs, expenses or other claims (whether caused by the Supplier’s servants or agents or otherwise) which arise out of or in connection with the supply of the Goods and Services.
All warranties, conditions and other terms implied by statute or common law (save for the conditions implied by section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979) are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from the Contract.
The Customer shall indemnify the Supplier against all damages, costs, claims and expenses suffered by arising from loss or damage to any equipment (including that of third parties) caused by the Customer, its agents or employees.
Where the Customer consists of two or more persons such expression throughout shall mean and include such two or more persons and each or any of them. All obligations on the part of such a Customer shall be joint and several obligations of such persons.
The Supplier shall not be liable to the Customer or be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions by reason of any delay in performing, or any failure to perform, any of the Supplier’s obligations if the delay or failure was due to any cause beyond the Supplier’s reasonable control.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits the liability of the Supplier:
for death or personal injury caused by the Supplier’s negligence;
for any matter which it would be illegal for the Supplier to exclude or attempt to exclude its liability; or
for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
Subject to the remaining provisions of this Clause 15:
the Supplier’s total liability in contract, tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty), misrepresentation, restitution or otherwise, arising in connection with the performance or contemplated performance of the Contract shall be limited to the Contract Price; and
the Supplier shall not be liable to the Customer for any pure economic loss, loss of profit, loss of business, depletion of goodwill or otherwise, in each case whether direct, indirect or consequential, or any claims for consequential compensation whatsoever (howsoever caused) which arise out of or in connection with the Contract.
Each Party undertakes that, except as provided by sub-Clause 15.2 or as authorised in writing by the other
Party, it shall, at all times during the continuance of the Contract and after its termination:
keep confidential all Confidential Information;
not disclose any Confidential Information to any other person;
not use any Confidential Information for any purpose other than as contemplated by and subject to these Terms and Conditions and the Contract;
not make any copies of, record in any way or part with possession of any Confidential Information; and
ensure that none of its directors, officers, employees, agents or advisers does any act which, if done by that Party, would be a breach of the provisions of sub-clauses 16.1.1 to 16.1.4 above.
Either Party may:
disclose any Confidential Information to:
any sub-contractor or supplier of that Party;
any governmental or other authority or regulatory body; or
any employee or officer of that Party or of any of the aforementioned persons, parties or bodies;
to such extent only as is necessary for the purposes contemplated by these Terms and Conditions and the Contract, or as required by law, and in each case subject to that Party first informing the person, party or body in question that the Confidential Information is confidential and (except where the disclosure is to any such body as is mentioned in sub-Clause ii above or any employee or officer of any such body) obtaining and submitting to the other Party a written undertaking from the person in question, as nearly as practicable in the terms of this Clause 16, to keep the Confidential Information confidential and to use it only for the purposes for which the disclosure is made; and
use any Confidential Information for any purpose, or disclose it to any other person, to the extent only that it is at the date of the Contract, or at any time after that date becomes, public knowledge through no fault of that Party, provided that in doing so that Party does not disclose any part of that Confidential Information which is not public knowledge.
The provisions of this Clause 16 shall continue in force in accordance with their terms, notwithstanding the termination of the Contract for any reason.
All notices under these Terms and Conditions and under the Contract shall be in writing and be deemed duly given if signed by, or on behalf of, a duly authorised officer of the Party giving the notice.
Notices shall be deemed to have been duly given:
when delivered, if delivered by courier or other messenger (including registered mail) during the normal business hours of the recipient; or
when sent, if transmitted by facsimile or e-mail and a successful transmission report or return receipt is generated; or
on the fifth business day following mailing, if mailed by national ordinary mail, postage prepaid; or
on the tenth business day following mailing, if mailed by airmail, postage prepaid.
All notices under this Agreement shall be addressed to the most recent address, e-mail address, or facsimile number notified to the other Party.
Neither Party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing their obligations where such failure or delay results from any cause that is beyond the reasonable control of that Party. Such causes include, but are not limited to: power failure, Internet Service Provider failure, industrial action, civil unrest, fire, flood, storms, earthquakes, acts of terrorism, acts of war, governmental action or any other event that is beyond the control of the Party in question.
The Parties agree that no failure by either Party to enforce the performance of any provision in these Terms and Conditions or under the Contract shall constitute a waiver of the right to subsequently enforce that provision or any other provision. Such failure shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach and shall not constitute a continuing waiver.
The Parties agree that, in the event that one or more of the provisions of these Terms and Conditions or the Contract are found to be unlawful, invalid or otherwise unenforceable, that / those provisions shall be deemed severed from the remainder of these Terms and Conditions (and, by extension, the Contract). The remainder of these and the Contract shall be valid and enforceable.
Service exchange terms
Once you have received your order, you have 7 days to give us confirmation that an exchange unit is being returned via a tracking number, confirmation of dispatch or similar.
Unless agreed otherwise by EU Automation, it is your responsibility to ship the exchange unit back to us.
The exchange unit that is returned must be the same part number as provided, unless any agreement has been made in advance with EU Automation.
The exchange unit that is returned must be in a repairable condition.
If you cannot provide an exchange unit meeting these conditions, you will be liable to pay a penalty fee which is the difference between exchange and out-right purchase unless agreed otherwise with EU Automation.
Previous Terms and Conditions
Third Party Rights
A person who is not a party to the Contract shall have no rights under the Contract pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
These Terms and Conditions and the Contract (including any non-contractual matters and obligations arising therefrom or associated therewith) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of England and Wales.
Any dispute, controversy, proceedings or claim between the Parties relating to these Terms and Conditions or to the Contract (including any non-contractual matters and obligations arising therefrom or associated therewith) shall fall within the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
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Advocating for Farmer Veterans
by FCSAmerica Staff Reports | Nov 12, 2018 |
It is difficult to overstate the role that rural America plays in defending our country. While only 14 percent of the U.S. population lives in rural communities, nearly 45 percent of service men and women grew up in small and rural towns.
When veterans return home, many are looking for a new purpose. They can find that in agriculture. Farm Credit and 30 veterans were on Capitol Hill earlier this year to advocate for programs that support those transitioning from soldier to civilian. Many were farmer veterans and customers-owners of their local Farm Credit association.
Mike Reynolds, whose 18-year career in the U.S. Army ended with a traumatic brain injury, shared with lawmakers how he returned to Georgia uncertain of what the future held for him only to discover meaning under the mentorship of an area farmer. After being turned down by several lenders, Mike secured a loan through his local Farm Credit coop and today, has his own livestock operation.
“You don’t want to walk around and say, ‘I’m Mike, the disabled veteran,’ or . . . ‘I’m Mike who used to remember everybody in my little girl’s Sunday school class’s name.’ You want to be able to say, ‘I’m Mike something.’ Now I can say, ‘I’m Mike the farmer.”
Others on the trip to Washington, D.C., built post-military careers supporting agricultural producers, including Chris Obermeyer and Brooke Lukassen, vice president of credit operations and credit analyst, respectively, at FCSAmerica.
Brooke grew up on a farm in Kimball, Nebraska, and after earning her college degree, joined the Army Reserves, serving as a sergeant in the 443rd Transportation Company.
“My military career really taught me the importance of teamwork,” Brooke said. “There is nothing you can do, in my career choice, without an entire team working together.”
That team approach was evident on Capitol Hill, as veterans and Directors and leaders for local Farm Credits met with lawmakers. “A big part of we did was advocate for a strong farm bill and thank our representatives for their support,” Brooke recalled. “This is very important to our customers.”
Chris, a retired Air Force master sergeant, said he was drawn to FCSAmerica because its values mirror those of the military -- hard work, dedication, teamwork, strong leadership.
“I am thankful to work for an organization that has a passion for taking care of our teammates and customers. Working here, allows me the opportunity to stay connected to my ag roots and put into play the skills I learned while serving our country,” said Chris, who grew up helping his grandparents farm in southeastern Illinois. “I’m proud of the way our organization supports veterans and is committed to recognizing the contributions they make to our organization and country.”
Tags: veterans, Veteren's Day,
Veteran Farmer and Rancher Crop Insurance Benefits Now Available
Here is what you need to know if you are a military veteran and farmer or rancher.
Nov 11, 2014 | From the Farm
Iowa Soldier Farms to Build Sustainable Afghanistan
First Lt. Scott Rottinghaus is a farmer and a soldier. While stationed in Kunar, one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous provinces, he combined his two loves to serve his country as a soldier-farmer. As part of the Iowa National Guard’s 734th Agri-Business Development Team, Rottinghaus drew on his life a crop and livestock producer to teach Afghanis about sustainability and food safety.
Feb 19, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture
Already Suited for Ag Jobs, Veterans Get Resume Tips
Veterans arrive in the private sector job-ready. As an ag lender, FCSAmerica has an additional reason to recruit vets: About 45 percent of armed service members come from rural America and understand our customers and their businesses.
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Erin Rollenhagen
Founder & CEO of Entrepreneurial Technologies Co-Founder & CTO of ProDash Author, Soul Uprising: It's Never Just Business Architect of systems with over 1B in transactions, including a product with a successful exit in less than 3 years
Entrepreneurial Technologies
Categories covered by Erin
Sessions covered by this speaker
Tech That's Built to Scale
Connect with Erin
About this Speaker
Erin Rollenhagen has never been afraid to go against the grain. She made a name for herself at age 14 when a protest that she and a friend led against misogynistic behavior at her middle school drew national media attention. She carried that rebel spirit into her career as a tech entrepreneur, founding an app development company in 2007 on the premise that technology doesn’t have to be cold and heartless. That just happened to be on the cusp of one of the most destructive recessions in U.S. history, and yet she found a way to thrive in an unforgiving environment. Along the way, she weathered personal and professional storms and made a name for herself and her company for doing things differently. In 2019, she released Soul Uprising: It’s Never Just Business, a book that encourages entrepreneurs and business leaders to trust their purpose and embrace impact as the true measure of success. Erin began her technology career as a programmer with a small software firm before founding Entrepreneurial Technologies in 2007. As CEO she is passionate about building the right environment and processes for the ET team to do its best possible work. She also assists with system architecture and design. Erin is active in the community and was the 2018 Chairwoman of the Board of the Technology Association of Iowa, has served on the Executive Committee of the Future Ready Iowa Alliance, and the state Computer Science Working Group. Erin is a proud graduate of the University of Iowa. She lives in the Des Moines area with her beloved corgis, Bruno and Scarlett.
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Dec 9, 2015, 03:25pm EST
What World Leaders Are Saying About Trump's Proposed Muslim Ban: It's Not Pretty
Terror Attacks Hit Paris
Aug 10, 2015, 10:50am EDT
Guns, Ammo & Geo-Targeting: How A Father-Son Team Is Bringing Deals To Weapons Enthusiasts
Jul 14, 2015, 02:42pm EDT
Tech's Hottest Lunch Spot? A Strip Club
Jul 8, 2015, 02:39am EDT
Gun-Shaped Mobile Phone Cases Should Be Avoided, Says Law Officials
Jun 3, 2015, 01:43pm EDT
Fast Fashion Giant Zara Faces $40 Million Anti-Semitism, Anti-Gay Discrimination Suit
Mar 18, 2015, 01:35pm EDT
Are Uber, Airbnb, TaskRabbit Adulterating The Sharing Economy?
Nov 7, 2014, 02:45pm EST
The Bad News Behind The Unemployment Numbers
Inside The Katzkin Process For Customized Luxury Car Interiors
Oct 6, 2014, 02:58pm EDT
Which Half Of HP Has Promise? Here's The Case For Printers/PCs
Jun 2, 2017, 12:04pm EDT |
Three Reasons Why You Should Be Patient In Business
Chris MyersFormer Contributor
I write about my journey as a first-time CEO and startup founder.
Patience pays off.
Dawn Armfield, Unsplash
It may be a bit of a generalization, but I don’t think that I’m out of line when I say that entrepreneurs, on balance, are an impatient bunch.
In order to build a successful business, you have to hustle and be somewhat of a hard-charger. Impatience, unsurprisingly, is a common byproduct of the entrepreneurial mindset.
I know that I certainly used to fall into this category. It was only after several years of running BodeTree that I came to realize that in business, patience truly is a virtue.
Avoid “ready, fire, aim” syndrome
I have a tendency to rapidly evaluate situations as I encounter them, which is both a blessing and a curse. In the best cases, this rapid assessment enables me to quickly grasp a situation and plot a path forward.
In the worst cases, however, this rapid-fire though process creates a chasm between me and the people I’m working with. When this happens, I find myself jumping forward to a conclusion while others are still processing the information at hand.
This “ready, aim, fire” syndrome is all too common amongst entrepreneurs, and while sometimes it leads to rapid iteration and growth, more often than not it results in problems.
In my experience, the rapid conclusion I reach is occasionally not as solid as I think. Sometimes, I overlook critical details, implications, or opportunities. Other times, I grow impatient and end up alienating the people I’m working with.
Impatience is self-sabotage
When you jump to a hasty conclusion, you end up creating an artificial timeline in your mind. When people or processes fail to align to that timeline, the mind can run wild.
You begin to question the motives and intentions of the people on the other side of the equation and put forth ultimatums that may or may not be considered reasonable. This often leads to two unfortunate outcomes.
First, impatience makes you look desperate. Pushing a partner too aggressively or issuing unreasonable ultimatums is extremely off putting. In my experience, I’ve found that such actions come across as a major red flag to external parties. More often than not, it kills the deal.
Second, and perhaps most importantly, this kind of impatience is the ultimate self-sabotage. It clouds the judgement, detracts from your credibility, and damages relationships.
I’m particularly guilty of this behavior. Several years ago, my co-founder and I were approached by a public technology company looking to acquire BodeTree. The deal would have been transformative and extremely lucrative, but the due diligence process seemed to drag on for longer than necessary.
In my naïveté, I adopted a “take it or leave it” stance with the other company. Unsurprisingly, they opted to “leave it.”
Looking back, I realize that I allowed my impatience to influence my actions, which in turn ultimately scuttled the deal. It was perhaps the most powerful example of self-sabotage in my career to-date.
All good things take time
One thing I’m sure of in this world is that nothing of value comes easily. In fact, anything of value takes time, whether it’s a matter of developing a skill, building a relationship, or launching a business initiative.
Although entrepreneurs like myself like to simplify matters as much as possible, the truth is that the world is a complex place, full of nuance.
For example, a recent deal that saw BodeTree acquire another business took seven months from start to finish. As far as acquisitions go, this was relatively fast, but of course it didn’t feel that way while in the thick of the process.
I’ve said before that every deal dies three times before it closes, and this was no exception. There were a number of instances where it appeared that the deal would fall through, and I know that had I given into my natural impatience, they would have.
Fortunately, everyone involved was able to keep their wits about them and reach a successful conclusion. The result was an opportunity that made sense for everyone involved. It reminded me of the old maxim: all good things take time.
Patience really is a virtue
As entrepreneurs, we live in a world that values quick thinking and dynamic action. This is not a bad thing in and of itself. However, when you allow these traits to manifest in the form of impatience, problems arise.
As difficult as it may be, entrepreneurs must remember that patience, especially in business, truly is a virtue.
Chris Myers
I’m the cofounder and CEO of BodeTree, a tech-enabled franchise services company. I’m a frequent MSNBC contributor and the author of “Enlightened Entrepreneurship.” All…
I’m the cofounder and CEO of BodeTree, a tech-enabled franchise services company. I’m a frequent MSNBC contributor and the author of “Enlightened Entrepreneurship.” All in all, I’m just looking to bring a bit of Zen to the world of business. Follow me on Twitter @chris_myers_ or email me at chris@bodetree.com.
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Walmart to raise prices in response to increased tariffs, CFO says
By Colleen Killingsworth
LOS ANGELES - Prices are about to climb at America's biggest retailer in response to the recent increase in tariffs on Chinese goods put in place by the Trump administration, Walmart's CFO told press on Thursday.
Brett Biggs, chief financial officer of Walmart, did not specify which products would be sold at a higher price point, but he did assure consumers that Walmart's merchant teams have been working alongside its suppliers to keep costs as low as possible.
Last week, President Donald Trump raised tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods from 10 percent to 25 percent. These goods range from industrial materials to makeup to luggage.
“We’re going to continue to do everything we can to keep prices low. That’s who we are. However, increased tariffs will lead to increased prices, we believe, for our customers,” Biggs told reporters.
Walmart isn't the only major retailer to warn that increased tariffs will mean increased prices for consumers.
Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette pointed out the inevitability in a statement Wednesday, “When you do the math, it’s hard to find a path through that wouldn’t impact customers.”
Orlando police identify mother who abandoned her three newborns
Owners who had dog’s eyes removed instead of treating eye infection surrender pet to shelter
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Charter still figuring out Spectrum Guide rollout strategy
Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) shed light on its plans to roll out its Spectrum Guide cloud-based user interface, not just across its own footprint, but those of soon-to-be acquired cable systems for Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) and Bright House Networks.
That plan, however, still seems to have a lot development still in front of it.
"With regard to the guide, we're rolling it out now and we have the ability to roll it out inside our own footprint this year, meaning the existing footprint," said Tom Rutledge, president and CEO of Charter, during the MSO's fourth quarter earnings call Thursday. "The transition process of integrating the other companies and building a game plan to roll it out is going to take longer… We're not going to get them completely rolled out this fiscal year, but I think we can begin the process by the end of this year."
Spectrum Guide uses technology from ActiveVideo to process the UI at the server level and is able to display the UI on older legacy set-tops as an MPEG video stream. This means Charter doesn't have to roll out new CPE to deploy the service.
Rutledge said Charter has "gotten all the bugs out" and that the system "works very well." Deployment strategy, however, is a work in progress.
"The choice before us will be do we roll it out on every outlet in mass, or do we roll it out incrementally to just new customers, and then begin to make it optional to existing customers? And the tension there is that there's some people who are just confused by new user interfaces, and you have to manage that process of customer education, as well as the desire to get a highly functional UI out in front of everyone simultaneously.
"So, we're still wrestling with the right rollout strategy, but, operationally, it works very well and it's capable of being fully deployed," he added.
Charter adds 11K subs in 2015, declares no rate increases for 2016
Charter declares itself 'the most friendly' operator to OVDs; Netflix's Hastings agrees
Charter announces details for low-cost broadband service: 30 Mbps for $14.99 per month
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Aug 21, 2020 12:30 PM EDT By Staff Reporter
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Slammed Online Trolls Amid Global Pandemic
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have always been victims of online trolls ever since they announced their engagement in 2017. So whoever has the right to slam trolls, that would be them.
In a recent virtual appearance, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex talk more about the adverse effects of online trolling, especially in the middle of a global pandemic.
Speaking to the young leaders from the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, where they serve as president and vice president, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle highlighted how online networks propel trolling.
The 39-year-old former "Suits" actress emphasized the importance of having a positive online experience, especially now that the world is covered with the coronavirus pandemic.
Meghan said that the "key piece of the puzzle" is not to join the bandwagon of unnecessary noise on social media a.k.a trolling. She added that social media users should not share negative posts if they are committed to making a change.
"When you look at what these platforms are capable of with that reach and what that propels in terms of trolling," Meghan said.
"You can either train people to be cruel, or you can train people to be kind. It's really that simple," she added.
In the royal couple's chat with charity founders and YouTube content creators, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also discuss how the internet community can be of good use, instead of being a place for hate.
Meghan explained that positive online interaction plays a vital role nowadays since most people are in isolation.
"Everyone's mental and emotional wellbeing is perhaps more fragile than ever before, certainly with Covid and our dependability on devices right now in the absence of human interaction," the Duchess explained.
"People are going online more than ever before to feel community," she added.
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Duke praised YouTuber Vee Kativhu and mental health founder Hunter Johson for spreading online positivity and efforts to stand of equality, mutual respect, and fairness.
"It's on all of us collectively to make the world a better place - and we are," Prince Harry said.
Prince Harry and Meghan's New Home
In the virtual chat, the Sussexes appear to be in their new Montecito mansion in Santa Barbara, California.
The couple sat in front of what appears to be an ornate looking stone fireplace beside two large windows and a large plant. Meghan is wearing a printed dress while Harry looks relaxed in a white button-down top.
After spending most of their lockdown period in Tyler Perry's Beverly Hills mansion, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to their "ever after home," which reportedly have a price tag of a whopping $14.6 million.
The 18,671 square-foot mansion boasts tons of amenities that suit a royal couple like Prince Harry and Meghan. Aside from the nine-bedroom and 16-bathroom, the house has its own library, spa, wet and dry saunas, a gym, game room, arcade, theater, wine cellar, and a five-car garage. It also features a massive garden, a tennis court, a tea house, a children's cottage, and a pool.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle Puzzle: Jaw-Dropping Last Words As a Royal REVEALED!
TAGSPrince Harry Meghan Markle Megxit Duke and Duchess of Sussex online trolls
(Geoff Pugh - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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Expression Of Interest - General Application jobs in Sydney, NS
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EntertainmentCareers.Net
Expression Of Interest - General Application
Lucasfilm Entertainment
Posted: January 4, 2021 more jobs like this More from this Employer
Expression Of Interest - General Application For Ilm, Australia
Position at Industrial Light & Magic
This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.
ILM opened its Sydney studio in the summer of 2019. The youngest of all of the ILM studios, the Sydney studio leverages the expertise and technological know-how developed over 40 years at Industrial Light & Magic combined with the top artists and technicians in the region. Knowledge and culture flow freely between the company’s five studios and the global team shares tools and workflow allowing for seamless collaboration on all shared projects.
As we grow ILM Sydney, we are seeking a variety of talent to join the team and be a part of this exciting opportunity.
If you are a CG Artist or VFX Professional who would be interested in joining ILM Sydney in the future, please submit Cover Letters, CVs, and reels for consideration.
This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic. Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
About Industrial Light & Magic:
Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney's stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic.
Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
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Animation/Graphic Design/Visual FX
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Die Hard Trilogy PS1 Review
Past & RetroReviews
The “Die Hard Trilogy” by Probe Entertainment represents a quirky attempt to briefly capture a bit of the magic from the first three films of the same name. In the end, we’re left with a bit of retro goodness that’s both glitchy as well as fun. Part of the title’s initial marketing strategy was to offer it up as a sort of “3 games-in-1” –style package, which it is. Regardless of how short they fell in actually capturing elements from the movies themselves, each section offers its own unique style of gameplay or theme. Simply put, it was a package that attempted to unite several different formulas under one heading – shooter, on rails arcade action, and a driving game.
First up there’s “Die Hard”, which is in fact a 3rd person shooter that tries to focus mostly on armed combat. For all intents and purposes it presents you with the same sort of view found in latter titles like GTA III, only with the somewhat limited graphical abilities available at the time. This was one of the first 3D games to emerge for the PS1 which offered this particular style of emerging gameplay, although it doesn’t really directly follow the movie’s plot. You basically save hostages and look for level exits.
The second in the package is “Die Harder”, which again, is an “on-rails” shooter which features the same sort of combat you’d find in a light-gun arcade game a la’ “House of the Dead”. Sure, nothing new, but it’s still incredibly nice to see a whole new type of gameplay emerge from within one specific title, especially when they’re all relating back to the original impetus (the films). You’ll blast your way through the Dulles airport and take out plenty of baddies as you try to stop a terrorist plot.
Finally, there’s “With a Vengeance” which places you in the driving seat as a somewhat erratic McClane. Needless to say, this one is definitely the most frustrating of them all, presenting you with very limiting time constraints and only 3 lives, meaning that a few wrong turns and its game over.
Graphically speaking, the Die Hard Trilogy is definitely indicative of the early years of the PS1 with its somewhat choppy visuals and textures and rather primitive 3D physics. Nevertheless, this is a game that some devoted retro fans might want to take a look at if for no other reason than the fact that it’s such a unique offering. It’s hard to think of another game being released in recent memory which even attempted to incorporate 2 or more separate gameplay mechanics, aside from today’s open-world titles which seek to do this all at once, rather than in separate installments. In some strange way, the layout seen here is a bit like a preview of things to come, particularly from the previously mentioned GTA III, which would take the 3rd person combat + driving mechanic to a whole new level.
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons; A Two-Month Castaway’s Chronicle
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It’s been a little over two months since Animal Crossing: New Horizons graced us with its long-awaited presence and boy, what a crazy couple...
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Zelda: Breath of the Wild delays finally explained
Delays for Zelda: Breath of the Wild finally explained thanks to Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma.
by Joey Marrazzo
In January 2013, Nintendo announced that a new Zelda game was in the works for the Wii U and it would be released in 2015. Two months later, Nintendo announced that the game has been delayed and was planned on releasing in 2016.
This past April, Nintendo announced that the new Zelda game had been pushed back until 2017 and would be releasing on the Wii U and the Nintendo NX. At the Nintendo Treehouse E3 event, a year after the new Zelda game was supposed to be released, we finally got our first look at Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
We were never given much information as to why this new entry in the Zelda franchise was delayed so many times, until now. Zelda's series producer Eiji Aonuma, when asked about the delays, said this:
“When we think about the release period for any Zelda game, we really want to get it out as soon as possible so that everybody can play and experience it,”
But Aonuma followed this up by saying:
“A lot of times what we try to tackle takes a lot longer than anticipated. So that’s why many times the development struggle there is a delay. The people around us keep telling us: ‘This is the last one. You really need to shape up.’”
Nintendo chief game designer Shigeru Miyamoto elaborated on Aonuma's words, saying that there are different types of delays.
“One could be that the direction just hasn’t been decided, which is probably the worst kind of delay. And the other is that the direction has been decided but putting that into reality—implementing that—is taking time. So it might have taken us six months to do this much. It’ll take us a year to do that much.”
Nintendo has yet to announce the day that Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be released. We do know that it will be available in 2017 for the Wii U and the upcoming Nintendo NX.
Joey Marrazzo
Lover of all things pizza, movies, tv and video games related.
Games The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Genres ActionAdventurePuzzle Platforms Wii U
Source ign.com
Published Jun. 9th 2017
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Hugh McDiarmid, longtime Free Press political voice, dies at 84
Dawson Bell
Special to the Detroit Free Press
Longtime Free Press writer and columnist Hugh McDiarmid, who covered (and sometimes skewered) public figures ranging from U.S. presidents like Dwight Eisenhower to Michigan guitarist and firebrand Ted Nugent, died Saturday. He was 84.
McDiarmid was an icon of a now-vanishing era of media and politics in which penetrating examination and pointed analysis was almost never personal.
A champion of the environment, McDiarmid was an opponent of the National Rifle Association with a keen eye for hypocrisy, and he had many critics. But almost no enemies.
As longtime Lansing media figure Tim Skubick, host of Michigan public television’s “Off The Record," said upon McDiarmid's retirement in 2001, the columnist’s “charm and likability made it impossible for anyone to stay mad at him.”
McDiarmid, a native of Ohio and a Princeton graduate who worked for newspapers in Dayton and at The Washington Post before coming to the Free Press in 1975, died in a metro Detroit hospital of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
He is survived by a son, Hugh Jr. (Karen), daughter Margaret Baxter (Brad), grandchildren Libby, Katie and Caroline Baxter, Aaron and Ashley Lake and great-grandson Evan Lake.
After Princeton, where he played football alongside future Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, McDiarmid served as a U.S. Navy aviator, and was on track to join the CIA when a six-month wait for security clearance precipitated a job search in journalism.
In McDiarmid's own telling, when the editor of the Dayton Journal Herald told him the primary job qualification for a scribbler was “to stay sober until at least noon, it was too great to pass up.”
In Dayton, one of his copy editors, who took him to task for execrable spelling, soon became his wife, Jan. She died in 2018.
In Michigan, McDiarmid was notorious for his ferocious work ethic, scrupulous attention to detail, a loud and boisterous personality and, as one of his former editors Bob Campbell said, “the longest sentences ever published by the Free Press.”
Hugh Jr., also a former Free Press journalist, said his father’s contributions as a journalist “are only eclipsed by the delight, optimism, energy and love he brought to his family, friends and colleagues...as well as random store clerks, waitresses and startled strangers.”
His work as a journalist was prodigious.
More:Federal judge, civil rights icon Damon Keith dies at age 96
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“He made a remarkable contribution to political thought in Michigan,” said former Gov. William Milliken, a Republican, in 2001, “and as far as I am concerned he has almost always been on the right side.”
In addition, McDiarmid was a famously generous and unselfish champion of journalism and other journalists.
Current Free Press political writer Kathleen Gray said that as a young reporter “Hugh ... couldn’t have been more gracious and kind with advice, humor and insights into Michigan and the people who controlled the levers of power.”
Tim Jones, a veteran journalist who met McDiarmid as a competitor in Ohio in the 1970s and worked with him at the Free Press Lansing Bureau in the '80s, said, “Anyone who competed against him worried about picking up the paper in the morning to see what he’d discovered. Anyone who worked with him benefited from his generosity, wisdom and irreverence.”
(One example of that irreverence was the Lansing Bureau’s Christmas card circa 1985, which featured a photo of McDiarmid, Jones and colleague Ron Dzwonkowski each wearing black horn-rimmed glasses and penis noses.)
It’s impossible to know what the irreverent but gentlemanly McDiarmid would make of today’s political discourse. He retired before it was conducted on social media. He was hilariously funny, but seldom engaged in what passes for humor today in Twitter snark.
One suspects, he wouldn't make much of it.
As he said in a farewell column in 2001, “No one is pushing me out ... but it’s gone on long enough.”
Family visitation will be held at 3:30 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. on Oct. 24 at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or the YMCA Hayo Went Ha Campership Fund.
Former Free Press Lansing Bureau Chief Chris Christoff contributed to this report. Dawson Bell is a retired Free Press reporter who spent 25 years covering politics and government in the newspaper's Lansing Bureau. He and Christoff worked alongside McDiarmid for many years.
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Why is Glenn defending an Ivy League professor who stripped down to his boxers during class?
This morning, TheBlaze reported the story of a Columbia University professor, Emlyn Hughes, who stripped down to nothing but his boxer shorts during the first lecture of his “Frontiers of Science” course.
The class, apparently part of Columbia’s core curriculum, is a lesson in quantum mechanics, and Hughes chose to begin the semester by stripping down to his underwear to change outfits in front of his class, while footage of the September 11 attacks, Adolf Hitler, North Korea, and Saddam Hussein rolled on the projector behind him, and Lil’ Wayne’s Drop It Like It’s Hot played in the background.
The video below captures the event (WARNING: language may be explicit):
The story has become somewhat of a firestorm across the web, with many making a mockery of the event and others questioning why an Ivy League institution that carries a price tag as hefty as Columbia’s ($22,000 a semester) would allow such bizarre behavior. But on radio this morning, Glenn had a surprisingly different take on the incident.
“Now there is a story up on TheBlaze, and this one is going to be counterintuitive. You're going to think that you know exactly where I stand on this,” Glenn said. “In fact, I'm going to have Stu and Pat explain what's happening… and then I'll give you my opinion on this, and I think I know exactly why it's happening. If you read the story, I think you'll be outraged and you'll say this is why I am never sending my kid to an Ivy League school.”
Immediately following the bizarre presentation, Professor Hughes explained his reasoning to the students:
HUGHES: In order to learn quantum mechanics, you have to strip to your raw, erase all the garbage from your brain and start over again. Quantum mechanics, nothing you have learned in your life up to now is in any way – I’ll prepare you for this – because everything you ever do in your everyday life is totally opposite to what you're going to learn in quantum mechanics. And so I've been tasked with the impossible challenge of having to teach you quantum mechanics in one hour what basically the most brilliant minds, Einstein and so on couldn't figure out working on it their whole life.
“I think, and this will come as a surprise, if you don't really read the story or if you don't understand quantum mechanics – and I barely do – I can't believe I'm depending on a professor that is stipulated down to his underwear at an Ivy League university, but I believe this guy may be genius in his approach,” Glenn said. “Trying to get people to understand the insane in today's world, with the way colleges are now, and the way college students are now, this may have been the best approach to get their attention.”
“I completely – and I can't believe I'm saying this because I don't support very many people on college campuses in their teachings, especially when they're in their underpants, but from what I know and what I think happened here, I think the guy's a genius and I think based on what I know, I support him,” he continued. “This is a teacher or a professor that is thinking out of the box, which exactly you have to do. But he is thinking out of the box and I think he's remarkable and brave because somebody looking in from the outside, they're not going to understand it.”
It is safe to say that if this guy plans on showing up to every lecture in his boxer briefs, his teaching style may be cause for concern, but for the first day of a very abstract class, this professor may have taken the perfect approach.
“If he's teaching in his underwear every day, that's a different story,” Glenn said. “But if he is – I mean, if this is the way he introduced it, I think it's a great introduction. I mean, not the one I would have selected myself and, you know, I would – I would keep my eye – if I were a parent, I'd keep my eye on this professor, but…”
“If you tried to teach a class in your underwear, there would be no students the next time,” Stu joked.
From there, the conversation quickly devolved into what the ramifications would be if, say, Glenn showed up to teach a class in his underwear.
“You haven't seen me in my underwear,” Glenn responded. “You don't know how ripped I am.”
Considering Glenn’s penchant for Twinkies and Devil Dogs, only in an alternate universe could a “ripped” physique be possible.
“That one of the possibilities in an alternate universe,” Pat quipped, “you are incredibly ripped.”
“In another universe,” Glenn concluded, “I'm working out.”
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Gloria's statement in support of boxer Christy Martin
CONTACT: GLORIA ALLRED
I am here today to support one of the most courageous women I know - Christy Martin.
In addition to being The Women's Super Welterweight Boxing Champion of the World (WBC), Christy at this time is the alleged victim in a criminal case now pending in Orlando, Florida. (I represent her in that matter.)
The prosecutor alleges that on November 23, 2010, Christy's husband attempted to murder her by stabbing Christy in the chest, puncturing her lung, stabbing her in the leg so deeply that she was cut almost to the bone, pistol-whipping her, bashing her head into the night stand and shooting her.
Her husband, now in jail, is charged with attempted murder with a firearm, attempted murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery. His trial is scheduled for May, 2011.
Despite what Christy has had to endure, she has refused to let what she has suffered break her or her fighting spirit.
Recently, the bullet was removed from her back and Christy pledged to resume her boxing career, which she loves.
She has been cleared by her doctor to train and is training hard for her March 12, 2011 fight at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. In her boxing career, Christy has a record of 49 wins, 5 losses, 3 draws and 31 knockouts. She wants to fight and win her 50 th fight on March 12.
We would all understand if under the circumstances, Christy wanted to retire or at least take time off for a while, but that is not Christy.
Christy is a true fighter. She has a degree from both a traditional college and the college of hard knocks.
She is not a complainer and she is not a quitter. Instead, she is a champion and a winner. She is an inspiration to every woman who has been down, but refuses to be counted out.
Christy is back. She is strong, tough and committed to winning. She is a true coal miner's daughter and she is giving it her all. She is resilient, re-energized and ready for victory.
Watch out world, on March 12 you will see a woman strong and empowered, blonde, beautiful and brave, strengthened by adversity, cheered on by her fans and respected even by her foes.
Make way for Christy Martin, a winner and true champion, not only in the boxing ring, but in our hearts.
Representing Christy Martin
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Baker-Polito Administration
by Michelle Alexander | Dec 26, 2017 | December 2017, School News
Adults taking evening classes at vocational and technical high schools will be eligible for financial aid.
EASTON – Today at Southeastern Vocational Technical High School, Governor Charlie Baker announced a new program for Massachusetts residents interested in careers in advanced manufacturing to take classes at local vocational high schools and be eligible for state and federal financial aid to pay for their training.
Adults who complete the manufacturing training at one of ten participating vocational high schools will then be eligible for college credit when enrolling at partnering colleges and universities. The certificate they earn during evening classes at the high schools will be worth a specific number of college credits that can be applied toward an associates’ degree.
The Baker-Polito Administration developed the Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program as a way to give adults who want to learn new skills in advanced manufacturing an opportunity to enroll in a program with a flexible timetable that would be eligible for financial aid. Adult students will be eligible for federal Pell grants, state MassGrants, and other scholarships.
A planning team, made up of vocational school, public and private higher education officials and workforce and industry partners, will work on curriculum, align credential agreements, and develop internships and hiring opportunities.
“The program provides another opportunity for students to pursue an affordable education in advanced manufacturing to learn a skill set and find a good paying job in this growing industry,” said Governor Baker . “This unique program leverages state and federal resources and offers much needed flexibility to give people better career options and a path toward a college degree.”
“Across the Commonwealth there are many adults who are interested in careers in advanced manufacturing, and employers who are looking to hire them, but many people do not have the opportunity for training that is affordable. This new program will make jobs in advanced manufacturing a reality for hundreds of residents this year by opening the door to financial aid,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said.
“This program will make vocational education more readily accessible to adults and also provides a more affordable path to college for those looking to continue their education by awarding college credit for the vocational certificate,” Education Secretary James Peyser said.
Students will earn a certificate in advanced manufacturing once they complete three different modules, each consisting of 300 hours of class time. The program is designed to be flexible so adult learners, who are most likely working full-time jobs and raising families, can complete the three course modules at their own pace. The goal is to provide students with a “stackable” credential and an affordable path to continue their education, while also helping to meet the growing workforce needs of the manufacturing industry in Massachusetts.
In developing the new program, the Administration partnered with 10 vocational high schools as well as several local community colleges to develop the vocational certificate that will be eligible for college credit, and to build a pre-apprenticeship strategy in advanced manufacturing.
The high schools include:
Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Marlborough
Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School in Taunton
Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River
Essex Agricultural and Technical High School in Danvers
Greater Lawrence Technical High School in Andover
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School in New Bedford
Minuteman Regional Technical Vocational High School in Lexington
Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford
Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton
Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill
The Baker-Polito administration also worked with Northeastern University to help develop the program. Northeastern recently introduced a new bachelor’s degree in advanced manufacturing in partnership with General Electric. To create new pathways into advanced manufacturing, the same program will also be available for public enrollment at Springfield Tech starting in January 2018.
“Northeastern University is committed to lifelong learning and to supporting adult learners looking to advance their careers,” said Kemi Jona, associate dean and director of the Lowell Institute School at Northeastern. “We are excited about our partnerships and look forward to expanding opportunities to support advanced manufacturing pathways for employers and learners statewide.”
Students will enroll in vocational classes in September, with expected enrollment in the first year to be between 200 to 300 students. While the first year of the program will be focused on advanced manufacturing, state and local education officials plan to eventually expand the strategy into other fields, such as HVAC, auto technicians, and electrical professions.
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My Publisher, Ed Phelps
Ed Phelps (1939 – 2006)
LONDON, ONTARIO – About fifteen months ago I was invited to contribute an essay for a sort of Festschrift which is being compiled to commemorate the life and work of local historian, archivist, librarian and publisher, Ed Phelps (1939–2006). I feared I was actually running a little late when I dispatched this piece to the editor precisely one year ago and was surprised to be told that I was actually the first to send his contribution along and that perhaps my sterling example would now inspire the other contributors to step up their pace a little. Not for the first time I shook my head in bemused admiration for just how elastic the concept of a deadline can be in the scholarly/academic world.
Some other contributions have drifted into the editor over the last twelve months while others are still being pulled together as we speak. Will 2021 be the year that this opus has its rendezvous with the publisher? Let us hope so. And in the meanwhile, consider this memoir of what it was like to publish three books under the aegis of Ed Phelps to be a scintillating preview...
AS A LONDON-BORN London-tethered and largely London-focussed writer for the last fifty years, I have often lamented the fact that this town has never had a real publishing house. Apart from the very occasional independent start-ups that struggle to make a go of it for a few years and then quietly expire (such as Mac and Jill Jamieson’s Applegarth Follies and Win and Linda Schell’s Ergo Press) – and unlike just about every other university city in the province of comparable size and vintage – London has never been home to a reliable, enduring, broad-based book publisher. After Applegarth published my first novel in 1975 and then thrust my second novel into limbo the very next year by fleeing town in bankruptcy before they could either publish it or think to release me from our legally binding contract to do so, I realized it was time to rethink just how I intended to eke out any sort of living as a writer.
With the collapse of any proximate prospect of getting fiction published, and the rising responsibilities of marriage and fatherhood, I necessarily switched my main literary focus to journalism which I had reason to believe might actually pay. And it did. As compared to the profits I’d scarcely realized from fiction, journalism was a veritable goldmine. And I was delighted to discover that the switchover didn’t seem to inflict that much disruption on my literary instincts. I still got to plug away at fiction on the side and because I was always a self-directed freelance journalist, I never got saddled with assignments that didn’t genuinely interest me and found ready homes for essays, reviews and features in The London Free Press and more than a dozen other area magazines and papers.
Someone who seemed to agree that I wasn’t utterly wasting my talent in journalism was a certain Ed Phelps who made his entrance into my life via telephone, late one night in 1986. I remember the lateness because, although I’ve been a night owl most of my life, I was cognizant of the universal imperative that if you aren’t a relative or a good friend with a truly urgent bulletin, you aren’t supposed to call people after about ten p.m. (Indeed, that’s why I keep those hours; to secure an uninterrupted stretch of time to get on with my work.) So I was impressed that anybody would make a cold call – a ‘get acquainted’ call – at 10:45 p.m.
Ed told me that he’d been reading a lot of my stuff and really enjoying it; so I was inclined to like him right away and was happy to answer his questions as we chatted away for the better part of an hour. Though he was perfectly lucid and bracingly acerbic at times, an increased profanity quotient in his language whenever he got excited made me suspect that he might have knocked back a few alcoholic beverages before looking up my number in the phone book. I was also pretty certain that he was fishing for something. Quite often when a call came out of the blue like that from a forceful personality, it was because they wanted me to write about them; a suggestion I almost always found resistible. So full points to Ed for originality; he said he’d published a number of books on local historical subjects and might be interested in bringing out a collection of my essays.
I understood why Ed was hedging his bets with that “might be interested” clause when - during the single most profanity-laced section of our dialogue - he told me how the Phelps Publishing Company had taken a bit of a bath in 1977 by printing up a not very compelling volume by Wilfred L. Bishop entitled, Men and Pork Chops: A History of the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board. I know; it sounds like a title you might invent if challenged to dream up the most boring book imaginable. But it really existed and still projects some ghostly emanations to this day. Sometimes when I’m in a bit of a mood, I’ll look it up on Amazon just to see how it’s doing and usually find that it’s “currently unavailable”, that there is “no image available” of its cover, and that – would you believe it? – “there are no customer reviews”. Clearly, that little porker was going to be a challenging tome to move under the best of circumstances but whatever dim prospects it may have had were obliterated when Mr. Bishop himself expired while – in tragic contrast to their author – the pages of Men and Pork Chops were still warm from the printers.
It was a good few months until I heard from Ed again and during that interim I undertook a little research to see how it could be that an avid reader of local writing such as myself (not to mention a writer ever on the lookout for possible publishers) had never heard of the Phelps Publishing Company. I discovered that he had published a really unappetizing 1980 volume with a butt ugly jacket that I’d actually seen at Robert’s Holmes Book Shop, quickly scanned and put back on the shelf as way too turgid for my tastes: A History of the London Police Force: 125 Years of Police Service 1855–1980. There might’ve been a way to tell that story with a little crackle and zip but a ten or fifteen-minute peruse was enough for me to ascertain that Ed and his author, Charles Addington, hadn’t found it.
And over at The London Room of the Central Library, I discovered that Ed had more recently co-edited (but not published) an even more inert, two-volume opus called Wills of Elgin County, A Selection, 1846-1852. An introductory note to that work read, “This volume marks the first of a planned series of publications by the Elgin County Library, of Wills, Will Indexes, and Abstracts of Wills of residents of Elgin County from the earliest known documents up to the year 1900.” Just leafing through its muddily reproduced pages, I could feel my eyelids gaining weight and wondered if it was necessary to rip into one’s chest to stimulate a dangerously ebbing pulse or would thumping on the ribcage to the left of the sternum suffice?
As head of the Regional Collection at UWO’s D.B. Weldon Library for twenty years where he had personally amassed an enormous collection of archives and artifacts pertinent to the history of southwestern Ontario – and as a publisher who had so far only been moved to publish rhetorically arid chronicles of what struck me as the most unenticing arcana – it became clear that Ed and I really weren’t on the same page when it came to our literary enthusiasms. It could be, I supposed, that Ed contacted me because he was looking to branch out into a whole new field. But as the weeks and months stretched out with no follow-up call, I began to suspect that Ed was entertaining second thoughts about his impulsive overture, had returned to his right mind, and I would never hear from him again.
But then at least six months later I took another garrulous, late night call in which he said he’d decided to proceed with publishing a book and we arranged for him to come over to my house for our first face-to-face confab. Meeting him in the flesh and in the daylight was, I must say, a revelation. I hadn’t known Ed for very long but I’d had enough time to build up a mental image of him which couldn’t have been more wrong. That pushy personality which he shoved through the telephone wire with such reckless élan was toned right down in person. When it came to social manner and temperament, he was disarmingly polite and discreet; even shy in a strangely touching way. I don’t remember if he actually blushed during that first meeting or if I just sensed that he might be that rarest kind of adult who still could.
But his courteous demeanor during our first face-to-face encounter (which is to say, that changed later when he got to know me better) was completely at odds with his spectacularly slobby physical presentation. My publisher-to-be looked more like a down-at-the-heels plumber than a librarian. I fully recognized and sympathized with what he was up against here. I’m a pretty chubby chap myself but when meeting with clients in a professional context, I am mindful of certain measures that guys like us can take to somewhat minimize the horror. But Ed was the original walking, talking unmade bed; complete with explosions of dark scrubbing-pad hair sticking out to either side of his bald dome and a t-shirt that rode up over the mound of his belly, revealing a smile-shaped roll of blubber that spilled over his belt-line like a generous slice of pink melon.
“Yeh,” said his friend and frequent archive-diving assistant, George Fenner, laughing when I described that first physical sighting and then releasing an affection-laced sigh: “Clothes were a real impediment for Ed.”
For three years running, 1987–89, I published three books with Ed which always came out in the fall. The first one, The Invisible Lone Ranger Suit, and the third, Towards a Forest City Mythology, were collections of essays and features. The second one, my own personal favourite of the lot, Counting Backwards from a Hundred, was a collection of short fiction. I know the print run for the first was 500 copies and I think he doubled that for the other two. All of them had a retail price of about ten bucks a pop.
Because his own time commitments elsewhere were extensive and also (I’m conjecturing here but I think it’s fair to say) because my kind of writing was outside his usual bailiwick of expertise, Ed had me work with two of his colleagues, David Hallam and Catherine Ross in preparing the books for the press. They both had input in all areas of our discussions but David’s particular focus was the physical production and Catherine’s was editorial.
Early on in the compiling of the fiction collection, Catherine told me that Ed was exercising his veto rights on one of the proposed stories which was entitled, When Friends Weigh Fifteen Tons and Neither Can Pay the Toll. He found it too depressing, she said. She may even have used the word “upsetting’. I was disappointed by Ed’s reaction but not entirely surprised. It was the tale of a wildly dysfunctional romance between two people with a magical capacity to bring out the very worst in each other and a few of the friends I’d shared it with found it pretty heavy-going too. I’d wanted to include it for the sake of stylistic contrast and displaying my range but acquiesced to Ed’s call without sulking. Later on as I attained a few glimpses into the sordid chaos of Ed’s personal life, I wondered if the real source of his objection to the tale wasn’t a matter of, “No thanks, I’ve got plenty of this at home.”
“Not one damn cent in government aid,” was the letterhead slogan on Phelps Publishing Company stationery. Not too surprisingly then, there was no advertising budget for any of our projects. We did not have splashy book launch parties. We did not distribute our books to, or receive reviews from, any locality outside the boundaries of Middlesex County. Ed took care of getting our books out to whatever publications might review them and he kept the local bookstores stocked. I calculate that I personally sold about a third to a half of each print run by flogging them at readings and talks and always having a few copies of our latest title in my backpack as I made my daily rounds. I kept all the money I’d amassed in a rolled-up wad stuffed inside my Winston Churchill toby jug and about once a month Ed would drop around and we’d divvy up the spoils. He was a punctilious payer-out of royalty accounts; as good as his word in every respect. And my interactions with Ed as a publisher were much happier and infinitely more profitable than my experience with Applegarth.
But by 1990, for reasons I’ve never really understood, our working relationship came to its end. It didn’t stop – bam. It just fizzled. I pitched him a couple of subsequent book proposals and found him unresponsive and even taciturn. As we’d never exactly ascended to the plateau of friendship, I didn’t feel I had any sort of right to demand a clearing of the air between us. I felt bad that I didn’t like him more than I did. But the difficult and prickly truth is that Ed Phelps could be a hard man to unreservedly like. Frequently in the grip of alcoholism and depression, he could be spectacularly coarse and vulgar and then turn all snarly at the drop of a hat. I was frankly nervous to be with him when we were around people I loved and cared about and who didn’t understand that, “Oh yeh, Ed can be like that.”
It eventually became clear that not only did I no longer have his ear but he held me in a kind of contempt. About 1992 I was up at the Weldon Library doing some research in their files on the early history of the Baconian Club and as I was packing up to go, Ed slipped me a large photo-copied page, about the size of a restaurant placemat, saying, “Here, take this home for the kiddies.” Depicted on that page in cartoon format were about a dozen well-known Disney characters – Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Goofy and Clarabelle, etc. – engaging in a sexual orgy. I might have laughed it off as Ed being Ed if he hadn’t mentioned my kids. I didn’t throw a hissy fit on him or pull a Greta (“How dare you!”) but I didn’t laugh or smile either. I thanked him for his help, gave him back his scummy little page and left.
But what you have to put up against all the tales of Ed being a misery-guts or an unconscionable pig are the stories of his generosity – which are legion. He helped dozens of area writers and historians and archivists, throwing them work and giving them crucial early breaks to get them started in their careers. Though I usually found the books Ed published (other than my own and one collection of charmingly erudite restaurant reviews by Andy MacFarlane) to be mind-crushingly dull, they did evince his unwavering devotion to the importance and value of the unvarnished historical record.
He also offered a helping hand to historians in their dotage. Dan Brock once told me how Ed helped look after Elsie Jury in her failing years after the death of her husband, Wilfrid Jury. And in the last year of Orlo Miller’s life, when his income had dwindled to a trickle, Ed personally oversaw the re-issue of Miller’s most comprehensive city history, This Was London (originally published in 1988) as a tie-in with the city’s 1993 London 200 celebrations. This glitzy new edition, entitled London 200: An Illustrated History, featured larger page formatting to accommodate a wealth of great historical photographs which the earlier edition had lacked.
And then the very next year, the scandal and collapse which Ed always seemed to be poised on the brink of, broke wide open with his arrest and conviction in the 1994 Project Guardian probe for the sexual exploitation of minors. There are a number of people I respect who may know more about these things than I do, who insist it was a put-up job. True or not, fair or not, it cost him everything – his career, his reputation – and, I expect, contributed to his decision on May 2nd of 2006 to end his life by walking in front of a Canadian National train.
The last time I saw Ed, he came over to my house to pick up a letter he’d asked me to write that was going to be submitted to the person or the panel who would determine the duration of his prison sentence. I said every good thing about Ed that I could in that letter and I’m glad that I did because I owed him a debt of thanks and in the ordinary course of our relationship that was somehow very hard for me to express. Ed read it, we had ourselves a little cry, and then he walked off into his future which wasn’t about to get any better.
Leith Peterson
Herman: I can relate to many of the anecdotes you mention in your post about Ed Phelps. However, I never had a writing connection with him. He knew my family and me, particularly my late father, going back to around the early 1970s.
Ed and I mostly corresponded about my family, and my work in archives and Indigenous organizations. He even communicated with me when I was in the north, from 1978 until 1989. Unfortunately, I did not keep the correspondence with him from this time period, although in retrospect I wish I had.
I had a fairly positive impression of him until I came back to London to embark on my Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree at Western in the fall of 1989. Around 1990, he called me into his office at Western’s Regional Collection, and revealed very personal information about his struggles. I had not been back in my hometown for very long, and had great difficulty processing what he told me. I tried to be as sympathetic as I could, but felt I was not the person he should have relayed his troubles to. I sensed he was hurtling towards personal disaster.
However, my impression of him improved substantially when I attended a presentation he gave in the auditorium of the former central library on Queens Avenue, ca. 1991-1992. His anecdotes about acquiring archival material were frequently hilarious.
I concluded he was a very complex individual with both very positive and very negative qualities. Around the late 1990s, I saw him at a local Tim Hortons. I was aware of the scandals that had been reported in the media, but he looked so forlorn, I felt I had to say something to him. I sat down at his table and we chatted for a while. A short while later, he mailed me a couple of books he had published (non-Goodden ones) which were not of any particular interest to me, and which I eventually parted with. But I was touched by his generosity. Perhaps he was just happy I was still speaking with him, despite the turmoil that swirled around him.
Around 2004, I saw him for the last time at a church bazaar. He was clearly annoyed that my views had changed on a number of matters. It was the usual problem I have run into time and time again, where people want me to remain frozen in time in terms of how they think I should be, and refuse to recognize I have the right to change if I so choose. He told me about his serious health issues, and I sensed it would not be long before he parted this earth. Was very sad when I read about how he chose to end it.
Thanks for a good column, today, about Ed Phelps.
I only saw Ed once, on a class tour of the Western "Regional Collection", but I know he is legendary in local history circles. I sense you have been fair to his memory.
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Near Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Perry Cemetery
By James Hulse, October 20, 2020
1. Perry Cemetery Marker
Perry Cemetery. . . . The first marked burial at the Perry Cemetery is that of Charles B. Grant (d. 1878), son of Physician James W. Grant who once owned land in the southern part of the T.K. Wheeler survey. Dr. Grant and his wife, Mary, are also buried here. . . Thomas and Drucilla (Dowdell) Perry were early landowners here, and it is from them that the cemetery takes its name. When they sold the northern half of the Habermacher survey in 1886 to Christian and Caroline Rumpel (also Rumbel), They stipulated that the existing graveyard be preserved, along with one and a half acres. After Caroline's death and burial here in 1903, Christian sold the property, adding an additional acre to the cemetery, and left Texas. . . The cemetery has been in use by the community's residents since the late 1870s. Family names include Anderson, Grant, Franklin, Hargrave, McCracken, Park, Perry, West and Williams. Descendants continue to be buried here, among the many veterans, community leaders and families. Cemetery features include family plots as well as a strangers rest, where those not associated with the larger community or with families interred here could be buried. . Historic Texas Cemetery - 2002 . This historical marker was erected in 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. It is Near Houston in Harris County Texas
The first marked burial at the Perry Cemetery is that of Charles B. Grant (d. 1878), son of Physician James W. Grant who once owned land in the southern part of the T.K. Wheeler survey. Dr. Grant and his wife, Mary, are also buried here.
Thomas and Drucilla (Dowdell) Perry were early landowners here, and it is from them that the cemetery takes its name. When they sold the northern half of the Habermacher survey in 1886 to Christian and Caroline Rumpel (also Rumbel), They stipulated that the existing graveyard be preserved, along with one and a half acres. After Caroline's death and burial here in 1903, Christian sold the property, adding an additional acre to the cemetery, and left Texas.
The cemetery has been in use by the community's residents since the late 1870s. Family names include Anderson, Grant, Franklin, Hargrave, McCracken, Park, Perry, West and Williams. Descendants continue to be buried here, among the many veterans, community leaders and families. Cemetery features include family plots as well as a strangers rest, where those not associated with the larger community or with families interred here could be
2. Perry Cemetery Marker behind the fence
buried.
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2002
Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13148.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 29° 58.028′ N, 95° 34.586′ W. Marker is near Houston, Texas, in Harris County. Marker is at the intersection of Grant Road and East Cypress Forest Drive, on the left when traveling west on Grant Road. The marker is located behind the fence on the right side of the front gate. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10477 Grant Road, Houston TX 77070, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Amos Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away); Matthew Burnett Homesite (approx. 4.4 miles away); Catherine Wunderlich (approx. 4.6 miles away); Kohrville Community (approx. 4.7 miles away); Wunderlich Farm (approx. 4.7 miles away); Peter Wunderlich Home (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Klein Community (approx. 4.9 miles away); Theis (Theiss) Family (approx. 5.1 miles away).
3. Perry Cemetery
The cemetery is visible behind this locked gate.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 31 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
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The Lathams
1. The Lathams Marker
The Lathams. . James and Henrietta Latham brought their family to Oakland from Virginia City, Nevada, in the late 1860s. A wealthy stockbroker, James died at age 42 and left a substantial inheritance to Henrietta and the children, Edith and Milton. Together, they became active in philanthropy, particularly animal welfare as a means to promote human kindness and international friendship.
Edith and Milton founded the Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education in 1918. Milton passed away in 1921, but Edith carried on the mission for another 30 years, including work with the Oakland public schools and broadcast media. The Kind Deeds Club, a local radio program, was followed by the Brother Buzz television program. Brother Buzz was created by famed artist and puppeteer Ralph Chessé and ran on San Francisco's KPIX from 1952 to 1969. It pioneered environmental education on television. The Latham Foundation continues its work today. . This historical marker was erected in 2016 by City of Oakland. It is in Oakland in Alameda County California
James and Henrietta Latham brought their family to Oakland from Virginia City, Nevada, in the late 1860s. A wealthy stockbroker, James died at age 42 and left a substantial inheritance to Henrietta and the children, Edith and Milton. Together, they became active in philanthropy, particularly animal welfare as a means to promote human kindness and international friendship.
Edith and Milton founded the Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education in 1918. Milton passed away in 1921, but Edith carried on the mission for another 30 years, including work with the Oakland public schools and broadcast media. The Kind Deeds Club, a local radio program, was followed by the Brother Buzz television program. Brother Buzz was created by famed artist and puppeteer Ralph Chessé and ran on San Francisco's KPIX from 1952 to 1969. It pioneered environmental education on television. The Latham Foundation continues its work today.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work.
2. The Lathams Marker - wide view, looking south on Broadway
The Latham marker is the one closest on the left.
37° 48.336′ N, 122° 16.23′ W. Marker is in Oakland, California, in Alameda County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway and Telegraph Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oakland CA 94612, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Latham Square (here, next to this marker); Uptown Saturday Night (here, next to this marker); General Strike! (here, next to this marker); Crossroads (here, next to this marker); Latham Memorial Fountain Unveiled (a few steps from this marker); 1946 General Strike (within shouting distance of this marker); Oakland City Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of College of California (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.
Also see . . . Latham's Early History (Latham Foundation). (Submitted on November 20, 2020.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California.
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Home » News » Calif., Ore., Wash., Canadian province to make climate announcement Monday
Calif., Ore., Wash., Canadian province to make climate announcement Monday
Source: Debra Kahn, E&E reporter • Posted: Monday, October 28, 2013
West Coast state and provincial governments plan to make an announcement about their climate policies early next week.
Representatives of California, Oregon, Washington state and the Canadian province of British Columbia will make an announcement Monday afternoon at a meeting of the Pacific Coast Collaborative in San Francisco, officials from California and Washington said.
The PCC, formed in 2008, is an alliance among the four West Coast jurisdictions as well as Alaska to cooperate on clean energy, transportation, research and economic goals.
Details on the announcement were not immediately available.
“It will be an interesting and newsworthy event,” said Jay Manning, a former chief of staff to former Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) and former head of the state’s Department of Ecology who serves as an assistant to the PCC.
Earlier this month, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said that he supports an absolute cap on carbon-fuel emissions in the state as one of several ideas he thinks can get it closer to reaching goals set in 2008 for cutting greenhouse gas emissions (ClimateWire, Oct. 16).
British Columbia has a carbon tax and a goal of 33 percent below 2007 levels by 2020, while California has a cap-and-trade system in service of its goal of 1990 emissions levels by 2020. The province of Quebec is so far California’s only scheduled trading partner, although British Columbia is part of a nonprofit corporation with California and Quebec, the Western Climate Initiative Inc., that is aimed at implementing greenhouse gas trading programs.
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Cemeteries and memorials
Beugny Military Cemetery 18
By andrew pugh,
24 November , 2020 in Cemeteries and memorials
andrew pugh
Posted 24 November , 2020
Lieut-Colonel
Location:mildenhall suffolk
Does anybody know the original location of Beugny Military Cemetery18 which was created by the Germans in March 1918. Was it at a different location to where Delsaux Farm Cemetery is now?
ajsmith
Location:Newcastle, Staffs
From the CWGC
Delsaux Farm was a point on the German defensive system known as the Beugny-Ytres line, which was reached by Commonwealth troops on 18 March 1917, and passed on the following day. The farm was lost on 23 March 1918 after the gallant defence of Beugny by the 9th Welsh Regiment and their withdrawal, but it was retaken by the 5th Division on 2 September 1918, and on the next day the same division occupied Beugny village. After their advance in March 1918, the Germans made a cemetery (Beugny Military Cemetery No.18) at the cross-roads, and in it buried 103 Commonwealth and 82 German dead. The site was extended in October - November 1918 by the 29th and 46th Casualty Clearing Stations, which came to Delsaux Farm and made the present cemetery. A little later, the German graves of March 1918 were removed and the 103 Commonwealth dead reburied in Plot I, Row J, Plot II, Row A, and Plot III, Rows B, C and D. The rest of the cemetery was made when graves were later brought in from the battlefield. Delsaux Farm Cemetery contains 495 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 61 of the burials are unidentified and 32 others, identified as a whole but not individually, are marked with headstones inscribed "Buried near this spot". The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Sorry for the late reply. Thank you for that information. Was the German Cemetery on the same spot as the present day cemetery when started by the Germans?
On 26/11/2020 at 21:14, andrew pugh said:
Was the German Cemetery on the same spot as the present day cemetery when started by the Germans?
Yes it was
Cheer's for that
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+353 1 419 0390 info@greentigergroup.com
Green Tiger Group
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Leading Seaman James Joseph Magennis VC (spelling originally McGinnes) (27 October 1919 – 12 February 1986) was a Belfast-born recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was the only native of Northern Ireland to receive the Victoria Cross for Second World War service. Magennis was part of several operations involving X-Craft midget submarines in attacks on Axis ships. In July 1945 Magennis was serving on HMS XE3 during Operation Struggle. During an attack on the Japanese cruiser Takao in Singapore, Magennis showed extraordinary valour and bravery by leaving the submarine for a second time in order to free some explosive charges that had got caught. His commanding officer Lieutenant Ian Fraser was also awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 31 July 1945 during the Operation.
James McGinnes was born on 27 October 1919 at Majorca Street, West Belfast, Ireland. He was from a working class Roman Catholic family and attended St Finian’s Primary School on the Falls Road, Belfast until 3 June 1935 when enlisted in the Royal Navy as a boy seaman (spelling his surname Magennis). He served on several different warships between 1935 and 1942, when he joined the submarine branch. Before joining the submarine branch, Magennis served on the destroyer Kandahar which was mined off Tripoli, Libya, in December 1941 whilst Magennis was on board. The ship was irreparably damaged and was scuttled the following day. In December 1942, Magennis was drafted into the Submarine service and in March 1943 he volunteered for “special and Hazardous duties” — which meant Midget submarines, or X-craft. He trained as a diver, and in September 1943 took part in the first major use of the X-craft during Operation Source. Two submarines, HMS X7 and HMS X6, penetrated Kåfjord, Norway, and disabled the German battleship Tirpitz. For his part in the attack Magennis was mentioned in dispatches “for bravery and devotion to duty” in 1943.
Operation Struggle
In July 1945 Acting Leading Seaman Magennis was serving as the diver on the midget submarine HMS XE3 under the command of Lieutenant Ian Fraser. They were tasked with sinking the 10,000 ton Japanese cruiser Takao, the first of the Takao Class. She was berthed in the Straits of Johor, Singapore acting as an Anti-aircraft battery. The codename for the operation was Operation Struggle.
On 30 July 1945 the XE3 was towed to the area by the submarine Stygian. She slipped her tow at 23:00 for the forty-mile journey through hazardous wrecks, minefields and listening posts to reach the Takao. After arriving at the Takao at 13:00 on 31 July 1945. Magennis slipped out of the wet-and-dry chamber and he attached limpet mines to the Japanese cruiser Takao under particularly difficult circumstances. He had to chip away at barnacles on the bottom of the cruiser for 30 minutes before being able to attach the limpets. During this time his breathing apparatus was leaking and he returned to the submarine after completion of his task very exhausted. On withdrawing, Lieutenant Ian Fraser found that one of the limpet carriers which was being jettisoned would not release itself. Magennis immediately volunteered to free it commenting: “I’ll be all right as soon as I’ve got my wind, Sir”. This he did, after seven minutes of nerve-racking work with a heavy spanner. On completion Magennis returned to XE3 for the second time, allowing the four man midget submarine to make its escape out to open sea to meet the waiting Stygian.
Award of the Victoria Cross
The citation was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 9 November 1945 (dated 13 November 1945) and read:
Whitehall, 13th November, 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS for valour to:
Temporary Acting Leading Seaman James Joseph MAGENNIS, D/JX. 144907.
Leading Seaman Magennis served as Diver in His Majesty’s Midget Submarine XE-3 for her attack on 31 July 1945, on a Japanese cruiser of the Atago class. The diver’s hatch could not be fully opened because XE-3 was tightly jammed under the target, and Magennis had to squeeze himself through the narrow space available.
He experienced great difficulty in placing his limpets on the bottom of the cruiser owing both to the foul state of the bottom and to the pronounced slope upon which the limpets would not hold. Before a limpet could be placed therefore Magennis had thoroughly to scrape the area clear of barnacles, and in order to secure the limpets he had to tie them in pairs by a line passing under the cruiser keel. This was very tiring work for a diver, and he was moreover handicapped by a steady leakage of oxygen which was ascending in bubbles to the surface. A lesser man would have been content to place a few limpets and then to return to the craft. Magennis, however, persisted until he had placed his full outfit before returning to the craft in an exhausted condition. Shortly after withdrawing Lieutenant Fraser endeavoured to jettison his limpet carriers, but one of these would not release itself and fall clear of the craft. Despite his exhaustion, his oxygen leak and the fact that there was every probability of -his being sighted, Magennis at once volunteered to leave the craft and free the carrier rather than allow a less experienced diver to undertake the job. After seven minutes of nerve-racking work he succeeded in releasing the carrier. Magennis displayed very great courage and devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety.
Lieutenant Fraser was also awarded the VC for his part in the attack; whilst Sub-Lieutenant William James Lanyon Smith, RNZNVR, who was at the controls of XE3 during the attack, received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO); Engine Room Artificer Third Class Charles Alfred Reed, who was at the wheel, received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM). HMS XE1 was supposed to be attacking another Japanese vessel as part of the same operation, but actually ended up also placing its explosives under the same target. XE1’s C/O, Lieutenant John Elliott Smart RNVR, and Sub-Lieutenant Harold Edwin Harper, RNVR received the DSC; and ERA Fourth Class Henry James Fishleigh and Leading Seaman Walter Henry Arthur Pomeroy received the Distinguished Service Medal. ERA Fourth Class Albert Nairn, Acting Leading Stoker Jack Gordan Robinson, and Able Seaman Ernest Raymond Dee were Mentioned in Despatches for their part in bringing the two midget submarines from harbour to the point where the crews that took part in the attack took over.
Memorial to Leading Seaman Magennis VC
Magennis was the only Victoria Cross winner of the Second World War to hail from Northern Ireland. As a result, Magennis obtained something of a “celebrity status” in his home city. The citizens of Belfast raised more than £3,000 as part of a “Shilling Fund.” The City Fathers of Belfast refused to give Magennis the freedom of the City though. Sources differ as to the reasoning behind this; some claim it was due to religious divisions, others claim it was due to the City Fathers not “…believing that such an honour could not be bestowed on a working-class Catholic from the inner-city slums.” In 1946 Magennis married Edna Skidmore, with whom he had four sons. The money from the Shilling Fund was spent quickly by Magennis and his wife; she remarked: “We are simple people… forced into the limelight. We lived beyond our means because it seemed the right thing to do.” In 1949 he left the Navy and returned to Belfast, where, at some point, he sold his Victoria Cross . In 1955 he moved to Yorkshire, where he worked as an electrician. For the last years of his life, he suffered from chronic ill health, before dying on 11 February 1986 of lung cancer hours before his heroism was honoured by the Royal Navy Philatelic Office with a first-day cover.
Magennis has had several memorials erected in his honour. When Magennis first won the VC, he was treated rather shabbily by the Unionist-dominated Belfast City Council because he was from a working class Roman Catholic family. Although the public collected £3,600 in appreciation of his heroism, the council refused to give him the freedom of the city. The only official recognition was a small photograph tucked away in the robing room of the council chamber. The first memorial was only erected in 1999 after a long campaign by his biographer George Fleming and Major S.H. Pollock CD (Canada). The memorial, a bronze and stone statue, was officially unveiled in Belfast on 8 October 1999. The ceremony was conducted in the grounds of Belfast City Hall in the presence of Magennis’s son Paul, by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Bob Stoker. Magennis’s former commanding officer, Ian Fraser, was reported as saying: “Jim gave me bother from time to time. He liked his tot of rum, but he was a lovely man and a fine diver. I have never met a braver man. It was a privilege to know him and it’s wonderful to see Belfast honour him at last.”[citation needed] A wall mural commemorating James Magennis on the 60th anniversary of VJ day was unveiled on 16 September 2005 by Peter Robinson, the Democratic Unionist Party Member of Parliament representing East Belfast, including Tullycarnet.
Royal Naval Association, Great Victoria Street, Belfast
In 1986 at a memorial service in Bradford Cathedral, the Submarine Old Comrade Association (West Riding Branch) erected a memorial plaque on an inner wall within the Cathedral. The plaque made of Welsh slate was supplied by ex-submariner Tommy Topham MBE. Rear Admiral Place VC, CB, CVO, DSC unveiled the plaque. In attendance was Petty Officer Tommy “Nat” Gould, another submariner Victoria Cross recipient of the Second World War.
In 1998 a memorial plaque was installed by Castlereagh Borough Council on the wall of Magennis’s former home at 32 Carncaver Road, Castlereagh, East Belfast. A memorial blue plaque sponsored by Belfast City Council was installed on the outer wall of the Royal Naval Association building at Great Victoria Street, Belfast by the Ulster History Circle.
Ashcroft collection
In 1986, there was some publicity in the newspapers that his VC would be up at auction. This attracted the interest of Michael Ashcroft, Baron Ashcroft who bought the VC for £29,000 (plus fees) amidst strong competition from dealers and private collectors. This was the first Victoria Cross bought by Lord Ashcroft, who, as of 2006, owned 142 medals. In July 2008 Lord Ashcroft announced a donation of £5 million for a permanent gallery at the Imperial War Museum, where Victoria Crosses already held by the museum will be put on display alongside his own. The Lord Ashcroft Gallery opened in 2010.
Magennis was profiled in the 2006 television docudrama Victoria Cross Heroes, which included archive footage, dramatisations of his actions and an interview with Lord Ashcroft about his VC.
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Daily News Advisory
The stories listed in the GRNlive News Advisory below are based on a collection of links from the news organisations of the world. We suggest you start here and click on through to read on their original sites - then hopefully come back for more. GRNlive is not responsible for the content of these external internet sites. GRNlive correspondents are available to cover these stories as listed. Please contact us for any other stories you need covered and check for stories where Hazardous Environment premiums apply.
To book a correspondent call + 44 (0) 20 7976 5335
Feed closing for the moment
Posted by GRNlive on September 14, 2016 at 5:35 AM
We will be discontinuing this feed with immediate effect.
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Syria peace talks struggle to get off ground
GRNlive correspondents are at the talks
AFP via MailOnline: The UN special envoy for Syria faced an uphill task in Geneva on Monday to get talks to end the brutal civil war off the ground, as the opposition hesitated to join negotiations with the regime. The urgency to find a solution to the four-year war was brought home Sunday when multiple explosions killed 71 peo...
Aung San Suu Kyi's party takes seats in historic session of Myanmar parliament
GRNlive correspondents are in Yangon
The Guardian: After half a century of military-dominated rule, Aung San Suu Kyi has led her National League for Democracy (NLD) party into Myanmar’s parliament, taking a majority of seats and starting the process of installing a democratically elected government. Aung San Suu Kyi has waited more than 25 ...
EU talks: 'Crucial' day for possible Cameron-Tusk deal
GRNlive correspondents are in Brussels and London
BBC: David Cameron and European Council President Donald Tusk are set for a "crucial" day of talks about the UK's renegotiated membership of the EU. A meeting on Sunday night ended without a deal, though a Downing Street source said there had been a "breakthrough" on restricting benefits for EU migrants. Mr Tusk said "intensive work" would be neede...
Iowa caucus results are as unpredictable as this bizarre election season
GRNlive correspondents are on the campaign trail
The Guardian: The rural, snow-frosted landscape of Iowa is so sparse, the horizon so broad and the sky so huge that weather can declare itself with great ceremony. Rain, sleet and snow don’t just happen to you here – when the clouds part, you can see them coming.As Iowans gather at caucu...
Boko Haram attackers set village ablaze, kill dozens in Nigeria
GRNlive correspondents are in Lagos
CNN: Gunmen riding motorcycles raided a Nigerian village under the cover of darkness, killing at least 46 people and setting homes ablaze, officials said. The Boko Haram militants armed with machine guns opened fire on Dalori village near Maiduguri, relief officials said.
Iraq's new threat: Calamity from falling oil prices
GRNlive correspondents are in Baghdad
NYT via Economic Times: Iraqis seeking to withdraw money from banks are told there is not enough cash. Hospitals in Baghdad are falling back to the deprivation of the 1990s sanctions era, resterilizing, over and over, needles and other medical products meant for one-time use. In the autono...
Alternative for Germany: Party behind Germany's 'shoot at migrants' politician is attracting unprecedented support
GRNlive correspondents are in Berlin
Independent: The leader of Germany’s main right-wing anti-migrant party has caused political uproar by insisting that the country’s border police should be authorised to shoot at refugees trying to enter the country illegally. Frauke Petry, the 40-year-old...
Hollande pardon for French woman who killed abusive husband wins cautious welcome
GRNlive correspondents are in Paris
RFI: French President François Hollande has pardoned a woman who was jailed for 10 years for killing her husband. More than 400,000 people signed a petition demanding the release of Jacqueline Sauvage who was abused by her husband for decades. Hollande met Sauvage's daughters and lawyers on Friday and anno...
World News (20581)
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Zero Hour 2013 THE COMPLETE TV SERIES ON DVD Addison Timlin Scott Michael Foster Jacinda Barrett
As the publisher of Modern Skeptic Magazine, Hank Galliston has spent his career following clues, debunking myths and cracking conspiracies. But when his beautiful wife, Laila, is abducted from her antique clock shop, Hank gets pulled into one of the most compelling mysteries in human history, stretching around the world and back centuries.
Zero Hour (stylized as ZERØ HØUR) is an American conspiracy television series, created by Paul Scheuring and starring Anthony Edwards. In the U.S., the pilot episode became available on Hulu Plus as of February 1, 2013, then the series began airing on ABC on February 14, 2013 as a midseason replacement. On March 1, after the third episode, ABC canceled the series due to low ratings and immediately removed it from the schedule. On April 26, 2013, it was announced that the remaining episodes would be burned off through the dead of summer, beginning with two episodes on June 15 and ending on August 3, 2013.
Zero Hour aired in Canada on the Global Television Network for the first three episodes until ABC canceled it, later running the remaining episodes through the summer.Zero Hour aired via the Fox network in Italy, Spain and the Danish Broadcasting Corporation. Zero Hour was announced in 2012 as due to air in Australia on the Seven Network in 2013, but did not premiere until July 13, 2015 in an overnight timeslot, starting at 11:30 p.m.
1. 1-1 14 Feb 13 Strike
2. 1-2 21 Feb 13 Face
3. 1-3 28 Feb 13 Pendulum
4. 1-4 15 Jun 13 Chain
5. 1-5 15 Jun 13 Suspension
6. 1-6 22 Jun 13 Weight
7. 1-7 29 Jun 13 Sync
8. 1-8 06 Jul 13 Winding
9. 1-9 13 Jul 13 Balance
10. 1-10 20 Jul 13 Escapement
11. 1-11 27 Jul 13 Hands
12. 1-12 03 Aug 13 Ratchet
13. 1-13 03 Aug 13 Spring
Original Name: Zero Hour
Number of Episodes: 13
Certification / MPAA Film Rating: PG
First Air Date: February 14, 2013
Last Air Date: August 3, 2013
Created by: Paul Scheuring
Genres: Drama, Science Fiction
Production Companies: ABC Studios
Season 1 — 13 Episodes — Air Date: February 14, 2013
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Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff To Serve As Ambassador For Feed The Hungry Fund
American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today announced that renowned philanthropist Jean Shafiroff will serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Feed the Hungry fund.
“We are thrilled to have Jean as an ambassador for American Humane and our spokesperson for our critical Feed the Hungry fund,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “With Jean by our side, I am confident we can provide more than one million meals to hungry animals in need across the country. Importantly, Jean will also help educate people about the need to make their pandemic pets permanent members of their family.”
Through its grant program to rescues and shelters the fund has served more than 345,000 meals to date.
American Humane launched its Feed the Hungry fund to feed and care for animals across the country who have been abandoned during the novel coronavirus crisis. Through its grant program to rescues and shelters the fund has served more than 345,000 meals to date.
“Animals have a special place in my heart, and I am saddened to see so many being abandoned and left hungry during this time of crisis,” said Jean Shafiroff. “I hope to be able to help American Humane call even more attention to the critical need to help pets across the country and turn temporary homes into forever homes for many who being fostered during the pandemic.”
Sadly, up to 6 million animals end up in shelters every year and more than 1.5 million are euthanized. Hundreds of thousands face abuse, neglect, and homelessness in the face of crises and natural disasters.
“These animals rely on humane groups to provide lifesaving shelter and relief from the dire circumstances they face. We hope animal lovers everywhere will join us in helping to feed and protect our precious four-legged friends,” Dr. Ganzert said.
Jean Shafiroff is renowned for her charitable giving and commitment to philanthropy. She chairs numerous galas and hosts many events benefiting several not-for-profit organizations each year and is the author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, a book that serves as a practical guide for both the aspiring and seasoned philanthropist.
She serves on the boards of six charitable organizations, including the New York City Mission Society, Southampton Hospital Association, French Heritage Society, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board, and Global Strays. She is an Honorary Trustee of the Jewish Board and served on their board for 28 years. She is also an ambassador for the American Humane Society and is their national spokesperson for their Feeding America program.
She serves as the Ambassador-at-large for the Southampton Animal Shelter. In addition, Jean is a New York Women’s Foundation Board Alumna who remains very active with the Foundation and women’s issues. A volunteer fundraiser, leader, and spokesperson for several charitable causes, Jean Shafiroff’s philanthropic work includes improving the lives of underserved populations, animal rights, women’s rights, and well-being, and health care.
Jean has been honored for her philanthropic work countless times. Some of the groups that have honored her include the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, NYC Mission Society, Surgeons of Hope, the Hadassah, and the Jewish Board.
For more information visit: www.jeanshafiroff.com/
Via Lawlor Media Group
This entry was posted in animals, philanthropic, philantropic, social enterprise, Social Responsibility and tagged American Humane, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Dr. Robin Ganzert, Feed the Hungry fund, French Heritage Society, Jean Shafiroff, Lawlor Media Group, New York City Mission Society, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board, Southampton Hospital Association, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give by Harlem World Magazine. Bookmark the permalink.
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Be ready for a ribbingCoffee Club
Be ready for a ribbing
Tom Hanning leads his coffee club in digs.
One of his favorite targets is Alan Alex, the only Republican in the all-male group that meets for coffee six days a week at the Oxford Billiard Parlor on Havre's First Street.
He also has a barb ready for anyone who is not a New York Yankees fan.
But Hanning's boisterous nature doesn't make him immune from the nine other members of the group.
"One of the first rules of the coffee club is you never, never believe anything Tom Hanning says," retorted Alex, who owned the Oxford from 1980-1983.
This particular coffee club one of many in existence in Havre was formed 10 years ago, and is composed mainly of "sports nuts," Hanning said.
They started meeting after early-morning golf matches in Havre, Chinook or Fort Benton. Since then, it has become a tradition.
"You get out of the house," said Morris Toldness, 77, the only nonsports fan in the group. "You give your wife a break, so she doesn't divorce you."
Except for Sunday, the club gathers every morning at 10 a.m., the same time owner Russ DeVries opens his doors.
"Sometimes they're here before that," said DeVries, who provides the coffee and donuts free of charge. "When you're retired, you don't have a lot else to do."
All but two of the members of the group were born and raised in Havre. Bob Prim, one of the imports, has lived here for 31 years. Now retired, Prim was transferred to Havre by his employer, Great Northern Railway.
"Havre is a great town," said Prim, a die-hard L.A. Dodgers fan. "I've never regretted coming here."
Three of the Havreites Toldness, Jim Sather and John Callahan were in the same graduating class at Havre High School, in 1944. "I've known him since the first grade," Sather said of Toldness.
Callahan, 75, has hung out at the Oxford since the 1940s, when he was a freshman in high school. The former owner let Callahan, who retired from Havre Electric Co. in 1989, come in and play pool, "so I've been coming here ever since," he said.
The elder statesman of the club, 92-year-old Joe Cech, only attends once or twice a week. His granddaughter, Corinne, is married to owner DeVries.
Conversation never strays too far from the realm of sports. On this particular Tuesday, they discussed the recent resignation of the Montana State University-Northern men's basketball coach Brian Harrell, as well as Hanning's favorite topic the Yankees and the firing of University of Montana men's basketball coach Don Holtz.
"If people would just listen to us, we'd have all the problems solved," Hanning joked.
The coffee drinkers go through about two large urns each day.
"My doctor told me I could have two and a half (cups of coffee) but I usually get away with three and a half," Prim said.
Toldness, who also belongs to a 6 a.m. coffee group that gathers at P.J.'s Restaurant & Casino, said, "I only have about one cup (at the Oxford), but I have about six over (at P.J.'s)."
By 11:30 a.m., most of the members have left the establishment, in favor of lunch and an afternoon nap.
But they'll be back tomorrow. After all, they're part of the landscape.
"They're kind of like an old worn-out chair in the corner," DeVries joked.
This is the first in an occasional series about coffee clubs on the Hi-Line.
Wind storm wreaks havo...Tim Leeds
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Gianforte rescinds mos...Patrick Johnston
Tester calls for conse...Patrick Johnston
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NOAA awards $11.6 million for harmful algal bloom research
By High Performance Hunter on October 7, 2020
Projects will help enhance monitoring and determine socioeconomic impacts of blooms
NOAA is announcing funding of 17 new research projects around the country to better understand and predict harmful algal blooms (HABs) and improve our nation’s collective response to them.
NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) allocated $10.3 million to harmful algal bloom research in fiscal year 2020 for work that will take place over the next three to five years. Approximately $4 million will cover the first year of 11 new projects, while $6.3 million will go to 16 projects already in process. New projects will begin in Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, New England, the Pacific Northwest, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A full list of the new grant awards is available online.
Award recipients will research enhanced detection of harmful algal bloom toxins and test control methods in both ocean and freshwater; model toxin movement through food webs; improve HAB forecasts; and investigate the social and economic impacts of blooms.
NOAA is celebrating 50 years of science, service, and stewardship in fulfilling a mission to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels. Visit our news and features page.
The post NOAA awards $11.6 million for harmful algal bloom research appeared first on Hunting and Conservation News.
Source: Huntinglife
Published in Hunt
More from HuntMore posts in Hunt »
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U.S. Yoga Injuries Increasing
Yoga injuries in the United States are on the rise, particularly among older adults, according to data from hospital emergency rooms nationwide. Researchers from the Center for Injury Sciences at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), Alabama, examined data from 2001 to 2014 to establish the injury risk involved in yoga participation.
Data analysis revealed that the injury rate overall among adult participants increased from 10 for every 100,000 yoga practitioners in 2001 to 17 per 100,000 practitioners in 2014. However, when looking at specific age groups, the data told a more varied story. Among those aged 18–44, the injury rate rose from 10 per 100,000 to 12. For those 45–64, the rate jumped from 10 to 18. But for those aged 65 and older, the injury rate increased 8 times—from 7 per 100,000 in 2001 to 58 in 2014.
These figures do not capture all injuries. The data included only emergency-
room incidents reported as yoga-related and did not count those classified under “sport or recreational activity not listed elsewhere.” Additionally, many other injuries may have been resolved by doctors or self-treated by individuals.
During the time frame examined, an estimated 29,590 yoga-related injuries led to emergency-room visits. Almost half were trunk injuries; 45% were sprains or strains. “The incidence of fracture was highest in the older population,” said lead study author Thomas Swain, MPH, in a UAB news release. “Yoga is harder and more demanding than some people believe,” said co-author Gerald McGwin, PhD, director of the Center for Injury Sciences, in the same news release. “You need a realistic view of your own abilities and you need to understand that some poses might be too challenging and inappropriate. A qualified, certified yoga instructor can help you with that assessment and is essential to a safe experience.”
Since injuries increased among all age groups, a lack of qualified instructors may have been a contributing factor, the researchers observed. They further proposed the creation of national standards for yoga instructor certification and urged more aggressive training in safety and injury prevention.
“There are many benefits to yoga, and overall our findings show it is relatively safe,” said McGwin. “But, there is an injury risk, especially for older populations, and that risk should not be ignored.”
The study is open access and was published in The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine (2016; doi: 10.1177/2325967116671703).
Fitness Journal - July 2017
IDEA Member Spotlight: January 2021
Meet three IDEA members who truly shine.
Stay up tp date with our latest news and products.
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This Is the No. 1 Sign a Founder Will Succeed, According to a Former Y Combinator Partner
Nope, it's got nothing to do with prestigious degrees or a past stint at Google.
By Jessica Stillman@EntryLevelRebel
Say you're looking to invest in a particular niche and two entrepreneurs come to you with proposals to start a company in the space. Both appear clever and energetic, and both have well-thought-out plans to conquer the market. How would you decide between them?
This is a highly theoretical question for most of us, but partners at top startup accelerator Y Combinator face it all the time. Thanks to its track record of success, the accelerator is bombarded with promising entrepreneurs and great ideas. Its leadership has had to come up with smart ways to sift through this impressive pile, picking out the would-be founders who are most likely to succeed.
Former partner Harj Taggar recently shared one of the firm's secrets with Business Insider, and it's useful to anyone assessing a potential co-founder, thinking about making an investment, or even wondering about their own capacity to hack it as a startup founder.
What do you do on Saturdays?
Your first guess might be that the Y Combinator team looks for prestigious degrees or experience at top tech companies known to employ only whip-smart people. But actually that doesn't work so well, Taggar revealed to BI.
"Often, we'd fund people that had been promoted and risen up the ranks at really top-quality companies like Google. But they'd work at a startup and they couldn't handle the ambiguity. It wasn't a good fit for them," he said.
Instead, the surest sign of coming success was what a potential founder did in their spare time. People "who had an unusual background, an eclectic mix of things that they'd done, actually turned out to be really great at [entrepreneurship]," he explained.
This observation, said Taggar, led Y Combinator to start asking founders "what projects did they work on, and in particular when did they work on projects out of personal interest, because they thought that they would learn something or they were just curious about something." A question in this spirit now appears on the accelerator's application.
Your free-time self is your real self
Y Combinator's leadership aren't the only ones who have noticed the correlation between free-time passions and entrepreneurial success. Entrepreneur and Andreessen Horowitz investor Chris Dixon has famously insisted that "what the smartest people do on the weekend is what everyone else will do during the week in 10 years."
He observes, "Engineers vote with their time, and are mostly trying to invent interesting new things. Hobbies are what the smartest people spend their time on when they aren't constrained by near-term financial goals." That means how smart people spend their weekends is a great barometer for what tech trends are about to blow up. But it's also a great way to tell what people are really interested in -- what truly drives them.
Startups are so difficult it's close to impossible to succeed if you're not truly driven to pursue a particular business idea. Which is why VC Brad Feld is another famous startup veteran who insists that if you want to know if a founder (or even an employee) will succeed, ask what they do in their free time.
"What do you do on the weekends?" is a great interview question, he believes. "I've used it with founders of companies I'm looking at investing in, Techstars founders, and execs for early-stage companies. Basically, anyone when I'm trying to understand what they are thinking about long term," he says. "The variety of answers is fascinating, often deeply personal, and occasionally very confusing to me. But they are always enlightening."
Another reason hobbies predict success
Apart from the fact that your off-the-clock passions are a good gauge of what really motivates you, there is another reason passionately pursued hobbies are a good sign when it comes to entrepreneurial success. Hobbies, both seasoned founders and science insist, are a great way to let off steam, get some creativity-inducing distance from your day-to-day work, and build resilience.
Whether it's surfing, horseback riding, running, mountain climbing, or sailing, having a passion outside your career is actually one of the most sure-fire ways to increase your odds of success at work. That's apparently true for startup founders (see links above), but it's also true of just about anyone else.
So if you're wondering if someone has what it takes to cut it as an entrepreneur, don't just look at their resume. Ask what they do in their free time. If their eyes light up as they give an in-depth answer about an after-hours project, raise your expectations of their success accordingly.
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Brunei Darussalam - Investment Opportunity
Brunei Darussalam welcomes foreign investment. Foreign investors are invited to actively participate in the current economic diversification programme of the country. The programme hinges on the growth of the private sector. The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources was formed in 1989 with the responsibility of promoting and facilitating industrial development in Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam offers all investors an environment that is conducive to investment in terms of security, stability, continuity, confidence, and competitiveness.
Competitive investment incentives are ready and available for investors throughout the business cycle of start up, growth, maturity and expansion. The Investment Incentive Act provides tax advantages at start up and ongoing incentives throughout growth and expansion that are comparable with, if not better than, those offered by other countries in the region.
Industrial activities are classified into four categories:
Industries related to national food security;
Industries for local markets;
Industries based on local resources; and
Industries primarily for export market
Flexible Policies
Industrial policy incentives covering manpower development, ownership, government support and facilities remain open and flexible for all categories of industrial activity. Brunei Darussalam maintains a realistic approach in dealing with investors and entrepreneurs. Policies relating to ownership allow for full foreign ownership, majority foreign ownership and minority foreign ownership, as per the type of industry and the prevailing situation in that industry. Only activities relating to national food security and those based on local resources require some level of local participation or collaboration. Industries for the local market not related to national food security and industries for total export can be fully foreign owned. Overall, in Brunei Darussalam, any industrial enterprise would be considered favorably.
Supportive Environment
Brunei Darussalam offers vast land and a variety of facilities throughout all four districts of the country. The majority of the 12 industrial sites developed in recent years are available for occupation. Large areas for agro forestry development and aquaculture are also available. Rental terms and tenancy agreements are competitive and the sites offer a range of facilities including infrastructure and resources. Brunei Darussalam gives priority for ensuring stability for the natural environment.
As such, all sites are free from pollution and are ecologically well balanced. The Government philosophy is for sustainable development. Therefore, all polluting industries are banned and one of the important criteria for engaging an industry's participation is its likely impact on the environment.
One-Stop Agency
As the focal point for all industrial development, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources coordinates all industrial development activities. For investments in Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry acts as a one-stop agency.
Thus it is pleasantly easy to start an industry in Brunei Darussalam. A totally private development initiative which does not require Government facilities needs only the approval of the government to start. Only those requiring government facilities and assistance need to deal with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, which will liaise with other agencies and expedite applications.
The Ministry realises the importance of time bound progress and follows clear policy decisions to encourage new investors and to make their job easy. The entire procedure has only four stages:-
Approval of the concept
Approval of the firm proposal
Approval of physical plans
Approval to operate
Brunei Darussalam is still very much dependent on revenues from crude oil and natural gas to finance its development programmes. Apart from this, Brunei Darussalam also receives income from rents, royalties, corporate tax and dividends. Due to the non-renewable nature of oil and gas, economic diversification has been accorded overwhelming priority in Brunei Darussalam's national development agenda. In the current Ninth National Development Plan, 2007-2012, the government has allocated more than $7.2 $9 billion for the implementation of various projects and programmes.
Brunei Darussalam is the third largest oil producer in Southeast Asia and it produced 163,000 barrels per of crude oil in 2011. It is also the fourth largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the world.
Brunei Darussalam a growing economy which has been blessed with rich natural resources and a strategic location within the region. The major part of the country is covered with tropical rainforests, teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Anxious to promote the conservation of its lush green natural surroundings, eco-tourism has gained importance in the country's economic activities.
Human resources are central to the successful transformation of Brunei Darussalam into a diversified industrial economy. As in most developing nations, there is a shortage of skilled workforce in the country. Therefore, greater emphasis is placed upon education and training of manpower. The main areas of interest in human resources development are managerial and industrial skills, with particular emphasis on entrepreneurial skills as well as vocational and technical training.
Brunei Darussalam's main exports consist of three major commodities - crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas - sold largely to Japan, the United States and the ASEAN countries. The Government's move to promote non-oil and non-gas activities has been largely successful.
In its effort to diversify the economy, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has identified a 'preferred list of industries', ie the lists of priority industries to be developed. Currently, there is tourism, production of primary sectors (chicken, eggs, fish, vegetables, etc.), food and beverage, handicrafts, building materials such as roofing and cement, switchboards, electrical cables, furniture, service industry, logistics and others.
By taking into account the advantage (strength) 'comparative advantage', 'competitiveness' and the opportunities available, the ministry has identified the following industries as industries to be developed in the medium term the tourism sector, brand bruneihalal, primary products, food and Beverages and handicrafts. In the long term, the ministry focuses on developing alternative renewable energy sector as well as Development of products from Biodiversity.
Rice Production
Various efforts have been made by the government to encourage rice production during the last decade and the yield per acre has increased due to the introduction of better agricultural methods.
Approximately 290 tones or 1 percent of the nation's rice needs are produced locally from 613 hectares of rice fields scattered around the country.
As a first step towards the attainment of self-sufficiency in rice, the government launched in 1978 an experimental large scale mechanized rice planting project at Kampong Wasan. Covering an area of 400 hectares, the project was a joint venture between the Agriculture Department and the Public Works Department.It also aimed at planting padi twice a year, from April to September and from October to March.
To reach its target of food self-sufficiency Brunei introduced ‘Laila Rice ‘ planting ceremony in April 2009, and the Royal Family encouraged paddy growers by reaping the first few stalks of ‘Laila padi’ from the fielkd.
Fruit Farming
Fruit farming is largely performed on a small scale. There is a vast range of locally produced tropical fruits, which supply some 11% of domestic requirements of more than 14,000 tones. In 1975, the Agriculture Department initiated a fruit-farming scheme to encourage fruit cultivation in the country. In an effort to increase the production of local fruits, the government through the agricultural stations in Batang Mitus, Tanah Jambu and Lumapas, planted seedlings of various fruit trees including rambutan, durian and oranges.
Locally grown vegetables constitute about 6,700 tones or just over 65 per cent of the country's needs. The produce increases gradually as more and more people are taking up vegetable farming.
The country produces about 1,000 head of cattle and bufaloes for the market annually at about six percent of its own beef consumption, The Government assists local stock farmers with calves, machinery, feed, seedlings, fertilizers and veterinary care. The country requires 3,000 to 5,000 tones of meat annually, with per capita consumption of between 9 and 17 kg. To meet demand, it has to import an average of between 4,000 and 7,000 heads of live cattle from its Wileroo Ranch in the Northern of Australia. Local fresh milk production contributes about 199 thousand litres annually.
Research has been carried out to ascertain the best possible way to increase the buffalo population. Towards this end, the Agriculture Department has launched a research project covering 4000 hectares in the Batang Mitus area in the Tutong District. So far, over 200 hectares have already been brought under this project. The farm's main aim will be to biologically combine local and imported stock towards producing hybrid buffaloes for commercial purposes.
About three quarters of Brunei Darussalam's total land area are covered by forests. However, their contribution to the economy is minimal. Logging, limited to 100 thousand cubic meters annually, is confined to meeting local needs only.
With the proclamation of the 200 nautical miles for Brunei Fisheries limits in 1983 and the identification of potential areas for fisheries activities, the value of fisheries industry is estimated to be worth more than B$200 million. At the present exploitation and utilisation, the fisheries sector of Brunei Darussalam, comprising capture, aqua-culture and seafood processing contributed about 0.5% of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or about B$37.2 million, at current prices. It provides work to more than 1,500 involved in this sector. The 2001 catch of fish and other sea food totalled 1,492 tonnes.
The country has good potential for exports, but lacks in resources, including technology. The development of fishing industry in Brunei, thus, needs foreign investment. The government, through the Fisheries Department therefore, has been trying to attract suitable foreign involvement, either in the form of joint partnership or strategic alliances, aimed at developing the fisheries sector to a competitive, efficient and commercially lucrative venture.
Crude oil and liquefied natural gas are the main exports of Brunei Darussalam. From January to June 1998 it exported 134.77 trillion BTU or 88.94 per cent of the production to Japan and 16.75 trillion BTU or 11.06 percent to the Republic of Korea.
Under a Sale and Purchase Extension Agreement signed by BLNG and the Japanese buyers in 1993, the LNG Plant at Lumut exports annually about 5.54 million metric tons of LNG to Japan. In June 1998, an amendment was made in the agreement increasing the sales by an additional 14 cargoes per annum to Japan effective from 1999 to 2013.
In October 1997, a sale and purchase agreement had been signed to deliver 0.7 million metric tons of LNG to the Republic of Korea until the year 2013. In total, 200 'B' class LNG cargoes equivalent will be delivered annually to the buyers in Japan and the Republic of Korea from the year 1999 to 2013as per the current arrangements among the countries.
In March 1998, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam formed a Joint-venture company tso have a collaboration with Shell International Gas and Mitsubishi Corporation. The Oil and Gas accounted for about 36 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 1996. Production tended to fall. But the high level of crude oil production in Brunei is maintained through the increase in offshore oil fields production.
About Brunei Darussalam
India with Brunei Darussalam
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Home Volvo
Volvo S60 Unveiled In The US At Charleston, South Carolina.
in Volvo
Volvo has unveiled its Volvo S60 sedan at Charleston, South Carolina, which incidentally would also serve as the model’s global production site.
Built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture, the S60 is 4,761 mm long, 2,040 mm wide and 1,431 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,872 mm. When it goes on sale early next year, the S60 will come with a choice of two petrol and two hybrid engines.
The plug-in hybrid engines include Volvo’s supercharged 2.0-litre T8 Twin Engine, which produces a combined 390hp, with the 303hp petrol engine driving the front wheels and the 65kW electric unit powering the rear axle. That model offers 640Nm and can achieve 0-100kph in 4.9secs on its way to a top speed of 250kph.
The S60 would go on sale early next year and is expected to come to India by the end of 2019.
Suzuki Jimny Official Images Released
Audi S1 To Be Revealed Late Next Year
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The Clover House
Henriette Lazaridis Power
Perfect for fans of Tatiana de Rosnay’s Sarah’s Key, this stunning debut novel brings to life World War II-era and modern-day Greece—and tells the story of a vibrant family and the tragic secret kept hidden for generations.
Boston, 2000: Calliope Notaris Brown receives a shocking phone call. Her beloved uncle Nestor has passed away, and now Callie must fly to Patras, Greece, to claim her inheritance. Callie’s mother, Clio—with whom Callie has always had a difficult relationship—tries to convince her not to make the trip. Unsettled by her mother’s strange behavior, and uneasy about her own recent engagement, Callie decides to escape Boston for the city of her childhood summers. After arriving at the heady peak of Carnival, Callie begins to piece together what her mother has been trying to hide. Among Nestor’s belongings, she uncovers clues to a long-kept secret that will alter everything she knows about her mother’s past and about her own future.
Greece, 1940: Growing up in Patras in a prosperous family, Clio Notaris and her siblings feel immune to the oncoming effects of World War II, yet the Italian occupation throws their privileged lives into turmoil. Summers in the country once spent idling in the clover fields are marked by air-raid drills; the celebration of Carnival, with its elaborate masquerade parties, is observed at home with costumes made from soldiers’ leftover silk parachutes. And as the war escalates, the events of one fateful evening will upend Clio’s future forever.
A moving novel of the search for identity, the challenges of love, and the shared history that defines a family, The Clover House is a powerful debut from a distinctive and talented new writer.
Praise for The Clover House
“The Clover House is a gripping, tender story that spans continents and generations as it delves into the secrets of a Greek American family altered by a long-ago tragedy in World War II. Told with quiet power and authenticity, it’s a reader’s treat.”—Kate Alcott, New York Times bestselling author of The Dressmaker
“[A] stunning debut novel.”—USA Today
“[An] insightful examination of memory and the stories that hold us together—or perhaps tear us apart.”—The Boston Globe
“A rare treat: an elegantly written debut about a family mystery set during wartime, the slipperiness of memory, and the challenges of forgiveness. Plus, we get to go to Greece! What more could you want from a novel? Read it, read it!”—Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us
“A powerful story of family, betrayal, and forgiveness . . . In her first novel, Power melds the stories of mother and daughter into an absorbing tale that deserves to rank high on the list of women’s fiction.”—Booklist
“Layered and complex, The Clover House is a provocative examination of family secrets and the things we inherit, a powerful search for self that feels both unique and universal. Henriette Lazaridis Power immerses the reader in a world of tradition and resilience, creating characters who linger long beyond their final pages. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.”—Brunonia Barry, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Lace Reader and The Map of True Places
Look for special features inside. Join the Random House Reader’s Circle for author chats and more.
Praise For The Clover House: A Novel…
“Well-paced and filled with likable, plausibly flawed characters.”—Kirkus Reviews
“The Clover House is a tremendously readable story of how family secrets reverberate, how war can force impossible choices, and how a very modern woman faces old longings for her mother’s love and a true home. This is a smart and lovely novel.”—Holly Lecraw, author of The Swimming Pool
Ballantine Books, 9780345530684, 432pp.
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Henriette Lazaridis Power is a first-generation Greek-American who has degrees in English literature from Middlebury College; Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar; and the University of Pennsylvania. She taught at Harvard for ten years, serving as an academic dean for four of those. She is the founding editor of The Drum, a literary magazine publishing exclusively in audio form. A competitive rower, Power trains regularly on the Charles River in Boston.
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GOP’s Meuser looks to hold PA-9 Congressional seat against dentist Wegman
October 16, 2020 [email protected]_84 Congressional, dentist, GOPs, Hold, Meuser, PA9, seat, Wegman
Dan Meuser was elected to Congress in 2018 to represent the area which includes Lebanon County.
PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Freshman Congressman Dan Meuser fought off a COVID-19 diagnosis in August. Now, he’s looking to fight off an election challenge from Democrat Gary Wegman.
Meuser was elected to Congress in the newly drawn 9th Congressional District in 2018 with 59% of the vote. He is one of President Donald Trump’s most staunch supporters, voting with the president’s views 97.5% of the time, according to the website fivethirtyeight.com.
One of Meuser’s top policy points he says is maintaining law and order. He said he doesn’t personally believe systemic racism exists within police departments.
This is Wegman’s second political campaign. He ran for the same seat in 2018 and lost the Democratic primary to Denny Wolff.
Wegman’s platform is based largely on improving health care. He is a dentist and runs a family produce farm.
The 9th District includes all of Lebanon County, Carbon County, Columbia County, Montour County, and Schyulkill Counties, plus parts of Luzerne, Berks, and Northumberland Counties.
For more election coverage, where to vote, information about the candidates, and other stories about voting safety and security, visit the FOX43 Election Voting Guide.
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jeremy lock
MOH Bennie G. Adkins Dignified Transfer
On Monday, December 12, 2020 American Airlines operated a special flight (Flt 1966) carrying the late Medal of Honor recipient CSM Bennie G. Adkins and his family from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. before being buried at Arlington.
American Airlines numbered the flight “1966” for the year in which he acted heroically in Vietnam to receive the U.S.‘s highest military decoration.
Full honors were bestowed for CSM Adkins and his family as the Soldiers from the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Ft. Campbell, KY performed the transfer and the Patriot Guard Riders from Atlanta and Washington lined the runway with American flags.
Adkins received the Medal of Honor in 2014 from President Barack Obama for his service during the Vietnam War at the Battle of A Shau in 1966, during which he rescued fellow soldiers and killed between 135 and 175 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers while sustaining eighteen wounds to his body over the course of a 38-hour battle and 48 hours of escape, according to Adkins’ Medal of honor citation.
“When the camp was attacked by a large North Vietnamese and Viet Cong force in the early morning hours, Sergeant First Class Adkins rushed through intense enemy fire and manned a mortar position continually adjusting fire for the camp, despite incurring wounds as the mortar pit received several direct hits from enemy mortars,” the citation reads. “Upon learning that several soldiers were wounded near the center of camp, he temporarily turned the mortar over to another soldier, ran through exploding mortar rounds and dragged several comrades to safety.”
You can read his full citation here
In April, he lost a battle to COVID 19 at the age of 86. He will be buried with full military honors on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 and will be laid to rest with the remains of his wife, Mary Adkins, who died Feb. 12, 2019, and is already laid to rest in Arlington.
This was a great honor to document for me as I have had the pleasure of having CSM Adkins in front of my camera for one of my favorite Medal of Honor portraits ever.
God bless and thanks for being a true American Hero!
R.I.P. CSM Bennie G. Adkins, February 1, 1934 – April 17, 2020.
Army Honor Guard
5th SFG
Dignified Transfer
Special Forces Group
Arlington Cemetery
Bennie G. Adkins
Flag Draped Coffin
Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque, Texas
Operation BBQ Relief's Mission Highlighted on Fox News
Always great working for an organization you believe in, even better is the faith and belief they have in me to capture their mission! Always a beautiful site to wake up and see your work on the news!
BBQ Relief: Uniting "My America"!
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Times New Arial mutates familiar fonts into something wholly new
The most ubiquitous typefaces of the internet age mashed together make for an elegant slice of modern nostalgia.
A project out of design studio Libermann Kiepe Reddemann (LKR) in Hamburg, Germany, in conjunction with designer Elias Hanzer, Times New Arial is a variable font that combines two of the most instantly recognizable fonts of the last two decades. Variable fonts are children of the internet. They’re single font files that can dynamically adjust their height, width, slant, or other attributes without the need for a larger font file size, which makes them great for responsive web design.
An example of a variable font at work by Erik van Blokland. LettError Type & Typography
“The possibility to use custom fonts in the world wide web is rather new and has only been possible since the introduction of CSS2 in 1998,” LKR explains. “Until then it was only possible to use fonts for the web that were installed on the user’s computer, the so-called system fonts.” Those system fonts were Times New Roman — the serif option — and Arial — the grotesque or sans-serif one.
That’s why, according to LKR, that pair of fonts “nowadays embody default and nostalgic web design.” In an interview with It's Nice That, LKR's David Liebermann says, "We wanted to combine this conventional aesthetic with new technical possibility in order to revive and refine them, so in turn, we could experiment with them in our projects."
Cool, but to what end? — “With the new technique of variable fonts it is now possible to combine the two visual extremes in one interpolated typeface,” LKR explains. “The new technological possibilities transfer the meaning of this hybrid font into a new era of font usage.”
Which is really to say, even they don’t really know for sure. Times New Arial is part of LKR’s new visual identity, and anyone looking to use it for their own design projects, collaborations, or education can get in touch with the studio about using it. But ultimately, the font is more like a concept car or a piece of art for now: it’s an idea made manifest that combines design technology and typographic geekery with nostalgia. Which is right up our alley.
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InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
Videos Chevron Right
Here's What Hoda Kotb Has to Say About Making Less Money Than Matt Lauer
This article originally appeared on People. For more stories like this, visit people.com.
By PEOPLE.COM/Charlotte Triggs, Stephanie Petit
Updated Jan 03, 2018 @ 1:45 pm
Hoda Kotb may be taking Matt Lauer‘s spot behind the Today anchor desk—but she won’t be getting his salary.
The 53-year-old veteran journalist—who had been filling in for Lauer after he was fired in November for alleged inappropriate sexual behavior, and has now officially replaced him—tells People exclusively in this week’s issue that neither she nor her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie will be making the kind of money that their ousted former colleague did.
“The answer is no—that’s not happening,” says Kotb of whether she’d be seeing similar figures in her paycheck.
“For either of us,” adds Guthrie, 46.
Kotb continued, “I think the whole money thing for me, I’ve always been sort of—I know it sounds ridiculous that I’m going to say this, but I really have done jobs I liked for the job I liked because I never wanted to be happy every other Friday on pay day. Like, I didn’t want that to be the happy day. I wanted to feel good throughout. So no, I’m not making Matt Lauer money. Not even close.” (Lauer reportedly signed a two-year, $20 million contract in 2016.)
Credit: NBC/Getty Images
Kotb and Guthrie also revealed how they leaned on one another in the wake of Lauer’s dismissal, which they broke together on air.
“I think you could see from the moment that the news happened that our hearts were broken, and in lots of ways, they still are,” says Guthrie. “That feeling was shared through our whole newsroom and our whole Today show staff, because it sounds like cliché or a promo line, but it happens to be true: We are family, and we do love each other, and families do go through hard times, and when that happens in good families, you just get closer.”
“You pull together and you focus on the foundation and what keeps you together,” she continues. “I think that’s what we’ve all been trying to do. And for me, I just am trying to get comfortable with how complicated the feelings around all of it are, and it is complicated. And just trying to have love and compassion for everyone concerned.”
RELATED: Matt Lauer Reacts to Hoda Kotb Replacing Him on the Today Show
“We were just trying to make it through those days together,” adds Kotb. “Sometimes when you go through something with someone, you see something special. I think that’s what happened.”
Guthrie, for one, didn’t want that “something special” to end. “It was such a shock to wake up one day and not have Matt, but it was the most natural and comforting thing in the world to have Hoda right there,” she says. “No one wanted that to stop.”
In addition to her co-anchor duties, Kotb will continue hosting the show’s third hour alongside Kathie Lee Gifford.
Today airs weekdays (beginning at 7 a.m. ET) on NBC.
InStyle InStyle
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The ISR
The Rorschach Test
National Members
Join ISR
Application for Groups/Societies/Organizations
Application for Individual Membership
The Rorschach is a test which enables the psychological mechanisms of a person to be explored, both in their present functioning and in their mental structure. This test is used across the world in a variety of fields of psychology: principally in clinical, educational, organisational and forensic settings.
A contemporary of C.G. Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach noted that schizophrenic patients had an unusual way of perceiving objects that were presented in ambiguous images. A systematic study of how shapes were perceived in inkblots by numerous patients and non-patients led him to describe various types of perception processes and establish links between these processes and psychological traits and/or some mental disturbances.
For instance, he established a parallel between a mostly global approach to the blots and the ability to synthesise (as opposed to a more analytical mind which is reflected in a more detailed approach to the blots), between sensitivity to grey and black colours and depressive inclinations, or between the proportion of well-perceived objects and quality of the contact with reality.
Rorschach proposed a typology distinguishing three basic modalities of relating to the world: introversiveness, extratensiveness and ambitancy. These types correspond to the way people associate, dissociate or mix emotions and thoughts in their usual mental operations.
Contrary to his predecessors, Hermann Rorschach did not conceive his inkblot test as a way to reveal the persons’s imaginative abilities. He even considered that imagination played a modest role in the response process. He was interested in the act of perceiving, which revealed the psychological mechanisms of a person in their relationship to the world. His seminal and brilliant idea was to focus the analysis of the responses not on their contents but on the way the person relates to the blots: how they outline shapes and use the actual characteristics of the blots (colours, shadings, forms), and how close or far the responses from common perception.
The sudden death of Hermann Rorschach in 1922 interrupted his ongoing work but the technique he had so uniquely explored was then widely expanded. Almost one century after the publication of his monograph, the Rorschach test is used, studied and developed by psychologists from around the world.
Rorschach H. Psychodiagnostik. Bern: Bircher; 1921
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Apple "Gather Round" Invitation Has a Big Gold Hint
Let's all gather round and read way too much into this.
James Dennin
Apple sent the event invites out for its upcoming product launch on September 12 on Thursday. And while the spotlight at the event is usually the company’s new iPhones, some fans are taking cues from the invitation to mean that the event will emphasize something else.
Let’s start with the more far-fetched of the theories about this year’s typically sparse invite. The circle kind of looks like a lens, which some took to be some sort of hint about the company’s augmented reality efforts. There may be some recency bias at play here, just yesterday Apple confirmed that it had purchased Akonia Holographics, a small Colorado-based company that makes augmented reality glasses.
Are we getting Apple glasses? Seems like a stretch. iDrop News
But, to be frank, that seems a little out there. If you were going to do a big event to rollout of your augmented reality glasses, wouldn’t your circular invite feature two orbs, instead of one? Doesn’t quite make sense. Let’s move on.
Others have theorized that the circle hints at a redesigned Apple Watch. It seems very likely that we’ll see some new Apple Watches at the event, based on a string of rumors and patent filings that have been spotted in the EU. But it would be a pretty drastic change.
Of course, one of the most logical interpretations would be to simply take the circle at face value. Both the Apple Park, Apple’s corporate headquarters, and the Steve Jobs Theater are shaped exactly the same. Is it out of the realm of possibility that the “gather round” refers to the journalists and analysts who will be gathering round at Apple’s very round headquarters? It’s certainly possible.
Apple Park as seen in an official video from the company. Apple
Does Gather Round Refer to AirPower?
While many took the color to be an allusion to the upcoming rose gold version of the iPhone XS, it’s also fairly described as copper, depending on how you look at it. The copper color, the round shape, and the (admittedly few) words on the invitation have led some Apple fans to speculate that it’s an allusion to AirPower.
“Gather round,” perhaps, could refer to the process of gathering one’s plethora of beloved Apple devices all around one single charger.
AirPower, of course, was announced last year, and is meant to be a wireless charging dock capable of juicing up multiple devices simultaneously. That, at least was the plan, but technical hiccups led to a number of delays, and AirPower still hasn’t hit the market.
The problem, according to a Bloomberg report from earlier this summer, was that Apple technicians had a hard time figuring out how to get the charging components for three different devices — and their sensors — into such a small space. The round could be a big hint that Apple’s storied engineers have finally figured it out.
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Kirkland & Ellis Appoints Head of International Tax in London
International law firm Kirkland & Ellis has appointed Ian Taplin Head of International Tax in its London office.
Ian, currently a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, is qualified as a chartered accountant and also a barrister. He will be responsible for providing UK and international tax advice as well as coordinating the overall non-US tax structuring advice on corporate transactions.
As one of the senior tax practitioners in PWC’s UK M&A tax group, Ian was responsible for providing UK and international tax advice to transactional clients. He joined PWC in 1978 since when he has worked in both the Brussels and Houston offices. He has been in the tax group since 1980 and became partner in 1988.
Ian has particular experience advising on private equity, public to private, corporate and IPO transactions.
Kirkland & Ellis London Office Partner, James Learner commented:
“We are delighted Ian will be joining us in this new role and believe our corporate practice in Europe will gain significant benefit from his experience and knowledge. Ian’s arrival will also enable us to expand our tax service offerings to our US based clients, many of whom have significant foreign operations and transactions.”
Ian Taplin said:
“I am extremely pleased to be joining Kirkland & Ellis. There is great potential to develop and expand the tax group and I am looking forward to being able to encourage this growth. The new environment is also going to offer me interesting new challenges and opportunities.”
About Kirkland & Ellis
Kirkland & Ellis is a 900-attorney law firm representing global clients in complex corporate and tax, workout, insolvency and bankruptcy, litigation, dispute resolution and arbitration, and intellectual property and technology matters. The Firm has offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, San Francisco and Washington.
In London, the firm has 36 lawyers (14 partners plus 22 associates) and provides advice on US, UK, German and pan-European issues to international clients. The London office has a reputation as a leading European private equity practice together with special experience in Insolvency and Restructuring, M&A and Capital Markets, Intellectual Property and Technology, Banking and Finance, International Litigation and Dispute Resolution.
In May 2003, Kirkland & Ellis won the Chambers and Partners Global ‘US Private Equity - Law Firm of the Year’ award.
About Ian Taplin
Ian has an MA and LLB from Downing College Cambridge University. He went on to the Inns of Court Law School and qualified as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn. He joined Price Waterhouse in 1978 and became partner in 1988. He became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales in 1982.
15 January 2021 Press Release Kirkland Advises GTCR and Cole Parmer in Acquisition of ZeptoMetrix
15 January 2021 Press Release Kirkland Advises ThoughtWorks on $720 Million Investment
15 January 2021 Press Release Kirkland Advises Further Global on Acquisition of ProSight Global, Inc.
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Brussels Regulatory Brief: March 2020
European Regulatory / UK Regulatory Newsletter
By: Philip Torbøl, Mélanie Bruneau, Giovanni Campi, Francesco Carloni, Miguel A. Caramello Alvarez, Alessandro Di Mario, Antoine De Rohan Chabot, Nicolas Hipp, Francesca Lai
The Court of Justice of the EU Upholds the Commission’s Powers to Impose High Fines on Companies that “Jump the Gun”
On March 4, 2020, the Court of Justice of the EU (“CJEU”) dismissed the appeal from a Norwegian salmon farmer, thereby confirming a European Commission gun jumping decision in the context of the salmon farmer’s acquisition of his competitor. The decision from 2014 had imposed two fines of EUR 10 million each to the salmon farmer: one for failing to notify the acquisition of a controlling shareholding over his competitor and the other one for breaching the standstill obligation, i.e. the prohibition against implementing a transaction prior to merger control clearance – so-called “gun jumping.”
Under EU merger control rules, a transaction must be notified to the Commission if it: (i) results in the acquisition of control by a party over another; and (ii) meets a certain turnover threshold. Control is widely defined. Control can be constituted by rights, contracts or any other means that, either separately or in combination, confer the possibility of exercising “decisive influence” over another company. Simply put, decisive influence arises where a company acquires the ability to determine the strategic commercial decisions of another company (e.g. a minority shareholder can block the adoption of annual budgets or business plans or the appointment of key management). There is no defined shareholding level at which decisive influence arises and, depending on the circumstances, acquisitions of minority shareholding are caught by the EU merger control rules. The Commission can fine companies up to 10% of their turnover in the preceding year both for failing to notify an acquisition of control and for breaching the standstill obligation.
In 2012, the salmon farmer acquired 48.5% of the shares of his competitor but only after eight months it notified the transaction to the Commission. Although the transaction was conditionally cleared, in 2014 the Commission fined the salmon farmer EUR 20 million for gun jumping. The Commission decision was appealed and upheld by the EU General Court, which found that the salmon farmer had prematurely implemented the transaction before clearance and had been negligent in not notifying to the Commission its initial purchase of the shares in his competitor.
Before the CJEU, the salmon farmer argued that it had been fined twice with respect to the same conduct, in breach of the ne bis in idem principle. The CJEU found that the ne bis in idem principle protects companies from being found liable for conducts which have already been dealt with by an earlier decision. The principle does not apply in this case which concerns two different infringements. The obligation to notify reportable transactions is an obligation to act (i.e. reportable transactions must be notified before implementation), whereas the standstill obligation is an obligation not to act (i.e. reportable transactions which have been notified must not be implemented until clearance is granted). In addition, the infringement of the obligation to notify reportable transactions is an instantaneous infringement, whilst the infringement of the standstill obligation is a continuous infringement, which is triggered when the notification is made and ends when the Commission clears the transaction. On this basis, the CJEU confirmed that the Commission can impose separate fines for failing to notify a reportable transaction and for breaching the standstill obligation.
This judgement and the recent decisional practice of the Commission emphasizes the high significant risks for companies that fail to notify their reportable transactions and/or to comply with the standstill clause in the EU. For example, a telecom company and an imaging and optical products manufacturer were recently fined by the Commission EUR 124.5 million and EUR 28 million, respectively, for gun jumping. In the context of multi-jurisdictional merger filings, companies must also be aware of the different tests applied by the competent competition authorities globally. Transaction parties should be aware of the competition authorities’ aggressive focus on gun jumping globally and take measures to reduce their exposure to significant fines for gun jumping violations.
The CJEU Ordered Italy to Pay Pecuniary Penalties for Failure to Recover Unlawfully Granted Aid
On March 12, 2020, the CJEU issued a judgment in case C-576/18, Commission v Italy, by which it ordered Italy to pay pecuniary penalties for failing to recover aid unlawfully granted to the hotel industry in Sardinia.
The origin of the dispute dates back to 1998, when the Commission authorized a regional aid scheme of assistance to the hotel industry in the Italian region of Sardinia. In 2003, the Commission received a complaint alleging the misuse of aid. After five years of investigation, the Commission decided in July 2008 that Italy had unlawfully amended the notified measure rendering it incompatible with the terms of the approval decision. Consequently, Italy was required to recover the unlawful aid (of a total amount of approximately EUR 13.7 million) immediately and effectively from the beneficiaries. A challenge brought by the Region of Sardinia against the Commission’s Decision was unsuccessful.
In 2012, the CJEU ruled that Italy had failed to fulfil its obligations by not taking all the measures necessary to recover the aid. In 2018, the Commission brought a second case against Italy resulting in the latest ruling from the CJEU. The Court found that Italy failed to recover the unlawful aid in full (in 2019, 83% of the total capital amount along with interest had been recovered) and that Italy had not proven its claim that it was impossible to do so. Moreover, the CJEU also ruled that Italian courts do not have a competence to grant any stay of the recovery of the unlawful aid and that Italy cannot avoid recovering the aid on the basis of the legitimate expectations of the beneficiaries of unlawful aid.
Given the seriousness of the infringement and its considerable duration, the CJEU ordered the payment of a lump sum of EUR 7.5 million and a daily penalty payment of EUR 80,000 for further delay with the implementation of the measures stemming from the Court’s 2012 Judgment.
The French Competition Authority Fines Apple EUR 1.1 Billion for Engaging in Cartels and Abusing a Situation of Economic Dependency on its “Premium” Independent Distributors
The fine of EUR 1.1 billion imposed on Apple is the highest fine ever imposed by the French Competition Authority on a single company and follows dawn raids carried out at the headquarters of Apple and its wholesalers, two of which, Tech Data and Ingram Micro, were also fined, respectively EUR 76 million and EUR 62 million, bringing the total fine to EUR 1.24 billion.
According to the French Competition Authority, the abuses occurred between 2005 and 2017, but were first brought into light in 2012, following a complaint by an independent reseller, eBizcuss. Apple was accused of having implemented three separate anticompetitive practices within its distribution network of electronic products, such as iPads and personal computers, except for iPhones.
Those practices included the allocation of products and customers between its two above-mentioned wholesalers, Tech Data and Ingram Micro, thereby stifling competition; imposing sell prices on Apple Premium Resellers (“APRs”) by aligning the prices of Apple products for end consumers; and the abuse of a situation of economic dependency upon APRs. By imposing multiple and complex contractual clauses, the abuse of a situation of economic dependency implied in particular supply difficulties, discriminatory treatment and unstable remuneration conditions for SMEs, leading to their weakening, and in some cases exclusion, as in the case of eBizcuss.
According to the French regulator, APR contracts imposed on APRs almost exclusive sale of Apple products and prohibited them, during their term and up to six months thereafter, from opening any shop specialising in the exclusive sale of a competing brand within Europe.
This exclusionary strategy operated by Apple with regard to APRs placed many companies at a commercial disadvantage compared to Apple Stores, and contributed to serious financial difficulties resulting in a decrease in their turnover.
The Commission Clears, Subject to Conditions, the Acquisition of Joint Control Over a Wireless Network Infrastructure Company by an Italian and a British Telecom Operator
In a remarkable decision and in the context of the EU’s push for a fast roll out of 5G technology across the continent, the European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of joint control over a wireless network infrastructure company by Italy’s biggest phone group and British network provider.
The two telecommunication operators are active in the provision of mobile and fixed telecommunication services to consumers and businesses in Italy and plan to jointly roll out 5G in the country. The wireless network infrastructure joint venture will bring together the Italian and British operators’ telecommunication towers located in Italy.
After a first assessment the Commission found that the Italian operator and the British operator would have complete control over the vast majority of towers in most regions in Italy. As a consequence, the proposed transaction would have reduced competition in the market for renting out space on towers to telecommunication operators, pushing them out of the market in Italian municipalities with more than 35,000 inhabitants.
Network sharing has become a common practice for network providers it reduces cost and facilitates the roll-out of electronic communications networks. The Commission has endorsed such type of cooperation, but only under specific circumstances. In fact, it has found in various occasion that network sharing agreements can restrict competition, notably in a case regarding two major operators in the Czech retail mobile telecommunications market. In this case, the Commission concluded that, instead of leading to greater efficiencies and higher service quality, the network sharing agreement would have removed the incentives for the two mobile operators to improve their networks and services to the benefit of users.
To address the Commission's competition concerns, the Italian and British operators offered a series of commitments to ensure that the joint venture would give a fair treatment of third parties wishing to have access to the towers. This would be done by giving appropriate publicity to the towers, adopt a procedure to timely respond to third parties' requests for access to the towers, and committed to only refuse to provide space on such towers for technical reasons. Finally, the joint venture, the Italian and the British operators would not exercise any early termination right as regards all existing hosting contracts and framework agreements in place and would offer the opportunity to extend those contracts and agreements.
Based on the commitments above, the Commission concluded that a balance was found between co-operation and competition, furthermore a fast roll-out of 5G technology in Italy would benefit Italian consumers and businesses. Therefore, the transaction was cleared.
This decision also comes hand in hand with the European Commission’s introduction of a new Industrial Strategy and recent Communication from the Commission for the secure 5G deployment in the EU. The Commission has in fact stated that a fast and efficient roll-out of 5G is fundamental to ensure the European industry's competitiveness in an increasingly digital society.
The European Commission Reaches an Agreement with Holiday Rental Platforms on Data Sharing
On March 5, 2020, the Commission reached an agreement with four holiday rental platforms on data sharing, which will for the first time allow the statistical office of the EU, Eurostat, to access and publish reliable data about short-stay accommodation offered through the four collaborative economy platforms. The agreement, signed between each platform and Eurostat, on behalf of the Commission, provides that:
Each platform will share data on a regular basis, including on the number of nights reserved and number of guests.
As concerns privacy, data provided by the platforms will not consent the identification of individual guests (users) and hosts (property owners) and the privacy of citizens will be protected via the applicable EU legislation.
Data provided by the four platforms will be aggregated at the municipal level and will be subject to statistical validation. Eurostat will publish data for each Member States and for several individual regions and cities by combining the information received.
The agreement should be seen in the context of the rapid development of the collaborative economy in the tourism sector, which consists in the offer of peers-to-peers services through sharing platforms as an alternative to professional tourism services of accommodation, transportation and leisure. While collaborative economy provides economic opportunities, promoting tourism and new sources of revenue for citizens, it also creates challenges for local communities in terms of integrity, rent rates increase etc.
For these reasons, the agreement is expected to inform future policy-making, and, as mentioned by Commissioner Thierry Breton, responsible for Internal Market, “the Commission will continue to support the great opportunities of the collaborative economy while helping local communities address the challenges posed by these rapid changes.”
The first statistics are expected to be released in the second half of 2020.
Economic and Financial Affairs
European Commission Launches Process to Overhaul Non-Financial Reporting Standards
The European Green Deal’s ambitious mission cannot be achieved without the redirection of private capital towards green activities. The European Commission (“Commission”) notes that the current regulatory framework on non-financial reporting provided by the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (“NFRD”) creates uncertainty and complexity for companies on what, how and when to disclose non-financial information. More concretely, the Commission mainly attributes the NFRD shortcomings to the fact that the companies under its scope either report partially or do not report at all the non-financial information that market participants deem necessary.
In light of this, the Commission, on January 30, 2020, initiated the review process of the NFRD by publishing an Inception Impact Assessment. The Impact Assessment indicated that the Commission was considering three policy options: (i) keeping the current NFRD non-binding guidelines approach and updating them; (ii) endorsing an existing or possible voluntary future standard on non-financial reporting; and (iii) revising and strengthening the provisions of the NFRD by pushing for more binding standards.
Following the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) recent recommendation to amend the NFRD to allow for the development of binding measures, the Commission, on February 20, 2020, launched a public consultation on the NFRD review, aiming to ensure that non-financial information becomes more standardised and comparable across the EU. In this context, it is important to highlight the following consultation questions on whether:
Companies should be required to disclose additional non-financial information beyond the standard sustainability factors, namely on environmental, social, employment, human rights, bribery and corruption aspects. The consultation also asks whether companies should report non-financial information regarding intangible assets or related factors such as intellectual property, software, customer retention and human capital;
Legal provisions related to non-financial reporting should define environmental matters on the basis of the six objectives set out in the Taxonomy regulation: climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources; transition to a circular economy; pollution prevention and control; and protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems;
The development of a common European non-financial reporting standard would improve the quality of the reported information. In this regard, Valdis Dombrovskis, Commission’s Executive Vice-President, recently stated that the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group would begin preparatory work on the development of pan-European non-financial reporting standards;
In the event that a common European non-financial reporting standard were to be developed, to what extent it should incorporate the principles and content of the international initiatives such as: the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures the UN Guiding Principles Reporting Framework (human rights), the questionnaires of the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), and the standards of the Carbon Disclosure Standards Board;
The sole application of existing international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative, the framework of the International Integrated Reporting Council, and the standards of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, would enable companies to comprehensively meet the current disclosure requirements of the NFRD;
A simplified standard or reporting format should be exclusively developed for SMEs taking into account that requiring SMEs to apply the same standards as large companies may be a disproportionate burden;
The scope of the NFRD should be expanded beyond large companies with securities listed in EU regulated markets, large banks (whether listed or not) and large insurance companies (whether listed or not) provided that they all have more than 500 employees;
The current segregation of non-financial information in separate non-financial and corporate governance statements within the management report provides for effective communication with users of company reports; and
EU law should impose stronger assurance requirements for non-financial information reported by companies under the scope of the NFRD.
The consultation also seeks input on the administrative burden detailed reporting imposes on companies and its potential digitalisation, which could enhance the quality of reported information.
The consultation will run until May 14, 2020.
Commission Interprets EU Passenger Rights Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 18, 2020, the Commission published an Interpretative Notice on EU passenger rights regulations for transport by air, rail, bus, and sea or inland waterways, with an aim to apply EU rules on the matter uniformly across the EU, to provide transport businesses with legal certainty in that regard, and to reassure passengers that their rights are protected.
The Notice complements guidelines on passenger rights previously issued by the Commission for transport by air, rail, bus, and sea or inland waterways.
The Notice acknowledges the difficulties carriers may have to provide rebooking during the COVID-19 crisis and acknowledges that reimbursement or rebooking for a later date may be necessary. It also addresses the case in which passengers cannot travel or want to cancel a trip, and provides that the grant of vouchers does not affect the rights of passengers for reimbursement or rebooking under EU rules. Lastly, it specifies that should EU Member States adopt specific national rules under national laws, such rules do not fall under the scope of EU law and are therefore not addressed by EU rules and the Commission’s Notice.
More specifically, the Notice states that wherever applicable, passenger’s right to information and to assistance remains unchanged by the current circumstances. The same goes for the passengers’ right to reimbursement or rebooking, although the Commission states that circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the virus have to be taken into account when assessing the “earliest opportunity” for rebooking, should passengers opt for that option. That being said, the current circumstances do not exempt service providers to duly inform passengers of the uncertainties created by the outbreak, of various government measures enacted to contain them, and of the impact of those measures on their rebooking or maintaining their journey.
On passengers’ right to compensation in the case of delay or cancellation, the Commission’s interpretation of EU passenger rights depends on the transport mode. For bus and rail, the Notice says that passengers’ right to compensation remains unaffected by the COVID-19 outbreak. For example, in the context of rail transport, the Notice unequivocally states that “the existence of extraordinary circumstances, if any, does not affect the right to compensation in cases of delays.” The Notice takes a different approach with regard to air and sea and inland waterways transport. After recalling that passengers’ right to compensation may be waived under extraordinary circumstances, the Commission goes on to consider that such circumstances arise where public authorities take measures to fight against the spread of the virus, measure which prevent to carrier from providing its transport service, and represent extraordinary circumstances under EU rules.
Lastly, on air passengers’ right to care, the Commission recalls that this right come to an end when a passenger chooses to be reimbursed, and that the circumstances surrounding the virus outbreak do not change that. Such right subsists only when the passenger opts for rebooking, which, as stated above, may take considerable time. Nonetheless, the Notice states that “the air carrier is obliged to fulfil the obligation of care even when the cancellation of a flight is caused by extraordinary circumstances.” This right must therefore be respected by air carriers.
The Notice does not replace existing guidelines but complements them; it will be valid as long as the virus outbreak is triggering drastic measures from governments and public authorities to limit the number of casualties. Although passengers’ rights to information, care, and assistance are not affected by current events related to the virus outbreak, the Commission has adapted its interpretation of passengers’ right to rebooking, and to compensation in the air and sea and inland waterways transport sectors.
In light of the difficulty airlines have been having implementing air passengers’ right to reimbursement, as well as their propensity to offer vouchers instead of reimbursement – even when passengers reserve their right to claim reimbursement, the Commission has confirmed that it is working to “further clarify” the application of EU passenger rights rules during these particular times, and so we can probably expect another Notice on this subject in the near future.
Philip Torbøl
Mélanie Bruneau
Giovanni Campi
Francesco Carloni
Miguel A. Caramello Alvarez
Alessandro Di Mario
Antoine De Rohan Chabot
Nicolas Hipp
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New Jersey Developer Wins on “Occurrence” and “Property Damage”; Appellate Division finds Subcontractors’ Faulty Construction within Insuring Agreement; Parkshore Abrogated
United States Insurance Coverage and Real Estate Investment, Development and Finance Alert
By: Frederic J. Giordano, Robert F. Pawlowski, Stephanie S. Gomez
The Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, has issued a very important decision for real estate developers and general contractors whose insurance companies have reserved rights or denied coverage for damage caused by the faulty work of their subcontractors. In Cypress Point Condominium Association, Inc. v. Adria Towers, LLC, (“Cypress”),[1] the Court held that unexpected and unintended consequential damage caused by a subcontractor’s faulty workmanship constitutes “property damage” caused by an “occurrence” under a commercial general liability (“CGL”) insurance policy. The decision nullifies the Third Circuit’s contrary opinion in Pennsylvania National Mutual Casualty Insurance Co. v. Parkshore Development Corp.,[2] much to the chagrin of insurance companies who have come to rely heavily on the unpublished decision to support countless coverage denials.
The Court found that Parkshore incorrectly relied on inapposite precedent interpreting a distinguishable, earlier version of the standard coverage form. In this case (and in Parkshore), the plain language of the policy,[3] follows the Insurance Services Office, Inc.’s (“ISO”), 1986 standard CGL form (the “1986 ISO form”). To the contrary, the policies at issue in Weedo v. Stone-E-Brick, Inc., [4] and Firemen’s Insurance Co. of Newark v. National Union Fire Insurance Co., [5] the two opinions relied upon by the Parkshore court, followed ISO’s 1973 standard CGL form (the “1973 ISO form”). Those cases are readily distinguishable. The Cypress Court has now made clear that consequential damages flowing from defective work differ from the costs associated with replacing the defective work, and a developer could reasonably expect that the subcontractor’s faulty workmanship would be treated differently than the work of the general contractor.
In Cypress, Plaintiff, a condominium association, brought an action against the association’s developer, Adria Towers, L.L.C. (the “developer”), the developer’s insurers, and various subcontractors. The developer served as the general contractor on the condominium project and hired the subcontractors to perform all the construction work. Plaintiff sought coverage from the insurers under the developer’s CGL policy for consequential damages caused by the subcontractors’ defective construction. According to the Plaintiff, the subcontractors improperly installed the roof, flashing, gutters and leaders, brick and EIFS facade, windows, doors, and sealants (the “faulty workmanship”). The faulty workmanship caused damage to the interior structures, common areas, and unit owners’ property. Some units even experienced damage from water infiltration. The trial court, persuaded by the Third Circuit’s opinion in Parkshore, held that there was no “property damage” or “occurrence” as required by the policy to trigger coverage. On appeal, the sole issue before the Court was whether consequential damages to the common areas and to the unit owners’ property, caused by the faulty workmanship, constituted “property damage” caused by an “occurrence” under the policy.
The Court first examined the plain language of the policy. According to the Court, the damages caused by the subcontractors’ faulty construction clearly constituted “physical injury to tangible property,” as defined by the policy, because the resulting damage was to the common areas and unit owners’ property. The Court further found that the faulty workmanship constituted an “occurrence,” because it could not “reasonably believe[] that the subcontractors either expected or intended for their faulty workmanship to cause ‘physical injury to tangible property.’” Thus, the Court reasoned “the consequential damages here amount to ‘property damage’ and an ‘occurrence.’”
Having conducted the initial threshold analysis, the Court next addressed whether the trial court erroneously applied the holdings in Weedo and Firemen’s to determine whether there was “property damage” and an “occurrence.” The Court concluded that “those cases are distinguishable because they (1) involved only replacement costs flowing from a business risk, rather than consequential damages caused by defective work; and (2) interpreted different language than the policy language in this appeal.” In Weedo, the court interpreted the 1973 ISO form and held that the insurance coverage excluded the damages claimed because the cost of correcting the defect itself is considered a “business risk” and uninsurable. By contrast, here, “the consequential damages are not defective-work damages[, and] … are distinct from the cost of correcting the work itself.” Similarly, the Court found the decision in Firemen’s did not apply, because the damages alleged there were related solely to replacing the construction defect. The Court emphasized that “the consequential damages [here] are … not the cost of correcting the defective work, such as the cost of replacing the stucco in the Weedo case or replacing the firewalls as in Firemen’s, but rather the cost of curing the ‘property damage’ arising from the subcontractors’ faulty workmanship.”
The Court also based its “holding in part on the developer’s reasonable expectation that, for insurance risk purposes, the subcontractors’ faulty workmanship is to be treated differently than the work of a general contractor.” Two critical differences between the 1973 ISO form considered in Firemen’s and the 1986 ISO form used in Cypress illustrate why Firemen’s is distinguishable. First, the two forms define “occurrence” differently. The 1973 ISO form defines the term as “an accident … which results in … property damage neither expected nor intended from the standpoint of the insured.” In the 1986 ISO form, “occurrence” is defined as “an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions.” Thus, according to the Court, property damage “is not directly included in the policy’s definition of ‘occurrence,’ and Firemen’s is consequently not squarely on point.”
The second important difference between the ISO forms relates to the “Your Work” exclusion. In relevant part, the 1986 ISO form policy language states, “[t]his exclusion does not apply if the damaged work or the work out of which the damage arises was performed on your behalf by a subcontractor.” The Court explained “the addition of the subcontractor’s exception is of critical importance when determining whether the subcontractors’ faulty workmanship causing consequential damages amounts to ‘property damage’ and an ‘occurrence’ under the policy.” The 1973 ISO form had no subcontractor exception, and courts were reluctant to separate a subcontractor’s faulty workmanship from that of the general contractor when defining the requisite “property damage” to trigger insurance coverage. But the exclusion is different now. The subcontractor exception, for insurance risk purposes, demonstrates that consequential damages caused by a subcontractor’s faulty workmanship are considered differently than property damage caused by a general contractor’s work. Therefore, a developer would “reasonably expect that consequential damages caused by the subcontractors’ faulty workmanship constituted ‘property damage’ caused by an ‘occurrence.’”
The Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division’s decision in Cypress is significant to policyholders, as New Jersey has joined the current majority of states holding that construction defects causing consequential damages give rise to an “occurrence” and “property damage.” New Jersey policyholders should keep an eye on whether the carriers appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
[1] No. A-2767-13T1 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. July 9, 2015); ___ N.J. Super. ___ (App. Div. 2015).
[2] 403 Fed. Appx. 770 (3d Cir. 2010).
[3] The Court notes that the “insurers’ policies contain the same pertinent language”; therefore, the Court refers to the pertinent CGL policies in the singular, the “policy.”
[4] 81 N.J. 233 (1979).
[5] 387 N.J. Super. 434 (App. Div. 2006).
Frederic J. Giordano
Robert F. Pawlowski
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Second Circuit Filing Re-Ignites Debate over the Scope of the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Protection Provisions
Date: 30 November 2015
Government Enforcement Alert; Appearing also in The Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation (20 December 2015)
By: Meghan E. Flinn, Nicole A Baker
On November 10, 2015, the employer in a high-profile whistleblower-retaliation case[1] advised the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that it “will not be pursuing a petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of the United States” with respect to the appellate court’s recent pro-whistleblower decision concerning the scope of the anti-retaliation provisions contained in Section 21F of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank” or the “Act”).[2] In so doing, the employer re-invigorated the debate over whether Dodd-Frank’s anti-retaliation protections cover individuals who report to their employers, as opposed to contacting the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
In Berman v. Neo@Ogilvy LLC, the former finance director of Neo@Ogilvy (“Neo”) sued Neo and its parent, alleging that he had been discharged in violation of the whistleblower protection provisions of Section 21F of Dodd-Frank, and in breach of his employment contract. According to the complaint, Berman internally reported various practices that constituted accounting fraud under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), Dodd-Frank, and generally accepted accounting principles. Berman alleged that his employment was terminated after a senior officer at Neo “became angry with him” for reporting the suspected violations. Berman did not report any allegedly unlawful conduct to the SEC during his employment or for about six months after his termination.
Relying on the “whistleblower” definition contained in Section 21F(a)(6) of Dodd-Frank, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York held that the Act provides whistleblower protection only to those who are discharged after reporting alleged violations to the SEC.[3] The District Court dismissed Berman’s Dodd-Frank claim (as well as his contract claims) because his employment was terminated before he reported the alleged violations to the SEC. Berman appealed the dismissal of his Dodd-Frank claim.
The Second Circuit Opinion
On appeal, the Second Circuit considered whether Dodd-Frank’s anti-retaliation provisions protect whistleblowers who report suspected wrongdoing to their employers, rather than the SEC. The appellate court noted that Section 21F(a)(6) narrowly defines “whistleblower” as an individual who reports “to the Commission,” whereas subdivision (iii) of Section 21F(h)(1)(A) more broadly extends protection to whistleblowers who report under statutes that provide for internal reporting of securities violations, such as Sarbanes-Oxley.
Predictably, the SEC filed an amicus brief in Berman, arguing that the statute does not unambiguously demonstrate congressional intent to limit whistleblower protection to those who report suspected wrongdoing to the SEC. The SEC asserted that, under the circumstances, the court should defer to its reasonable interpretation of the anti-retaliation provisions,[4] as articulated in Rule 21F-2(b)(1). That is, “[u]nder [the SEC’s] interpretation, an individual who reports internally and suffers employment retaliation will be no less protected than an individual who comes immediately to the Commission.”[5]
The Second Circuit found that, if restricted to the definition of “whistleblower” contained in Section 21F(a)(6), subdivision (iii) would protect only those employees who notify the SEC at the same time, or just before, they report internally under Sarbanes-Oxley. According to the court, the subset of whistleblowers that elects to report suspected wrongdoing to the SEC is “few in number,” because many whistleblowers believe that reporting to the government will increase the chances of retaliation by their employers. Moreover, some categories of whistleblowers, including attorneys and auditors, cannot legally report to the SEC until they have first reported apparent wrongdoing to their employer. If subdivision (iii) applied only to those whistleblowers who report directly to the Commission, attorneys and auditors may not be entitled to Dodd-Frank protection. For these reasons, the court explained, reading subdivision (iii) within the context of the “whistleblower” definition leaves it with minimal practical applications.
The 2-1 majority of the Second Circuit panel concluded that the “arguable tension” between Dodd-Frank’s definition of “whistleblower” and subdivision (iii) of its anti-retaliation provisions renders Section 21F “ambiguous.” The Berman court further determined that the legislative history of Dodd-Frank did not clarify the matter; therefore, the court was obligated to give Chevron deference to the SEC’s reasonable interpretation of the relevant provisions.
The Fifth Circuit’s Position
In deferring to the SEC’s reasonable interpretation of Rule 21F-2(b)(1), the Second Circuit diverged from the position of the only other appellate court to consider this issue.[6] In Asadi v. G.E. Energy (USA), L.L.C.,[7] the Fifth Circuit held that the whistleblower-protection provisions of Dodd-Frank exclusively apply to individuals who report misconduct directly to the SEC. The Asadi court found that, “under the plain language and structure of Dodd-Frank, there are not conflicting definitions of ‘whistleblower,’ and [Section 21F(h)(1)(A)(iii)] is not superfluous.” Section 21F(h)(1)(A) of the Act identifies three categories of protected activity; subdivision (iii) protects whistleblowers from retaliation “based not on the individual’s disclosure of information to the SEC but, instead, on that individual’s other possible required or protected disclosures.” The Fifth Circuit noted that, if it construed Dodd-Frank to extend beyond the statutory definition of “whistleblower,” that may interfere with the anti-retaliation provision of Sarbanes-Oxley. In doing so, the Asadi court declined to give weight to the SEC’s interpretive rule, finding that the plain language of the statute clearly expresses Congress’s intent to require would-be whistleblowers to report information to the SEC.
Now that the employer in Berman has declined to pursue Supreme Court review of the Second Circuit’s decision, companies and employees will have to analyze and address the resulting circuit split. The Supreme Court may be asked to consider this question of statutory interpretation in the near future.[8] However, in the meantime, employers should bear in mind that whistleblowers who report internally may be covered by the anti-retaliation provisions of Dodd-Frank — at least within the Second Circuit — and they maybe held liable for any actions that could be perceived as retaliatory. As a result, employers should promptly evaluate, and thoroughly document their investigation of, any purported whistleblower reports.
[1] Berman v. Neo@Ogilvy LLC, 801 F.3d 145 (2d Cir. 2015).
[2] 15 U.S.C. § 78u-6(h).
[3] Berman v. Neo@Ogilvy LLC, 72 F. Supp. 3d 404 (S.D.N.Y. 2014).
[4] See Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Res. Def. Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837 (1984) (“Chevron”).
[5] Interpretation of the SEC’s Whistleblower Rules Under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Release No. 34-75592 (Aug. 4, 2015).
[6] The Second Circuit noted that “although our decision creates a circuit split, it does so against a landscape of existing disagreement among a large number of district courts.” See e.g., Banko v. Apple Inc., 20 F. Supp. 3d 749 (N.D. Cal. 2013); Wagner v. Bank of America Corp., No. 12-cv-00381-RBJ, 2013 WL 3786643 (D. Colo. July 19, 2013). Compare with Somers v. Digital Realty Trust, Inc., No. C-14-5180 EMC, 2015 WL 2354807 (N.D. Cal. May 15, 2015); Yang v. Navigators Group, Inc., 18 F. Supp. 3d 519 (S.D.N.Y. 2014).
[7] Asadi v. G.E. Energy (USA), L.L.C., 20 F.3d 620 (5th Cir. 2013).
[8] See Somers v. Digital Realty Trust, Inc., __ F. Supp. 3d __, at *14 (N.D. Cal. 2015) (certifying the issue for interlocutory appeal to the Ninth Circuit).
Meghan E. Flinn
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2021: A New Year, the Same Fear - Why Companies Should Expect a Wave of PPP Investigations
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Rising Suicides in Mexico Expose the Mental Health Toll of Living With Extreme, Chronic Violence
By: The Conversation
Originally published at The Conversation
By Cecilia Farfán-Méndez, University of California San Diego
(Photo by Jesus Alcazar/AFP/Getty Images)
Leer en español.
Mexico has suffered one of the world’s highest murder rates for over a decade, a consequence of the government’s aggressive, 12-year-long battle against drug trafficking organizations and other criminal groups, which has led lethal violence to escalate across the country.
Almost 30,000 Mexicans were murdered in 2017. May 2018 was Mexico’s most violent month in 20 years, with an average of 90 killings a day, according to the Mexican secretary of the interior.
Prominent victims of Mexico’s conflict include 136 politicians and political operatives assassinated while campaigning for the July 2018 general election, 43 student teachers who disappeared in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero in 2014 and the eight Mexican journalists killed so far this year.
In places where the violence has been highly concentrated, residents have spent the past decade taking precautions, coping with fear and processing tragedy.
Now, new data from the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua reveals the dangerous mental health toll of living with extreme, chronic violence: suicides.
From Murders to Suicides
Violence researchers like myself once considered Chihuahua, which shares a border with Texas, to be a Mexican success story in decreasing lethal violence.
Its biggest city, Ciudad Juárez, which sits just across the U.S.-Mexico border from El Paso, used to be one of the world’s most dangerous places. Its 2010 murder rate of 229 killings per 100,000 people was 14 times higher than the Latin American average and 38 times the global homicide rate. An average of 70 Ciudad Juárez residents were killed every week.
By 2015, thanks in large part to a pioneering public-private anti-violence initiative called Todos Somos Juárez, or We Are All Juárez, the city’s murder rate had dropped to 32 murders per 100,000 residents.
These days, violence is slowly rising again. Depending on the year, Juárez ranks among Mexico’s most dangerous cities.
But even when homicides were dropping in Juárez, suicides were steadily rising.
A recent survey by the Autonomous University of Juárez City and the Centro Familiar de Integración y Crecimiento, a group that helps grieving families, found that 33 city residents over the age of 18 attempt suicide every day. Another 43 Juárez residents daily will think about suicide without attempting the act.
The city’s 2017 suicide rate, 8.9 per 100,000, was nearly twice what it was in 2010. Last year, nearly 12,000 people —1.3 percent of Juárez’s total population— tried to kill themselves.
Juárez’s mental health crisis reflects a state-wide trend. According to government data from 2016, Chihuahua state had the highest and fastest-growing suicide rate in Mexico.
In 2010, fewer than 7 of every 100,000 people in the state committed suicide. By 2015, the figure had reached 11.4. Last year, Chihuahua saw 12.3 suicides per 100,000 residents.
That’s more than twice the Mexican national average and just shy of the United States’ alarming rate of 13.8 suicides per 100,000 people.
Young people in Chihuahua struggle the most. Among residents aged 15 to 29, approximately 16 in every 100,000 will commit suicide—double the national average for that age group.
The Trauma of Living with Chronic Violence
Why are so many in Chihuahua driven to take their own lives?
Local researchers believe that chronic exposure to traumatic events causes the kind of severe mental distress that can lead to suicidal behavior.
Last year, the Autonomous University of Juárez City conducted research with 315 students on campus. It found that living in one of the world’s most violent cities had triggered paranoid thoughts.
Few of the students interviewed had been victims of Juárez’s brutal violence. But all had heard about kidnapped women, beheadings and other crimes —some equally gruesome— from friends and family or on the news. As a result, they had an unshakable feeling that their lives were in danger.
Researchers also conducted a similar study on student mental health in 2014. It determined that 35 percent of students struggled with depression and almost 38 percent reported anxiety. Nearly one-third showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, including always feeling on guard, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating.
Mexico’s Federal Police check the backpacks of students at a high school in Ciudad Juárez. (Photo by Herika Martinez/AFP/Getty Images)
Surveys by the World Health Organization and the International Consortium of Psychiatric Epidemiology across nine developing countries, including Mexico, estimate the average rate of PTSD at 2.3 percent. Anxiety affects about 6 percent of respondents.
Research on high school students in Ciudad Juárez has likewise found a higher-than-usual incidence of depression, paranoia and PTSD.
War as a Suicide Risk Factor
These results are consistent with mental health surveys in other conflict zones.
A 2011 study of people displaced during Colombia’s civil war found evidence of PTSD in 88 percent of participants. Forty percent suffered from depression.
Researchers interviewed 1,011 students in Afghanistan in 2006, five years into the U.S.-led war against the Taliban. Almost a quarter had flashbacks and anxiety, both signs of PTSD.
Such results have contributed to the World Health Organization’s classification of disaster, war and conflict as suicide risk factors.
Mexico’s Public Health Emergency
Research on the mental health impacts of Mexico’s drug war is in very early stages.
I cannot conclude with certainty that chronic violence in Ciudad Juárez is driving the sharp uptick in suicides in Chihuahua state.
But Chihuahua’s suicide crisis may well indicate a simmering public health emergency in other Mexican states with high murder rates, including Michoacan and Guerrero—not to mention in neighboring countries like El Salvador and Honduras that remain far more violent than Mexico.
With 2018 on track to be another year of record murders in Mexico and president-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador taking office in December, this is the moment for Mexico to begin grappling with the hidden, longer-term costs of its bloody drug war.
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Asian American Literary Pioneers
Asian American Literary Pioneers | KCET
l.a. letters
Mike Sonksen
Equally a scholar and performer, Mike Sonksen, also known as Mike the Poet, is a 3rd-generation L.A. native acclaimed for published essays, poetry performances and mentoring teen writers. Mike teaches at Woodbury University.
May is Asian American History Month. As a recent U.S. Census report revealed, Asian Americans are the largest group immigrating to America in the last decade. It goes without saying that Los Angeles and Southern California is central to this, like it is with the Latino population. L.A. Letters celebrates all histories every month but nonetheless this week will focus on a few forgotten early Asian American pioneering poets that paved the way for the stellar contemporary writers mentioned previously in this column, like Sesshu Foster, Amy Uyematsu, Chiwan Choi, Traci Kato-Kiriyama, Edren Sumagaysay, Cathy Park Hong, and musicians and artists like Tracy Wannomae, Alan Nakagawa, DJ Rhettmatic, Prach Ly, and Yayoi Kusama, among countless others.
"Asian American" is an umbrella term for descendants from several countries and the large expanse of geography stretching from Siberia to the Philippines. Author Ronald Takaki adds, "Asian Americans are diverse, their roots dating back to China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Many of them live in Chinatowns, the colorful streets filled with sidewalk vegetable stands and crowds of people carrying shopping bags; their communities are also called Little Tokyo, Koreatown, and Little Saigon."
On this website there are stories and maps about many of these areas. Besides the obvious districts in L.A. named above, there are many other more undercover areas with large Asian American populations, like the Japanese enclaves in the South Bay, West L.A. and the Crenshaw District. Filipinos began their Southern California history in Bunker Hill and Historic Filipinotown before moving out to Glendale, Eagle Rock, Cerritos, and West Covina. Chinese in L.A. emerged out of Chinatown and settled in Monterey Park and Alhambra and then into Arcadia, San Marino and Rosemead. More recently many Chinese continued to move east across the San Gabriel Valley to Walnut, Hacienda Heights, and Diamond Bar. There's Cambodiatown in Long Beach, Samoatown in Carson, Little Saigon in Garden Grove and Westminster, and smaller Koreatowns in both Orange County and the Valley. The list goes on: Little India in Artesia, Little Bangladesh near Melrose Hill, and no question other Asian American enclaves still below the radar, but coming to rise now. Southern California is an unquestionable mecca for the Asian American community.
Ronald Takaki
Ronald Takaki is an authority on Asian American history. Author of over 20 books, Takaki has won numerous awards, lectured around the world and is considered one of the fathers of Multicultural Studies. Born in 1939, the Japanese American Takaki grew up poor in Oahu, Hawaii, where he was known to be an outstanding surfer, before going off to college. When he went to the College of Wooster in Ohio he was one of only two Asian students at the school; this caused him to think about the plight of Asian Americans through the course of American history. Early in his career Takaki dedicated his life to working for equality for Asian Americans and others. He eventually got a Pd.D in history from the University of California at Berkeley.
Before teaching at Berkeley for an extended period, he taught at UCLA for a number of years during the 1970s, where he started one of the first Asian American History classes in America in 1972. He also dispelled the myth of Asians as "the model minority." Among his many venerated books, two excellent volumes are "Iron Cages: Race and Culture in Nineteenth-Century America" and "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America." Takaki's prose gives a voice to neglected chapters of American history, telling the story in a lyrical style like Howard Zinn, Carey McWilliams or Mike Davis. Combining the right combination of narrative history, personal recollections and oral testimony, Takaki delivers a kaleidoscopic account that is a symphony of its own. Takaki had multiple sclerosis the last 20 years of his life and committed suicide in 2009. By all accounts he was an academic leviathan and an advocate for the people. I am thankful to my great Professor Lamont Yeakey for introducing me to Takaki's book, "Strangers from a Different Shore," a 200-year panoramic history of Asian-Americans.
Yone Noguchi is one of the first Asian American poets in U.S. history. In 1893, the Japanese-born Noguchi came to San Francisco to work as a journalist. He met the famed poet Joaquin Miller in the Oakland Hills, and eventually travelled to New York where he lived during the early part of the 20th Century. Among his many distinctions, Noguchi became the first Japanese poet to publish a poem in English. Skilled in poetry, fiction and literary criticism in both Japanese and English, Noguchi was a towering literary figure. He was hailed by Poetry Magazine as a titan of Modernism, and he connected with WB Yeats and Ezra Pound. His cycle of poems about Yosemite was titled "The Voice of the Valley," and remains one of the most beautiful poetic descriptions of the beautiful park.
Yone Noguchi's ''American Diary of a Japanese Girl''
His 1914 prose volume, "The Spirit of Japanese Poetry" compares Eastern poetry with American poetry and delineates the connection between Buddhism, nature and sacred verse. Besides many elegant passages describing the mechanics of Japanese poetry, Noguchi manages to include some humorous observations on the wordiness of American writers. He tells the truth when he writes, "I come always to the conclusion that the English poets waste too much energy with 'words, words, words,' and make, doubtless with all good intentions, their inner meaning frustrate, at least less distinguished, simply from the reason that its full liberty to appear naked is denied. It is the poets more than the novelists who not only misinterpret their own meaning, but often deceive their own souls."
Yone Noguchi passed through Los Angeles around the turn of the 20th Century. His son, Isamu Noguchi was born in Boyle Heights in 1904 after his affair with the American writer Leonie Gilmour, who edited his work and collaborated with him on his early books. Isamu was his illegitimate son because the elder Noguchi had a wife waiting for him in Japan. The father and son had some contact during his childhood, but Yone was mostly absent from his son's life. As any art and design enthusiasts know, the younger Noguchi is even more known than his father -- Isamu Noguchi is a huge figure in the world of sculpture, landscape architecture, and furniture design.
The younger Noguchi won a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1926, even though at the time he was three years below the age requirement. His major commissioned iconic stone gardens bridging the East and West can be found in Paris, New York, Munich, Jerusalem, Hawaii, Hiroshima. He designed the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center plaza in Little Tokyo in 1984, shortly before he passed. Also known for his time in Greenwich Village, design enthusiasts hail his work as some of the most influential modern furniture ever designed. His ability to merge aesthetic and function made his work, like his iconic, "Noguchi Table," internationally known. There's a Noguchi Museum in New York and much of his furniture remains in production today.
Another Asian American pioneer is the Japanese American poet Lawson Fusao Inada. Born in Fresno, California in 1938, Inada is a third-generation Japanese American. Inada was in the internment camps during his early youth, and this had much to do with his eventual calling as poet and activist. His first book, "Before the War," was published in 1971 and was one of the first books by an Asian American poet, a few decades after the early pioneer Yone Noguchi. In 1974, Inada edited one of the first anthologies of Asian American writing. Inada's poems have the Japanese quality of less is more, while at the same time they have a jazz vernacular of his era. The poems, dedicated to the father of his father, several jazz musicians and Malcolm X, show a muscular line of verse that is direct and packed with energy.
His early poem "Projected Scenario of a Performance to be Given Before the U.N." is equally hilarious and a call for Asian-American self-determination. He prophetically wrote in 1971, "Call me a very irate fatherhugger, that's what we Asians have to be, making these various variations. But, you fine folks sitting there behind smiles and earphones, don't you know that Yellow is now in THE majority, according to THE latest census?"
Inada has gone on to become the Poet Laureate of Oregon in 2006. He has also won the National Book Award, and one of his quotes has been enshrined at the Japanese American Cultural Plaza in Portland, Oregon. Inada is also known for dynamic readings of his work, often accompanied by live jazz. Inada remains in Oregon writing and publishing, producing over 20 volumes of poetry through his long career.
Carlos Bulosan
One more Asian-American literary pioneer is the great Filipino-American Carlos Bulosan. His 1943 autobiography, "America is In the Heart" is a heartbreaking tale that describes his happy boyhood in the Philippines, his voyage to America, and the many years of hardship he experienced in America as an itinerant laborer on the road from Seattle to rural California, and for a short time in Los Angeles. In spite of working in the fields and living a nomadic lifestyle, Bulosan produced a number of literary works and was championed by John Fante and Carey McWilliams. In one of his most famous passages, Bulosan writes, "Why was America so kind and yet so cruel? Was there no way to simplifying things in this continent so that suffering would be minimized? Was there no common denominator on which we could all meet? I was angry and confused, and wondered if I would ever understand this paradox."
Bulosan was only 43 when he died in Seattle. His work, especially "America Is in the Heart," is now regarded as pioneering work in early Post-Colonial Studies. Bulosan, who was gay, is also noted today for his work in what would now be considered Queer Studies. Popular resurgence in interest in his work has led to the republishing of three of his books and the construction of a memorial exhibit dedicated to his memory in Seattle. Bulosan's work sings with the passion of the Romantics, even in spite of all he faced. The conclusion of his autobiography explains his perspective. He writes,
It came to me that no man -- no one at all -- could destroy my faith in America again. It was something that had grown out of my defeats and successes, something shaped by my struggles for a place in this vast land, digging my hands into the rich soil here and there, catching a freight to the north and south, seeking free meals in dingy gambling houses, reading a book that opened up worlds of heroic thoughts [ ... ] I knew that no man could destroy my faith in America that had sprung from all our hopes and aspirations, ever.
There are publishers like Kaya Press and Tinfish that publish Asian American poets, but in general Asian American writers aren't as visible as some other poetry communities. There are obviously numerous other Asian-American pioneering poets, musicians and artists. The scope of today's column is too small to include them all but in future columns I will write about others. This week L.A. Letters salutes Ronald Takaki, Yone Noguchi, Isamu Noguchi, Lawson Fusao Inada and Carlos Bulosan. These titans are Asian-American artistic pioneers and champions of L.A. Letters.
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Pedestrians and Bicyclists Disappointed Over Glendale-Hyperion Bridge Decision
Pedestrians and Bicyclists Disappointed Over Glendale-Hyperion Bridge Decision | KCET
Students wait to cross the busy roads on the Glendale-Hyperion bridge without a crosswalk | Photo: Sean Meredith
Pedestrians and bicyclists in Los Angeles walked away disappointed over L.A. City Council's decision earlier this week to pursue a Glendale-Hyperion bridge reconfiguration with a pedestrian sidewalk on only one side of road, as part of the $50 million facelift of the historic series of bridges connecting Atwater Village and Silver Lake.
The disappointment was palpable as pedestrian and bicycle advocates boo'ed the City Council's unanimous decision. "The city's been undergoing a sea change," said Don Ward, a member of the citizen's advisory committee [and KCET contributor] convened to study the project after the community uproar over the original design for the retrofit. "The sea change is that we want more options than just a car to get around. The people riding bikes, walking, and experiencing violence on the streets, we started as rowdy, as protesters, as people who didn't know what to do with the system."
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"For this project, we actually engaged the system," Ward continued. "We actually went house to house. We got signatures. We got parent groups, principals. We got the neighborhood councils voting for this and still we were ignored. What do you expect us to do now?"
Ward and other supporters had advocated for a bridge that had two bike lanes and two sidewalks. Despite gathering over 150 letters of support, more than 1,200 signatures on petitions in favor of the two sidewalk option, support from Los Feliz and Silver Lake neighborhood councils, as well as support from incoming Councilman David Ryu, the community's advocacy for a two-sidewalk option still failed to pass.
The Glendale-Hyperion complex of bridges has been a flashpoint in the Atwater Village and Silver Lake neighborhoods ever since plans for its seismic retrofitting were unveiled in 2013. One side advocated for a two-sidewalk option that would save pedestrians a pesky detour that would only derail mobility. The other wanted a one-sidewalk option that would give room for cars and avoid possible traffic jams.
Ward's sentiments were echoed in public comments given after the straightforward vote by City Council to pursue Option 1. In a preamble, Councilmember Joe Buscaino, chairman of the Public Works committee, explained that his committee opted for a no recommendation on this matter because of contentious underlying issues. Buscaino noted that he's heard more than an hour of public comment with 2,000 letters accompanying it, and that if City Council did vote to pursue Option 3, it would restart the environmental process once again, jeopardizing about $50 million or so in funds. "It is unclear whether Caltrans is willing to extend its deadline once more."
Cars are unable to stay in their lane | Photo: Sean Meredith
Buscaino deferred to the councilmembers in charge of the two districts -- outgoing Councilman Tom LaBonge and Councilman Mitch O'Farrell -- to help settle the issue. "This is a local community mobility issue," he said.
Both Councilmembers LaBonge and O'Farrell steadfastly approved of Option 1. LaBonge pointed out that of the seven recommendations made by the citizen's advisory committee, six have been met by this new design. LaBonge also said that since the bridge isn't widened, if pedestrians were to be given two sidewalks, they would negotiate an 18-inch curb on a truck route, which could be more dangerous for pedestrians.
Councilman O'Farrell noted that Option 1 also has advantages. According to him, having four lanes would avoid traffic jams in the neighborhood five days a week (though studies conducted by PSOMAS, hired by the city to conduct traffic studies, states otherwise depending on the scenario). O'Farrell also cited his extensive experience with the project. "I have worked on the city's proposed seismic retrofit plans for the Glendale-Hyperion bridge for more than a decade, and have participated in numerous community meetings and public hearings. During that time, I have collaborated with city engineers and constituents on a plan that will improve the structural integrity of the bridge and add amenities that aren't there today, including a six-foot wide sidewalk and pedestrian activated crosswalk, protected bike lanes, and an exit ramp off Interstate 5 that will help reduce cut-through traffic in the surrounding neighborhood. These features are in addition to the construction of a brand new bike and pedestrian footbridge on the east side of the historic structure," the councilman said in a statement.
Despite those advantages, the decision has left a bitter taste in the mouth of pedestrian advocates who see this move as a step backward for Los Angeles. In a statement given moments after the decision, Deborah Murphy, Executive Director of Los Angeles Walks, a pedestrian advocacy organization, and Chair of the City's Pedestrian Advisory Committee for the last 17 years, shared some daunting statistics: "We've had 80 pedestrians killed in one year, and 40 percent of our traffic fatalities are pedestrians." She ended with a quote from Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx:, "Design of our road system is a reflection of who we are. We want safe sidewalks for everybody everywhere in Los Angeles. Now."
Sean Meredith, a Los Feliz resident, points out that this decision isn't just about public infrastructure, it's also environmental justice. Despite the neighborhood's hipster reputation, there are still working class families who have managed to hold onto their property, who are obligated to walk to school because no one will be driving them. "If they remove this pedestrian lane, that means a half mile detour twice a day. That's a very long day especially for young kids who are lugging heavy school bags or perhaps dropping off siblings."
Students cross the busy roads without a crosswalk | Photo: Sean Meredith
Meredith points out that young adults of this age are more apt to take risks than take more time making a detour, increasing the chances of pedestrian fatalities. In a personal bid to showcase the danger, Meredith photographed students crossing the dangerous road to get to and from school and speeding cars who don't manage to stay within their lanes on the complex of bridges.
Despite the increased options of walking across the bridge to and from Silver Lake, which Councilman Mitch O'Farrell pointed out at the unveiling of the Red Car Bridge project, Meredith is skeptical that pedestrians won't take the more dangerous alternative to crossing the street in a shorter amount of time than they would having to find a circuitous route to their destination.
In her public testimony, Megan Cavenaugh, a registered nurse in Los Angeles, said, "The leading killer of young people in this city is car crashes. With the additional epidemic of hit and run, one would presume the city would do all it could to protect vulnerable users and pedestrians and cyclists. Some more progressive cities like Santa Monica, Long Beach and Pasadena have made safety as priority when it comes time to repave roads and refurbish city. L.A. considers itself a progressive modern city. Let's design our infrastructure to reflect that."
Infrastructure decisions such as the Glendale Hyperion Bridge retrofit are once in a blue moon decision points for a city to decide its direction on pedestrian safety. It could be decades before another refurbishment would be called on the same project area, making this a key decision in the city of Los Angeles. Whether it has made the right choice is up for vigorous debate. In the end, only time will tell the wisdom of the city council's decision.
This article has been edited for accuracy.
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The man who fought to get Metrolink off the ground is standing down after 41 years
Councillor Andrew Fender has been a councillor since 1977 and has been in charge of the transport committee across Greater Manchester since 1981
Charlotte Cox
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The man who made Metrolink happen is retiring after 41 years as a councillor - and nearly four decades as a transport leader.
Andrew Fender is Greater Manchester’s own ‘Mr Transport’.
He has campaigned for - and overseen - all the major transport developments in the region since he was first elected in 1977.
Earning him the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, Coun Fender’s hard work also brought to fruition the Metrolink network.
It’s now the UK’s biggest light rail system.
Now, as Coun Fender stands down for family reasons ahead of the next local elections, he is reflecting on the changes he’s witnessed - and generated.
He said: “I’ve been around a long time - much, if not all, has been closely associated with the network for transport in Greater Manchester.
“I’m very pleased to have played a part in making Metrolink the system it is today.”
Wythenshawe tram stop
Councillor Andrew Fender (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Coun Fender was first elected as a councillor in 1977, representing the Hulme and Moss Side wards on the former Greater Manchester County Council, which was abolished in 1986.
When Labour took control of the GMCC in 1981, Coun Fender was elected chairman of its transportation strategy committee.
He was to guide transport policy for decades.
In 1986, Coun Fender was elected in the Old Moat ward on Manchester council .
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Most recently, and for the last seven years, he has been chairman of the transport for Greater Manchester committee.
But it was as chairman in the early days of the transport strategy committee that he battled for the existence of Metrolink - as well as influencing major changes on the road and bus network.
In the 1970s, he recalls, a ‘horrendous’ post-Second World War road plan was ‘blighting’ regeneration in the city centre.
Describing the ‘spider’s web’ of road plans, he said: “It was based on building high capacity roads, motorways and big dual carriageways which were never going to see the light of day due to costs.
Metrolink takes delivery of its 120th tram - overseen by Councillor Andrew Fender, left, and former director Peter Cushing
“In many parts of the city centre and further out nobody was going to invest because buildings were blighted by this horrendous road building programme.”
By scrapping those plans, he said, developers felt free to plan and regenerate.
“That single programme of work was very important and instrumental in giving businesses the confidence to invest in Manchester.”
He also led plans to freeze bus fares, helping to stabilise falling passenger numbers.
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And then, of course, there was Metrolink.
Plans to link Victoria and Piccadilly with an underground tunnel or expand the local rail network had already been scrapped.
So a study group, led by Coun Fender, was set up to look at how to boost the public transport network.
Their ambitious plan was to create the UK’s largest tram network and ‘achieve great benefits at reasonable cost’.
HRH The Queen is welcomed by a Metrolink driver and transport officials at the Bury Metrolink stop. As Metrolink approaches its silver jubilee, the tram network has now trebled in size.
From 1982, campaigning lasted a number of years and as with any ambitious plan, there were many hurdles - but Coun fender and his team jumped them all.
The construction contract was finally approved by Michael Portillo, then Minister of State for Transport.
The original 19-mile Altrincham to Bury Metrolink line replaced two existing heavy rail lines – linking them with a street-running section through Manchester city centre from Deansgate-Castlefield to Manchester Victoria, and included a spur to Manchester Piccadilly.
The official opening of Metrolink in July 1992 was attended by the Queen.
Mr Fender added: “I’m very proud that having done that work in the early 1980s, we laid the groundwork to get that approval and build the foundations for the changes that have taken place in that area of transport. It also had massive public support.
“And it was with great pride that I accompanied Her Majesty on the inaugural tram.”
Her Majesty the Queen at the opening of the Metrolink in 1992 (Image: TfGM)
The network has now grown to two-thirds of what that study group initially planned.
Coun Fender said the development of transport infrastructure has taken place alongside huge changes in Greater Manchester’s business and economic landscape.
“When I first started working in Manchester in the 1970s there were still pits, engineering works with coal, iron and steel on the east side of Manchester,” he said.
“Over in Salford docks in 1967 there were still ships coming up the Manchester Ship Canal. When I saw those ocean going vessels it was truly inspirational.”
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Coun Fender has seen this industrial heritage replaced by leisure, tourism and the digital and creative industry.
And he says Metrolink’s expansion has helped make that happen.
The line to Salford Quays was completed in 1999, then in to neighbouring Eccles in 2001.
Next was Oldham Mumps, Rochdale, to Droylsden in Tameside, to Chorlton in South Manchester and to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays.
Andrew Fender at the East Didsbury tram stop
In May 2009, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) announced the creation of the Greater Manchester Transport Fund – more than £1.5bn covering 15 major transport projects.
Once again, Coun Fender played a key part in helping secure the cash.
This meant Metrolink could expand with the Droylsden to Ashton-under-Lyne, Chorlton to East Didsbury and a Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe lines built.
It also enabled extensions to Oldham and Rochdale town centres and the Second City Crossing.
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Meanwhile, in the city centre, a population of 500 has grown to 20,000 - with Metrolink also key to future growth.
Does ‘Mr Transport’ have any advice as he passes on the baton?
He said: “In transport nothing is forever. You’ve got to do what you think is right for now and the foreseeable. But you have to be open minded and flexible as to what will happen beyond that.
A Metrolink tram headed for Manchester Airport
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee
“That’s what we are seeing with the work that has gone into the strategy up to 2040.
“You can always look back and say ‘it would have been nice to do this and that but circumstances change to make other things more important.”
On tram issues - the network has suffered a number of technical failures in recent months - he insists the new trams are far superior to the old. Predicting a more reliable system in future, he cites the popularity of the network as proof of its success.
He also predicts a possible ‘western loop’ to Terminal Two and HS2 past Wythenshawe Hospital and an extension to the Trafford line to Port Salford.
A passionate advocate of tram-trains, he’s also a staunch critic of operator-led control of the bus network, which he wants to see handed back to Mayor Andy Burnham and transport leaders.
“That’s been the biggest source of frustration. But buses will always remain the dominant form of transport here,” he added.
Got a story or an issue you want us to investigate? Want to tell us about something going on where you live? Let us know - in complete confidence - by emailing newsdesk@men-news.co.uk, calling us on 0161 211 2323, tweeting us @MENnewsdesk or messaging us on our Facebook page . You can also send us a story tip using the form here .
Manchester Council
Man jailed for abducting and sexually abusing teenage girl in park
CourtsKaden Hand, 20, has been jailed for four years
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HomeAssembly News£3.5m to develop primary care services in Wales
£3.5m to develop primary care services in Wales
A £3.5m funding boost to develop primary healthcare services in Wales has been announced by Mark in his capacity as Health Minister.
The funding, which is being made available in 2014-15, will be targeted at action to improve health and reduce inequalities in the most deprived communities; develop primary care teams and provide eye care services closer to people’s homes.
The areas being funded are:
• The development of a multi-disciplinary primary care workforce, which makes more effective use of GPs’ time and expertise. The funding will help train more advanced nurses, therapists and clinical pharmacists to work in primary care to support GPs;
• Two innovative inverse care law schemes in Aneurin Bevan and Cwm Taf university health board areas, which aim to reduce premature deaths from cardiovascular disease in deprived communities;
• The provision of follow-up eye care appointments closer to people’s homes.
Mark said:
“We need to rebalance the way the NHS provides services in line with the principles of prudent healthcare towards a preventative primary care-led NHS, which is integrated with social care and has close links with services provided by the third and independent sectors.
“We have a health service which is free at the point of need but that doesn’t mean that it is free of obligation – we all have a duty to take responsibility for our own health and to use our health services appropriately.
“This new funding will help realise our ambition to create a strong, highly-trained primary care workforce, which can deliver a wide-range of services in local communities, reducing our dependence on hospital-based care. It will also see more follow-up eye appointments provided closer to patients’ homes instead of in a hospital setting.
“Tackling poverty and reducing inequalities – both of which are linked to poor health – are key priorities for the Welsh Government. This is why part of the funding package I’m announcing today will focus on improving the health of the most deprived communities and helping to reduce the often deadly impact of cardiovascular disease on these communities.”
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Home / Collections / Pose
Chicago native Jordan Nickel, aka Pose, has become one of the world’s foremost graffiti-style fine artists. In addition to his formal training, his artistic practice is deeply rooted in his graffiti experience and his immersion in traditional sign painting. Inspired by the streets, comic books, cartoons, and pop art, his compositions—whether on a wall or on canvas—burst with bright color, energy, and a pileup of fragmented, overlapping images. He is a member of The Seventh Letter, an acclaimed West Coast artist collective, and Mad Society Kings (MSK), a world-renowned graffiti crew. He has painted murals all over the world and his studio work has been shown at galleries from London and Dubai to New York and Los Angeles.
Pose: Doll 3 (Hand-Embellished Version)
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Blogs - NocturneGames
NocturneGames
Mark joined Sep 14, 2011
Nocturne Games is a one man games developer that uses the Yoyo Games tool "GameMaker" to make high quality games for all to enjoy!
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Marketing, The Final Frontier
Aug 20 2015 NocturneGames Blog
It's well known that marketing is important. In fact, if you were to ask any successful dev how they split their time up, they'll probably say 50% making the game and 50% marketing. Which may seem like a lot of time spent on something that you think is unimportant - the attitude that a good game will sell itself is still prevalent amongst many people - but in the super-saturated stores that everyone uses, your game will disappear if it's not marketed correctly.
So, what does marketing your game consist of? When do you start to tout it about and generate interest? Where and how can you market it? Those are questions that I'll try to answer in this article, although it should be noted that I'm going to talk in general terms about things as marketing is almost as much an art-form as making games, and what works for one will not always work for another...
The Indie Boom
Before 2008, marketing for indie games consisted of nothing more than posting in a forum like the GMC and emailing EXE's to friends (okay, that's an exaggeration, but it wasn't a "big thing"). But in 2008 a couple of interesting things happened that changed all this: The Apple App Store opened and a few indie games hit it BIG (Braid and World of Goo, for example). These games broke many molds and crossed over from the niche indie game-space into mainstream, proving to thousands of bedroom developers that small games can make it big, and the App Store provided a new marketplace for these same developers to post their smaller gamedev projects with a guaranteed audience. However a guaranteed audience didn't mean guaranteed sales as getting exposure and coverage was still a problem, and over the intervening years this hasn't changed - in fact it's gotten worse - meaning that devs have to learn the art of marketing if they want to get their games noticed.
When To Start Marketing?
A common mistake that is made by small dev teams is to start marketing their game when it's finished or nearly finished. This is not the way to do things! The main bulk of your sales will come from the first few weeks of release, so if people haven't heard about your game before this, then your sales will suffer badly. So when should you start to move your game around the social media circuit? Basically, you should start the moment you have something worth showing. How you define what is worth showing will depend on the game, but it could a finished level, polished concept art, a video showing the core mechanics, or even a rough demo... The important thing is to get something out there and then follow it up with regular updates.
Note though, that this doesn't mean you should start spamming out screenshots and demos all over the social networks right from the get go, especially if they are full of "programmer art" or are not visually polished. Select a single media outlet to start with - like Vine or Twitter - and post a very small and select number of things then slowly build on that based on the feedback and response you get. Too much too soon will bore people and turn them off, making them dismiss your project as another wannabe Fez or something.
What Should You Be Doing Then?
Okay, so you have a beautiful mock-up of your game, and/or a solid demo with the core mechanics... what now? Let's just list the main things that you should be considering:
Make A Website: Yes, I know you're a gamedev and not a web designer, but that's why things like Wordpress exist... Your game and company/studio need a place to "live" on the internet and you really should have a home base for your product or products. The website can be for all your projects, with the current one taking up the main feature space, or you can have one for just a single project, but you really need somewhere that you can link to that isn't a social network.
Write A Dev Blog: People love to read about other people's work, so consider keeping a dev blog, either on your own website or somewhere where gamers and devs will read it (like IndieDB, for example). Dev blogs give players and other devs an insight into how your game is being built, and if you write in a personal way it will engage them on a personal level and give them an emotional interest in your game and it's trials and tribulations. However, don't post every bug and detail about what you're doing, and instead try to keep it interesting. It is better to write infrequently but have quality, interesting content than to write constantly every minor detail and bore your readers.
Sign Up For Social Networks: This is something else you will have to do if you want to succeed. At the very least, you'll need a Twitter account and a Facebook page, but you should consider other things like Tumblr, Vine, Twitch and even Google+... There's a lot more to say on this point, so we'll discuss it a bit further on.
Make Videos: For me this is one of the hardest things to do as I really don't have much of a clue about video editing and production, but there is no denying that in the visual culture we live in, a video can do wonders for your game. Even if you have to ask for outside help, you should consider posting videos to Youtube and Vimeo to showcase features or highlight game mechanics. These videos will tease your audience and hopefully engage them enough that they'll want to see more. Take a cue from the movie and TV industries, where they create dozens of trailers and teasers throughout the creation of the film to increase hype and show off characters or scenes... it works for them, so it'll work for you too!
Contact Let's Players: Once you have a decent amount of content and a Beta/Finished game, it's worth contacting some of the YouTube Let's Players. Sending them a copy of your game and politely asking if they'd be interested in playing it could pay off big time, as there are a number of them with massive audiences who will give your game exposure to a very wide demographic of potential buyers.
One other thing that is well worth the time to set up is a Press Kit page. It's a great way to get all your studio and game information in one place along with graphic resources like screenshots and icons for anyone to use. This has been made really easy thanks to the work of Rami Ismail (@tha_rami) of indie studio Vlambeer and his DoPressKit{}, so if you haven't thought about this, you really should look it up.
Become A Social Media God
Social media is important. Very important, but it's also very easy to abuse, so you should be careful what you do with it and how you use it. With Twitter you should follow other developers you are interested in as well as members of the press that are related to the genre or OS that your game is targetting, however you should not tweet them unsolicted messages about your game. Wait and see if they retweet or favourite anything you post and only after you've seen they are interested should you think about tweeting them... although you'd probably be better holding off until you have an established following and you know they are interested in the project before any type of direct contact.
What about when you should post? Well, in general it's best to post your updates when you know that people will be watching, which means between 11am and 11pm, more or less. Better still, you can post twice, once in the morning and again twelve hours later and that way you can be sure that the maximum number of followers will see them. However, again, don't overdo it and be careful not to saturate peoples timelines with your tweets and posts as they'll quickly get fed up and stop paying you any attention... only post things that you think are important or interesting or entertaining (little known fact - funny and humorous posts will get higher likes/retweets/follows).
One thing to be very careful of is becoming a serial follower/liker. If you just go around following everybody then it smacks of desperation and shows a lack of discretion that others will pick up. Follow only those people that you really have an interest in and that you think will supply you with valid and interesting information and insights, and/or be interested in your projects. It's better to have 3000 followers and follow only a few hundred than the other way around (although to start with you will inevitably be following more than than those that follow you).
Other than Twitter and Facebook, you can also post your trailers and preview material to Reddit, in particular the Indie Gaming sub-reddit, but when you do, avoid "buzz words" like Epic and Awesome and Ground Breaking, etc... Be sincere and to the point and you'll do better! You can also join Facebook groups for independent GameDev (there are a number of them), or Google+ gamedev and GameMaker circles and share stuff that way. Also remember to keep your Facebook and website pages up to date and active, as it's almost worse to have them up but with no content than not to have them at all, and your website should have direct links to all your social media profiles and act as a "hub" for them.
Meeting Your Audience
So you are now shouting across the social media wavelengths about your game and you're getting some interest going. The game itself is progressing nicely and you're feeling like you are ready to actually start showing it to people in a more direct way. What to do? Well, you can consider attending one of the expos that are held for indie games. The obvious choice would be PAX, as it is such a massive event that thousands of people will be exposed to your game... but getting there and could be expensive - and getting a stand even more so, although you could do "guerilla marketing" and just hand out CD's or fliers as you wander around - so maybe the Indie Mega Booth could be for you? You'll get your game to PAX and it'll be cheaper, although you'll still need to fork out $500 or so... What about submitting your game to the IndieCade festival? That'll only cost you $80-$90, although there is no guarantee that your game will be accepted, but if it is then you can expect a massive rise in interest - and subsequent sales - of your game.
Even if you can't get the money together to get a booth for these big events, you can still go to them, or other smaller ones, and make contact with people, spreading the word about your project and giving out fliers etc... This will put a human face on your studio and help keep it in the hearts and minds of your audience.
I could probably write a whole article on what you should and should not do when contacting the press (and I may still...), but I'll try and summarise what I consider to be the most important points. Remember, the gaming press can make or break a game, and so you have to be careful who you contact and how, otherwise you don't just risk losing interest in your current project, but you also risk losing interest in all your future projects too. So treat the press with honesty and respect, and try to follow these basic rules:
Be Realistic: Don't think that IGN or one of the other major networks will be interested in your game right from the start. They might be but it's highly unlikely. Instead, focus on smaller indie-friendly networks and once you get some coverage from them you can set your sights on the big guns in the industry.
Target The Right Sites: If your game is for PC, don't bother contacting a mobile gaming site! This may seem an obvious thing, but you'd be surprised how many people contact any and all journalists "just in case", and as I said above, you risk alienating them for your future releases that might be on that platform.
Be Natural: You're an indie dev, not a AAA company, so don't try and write your emails like you are a big game studio. Be natural, be yourself, start the email with a simple "Hello, I'm such-and-such and I'd like to present my game". Tell them a little about yourself and your game, but avoid comparisons with other games out there and avoid buzz words and phrases like "revolutionary" or "epic". If your game is truly revolutionary and epic, let the journalists say it for you! Also, try to avoid using a standard email for all contacts, and take some time to craft your email personally for each individual. A standard email for all journalists will be noticed and says you don't really care about them or their site.
Send Copies Of Your Game: You may not like it, but you must send copies of your game to the press for them to play, or at the very least access codes for them to get it from the App Store or Steam. You want them to talk about it so make it as easy as possible for them.
There are other things you should consider when dealing with the press, but in general those are the main big points. Journalists have to deal with loads of emails every day, so yours has to stand out and get their attention, so keep it short, keep it friendly and keep it honest, otherwise you'll just get dismissed. Again, Rami Ismail has set up another fantastic service to make handling the press easier with his doDistribute{} framework, so have a look at that too!
I could go on and on about marketing for some time as there is so much to it, but this blog is already long enough so I won't for now. Suffice to say that apart from the above, you should also look at streaming your game dev using something like Twitch, you should look at Early Access funding and crowd funding, you should consider avenues like Greenlight, and - if you have the cash to spend on it - you should consider extra PR from a professional firm just before release. These things can all be used to raise awareness of your game and get people hooked on it before it's even out there.
Note that it's not entirely necessary to do everything listed in this article, but at the very least I recommend that you should:
Create a Twitter account and post regularly.
Make a trailer and get it on YouTube.
Contact a few game journalists who have shown prior interest in your type of game.
Do at least that, and you'll stand a chance of getting a good audience who are willing to pay for your game further spread the word... Oh, and one final piece of advice - bookmark Pixel Prospector. You'll find it an invaluable resource when it comes to marketing!
GameMaker HTML5 and my game PIXEL Blast
Nov 8 2011 NocturneGames Blog
I have been lucky enough to be in on a minor revolution in the world of casual gaming... HTML5 canvas! Many people have said that the domination of flash on the internet was due to finish and thanks to this new standard it seems that that time may just have come, as thanks to the wonders of this new standard many things that flash does can now be imitated, and that includes GAMES!
One of the companies to get in on this at an early stage and bet on the future of HTML5 as a gaming platform is YoyoGames who recently released their open beta of GM:HTML5, and I have been lucky enough to recieve a free copy of this program due to my duties as a mod at the GMC (thank you YoyoGames!).
So what does it offer? Well, for those unfamiliar with the GameMaker program (currently at version 8.1), it offers an easy to use IDE for creating games... predominantly 2D but with capabilities for 3D too. You can find more information and free, functional version at the official Yoyo games site HERE. The HTML5 of this program has the 8.1 windows engine but the ability to set the compile target to HTML5, in which case your game will be created as a JavaScript file (with all the necessary assets) plus an index.html file to run it.
In a previous blog post I commented on the fact that the skin of this version was dark themd with orange highlights, and that is the case... but Yoyo have listened to the complaints of people who dislike this and included the oprion to change and customise the theme, which I personally am glad about! Apart from this minor cosmetic change the structure of the IDE itself remains unchanged and although it's showing it's age, it's still easy and efficient to use.
And the HTML5 games you can make? Well, I was initially disappointed to find that NONE of my current WIPs nor my old games were able to be loaded and run as HTML5 games due to the fact that JavaScript, and the HTML5 format itself, imposes restrictions on what can be done and the fact that the runner is still in beta stages, so without certain functions. My disappointment lasted only a second as I set out to create my first HTML5 game...
One month later and I have completed my first game! Say hello to :
Now, as I was unfamiliar with just what GM can do with HTML5, I decided to keep this simple and so I created an arena shooter in an old school retro style. The creation was actually remarkably easy and trouble-free with only a few bugs being found in GM (which have mostly since been fixed thanks to the rapid respone by YoyoGames to all reported bugs), but the OPTIMISATION was a royal pain! I have had to re-think many of the things I took for granted when creating games in GM8.1 as a lot of the functions and ways of doing things just aren't efficient enough for a browser game... especially when you don't know which browser and what kind of machine will be running it! Someone with an über PC running Chrome may play the game without any problems, but someone on a tab using Safari may experience lag, so I had to go through ALL my codes and re-write a great many things to make sure that it works, and even then I have included a GFX option so that the user can raise or lower the graphics quality to suit their device of choice...
You can find the results of my labours here : Cryset.co.uk
and here is a screen to show how it looks with the high GFX option :
So, my experience with GM:HTML5? It is wonderful software with a few kinks that are getting ironed out very quickly by those nice guys at YoYoGames, and it has certainly given me a kick in the pants to get working on new and different projects with the hope that they will achieve a wider audience through the use of browsers to play instead of having to download an exe.
GM HTML5 : First images of new IDE released!
Sep 17 2011 NocturneGames Blog
So I signed on for the Open Beta of the new GameMaker HTML5 IDE. The offer was unbeatable as they are selling the product for $200 but giving it out at only $99 for those that participate in the Open Beta... it's still expensive, but a $100 discount is a hell of a lot and should NOT be passed up on I think!
Well after nearly a months wait I got the e-mail I have been waiting for... GM HTML5 is being released on the 22nd of September! Great! And we have been treated (or not?) to some screenshots of this new flagship product in the GM line :
Hmmm.... So its a dark themed IDE with (gulp!) ORANGE highlights? Now, I am a fan of dark themes (a left over from my days as a sad Goth, perhaps?) but this just doesn't seem to work for me. It's just too dark and the orange is horrible. If they had used their "Yoyo Green", for example, I would have liked this loads more, or if they had left it slightly lighter then the orange wouldn't stand out so... but as it is I can't say I like it! Thankfully it's been made clear that we will have the option to change this back to the usual GM IDE colours, so at least you can choose to get eye-strain or not. Ideally it should be customizable, and as this is a beta, lets see if Yoyo decide to add that option in later...
My First Commercial Game
Just joined the site and as I cannot post any links yet (I am NOT a spambot!!!!) I'll use my first post to announce my upcoming game "Ricochet"...
The idea is simple, travel through 60 different levels spread over four worlds collecting all th coins in each level. This is done with the Ricochet Ball, which you control by using an intuitive click-drag-release mechanism to set the direction and speed of movement.
The four worlds are Earth, Air, Ice and Fire and each has it's own compliment of graphics as well as unique obstacles for your Ball to use/avoid and there are also random Bonus rooms that are generated procedurally. Add to that three levels of difficulty and a quick-game mode (also generated procedurally!) and you have one huge game!
This is actually going to be my first commercial game and It'll be selling for $2.99 through BMT Micro... something new for me as all my games to date have been free!!! But don't worry, this is not going to be a trend for me as I hope to continue releasing quality freeware too...
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Exciting year ahead for Who magazine editor Emma Nolan
By Kruti Joshi
Who partners with Holden to launch new campaign
Pacific Magazines’ premium entertainment brand Who will be launching a new campaign on February 1 in partnership with Holden called Women Who.
“We are celebrating women who lead, inspire, fight and care,” new editor Emma Nolan told Mediaweek.
“This is a four-week series, in which we will be looking at the visionaries from the world of media, science, politics and a lot more. So there will be some very big names, and also names that you might not have heard of. But these are all women doing amazing things.”
The campaign will run in print and online.
After 15 years of keeping up with the TV landscape for the readers of Bauer Media’s TV Week, Nolan took a leap of faith to Pacific Magazines late last year when she replaced former editor Shane Sutton.
“There are similarities between the two magazines – they are both very entertainment focused. In that way, it’s been an easy transition,” Nolan told Mediaweek. “But I get to do more celebrity coverage that I didn’t get to do at TV Week: more royals, crime and news. It’s broader than what I did before.”
This year seems to be perfect for Nolan to take on the editorial leadership at Who with two royal weddings and a royal baby coming. “You can’t get better than that,” she said. The royals are popular with the magazine’s readers.
“It’s a new era for the royals. The princess to be, Meghan Markle, is a perfect fit for the Who brand. She is inspirational, is a woman of substance and is out there making a difference in the world. We are really excited to have her as one of our cover stars.”
Who competes with Woman’s Day, New Idea, and NW in the local weekly entertainment magazine market. Bauer Media’s Woman’s Day and Pacific Magazines’ New Idea are among the most-read magazines in Australia. “Our big in-depth reads set us apart from the other magazines,” Nolan said. “It’s about the real stories that have substance. We aim to have real stories that make people feel inspired and make them talk.”
Some users on social media accuse entertainment weekly titles of making up stories to sell copies. At times celebrities have also come out responding against stories published by entertainment brands around the world. Recently, Australian actor Rebel Wilson sued Bauer Media’s Woman’s Day for a series of stories that were published by the magazine.
Nolan commented: “Who magazine is based on facts. We have the trust of the stars. Everything is based on real interviews.”
There is a lot happening at Who this year, Nolan said. “It’s an exciting time.”
Digital is a big focus for the brand. “We aim to produce more original video and podcasts. There are also some brand extensions coming up. But I can’t give too much away.”
Who will be producing more lifestyle content for print and online. “We are also expanding to other areas,” Nolan said, again being careful not to give away too much information.
Talking about her aspirations for Who, Nolan said: “My aim is to be the weekly magazine that sets the agenda for what people are talking about.”
Related Items:Emma Nolan, Featured, Pacific Magazines, Who
Mediaweek Roundup: Pacific job cuts, Dow Jones, Sky News + more
Mediaweek Roundup: Foxtel staff cuts, Pacific Magazines, 2GB + more
ACCC approves Pacific sale to Bauer, are titles still worth $40m?
Guardian reports 300,000+ US financial supporters
Guardian Australia launches its first fundraising campaign for environment series
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Morocco Urges Voters to Review Their Eligibility Ahead of 2021 Elections
Home Highlights on Morocco France to work together with Morocco within Security Council- Juppé
France to work together with Morocco within Security Council- Juppé
Rabat, January 6, 2012 (MAP)
France will work “in close collaboration” with Morocco within the UN Security Council, of which Morocco is a non-permanent member, said French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé.
In a congratulatory message to his Moroccan peer, Saadeddine El Othmani, the head of French diplomacy expressed willingness to work in close collaboration with the Kingdom to promote the French-Moroccan friendship, notably following the entry of Morocco to the UN Security Council.
Juppé also described himself as an “ardent defender” of partnership between the two countries, adding that their bilateral relations are of an unmatched closeness in the world, he said.
Juppé also said that he will pay a visit to Morocco to meet El Othmani, who was appointed last Tuesday Morocco’s foreign Minister in the cabinet of Abdelilah Benkirane.
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Home News Maghreb Salafists behind Belaid’s murder, 4 held: Tunisia minister
Salafists behind Belaid’s murder, 4 held: Tunisia minister
TUNIS, Feb 26, 2013 (AFP) -
TUNIS, Feb 26, 2013 (AFP) –
Radical Salafist Muslims murdered Tunisian opposition leader Chokri Belaid, with four suspects arrested and the killer identified but still on the run, Interior Minister Ali Larayedh said on Tuesday.
The breakthrough comes as Larayedh, named as prime minister-designate, presses efforts to form a new government aimed at pulling Tunisia out of a deep political crisis sparked by the February 6 killing of Belaid outside his home in Tunis.
“The killer has been identified and is being chased,” Larayedh told a news conference.
“Four other suspects have been arrested. They are Tunisians and belong to a radical religious strand … which we refer to as the Salafist movement,” said Larayedh.
Belaid’s daylight killing on February 6 sparked deadly street protests and strikes and exposed the widening fissures between the ruling Islamists and liberals.
It also threw Tunisia into its worst political crisis since the revolution two years ago that ousted strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Larayedh said the four people arrested had “monitored (Belaid) for some time”.
One of the suspects, he added, “confessed to having accompanied the killer on the day of the crime.”
Police sources had earlier told AFP that those behind the killing were adherents of the Salafist movement, which is known for its radical version of Sunni Islam.
They said one of the suspects was active in the League for the Protection of the Revolution, a controversial group linked to the ruling Ennahda party and implicated in attacks on secular opposition groups.
The Salafists have been blamed for several violent actions in Tunisia in the past few months — including an attack on the US embassy last September that left four attackers dead — with Ennahda being regularly accused by the opposition of protecting those behind the violence.
Larayedh declined to comment on who may have ordered the killing, even as Belaid’s widow, Besma Khalfaoui, urged authorities to flush out those responsible.
“It is good to know who carried it out, but for me it is very important to know who ordered it… because this was a very well-organised crime,” Khalfaoui told France’s Europe 1 radio Tuesday during a visit to Paris.
“We are asking for a trial, for further investigation, for everything to be known.”
Belaid’s brother, Abdelmajid, accuses Ennahda of being behind the murder, which the party has denied.
“It’s Ennahda which gave the green light to kill my brother,” he told AFP.
Khalfaoui was more cautious, saying only that “Ennahda’s political leadership is involved.”
The political crisis in Tunisia has been aggravated with Belaid’s killing, with former premier Hamadi Jebali resigning after his own party Ennahda dismissed his proposal to form a government of technocrats.
Larayedh, also an Ennahda member, was named on Friday to replace Jebali. He has until March 8 to form a new government, which he has vowed will be “for all Tunisians”.
He met with leaders of the secular Republican Party on Tuesday after holding talks the previous evening with Beji Caid Essebsi, ex-premier and leader of the opposition movement Nidaa Tounes, an AFP correspondent said.
Rached Ghannouchi, who heads Ennahda and is seen as the main political power in Tunisia, has said Larayedh’s efforts are focused on enlarging the three-member ruling coalition to add more parties in a more broadly based coalition.
The alliance currently groups Ennahda with two secular, centre-left parties: President Moncef Marzouki’s Congress for the Republic and Ettakatol.
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Boys will be boys. They can be so mean at that age. What can anyone do about it?
Bully — and its producers and subjects — suggest that something ought to be done.
Alex seeks solace by the train tracks
Half a dozen kids are profiled in this documentary from Lee Hirsch. The strongest thread features Alex from Sioux City, Iowa; he has an appearance and demeanor that seem to invite bullying. Kelby is a gay girl in a small, insular town in Oklahoma. Tyler committed suicide at 17 and his parents go on camera. Ty (a different boy) also committed suicide, leaving his parents bewildered; they start a movement to end bullying. Ja’Meya was sent to juvie after she took her mother’s gun with her on the school bus to scare the mean girls who constantly picked on her.
The strongest footage is apparently captured by an invisible photographer. Kids do the darnedest things. They make death threats, they push and shove, they strangle, they insult and demean. The footage is remarkable because that sort of behavior would stop immediately were any adult to show up. Somehow the filmmakers were able to capture this human subculture without making the Heisenbergian mistake of changing the outcome by observing it.
Granted, the footage chosen for a film called “Bully” is likely the worst of the worst, and not representative of a typical moment in a child’s life. But it’s amazing to think that there is a part of humanity where this sort of behavior is the norm. I remember it being so from my own childhood, but I never see it anymore — children always behave differently when adults are around. Yet here we see kids being kids in ways that other human beings do not treat each other.
Almost as baffling is the cluelessness of the adults, like the administrator who says “I’ve ridden that bus. The kids are as good as gold.” Little did she know that her statements would be intercut with shocking footage of cruelty on that very bus. Even the parents and better-attuned administrators don’t seem to realize how they come across to the children through whose eyes we have come to see the world. The adults have completely unrealistic standards to which they hold their children. They ask leading questions that demand insincere answers. Yet in spite of that incredible authoritarian pressure, sometimes Alex or another child manages an honest answer that isn’t what the authority figure wants to hear.
There are times when Bully makes me feel hopeless about the future of humanity. The disconnect between the adult world and the child world is a wide gulf.
There is also a gulf between urban and rural America. To his credit, the father of the gay teen in rural Oklahoma did not retract his love or support when she came out. Yet, as she tells it, the entire school retreated, emotionally and physically. That can’t be entirely true as we never see Kelby without her girlfriend and at least two other friends. But even the father speaks of how cold the town has become to him and his family “to the point that people won’t even wave at you anymore.” He nobly offers to let the family move somewhere... “bigger” is the word his daughter recalls, and it takes on a double meaning. But she says if she doesn’t stay and fight it, the next kid will have to fight it all alone.
A better film might have sought out some of the perpetrators of this bigotry, rather than letting the accusations from the victims do all of the talking. But I don’t doubt that life became much more difficult for a gay teen in a place that is “small.”
Bully is all over the news because of its R rating (since reduced to PG-13). Because of its omnipresence in the news, I had expected something stronger, more powerful. The movie does have some very strong scenes, and it’s very provocative. I’m not sure if it’s a great example of documentary filmmaking, but it’s sure to start some conversations.
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Wayne Moving & Storage Co, Inc
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Had my family unit merchandise move around a month back and had this moving company carry out the employment. They made an awesome showing moving my stuff in an opportune house, without harming anything, yet when it came to disassembling things and puting them back together, that is an alternate story. I move a great deal since I am in the military and I comprehend that things break and get harmed while moving, that is only the way of the brute yet these folks don't know how to dismantle things and set up them back together without harming them. My recommendation is to dismantle your stuff yourself and set up it back together yourself so that they just need to stress over moving it.
In the United States, the term 'full trailer' is used for a freight trailer supported by front and rear axles and pulled by a drawbar. This term is slightly different in Europe, where a full trailer is known as an A-frame drawbar trail. A full trailer is 96 or 102 in (2.4 or 2.6 m) wide and 35 or 40 ft (11 or 12 m) long.
Beginning the the early 20th century, the 1920's saw several major advancements. There was improvement in rural roads which was significant for the time. The diesel engine, which are 25-40% more efficient than gas engines were also a major breakthrough. We also saw the standardization of truck and trailer sizes along with fifth wheel coupling systems. Additionally power assisted brakes and steering developed. By 1933, all states had some form of varying truck weight regulation.
In the 20th century, the 1940 film "They Drive by Night" co-starred Humphrey Bogart. He plays an independent driver struggling to become financially stable and economically independent. This is all set during the times of the Great Depression. Yet another film was released in 1941, called "The Gang's All Here". It is a story of a trucking company that's been targeted by saboteurs.
Medium trucks are larger than light but smaller than heavy trucks. In the US, they are defined as weighing between 13,000 and 33,000 pounds (6,000 and 15,000 kg). For the UK and the EU, the weight is between 3.5 and 7.5 tons (3.9 and 8.3 tons). Local delivery and public service (dump trucks, garbage trucks, and fire-fighting trucks) are around this size.
AMSA wanted to help consumers avoid untrustworthy or illegitimate movers. In January 2008, AMSA created the ProMover certification program for its members. As a member, you must have federal interstate operating authority. Members are also required to pass an annual criminal back check, be licensed by the FMCSA, and agree to abide by ethical standards. This would include honesty in advertising and in business transaction with customers. Each must also sign a contract committing to adhere to applicable Surface Transportation Board and FMCSA regulations. AMSA also takes into consideration and examines ownership. They are very strict, registration with state corporation commissions. This means that the mover must maintain at least a satisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). As one can imagine, those that pass are authorized to display the ProMove logo on the websites and in marketing materials. However, those that fail will be expelled from the program (and AMSA) if they cannot correct discrepancies during probation.
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“The association of truckers with cowboys and related myths was perhaps most obvious during the urban-cowboy craze of the late 1970s, a period that saw middle-class urbanites wearing cowboy clothing and patronizing simulated cowboy nightclubs. During this time, at least four truck driver movies appeared, CB radio became popular, and truck drivers were prominently featured in all forms of popular media.” — Lawrence J. Ouellet
In 1971, author and director Steven Spielberg, debuted his first feature length film. His made-for-tv film, Duel, portrayed a truck driver as an anonymous stalker. Apparently there seems to be a trend in the 70's to negatively stigmatize truck drivers.
"Six Day on the Road" was a trucker hit released in 1963 by country music singer Dave Dudley. Bill Malone is an author as well as a music historian. He notes the song "effectively captured both the boredom and the excitement, as well as the swaggering masculinity that often accompanied long distance trucking."
Without strong land use controls, buildings are too often built in town right along a bypass. This results with the conversion of it into an ordinary town road, resulting in the bypass becoming as congested as the local streets. On the contrary, a bypass is intended to avoid such local street congestion. Gas stations, shopping centers, along with various other businesses are often built alongside them. They are built in hopes of easing accessibility, while home are ideally avoided for noise reasons.
Public transportation is vital to a large part of society and is in dire need of work and attention. In 2010, the DOT awarded $742.5 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to 11 transit projects. The awardees specifically focused light rail projects. One includes both a commuter rail extension and a subway project in New York City. The public transportation New York City has to offer is in need of some TLC. Another is working on a rapid bus transit system in Springfield, Oregon. The funds also subsidize a heavy rail project in northern Virginia. This finally completes the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metro Silver Line, connecting to Washington, D.C., and the Washington Dulles International Airport. This is important because the DOT has previously agreed to subsidize the Silver Line construction to Reston, Virginia.
DOT officers of each state are generally in charge of the enforcement of the Hours of Service (HOS). These are sometimes checked when CMVs pass through weigh stations. Drivers found to be in violation of the HOS can be forced to stop driving for a certain period of time. This, in turn, may negatively affect the motor carrier's safety rating. Requests to change the HOS are a source of debate. Unfortunately, many surveys indicate drivers routinely get away with violating the HOS. Such facts have started yet another debate on whether motor carriers should be required to us EOBRs in their vehicles. Relying on paper-based log books does not always seem to enforce the HOS law put in place for the safety of everyone.
The Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula is a mathematical formula used in the United States to determine the appropriate gross weight for a long distance moving vehicle, based on the axle number and spacing. Enforced by the Department of Transportation upon long-haul truck drivers, it is used as a means of preventing heavy vehicles from damaging roads and bridges. This is especially in particular to the total weight of a loaded truck, whether being used for commercial moving services or for long distance moving services in general.
According to the Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula, the total weight of a loaded truck (tractor and trailer, 5-axle rig) cannot exceed 80,000 lbs in the United States. Under ordinary circumstances, long-haul equipment trucks will weight about 15,000 kg (33,069 lbs). This leaves about 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs) of freight capacity. Likewise, a load is limited to the space available in the trailer, normally with dimensions of 48 ft (14.63 m) or 53 ft (16.15 m) long, 2.6 m (102.4 in) wide, 2.7 m (8 ft 10.3 in) high and 13 ft 6 in or 4.11 m high.
A properly fitted close-coupled trailer is fitted with a rigid tow bar. It then projects from its front and hooks onto a hook on the tractor. It is important to not that it does not pivot as a draw bar does.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues Hours of Service regulations. At the same time, they govern the working hours of anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in the United States. Such regulations apply to truck drivers, commercial and city bus drivers, and school bus drivers who operate CMVs. With these rules in place, the number of daily and weekly hours spent driving and working is limited. The FMCSA regulates the minimum amount of time drivers must spend resting between driving shifts. In regards to intrastate commerce, the respective state's regulations apply.
Relocation, or moving, is the process of vacating a fixed location, such as a residence or business, and settling in a different one. A move might be to a nearby location such as in the same neighborhood or a much farther location in a different city or even a different country. Moving usually includes packing up all belongings, transferring them to the new location, and unpacking them. It will also be necessary to update administrative information. This includes tasks such as notifying the post office, changing registration data, change of insurance, services etc. It is important to remember this step in the relocation process.
The decade of the 70's in the United States was a memorable one, especially for the notion of truck driving. This seemed to dramatically increase popularity among trucker culture. Throughout this era, and even in today's society, truck drivers are romanticized as modern-day cowboys and outlaws. These stereotypes were due to their use of Citizens Band (CB) radios to swap information with other drivers. Information regarding the locations of police officers and transportation authorities. The general public took an interest in the truckers 'way of life' as well. Both drivers and the public took interest in plaid shirts, trucker hats, CB radios, and CB slang.
The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) is a non-profit trade association. AMSA represents members of the professional moving industry primarily based in the United States. The association consists of approximately 4,000 members. They consist of van lines, their agents, independent movers, forwarders, and industry suppliers. However, AMSA does not represent the self-storage industry.
Light trucks are classified this way because they are car-sized, yet in the U.S. they can be no more than 6,300 kg (13,900 lb). These are used by not only used by individuals but also businesses as well. In the UK they may not weigh more than 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) and are authorized to drive with a driving license for cars. Pickup trucks, popular in North America, are most seen in North America and some regions of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Although Europe doesn't seem to follow this trend, where the size of the commercial vehicle is most often made as vans.
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Schools need reliable federal guidance on reopening. They still aren't getting it
The Milford Daily News
One of the most frustrating aspects of the pandemic has been watching school districts try to navigate the complexities of remote learning with so little guidance from Washington, D.C. The silence is equally deafening when it comes to figuring out when and how districts should reopen their campuses.
Yes, the federal government provided much-needed funding, which helped buy computers and broadband access for students and cover other pandemic-related costs. Far more money is needed. But just as essential, if not more so, were information and directives about how to proceed in the current, unprecedented situation. And this is where the federal government has been sorely lacking.
School administrators aren't epidemiologists; they don't know when it's safe to open schools and which measures to guard against the spread of the virus are most effective. And the Trump administration has, if anything, been counterproductive on this score.
President Donald Trump's main contribution was to tell districts, in effect: "Open all the school doors to full-time classroom learning, right now, or else!" It was an admonition designed more to restart the economy than educate students, and it was widely and rightly ignored.
So it's a relief to see President-elect Joe Biden's incoming team making firmer plans. Like Trump, Biden's advisers affirm the importance of getting students in school, but in their case they lay out the steps needed to get there — such as encouraging the closure of indoor dining at restaurants and other high-risk commercial activities before closing the schools that have reopened so far, and in order to open the ones that have remained closed. Those businesses would need bailouts to survive the pandemic, but the priority needs to be clear: This country and its students cannot afford a year without learning if we can help it. And Zoom meetings aren't the answer.
Schools also need help understanding the parameters for safe reopening. We all do. When is it safe for students and teachers to be in the classroom? New York City, which already had reopened schools, now is closing them again after the rate of positive coronavirus tests more than doubled to 3%. But for New York state in general, a more generous figure of 5% is used. Other states and cities have their own rates.Who's right? None of these numbers are based on actual science showing that school attendance is safe at one level and unsafe at another. The people arguing for closure at one infection rate and reopening at another are no closer to the truth than Trump.
We could be getting the answers we need. Schools opened in many corners of the nation, using different safety steps and in communities with different levels of infection. It's a situation rich with data that has gone virtually ignored.
Anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that schools aren't much of a COVID spreader. We haven't seen big outbreaks connected to schools, in contrast with colleges. On the other hand, the number of infections at recently reopened schools in LA County jumped 63% in one week. Not all U.S. school districts are even reporting their infection data; they should be compelled to do so.
The nation doesn't need to base these decisions on guesstimates and anecdotes. The federal government isn't gathering or using the numbers that could be right in front of us to help inform decisions about opening schools. Before this school year is entirely lost, the Trump administration should start gathering and analyzing the data. That's unlikely to happen, though, leaving the necessary work to the Biden administration.
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Jared Kushner, here are 25 more books you should read about Palestine, Israel relations
Donald Trump's senior advisor says he has looked at 25 books relating to the conflict - here are some more he might also want to consider
Jared Kushner, special adviser to US President Donald Trump, is regarded as a key figure in the US administration’s policy towards the Middle East
MEE staff
Published date: 31 January 2020 23:24 UTC | Last update: 10 months 2 weeks ago
Earlier this week, in the wake of the announcement of Donald Trump's "deal of the century" for Israel and Palestine, Jared Kushner, its chief architect explained to CNN's Christiane Amanpour just how much he had studied the region.
“I’ve been studying this now for three years,” Kuchner said. “I’ve read 25 books on it, I’ve spoken to every leader in the region, I’ve spoken to everyone who’s been involved in this.”
Most interest focused just on which 25 books Kuchner had read: some sleuthing by The Forward revealed several titles, including State of Failure and Hamas vs Fatah, by Jonathan Schanzer; and Thirteen Days in September, by journalist Lawrence Wright.
The impression from those few titles to emerge is that they are broadly written from a Washington perspective, and not necessarily that insightful about the lived experiences of Palestinians, who Kushner on Wednesday called "foolish" for rejecting his plan.
In the spirit of a geo-political book club, the editors and writers at Middle East Eye would like to offer Mr Kushner the following reading list to maybe deaden his echo chamber.
Our choices are, we suspect, more eclectic than those he has read so far, and include poetry, fiction and graphic novels amid geo-political analysis and discourse. The list, presented here in no particular order, is by no means exhaustive. We have restricted ourselves to books originally written in or translated into English.
But we hope that Mr Kushner and others engaged in securing the "deal of the century" might obtain a different perspective from the reading list below. Please let MEE know on Facebook and Twitter (@MiddleEastEye) which titles you think we have missed.
Twenty-five books, after all, barely scratches the surface when it comes to explaining what has become the Middle East's most intractable problem.
1. The Question of Palestine
by Edward Said
For a long time, Edward Said was the most high-profile and internationally recognised of Palestinian intellectuals. His untimely death in 2003 was a blow for Palestinian advocacy, especially in the US, where few prominent Palestinian voices have been able to rise to prominence.
The Question of Palestine was published in 1979, a year after Said’s better-known volume Orientalism, and discusses the situation of the Palestinians, including the history of the Nakba, the dispossession and scattering of the Palestinian diaspora, and the misrepresentation of the Palestinian cause in the Western world.
Said also examines the development of Palestinian political movements, particularly the Palestine Liberation Organisation led by his then friend Yasser Arafat, and the changing perceptions of Palestinian groups towards the question of Jewish identity and Israeli statehood.
Towards the end of his life, Said espoused a humanist vision of a unified secular state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean, based on equal rights and universal suffrage. The reality on the ground in Israel-Palestine suggests a one-state reality is already playing out. The result, more than ever, is that Said’s ideals need to be pushed to the fore.
2. The Gun and the Olive Branch
by David Hirst
Few volumes during the past half-century have been as contentious about the Israel-Palestine conflict as David Hirst’s The Gun and the Olive Branch. First published in 1977, it was initially savaged in the UK and ignored in the US (the first 14 pages of subsequent editions detail this).
Hirst's narrative was the first of international note to question the pro-Israeli orthodoxy about the state’s creation as well as highlighting how Washington and other Western capitals had fuelled the conflict.
That Hirst, a reporter for The Guardian, had meticulously researched and presented his argument – the book comes in at more than 600 pages – only seemed to inflame his critics more.
But Hirst is even-handed in his coverage: he apportions blame to both sides, but is especially adept at examining the Israeli role in the conflict. Through this he pre-dated the later work of Israel’s New Historian revisionist school of academics, including Illan Pappe (below), who challenged the until-then accepted view of the state’s formation and past.
The most recent edition of The Gun and the Olive Branch was published in 2003, near two decades ago, during which so much has come to pass between Israel and Palestine. But Hirst’s work is still as relevant as ever: his analysis of the routes of the conflict, going back as far as the 1880s, are peerless and set the groundwork for what has come to pass since.
by Joe Sacco
Palestine, by Joe Sacco, is one of the best reads for a novice attempting to understand the situation in the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean - and not just because it is a graphic novel, a medium historically dismissed as juvenile by many.
Based on reporting by Sacco from Israel-Palestine during 1991 and 1992 (the tail end of the first Intifada and before the Oslo Accords), it goes into uncompromising detail about life in the occupied territories and the daily occupation and injustices faced by Palestinians.
Sacco doesn’t shy away from the personal: although a self-professed sympathiser with the Palestinian cause, he notes that a formative moment in his understanding of the conflict was the news in 1985 of the murder of Leon Klinghoffer. The 69-year old disabled Jewish-American was killed by the Palestinian Liberation Front after it hijacked a cruise liner, something which Sacco says angered and discomforted him.
Throughout, Sacco presents the lives of real people - both Palestinians and Israelis - with unflinching honesty, resorting to neither polemic nor hyperbole.
4. Palestine +100: Stories from a Century after the Nakba
edited by Basma Ghalayini
In the introduction to Palestine +100: Stories from a Century after the Nakba, a powerful collection of short stories in which 12 Palestinian writers imagine life in 2048, editor Basma Ghalayini considers why Palestinian writers in general eschew the genre of science fiction.
“The cruel present (and the traumatic past)," she writes, "have too firm a grip on Palestinian writers’ imaginations for fanciful ventures into possible futures.”
Palestine +100 is a collection informed by catastrophe - the forced expulsion of 700,000 Palestinian Arabs in 1948 to create the state of Israel - that triggered a refugee crisis, the consequences of which reverberate to this day.
The ideas are myriad and eclectic: they include Saleem Haddad’s Song of the Birds (the teen sister of an older brother who killed himself sees her world disintegrate – literally); Anwar Hamed’s The Key (Palestinian ghosts defy technology to torment the Israel of the future); and Ahmed Masoud's Application 39 (Gaza City hosts the 2048 Olympic Games)
A worthy collection that excavates and probes, reacquainting the West with the horrors of Palestinian existence right now.
5. The Butterfly's Burden
by Mahmoud Darwish, translated by Fady Joudah
The oeuvre of acclaimed poet Mahmoud Darwish is too large to simply select one collection over another. With more than 30 published books and poems translated into 35 languages, he is deservedly one of the Arab world's most famous and prolific writers.
The Butterfly's Burden pulls together three of his previously published collections: The Stranger’s Bed (1998); State of Siege (2002), his response to the second intifada; and Don’t Apologize for What You’ve Done (2003), all published in Arabic following his return to Ramallah after 26 years in exile.
In much of his work he mixed modern poetry with Arabic rhythmical meters: subjects included the Palestinian revolution of 1965-1993 and the mass exodus of 1948
The Butterfly's Burden was awarded the Saif Ghobash-Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation in 2008, the same year that Darwish died.
It's also worth tracking down Palestine as Metaphor, a collection of interviews with Darwish. Published last year, it includes an incisive piece with Israeli poet and magazine editor Helit Yeshurun which explores exile, memory, history and belonging through Darwish's clear, just and poetic vision.
6. A History of Modern Palestine: One Land, Two Peoples
by Illan Pappe
During the 1980s and 1990s, a new generation of Israeli historians sought to challenge long accepted narratives about the creation of the Israeli state and the nature of Zionism.
Arguably the most famous among these New Historians, as they are known, is Ilan Pappe, who more than anyone else broke with the establishment’s account of what happened to the native Arab population of Palestine in 1948 during Israel’s “independence war".
He is one of the few Israeli voices to question the legitimacy of the Israeli state in its current form, for which he has earned much opprobrium from Israelis, while attracting also acclaim and support from activists, intellectuals and academics worldwide.
In A History of Modern Palestine, Pappe depicts a land which, rather than being made to flourish by intrepid pioneers, was subjected to ethnic cleansing and premised a project of demographic and cultural superiority. He rejects the viability of a two-state solution and instead offers a state where all the inhabitants of the land are on an equal footing.
Also see The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine, where Pappe demonstrates how Zionist leaders planned the expulsion of Palestinians from March 1948 onwards through intimidation and destruction, challenging the official Israeli account currently accepted by many in Washington.
7. Returning to Haifa
by Ghassan Kanafani
Read Donald Trump's “deal of the century” and one thing soon becomes very stark: the US administration has no conception of what Palestine means to Palestinians.
Washington has no idea why a return to their homes is such a core tenet of Palestinian identity today - even among the younger generations who have never been able to set foot on the lands of their elders.
Ghassan Kanafani’s short story Returning to Haifa, which features in his collection Palestine's Children, sets this into perspective with its focus on a Palestinian couple coming back to the home from which they had to flee 20 years earlier
Its poignancy comes in how Kanafani demonstrates what Palestine means for refugees, including their grief for what has been lost and their steadfast determination of fighting for a future.
Also see Kanafani’s short fiction story The Land of the Sad Orange, which focuses on the journey of one Palestinian family from Jaffa, expelled from their homes during the Nakba, and the consequent strain on their mental health, not least how Palestinian children cease being children as they carry the weight of displacement.
8. The Palestinians
by Elias Sanbar, translated by John Tittensor, Nigel Palmer
Palestine is one of the most frequently photographed places in the world - yet, according to Sanbar, real life is almost always missing from photographs taken mainly by visitors, with their focus on conflict.
Sanbar’s avowed intention with The Palestinians is to reconstruct their history in a book which he titles a “private album”.
The result is an alternative and in-depth vision of Palestine over the course of two centuries, a highly symbolic place whose people have been both captured and abstracted by the camera.
The contents of the book include themes such as pilgrims and tourists, intermingled with coverage of everyday life and uprisings.
A 2015 winner of the Palestine Book Awards, The Palestinians offers what writer Amelia Smith called “an alternative way to look at Palestine, a glimpse beyond the headlines. But it also leaves you with a question: How do these “alternative” images come to be adopted as the “normal” lens through which the world views Palestine?”
9. Gate of the Sun
by Elias Khoury, translated by Humphrey Davies
Although a work of fiction by a Lebanese author, Gate of the Sun is informed by Elias Khoury’s extensive interviews and research with refugees, lending the novel its humanity and spiritual resonance.
A meandering journey alternating between the fate of Palestinians in their homeland post-Nakba, and those exiled in refugee camps in Lebanon, it is a moving testament to those who have suffered occupation and mass expulsion.
Indeed, no less than Edward Said described this epic and its 1,001 nights-style tapestry as giving “voice to rooted exiles and trapped refugees, to dissolving boundaries and changing identities, to radical demands and new languages”.
In the wake of the “deal of the century”, it makes for a moving testament to those who have suffered occupation and mass expulsion.
10. Palestinian Walks: Notes on a Vanishing Landscape
by Raja Shehadeh
It is impossible to address the Israel-Palestine conflict without considering land and the occupied West Bank’s changing landscape. Shehadeh addresses this through his love of “sarha” - walking or roaming in Arabic.
Through a series of seven hikes in the West Bank hills, which span 27 years, Shehadeh describes the wildness, abundance and beauty of Palestine.
But then there is the sadness, frustration and injustice of that land being snatched, severed and seized.
Palestinian Walks, which won the Orwell Prize in 2008, is also notable for the contemplations that Shehadeh weaves through his wanderings, from Oslo’s inherent failures to the growing realisation that two peoples must come to terms with one another.
11. My People Shall Live: The Autobiography of a Revolutionary
by Leila Khaled
Leila Khaled’s autobiography was published when she only 29, usually a premature age for someone wanting to document their life’s achievements. But by then Khaled, who gained notoriety as a plane hijacker and icon of Palestinian resistance, had already experienced more than most people manage during a lifetime.
Published in 1973, My People Shall Live details Khaled’s early years with her family fleeing the catastrophe that engulfed the Palestinians after the creation of Israel.
She then lives as a refugee in Lebanon and Kuwait, joins the left-wing Arab Nationalist Movement in Beirut at 15, and later becomes part of the Marxist-Leninist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian (PFLP).
Some of the strongest moments are the interaction between her life and that of her family, such as her mother’s disbelief when she is jailed for a hijacking: “I know my daughter … she’s not like they are saying, all this beauty!”
More than anything My People Shall Live depicts the events, tragedies and injustices that create a “terrorist” in the eyes of the Israeli government and its allies.
12. A Child in Palestine: The Cartoons of Naji al-Ali
by Naji al-Ali
If there was ever a book that Kushner needs to read then it’s A Child in Palestine, which beautifully presents Naji al-Ali's illustrations of Handala, an innocent refugee boy who has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance.
For anyone who's visited the Middle East, Handala is a common sight in souks and bazaars, his likeness adorning keychains, necklaces and T-shirts among other regalia. He's also graffitied on the Separation Wall in Palestine, the pyramids of Cairo and the famed old city of Sanaa.
Shoeless and in tatters, Handala's face is never shown to the audience. Like his creator Ali, who was also a refugee, Handala is forced to confront the tragedies of the region at a terribly young age.
Through his creation, Ali's sharp and critical commentary on regional politics and the inhumanity of war has left an indelible mark, which few cartoonists have been able to replicate.
The book is short, with Ali's cartoons filling up most of its 117 pages. But it resonates, along with the memory of Naji al-Ali: the brilliant cartoonist was gunned down in London in 1987, three years after fleeing Kuwait, where he had received death threats. His killers have never been caught.
13. Mornings in Jenin
by Susan Abulhawa
Susan Abulhawa’s novel is an angry and sad work that insists you see the Palestinian experience, from the 1948 Nakba to the Lebanese civil war, from a deeply personal perspective.
At the centre of the narrative is Amal, orphaned during the 1967 war and the victim of multiple displacements.
There are also her twin brothers, one brought up as an Israeli, the other a proud Palestinian embittered by tragedy.
The contrasting scenes of bucolic pre-Nakba village life and refugee camps in Jenin and Beirut are described in Mornings in Jenin in stark relief by Abdulhawa. And while Palestinian life and culture are enjoyed and treasured, they are eventually torn apart by Israeli attacks.
14. Teaching Plato in Palestine
by Carlos Fraenkel
Neo-conservatives are famously fond of the ancient Greek historian Thucydides - but perhaps Kushner might find another fifth-century Athenian a better frame of reference when it comes to the Middle East.
Plato has, unfairly, a pretty poor reputation thanks to the philosopher Karl Popper. But in this essay, Carlos Fraenkel suggests several of the Greek thinker's notions can help untangle the natural biases that each side has in Israel and Palestine.
Who decides what justice is? Have you truly examined the experience of another? Is non-violent resistance helpful in attracting support - or does it merely make you a doormat for more powerful forces?
Teaching Plato in Palestine posits these kinds of questions and others in the context of the occupation, post-classical Arab philosophers’ own reception of Plato, and how they relate to Islam and Judaism. Required reading for those wanting a different take on the conflict.
15. Shatila Stories
Shatila Stories is a collaborative novel written by nine Palestinian and Syrian refugees (names below) from Lebanon's Shatila refugee camp, described here as "a prison without walls”.
Initially set up in 1949 to house Palestinian refugees, it has also come to house a recent influx of Syrian refugees from the conflict of the past decade.
Its population is now estimated to stand at more than 40,000 for a space that covers barely one square kilometre.
The authors are mostly novices, who use real life experiences - such as the very real risk of being killed by low-hanging electricity cables, which are tangled with water pipes – to inform their fiction. Through this they present a startling and vivid idea of life in the camp.
The co-authors are Omar Khaled Ahmad, Nibal Alalo, Safa Khaled Algharbawi, Omar Abdellatif Alndaf, Rayan Mohamad Sukkar, Safiya Badran, Fatima Omar Ghazawi, Samih Mahmoud, Hiba Marei, with translation by Nashwa Gowanlock.
16. Hamas Contained
by Tareq Baconi
You’d be forgiven, after reading the "deal of the century" proposal, for thinking Hamas is to blame for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza rather than, say, the Israel-imposed siege that has now lasted for more than 12 years.
In that case, read Hamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance, Tareq Baconi’s groundbreaking history based on interviews with leaders and the group’s own writings, for an informed and critical take on the movement and a deeper understanding of what has motivated it over the past 30 years.
Most people learning about Gaza from the mainstream media, Baconi argues, will either see it as a strip of land destroyed with unprecedented humanitarian suffering; or a haven run by an unruly organisation that has taken its people hostage in order to run a campaign of terror against Israel.
Both views are reductionist and unhelpful in understanding either the movement or why two million Palestinians are crammed into a land mass the size of Philadelphia today. Reading Baconi’s history is a perfect remedy.
17. The Woman from Tantoura
by Radwa Ashour, translated by Kay Heikkinen
Ruqayya is a young Palestinian girl, who somehow survives the ethnic cleansing of her small village, Tantoura. It shapes her life as she ultimately carries the weight of that experience into her old age.
With The Woman from Tantoura, Egyptian novelist Radwa Ashour has crafted a beautiful story that captures the essence of the Palestinian experience through Ruqayya's existence.
The story takes as its focus the cross-border, multi-generational trauma to which Palestinians refuse to succumb in their relentless search for meaning.
The result is a haunting story about loss, survival, memory, identity, and the persistence to return home - no matter how long it takes.
18. I Saw Ramallah
by Mourid Barghouti, translated by Adhaf Soueif
In his forward to this memoir, Edward Said calls I Saw Ramallah “one of the finest existential accounts of Palestinian displacement that we now have”. There are few higher endorsements.
A renowned poet, Mourid Barghouti here tries his hand at prose, with natural poetic flourishes of course. Barghouti was locked out of his homeland by the 1967 war while studying in Egypt.
His memoir chronicles the strangeness of his return 30 years later: the diminished waters of the River Jordan he crosses, the absence of lost relatives and a people forever coming to terms with the violence that has cost them so much.
Ramallah, too, is a much-changed place. Barghouti finds some humour in this, but also there is an enduring melancholy that with so much time passed, home is not what it once was. Though he has returned, the poet will be eternally homeless.
19. Words Under the Words: Selected Poems
Any of Nye's books are a pleasurable and informative introduction to the Palestinian experience, but a good place to start is Words under the Words.
It's a collection of selected poems from her previous books: Different Ways to Pray, Yellow Glove, and National Poetry Series winner Hugging the Jukebox.
Having grown up both in Palestine and the US, and travelling the world to deliver workshops and talks, Nye calls herself "the wandering poet". She writes in English about subjects close to her heart, including her mixed heritage (she is the daughter of a Palestinian refugee father and an American mother) and being Arab American.
A Palestinian Might Say is as good a place as any to sample her work
A Palestinian Might Say
You don’t feel at home in your country,
almost overnight?
All the simple things
you cared about,
maybe took for granted..
you feel
insulted, invisible?
Almost as if you’re not there?
But you’re there
Nye also writes for children and is a professor of Creative Writing at Texas State University.
20. Baddawi
by Leila Abdelrazaq
For younger Palestinians in the diaspora, much of their connection to their homeland and understanding of the traumatic events is understood through the recollections of their elders.
In the graphic novel Baddawi, Leila Abdelrazaq draws from her own father’s tales of childhood in the eponymous refugee camp in north Lebanon as well as his youth growing up in Beirut.
Somewhat controversially, Israeli and Lebanese aggressors are depicted only abstractly: this is a piece whose focus is very much on the Palestinian experience alone.
Threaded throughout this occasionally bleak work are patterns based on tatreez Palestinian embroidery, a poignant symbol of Palestine’s enduring folk culture.
21. The Sea Cloak & Other Stories
by Nayrouz Qarmout
The Sea Cloak & Other Stories is a deceptively short volume - but while the 11 stories initially appear easily digestible, they are likely to leave a sour taste.
Here Qarmout portrays daily life in Gaza, "the world's largest prison" for a band of mostly female characters.
For anyone looking to experience what constitutes "normal life", this collection is an introduction to what it feels like to come of age in this charged environment. There are the games played by children, such as "Arabs and Jews", but also the traditions and heritage of a culture so often misrepresented.
A writer, journalist and women's rights campaigner, Qarmout doesn't portray her characters as victims: nor does she shy away from expressing the restrictive realities of her traditional upbringing either.
22. The Earth in the Attic
by Fady Joudah
And the sea, each time it reaches the shore,
Becomes a bird to see of the land
What it otherwise wouldn’t.
And the wind through the trees
Is the sea coming home.
The plight of Palestinian refugees, those who’ve inherited the intergenerational trauma of displacement, is often hard to articulate.
Poets like the great Mahmoud Darwish encapsulated the subtlety and pained beauty of exile, and of trying to retain the soil, both literal and metaphorical, carried by those forced to leave their homes in the Nakba of 1948 and subsequent migrations thereafter.
His work also gave birth to a second, a third and a fourth generation of Palestinians dreaming of return, and transforming that yearning into a romance of words.
Fady Joudah is one of those voices, and a powerful one. The Palestinian-American is the child of refugees and grew up between Libya and Saudi Arabia, before pursuing his career as a doctor in Texas.
His poetry - such as The Earth in the Attic - is adorned with references to his humanitarian missions, bringing him in contact with painful stories that mimic those of his own parents. Like Darwish, he leans on a connection with trees, birds and sea allowing them to speak on his behalf.
His painstaking translation of the great works of Darwish and Ghassan Zaqtan has earned him accolades, as well as a reputation for bridging the rooted tradition of Palestinian poetry-as-testament with a new audience who needs to hear and read it.
23. Dreaming of Freedom: Palestinian Child Prisoners Speak
edited by Norma Hashim, translated by Yousef M. Aljamal
The Israeli justice system has long been accused of being one-sided and unsympathetic to Palestinian citizens of Israel, with a conviction rate of between 85 and 93 percent.
In occupied Palestinian Territories however, the reality is grimmer. Palestinians arrested by Israeli forces in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem are mostly tried in military courts, with a conviction rate of close to 100 percent, according to Human Rights Watch.
Many of them are children, detained and charged with “security violations” that can include throwing rocks, waving Palestinian flags or simply protesting.
Once they’ve spent time in Israeli jails, these juveniles, and often their family members, are then denied work and travel visas, leaving them economically and politically vulnerable.
The story of Ahed Tamimi, the 16-year-old activist from Nabi Saleh sent to jail for attempting to stop Israeli soldiers from entering her home, shone a light on the systemic practice of child detentions.
Dreaming of Freedom: Palestinian Child Prisoners Speak, which includes a forward by Richard Falk, is a powerful collection of first-hand accounts from other Palestinian minors told from inside prisons in their own words.
Their harrowing stories of torture, humiliation and repeated incarceration tell of a generation confined within a punitive system that criminalises their existence. But there are also stories of hope, of the dreams only children can retain against often insurmountable odds.
24. Before Their Diaspora
by Walid Khalidi
Walid Khalidi, a Jerusalem-born Palestinian historian, takes the reader on a visual journey into the lives of Palestinians in their homeland before they were expelled in 1948.
Here he has carefully handpicked 500 photographs depicting different aspects of Palestinian society between the Ottoman rule of Palestine in 1876 until the end of the British mandate in May 1948. Their subjects include not only inhabitants of the region but also others among the diaspora in the UK and the US.
Each photograph, sourced from public or private collections, is accompanied with well-researched captions from Arabic, English and Hebrew sources.
There are few better volumes for a visual record of the rich history of the land and its people than Before Their Diaspora, from children in schools and farmers in their fields to busy city centres and acts of resistance. A must-read if you wish a better understanding of Palestinian heritage.
25. The Book of Disappearance
by Ibitisam Azem, translated by Sinan Antoon
For her novel The Book of Disappearance, Azem takes an interesting hypothesis: what if Israelis woke up one day to discover that all the Palestinians had disappeared?
Instead of instant celebration, what follows in her novel is initial chaos with no one left to drive the buses, deliver the newspapers or run the cafes. Palestinian prisoners are also no longer in their cells.
Azem's narrative is a work of fantasy, but one which features historical context in the form of stories from 1948, as told to one of the protagonists by his grandmothers, which he then records in a notebook.
This record eventually lands in the hands of his Israeli friend and neighbour who then makes initially hesitant steps at usurping his disappeared friend's home.
The Palestinians may be gone, and their houses claimed, one by one, by those who remain – but what The Book of Disappearance leaves the reader with is a sense of palpable eeriness of the ghosts and memories which do not go away.
Barack Obama's memoir is a desperate attempt to seal a legacy. It fails
Azad Essa
Ghost in the machine: Netflix's Paranormal is strictly by the numbers
'Iranian women are pursuing their dreams': New book challenges western stereotypes
The best Middle East books of the year - picked by Middle East Eye writers
Trump's Israel-Palestine plan
REVEALED: Trump's 'deal of the century' map for a future Palestine, Israel
How did countries in the Middle East react to Trump’s Israel-Palestine plan?
© Middle East Eye 2020 - all rights reserved. Only England And Wales jurisdiction apply in all legal matters.
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/ PLO accuses Israel of 'intentional medical negligence' against Palestine prisoners
/ Saudi stops contact with Israel over leaked news of MBS-Netanyahu meeting
'The future lies in taking the Palestinian question in front of the courts'
Interview with Christophe Oberlin by Hassina Mechaï
November 26, 2020 at 9:00 am | Published in: Asia & Americas, ICC, International Organisations, Interviews, Israel, Middle East, Palestine, US
French surgeon Christophe Oberlin, 24 November 2020 [Youtube]
The news came through on 20 December last year that International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had announced that, "After a thorough, independent and objective preliminary examination of all reliable information in the possession of her Office, the Office has concluded that all the criteria set out in the Rome Statute for the opening of an investigation have been met." What is the subject of this investigation? "Alleged crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, since 13 June 2014." In other words, territorial jurisdiction for the ICC was determined to include the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
This decision gave the green light for the investigation of allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel and the Palestinian territories. It will therefore focus on the 2014 Israeli military offensive against the Gaza Strip known as "Operation Protective Edge". It will also look at the repression of the Great March of Return protests in Gaza since 2018, as well as Israel's ever-expanding illegal settlements. Any crimes committed by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas will come under the spotlight.
A long political and diplomatic path has been trodden to reach this historic decision that opens a judicial era in what is still called "the Israeli-Palestinian conflict". French surgeon Christophe Oberlin has described this path in detail in his book published last month, Les dirigeants Israéliens devant la Cour pénale internationnal – L'enquête (Israeli leaders in front of the International Criminal Court: The investigation). The English translation of the book should be published in January 2021.
Christophe Oberlin's Book
Nicknamed the "surgeon of Gaza", Oberlin visits Gaza at least three times a year, when he operates on the victims of war and trains Palestinian surgeons in microsurgery and reconstructive surgery. His knowledge of the field and the actors involved is detailed in his book.
On paper, the legal path seems simple. On 1 January, 2015, the Palestinian Authority filed a declaration for alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory. A day later, the PA acceded to the Rome Statute with the UN Secretary-General.
READ: 100 law experts warn against Israel's annexation of West Bank
The ICC was created in 1998, following the failure of the UN to prevent the 1995 massacre of 8,000 Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica, and the 1994 massacre of 800,000 members of the Tutsi tribe in Rwanda by the Hutu majority in that country. Both were deemed to be acts of genocide. As Oberlin admits, the Court's actions have been observed with suspicion by certain countries of the global south. The fault may lie in the fact that it has been much more interested in going after African leaders and neglected the actions of Western countries.
This is a mistrust that Oberlin also sees in Palestine: "Until 2010, the ICC had indeed shone only on the African continent. But the proof has been given — notably with the opening of investigations in Afghanistan — that the ICC, for which Bensouda fought, is for everyone. I also heard that the ICC was the same as the UN, therefore the justice of the winners for the winners. It took a long road to convince the political authorities that the judicial tool was relevant."
When writing his book, Oberlin had to plunge into the mysteries and meanders of international law, particularly its criminal law dimension. To do so, he says he has applied "the same meticulousness" that he applies to his profession as a surgeon. "In medicine, every assertion must be referenced," he tells me. "The political events and legal acts that I describe are accessible to everyone. The decisions and debates of the ICC are available on its website: memoirs, exchanges, decisions."
To be certain of the rigour of his presentation, Oberlin was in regular contact with Gilles Devers, an ICC-certified French lawyer. Devers was one of the spokespersons for a group of 350 NGOs represented by 40 lawyers in charge of processing a legal application to the ICC for war crimes alleged to have been committed during Israel's military offensive against Gaza in 2008-2009.
Another source were the thousands of documents on WikiLeaks known as the Palestine papers. They include the verbatim minutes of meetings between the Palestinian negotiators and the Israelis. "It was thrilling to immerse myself in these documents," says Oberlin. "What struck me is, both the lack of knowledge of Palestinian policies regarding international criminal law and also the very game of politics that we see when it comes to going before the ICC or negotiating with Israel. The opposition between the PA and Hamas is particularly evident. The PA seemed to have only one goal: to do nothing that could be considered a victory for Hamas."
READ: Twitter storm protests ICC delay in investigating Israel crimes
What Oberlin's book reveals is the political and diplomatic flip side. A chaotic side, if there is one. It gives details of PA President Mahmoud Abbas's procrastination in bringing the matter before the ICC. Oberlin explains it, first of all, by the very structure of the PA. "The PA is a form of legal ersatz. It stems from the Oslo Accords which condition many points to the will of the Israeli side. This PA can one day become a state, but only if the Israeli side agrees, a precondition set in contradiction to all the rules of international law. Secondly, the PA is a regime that is very far from democracy. Since 2009, at least, the parliament and the president are illegal. What prevails is the authority of the leader and his entourage. Some in this entourage are directly linked to the Israeli side and do not hide it."
Oslo Accords, the 25th Anniversary – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]
There are moments for some serious reflection throughout the book. For example: "Mahmoud Abbas hesitated on two main subjects: adhering or not to the ICC and opening or not an investigation. Many times he hesitated. These requests could have been made much earlier. Why not then and why so late. Many people lost their lives during this period of hesitation. It seems that joining or not joining the ICC was used for a long time by Mahmoud Abbas as a political tool. This is the fundamental error. Politics and law are two different things. Once the investigation is opened, it is only law."
What is clear from Oberlin's work is that such diplomatic and legal mind games prevailed in Gaza. The passivity of the PA is obvious; it seems to go with the flow more than anticipating events and taking the lead. A complaint went to the ICC in 2010 from Gaza. A second complaint, also from Gaza, was made in the middle of the 2014 war.
"[In 2009, the PA] Minister of Justice had filed the first complaint without involving the head of state," explains Oberlin. "It was a complaint from a state authority and not from the state. Therefore, these complaints could not be taken into account. It was only when the state joined the ICC and afterwards requested an investigation in 2018 that they were reactivated."
However, other issues, legal ones, may have slowed down the referral to the ICC. The main central legal obstacle has been that under the Rome Statute, only states can recognise the ICC's jurisdiction over their territory and nationals. The whole issue was whether Palestine met the conditions to qualify as a state. When the first application was filed by the Palestinian Authority in 2009, it was rejected in April 2012 by former prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo on the grounds that it was difficult to decide whether or not Palestine qualified as a state. The prosecutor had referred to the UN to decide on Palestine's status.
OPINION: Right-wing Israeli lawmakers attempt to remove Palestinians from Knesset
Another legal point is that Israel is not a member of the ICC, even if this does not prevent the opening of an investigation. The country had finally refused to ratify the Rome Statute, following the addition of the transfer of a civilian population and settlements to the list of war crimes among other such crimes such as genocide, aggression and crimes against humanity.
Yet Israel is very attentive to the ICC's actions. The Attorney-General of Israel, Avichaï Mandelblit, published a memorandum several hours before ICC Prosecutor Bensouda's announcement about the jurisdiction of the court in Israel/Palestine. Mandelblit made the argument that only sovereign states can be members of the Rome Statute and delegate their jurisdiction to the ICC. According to his memorandum, Palestine is not a state. In particular, it focused on the fact that Palestine is not a sovereign state, while also denying any occupation of Palestinian territory. However, it was pointed out by Hagai El-Ad of the Israeli NGO B'tselem — which established a counter-argument to Manderblit's — that "Palestine is not a 'sovereign state' precisely because it is under Israeli occupation."
Oberlin notes that "the word 'sovereign' appears nowhere in the Treaty of Rome." He underlines "the contradiction" of the Israeli arguments and specifies: "According to the Hague conventions, the state of occupation that prevents sovereignty does not make the notion of state disappear. The ICC accepted Palestine as a state by giving it all the rights and duties of membership. This does not presume borders or that Palestine fulfils all the conditions according to geopolitical definitions. Bensouda in her memoirs specifies that the right of self-determination is not included in the Oslo Accords and that this right can be embodied in the form of two states but also in the form of voluntary integration into another state. In other words, it leaves the door open to a single state to which the Palestinians would be attached in case of self-determination. It does not make policy and does not augur well for the future borders of one or two states. It only says that with respect to the ICC, almost all ICC members (except for Canada) have accepted Palestine as a member."
OPINION: What you need to know about the ICC Investigation of war crimes in occupied Palestine
Regarding the question of the ICC's jurisdiction, Oberlin recalls the principle of complementarity. The ICC has jurisdiction only in the case of a state that does not have an effective judicial system to prosecute, and there is a lack of capacity or political will. As far as he is concerned, it is also because Palestine is unable to judge by itself the crimes committed that it had to refer the matter to the ICC.
Oberlin also details how meticulously the papers filed with the ICC were prepared. Thousands of files arrived, especially from Gaza, "in a form acceptable to the ICC" which, he recalls, does not have the abilities for its immense task. "The prosecutor's office has 30 people, who have to deal with all the crimes that are referred to them to decide whether or not to open an investigation. There is a true mismatch between the ICC's manpower and the immense task it faces, especially since the court does not have a sufficient budget and has no police force."
He describes the very professional way in which the investigation and collection of evidence has been organised, the chain of elements that leads to very solid individual cases. "This is a huge collection of video, audio, autopsy reports, blood samples and other evidence, with all the elements of evidence that allow a judgment to be made. Thanks to this work, after five years of preliminary investigation, Fatou Bensouda said without ambiguity that all the elements were gathered to open an investigation." As a result, "more than 2,400 individual complaints, those that are the most frightening to Israel, have been registered."
Oberlin is certain that "the future lies in taking the Palestinian question in front of the courts." According to him, in the coming months, investigations and hearings will take place. Convocations of Israeli officials will also happen. "Israel has already drawn up a list of officials who will be advised not to travel to the 123 countries that have joined the ICC and who have pledged to hand over any person present on its territory and requested by the ICC. This does not mean that tomorrow a European state will refer an Israeli official to the ICC. But a militant landscape will be there to denounce those countries which, although adhering to the Rome Statute, are not fulfilling their duty. This will make the Israeli side reflect on the violence it has used until now. Perhaps enough to force it to reduce the use of violence."
OPINION: The ICC's decision presents a last chance to save Israel from itself
There remains the international dimension of this issue, in particular the role of the United States, which is not a member of the ICC. For the record, if President Bill Clinton had signed the Rome Statute in 2000, he did not send it to the US Senate for ratification. In 2002, the George W Bush administration informed the UN Secretary-General that the United States had no intention of ratifying the Rome Statute.
In March 2019, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that Washington would impose restrictions on any ICC staff who investigate US citizens or those of allied-countries. The US State Department subsequently revoked the entry visa issued to ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. Taken together, this might suggest that the US and its allies, particularly Israel in this case, have something to hide.
Deal of the century, embassy relocation, and the Golan Heights – Israel surely can't believe their luck? – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]
Asia & AmericasICCInternational OrganisationsInterviewsIsraelMiddle EastPalestineUS
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NewsE-Team
New chaperone policy aims to preserve family fun at IX Center Indoor Amusement Park
By: Kevin Barry
Posted at 11:43 AM, Mar 23, 2018
New rules and strict enforcement at the IX Center Indoor Amusement Park is trying to fight back against widespread fighting that happened during one night in the complex last year.
Five people were arrested but many more were involved in the melee before police broke it up. Long before riders flood through the gates to get on this year's attraction, organizers dealt with the bad taste left in everyone's mouth after last year.
Signs leading to the parking lot stress the family fun approach, telling drivers anyone under 18 needs a chaperone starting at 5 pm, or they're not getting in.
"This five o'clock policy is the policy that's been put in place in other places and has been successful," said Amusement Park Show Manager Rob Attewell. "We're going to model it after the same policy and we're going to run with it."
The idea is to make parents more involved with what their kids are doing at the Amusement Park. Organizers say last year's disturbance was the first of its kind in the event's roughly 30-year history.
"Even after the event happened last year, that gave us time to take pause and look at what we were doing in terms of our security, our personnel, our equipment and we made some adjustments last year," said Attewell. 'We had 10's of thousands of people who came to the event after it happened last year successfully and really enjoyed the event."
Attewell also says the massive space will see more police officers, but can't go into specifics so he doesn't undermine the new steps.
"If you're the kind of person that comes in and feels comfortable when you see police officers around, you're going to feel comfortable having your family out here because we're going to have plenty of security in place," said Attewell. "We're going to keep the place safe and we're going to have a good time."
Just like before, the IX Center will funnel everyone through metal detectors before they can come in.
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Real news. With snark, invective, and lots of links. Guaranteed behaving badly.
Nominee To Be Ambassador To Norway Thinks It’s A Repubic
By D.B. Hirsch
January 24, 2014 7:13 pm - NewsBehavingBadly.com
Norway is a constitutional monarchy, not a democratic republic like the United States. When you’re nominated to be an ambassador to a country simply because you have money to the president to get him elected, at least make a trip to Wikipedia to find out. Then you won’t be embarrassed by John McCain, even though you once contributed to his campaign before you became a Democrat in 2009.
In the 2012 cycle, [George] Tsunis and his wife, Olga, are listed among the “top individual contributors” on the strength of having given $267,244, roughly 89% of which went to Democrats and 10% to Republicans. In all, he raised $988,550 for Obama and gave $300,000 to Democratic super PACs and $75,800 to the Obama Victory Fund.
Tsunis became a Democrat in November 2009 — after giving $50,000 to Republican Sen. John McCain’s 2008 campaign…
So it’s perhaps fitting that it was the tart-tongued Arizona senator’s questions that elicited his sloppy confirmation hearing performance last week (it starts at about 1:14 here).
To recap: Tsunis described Norway as having a president (“apparently under the impression that the country is a republic rather than a constitutional monarchy,” as the Local Norway’s News notes dryly). And he characterized the anti-immigration Progress Party as being among “fringe elements” who “spew their hatred” and have been denounced by the government.
That prompted McCain’s disbelieving answer: “The government has denounced them? The coalition government — they’re part of the coalition of the government.”
McCain, already flummoxed by the apparent inability of Obama’s choice to be ambassador to Hungary to list strategic U.S. interests there, closed his questioning with a bit of sarcasm: “I have no more questions for this incredibly highly qualified group of nominees.”
D.B. Hirsch
D.B. Hirsch is a political activist, news junkie, and retired ad copy writer and spin doctor. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
< News Behaving Badly home
All rights reserved. Published by NewsJones.
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Previous (Muratorian fragment)
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Murder is the unlawful and intentional killing of one human being by another. The penalty for murder is usually life imprisonment, and in jurisdictions with capital punishment, the death penalty may be imposed. Murder is distinguished from other forms of homicide, such as manslaughter, by the intentions or malice of the perpetrator toward the victim. It is also distinguished from non-criminal homicides, such as the state-sanctioned execution of a criminal convicted of murder and the killing of another in self-defense.
2 Murder demographics
3 Murder in law
3.1 Degrees of murder
3.2 Felony murder
3.3 Defenses
3.4 Year-and-a-day rule
3.5 Murder of a fetus
4 Murder and religion
While all religions regard murder as a sin, and all legal jurisdictions regard it as a crime, there continues to be dispute about whether all killings, including those that have been deemed "justifiable," should be regarded as wrong. For example, abortion and "fetal homicide" both involve the killing of an unborn fetus, one being legal in many jurisdictions while some might still consider it murder. Equally contentious is the question of capital punishment, with many arguing that lex talionis (based on "an eye for an eye, a life for a life") seriously violates human rights, specifically the most precious and irrevocable right—the right to life. In the ideal society, people should be able to recognize, based on their own conscience, that killing another human being constitutes undesirable, unacceptable behavior.
Murder is a homicide committed intentionally. As with most legal terms, the precise definition varies among jurisdictions. For example, in some parts of the United States anyone who commits a serious crime during which a person dies may be prosecuted for murder (see felony murder). Many jurisdictions recognize a distinction between murder and the less serious offense of manslaughter.
Murder demographics
Murder rate per 100 000 inhabitants
Murder occurrences vary greatly among different countries and societies. In the Western world, murder rates in most countries have declined significantly during the twentieth century and are now between one to four cases per 100,000 people per year. Murder rates in Japan and Iceland are among the lowest in the world, around 0.5; the rate of the United States is among the highest among all developed countries, around 5.5, [1] with rates in major cities sometimes over 50 per 100,000.[2] Developing countries often have rates of 10-100 murders per 100,000 people per year.
Within the Western world, nearly 90 percent of all murders are committed by males, with males also being the victims of 74.6 percent of murders.[3] There is a sharp peak in the age distribution of murderers between the ages of 17 and 30. People become increasingly unlikely to commit a murder as they age. Incidents of children and adolescents committing murders are also extremely rare, notwithstanding the strong media coverage such cases receive.
Murder demographics are affected by the improvement of trauma care, leading to reduced lethality of violent assaults—thus the murder rate may not necessarily indicate the overall level of societal violence.[4]
Murder in law
Degrees of murder
Modern codifications tend to create a genus of offenses, known collectively as homicide, of which murder is the most serious species, followed by manslaughter which is less serious, and ending finally in justifiable homicide, which is not a crime at all.
Most countries have a number of different categories of murder, the qualifications and penalties for which differ greatly. These degrees vary according to who is killed, the motive of the murder, and the corresponding punishment. First degree murder is typically classified as deliberate and premeditated, while second degree murder is the deliberate killing of a victim without premeditation. Many states also have degrees reserved for the murder of police officers or other public officials.
Some countries, such as Canada, differentiate based on whether the murder was premeditated or if it was a heat of the moment act. Others, like Finland, Germany, and Romania, differentiate murder from manslaughter depending on whether or not there was particular cruelty, endangering of the public, if the murder was for pleasure or if it was intended to conceal another crime. Israel distinguishes between murderers who knew what they were doing versus those who were unaware of the consequences of their actions.
Depending on the determined degree of murder, some countries have a minimum length of prison sentence or automatically seek the death penalty.
The felony murder rule is a legal doctrine current in some common law countries that broadens the crime of murder in two ways. First, when a victim dies accidentally or without specific intent in the course of an applicable felony, it increases what might have been manslaughter (or even a simple tort) to murder. Second, it makes any participant in such a felony criminally responsible for any deaths that occur during or in furtherance of that felony. While there is some debate about the original scope of the rule, modern interpretations typically require that the felony be an obviously dangerous one, or one committed in an obviously dangerous manner. For this reason, the felony murder rule is often justified as a means of deterring dangerous felonies.
The concept of "felony murder" originates in the rule of transferred intent, which is older than the limit of legal memory. In its original form, the malicious intent inherent in the commission of any crime, however trivial, was considered to apply to any consequences of that crime, however unintended. Thus, in a classic example, a poacher shoots his arrow at a deer and hits a boy who was hiding in the bushes. Although he intended no harm to the boy, and did not even suspect his presence, the mens rea of the poaching is transferred to the actus reus of the killing.[5]
However, the actual situation is not as clear-cut as the above summary implies. In reality, not all felonious actions will apply in most jurisdictions. When the original felony contained no intent to kill there is dispute about the validity of transferring the malice and so invoking the charge of murder as opposed to manslaughter.[6] To qualify for the felony murder rule, the felony must present a foreseeable danger to life, and the link between the underlying felony and the death must not be too remote. Thus, if the receiver of a forged check has a fatal allergic reaction to the ink, most courts will not hold the forger guilty of murder. To counter the common law style interpretations of what does and does not merge with murder (and thus what does not and does qualify for felony murder), many jurisdictions explicitly list which offenses qualify. For example, the American Law Institute's Model Penal Code lists robbery, rape, arson, burglary, kidnapping, and felonious escape. Federal law specifies additional crimes, including terrorism and hijacking.
Most countries allow conditions that "affect the balance of the mind" to be regarded as mitigating circumstances. This means that a person may be found guilty of "manslaughter" on the basis of "diminished responsibility" rather than murder, if it can be proved that the killer was suffering from a condition that affected their judgment at the time. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and medication side-effects are examples of conditions that may be taken into account when assessing responsibility.
The defense of insanity may apply to a wide range of disorders including psychosis caused by schizophrenia, and excuse the person from the need to undergo the stress of a trial as to liability. In some jurisdictions, following the pre-trial hearing to determine the extent of the disorder, the verdict "not guilty by reason of insanity" may be used. Some countries, such as Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Australia, allow post-partum depression (post-natal depression) as a defense against murder of a child by a mother, provided that a child is less than a year old (this may be the specific offense of infanticide rather than murder and include the effects of lactation and other aspects of post-natal care). Those who successfully argue a defense based on a mental disorder are usually referred to mandatory clinical treatment, rather than prison, until they are certified safe to be released back into the community.
Year-and-a-day rule
In some jurisdictions if the victim survived longer than "one year and a day" the perpetrator could not be tried for murder
In some common law jurisdictions, a defendant accused of murder is not guilty if the victim survives for longer than one year and one day after the attack. This reflects the likelihood that if the victim dies, other factors will have contributed to the cause of death, breaking the chain of causation. Subject to any statute of limitations, the accused can still be charged with an offense representing the seriousness of the initial assault. However, with advances in modern medicine, most countries have abandoned a fixed time period and test causation on the facts of the case.
Murder of a fetus
Fetal homicide laws in the United States
Under the common law, if an assault on a pregnant woman resulted in a stillbirth, it was not considered murder; the child had to have breathed at least once to be murdered. Remedies were limited to criminal penalties for the assault on the woman, and a tort action for loss of the economic services of the eventual child and/or emotional pain and suffering. With the widespread adoption of laws against abortion, the assailant could of course be charged with that offense, but the penalty was often only a fine and a few days in jail.
When the United States Supreme Court greatly restricted laws prohibiting abortions in its famous Roe v. Wade decision (1973), even those sanctions became harder to use. This, among other factors, meant that a more brutal attack, ensuring that the baby died without breathing, would result in a lesser charge. Various states passed "fetal homicide" laws, making killing of an unborn child murder; the laws differ about the stage of development at which the child is protected. After several well-publicized cases, Congress passed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which specifically criminalizes harming a fetus, with the same penalties as for a similar attack upon a person, when the attack would be a federal offense. Most such attacks fall under state laws; for instance, Scott Peterson was convicted of murdering his unborn son as well as his wife under Californian pre-existing fetal homicide law.[7]
Murder and religion
The unlawful killing of another human is seen as evil and a sin in all of the world's major religions.[8]
Religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism espouse beliefs of absolute non-violence. The Hindu Laws of Manu state: He who commits murder must be considered as the worst offender, more wicked than a defamer, than a thief, and than he who injures with a staff" (Laws of Manu 8.345). The Buddhist Dhammapada says:
All tremble at the rod. All fear death. Comparing others with oneself, one should neither strike nor cause to strike.
All tremble at the rod. Life is dear to all. Comparing others with oneself, one should neither strike nor cause to strike.
Whoever, seeking his own happiness, harms with the rod other pleasure-loving beings, experiences no happiness hereafter.
Whoever, seeking his own happiness, harms not with the rod other pleasure-loving beings, experiences happiness hereafter (Dhammapada 129-32).
The Islamic Qur'an bars unjust killing: "And slay not the soul which God has forbidden except for the just cause…" (17:33) and "…If anyone killed a person not in retaliation for murder or to spread mischief in the land, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind. And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole of mankind" (Surah Al-Maaida 5:32).[9]
In Judaism and Christianity, murder is banned in the Ten Commandments. Supporting this view is the passage in the Gospel of Matthew 26.51-52:
Then they came up and laid hands upon Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26.51-52)
In the Jewish Talmud is recorded:
"A man once came before Raba and said to him, "The ruler of my city has ordered me to kill a certain person, and if I refuse he will kill me." Raba told him, "Be killed and do not kill; do you think that your blood is redder than his? Perhaps his is redder than yours" (Talmud, Pesahim 25b).
Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church, has echoed this sentiment,
We could surmise that murdering an enemy whom all people, as well as yourself, dislike cannot be a crime. But even the hated man has the same cosmic value as you. Murdering is a crime, because by murdering a person you infringe upon a cosmic law (Sun Myung Moon, 9-30-1979).
↑ Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Murder - Crime in the United States in 2004. Retrieved July 6, 2007.
↑ Infoplease.com, Crime Rates for Selected Large Cities, 2003. Retrieved July 6, 2007.
↑ National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Male Victims of Violence Facts. Retrieved June 13, 2007.
↑ Anthony R. Harris, Stephen H. Thomas, Gene A. Fisher, and David J. Hirsch, "Murder and medicine: the lethality of criminal assault 1960-1999" (2002). in Homicide studies Vol. 6, No. 2, 128-166. Retrieved January 8, 2006.
↑ Lawteacher.net, Explanation of Transferred Intent. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
↑ Prisons Foundation, Prisons Foundation objection to the rule. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
↑ BBC News, US beach bodies killer convicted. Retrieved July 6, 2007.
↑ World Scripture, Murder. Retrieved July 4, 2007.
↑ Diane S. Dew Islam and Christianity (2001). Retrieved July 5, 2007.
Guyora, Binder. October 2004. "The Origins of American Felony Murder Rules." Stanford Law Review.
Smith, J. C. and Brian Hogan. 1996. Smith & Hogan: Criminal Law. Virginia: Lexis Law Publishing. ISBN 0406081875
United Kingdom Parliament. Lord Mustill on the Common Law concerning murder. Retrieved July 6, 2007.
Wilson, Andrew (ed.). World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1998. ISBN 978-1557787231
All links retrieved October 31, 2018.
Definition of murder
The Most Famous Unsolved Crimes in History
Murder history
Felony_murder history
History of "Murder"
Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Murder&oldid=1015605
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Ty Johnson to Lead Jets' Rushing Attack Against Patriots in Season Finale
La’Mical Perine Tests Positive for Coronavirus; Frank Gore Goes on IR
Jack Bell
NYJETS.COM CONTRIBUTOR
Jets RB Ty Johnson already knew that he was likely to see more of the ball in Sunday's season finale at New England because of the chest/lung injury that has ended Frank Gore's season (he was placed on IR on Wednesday).
What Johnson did not know until Wednesday morning was that rookie RB La'Mical Perine had tested positive for the coronavirus, which means he will also miss the game against the Patriots.
"Perine is on COVID-19 IR," Head Coach Adam Gase said. "We're still doing contract tracing, but he [Perine] has tested positive.
Perine, who only returned to action last week after spending time on IR with a high ankle sprain, has been the only Jets player to test positive for the virus in this most unusual NFL season, The Jets almost made it through the season unscathed, in terms of infection.
"We found out right before practice and got tested again," Johnson, 23, said. "We're just going to roll with the punches. Get tested, have a good day at practice and get in a good day of work."
With the absence of Gore and now Perine, only Johnson and Josh Adams will likely be available unless the Jets make a late-season move or elevate Pete Guerriero from the practice squad.
"It's definitely an opportunity, but an opportunity for right now," Johnson said. "Anything can happen going into '21. It's an opportunity and a blessing to finish out the season and possibly have a bigger workload. We'll see. I still have to prepare the same and be the same person I am day-in and day-out."
Claimed by the Jets in October after being waived by the Lions, Johnson had a breakout game against the Raiders earlier this month when he had 22 carries for 104 yards and a TD. Overall in eight games, he has carried the ball 43 times for 209 yards. In the Jets' Week 15 win over the Rams, Johnson had 39 yards on 6 receptions including an 18-yard scoring grab.
It is likely, however, that Johnson will be long remembered for his bit part in last Sunday's trick play that led to Jamison Crowder's TD pass to Braxton Berrios against the Browns.
Asked if he had any worries about his part in the play (he took an inside handoff from QB Sam Darnold, then pitched the ball to Crowder as he came from the left flank to the right sideline), Johnson admitted that he did indeed.
"It wasn't too scary, it's not like I had to make a catch, run with the ball then throw it," he said. "I was just scared about pushback on the line and getting tripped up. But it ended up perfectly with 6 points."
Like so many of his Jets teammates, much of the talk this week has been about Gore missing the final game of the season and the veteran running back's impact on the team as he joined rarefied company (with Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton) as one of three NFL players to reach 16,000 yards rushing.
"I'm a young guy and he's a veteran, but I could ask him any question and he would say 'you got it, don't overthink it,' " Johnson said. "Obviously his work ethic is amazing, how he comes in every day. He comes in every day and puts in the work, it's as simple as that. He does what a professional should do. He's the model for a professional athlete and a professional football player. He hit the 16,000 mark, one of three guys, and I get the opportunity to say I played with him in the 2020 season. It's been awesome to be around him."
He added: "It's really crazy to be honest. There have been endless running backs through the years, and only three who have done it. You have to tip your hat to Frank for sure."
Jets TE Chris Herndon Began Year with 'Hiccups,' Finished with Flash
Third-Year Player Showed Receiving Form Over Final 7 Games That He Displayed as a Rookie in 2018
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Nueva York Workers’ Remuneración
→ Report: Workplace fatalities are on the rise in New York City
Report: Workplace fatalities are on the rise in New York City
New York City saw a significant increase in workplace fatalities in 2014 despite a small rise in the same number across the country.
Across the country, the number of workplace injuries that resulted in death climbed 2 percent in 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, in New York City, that same figure jumped 38 percent, AM New York reports. Several factors, such as violence in the workplace, accounted for the rise. It is important for employees in the most at-risk sectors to understand the jump and also know how to protect themselves from suffering such an event.
At-risk industries
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that an increase in fatal work injuries occurred in the following industries:
Mining, which rose 17 percent
Agriculture, which rose 14 percent
Manufacturing, which rose 9 percent
Construction, which rose 6 percent
The BLS also reports that while the increase in the number of fatalities in the transportation industry did not significantly increase, they still accounted for 40 percent of all such incidents.
While there are a number of workplace injuries that can lead to death, the ones associated with a fall, slip or trip rose sharply. The BLS states that the number of such accidents rose by 10 percent in 2014, largely attributed to situations in which a worker falls to a lower level.
A look at construction
AM New York points out that construction projects in New York City have surged. The number of permits issued for new residential buildings has tripled since last year. Experts state that the push has led to an increase in construction injuries and fatalities. In New York City last year, 22 workers in the construction industry died on site, which is the highest number of such fatalities since 2012.
The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration points out that the construction industry is often responsible for a significant number of employee deaths and injuries. Falls are the leading cause of such incidents and caused 349 deaths in 2014.
Improving safety
In New York, public employers are required to develop plans to prevent workplace violence, though private employers are exempt. Companies across the board are, however, responsible for keeping workers safe. That includes providing training and safety equipment. OSHA has a number of guidelines in place for every industry to follow to improve workplace safety.
When an injury or death does occur, most employees should be covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. As the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board points out, very few businesses are exempt from having a policy. The benefits provided can pay for a worker’s medical expenses and missed wages. In the event of a fatality, workers’ compensation benefits may be extended to the employee’s spouse, minor children or other dependents. In some situations, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents or other family members may receive the benefits, which include missed wages and funeral expenses.
Anyone who has questions regarding New York’s workers’ compensation policies should consult with an attorney
New York Workplace Injuries
Brain Injuries & Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries From Ladders & Scaffolds
Repetitive Stress Injuries & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Hand & Arm Injuries
Leg, Knee & Ankle Injuries
Back & Neck Injuries Due To Heavy Lifting
Construction Site Workplace Injuries
New York Workers’ Compensation
Permanent Disability From Work-Related Injuries
Workers’ Compensation Filing & Getting Benefits
Denied Benefits Claims
Social Security Disability Hearings & Appeals
Pursuing Denied SSDI/SSI Claims
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ROGER A. SCHMITZ 1934-2013
Professor Joan F Brennecke
Dr. Roger A. Schmitz
ReleasedSeptember 26, 2017
This is the 21st Volume in the series Memorial Tributes compiled by the National Academy of Engineering as a personal remembrance of the lives and outstanding achievements of its members and international members. These volumes are intended to stand as an enduring record of the many contributions of engineers and engineering to the benefit of humankind. In most cases, the authors of the tributes are contemporaries or colleagues who had personal knowledge of the interests and the engineering accomplishments of the deceased. Through its members and international members, the Academy carries...
This is the 21st Volume in the series Memorial Tributes compiled by the National Academy of Engineering as a personal remembrance of the lives and outstanding achievements of its members and international members. These volumes are intended to stand as an enduring record of the many contributions of engineers and engineering to the benefit of humankind. In most cases, the authors of the tributes are contemporaries or colleagues who had personal knowledge of the interests and the engineering accomplishments of the deceased. Through its members and international members, the Academy carries out the responsibilities for which it was established in 1964.
Under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering was formed as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. Members are elected on the basis of significant contributions to engineering theory and practice and to the literature of engineering or on the basis of demonstrated unusual accomplishments in the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology. The National Academies share a responsibility to advise the federal government on matters of science and technology. The expertise and credibility that the National Academy of Engineering brings to that task stem directly from the abilities, interests, and achievements of our members and international members, our colleagues and friends, whose special gifts we remember in this book.
HAROLD M. AGNEW 1921-2013
HARL P. ALDRICH, JR. 1923-2014
WM. HOWARD ARNOLD 1931-2015
DAVID ATLAS 1924-2015
HOWARD K. BIRNBAUM 1932-2005
JOHN A. BLUME 1909-2002
STUART W. CHURCHILL 1920-2016
WESLEY A. CLARK 1927-2016
WILLIAM A. CLEVENGER 1919-2009
THOMAS B. COOK, JR. 1926-2013
J. BARRY COOKE 1915-2005
ALAN COTTRELL 1919-2012
JOHN P. CRAVEN 1924-2015
CHARLES CRUSSARD 1916-2008
ROBERT G. DEAN 1930-2015
THOMAS F. DONOHUE 1930-2014
BRIAN L. EYRE 1933-2014
JAMES L. FLANAGAN 1925-2015
ROBERT L. FLEISCHER 1930-2011
RENATO FUCHS 1942-2015
JOHN H. (JACK) GIBBONS 1929-2015
ANDREW S. GROVE 1936-2016
GEORGE H. HEILMEIER 1936-2014
DAVID G. HOAG 1925-2015
JOHN H. HORLOCK 1928-2015
RIK HUISKES 1944-2010
JAMES D. IDOL, JR. 1928-2015
DONALD G. ISELIN 1922-2012
J. DONOVAN JACOBS 1908-2000
MUJID S. KAZIMI 1947-2015
DORIS KUHLMANN-WILSDORF 1922-2010
WALTER B. LaBERGE 1924-2004
WILLIAM J. LeMESSURIER 1926-2007
THOMAS M. LEPS 1914-2010
JOHN L. LUMLEY 1930-2015
DOUGLAS C. MacMILLAN 1912-2001
CHARLES E. MASSONNET 1914-1996
HUDSON MATLOCK 1919-2015
WALTER G. MAY 1918-2015
JAMES W. MAYER 1930-2013
BRAMLETTE McCLELLAND 1920-2010
EDWARD J. McCLUSKEY 1929-2016
DOUGLAS C. MOORHOUSE 1926-2012
JOHN W. MORRIS 1921-2013
GEORGE E. MUELLER 1918-2015
HAYDN H. MURRAY 1924-2015
GERALD NADLER 1924-2014
F. ROBERT NAKA 1923-2013
GERALD T. ORLOB 1924-2013
YIH-HSING PAO 1930-2013
EUGENE J. PELTIER 1910-2004
COURTLAND D. PERKINS 1912-2008
EGOR P. POPOV 1913-2001
WILLIAM N. POUNDSTONE 1925-2015
SIMON RAMO 1913-2016
NORMAN C. RASMUSSEN 1927-2003
EUGENE M. RASMUSSON 1929-2015
DENIS ROOKE 1924-2008
STEVEN B. SAMPLE 1940-2016
OLEG D. SHERBY 1925-2015
JOEL S. SPIRA 1927-2015
JIN WU 1934-2008
Download Chapter 76KB, PDF
BY JOAN F. BRENNECKE
ROGER ANTHONY SCHMITZ, Keating-Crawford Professor Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, died October 11, 2013, at the age of 78, after having been diagnosed with ALS earlier that year. Roger was born in Carlyle, a small town in Illinois, on October 22, 1934. After high school he went to work as a stock clerk in a local store and then started his own ice service. His entrepreneurial activities were soon interrupted when he was drafted into the US Army in November 1953 during the Korean War (although he spent most of his service in Germany).
When he was discharged in October 1955, Roger enrolled in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) on the GI Bill, earning his BS in chemical engineering in 1959. Influenced by his undergraduate research with John Quinn, he went on to pursue his PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Minnesota, where he worked with Neal Amundson. Ever in a hurry, he defended his PhD after just three years, in 1962, and joined the UIUC chemical engineering faculty that same year.
Roger’s major research contributions were in the experimental observation of complex behavior in chemical reactions and catalysis. His work with Amundson involved theoretical predictions of mathematically very rich steady-state and dynamic behavior in chemical reactors. Roger and his 29 PhD and 37 MS students were the first to verify theoretical predictions of such complex behavior experimentally. He was the first to show multiple steady states in a stirred tank reactor and to demonstrate chaos in chemical reactions. His demonstration that multiplicities and instabilities in chemically reacting systems were real issues, not just theoretical ones, is the core of Roger’s research contributions.
Major awards for his research include a Guggenheim Fellowship (1968–1969), which he spent at CalTech and the University of Southern California; the Allan P. Colburn Award for Excellence in Publication by a Young Member of the Institute (1970) and the R.H. Wilhelm Award in Chemical Reaction Engineering (1981), both from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; and, of course, election to the National Academy of Engineering (1984).
But his contributions to engineering go well beyond his research. In 1979 he moved to the University of Notre Dame as chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and ushered in a fundamental transformation of the department. After only two years he became dean of the College of Engineering, where that same transformative energy impacted the rest of the college. And in 1987 he became vice president and associate provost of the university.
Roger was an early adopter of computing in chemical engineering, both for research and for undergraduate instruction, at a time when you had to do everything yourself, including writing code in machine language. He received the American Society for Engineering Education George Westinghouse Award in 1977 for the establishment of a computerized dynamics and digital control laboratory at the University of Illinois, the first of its kind nationally for undergraduates in chemical engineering.
At Notre Dame, he started a large-scale deployment of campuswide computing resources in 1985, providing state-ofthe-art Unix workstations for engineering and science faculty and students, graduate and undergraduate alike. This created some of the best computing infrastructure in the nation, as well as a culture change in the way many classes were taught.
In 1995 Roger returned to the department to teach a new course, for which he wrote an electronic textbook titled Ecological Models and Dynamics: An Interactive Textbook (Garland Science, 2008). He had always seen the mathematical connection between dynamic behavior in a diverse range of natural phenomena, from chemical reactions to heart fibrillations and predator-prey behavior. This course, still taught at Notre Dame, is an elegant exposition of that understanding.
Roger was an avid athlete. If he hadn’t been a chemical engineer, he surely would have been a baseball player. He was also a formidable opponent on the handball court and he loved running. But his pride and joy was his family. He married Ruth Kuhl in 1957 when he was an undergraduate at Illinois, and they had three wonderful daughters and seven grandchildren. Nothing was better than when he could combine his family with his passion for running, as in 2005, when three generations of his family placed first in their divisions at the annual Sunburst race in South Bend.
It is impossible to describe Roger’s career and contributions to our profession without the one word that describes him best—integrity. Scientific integrity: Roger designed and performed the most elegant experiments with care and curiosity. Professional integrity: Roger treated everyone with the utmost in honesty and fairness. He was the one that everyone went to for advice and counsel. Above all else, Roger could be trusted to tell you the truth. Personal integrity: Roger was the model of decency. This showed through his family and in all his interpersonal relationships. He battled ALS with courage, dignity, and humor. A visit with Ruth and Roger in his final weeks was nothing less than inspiring.
Roger A. Schmitz is the experimental verification of the theoretical prediction that good guys can finish first.
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Trump ally Roger Stone sentenced to 3 years in prison
Posted: Feb 20, 2020 / 10:22 AM EST / Updated: Feb 20, 2020 / 01:01 PM EST
Roger Stone with accompanied by his wife Nydia Stone, second from left, arrives at federal court in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. Roger Stone, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, faces sentencing Thursday on his convictions for witness tampering and lying to Congress. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump loyalist and ally Roger Stone was sentenced Thursday to 40 months in federal prison, following an extraordinary move by Attorney General William Barr to back off his Justice Department’s original sentencing recommendation.
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson said Stone’s crimes demanded a significant time behind bars, but she said the seven to nine years originally recommended by the Justice Department were excessive.
Stone’s lawyers had asked for a sentence of probation, citing his age of 67 years, his health and his lack of criminal history.
Stone had no immediate reaction in court when Jackson announced his sentence. She is delaying execution of his sentence while she considers Stone’s motion for a new trial.
He was convicted in November on all seven counts of an indictment that accused him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election.
The sentence came amid Trump’s unrelenting defense of his longtime confidant that has led to a mini-revolt inside the Justice Department and allegations the president has interfered in the case.
Trump took to Twitter to denounce as a “miscarriage of justice” the initial recommendation by Justice Department prosecutors that Stone receive at least seven years in prison. Attorney General William Barr then backed off that recommendation, prompting four prosecutors to quit Stone’s case.
Jackson angrily denied that Stone was being punished for his politics or his allies. “He was not prosecuted, as some have claimed, for standing up for the president. He was prosecuted for covering up for the president,” she said.
She said during the hearing that Stone’s use of social media to stoke public sentiment against the prosecution and the court was intended to reach a wide audience, including using a photo of Jackson with crosshairs superimposed.
“This is intolerable to the administration of justice,” Jackson said.
“Why are you the one who is standing here today?” Jackson asked federal prosecutor John Crabb, who took over the case after the original trial team quit.
Crabb said there had been a “miscommunication” between Barr and Timothy Shea, the former Barr aide who now serves as the acting U.S. Attorney in the nation’s capital.
Crabb asked the judge to impose “a substantial period of incarceration.”
After Stone’s attorney, Seth Ginsberg, repeated the defense team’s plea that Stone get no prison time, Stone declined to address the court.
Outside the courthouse, a small crowd gathered. Two people held a large banner featuring a sketch of Stone and #PardonRogerStone emblazoned underneath. Next to it was a large multimedia figure of a rat constructed to look like Trump, with his distinctive red tie and hair.
Stone was the sixth Trump aide or adviser to be convicted of charges brought as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
Any jail sentence seems likely to draw a public rebuke from Trump, who maintains that Stone’s entire case is just an aspect of the ongoing “witch hunt” against him and his allies by bitter Democrats and the “deep state” inside the FBI and the Justice Department.
Given Trump’s recent clemency spree that saw him commute the sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, as well as nearly a dozen others, there has been speculation that Trump could eventually pardon Stone.
“I haven’t given it any thought … but I think he’s been treated very unfairly,” Trump said this week. Overnight Thursday, Trump retweeted a conservative cable host’s comment that what happened to Stone “should never happen again.”
In Stone’s initial sentencing memorandum filed Feb. 10, prosecutors said Stone deserved a prison term lasting seven to nine years, in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines. Such a sentence would send a message to deter others who might consider lying or obstructing a congressional probe or tampering with witnesses, the prosecutors said.
Stone has denied wrongdoing and consistently criticized the case against him as politically motivated. He did not take the stand during his trial and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his defense.
Stone’s defense team requested a new trial and had asked the judge to delay sentencing until she rules on that motion. Earlier this week she refused.
Prosecutors had charged in the filing that Stone “decided to double- and triple-down on his criminal conduct by tampering with a witness for months in order to make sure his obstruction would be successful.”
“Stone’s actions were not a one-off mistake in judgment. Nor were his false statements made in the heat of the moment. They were nowhere close to that,” prosecutors wrote in the court papers.
But Justice Department officials said they were caught off guard by the recommendation, even though Shea, the acting U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., is a former top aide to Barr. The attorney general ordered a new memorandum with a less harsh punishment, though it left provided no specifics and left the details to the judge.
Barr’s decision became public just hours after Trump, in an overnight tweet, called the situation “horrible and very unfair.” He added: “Cannot allow this miscarriage of justice!”
Barr later said in an ABC News interview that he had not been asked by Trump to look into the case. In a stunning public rebuke, he said the president’s tweets were making it “impossible” for him to do his job. Meanwhile, Barr’s actions on the sentencing for Stone prompted the entire trial team to quit.
The public debacle also prompted a rare statement from the Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court, Beryl A. Howell, who said “public criticism or pressure is not a factor” in judges’ sentencing decisions.
The evidence presented in the trial didn’t directly address Mueller’s conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in Trump’s favor. But it provided new insight into the scramble inside the Trump campaign when it was revealed in July 2016 that the anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks was in possession of more than 19,000 emails hacked from the servers of the Democratic National Committee.
Witnesses testified that Trump’s campaign viewed Stone as an “access point” to WikiLeaks and tried to use him to get advance word about hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton.
Prosecutors argued that Stone had lied to Congress about his conversations about WikiLeaks with New York radio host and comedian Randy Credico.
During the 2016 campaign, Stone had mentioned in interviews and public appearances that he was in contact with founder Julian Assange through a trusted intermediary and hinted at inside knowledge of WikiLeaks’ plans.
Testimony revealed that Stone, while appearing before the House Intelligence Committee, named Credico as his intermediary to Assange and pressured Credico not to contradict him.
After Credico was contacted by Congress, he reached out to Stone, who told him he should “stonewall it” and “plead the fifth,” he testified. Credico also testified during Stone’s trial that Stone repeatedly told him to “do a ‘Frank Pentangeli,’” a reference to a character in “The Godfather: Part II” who lies before Congress.
Prosecutors also charged that Stone had threatened Credico’s therapy dog, Bianca, saying he was “going to take that dog away from you.”
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Boeing in-flight web plan gets airborne
Larry Trotter, left, of Boeing Co., and Kevin Furukawa, manager of public relations for Panasonic, access the Internet from the seats of a simulated aircraft after a news conference announcing a new high speed global communications service "Connexion by Boeing"Mitch Jacobson / AP
April 20, 2004, 10:11 PM UTC / Source: The Associated Press
By By Allison Linn
Delayed after post-Sept. 11 airline turmoil and bumped by its original U.S. patrons, Boeing Co.'s Internet service for commercial airplanes is finally getting airborne.
The launch of Connexion by Boeing on Lufthansa this spring comes nearly two years later than originally intended, after hard times in the airline industry forced the company to jettison its original business plan.
The system also is being offered at a time people expect fast, easy and reliable Internet access nearly everywhere, from coffee shops to hotel rooms. So the stakes are high and any glitches potentially perilous, analysts say.
“I think Boeing is at the cutting edge of what is probably going to be the next breakthrough in in-flight amenities,” said aviation consultant Mike Boyd. “It may get to a point where for business travelers, they won't go on an airline that doesn't have it.”
But, he warns, it could just as easily fail if it isn't perfect on the first try. “If you're going to offer it, you better offer it at every seat, and it better work flawlessly,” Boyd said.
In your seat access
Airlines can choose to offer Connexion with either wireless or wired connections; so far, Connexion spokesman Sean Griffin said all the airlines have chosen wireless because it's easier to install and doesn't weigh as much.
To get on the system, a user will need a wireless-capable laptop. Users can sign up for the system beforehand at Connexion's Web site or access a Web site in-flight to set up an account and start payment.
Scott Carson, Boeing's senior vice president in charge of Connexion, said the company has been working for the past year to address glitches that plagued some test flights, even delaying the launch by about a month for improvements. He now expects the service to be ready at the end of April.
High stakes and shifting alliances
Connexion's launch follows that of rival Tenzing Communications, which has for months been offering e-mail and text-messaging — but not Web browsing — on about 800 U.S. and overseas airplanes.
Seattle-based Connexion, a unit of Chicago-based Boeing, was formed with high hopes in the spring of 2000. Just 18 months later, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks devastated the U.S. airline industry. The company soon lost the support of the three U.S. airlines — American, Delta and United — that had originally signed on as partners. Scrapped was a plan to install the service on 1,500 planes and begin service in mid-2002.
“We went through an interesting discussion late that year (about) what would it take for us to survive — and whether we should,” Carson recalled.
Boeing executives ultimately agreed to let Connexion stay in business, but with a much smaller staff. And instead of focusing on U.S. commercial airlines, the company shifted to military customers and private business jets. Both sectors grew more interested in being connected in-flight after Sept. 11, Carson said.
Today, Carson says Connexion is on seven planes that fly U.S. government and military officials, and it has 14 business jet customers.
The company continued to try to sell the service to commercial carriers, but it looked to Asia and Europe. Besides Lufthansa, Connexion will eventually be available on British Airways, All Nippon Airways, China Airlines and Singapore Airlines.
Boeing's service will cost from $9.95 for 30 minutes to $29.95 for full access on flights longer than six hours. At that price, analysts say, the company may interest business travelers but is unlikely to secure leisure travelers — especially those cramped in the middle seat in coach, where just opening a laptop can be difficult. “This is a business- and first-class thing — and conceivably someone who's in premium economy and desperate,” said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with Teal Group.
But analysts say the company may only need to attract business travelers, who typically pay the most for intercontinental flights where the system is expected to have the best chance of success.
The test model: Lufthansa
In test flights between Frankfurt and Washington, Lufthansa said it has drawn 50 to 80 users on flights with around 360 passengers.
Lufthansa will initially offer the service on flights longer than eight hours. Burkard Wigger, project manager for Lufthansa's FlyNet program, said the company has not yet decided whether it will be worthwhile on shorter flights. It will be installed on Boeing and Airbus jets.
Wigger said Lufthansa hopes the service will be enticing enough to attract passengers to its planes — and away from other carriers. Analysts say that competitive edge may prove the best selling point.
“The key is, ‘Will people get on your plane as opposed to someone else's plane because you have it?” said Cai von Rumohr, an analyst with SG Cowen.
But Tenzing, backed by Boeing rival Airbus, doesn't seem to have elicited that sort of response. The service, which currently mostly runs off telephones installed in airplane seatbacks, has been criticized as cumbersome.
Tenzing vice president Alex McGowan said the company plans to launch a second, speedier version of its service by early next year that will either run through Ethernet connections or a wireless network. The cost will range from about $5 for in-flight instant messaging to $25 for full Internet access.
McGowan concedes there have been problems with Tenzing but says the system still has plenty of devotees. He would not provide specific usage numbers.
For its part, Connexion is now projecting to break even in 2007 — two years after the company once said it hoped to be profitable. Boeing will not say how much money the unit is losing now.
Aboulafia said one reason Connexion may have made it this far is because it's been realistic about how successful such a venture can be. “There's a percentage of the population that will pay $30 for relatively free and clear Web access,” Aboulafia said. “It's not big, but their ambitions aren't that big. That's probably why it survived.”
By Allison Linn
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Data Rant: Ashley Young
December 30, 2014 by Jay Shon Articles Ashley Young, Data
Louis van Gaal has transformed Ashley Young from stuttering winger to a functioning wing-back this season. The 29-year-old has not set the world alight in the new role, but his presence has served a useful purpose amid an ongoing injury crisis at Old Trafford, with new signing Luke Shaw absent for most of the campaign.
If nothing else, Young has always been diligent and success in the wing-back position is in part dictated by athleticism; a hard-working winger makes for a good substitute in the role. Another industrious winger, Antonio Valencia, has also been used as a make-shift wing-back this season.
Young has taken to the new role with some gusto. There is no denying, however, that his performance has been judged leniently given the player’s previous mediocrity. The Manchester United defence is yet to display any consistent solidity this season. It is easy to mask incompetence in a sea of ineptitude. At United, simply doing the job is never enough.
Using Squawka’s index score, which totals a player’s (or team’s) contributions over each game, we investigate the relationship between Young’s performance and United’s overall performance.
In Figure 1, above, the correlation is strong enough to suggest that Young is making a solid contribution to United’s cause. After all, the Englishman is trusted to marshal the left flank on his own in Van Gaal’s narrow 3-4-1-2 system. Another possible interpretation is that the team is carrying Young; nine other Reds on the field playing well enough to take the heat off the 29-year-old.
A make-shift defender naturally lacks inherent defensive qualities and in United’s three-man defence, the left-most centre-back must be dominant enough to allow Young to concentrate on attacking. If the theory is right, Young’s Squawka ratings will be highly correlated with his centre-back partner’s.
In Figure 2, above, we discover this is not the case. That is, Young’s good run has not been due to Tyler Blackett or Jonny Evans mopping up after the Englishman. If anything, Young has been exemplary in defence – his numbers, particularly interceptions, dwarf those of a proper left-back in Luke Shaw.
What, then, about Young’s midfield partner?
In Figure 3, above, the trend is stronger than that between Young and his central defensive partner’s performances. This makes sense – it is the left-sided central midfielder, not the central defender, who is in the immediate vicinity of a left wing-back. Note – United’s game vs. Newcastle was excluded due to distorting effect of Wayne Rooney’s goals on his score in that game.
Indeed, Young is heavily dependent on central midfield. If Young is allowing the midfield to prosper then there is no reason why his partner central defender has not prospered too.
Curiously, Young’s first two games this season were very poor. Young recorded his third lowest Squawka score against Arsenal. These three games share a commonality in that the left central midfielder was a dedicated holding midfielder. In all other games, his central midfield partner – Angel di Maria, Juan Mata or Rooney – was the more attacking of the central midfield duo.
Young’s poor performance in his first two matches at left wing-back may have been caused by acclimatisation to the new role, but United was up and running by the game at the Emirates. So what about the third game of the season against Burnley in which he had the third best game so far?
It may be harsh, although not unfair, to describe Young as a mediocre talent. There is two seasons worth of evidence. The former Aston Villa man may have the pace and athleticism, but lacks the technique to navigate the attacking third without relying on speed. As a wing-back, Young has an extra 15 yards to accelerate into. The Englishman has enjoyed plenty of space to gather momentum this season.
Young may have a head start as wing-back, but he isn’t the kind of player to beat a man on his own. Playing next to a holding midfielder, the onus is entirely on the former England international to make ground. With a central midfielder such as Di Maria running with the ball and pushing forward, Young faces an easier task.
United’s recent game against Tottenham Hotspur is indicative. Young enjoyed his second worst game of the season according to Squawka. Jonny Evans, and later Shaw, had underwhelming games too, but Rooney struggled badly, misplacing 25 per cent of his passes. Young has not somehow reinvented himself as a wing-back, rather Van Gaal’s introduction of a proper box-to-box midfielder – more specifically deploying one near Young – has played to Young’s strengths.
There is little doubt that Shaw will walk into the team ahead of Young, fitness permitting, in the games ahead. Young’s deployment should be seen as Van Gaal’s attempt at making the best of what he has rather than a true renaissance – recall that Marcos Rojo has always been picked ahead of Young on the left. This analysis suggests that Young requires a highly specific system to function. The suspicion is that Young does not have the talent to warrant such treatment.
All data from Squawka
Assumptions dictating linear regression have not been held strict
4 thoughts on “Data Rant: Ashley Young”
Lee Thomas says:
i think I’m quite literally his no.1 critic, this piece sums up my opinions in the last few games- “he’s been alright”
won’t get a look in when (if) shaw, di maria and rojo are all fit.
The Rookie says:
I hope your right.
Fitness is the new ultimate ‘talent’ at United.
Twat says:
Or there’s this:
https://twitter.com/mixedknuts/status/550301199569027074
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2021 Grammy Awards Postponed Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The 2021 Grammy Awards have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The news comes via Rolling Stone, which has confirmed the delay via multiple sources.
The 2021 Grammy Awards were originally set for Jan. 31, and nominees were announced in late November, just before Thanksgiving. However, Rolling Stone explains, concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus — particularly in Los Angeles, Calif., where the all-genre awards show was to be held — caused showrunners to pull the plug on their already-scaled-back plans and reschedule.
A new date for the 2021 Grammy Awards has not yet been confirmed, Rolling Stone's sources say. Showrunners are reportedly targeting March, however.
No performers had yet been announced for the 2021 Grammy Awards, though CBS has been running ads for the big show. Comedian and TV host Trevor Noah was booked to host the event, at which Ingrid Andress, Mickey Guyton, Eric Church and more country artists are nominated. Andress is the only country nominee in the show's four General Field categories: She picked up a Best New Artist nod.
While vaccinations against COVID-19 have begun in the United States, the pandemic is far from over, which means most large-scale live events, including concerts and awards shows, are being postponed or scaled down in 2021. In the land of film and TV, the Critics Choice Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards and Oscars have all been pushed back to March or April from their usual dates early in the year.
In the country music world, awards show postponements are nothing new nearly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 ACM Awards were postponed from April to September; the 2020 CMT Music Awards were pushed back from June until October; and the 2020 Americana Honors & Awards were canceled. To keep within CDC, state and local guidelines related to the spread of the virus, the ACMs spread out over three different venues in Nashville and did not allow a live audience, while the CMTs were largely pre-taped.
Conversely, in November, the 2020 CMA Awards went on as planned, with a change in venue and no fans allowed. However, performers and nominees, and their guests, were all allowed to attend in person, after undergoing rounds of COVID-19 testing and with other protocols in place. Nonetheless, five acts dropped out of the show due to positive coronavirus tests or exposure to the virus, and the Country Music Association faced backlash after Charley Pride died of COVID-19 within weeks of the ceremony, which he attended.
5 Snubs, 4 Surprises + 1 Historic Moment From the 2021 Grammy Nominations:
Posted in Nuevo Fuego
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NASA nixes crew for test flight of new megarocket in 2019
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - NASA's new megarocket will launch without astronauts on its test flight, now delayed until 2019 because of technical challenges, the space agency's top leaders said Friday.
In February at the request of the White House, NASA began studying the possibility of putting a crew on the first flight. After reviewing the costs and risks, the space agency decided against it. The White House took part in the decision, said NASA's Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot.
Still in development, the super-sized Space Launch System rocket is meant to eventually send astronauts to Mars. The first launch had been targeted for next year, but now won't happen until 2019 when NASA will send an unoccupied Orion capsule to the vicinity of the moon for a three-week trial run.
The second flight will have astronauts on board. It is scheduled for 2021, but will almost certainly be later because of all the delays with the first flight.
It would have cost a lot more money and time to add life-support systems and other human-required equipment for the test flight, said Bill Gerstenmaier, head of NASA's human explorations and operations.
"The best plan we have is actually the plan we're on right now," he said.
The test flight can be more dynamic, as NASA calls it, without a crew, and the lessons learned can help advance the next mission when people finally are on board.
Lightfoot said it would have been technically feasible to add a crew, given more funding, but decided to stay the course.
It would have cost an extra $600 million to $900 million to outfit the system for astronauts on the initial flight, Gerstenmaier said.
Earlier this week, NASA reported that a section of test hardware was damaged during manufacturing in New Orleans. No one was injured in the May 3 mishap. Technicians were lowering the dome for the bottom of a liquid oxygen tank, when the dome ended up ramming into a support structure. NASA is investigating.
Gerstenmaier called it "an unfortunate event" but said it shouldn't affect the schedule much.
Late last month, the U.S. Government Accountability Office warned that a delay was likely for the first SLS flight, crew or not. The current exploration effort will cost nearly $24 billion by the end of fiscal 2018, the GAO reported.
Lightfoot acknowledged that he and others are frustrated by the technical challenges that have slowed down the program. The agency is aiming for a sustainable program within the available resources, he said, not just a single-objective mission.
The Apollo moon program of the 1960s and early 1970s represented a sprint to a single destination, Gerstenmaier noted. The SLS rocket is meant to support flights to not only the moon and Mars, but the moons of Mars and even farther into the solar system, with potential commercial activity as well.
The megarocket represents a robust foundation for ultimately moving human presence out into the solar system, Gerstenmaier said.
"That's a grander vision in a way than just moving people to the moon for the first time, although that was a very special moment and a very special challenge for those teams moving forward. But we're building off of that legacy now to move in a more sustained manner," he said.
Earlier this year, SpaceX announced a bold mission to send two paying passengers on a flight around the moon in 2018. SpaceX chief Elon Musk also aims to colonize Mars.
"I've been saying it for a while. This is an 'and' proposition, this is not an 'or,'" Lightfoot said. "If you look at what we're trying to do, it's going to take really all of us, frankly, to get this done."
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Woman playing Pokémon Go seriously injured in shooting
PEORIA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - UPDATE (Tuesday, 3:44PM)
Peoria Police released surveillance video of the shooting, on its Facebook page.
On Tuesday afternoon, police also released the 911 call related to the shooting.
According to police, they were able to speak with the victim on Tuesday. She remains hospitalized.
Peoria Police also released a detailed description of the suspects involved.
The alleged shooter is described as a Hispanic male, 17 to 18 years of age, about 5' 7" or shorter in height, and weighing approximately 140 lbs with a thin build. The alleged shooter, according to police, was wearing plain white t-shirt, baggie blue jeans, and black shoes at the time.
The second suspect was described by police as a person who approached the vehicle with the alleged shooter, and is described by Peoria Police as a Hispanic Male, 17 to 18 years of age, 5' 10" tall, and weighing approximately 200 lbs with an athletic build. The second suspect, according to police, was wearing a green Army-type jacket and dark colored jeans.
The third suspect, according to police, was seen standing toward the rear of the vehicle in the surveillance video. According to police, the suspect is a Hispanic male, 17 to 18 years of age, with a dark complex. At the time, police said the third suspect was wearing white colored painter's pants and a white painter's hat.
According to Peoria Police, there appears to be five suspects involved, after a review of the surveillance video. The victim, however, reportedly did not see the other two suspects, and was unable to provide a description.
Anyone with information should call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
Original Story
Police say a woman was shot in the face while playing Pokémon Go over the weekend.
Peoria police say the 63-year-old woman was parked at the Peoria City Complex at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, when she was approached by three men who wanted her to get out of her car.
The woman was shot in the face after she refused to do so. The woman, however, was reportedly able to drive herself to safety, and called 911.
So far, police have not been able to talk to the woman, due to her injuries.
According to avid players of Pokémon Go, the area is a hot bed for the game, and the woman was presumably playing the game at the parking lot when the shooting occurred.
People were shaken after learning what happened.
"We really don't have that much known crime in the area, so this is very scary," said one person.
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Central African Republic ex-leader Bozize returns from exile
by: HIPPOLYTE MARBOUA and KRISTA LARSON, Associated Press
FILE – In this Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 file photo, President of the Central African Republic Francois Bozize speaks to the media at the presidential palace in Bangui, Central African Republic. The party of former Central African President Francois Bozize says he has returned home after nearly seven years in exile. Bozize was ousted by a coalition of rebel groups back in March 2013 and has been living in Uganda. The secretary-general of the party told journalists Monday, Dec. 16, 2019 in the capital that Bozize intends to address the nation in the coming days. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, file)
BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — Former Central African President Francois Bozize, who was ousted nearly seven years ago by a coalition of rebel groups, has returned from exile, his political party announced Monday.
Bozize intends to address the nation in the coming days, said Bertin Bea, the secretary-general of the Kwa Na Kwa party, told journalists in the capital, Bangui.
Bea didn’t say how Bozize had returned home, but a Central African court recently overturned an order prohibiting air companies from bringing Bozize to Bangui.
Bozize’s supporters note how it was his overthrow that ushered in one of the most violent periods in the country’s history. The rebel coalition’s rule was so cruel that it led to the rise of another armed group, the anti-Balaka, and brutal sectarian conflict.
The rebel coalition known as Seleka was made up mostly of Muslim rebels who had long complained of being marginalized by Bozize and his government.
The anti-Balaka’s hatred of Seleka’s brutal rule eventually led to Muslim civilians being targeted en masse, with tens of thousands being forced from the capital in 2014. Mosques were destroyed, and Muslims were beaten to the death in the streets and their bodies mutilated.
Relatively peaceful elections were later held in 2016, though violence remains widespread outside the capital.
Some feared his return to Bangui could cause political tensions to rise even more before next year’s presidential election.
“We are a bit afraid because we’ve just gotten out of a crisis and we do not want to go back,” said one Bangui resident who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. “We want to wait and find out more about why he is in Bangui. But we worry he could bring us right back there.”
Krista Larson reported from Dakar, Senegal.
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Before Floyd death, activists saw progress on police reforms
by: AARON MORRISON, NOREEN NASIR and STEVE KARNOWSKI, Associated Press
Law enforcement officers amassed along Lake Street near Hiawatha Ave. as fires burned after a night of unrest and protests in the death of George Floyd early Friday, May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Years of dialogue about police and criminal justice reforms in Minneapolis had improved the relationship between the African American community and law enforcement, activists say — before the police killing this week of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died after a white officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes as he pleaded for air.
Floyd’s death and footage of his neck pinned under the officer’s knee have unleashed protestsand violent clashes with law enforcement — exposing simmering frustration and the fact that there’s much work still ahead, several advocates and leaders told The Associated Press.
“Progress and change can ebb and flow,” said Jeremiah Ellison, who won a City Council seat after participating in past protests against police killings of African Americans in Minnesota.
The four nights of unrest this week — including the torching of a police station that officers abandoned — “proved to me that we’ve regressed to the point of 2015,” Ellison said, referring to the year that also saw protests after the death of Jamar Clark, a black man killed by police.
Minneapolis — a city of nearly 430,000 that is 60% white, 19% black and 9% Hispanic — has a long history of economic and educational disparities that have marginalized black residents for decades, despite its reputation for progressive values. It is one of the most segregated cities in the country for its size, and schools suffer from stubborn achievement gaps.
The city appointed its first black chief of police nearly three years ago, after slow progress toward making the department more inclusive. Earlier this year, a statewide task force made up of activists, people representing victims of police brutality, and law enforcement leaders released recommendations for policing reforms.
That task force was formed in the wake of several high-profile fatal shootings of black men by police in the Minneapolis area. Those included Clark, who was killed during a struggle with two white Minneapolis officers, and Philando Castile, who was fatally shot by a Hispanic suburban police officer during a traffic stop in 2016.
While Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer and former president of the Minneapolis NAACP, acknowledges that progress, she said that many old habits are still entrenched.
“The system itself has not changed,” Armstrong said. “The culture within the Minneapolis Police Department has not changed.”
The city’s police department of more than 800 officers is still predominantly white, she said. The department did not respond to a request for up-to-date figures, but the Star Tribune reported in 2014 that the force, including cadets in field training, was 78.9% white, 9.2% black, 5.2% Asian, 4.1% Hispanic and 2.5% American Indian.
Some leaders, including former Mayor R.T. Rybak and state Sen. Jeff Hayden, have blamed the city’s police union in recent days for fostering a culture that protects brutal officers and resists efforts at reform. The union’s president, Lt. Bob Kroll, did not return a call seeking comment.
The eruption of anger in Minneapolis reflects frustration over these realities, despite some progress, said Teqen Zéa-Aida, a longtime activist in the city.
But the images themselves also demanded a “public response,” he said, though he pushed for protests to happen online given the risks of gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We saw his eyes … we saw a lynching. George Floyd is Emmett Till, 2020,” he said, referring to the black 14-year-old who was abducted, beaten and killed in 1955 after he was accused of whistling at a white woman in Mississippi, a lynching that helped spur the civil rights movement.
Bystander video and photos of the arrest show Floyd on the ground with his neck under Officer Derek Chauvin’s knee, while Chauvin ignores his pleas for help. Two other officers appear to help hold him down, and a fourth attempts to keep space around the scene.
“My stomach hurts, my neck hurts, everything hurts … I can’t breathe,” Floyd says in the video before eventually becoming motionless.
Police initially said they arrested Floyd because he matched the description of a man suspected of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a grocery store and that he resisted arrest. Police were trying to put Floyd in a squad car when he stiffened up and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic, according to the criminal complaint detailing charges against Chauvin.
In addition to igniting the turmoil in Minneapolis, Floyd’s death has garnered national attention, and it drew comparisons to the case of Eric Garner, a black man who died in 2014 in New York after he was placed in a chokehold by police and also said he could not breathe.
The delay in Chauvin’s arrest may have also helped to drive the protests, which turned markedly more violent than those that followed the deaths of either Clark or Castile. Authorities arrested Chauvin and charged him Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. His attorney had no comment when reached by the AP. The other three officers involved have not been charged, but the investigation is continuing. All four were fired Tuesday shortly after the video began circulating.
Some activists and community leaders said they expected the protests to continue to push for the arrests of and charges for the three other officers.
Floyd’s death “just touched people in a way that they didn’t expect,” said Armstrong.
“We must get to the underlying solutions or we will be right back here in a fairly short time,” said Keith Ellison, the state’s first African American attorney general, whose son is the Minneapolis city councilman. “We’ve got to literally shift policing.”
Ramsey County Undersheriff Bill Finney, who in 1992 became the first African American police chief in Minnesota when he was appointed to the job in neighboring St. Paul, said even when the relationship between police and the black community improves, all sides must guard against complacency.
“You have to constantly make deposits into the community bank of goodwill,” Finney said. “You want to get to a place where the community stops considering you as ‘the police’ and starts seeing you as their police.”
Morrison and Nasir are members of the AP’s Race and Ethnicity team. Follow Morrison on Twitter at https://twitter.com/aaronlmorrison. Follow Nasir at https://twitter.com/noreensnasir.
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‘Shrek, The Musical, Jr.’ featured special actors
Christopher Reardon
“Shrek, The Musical, Jr.” was the fifth production for this special troupe of actors
Performances held June 26 to 28 at Jonathan Dayton High School drew more than 1,100 guests
ELIZABETH – The playbill lists all 80 characters in “Shrek, The Musical, Jr.,” as cast members. Erin Hernon, who portrayed Princess Fiona in the CAU Community Players production, prefers to call her fellow thespians family.
“Shrek, The Musical, Jr.” was the fifth production for this special troupe of actors, with three performances June 26 to 28 at Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield, that drew more than 1,100 guests. Formed in 2012, the CAU Community Players blends individuals with developmental disabilities and actors and actresses from the broader community. About half the cast are members of Community Access Unlimited (CAU), some of whom have participated in the troupe’s prior productions and others who take the stage for the first time. The annual show allows CAU members to engage in the pleasures of acting, singing and dancing and to be judged for their talents rather than disabilities.
CAU is a statewide nonprofit providing programs and services to more than 6,000 adults with disabilities as well as youth served under the Department of Children and Families to enable them to live independently in the community in areas including vocational and life-skills training, education, advocacy and recreation and in-home services.
“We have become a family working together on something so beautiful,” said Hernon, a veteran actress and junior at Ramapo College who plans to become a special-education teacher. “I’ve become a mentor to them. It’s really put a smile on my face and made me realize I really love what I do.”
Director Marguerite Modero chose “Shrek” as this year’s production because it carries a message of inclusion, acceptance and believing in oneself.
“That’s our message,” she said. “I want this to be magical for them.”
“Shrek, The Musical, Jr.” is based on DreamWorks Animation film “Shrek” and is the story of the lovable ogre finding his swamp invaded by fairytale misfits — the Three Bears, Pinocchio, Snow White, Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood and others — all of whom have been banished to the swamp by Lord Farquaad.
Shrek sets off to face Lord Farquaad and is given the task of rescuing Princess Fiona from the dragon-guarded tower to regain his swamp. Romance between the princess and Shrek ensues and the play draws to a happy conclusion.
Tyler O’Neill was a commanding presence on stage in the lead role as Shrek the Ogre. He said his character taught him to be strong and confident.
“No matter how sick or how scared you are, you can be anything,” said O’Neill, who is a person with disabilities. He attends CAU’s Academy of Continuing Education and has participated in the show for the past two years.
Few in the audience knew Saturday night that O’Neill was under the weather with a cold and sore throat but, as he noted, “The show must go on.”
The entire troupe closed out the performance singing, “This is Our Story,” featuring the lyrics, “We are different and united. We are us and we are you.”
A tangible sense of pride and accomplishment shifted from the auditorium to the backstage area immediately after the curtain came down on the finale. There was a genuine feeling of sharing in something special as the costumed actors and actresses embraced one another in the hallway and family members handed off bouquets of flowers and balloons.
“I feel like a star being on the stage,” said Dipen Trivedi, a CAU member who portrayed one of Lord Farquaad’s knights. This was his first experience on stage and he said he is looking forward to next year’s show.
“Shrek” was the fifth CAU production for Megan Modero, a CAU member who portrayed Mama Ogre and the Wicked Witch of the West. She had previous roles in “Seussical, Jr.,” “Beauty & the Beast, Jr.” and “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” She explained that the opportunity to portray so many different characters has helped her grow.
“Each year, I get better,” she said.
“I loved it,” said Joyce Cargle, dressed in her Snow White costume. This was her fifth production for the CAU member. Beaming with pride, she revealed that she had survived ovarian cancer last year.
“I made it through,” she said.
The show was supported with a grant from the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities. All proceeds support CAU programs and its members. Funding was made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs.
About CAU
Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating its 36th year of success in 2015, supports people with special needs in achieving real lives in the community. CAU provides support and gives a voice to adults and youth who traditionally have little support and no voice in society. CAU helps people with housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities. CAU also supports opportunities for advocacy through training in assertiveness, decision-making and civil rights. CAU serves more than 6,000 individuals each year. For more information about CAU and its services, contact 908-354-3040 or www.caunj.org, or by mail at 80 W. Grand St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
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Our Catalog Metal Progressive Metal
Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra
Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra by WEA DVD at My Promo Pool. MPN: 971619-2. Hurry! Limited time offer. Offer valid only while supplies last. This DVD features the grand finale concert of the ''20th Anniversary Tour'', recorded live at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006. Disc One is footage of the concert, and Disc 2 includes bonus features. The tenacious odyssey of Dream Theater culminates in one of their finest concerts ever on this magnificent Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour DVD. Just how good is this blazing prog-metal performance, recorded at New York City's radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006? For starters, it's easy
This DVD features the grand finale concert of the "20th Anniversary Tour", recorded live at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006. Disc One is footage of the concert, and Disc 2 includes bonus features. The tenacious odyssey of Dream Theater culminates in one of their finest concerts ever on this magnificent Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour DVD. Just how good is this blazing prog-metal performance, recorded at New York City's radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006? For starters, it's easy to believe the band's drummer and co-founder, Mike Portnoy, when he ends the nearly three-hour show by saying "this was one of the best nights of our career." Then consider that for one brief but shining moment in mid-September 2006, Score nudged Pink Floyd's Pulse out of the #1 spot on the bestselling music DVD charts, proving without a doubt that DT's loyal fan base was more than willing to elevate the band to an unprecedented level of critical and commercial success. It's a win-win scenario for everyone, because it's obvious, from this performance and the Octivarium CD that spawned it, that Score represents 20 years of bold perseverance, and the sheer power of combined talents against the fickle forces of a music industry that repeatedly tried, and failed, to compromise Dream Theater's unique creative vision. For longtime fans, Score offers an abundance of material that's exclusive to this release, with minimal crossover from previous Dream Theater DVDs. "The Spirit Carries On" is a natural highlight, and James LaBrie's vocals are as pristine here as they are throughout the entire concert. But there can be little doubt that this gig will be best remembered for the flawless performances of the DT epics "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence," "Octivarium," and a jaw-dropping encore rendition of "Metropolis," all spectacularly accompanied by the Octivarium Orchestra under the baton of arranger and conductor Jamshied Sharifi. These massive arrangements have been beautifully mixed in 5.1 Dolby Digital or equally crisp PCM stereo, and each member of Dream Theater is given ample opportunity to demonstrate their virtuoso skills, including several transcendent solos by guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess (the latter proving his mastery of the lap steel guitar, vintage Moog synthesizer and the curiously amazing Continuum Fingerboard). Of course, one must never underestimate the awesome bass foundation laid by John Myung, whose priceless contribution is sonically ever-present, if not always visually apparent. As directed by Portnoy, however, Score is totally focused on the music, gracefully and unobtrusively covering the concert from a variety of visually advantageous angles, and edited (by Chris Osterhus) to follow every beat, transition, and solo with breathtaking precision. All in all, Score is easily on par with Pulse, and arguably surpasses the Floyd DVD in terms of overall performance. It's a godsend for fans, and a perfect introduction for the band's ever-growing audience of new and converted fans. -- Jeff Shannon On the DVD "The Score So Far" is an outstanding documentary that fully chronicles Dream Theater's history from its earliest days (when Portnoy, Petrucci, and Myung met at Boston's Berklee College of Music) to the Radio City concert on April 1, 2006. Personnel changes are candidly addressed (as opposed to some bands, DT don't hide their past difficulties, and credit is always given when due), and the film serves as a tribute to the band's refusal to bow to commercial pressures. (It's no wonder Mike Portnoy feels a gratifying sense of vindication; after 20 years, he and his bandmates fully deserve it.) Also included is the amusing "Octivarium Animation" shown during the concert, and three live performances (from 1993, 2002 and 2005) that further illustrate Dream Theater's ability to refine and/or redefine its sound and image while keeping up with the times. --Jeff Shannon
This DVD features the grand finale concert of the "20th Anniversary Tour", recorded live at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006. Disc One is footage of the concert, and Disc 2 includes bonus features. Track Listing 1. The Root Of All Evil [Set 1] 2. I Walk Beside You [Set 1] 3. Another Won [Set 1] 4. Afterlife [Set 1] 5. Under A Glass Moon [Set 1] 6. Innovence Faded [Set 1] 7. Raise
Manufacturer: Rhino Music Video
Brand: WEA DVD
Part Number: 971619-2
Publisher: Rhino Music Video
Studio: Rhino Music Video
MPN: 971619-2
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The Executive Centre expands network and services to deliver ultimate work experience
Leading Provider of Serviced and Virtual Offices Streamlines Critical Business Processes to Support Rapid Global Growth with NetSuite OneWorld
HONG KONG—June 26, 2018—The Executive Centre, a provider of premium serviced office facilities, shared co-work spaces and virtual offices in Asia-Pacific, implemented NetSuite to support its rapid global growth and expanding service portfolio. Headquartered in Hong Kong, The Executive Centre has averaged 20 percent annual growth for the past 10 years and now operates 115 centers in 13 countries.
Founded in 1994, The Executive Centre offers a member-centric experience that promotes connection, personal growth and professional achievement and serves clients ranging from startups to multinationals such as Pfizer, Expedia and Twitter.
To meet the demands of distributed, global and mobile businesses, The Executive Centre has added properties in prime locations across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, while also introducing new technology, contemporary interior design and a wide range of business services such as concierge, accounting, professional translation and people management. In order to manage the business complexity presented by rapid international expansion and an increasingly diverse service portfolio, The Executive Centre implemented NetSuite OneWorld four years ago.
“Businesses today need more than just basic office space, they need to be able to offer an experience that meets the demands of a global and mobile workforce,” said Jason Wong, CTO, The Executive Centre. “As we expanded our network and services to meet those requirements, we needed to rethink our business operations. With NetSuite we have a global business management platform that has reduced operating complexity and enabled us to focus time and resources on delivering the ultimate work experience for our clients.”
By switching from Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) to NetSuite OneWorld, The Executive Centre has been able to improve operational efficiency by taking advantage of a real-time, unified global business management platform. As a result, The Executive Centre has been able to streamline and modernise financials, multi-subsidiary management, revenue recognition, billing, multi-currency transactions and multi-country tax compliance. This has enabled The Executive Centre to meet the evolving business needs of its clients across its 34 subsidiaries that span China, India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Sri Lanka, Macau and Vietnam as well as its recently opened location in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“The Executive Centre has achieved incredible success over the last 10 years and the member-centric experience it offers its clients is really impressive,” said Lee Thompson, group vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific and Japan at Oracle NetSuite. “We are thrilled to play a key role in its future expansion in Asia Pacific and beyond.”
About The Executive Center
The Executive Centre offers a personalised approach to the constantly evolving landscape of workspace solutions. For the last two decades, TEC has been a leading provider of Serviced and Virtual Offices, in addition to Coworking, Meeting Rooms and Conference Spaces. The company operates 115 centres in 13 countries. Learn more about at https://www.executivecentre.com/.
For more than 20 years, Oracle NetSuite has helped organisations grow, scale and adapt to change. NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based applications, which includes financials / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), HR, professional services automation and omnichannel commerce, used by more than 24,000 customers in 203 countries and dependent territories.
For more information, please visit http://www.netsuite.co.uk.
Follow NetSuite’s Cloud blog, Facebook page and @NetSuiteEMEA Twitter handle for real-time updates.
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Windy. Rain, heavy at times in the morning. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 48F. Winds SE at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch..
A few clouds. Low 34F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
"Spell My Name" by Toni Braxton. (Island via AP)
HONS
"The Album" by Teyana Taylor. (Def Jam via AP)
"Lady Like" by Ingrid Andress. (Warner Nashville via AP)
"Ungodly Hour" by Chloe x Halle. (Columbia via AP)
"good to know" by JoJo. (Warner via AP)
"Letter to You" by Bruce Springsteen. (Columbia via AP)
"Celia" by Tiwa Savage. (Motown via AP)
"folklore" by Taylor Swift. (Republic Records via AP)
"JAGUAR" by Victoria Monét. (Tribe Records via AP)
"Brightest Blue" by Ellie Goulding. (Interscope via AP)
Singing the praises of 2020's top albums
By Mesfin Fekadu Associated Press
Here are my picks for the top 10 albums of the year. A playlist can be found here.
1. Toni Braxton, “Spell My Name": I can breathe again, thanks in part to the living legend Toni Braxton. 2020 was a hot mess, and one way to escape the madness was through music. “Spell My Name,” her 10th album, was released in August while we were in the thick of pandemic woes and other worldly issues. To this album, I say: You mean the world to me. In my home, it’s been playing seven whole days a week since its release. I don’t want to turn it off. Listen up, and just let it flow.
With guest appearances from rap genius Missy Elliott, songwriting saint Babyface and guitar slayer H.E.R., let Toni un-break your heart with another sad love song after another sad love song on this epic 10-track set — but don’t worry, it’s not a depressing album that will make an already sad year sadder. Instead, it’s classic R&B music led by a veteran singer who knows how to beautifully emote direct and strong lyrics on her songs. On “Do It,” she sings about how he wasn’t man enough. On past hits, she sang about why love shoulda brought you home, but now — on songs like “Saturday Night" and “Gotta Move On” — she's the one calling the shots and breaking free from the bad guys. And on “Dance,” she brings the heat with a song so perfect for BBQs and family reunions (once social distancing is over, of course).
How many ways can I say it? It’s no secret, “Spell My Name” is the No. 1 of the year.
2. Teyana Taylor, “The Album”: R&B princess Teyana Taylor boldly named her latest release “The Album," and she has reason to. The project, her third, is a groovy and heartfelt 23-song adventure through the mind of a woman experiencing life's highs and lows. Her voice is piercing, her lyrics are striking, and the beats are both familiar and refreshing. With a heavy hand for sampling first-class R&B jams, Taylor has perfectly learned how to borrow from a song but still stand in front of it.
3. Ingrid Andress, “Lady Like": A breakthrough country singer with a sharp pen, Ingrid Andress' “Lady Like" will give you all the feels — much like Kacey Musgraves' groundbreaking “Golden Hour."
4. Chloe x Halle, “Ungodly Hour”: From “Do It" to “Busy Boy," Chloe x Halle let their hair down on their sophomore album, taking us from the lounge to the club.
5. JoJo, “good to know": Vocal beast JoJo pours all of her emotions on “good to know," making a superb album that's good to listen to now, and later.
6. Bruce Springsteen, “Letter to You": Opening up about his friends who have died, Springsteen's voice is beautifully aching and gritty on this excellent rock album that screams PLAY ME LIVE!
7. Tiwa Savage, “Celia": Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage proves why she's the Queen of Afrobeats on “Celia," a daredevil album with addictive tracks like “Koroba," “Attention," “Dangerous Love,” “Ole," “Park Well" and “Temptation," which features Sam Smith. Savage moves to the beat of her own drum, and listening to this batch of bops will induce your body to do the same.
8. Taylor Swift, “folklore”: A fearless album from a five-star songwriter.
9. Victoria Monét, “JAGUAR": Victoria Monét has helped everyone from Ariana Grande to Chloe x Halle with her songwriting skills, but it's time the attention turns to her own albums. Monét's 2018 EP, “Life After Love, Pt. 2," was a masterpiece, and she followed it up this year with another knockout. “JAGUAR" is a contemporary R&B showpiece and proves there's more to come from Monét.
10. Ellie Goulding, “Brightest Blue": Ellie Goulding's first three albums explored different sounds, but none of them missed a beat, and her fourth release is no different. Dripping with emotion, the tracks that make up “Brightest Blue" are bold and brave, and anchored by Goulding's breathtaking, airy vocal style. Singing the blues never sounded so good.
Song of the year: Keedron Bryant's 'I Just Wanna Live'
Here are my top 10 songs of the year (a playlist can be found here):
Spell My Name
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newsletters, editors-pick-list, Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association, Andrew Kelly, judiciary, Newcastle herald and Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association, Warners Bay Cricket Club, NCSCA
WHEN Andrew Kelly walked into Bunnings at Glendale in November seeking information about Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association's account, he had no idea it would set off a chain of events to end his 36-year passion for playing and administering cricket. Still stunned at receiving one of the longest suspensions in living memory from the organisation's judiciary, and being sacked from the association's management committee just months after being elected secretary, Mr Kelly said he was "extremely disappointed" and planned to appeal. The 51-year-old, who will have to relinquish his position as president of Warners Bay Cricket Club, was accused of breaching the code of conduct and competition rules. At an NCSCA judiciary hearing last week, Mr Kelly was banned from any participation in the game for five years, with an additional two-year suspended sentence imposed. He was also removed as secretary of the NCSCA and given a life ban from holding a board position. His penalty has plunged the already crisis-ridden administration into deeper turmoil, with some players calling for a vote of no confidence in management. Mr Kelly said he refused to attend the hearing last Thursday, because he did not believe it was a judiciary matter. "As far as I am concerned this was a board issue, not a judiciary issue," he said. "It had nothing to do with on-field activity. My crime was trying to access information that the members have a right to know." The latest crisis comes amid growing concerns about the association's management and questions being asked about expenditure under previous boards. Mr Kelly said he was "simply trying to find out what members' money had been spent on" and "it hurt" being rubbed out of the game for seeking information "that should not be kept secret". "They don't like it when people ask questions, the treasurer had said we need to look into the expenditure and that's exactly what I tried to do," he said. "I've played cricket since I was 10 years old and I've never had a blemish on my record. I've always played cricket the right way, this isn't the right way and it's disappointing to see where the association has ended up." Events in the still-murky affair are disputed and come at a time when the board is bitterly divided. One side alleges there is a "lack of transparency, particularly around financials", the other side has labelled the claims a witch hunt. According to Mr Kelly, he attempted to access records from the Bunnings account for a financial audit carried out this year because there were no receipts or records detailing what had been purchased. The NCSCA's constitution requires an annual financial audit, but one had not been carried out since 2004. Association bank records obtained by the Newcastle Herald reveal more than $3000 was spent at Bunnings from March last year to August. Mr Kelly said when he visited Bunnings to find out what had been purchased, staff directed him to call the accounts department. He called, identified himself as the secretary of the association, and signatory to the organisation's bank accounts, and was given the Bunning's trade account number. Mr Kelly said he was told he could access the now closed account details online, but informed he would only be granted access if the person who opened the account approved it. "Then I did something stupid," he said. "I tried to access the account on the internet and used a different name." He wrote his name down as Billy Bingjang, taken from an old personal email account, listed that gmail account and instead of providing his work mobile number, gave a personal mobile number, that he pays for, but is used by his son. "It was silly and I regret it, but as soon as an email went out informing people that someone had tried to access the account records, I stuck my hand up straight away," he said. "Another board member got suspended a few months before after asking a lot of questions and after what happened to him, well that's why I put the other name down." Mr Kelly concedes that he should have used his own name, but said he didn't understand why the expenditure details could not be made available to the board or why his punishment was "so severe". "Cricket has been a huge part of my life and for something so trivial I can't play anymore or be involved in any way," he said. "I ran for a board position because I wanted to see the association be the best it can be." According to the judiciary decision, Mr Kelly was found guilty of engaging in conduct detrimental to the spirit of the game, or likely to bring the game into disrepute, and engaging in behaviour considered harmful to the interests of cricket or in breach of the rules. In a letter outlining the findings, judiciary commissioner Stuart Brien wrote that Mr Kelly was "aware that he needed to obtain the board's written approval to gain access to any of the board's accounts". Mr Brien said because Mr Kelly used a false name and different email address, and another person's mobile phone number, the panel was "left with no option but to determine that this was done, not to obtain the information solely for the auditor, but to obtain the information to disseminate to the members and by using false details protect himself from being charged with leaking confidential information". "The panel noted that in the statement provided by Andrew Kelly he made no mention of the actual charges and his defence against them but used the document to accuse unnamed board members of misappropriation of funds and 'other nefarious activities'," Mr Brien wrote. "The panel noted that even after the audit cleared the board of any misappropriation or theft, he still stated that he knew better and intended to pass on his beliefs to the general membership of the association." Mr Kelly said he wrote the statement before the audit report findings were issued to members. "It was before I knew about the audit report findings and I didn't go to the judiciary because it never should have gone there in the first place," he said. Cricket NSW Hunter general manager Neil McDonald said associations were responsible for governing themselves, but should always be transparent to their membership. "I find it odd that a committee member would be brought before his or her judiciary, especially on an administration matter," he said. "It is odd to be suspended from playing when you have been charged with a non-playing offence. "Associations should be transparent, provide good governance, increase participation and provide a vibrant competition, and we are here to help."
/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/donna.page%40fairfaxmedia.com.au/e935fb3d-f842-4307-8793-468cbd6b6926.jpg/r3_265_5182_3191_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg
December 21 2019 - 6:30AM
Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association board member Andrew Kelly cops controversial five-year ban from judiciary
Donna Page
SIX AND OUT: Former Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association secretary Andrew Kelly was banned from the game for five years last week after trying to access information about association spending at Bunnings. Picture: Jonathan Carroll
WHEN Andrew Kelly walked into Bunnings at Glendale in November seeking information about Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association's account, he had no idea it would set off a chain of events to end his 36-year passion for playing and administering cricket.
Still stunned at receiving one of the longest suspensions in living memory from the organisation's judiciary, and being sacked from the association's management committee just months after being elected secretary, Mr Kelly said he was "extremely disappointed" and planned to appeal.
The 51-year-old, who will have to relinquish his position as president of Warners Bay Cricket Club, was accused of breaching the code of conduct and competition rules.
At an NCSCA judiciary hearing last week, Mr Kelly was banned from any participation in the game for five years, with an additional two-year suspended sentence imposed. He was also removed as secretary of the NCSCA and given a life ban from holding a board position.
His penalty has plunged the already crisis-ridden administration into deeper turmoil, with some players calling for a vote of no confidence in management.
Mr Kelly said he refused to attend the hearing last Thursday, because he did not believe it was a judiciary matter.
"As far as I am concerned this was a board issue, not a judiciary issue," he said. "It had nothing to do with on-field activity. My crime was trying to access information that the members have a right to know."
Just not cricket: Bitter feud splits Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association
Newcastle cricket team forced to pull up stumps
The latest crisis comes amid growing concerns about the association's management and questions being asked about expenditure under previous boards.
Mr Kelly said he was "simply trying to find out what members' money had been spent on" and "it hurt" being rubbed out of the game for seeking information "that should not be kept secret".
"They don't like it when people ask questions, the treasurer had said we need to look into the expenditure and that's exactly what I tried to do," he said. "I've played cricket since I was 10 years old and I've never had a blemish on my record. I've always played cricket the right way, this isn't the right way and it's disappointing to see where the association has ended up."
Events in the still-murky affair are disputed and come at a time when the board is bitterly divided. One side alleges there is a "lack of transparency, particularly around financials", the other side has labelled the claims a witch hunt.
According to Mr Kelly, he attempted to access records from the Bunnings account for a financial audit carried out this year because there were no receipts or records detailing what had been purchased. The NCSCA's constitution requires an annual financial audit, but one had not been carried out since 2004.
PASSION: Andrew Kelly, president of Warners Bay Cricket Club, has played since he was 10 years old and was handed a five-year ban last week. Picture: Terry Jones
Association bank records obtained by the Newcastle Herald reveal more than $3000 was spent at Bunnings from March last year to August.
Mr Kelly said when he visited Bunnings to find out what had been purchased, staff directed him to call the accounts department. He called, identified himself as the secretary of the association, and signatory to the organisation's bank accounts, and was given the Bunning's trade account number.
Mr Kelly said he was told he could access the now closed account details online, but informed he would only be granted access if the person who opened the account approved it.
"Then I did something stupid," he said. "I tried to access the account on the internet and used a different name."
He wrote his name down as Billy Bingjang, taken from an old personal email account, listed that gmail account and instead of providing his work mobile number, gave a personal mobile number, that he pays for, but is used by his son.
"It was silly and I regret it, but as soon as an email went out informing people that someone had tried to access the account records, I stuck my hand up straight away," he said.
"Another board member got suspended a few months before after asking a lot of questions and after what happened to him, well that's why I put the other name down."
Mr Kelly concedes that he should have used his own name, but said he didn't understand why the expenditure details could not be made available to the board or why his punishment was "so severe".
"Cricket has been a huge part of my life and for something so trivial I can't play anymore or be involved in any way," he said. "I ran for a board position because I wanted to see the association be the best it can be."
According to the judiciary decision, Mr Kelly was found guilty of engaging in conduct detrimental to the spirit of the game, or likely to bring the game into disrepute, and engaging in behaviour considered harmful to the interests of cricket or in breach of the rules.
In a letter outlining the findings, judiciary commissioner Stuart Brien wrote that Mr Kelly was "aware that he needed to obtain the board's written approval to gain access to any of the board's accounts".
Warners Bay Cricket Club's Andrew Kelly. Picture: Terry Jones
Mr Brien said because Mr Kelly used a false name and different email address, and another person's mobile phone number, the panel was "left with no option but to determine that this was done, not to obtain the information solely for the auditor, but to obtain the information to disseminate to the members and by using false details protect himself from being charged with leaking confidential information".
"The panel noted that in the statement provided by Andrew Kelly he made no mention of the actual charges and his defence against them but used the document to accuse unnamed board members of misappropriation of funds and 'other nefarious activities'," Mr Brien wrote.
"The panel noted that even after the audit cleared the board of any misappropriation or theft, he still stated that he knew better and intended to pass on his beliefs to the general membership of the association."
Mr Kelly said he wrote the statement before the audit report findings were issued to members.
"It was before I knew about the audit report findings and I didn't go to the judiciary because it never should have gone there in the first place," he said.
Cricket NSW Hunter general manager Neil McDonald said associations were responsible for governing themselves, but should always be transparent to their membership.
"I find it odd that a committee member would be brought before his or her judiciary, especially on an administration matter," he said.
"It is odd to be suspended from playing when you have been charged with a non-playing offence.
"Associations should be transparent, provide good governance, increase participation and provide a vibrant competition, and we are here to help."
Do you know more? Donna.page@newcastleherald.com.au
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Covid-19 stimulus package is a missed opportunity
The economic stimulus package is a band-aid solution whereas South Africa could be using the coronavirus pandemic to address long-term issues of health, public transport and social security.
By: Duma Gqubule
7 April 2020: From left, Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Lindiwe Sisulu and President Cyril Ramphosa at the department’s Covid-19 command centre in Johannesburg. (Photograph by Gallo Images/ ER Lombard)
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s R500 billion economic stimulus package was skilfully and deceptively presented to the nation as the real thing. But behind the ballpark figure and the sleight of hand that was supposed to dazzle, a cold and clinical analysis reveals a package that has a pitiful allocation towards the most vulnerable people in society. It provides a woefully inadequate humanitarian response for millions of South Africans who go hungry every day.
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni held the line and ensured that the basic contours of the austerity budget that he presented to Parliament two months ago will remain intact. In other words, the new Covid-19 package will have a limited impact on the budget. Above-the-line measures, which refer to government spending that has a direct impact on its levels of debt, were limited to R160 billion or 3.2% of gross domestic product (GDP). But R130 billion of this amount will be financed by a reprioritisation of spending within the envelope of the austerity budget.
This means that the National Treasury will slash an additional R130 billion from provincial and local grants to provide social infrastructure (including housing, water and transport) on top of cuts of R100 billion that were announced in February. The government will take away R230 billion from infrastructure spending in impoverished areas with one hand and give back only R50 billion in social grants with the other hand. The impoverished will get a social relief of distress (SRD) grant of R325 for only six months while the quality of public services in their areas will continue to decline.
KwaZulu-Natal’s elderly go hungry
As a fiscal stimulus refers to the injection of new money into the economy, the treasury’s net contribution to the stimulus package is only R30 billion or 0.6% of GDP. A reprioritisation of existing government spending within the context of an austerity budget is not a fiscal stimulus. Austerity plus austerity is not equal to a stimulus.
Within the G20 group of the largest advanced and emerging market economies, the average spending on above-the-line measures is 2.9% of GDP, according to the twice-yearly International Monetary Fund Fiscal Monitor report. In the adjustment budget, which Mboweni will present soon, the treasury will provide new estimates for state revenue and expenditure, which are based on a revised GDP growth figure. The February budget was based on a GDP growth rate of 0.9%.
Decline in state revenues
However, the government’s poorly designed and hastily assembled stimulus package will have little impact on GDP growth. The economy is still expected to contract by between six and 10 percentage points in 2020, which will result in the loss of millions of jobs. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the experience of the global financial crisis and past epidemics suggests that state revenues fall even more sharply than a GDP contraction during a recession.
In the wake of the global financial crisis, state revenues in South Africa collapsed by 3%, which was twice the 1.5% GDP contraction. Assuming a GDP contraction of 6%, the likely treasury estimate, state revenues could decline by 9%. This could result in a R230 billion increase in the estimated budget deficit to about R600 billion, equivalent to 13.8% of GDP from an expected 6.8% two months ago. A more plausible 10% GDP contraction would result in a R324 billion increase in the budget deficit to about R700 billion, equivalent to about 14.5% of GDP.
In February, the treasury said South Africa had a net debt of R2.9 trillion, which was equivalent to 57% of GDP. This was not a high number by international standards, even when benchmarked against other middle-income emerging markets. Adding debt of R600 billion to an economy that shrinks by 6% could result in a net debt-to-GDP ratio of about 70%.
Covid-19 worsens hunger and thirst in Eastern Cape
In a recent paper, Mike Sachs, a Wits University adjunct professor who was previously a deputy director general at the treasury, called for the government to use its entire balance sheet – a financial statement that provides a picture of the state’s assets and liabilities – to bail out the economy. The assets on the national balance sheet include almost R2 trillion in the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the asset manager of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
After the collapse and subsequent recovery of shares on the JSE stock exchange since the start of the year, the PIC had assets worth about R1.9 trillion at the end of March, according to my estimates. The GEPF had assets of about R1.6 trillion. And the UIF had a surplus (assets minus liabilities) of about R130 billion. The National Revenue Fund, an emergency buffer within the budget, has assets of about R240 billion, according to the treasury. The Reserve Bank has foreign exchange reserves of more than R800 billion.
Sachs said the UIF surplus could be wound down to zero. The GEPF could have a payment holiday and release R75 billion a year. The NRF cash balance meant that the government could finance itself without borrowing on bond markets for about eight months. “The participation of the Reserve Bank in quasi-fiscal operations should not be ruled out,” he said. Quasi-fiscal operations refer to printing money. South African financial institutions also have assets of more than R8 trillion, a portion of which could be steered towards developmental investments (and not the bailout of state-owned companies) when the economy recovers.
Covid-19 quotas
Despite having such a vast national balance sheet, deep capital markets and a Reserve Bank that can finance a stimulus, Ramaphosa said South Africa had approached international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank for funding. The IMF provides funding for countries that have problems with their balance of payments (BoP), a statement that records a country’s financial transactions with the rest of the world. It has a new Covid-19 funding window that has about $100 billion (R1.9 trillion) – almost the size of the South African budget – for all its 189 member countries. The World Bank has a funding window of $14 billion (R266 billion), equivalent to 13% of the South African budget, for all countries.
Based on its quota, South Africa could borrow up to $4.2 billion (R79.8 billion) from the IMF. But it is unlikely that one country would get such a large allocation from the Covid-19 window, which has received 102 applications. To use its quota, South Africa would probably have to also borrow through the normal window, which would involve a dreaded structural adjustment programme. These programmes have punishing conditions that have impoverished many countries in the Global South and in Europe. It is not clear why South Africa should take an IMF loan that would also expose it to foreign exchange risks owing to currency depreciation.
Episode 9: Is SA’s Covid-19 plan sufficient? | Humour and coronavirus
Additionally, South Africa does not have a BoP problem. It has a healthy level of foreign exchange reserves. Although the country had capital outflows of R100 billion during the first quarter of 2020, it has a floating exchange rate, which has absorbed the shock without having to deplete its reserves. The rand has depreciated to R19 against the dollar from R14 on 1 January.
Abebe Aemro Selassie, the director of the IMF’s African department, said last week that South Africa’s strength was its very deep and liquid domestic capital markets. “Relative to most emerging market countries, it generates its financing need for the government largely domestically and in its own currency. So that is really a major source of strength that South Africa has.”
Grants and food poverty
Although some of the details of the stimulus package are sketchy, Ramaphosa provided a breakdown of the government’s planned expenditure of R160 billion. It would spend R50 billion on increased social grants, R20 million on public healthcare and R20 billion on water and sanitation, sanitising public transport and providing food and shelter for the homeless. There were also tax measures for businesses that would cost R70 billion. The Department of Social Development had partnered with the Solidarity Fund and community organisations to distribute 250 000 food parcels over the next two weeks.
However, the R50 billion allocation to impoverished households is pitiful in a country where 30.4 million people and 64% of black Africans lived in poverty in 2015, according to Statistics South Africa. The allocation accounts for only 10% of the R500 billion package. In other countries, such measures that transfer income to impoverished households have accounted for up to 50% of stimulus packages. The R325 monthly grant is below the food poverty line of R561. The humanitarian relief in the form of food parcels is woefully inadequate in a country where 13.8 million people (25% of the population) lived below the food poverty line in 2015.
Volunteers make a difference delivering food in Alex
Vishwas Satgar, an activist with the South African Food Sovereignty Campaign, says: “The grant for the unemployed is inadequate to meet food needs. It locks the unemployed into a means-tested process [a means test determines who is eligible for assistance], which is going to be a bureaucratic nightmare. We need a basic income grant now. The food measures do not inspire confidence. South Africa has about 30 million people in food stress. Distributing 250 000 food parcels will reach only one million people. The response has been too little and too slow. It does not recognise the scale of the problem.”
Rampahosa said the government had set aside R100 billion for the protection of jobs. But it was not clear whether this commitment referred to above-the-line government spending or the UIF unwinding its surplus. There were no other details. He also announced a R200 billion loan guarantee scheme in partnership with major banks, the treasury and the Reserve Bank. The scheme will support more than 700 000 firms and three million employees.
There are different ways of looking through the package’s smoke and mirrors to determine what should be counted as real stimulus. The Financial Times newspaper wrote: “Excluding the reprioritised funds and the business loan guarantees, which do not need upfront funds, the package is worth 3% of GDP.”
There is also the view that it may be disingenuous to count loan schemes as stimulus because “the loans may or may not happen.” In an editorial, Business Day newspaper wrote: “There’s no guarantee that this is the amount that will eventually flow into businesses. Commercial banks will presumably not simply discard their usual risk-assessment standards. They might also judge that companies that were solvent before the lockout, well into its fourth week, are no longer so.”
A similar $400 billion scheme in the United Kingdom, which has an 80% government guarantee, has gotten off to a rocky start with loans of only $1.2 billion advanced during the first three weeks owing to complicated application processes and strict lending criteria.
Governance and social conflict in a pandemic
A Swiss loan scheme with simple processes has been held up as a model. But it has a 100% guarantee, which means that the banks are distributing state grants.
Peter Attard Montalto, head of research at financial services research firm Intellidex, says the tax revenue deferrals should not count as stimulus because “they are part of the same fiscal year”. If the reprioritisation of government spending, the loan guarantee scheme and the tax measures should not count, what is left of the stimulus package? The government will soon have to top up its package as the jobs bloodbath intensifies and the humanitarian crisis deepens.
United States congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says the coronavirus pandemic has “taken all of these slow-moving crises that we have already been experiencing in the United States and basically pressed fast-forward on every single one”. The same applies in South Africa as Covid-19 has put the spotlight on the country’s multiple crises in health, public transport and social security.
The biggest problem with the stimulus package is that it is a band-aid solution that is designed to offer temporary relief, after which we will return to normal. But as Indian author Arundhati Roy says: “Nothing could be worse than a return to normality. Historically, pandemics have forced humans to break with the past and imagine their world anew. This one is no different. It is a portal, a gateway between one world and the next.”
Lockdown means ‘eviction’ for many back-yard dwellers
Global South fights Covid-19, crime and denial
Imagining the new normal after Covid-19
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B2Digital's Greg Bell and Chris Lytle Discuss B2s Rise as a Major Force in MMA on The Stock Day Podcast
Aug. 14, 2020 8:30 AM ET Source: B2 Digital, Inc.
Tampa, FL - (NewMediaWire) - August 14, 2020 - B2Digital Incorporated (the “Company” or “B2Digital”) (OTCMKTS:BTDG), the premier development league for mixed martial arts (“MMA”), is excited to announce that Greg P. Bell, the Company’s Chairman & CEO, and Chris Lytle, Executive in charge of Fighter Development and the B2 Official Training Facilities Network, are featured in a new audio interview on The Stock Day Podcast.
The interview can be found here.
In the interview, Mr. Bell discusses the Company's overall business model, including its multiple revenue streams, across live events and fighter training resources and facilities, as well as B2Digital's growth and stability strategy, pulling in revenues during the virus and staging the potential for explosive growth as the context normalizes. He points out that the Company has managed to schedule 13 live events over coming months and inked a new major PPV deal for live coverage, which will drive growth from fans, fighters, and streaming viewers. He also notes the Company's actively ongoing roll-up strategy in the training facility and gym space, and the very positive operating performance associated with that space given the Company's target market.
Mr. Lytle also joined the discussion to talk about the Company's vision and its target of becoming the premier development league feeder system for the UFC, as well as its role in providing for the development of future top stars in the sport, including the complete lack of competition the Company faces given its objectives and overall vision.
The interview also includes a discussion on the large and sustained opportunity that the rapidly growing MMA sport represents, and that BTDG is the only true pure-play public vehicle for investing in that growth phenomenon.
For more information about B2Digital, visit the Company’s website at https://www.b2digitalotc.com.
About B2Digital Inc.
With extensive background in entertainment, television, video and technology, B2Digital (OTC: BTDG) is now forging ahead and becoming a full-service live event sports company. Capitalizing on the combination of B2Digital CEO Greg P. Bell’s expertise and involvement with more than 40,000 live events over his career for major sports leagues and entertainment venues, B2Digital is in the process of developing and acquiring MMA and sports-related companies to build an integrated Premier Development League, Expand the B2 Official Training Facility Program Network and Continue the growth of the B2 Social Media Network for the multibillion-dollar mixed martial arts (“MMA”) industry.
B2Digital intends to create and develop league champions that will move on to the MMA major leagues from the Company’s B2 Fighting Series brand. Each year, the top fighters will be invited to the annual B2 Fighting Series National Championship live event.
B2Digital has developed and deployed the systems and technologies for the operation of the B2 Fighting Series, “B2FS”. This includes social media marketing, event management, digital ticketing sales, digital video distribution, digital marketing, PPV, FTV (Free to View), merchandise sales, brand management and financial control systems. B2Digital owns all rights for TV, internet, social media, media, merchandising and trademarks, and branding for the B2Digital companies.
B2Digital: MMA’s Premier Development League
www.b2digitalotc.com
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. These statements relate to future events and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
information@b2fs.com
Tiger Global Management
info@TigerGMP.com
www.TigerGMP.com
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Reality based show that looks at the role of First Responders, the heroes who are first on the scene of a disaster or one in the making and follows our everyday heroes from Land, to Sea and in the Air as they selflessly perform the task of saving lives at a moments notice.
Follow 3-5 different life threatening situation in each episode that culminates with rescuer and rescuee both during and after a rescue has occurred. From The busy and bustling streets of life in the big city to remote landscapes and tropical settings to the savage coasts we'll witness the Coast Guard, Fire fighters, paramedics, Search and Rescue and ordinary people risking their own lives to save another and all from their point of view!
The host of our show is no stranger to life threatening situations as he was one of the highest awarded and commendated heroes for over 25 years in this line of work. So buckle up as this ride begins and be prepared to become fully immersed from beginning to end as First Response rolls on to your TV screen...
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In his new book, 'Idea Man,' Paul Allen lives to tell his life story
Updated Jan 10, 2019; Posted Apr 19, 2011
By Jeff Baker | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Bruce Ely/ The OregonianPaul Allen checks the statistics with team president Larry Miller (left) and general manager Rich Cho (right) at a Trail Blazers' game last fall.
said that when he began writing his life story -- from his testy Microsoft days with Bill Gates to rehabbing the "Jail Blazers" -- he didn't know if he would live long enough to finish it.
The 58-year-old said working on his memoir
"Idea Man,"
available today, was good therapy after he was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2009, and he wanted to write a candid account because "this is my one shot" at getting it right. (
Read the text of Jeff Baker's interview with Paul Allen.
"It was unclear if I was going to see the publication of the book when I was first diagnosed," Allen said from his office in Seattle. "Fortunately, I had a great response to the chemotherapy regimen and took a turn for the best, but I didn't know that when I started."
There is lots of new information and anecdotes in "Idea Man." But the story Trail Blazer fans will be talking about isn't how in 1982 Allen overheard Gates and Steve Ballmer, now Microsoft's CEO, talking about how to cut him out of the company but rather how Allen turned down a possible deal to bring Houston center Hakeem Olajuwon to Portland, in part because of Allen's friendship with
Clyde Drexler.
"Clyde is a very intense, charming, charismatic person and an amazing player," Allen said, "and I was new to being a sports owner and so we had a good relationship back then. But it's tough, you put yourself in a tough position when you have to start talking about contract issues with someone who plays on the team and you have some kind of a nonprofessional relationship with."
Allen said his cancer is in remission, and his health is good. He wanted to get down his version of events while he still had time and is willing to put himself forward more than he has in the past to do it. For a billionaire with a huge yacht and some high-profile passions (pro sports, Jimi Hendrix, searching for extraterrestrial intelligence), Allen is notoriously publicity-shy. He doesn't like talking about himself and rarely gives interviews, but is breaking out of his luxurious cocoon of silence to promote "Idea Man."
"I'm a very private person that prefers a low profile," Allen said. "This is unusual and, like I say, I probably wouldn't have done this except I felt the pressure of events and the reality that if I wanted to do this I needed to do it ... This has been kind of an enlightening experience, but I knew the book had some elements people would view as controversial but that kind of comes if you're a private person that doesn't talk a lot about things and then finally you do write something, that can happen."
Allen became enthralled by the NBA in the late 1970s, initially as a Seattle Sonics fan and then as the youngest owner in pro sports when he bought the Blazers for $65 million in 1988. The team reached the NBA Finals twice early in his tenure and came close to going back in 2000 before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in a seventh game that "exposed us as a team without leadership or discipline," Allen wrote. The last decade has seen the disgrace of the Jail Blazers, Allen's Oregon Arena Corporation declaring bankruptcy in a fight over the Rose Garden, and a gradual rise back to the playoffs that hasn't been without controversy.
Listen to a part of Jeff Baker's interview with Paul Allen:
Or download
MP3 here
Allen said "hindsight is 20/20" when asked about drafting Greg Oden over Kevin Durant and said "the basketball staff was very much in favor of Greg," who Allen thinks still could become a productive player.
"At the time I asked questions about Greg's knees and everything and they were in good shape when we drafted him," he said.
In his book, Allen -- who was quiet when he fired general manager Kevin Pritchard last year -- wrote that Pritchard "struggled in the managerial parts of his job."
Asked to elaborate, Allen said "obviously you don't make a change unless there are issues, whether they're communication issues or style issues or substantive issues, and so in the end I felt like I had to make a change there. I wouldn't have done otherwise and it wasn't really a time of my choosing, but I felt I had to make that decision."
Allen wrote that former coach Rick Adelman "tied our younger players to the bench and stuck with the tight rotation of veterans who had gotten us to the Finals." He had much harsher words for former general manager
Bob Whitsitt,
who presided over a controversial, expensive era -- with Allen's backing. Both desperately wanted to win a title, and Allen wrote that he finally gave up on Whitsitt's approach when Whitsitt told him "half our guys are normal and half our guys are crazy. The good guys are all freaked out, but the crazy guys are crazy, so they're fine."
Allen fired Whitsitt from the Blazers in 2003 but kept him as president of the Seahawks for another two years. Allen admitted to some mistakes on personnel moves in his book, and forcefully defended his management style in an interview.
"Look, these decisions are all ... I'm sure people wonder how you make them. They're tough decisions -- whether you trade someone, whether you pick someone in the draft, whether, you know, you fire or don't fire or the timing of firing somebody. These are all tough, tough decisions, and in the end, as owner the buck stops with you."
Gates' management style is much different than Allen's, who said he sent a copy of his book to Gates when it was finished. Allen hasn't heard from his old partner and has no idea what Gates thinks of the often unflattering picture Allen paints of Gates as a hyper-aggressive bully whose browbeating and shouting matches helped drive Allen away from active management of Microsoft in 1983.
"I expect we'll sit down at some point, and I'm sure he'll express some differing opinions," Allen said. "I expect it to be an animated discussion."
In "Idea Man," Allen writes that his partnership with Gates was a "unified vision" shared only perhaps by Bill Hewlett and David Packard and Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page. A better comparison might be Mick Jagger and Keith Richards -- talented and obsessed opposites who enjoyed extraordinary success as young men and grew apart over time. Now Allen,
like Richards did last year,
is airing out some old grievances in his memoir.
Jeff Baker,
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Episode 287: There Only Had to Be One Scarface
The Overthinkers tackle The Wolf of Wall Street, the moral responsibility of movies, and the Greatest Dogecoin Heist of 2013.
Ben Adams, Matthew Belinkie, Peter Fenzel, and Matthew Wrather tackle The Wolf of Wall Street, the moral responsibility of movies, and the Greatest Dogecoin Heist of 2013.
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Ben Adams
Matthew Belinkie
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Riddick’s Space Dog
Doge on Wikipedia
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The 40 Most Awkward Dogs of 2013
An Open Letter To The Makers of The Wolf of Wall Street, and the Wolf Himself
Or read more from… Overthinking It Podcast, doge, dogecoin, fiscal responsibility, Leonardo DiCaprio, martin scorcese, memes, morality, storytelling
21 Comments on “Episode 287: There Only Had to Be One Scarface”
Hudsucker Dec 30th 2013 1:39 am #
Mr. Belinkie, Sean Connery’s swan song was actually the even more forgettable League of Extraordinary Gentleman.
Matthew Belinkie OTI Staff Dec 30th 2013 10:49 am #
Ah, you totally well actuallyed me. Yeah, you’re right.
I don’t know if I should be ashamed by this, but I don’t hate the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen movie. Oh sure, there’s plenty wrong with it. But I also remember there being some awesome production design on the Nautilus, and I really liked the addition of Dorian Gray (he can’t be killed because his painting takes all the damage). I think if OTI had been active back then, we would have had a lot to say about it. And I’m speaking as someone who read all the Alan Moore books, and even sat there with my stupid 3D glasses reading the last pages of The Black Dossier.
You should keep in mind that my ability to enjoy bad movies, and my willingness to watch bad movies instead of good (but less fun) ones is well-documented.
Hudsucker Dec 30th 2013 4:34 pm #
why should you be ashamed about having an opinion? I mean, I know a large portion of the internet would yell at you for having that opinion, but Overthinking isn’t like that large portion of the internet, is it?
PotatoKnight Dec 30th 2013 2:19 pm #
I do encourage people to read the actual piece by Christine MacDowell, the now-adult daughter of one of Jordan Belfort’s business partners, titled “An Open Letter to the Makers of The Wolf of Wall Street, and the Wolf Himself.” It’s easily Googled.
I think she makes an interesting claim that is district from what might show up in the facebookified version or what is addressed squarely in the podcast. Her primary concern doesn’t just seem to be the way the film depicts outsize rewards for criminal behavior. Her main concern is that the film IS an outsize reward for criminal behavior. Mr. Belfort now gets to put “From the Real Life Wolf of Wall Street” on books he writes and posters for seminars he teaches. He will make real money–probably a lot of real money–because this movie exists.
But he’s also been given a reward that money can’t really buy. He has been made the subject of a major Hollywood film with a movie star playing him. That’s as close as our society has to deification–even if you’ve been made a dark god. Jordan Belfort is now in a category with Howard Hughes and the Dalai Lama. A filmmaker like Scorsese, who has a relatively high degree of control over what films he makes, has enormous power to make heroic figures out of human beings and I don’t think it’s wrong to question how he uses that power.
Matthew Wrather OTI Staff Dec 30th 2013 3:05 pm #
At the risk of Godwinning the comment thread, I’d point out that he’s also in the same category as history’s greatest villains, many of whom have also been portrayed by actors in movies. I’m not sure it’s as simple as “having a movie made about you = unequivocally positive ‘deification’.” Not all movie protagonists are heroic, not all depiction of glamor is “glamorization,” and every image in a movie has a context. Not every isolated claim in a work of art can be taken literally. [T]he poet…nothing affirmeth, and therefore never lieth.
Let’s treat audiences like grown-ups who can handle a dose of irony or ambiguity. Let’s treat human beings like complex, conflicted animals who are entitled to have mixed feelings about things and to work them out through the art they create or experience. Isn’t that part of the point of creative work?
I’m wary of the alternative. I don’t believe artists should shy away from controversial topics—or any topics—because someone you disapprove of might be able to use the title (taken completely out of context) in their marketing. I’m not sure that a creator or inventor can really be morally liable for the misuse of their work (God help every scientist ever if she could be). If we did away with all the stuff someone might reasonably find objectionable or hurtful, what would be left?
Mark Lee OTI Staff Dec 30th 2013 3:11 pm #
Haven’t seen the movie yet (or listened to this podcast, for that matter), but I did see this news item claiming that Belfort is turning over all income from the movie to the government as part of his restitution payments:
http://www.slashfilm.com/real-life-wolf-of-wall-street-turning-over-film-profits/
Matthew Belinkie OTI Staff Dec 30th 2013 3:32 pm #
I gotta say, this Christine MacDowell letter REALLY rubs me the wrong way. “You people are dangerous,” she writes to Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. “Your film is a reckless attempt at continuing to pretend that these sorts of schemes are entertaining, even as the country is reeling from yet another round of Wall Street scandals.”
I haven’t seen the movie, but Pete makes it sound like Scorsese addresses this very issue head on. MacDowell acts like the recent financial crisis is something Scorsese may not even be aware of, but he clearly is making the movie in the CONTEXT of recent events, as a response to them. That gap between the entertainment and the real-world consequences is one of the main points of the film. Of course, MacDowell hasn’t SEEN the film before condemning everyone involved, so she wouldn’t know that.
“What makes you think this man deserves to be the protagonist in this story?” I don’t know, maybe because he’s a compelling character? Is that not good enough? Should we not make movies about bad people anymore, unless they’re dead and therefore can’t be flattered by it? It’s a very strange idea that Martin Scorsese (or ANYBODY) would make movies to reward their subjects, like the Make a Wish Foundation.
Yes, I agree it’s a shame that Jordan Belfort might profit from the movie. He’s an asshole. But there’s a LONG way between that and saying this movie shouldn’t have been made and that the filmmakers are reckless and dangerous for having made it.
fenzel OTI Staff Dec 30th 2013 4:00 pm #
Yeah, I read the actual letter. In addition to what we talked about on the podcast, it’s notable that this all happened to her when she was a small child, and the letter doesn’t reflect a particularly nuanced or full understanding of what happened – mostly just a lot of pain. It also doesn’t read like she’s seen the movie, which I think would be a necessary step to taking her critique of it seriously. Said the pot to the kettle.
As the token person who has seen the film we are discussing, would you say it does address her concerns? Can an adult watch the film and come away thinking Jordan Belfort is a cool guy who we should want to be like, so long as we stay away from the drugs and self-loathing?
This question came up on the podcast, but the conversation sort of veered away each time.
fenzel OTI Staff Jan 2nd 2014 3:35 am #
The movie makes the case that people do generally think this way — that they see people like Jordan Belfort and want to be like him, and think they will get away with it — just like Jordan Belfort thought he would get away with it.
And then it makes the case not only that these things are generally tragic and awful, even as they are alluring — but that people like Jordan Belfort use this impulse in people to manipulate them — to attract followers, and then to destroy the followers in an effort to protect themselves.
It’s basically the same way it works in every Scorsese movie.
The movie expresses the same sort of anxiety she has in her letter, but it starts from the assumption that this happens in real life — and it has the added maturity of not assuming it can be stopped simply by not putting it on screen.
Dimwit Jan 3rd 2014 4:26 am #
This problem is as old as the hills. Cast your mind back only a few short decades ago when Bonnie & Clyde were terrorizing the banks.
Dillinger had groupies. Most of the sprees had sympathizers that allowed them to both propagate and extend far longer than normal. The big, bad banks were getting their comeuppance and the “little people” loved it. It didn’t hurt that Dillinger and guys like Baby Face Nelson were photogenic as all hell, too. Made for great press.
What is really behind MacDowell is frustration with the banks and the financial system as a whole. She wants them all tarred and feathered and stuck in a hole, never to be seen again. There is the feeling that almost everyone has “gotten away with it” and even the ones that were caught are not *really* paying the price for all these shenanigans. Again the media circus is in town and she’s not impressed.
I don’t think she’s aiming in the right direction by going after Scorsese but, sadly, I also don’t think she’s wrong.
I certainly can’t blame her.
Have you heard of Belfort’s reality show idea, that will probably be picked up, according to some network execs. The show idea is:
“The show sees Belfort, now 51, “stepping in to help others who, like him, have hit rock bottom but still hold out some hope for redemption,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/real-wolf-of-wall-street-jordan-belfort-shopping-reality-show-2013-12#ixzz2ozqw2iRK”
This idea sickens me. It seems as though he’s making it in response to the film, so that he can show he’s not really such a bad guy. However, we all know he’s done terrible things and I feel like the show will just be him saying over and over “I’m a good person now!” (not literally of course) How do you guys feel about this?
Yeah, this would be awful. People like Christine MacDowell, and indeed anyone with compassion for the victims, have every right to express their outrage at this. But the outrage shouldn’t be at Martin Scorsese, for making what Rotten Tomatoes says is a very good film (your opinion may vary, of course). The outrage should be at Belfort for taking advantage of that publicity, and at the networks who are willing to write him large checks.
BastionofLight Dec 30th 2013 5:08 pm #
Hydrox cookies predate Oreo cookies, which makes it almost impossible for them to be the knock off.
Second, the U.S. Dollar is not backed by nothing, it is backed by taxes. Bitcoin and Dogecoin are properly backed by nothing.
I know almost nothing about economics, but it seems to me that any currency that isn’t explicitly linked in value to another commodity (gold, silver) is only worth as much as people are willing to give you for it. Just ask Zimbabwe.
BastionofLight Dec 30th 2013 10:41 pm #
Zimbabwe is what happens to a currency when the nation that issues it is having a really tough time.
A government which taxes can offer you not going to jail (or whatever the penalty for non-payment is) in exchange for your dollars, and the value of the currency can be based on how well it does that.
Matthew Belinkie OTI Staff Dec 31st 2013 12:42 pm #
Got it. The government actually REQUIRES that everyone accept dollars as payment. That’s not the case with dogecoin. It doesn’t insure that there won’t be hyperinflation, but it at least guarantees a large user base for the currency.
Mark Lee OTI Staff Dec 31st 2013 10:32 pm #
Great episode, guys. Wish I could have been part of the conversation.
A couple doge related items:
1) I prefer pronouncing “doge” rhyming with “vogue.” AFAIK there is no canonical pronunciation of the term. I love that there is this growing lexicon of words that come from Internet culture that are almost exclusively used in written form and lack a commonly accepted verbal pronunciation.
2) The Verge just did a great piece on the origins of the Doge meme:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/31/5248762/doge-meme-rescue-dog-wow
sheely OTI Staff Jan 1st 2014 6:25 pm #
Doge forever and ever without end; Much alleluia, wow amen:
http://i.imgur.com/q7VKiiK.gif
Mark Lee OTI Staff Jan 1st 2014 7:17 pm #
Wow. Such embed:
Agam Jan 6th 2014 12:06 am #
“Is it ethically right to oppose a thing by insisting that people not talk about it?”
The Gospel of Warhammer 40k teaches us that the answer to that exact question is totally:
It will end in tears. And Heresy.
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Pérez Art Museum Miami Postpones Upcoming Exhibitions Until Further Notice
Allied with Power: African and African Diaspora Art from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection and Solidary & Solitary: The Joyner/Giuffrida Collection Were Slated to Open on April 24
PAMM National
Ali Rigo
Senior Account Executive, Cultural Counsel
ali@culturalcounsel.com
PAMM Local
Catie DeWitt
Account Coordinator, Cultural Counsel
catie@culturalcounsel.com
(MIAMI, FL — April 9, 2020) — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) announced today that it will postpone upcoming summer exhibitions, Allied With Power: African and African Diaspora Art from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection and Solidary & Solitary: The Joyner/Giuffrida Collection , which were slated to open on April 24, until further notice.
Though PAMM is currently closed to the public, the museum has implemented an online Digital Museum to continue to serve its community and support the arts. From the comfort of their couch, visitors can peruse virtual tours of PAMM’s galleries and select artworks with artists, curators, and members of the PAMMily as guides; nearly 100 art talks with artists, scholars, and collectors; highlights from current exhibitions; educational resources for teachers, students, and parents; and art-making activities for families and children. The museum has also turned its in-gallery tour program, Local Views, into an online platform via Facebook live. Upcoming programming includes a live conversation with art critic Jerry Saltz on Thursday, April 9 as part of the Scholl Lecture Series ; a virtual Free Second Saturday on Saturday, April 11; and a virtual museum tour with artist Rhea Leonard on Thursday, April 30 as part of Local Views at PAMM .
The museum will continue to monitor COVID-19 updates from Miami-Dade County’s Department of Health, Florida Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Miami-Dade Emergency Management, and other relevant agencies and organizations.
For more information and updates, please visit pamm.org .
About Pérez Art Museum Miami
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), led by Director Franklin Sirmans, promotes artistic expression and the exchange of ideas, advancing public knowledge and appreciation of art, architecture, and design, and reflecting the diverse community of its pivotal geographic location at the crossroads of the Americas. The 36-year-old South Florida institution, formerly known as Miami Art Museum (MAM), opened a new building, designed by world-renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, on December 4, 2013 in Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferré Park. The facility is a state-of-the-art model for sustainable museum design and progressive programming and features 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor program space with flexible galleries; shaded outdoor verandas; a waterfront restaurant and bar; a museum shop; and an education center with a library, media lab, and classroom spaces.
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CAMPGROUNDS, FISH CAMPS
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May 6 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Gracia Real de Santa Teresa Mose (known simply as Fort Mose) was the first legally sanctioned, free African settlement in what is now continental United States. Flight to Freedom honors and remembers all those who risked everything in search of freedom and opportunity to live their own lives.
For many decades before the founding of Fort Mose, Africans were fleeing enslavement on the British rice and indigo plantations in the coastal regions of South Carolina. They were seeking the opportunity to live as free men, women, and children in Spanish Florida.
Flight to Freedom tells their story of this dangerous and life risking journey. It covers over 300 miles through forests, swamps, marshes and waterways as visitors are taken along the “Freedom Trail” south to Fort Mose.
May 6-8, 2021 – 10:00am-3:00pm. (Originally scheduled for February 11 – 13, 2021)
Admission to the heritage event is free. However, there is a museum admission fee of $2. Children 5 and under are free.
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Amphitheatre Farmers Market
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Ivory Coast police clash with students over university cost.
Ivory Coast police clashed with students protesting in Abidjan over university costs on Monday as tensions simmer just two weeks before presidential elections.
Students, who had responded to a call for protests from the opposition-aligned Fesci labour union, set fire to at least one bus and two cars in the Rivera 2 district of the country’s economic capital, an AFP journalist said.
Security forces clashed with students who had barricaded several streets in the Cocody neighborhood where the Felix Houphouet-Boigny University is located.
Fesci, a powerful union close to former President Laurent Gbagbo, said the demonstrations were not political and were only to protest against financial contributions demanded from students.
Tensions are running high before the October 31 election when President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a third term, with the opposition calling for a campaign of civil disobedience.
Critics say Ouattara’s bid breaks with constitutional limits, though he says a 2016 reform allows him to run again by resetting the limit on the number of terms.
Dozens of would-be candidates have also been barred from running in the ballot, including Gbagbo and ex-rebel chief Guillaume Soro, both key figures in Ivory Coast’s long-running political rivalries.
Many observers fear tensions over the election may push the West African country into a crisis like the one in 2010-2011 when 3,000 people died and Ivory Coast was plunged into chaos.
Gbagbo was freed conditionally by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague after being cleared in January 2019 of crimes against humanity during that crisis.
He is currently in Brussels pending the outcome of an appeal against the ICC ruling.
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The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses | Henry VI Part 1 - Cast Interview: Adrian Dunbar as Plantagenet
Explore more from this episode More
(From l to r) Ben Miles (as SOMERSET), Jason Watkins (as SUFFOLK), Anton Lesser (as EXETER), Hugh Bonneville (as GLOUCESTER), Tom Sturridge (as HENRY VI), Samuel West (as BISHOP OF WINCHESTER), Sophie Okonedo (as MARGARET), Stanley Townsend (as WARWICK) and Adrian Dunbar (as PLANTAGENET) in “The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses Henry VI (Part I).” Credit: Robert Viglasky © 2015 Carnival Film & Television Ltd
What did you think of the first series of The Hollow Crown?
The people gathered around the project were of really high standard. The quality of the acting, in particular, with people like Ben Whishaw, was particularly great. When I got an offer to play Plantagenet, I thought, ‘Oh my God, what a privilege to be involved.’ When I heard who else was in the cast, I was absolutely bowled over, because there’s so many wonderful, wonderful actors involved in this piece.
I’ve been lucky enough to do a tiny bit of Shakespeare onstage over the years. The chance to get involved with the language once more has been incredible. It has stimulated my interest in Shakespeare once again, so it’s been a win-win all round.
Had you read any of these plays before?
Richard III I knew, of course, but I hadn’t known the Henry plays. This is a much more political play, and it involves politics as we understand it. It’s been fascinating to watch the interaction of Gloucester and Eleanor, and interesting to see how Shakespeare portrays Henry VI in particular. Sadly for me, I don’t carry on through the series to get involved with what my son, Richard III, gets up to. I end up with my head on a spike prior to that!
What’s your impression of the characters?
I see these people as savage nobles. They don’t take any slight lightly. Although the Lancastrians might be a little more slick and politic, the Yorks are very much like we imagine Yorkshire men to be. When they believe they’re right, they believe they’re right.
In Shakespeare, the moral balances are very fine. Tom Sturridge is doing some of the most wonderful acting in portraying what’s essentially not a particularly attractive character, but allowing us to see how that seeming weakness can be effective. Shakespeare has done a fabulous job of showing us how things can transpire, and how horribly, absolutely ruthless these people can be in pursuit of power.
Tell us about the iconic roses scene in Henry VI.
Shakespeare has imagined how the Wars of the Roses started. Somebody that day was wearing a white rose, and somebody else wore a red rose to separate the sides. Shakespeare’s distilled that wonderfully and turned it into a theatrical event. I think the Wars of the Roses are still very alive in the English imagination in the roses on footballers’ shirts and so on.
People are very attuned to the period. It is part of the language of cinema. There’s a lot of film out there set in medieval times and so many of the current video games are locked into this period. It’s not extraordinary for us to see people in chainmail and swords. It’s part of our language.
In terms of accessibility, people won’t feel threatened. The delivery of the language is very naturalistic, although you can’t be completely naturalistic for something that’s heightened realism like Shakespeare.
How helpful is it to you to look at the real history of the events in Henry VI?
How do you get hold of the real history? That’s an important question. Shakespeare was very political, but he was also a fabulous entertainer. That’s where his genius comes in as a playwright. As for the history itself, all countries are built on myth. Myth is sometimes more important than history.
Tell us about the battle scenes. What can audiences expect?
I think audiences can expect a level of reality from the battle scenes. They are realistic and gory. It’s going to be quite shocking. People chop people’s heads off. They didn’t stop with just that. They’d bring the head to show people they’d actually kill them. They didn’t have Polaroids!
It’s tremendously tiring if you’ve got armor on and a huge sword, and you’re wandering about trying to fight. The armorers explained to us that if you fall over in armor, you need somebody to help you to get up. Otherwise you’re just stuck on the ground. They used to employ these quick, fleet-footed young boys to run onto the battlefield and stab the knights who fell and couldn’t get up through the gaps in their armor.
What’s it like working with such a stellar cast?
You’ve got to bring your A-game to the set. It’s a Premier League team. It’s also very much an ensemble piece, so you feel a big sense of responsibility to get your parts right so that everyone can bounce off you and feed off your energy. As Plantagenet, I have to do that quite a lot of the time. It has been a huge sense of responsibility.
You feel very lucky to be involved, you really do. I filmed a scene where Mortimer, played by Michael Gambon, dies and tells me that I’ve got a claim to the throne. Acting the scene is going to be something I’m going to remember forever as an actor. These things don’t come along every day.
Is it helpful to film on location?
Costumes and setting are more important in a production like this than practically anything, unless you’re shooting sci-fi. There are real stone walls of two or three feet of stone. You can feel it. People speak, and the sound is really incredible, because it’s picking up the actual bounce off actual stone walls.
Will The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses open Shakespeare to a new audience?
A modern or younger audience will find the series accessible. That’s because the medieval period is so prevalent in the vocabulary of the cinema. I think the show is pitched perfectly for the present day.
On top of that, we have these incredible interesting stories with fascinating moral dilemmas and brutal people. There’s no brutality like medieval brutality. You can’t believe the levels of horror to which they will stoop, only to blithely move on. At the age of twelve, thirteen, fifteen, they’re making decisions about their lives and being betrothed. By the age of twenty you’ve been in two or three wars and seen death and destruction everywhere. There’s an incredible intensity of life lived at a heightened level. That’s going to come across as well. People will be going to bed happy that we’ve got a nice little democracy going on, rather than dealing with these savage nobles!
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More From The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses | Henry VI Part 1 (10)
Clip | Battle Scene | Henry VI, Part 1
The Hollow Crown and Game of Thrones Remix Shakespeare
Cast Interview: Stanley Townsend as Warwick
Cast Interview: Anton Lesser as Exeter
Cast Interview: Hugh Bonneville as Gloucester
Cast Interview: Sophie Okonedo as Margaret
Cast Interview: Tom Sturridge as Henry VI
Clip | The Arrest of the Duchess | Henry VI, Part 1
The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses | Henry VI Part 1
The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses | Full Series
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Massacre in Boston
“Crispus Attucks” clipping files 1925–1974, recreated from microfiche, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library
Herschel Levit, Crispus Attucks, 1943, oil on canvas mural, Recorder of Deeds Building, 515 D Street NW, Washington, DC. Courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Carol M. Highsmith Archive
On the night of March 5, 1770 a squad of British soldiers occupying Boston opened fire on a crowd of colonists. In the painting, the rebellious crowd struggles in the dark chaos of the moment against the redcoats, who are unseen in the composition. Lawrence foregrounded Crispus Attucks, a man of African and Native descent who was the first to die in the conflict.
Attucks, who ran from slavery to join the cause to oust the British, is shown here crouching, gripping his chest, and spewing blood, beneath the sheltering arms of his comrades who continue to protest.
Citizen researchers read through press at the 135th Street Branch of the New York Public Library, now the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, looking for articles relevant to black history and culture. The image above is of clipped articles from the 1930s from The Guardian, a black newspaper published in Boston. Lawrence used these files to center Attucks in the midst of revolt in Panel 2 and position him as the first martyr of the American Revolution.
Spencer Crew Responds:
Spencer Crew is Clarence J. Robinson Professor of American History at George Mason University and acting director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He has published extensively in the areas of African American and public history.
Jacob Lawrence’s depiction of the Boston Massacre dramatically illustrates an early expression of colonists’ resentment about restrictions on their rights. Unfair taxation, impressment into the Royal Navy, and competition with off duty British soldiers for employment made for tense relations between the troopers and Boston residents. When local residents vented their frustrations toward the soldiers by throwing rocks and taunting them, gunfire erupted, killing five Americans. One of them was a fugitive from slavery, Crispus Attucks, who is seen bleeding in the forefront of the painting.
His sacrifice embodies the irony of life for African Americans throughout the history of the nation.
The protest Attucks joined spoke to the injustices imposed by England on him and others in the crowd. The image illustrates the tragic paradox of his perishing in the fight for greater freedom for the colonies while he was a fugitive from slavery. The freedom demanded by others in the group did not truly include him. Local practices imposed second-class citizenship on both free and enslaved African Americans; one of these customs required the burial of African Americans in segregated cemeteries. It was only because Boston officials overlooked local convention that Attucks was buried with the others killed that day. But the freedom for which he forfeited his life continued to elude his people. His sacrifice had to be followed by the sacrifices of many more before African Americans would get greater access to the citizenship demands that provoked the Boston Massacre.
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June 22, 2020 – Federal and provincial government update on the COVID-19 pandemic
Here is an update on recent decisions and actions by the Canadian and Québec governments in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
No deaths in the last 24 hours
Public Health announced that for this first time since mid-March, no COVID-19-related deaths have been recorded in Québec over the last 24 hours.
Only 69 new cases of people infected with COVID-19 were reported, 15 of which were in Greater Montréal, the epicentre of the pandemic in Québec.
The total number of deaths in the province now stands at 5,417, out of 54,835 people infected with the virus.
Emergency Wage Subsidy to be extended
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that, like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit of $2,000 for anyone who lost their job or cannot find work due to the pandemic, the Emergency Wage Subsidy for businesses will also be extended.
“Over the last two months, we have implemented a series of programs to help Canadians. We also said that our response would evolve with the situation,” said Mr. Trudeau to explain this decision.
Restarting the economy is complicated for many businesses and these measures are designed to support them.
Agreement with Mexico
The Mexican and Canadian governments have reached a new agreement that will allow Mexican workers to come lend a helping hand to Canadian farmers.
Last Tuesday, the Mexican government banned its citizens from coming to Canada after three of its foreign nationals died and hundreds more contracted the virus.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that the safety of people working in Canada must be ensured. He said that workers were infected with COVID-19 “because the rules set out by Public Health were not respected.” He added that there will be repercussions for businesses that fail to comply.
Mr. Trudeau stressed the importance of having agricultural workers in order to ensure essential services for Canada’s food chain.
Patience for the resumption of international flights
The prime minister said that ensuring the safety and health of Canadians and maintaining measures to prevent a second wave are of the utmost importance before reopening international borders.
New minister of Health and Social Services
Premier François Legault shuffled his cabinet, replacing Minister Danielle McCann, who will now be responsible for Higher Education, with the president of the Treasury Board, Christian Dubé.
Mr. Legault explained that this is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into the work that still needs to be done in health even though the pandemic is now under control.
“It’s the biggest management feat in Québec,” said Mr. Legault.
Preparing for the second wave
The outgoing minister of Health and Social Services, Danielle McCann, is proud of the work that was accomplished during the pandemic, but was careful to issue a warning.
“We need to prepare for the second wave […] because it’s coming,” she said.
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Statement of Terms and Conditions
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The Obama Inheritance: Fifteen Stories of Conspiracy Noir
by Gary Phillips
20 Local Warehouse
Winner, 2018 Anthony Award for Best Anthology and Winner, Bronze Medal, 2017 Indie Book Awards for Anthologies, Foreword Reviews. Noir meets diverse voices and transforms the genre into an over-the-top, transcendental psychedelic thriller ride of pulpy goodness in THE OBAMA INHERITANCE, a collection of fifteen stories of conspiracy noir curated by editor and award-winning African-American crime novelist Gary Phillips.
In the tradition of satirical works of Swift and Twain, with nods to the likes of William Burroughs, Asimov and Philip K. Dick, these tales contain vigilante First Ladies, Supreme Court judges who can clone themselves, gear-popping robots of doom, and races of ancient lizard people revealing their true master plan... and these are just the tame ones mashed up in the blender of fake news bots, climate change is but a hoax by the Chinese and humans roamed with dinosaurs.
In an era where the outlandish and fantastic has permeated our media 24/7, where mind-bending conspiracy theories shape our views, THE OBAMA INHERITANCE writers riff on the numerous fictions spun about the 44th president of the U.S. Although Obama himself does not appear in most of these stories, contributors spin deliberately outlandish and fantastic twists on many of the dozens of screwball, bizarro conspiracy theories floated about the president during his years in office and turn them on their heads.
THE OBAMA INHERITANCE editor Gary Phillips is a critically acclaimed author of mystery and graphic novels (Peepland, Violent Spring, and Warlord of Willow Ridge). Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Phillips draws on his experiences from anti-police abuse community organizing and anti-apartheid activism. He was the chair of the Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color committee, and is president of the Private Eye Writers of America.
Contributors include famed crime-detective author and essayist Walter Mosley, professor and former Department of Justice attorney Christopher Chambers (Sympathy for the Devil), noir raconteur Andrew Nette, actor and novelist Danny Gardner (A Negro and an Ofay), former Maine assistant attorney general Kate Flora (Death in Paradise), award-winning playwright and novelist D sir e Zamorano, and the Science Fiction Writers of America Grand Master Robert Silverberg.
"Some short story collections are eclectic. Some are ambitious. Some are utterly mad. This one is all three." San Francisco Book Review
"The ideas are first-rate, and readers who enjoy political satire in its many varied forms will certainly enjoy this collection." Booklist
"Resistance takes many forms, particularly in the current political climate. Few methods of protest are as cheerfully strange and purposefully bizarre as The Obama Inheritance." The Washington Post
Gary Phillips is a critically acclaimed author of mystery and graphic novels (The Darker Mask, Bangers, Violent Spring). Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Phillips draws on his experiences from anti-police abuse community organizing and anti-apartheid activism in his work. He was the chair of the Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color committee, and was president of the Private Eye Writers of America.
Walter Mosley is a bestselling American novelist, most widely recognized for his crime fiction. He has written a series of best-selling historical mysteries featuring the hard-boiled detective Easy Rawlins, a black private investigator and World War II veteran living in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles; they are perhaps his most popular works.
Christopher Chambers is a bestselling author whose works include the Angela Bivens(R) series of FBI crime novels for Random House, the recent illustrated superhero anthology The Darker Mask with Walter Mosley, the upcoming graphic novel Gangsterland about Harlem and mobster "Lucky" Luciano in the 1930s, and the much anticipated historical novel Yella Pasty's Boys, a study on slavery and War of 1812. Professor Chambers is a former U.S. Justice Department attorney, and a graduate of Princeton University. He is a Lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies at Georgetown University, and he has lectured on issues in communications, culture & the media and race across the United States for organizations such as Black Entertainment Television (BET), the National Association of Black Journalists, and Princeton University. He writes for theRoot.com, Uptown Life magazine and the City Paper (Washington). His current project for Georgetown is a biography of Father Patrick Healy, titled A Canticle for Eliza: The Memoir of Patrick Healy, Slave. Professor Chambers is a Washington D.C. native and grew up in D.C., Brooklyn, N.Y. Baltimore, Maryland.
Lise McClendon writes fiction from her home in Montana. She is the author of twelve novels (including Blue Wolf), short stories, and articles. In 1997 she wrote and directed the short film, The Hoodoo Artist, featured at the Telluride Indiefest. She has served on the national boards of directors for Mystery Writers of America and International Association of Crime Writers/North America. She is on the faculty of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference and co-presents a novel workshop for writers.
THREE ROOMS PRESS
Gary Phillips
Oth:
Christopher Chambers
Lise McClendon
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Privacy Policy for Prospects Improve
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Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi
Anambra to close markets, roads, for Jonathan
On August 30, when President Goodluck Jonathan visits Anambra state, various economic activities will be shut down.
The Anambra State Government has ordered the closure of four major markets in the state during the planned visit of President Goodluck Jonathan, scheduled for Thursday, August 30.
The Onitsha main market in Onitsha North and three other markets will be closed to accommodate the president’s visit, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Joe-Martins Uzodike, said, on Tuesday, in Awka, the state capital.
“All markets in Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru and Idemili North local government areas shall be closed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday August 30,” Mr. Uzodike said. “This is to pave way for easy flow of traffic during the president’s visit in the areas.”
The commissioner said the decision was taken to forestall any security breach.
Apart from not being able to go to the market, residents of the affected areas would also suffer restriction of vehicular movement between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of the visit.
Mr. Uzodike appealed to the traders, transport operators, and residents to regard the measure as a necessary sacrifice for the betterment of the state.
According to him, the President’s visit will pave way for the creation of 5,000 jobs and also change the fortune of the state in many other ways.
While in Anambra, Mr. Jonathan is expected to inaugurate or commission projects such as the Orient Petroleum Oil, SABMiller Brewery, Orange Drugs Company, Krisoral Company and the Onitsha Inland port.
The governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, had said that the President would inaugurate projects, executed by both the private sector and his administration, during the visit.
The Onitsha Bridge head gate will also be renamed after Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, the late Biafra leader, when Mr. Jonathan visits the state.
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