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__label__wiki	0.552757	0.552757	Globalised Montréal In the past few years, there’s been a new trend in Montréal History and historiography that has seen us seek to place the city within a global context. This is a welcome change from our usual navel-gazing, as we sought to explain developments in Canada solely within a Canadian context. Certainly, the local context is important, but Canada did not develop in solitude. It was always a colony and nation tied into global political and economic currents, closely related to goings-on in Paris, London, and Washington. Indeed, scholars of Canadian foreign policy have long framed Canada within the North Atlantic Triangle, along with the UK and USA. But, culturally and socially, while historians have noted the impact of British and/or American ideas in Canada, we have gone onto explain and analyse the Canadian context separate from the global. In Québec, though, perhaps due to political exigencies. Back in undergrad at UBC, Alan Greer’s masterful book, The Patriots and the People was the first study I ever read that attempted to internationalise Canadian history. In it, Greer re-cast the 1837 Patriote rebellions in Lower Canada within the revolutionary fervour that had swept Europe and the United States since the late 18th century. Seen in this light, the Parti Patriote wasn’t just a nationalist French Canadian political party, but part of an international of liberal revolutionaries that had corollaries in England, Ireland, France, the German territories, the Italian countries, the United States, and so on. Greer’s book fit into the larger work of the revisionist Québec historians, who often sought to put Québec into a global context, both to explain the colony/province/nation’s development, as well as to give credence to Québec’s claims to nationhood. The goal was to present Québec as a nation commes les autres. Perhaps the book that had the greatest impact on me in this sense was Gérard Bouchard’s 2000 monograph, Genèse des nations et cultures du Nouveau Monde: Essai d’histoire comparée, in which Bouchard examines the development of Québec in relation to other “new world” cultures in Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Put this way, Québec’s (and Canada’s) development from the moment of European settlement is globalised and we realise that Canada (and Québec) is not really all that unique. This tendency to internationalise Québec seems to be continuing with a younger generation of historians. My friend and colleague, Simon Jolivet, has just published his new book, Le vert et le bleu: Identité québécoise et identité irlandaise au tournant du XXe siècle. Simon and I did our PhDs together at Concordia, and in 2006, the School of Canadian Irish Studies there hosted a roundtable discussion that looked at connections between Ireland and Québec, in large part this grew out of the work our PhD supervisor, Ronald Rudin had done early in the decade. It was probably the most dynamic and informative conference I’ve been at, as ideas flew around the table. Both Simon and I gained a lot from that conference and it is clear in both of our work. For my part, I am interested in the Irish in Griffintown, Montréal, over the course of the 20th century. What I look at is, of course, identity, but I’m interested in the shaping of a diasporic identity amongst the Montréal Irish, one that situates the Irish of the city within the global context of the Irish around the world, as well as the links (such as they were) with Ireland itself. To do so, I make use of post-colonial theory, which seems particularly à-propos for the Irish, descendents of a colonial culture in Ireland, living in Montréal, the largest city of the French diaspora and thus necessarily a post-colonial location. And this is what Sean Mills picks up in his brilliant new book, The Empire Within: Postcolonial Thought and Political Activism in Sixties Montreal. Mills situates Montréal within that postcolonial framework, and examines the ideas of decolonisation and colonialism within activist circles in Montréal in the 60s. The activists were heavily influenced by what was going on in the world around them, in de-colonial movements in Algeria, Tunisia, and, especially, Cuba, as well as the Caribbean in the 50s and 60s. Certainly, they were well aware of their skin colour and Canada’s place as a first-world nation. But the ambivalence of Montréal (still the economic centre of Canada in the 60s) is something Mills excels at drawing out. As the decade went on, American activists, in particular African American activists like Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael, became influential in the de-colonial struggle of the French Canadian majority of the city. This was further complicated by Montréal’s own black population, which also identified itself with the ideas coming out of the United States and the Caribbean. And as Montréal became a more complicated city, ethnically-speaking, to say nothing of the actions of the FLQ in October 1970, ideas of decolonisation lost their appeal. Nonetheless, what is clear is that Montréal is a global city, one that takes its cue from its global connections as much as its local ones. Indeed, this is the basis of my next project about layers of diaspora on the urban landscape of the city. In the meantime, it also gives me a way to situate my own work on the Irish of Montréal in a larger global context. Tagged: canada, cities, culture, diaspora, griffintown, history, ireland, montréal, politics, québec « On Hatred and Continuums: DeSean Jackson and GK Chesterton Community in Pointe-Saint-Charles » You are currently reading Globalised Montréal at Matthew Barlow. Categories: research	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line524
__label__wiki	0.877694	0.877694	Hurricane Sandy puts power grids to the test by Steve Hargreaves @hargreavesCNN October 31, 2012: 11:32 AM ET Power outages have been reported on Long Island. The Long Island Power Authority said some people may be without electricity for 7 to 10 days. Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on parts of the power grid Monday, knocking out power lines across the Northeast and forcing two nuclear power reactors to shut down. Some 6.2 million customers remain without power as of Wednesday morning, according to CNN estimates. In Manhattan, a massive explosion at a ConEdison plant along the East River left a big chuck of the island in the dark. Throughout the region, downed trees and flooding have taken out power lines that serve millions. Utilities say it could take 7 to 10 days to repair the damage, even with extra crews that have been brought in from other parts of the country. A ConEdison spokesman called it "the worst damage in ConEdison history." Much of ConEdison's power equipment is underground, including in subway tunnels. Those tunnels are now flooded, some with water all the way to the ceiling. They are not expected to be drained for several days, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a press conference Tuesday. On Long Island, nearly a million customers are without power, according to the Long Island Power Authority. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, also speaking at a press conference, said that amounts to 90% of the customers on Long Island. Unlike in Manhattan though -- where the underground flooding was unprecedented -- Cuomo said LIPA has had plenty of time and experience to prepare for such an event. In New Jersey, utility PSE&G described '"walls of water" that flooded electric substations in coastal parts of the state. Over a million customers are without power in New Jersey, and the utility said restoration will be "a slow, painstaking process." Complicating restoration efforts is the size of the storm. Utilities have agreements with each other across the country to send spare workers in the event of storm. But with so many states impacted by Sandy, there aren't many spare workers available. Related: Transit 'disaster' in NYC Two nuclear reactors in the New York region closed overnight Monday as Hurricane Sandy disrupted operations at the facilities. At the Indian Point power plant, located 34 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, one of two reactors automatically shut down at 10:45 p.m. Monday night after equipment detected a problem with the external power grid, according to plant spokesman James Steets. The reactor was able to obtain power from other outside sources, but shut down as a precaution, said Steets. He said the reactor should be back online within a few days. In New Jersey, a reactor at the Oyster Creek power plant was manually shut down in the early morning hours after pumps that draw water from the Delaware Bay became unavailable because of the storm, according to a statement from the plant's owner, PSEG Nuclear. The shutdown occurred without incident and PSEG said the reactor is "stable." The pumps are used to condense steam on the non-nuclear side of the plant, the statement said. There was no word as to when the reactor may restart. An adjacent reactor at the same plant remains operating at full power, while a third was previously shut for refueling. Related: How close is your home to a nuclear power plant? Nuclear plants use electricity and electric pumps for many purposes, including circulating the water that cools the reactor core and, in some cases, the spent nuclear fuel. It was a power failure in Japan caused by massive flooding that ultimately led to the meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the federal agency that regulates nuclear safety, sent additional inspectors to nine plants in the storm's path to make sure all safety procedures were followed. CNNMoney (New York) First published October 30, 2012: 11:33 AM ET	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line525
__label__wiki	0.628811	0.628811	Subject: Investing in IPO ETFs: Enjoy the Gains with Less Risk URL: http://mney.co/1HNcccK Investing in IPO ETFs: Enjoy the Gains with Less Risk By David Zeiler, Associate Editor, Money Morning • @DavidGZeiler • October 24, 2013 As the market prepares for the highly anticipated Twitter initial public offering (IPO), many investors will be tempted to jump in by the promise of big gains. As we've warned you, investing in IPOs can be a very high-risk enterprise. Winners can double or triple your money in very short order. But losers can cut your investment in half, or worse, just as quickly. Anyone who was around for the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s probably still has nightmares about the disastrous IPOs from that era. And then there's the great difficulty that retail investors have in buying IPOs at anything close to the offer price. Anyone who tries often finds that they buy only after the IPO stock has soared, locking them out of most of the first day's gains. But there is a way to capture the big gains in the IPO market with less risk than buying an individual newly issued stock: investing in IPO ETFs. The fact is, despite all the headaches, IPOs often provide very hefty gains… The eight IPOs of 2013 that should be on every investor's radar… Just take a look at the performance this year of the Renaissance IPO index. It's up 56.6%, compared to a good but more modest 22.4% gain for the Standard & Poor's 500 index. Its performance is tracked by the Renaissance IPO ETF (NYSE ARCA: IPO), which started trading on Oct. 16. The First Trust U.S. IPO Index (NYSE ARCA: FPX), which launched in 2006, has also done well this year, having risen 37.48%. True, those numbers aren't as eye-popping as what you'll see from the best IPOs. Every one of the top 10 best IPOs of 2013, for example, are up at least 140% – and several are up more than 200%. On the other hand, no one wants to be stuck with an IPO dog. Professional Diversity Network Inc. (Nasdaq: IPDN), for example, is down 39% from its March 8 offer price. And Groupon Inc. (Nasdaq: GRPN) is down 62% from its first-day close of $26.11 back on Nov. 4, 2011. Unless you're really good at picking IPO winners, you'll want to seriously consider investing in an IPO exchange-traded fund (ETF). Let's take a closer look at these two IPO ETFs, because they use slightly different approaches. Investing in IPO ETFs: Two Distinct Choices First of all, neither IPO ETF buys in at the offer price, as most people would suspect. David Zeiler Browse David's articles \| View David's research services David Zeiler, Associate Editor for Money Morning at Money Map Press, has been a journalist for more than 35 years, including 18 spent at The Baltimore Sun. He has worked as a writer, editor, and page designer at different times in his career. He's interviewed a number of well-known personalities - ranging from punk rock icon Joey Ramone to Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak. Over the course of his journalistic career, Dave has covered many diverse subjects. Since arriving at Money Morning in 2011, he has focused primarily on technology. He's an expert on both Apple and cryptocurrencies. He started writing about Apple for The Sun in the mid-1990s, and had an Apple blog on The Sun's web site from 2007-2009. Dave's been writing about Bitcoin since 2011 - long before most people had even heard of it. He even mined it for a short time. Dave has a BA in English and Mass Communications from Loyola University Maryland. … Read full bio In September CYCC was featured. I has continued a decline since I have not seen any followup. Is it now a hold or a sell? Thanks Harry Groth	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line526
__label__wiki	0.779002	0.779002	MIX 108 on Alexa MIX 108 on Google Home Lyrics Game Cyber Lunch Requests Local Scores THE NORTHLAND'S #1 HIT MUSIC MIX Nick Cooper Jeanne & Cooper Lyrics Game Archives + Standings Tony Hart Kayla Thomas - PopCrush Nights Lyrics Game Archive + Standings MIX 108MIX 108 Peter Dinklage Will Star In Legendary’s ‘Toxic Avenger’ Reboot Getty Images/Troma Game of Thrones'’ Peter Dinklage will lead the cast of Legendary Entertainment’s upcoming reboot of The Toxic Avenger, according to Deadline. Macon Blair (I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore) is set to direct the film, which promises to be a “contemporary reimagining” of the 1984 low-budget action comedy. The original Toxic Avenger tells the story of a New Jersey man who is pushed into a vat of toxic waste. After transforming into an unsightly mutant with superhero strength, he must convince his family and community to accept him as he works to save them from corruption in their town. While the film was passed over upon its release, it has since become a popular midnight movie and cult classic. The Toxic Avenger spawned a franchise consisting of three film sequels, a stage musical, and a children’s animated television series. The new movie will serve as a standalone reboot rather than a sequel. Original creators Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment will serve as producers alongside Legendary Entertainment. Since Dinklage’s Emmy-winning turn on Game of Thrones as Tyrion Lannister, he has appeared in such films as Avengers: Infinity War, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and My Dinner with Herve. Now, he will appear in the latest reinvention of the Toxic Avenger — or “Toxie” for short. News of the reboot first broke back in December of 2018. With a star finally attached to the project, hopefully it won't be too long before we get some more Toxic Avenger updates. Gallery — The Best Non-Marvel and Non-DC Comic Book Movies: Source: Peter Dinklage Will Star In Legendary’s ‘Toxic Avenger’ Reboot Filed Under: Peter Dinklage Categories: Movie News COVID-19 Vaccines For Residents 65+ Will Start Next Week 2021 MIX 108, Townsquare Media, Inc. All rights reserved.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line529
__label__cc	0.730311	0.269689	Susan T. Lin, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O Dr. Susan Lin graduated from UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 1988. She has completed both a post doctoral residency program in contact lens and a Master of Science degree in Physiological Optics. A longtime contact lens wearer, Dr. Lin has published papers on the clinical and physiological effects of extended-wear contact lenses, origins of contact lens deposits, and tear film analysis. Following her post-doctoral work at Cal, Dr. Lin worked as a Senior Optometrist on the Cornea and Neuro-ophthalmology Clinics at the UC Davis. In 1993, after working in various practice settings, Dr. Lin, together with Dr. Rivera, opened Moderne Eye Optometry. Dr. Lin is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and has been an active member of California Optometric Association locally, serving as President of the Alameda and Contra Costa Counties Optometric Society in 1996. When not in the office, Dr. Lin enjoys walking with friends, volunteering on behalf of education and local communities. San Francisco NWM 2008 Partners students get their eyes examined. Reuben K. Rivera, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O Dr. Reuben Rivera graduated from UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 1985. He earned a post-doctoral degree in Vision Science from Cal in 1995, after which he held a part-time research position as a Senior Optometrist at the Berkeley School of Optometry for fourteen years. His post-doctoral research evaluated the physiological effects of contact lens wear on the eyes, and was partially funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health. In 1994 he was awarded the Garland Clay Award by the American Academy of Optometry for his published results. Dr. Rivera is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a member of the California Optometric Association, and has served as a Board member of the Alameda Contra Costa Counties Optometric Association. Dr. Rivera has been an active volunteer leader for the Boy Scouts of America and enjoys driving his vintage 914 at Auto Cross. 2013 Bechtel Summit Jamboree Alameda Point Course Jose Lopez, ABOC Jose has over 17 years of experience as an Optician with experience in both lens dispensing and lens manufacturing. Certified by The American Board of Opticianry since 2012 and a Medical Board of California Registered Spectacle Lens Dispenser since 2015. Jose has a fashion design background which infuses his passion for frame styling so he can help our patients find that perfect pair of eyewear you deserve! His many years of optical experience and extensive knowledge of lens options is informed by the work he has had manufacturing spectacles in the lab so the optics of a good pair of glasses are familiar to him.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line532
__label__wiki	0.575609	0.575609	Advanced Manufacturing> Want A Great Job In Manufacturing? Focus On Technology Skills This story was published on Mlive.com on April 18, 2018, and written by Paula Gardner. Click here to view the original publication as it appears on Mlive.com and to view the full photo gallery featuring WCC’s Advanced Transportation Center. Numbers show what’s happening with Michigan’s manufacturing jobs: the state lost nearly 70,000 of them in a decade. Yet the sector remains vital for Michigan, experts say, as technology and automotive sectors converge into mobility. And in between stand thousands of unfilled jobs that fall into the gap as the state looks at its automotive employment and considers what it needs to keep its edge as a national leader. The differentiator: job skills. There’s how Emily Hatsigeorgiou is finding stability for her young family. Two years after starting in the automotive program at Washtenaw Community College, she’s ready to double her previous pay and aim for a four-year engineering degree while she works a new job at General Motors. “I know I have skills and I know that I have value, and I have job security because of that,” Hatsigeorgiou said as she described her trajectory from new auto tech student to near-graduate of Washtenaw Community College. But at WCC, the term “auto tech” is taking on a new meaning from traditional images of that career field – much as advanced manufacturing elements are re-making the world of auto production. WCC’s Advanced Transportation Center offers course work in intelligent transportation systems, light weight materials manufacturing and advanced automotive service and repair. It’s the kind of program cited by Gov. Rick Snyder as essential for Michigan’s future. Students in each segment are exposed to the high-tech developments reshaping the auto industry – and its employment, as it sheds low-skill, high-wage jobs. Occupation title Hourly range Median hourly wage Manufacturing Production Technicians $18.24 – $46.03 $31.22 First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $17.69 – $49.23 $30.49 Electronics Engineering Technicians $15.77 – $39.30 $26.74 Tool and Die Makers $16.42 – $36.45 $25.95 Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic $16.53 – $32.76 $24.50 Machinists $12.87 – $29.13 $20.00 Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic $12.00 – $27.46 $18.67 Welders, Cutters and Welder Fitters $13.16 – $29.08 $18.30 Production Workers, All Other $10.58 – $24.66 $17.05 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers and Weighers $9.83 – $29.60 $16.00 Cloud Database by Caspio That doesn’t mean there won’t be manufacturing jobs, said Al Lecz, director of WCC’s Advanced Transportation Center. “I’m optimistic jobs are not going to be lost,” Lecz said. “They’re going to change. The nature of the jobs is going to change with the technology.” The Advanced Transportation Center is an example of how WCC has aggressively positioned itself to fill the jobs void and create or remake programs that prepare students for future job shifts. In the meantime, says Brandon Tucker, dean of advanced technologies at the school near Ann Arbor, “they’re also the jobs of today.” The community college has invested at least $9 million, thanks in part to state grants, to purchase updated equipment that its business advisors say is in use across industry in Southeast Michigan. The region already is a hub for automotive development and engineering, and it will increase its expertise in new realms as the American Center for Mobility builds its foothold in the region. Beyond the center’s future development, Tucker said, business leaders say too many jobs in automotive need specific skills that are hard to find. “(The workforce) in the current industry needs to upskill to stay relevant, stay competitive and get promotions,” he said. WCC takes a multi-track approach to create opportunities in its career tech program. Some of it involves courses specific for employers as they pursue training programs. The rest is about creating course work that leads to a certificate or associate’s degree while exposing a student to many disciplines. Employers, Tucker said, don’t just want a technician who can do one task, like track a vehicle’s performance on a dynamometer. They might want that person to weld part of the car back together after testing. Or a tech trained to repair infotainment systems may also benefit from a programming class to understand how it works. Hatsigeorgiou’s path to WCC came after she decided not to go to college after high school. Soon after graduation, she married and had two sons, now 7 and 5. She owned a restaurant for a while, and worked in retail. After her divorce, she moved to her parents’ home, and worked at a credit union. Earning $26,000 per year didn’t allow her to live with her sons on her own, she said, and she looked for options. Eventually, she decided to follow her father’s path into automotive repair. She’ll finish the auto technician program in May, then will start at GM in June. She now knows how to repair brakes. She can remove an engine. She can read a dynamometer during testing. But her job isn’t in a garage; it’s in a research and development center. Hatsigeorgiou will earn more than $50,000 per year starting wage as a hydraulic safety technician, testing vehicle safety and crash worthiness at the Milford Proving Grounds. She’ll set up the simulated crashes and records results. “I work one-on-one with engineers, interpreting data to report back to them,” she said. Lecz says that’s typical among the students coming out of WCC’s programs, where technicians may build prototypes or work with sensors on connected vehicles. Tucker said while community colleges may once have trained students to run machines, that’s not relevant today – automation is taking care of that. Entry-level courses may teach a student, instead, to set up the machines. More advanced classes teach them to program the robots, or troubleshoot. “The manufacturing of today is not our grandfathers’ manufacturing,” Tucker said. “It’s clean labs and computer-aided.” He continued: “(Students need) to understand a computer. Then read data and analyze it. It’s a much different situation than we had in the past.” So far, growth in the program is coming at about 10 percent for each of the last two years, bringing enrollment in the program to 210 students. Another 200 are in the auto service program, while 280 are in welding and fabrication – including working at the school’s 22 3-dimensional printers, comprising the largest educational 3D printing lab in the state. What that means for Michigan is that hundreds of people are taking steps toward careers that will help them earn middle class wages of at least $40,000 to $60,000 per year. It also puts more of the state’s residents on a path toward the post-high school education that educators and experts say is crucial for the state to increase its productivity and job attraction. Many will move on to four-year degrees, cited as the greatest predictor of prosperity. Hatsigeorgiou sees those benefits. But that’s not all that’s driving her. She looks back on jobs where she “felt overworked and underpaid,” she said. “… Mentally, that takes a toll.” Stepping into a field where she had no experience resulted in opportunities that she never dreamed possible: Trips to conferences, meeting mentors, collaborating with new teams. The fulfillment crept up on her. So did the passion. “It’s ever-changing, always evolving, never boring,” she said. Embracing that change makes the difference for her. It’s coming either way, Hatsigeorgiou said, “so you might as well.” Over the course of the next several months, MLive will explore issues of economy, education and infrastructure, and what Michigan leaders need to do to create a better future. We’d love to hear from you, about your struggles and your wins, as you navigate Michigan’s economic landscape. We want to use your voice and your questions to frame the conversation with candidates as we head into midterm elections. Have a story to share, send us an email to michiganbeyond@mlive.com	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line533
__label__wiki	0.535784	0.535784	Tag: thriller ‘A view to die for’ Paradise Cove is a 2021 American thriller film about a contractor and his wife who intend to flip his late mother’s Malibu beach house. However, … DARK WEB: CICADA 3301 (2021) Preview of action comedy thriller ‘A true hacker story. That never happened.’ Dark Web: Cicada 3301 is a 2021 American action comedy thriller about a hacker and his friends who are forced to compete in … BURN IT ALL (2021) Preview of organ harvesting thriller Burn It All is a 2021 American thriller film about a broken woman who returns to her hometown to bury her deceased mother. 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Texas Rangers and a murderous … WRITER’S BLOCK (2019) Another take on The Most Dangerous Game ‘A novel way to die’ Writer’s Block is a 2019 American thriller feature film about a struggling writer who agrees to work with a top novelist at his remote ranch. … SILENT NIGHT (2020) British crime thriller set at Christmas ‘One. Last. Job.’ Silent Night is a 2020 British crime thriller about a former hitman who tries to go straight but is blackmailed into doing one final job. Written and … MoviesandMania.com Privacy Policy / Proudly powered by WordPress Theme: HitMag.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line535
__label__cc	0.60608	0.39392	The Checkered Giant Rabbit PDF, ePub eBook File Name: The Checkered Giant Rabbit Hash File: 202623688fb535166caf46b4d4d87215.pdf The checkered giant is a breed of domestic rabbit that originated in france one of the largest rabbit breeds the checkered giant is recognized by the american rabbit breeders association the checkered giant is one of the minority of rabbit breeds with specific coat markings the markings defined in the breed standard of the checkered giant differ somewhat from those in the breed standard of the giant papillon for arba show purposes a mature checkered giant buck must weigh a . The checkered giant rabbit is a unique giant breed that usually weighs over 11 lbs with their distinctive markings and their fantastic size this breed stands out as a show rabbit but is also often seen as a family pet not as affectionate as other rabbit breeds but still friendly and good natured the checkered rabbit can get on well with everyone and will thrive in a family environment. A checkered giant rabbit is easily identified by these characteristics a large yet slim and muscular shape colored fur markings a semi arched body type a wide head with long broad ears that stand upright size its no secret that the checkered giant rabbit breed is one of the largest in the bunny world. The checkered giant distinguished by its coat markings is one of the largest domestic rabbit breeds it is sturdily built and has a long semi arched hare like body with powerful legs and a broad head with erect ears believed to have been developed in either germany or france during the early 1800s the earliest ancestors of checkered giants were produced by crossing french lops flemish giants and spotted rabbits these were eventually bred with flemish giants to create the	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line536
__label__cc	0.623494	0.376506	Gossip and durable or slippery fantasies –or, part 2 Continued from here (which was passworded for subject matter explained in the beginning of that post). This post may be controversial, but hopefully not because of the subject matter. Also, I will want to be able to link back to this argumentation easily at some point, so it’s visible. The next part of this will go back to passworded status for subject matter reasons. The comments policy is in force. Thanks. Divided into several pieces. II is framework that I needed to work through for myself — listing my assumptions. If you want to cut to the main descriptive assertions I’m making, on the basis of my fantasies when I think about Richard Armitage’s romantic life, skip to III. Richard Armitage, quotation from video interview for the release of audible.com’s Classic Love Poems. I. Topic Everything I want to write about lately is so slippery, hard to grasp. The topic at hand: How does the hypothetical possibility of a breakup make me think about Richard Armitage? I do not know how to write about this. So I’ll try to build up a building for discussing it. II. Framework Topic: Richard Armitage’s relationships as factor in my perception of his identity. Quote from 2010. From the beginning, I’ve been preoccupied with the question of who Richard Armitage is, with all the ups and downs associated with that. I wrote a bit about how we can know about identity, and my surprise at how controversial that turned out to be led me to outline a series of levels of knowledge as derived from highly problematic sources, with the goal of discerning methods things that might be gleaned, which turned out to be even more of a problem for some readers. As I learned, the question of defending identity via the fandom crush is the source of vicious battles, which makes the whole enterprise of saying “who Richard Armitage is” among fans highly fraught, as each of us builds our own version of the man, tied to our own needs and desires and connected to our own egos. Nonetheless, in an attempt to answer my own questions I ventured onto the terrain of interpretive biographical writing, and I have tried over the years to isolate fan beliefs about Richard Armitage, explore their origins, and analyze them critically, such as the question of the shy, serious sex symbol. Relationships (family, friendly, romantic) are a component of the picture: both the question of the person with whom one is in a relationship, and the quality of the person while in the relationship. I do find it interesting to know who someone’s friends are: a man is known by the company he keeps. To me, Armitage’s continuing friendships with Annabel Capper and Jo Bendy speak well of him. In comparison, a romantic relationship itself isn’t in any way necessary for me as part of a picture. I got along without this knowledge for several years, and in contrast to many fans I’m not an optimist about romance. Maybe it’s that I’m happily single myself. I remember feeling surprised when a fellow fan wrote that celebrating the crush’s relationship was important to her. Her point-of-view had never occurred to me. At the same time, whether I need it or not, if I have information in that area, it definitely figures into my picture of who someone is. I’ve been skirting writing about this for a while. My first attempt was about a relationship that if it ever existed, was in the past by the time I wrote about it, and therefore safer, although the post has been used to indict me and associate views with me that I have never held. When it started to be important to me to discuss the more actual aspects of the question, I tried to write about it as a serious of speculations that I had based on information of dubious reliability and fantasy tropes that were incorporated into my thinking. There was nothing I could say about the topic that was not heavily objectionable to someone — sexuality being an essential piece of how we define human identity at present — and eventually the effort to defend myself wore me down, although I did not stop thinking about it. The latest apparent shift in Armitage’s life in this regard has definitely left me revising my fantasy life. Statement from 2005, one with a lot of interpretive baggage. III. Narrowly: Who is Richard Armitage + relationships ? I’ve spent a lot of professional time pondering the question of what people are like whom I will never meet because they are dead. Sometimes those people have been dead for centuries, and as a historian, I try to fill in things I don’t know by reference to context. Things like social class, generation, gender behavior, culture, the subject’s experience, and so on can be adduced to fill in a picture. Naturally, I bring that equipment to my attempts to understand Richard Armitage. Since fandom is an identity-building game (see framework, above), when I don’t have much evidence, I fill in pieces that relate to my own identity. There’s a reason for every descriptive element I include below — but of course I am not saying this is how he “is.” Rather, this is how I have reasoned him to be, using evidence at hand, and naturally, the things I postulate have something to do with me — in that this is all based in part on my reactions to particular evidence. It means something because it means something to me, and it could mean something else to any other observer including Armitage. I muse upon a few different variants on my view of Richard Armitage’s personality, alternatively, depending on what’s come out lately, or what I’ve rewatched, or what he’s said in interviews, or the mood I’m in. There are also a few pictures of him for which there are evidence, but which I don’t really entertain seriously in the framework in which some fans put them. For instance, one that doesn’t speak to me, however affectionately meant — is of Armitage as dork. This term implies foolishness and social ineptness, and if I want a descriptor for his often juvenile jokes, his silly side, or his intense absorption in things, I use one that doesn’t imply he’s also out of touch or regularly behaves ridiculously. That was fine when he was still almost a teenager; it doesn’t suit my needs as an adult. I prefer to think of him as playful, geeky, a joyful connoisseur of the absurd. It should also come as no surprise that all of the infantilizing pictures of Armitage that overlap with the “dork” image rankle with me: the ones that imply that he can’t take care of his own interests, needs mothering from someone other than his own mother, can’t protect his own professional interests or needs someone to pick a new agent for him, seeks protection from fans, and so on. In my world, by the time you’re thirty at the latest, you own your own face. So for me, any bad decisions that Armitage makes, any faults he displays, are fully his responsibility at this point. And the evidence that really turns me on both as a researcher and as a fan is material that reveals him to be highly competent — to reveal that he knows what he’s talking about, as he surely does. To me, this was a particularly decisive moment in Armitage’s self description. As an additional matter of context to show you how my own experience and identity play into these things: no adult male I’ve ever been close to or respected appreciates infantilizing treatment. So my Richard Armitage is first and foremost an adult; indeed, someone who’s been an adult since a time in his life where many men I know were still late adolescents. Every other assumption proceeds from that basic one: Richard Armitage wants to and is capable of taking care of himself. Ambitious in the measure necessary to advance in his professional life and a dreamer, he grew up in a culture that admires hard work but frowns upon open expression of the desire to stand out. Someone who didn’t fit in where he grew up but nonetheless eschews the tendency toward self-display, he embraced an immodest profession in a setting where modesty is king. For approaching three decades, his primary preoccupations have been a combination of artistic and professional. This is not to say that he has had no meaningful romantic relationships during time — I don’t know for sure — but rather, it’s my impression that his priority has been to keep himself free of obligations — however attractive they might be — that would hamper or prevent him from participating a project he really wanted to pursue. At the same time, there’s a tension — the one created by the sort of dreams Armitage would sometimes like to be dreaming about himself, the one in which certain ties could be attractive: the alternative futures where he has children, where he lives out in his own life, in his own preferred variants, the sort of love that he sometimes imagines as part of the lives of his characters. When he says in interviews that he wants to have a family someday, I find myself thinking that (a) his known history so far, along with his professional trajectory, suggests that he’s not really the family-man type and / but (b) he still think there’s time: someday. “Someday” thinking of this type could reflect sincere wishes that always lose out to a busy lifestyle without room for children or a focus on home, or saying it can be a ruse to hide sentiments in a different direction, as it’s still not really socially adept to say one doesn’t want to reproduce. Saying you don’t want to feel that you must work to support a family is a pretty clear rejection of a certain kind of obligation. Even so, sometimes people say they want to settle down and are concerned that they haven’t; sometimes they say they want to settle down and believe it, but never really step in that direction; and sometimes they say it because they know it is expected of them. And in Armitage’s case, saying he never wanted to have a family or children would be really hard on the fantasies of a lot of fans. He must realize that, as well. Here we get to the source problem — it’s very hard to judge the sincerity of any statement in a source that is created in part to sell something or hide the truth. That doesn’t mean that we can know nothing, but rather that we can known is highly provisional. From the 2013 Hobbit: TDOS press round. Finally, desire plays into the question of relationships: it’s hard to imagine that someone who can look so intensely at a screen partner, that anyone who’s such a champion smolderer, does not know that feeling of extreme wanting, perhaps at times with frustrating responses, in his own life. Remarks Armitage has made about difficulties with fidelity and thinking that the chase is more interesting than the actual conquest feed into this perception of mine, as well as his statement a year or so ago about how we might think we should have a calm sort of love, but we leap head first into immoderate love, that this is the mode of experience, the rush, that humans desire. It seemed fair to assume to me, based on his remark about fist-fights, that Armitage has experienced his own share of immoderate love. His statements about himself as “moody” underline this possibility for me as well. He’s clearly influenced by a strong emotionality, and thus seems to me to be capable of transferring infatuation into love that is intense at the beginning, if not always sustained. This post has a couple more parts, and I’d like to keep the discussion segmented — so please comment here about things discussed in this post. If you’re waiting for more, it’s definitely coming. Continues here. ~ by Servetus on November 1, 2017. Tags: fantasy, me, Richard Armitage, tulpas 34 Responses to “Gossip and durable or slippery fantasies –or, part 2” re: settling down and having children ‘someday’- this aspect of his personal view always confused me, what he said vs what his actions seemed to say. over time, I too have come to the conclusion that he’s not really a family man, that it would inevitably come down to a choice between career or family for him, instead of being able to juggle both. I think realizing this about oneself and admitting it, out loud, is a healthy mindset to have but one that he has not acknowledged. I always wondered why that was, if he was in denial or if it had more to do with his public image. so I found your possible explanation of ‘expectation/background’ plausible and enlightening. KellyDS said this on November 1, 2017 at 8:04 pm \| Reply I agree and to keep myself in good mood and forget bad news (bloody NY) in memory of RA as musician I prefer listening to : Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott – The Swan (Saint-Saëns) squirrel.0072 said this on November 1, 2017 at 9:00 pm \| Reply I love Yo-Yo Ma & find his work a beautiful soundtrack for life- I’m sure I could never explain why I feel this piece adds to the discussion ❤😅 but thank you for sharing anyway! 😀 SHeRA said this on November 2, 2017 at 1:29 am \| Reply Whatever the speculations about his partners in private life are, it would be inappropriate for me to enter into any form of speculation. But I’m sure he held the body of his cello in his loving embrace. squirrel.0072 said this on November 2, 2017 at 2:07 am \| Reply In common view, cello is the instrument that is most similar to the human voice and is thus particularly well-suited to conveying emotions. So applying rosin on the gut strings, to better hook with the horsehairs of the bow, for an optimal vibration setting: I think nothing could be more sensual! Good night, good dreams it is late… I like cellos too. However, this wasn’t a post speculating about partners. Those are passworded to prevent people from reading them who don’t want to. This was a post talking about my view of Armitage’s personality in terms of factors that influence his relationships. Not that different from a lot of posts that I write, in fact. I guess I thought I had moved past the need to defend my decisions to write about the things I want to write about, but apparently not. Servetus said this on November 2, 2017 at 3:49 am \| Reply Désolée, je ne pensais pas à mal. squirrel.0072 said this on November 4, 2017 at 12:51 am \| Reply I’m someone who’s never made any bones about her relationship with hypothetical reproduction, and you’d be surprised how negatively people view it. I also thought one reason that Armitage was able to hold such a large group of fans at attention was precisely that his characters spanned such a broad range of attitudes on this question: for the people who really think children and babies are important, characters like Thornton fit the bill; for those who really didn’t, Lucas was perfect; and there were so many positions in between, in essence, something for every attitue. So if he came out and said, “children aren’t in the plan” that would have burst a lot of bubbles. I guess if push came to shove I would say that he mostly knows this about himself and that it isn’t going to happen, but that there is a part of him that still thinks about the possibility. Servetus said this on November 1, 2017 at 10:31 pm \| Reply I have children but I have multiple friends who have made the choice not to have them and the things they tell me that people actually say to their face about it, astounds me! but I guess it shouldn’t, since just as many strangers have given me unasked for ‘advice’ while pregnant and can’t seem to hold back their opinions on my parenting choices 😛 KellyDS said this on November 1, 2017 at 10:54 pm \| Reply People police mothers insanely. Not enough kids, too many kids, you’re not raising your kids right, too strict, too lenient, why are you letting your daughter wear that … it wasn’t the decisive reason I didn’t want kids but it was a contributing factor. Who wants strangers commenting on their every move, to their face? I suspect this is or has been a struggle for him, since he seems to really like children. The majority of his chosen charities (which seem very important to him) are somewhat related to children, and I have the impression he’s also quite close to his nephew. One of those pulls between conflicting dreams that we’ve all experienced, I would guess 💖 Possibly. Although, having a very close relationship with my nieces, probably because I don’t have kids, I definitely know that that feeling is different from the parental one. I don’t feel at all implicated in their identity; I don’t think that what they do or say is a reflection on me in any way, as I would if I were there parent. In short, having nieces has clarified for me why I wouldn’t want to be a parent. But that’s problematic reasoning insofar as the conclusion assumes the premises. The question of which charities he supports has always interested me. For the longest time it was struggling kids or homeless people. There may be some self identification there, given what he’s said about CyberSmile. yes, I think self identification could definitely be a factor in why he chooses children’s charities. before I had my own children, I wasn’t someone who loved children. I didn’t hate them, I just didn’t really know how to interact with them. but I was very passionate about their welfare, rights, etc. especially in relation to fathers/daughters, how important that relationship is to a young person’s identity and how that establishes their future view of the opposite sex/ relationships. truthfully, I’ve never really felt the ‘Richard loves children/would be a great father’ vibe as strong as so many others seem to. I’m not saying it’s not true but just that I’ve not seen anything to strongly convince me that it is. he doesn’t seem to mind children, he likes them, but does he go out of his way to interact with them? is he silly and fun with them and so the little ones automatically gravitate to him? I don’t think so. so this whole ‘it’s a shame he doesn’t/won’t have kids b/c he’d make a great father’ view is not one I’ve spent a lot of time lamenting. I do think people often pick philanthropy based on personal preference and my gut reaction in 2010 was “this was someone who had a rough adolescence and sometimes feared being homeless.” Agree 100% on father/daughter relationship. It’s something that’s had a huge effect on my life and I see how it affects my nieces, too. I wish as a society we could do some work specifically on improving fathering (as opposed to parenting in general). There have been a couple of photo ops involving kids that suggest that he doesn’t shy away from them and/or is happy to interact with them, but that has kind of been the limit of it from my perspective. But you know — people always tell me it’s shame I didn’t have kids, I’d be a great parent, etc. and I think “have you ever thought about this question for five seconds?” I think it’s just as much a way of expressing that one thinks well of someone (i.e., “you’re so wonderful that I wish you had perpetuated yourself in that way”) as it is a statement about their prospective parenting skills. Servetus said this on November 2, 2017 at 9:36 pm \| Reply I don’t think I’ve seen the pics he’s taken with children, aside from his ‘Urban’ costar and that personal pic that was leaked of a family get together with Lee Pace in a golf cart. my assumptions probably have more to do with my ‘tulpa’ than the real RA anyway 😉 Two pics pop into mind: one is at a Hobbit event in LA, I’m thinking 2013, where he’s posed with some of the cast and a kid who was the child of one of the reporters, I think. He’s the only one who appears to be discursively “in” the photo with the kid, it looks a bit like he’s saying “look at the camera” or something. The other one is a photo from a cast party at Ian McKellen’s residence in NZ, where a bunch of the cast are seated on a sofa and Graham McTavish’s daughter is in the photo — he’s again the only one who seems to be relating to her in the photo, looks like his hand could be on her back or something iirc. Oh, and there was that story from 2006 or so, when he was nominated for the award for children’s TV, about how kids would see him on the street, identify him as Guy, and want to give him a hug, and that made him happy. But yeah, the “tulpa” is all important here. It might be justly objected to what I’m saying that I take this information less seriously because my Richard Armitage is not that kid-interested, because I am not, apart from the ones to whom I am related. okay, I have seen both of these before. I must have just blocked them out 😀 LOL. It also strikes me that if you don’t mind talking to kids, and don’t especially enjoy either networking or big parties, then talking to kids is a socially esteemed alternative to interacting with adults. Most people don’t want to do it, but it must be done. Servetus said this on November 2, 2017 at 11:08 pm Of the comments you posted above, the most fascinating to me was the one related to R&J calm love vs. the tempest of immoderate love. Especially the part implying the rush is what all humans prefer- as I know many who don’t, not as a moral statement but a temperamental one. And for some as a matter of hard experience with the aftermath of cleaning up after what “immoderate” romance left behind. For many, it only takes one experience with bad assumptions in relationship to say- yes, it was a thrill- but I’m standing back next time to know the next person first. I found myself wondering what this comment really indicates about him or his experience, especially since he often bizarrely refers to himself as “boring”. I suppose I still don’t know. my impression, fwiw, in the absence of good data — he gets caught up in the rush and has done so more than once in the past. That’s the part he enjoys. (I think this is in line with his statements about his emotionality and also potentially congruent with what he’s said about fidelity.) As for being boring, my suspicion about that was always simply that he wasn’t necessarily a consumer of a lot of the things that could characterize an actor’s lifestyle: heavy clubbing, parties, etc., etc. He does his job and then he goes home to relax. He likes DIY. He reads, etc. Excitement for him is focused on things like the loss of control when a scene is going really well, or skiing. He’s talked a few times about the juxtaposition between control and release, or suppression and emotion. So if he leads a relatively controlled, disciplined life, the rush might be appealing to him precisely for that reason: because most of the time he doesn’t experience that. (And I agree with you — I needed to have that go wrong exactly once to never want to experience it ever again, and I was also heavily indoctrinated as a child/adolescent to believe that the rush was not a symptom of love, that it was a temporary manifestation of infatuation. And I’m not the only one I know who feels this way. A lot of men I know want to have a mild feeling of intoxication — but they don’t want drama. And at my age, neither do I, either!) Deciding not to have children is a very personal decision and one which I feel no need to defend myself. It is what it is, a personal decision and with RA being in the public eye he may have to be careful how he words some of his explanations, but when I think how busy he keeps himself, I believe right now he knows he would not have the time to spend with a partner or children, but like a lot of things in life we humans tend to put off, we always think and hope that sometime will come. It doesn’t always come and I believe for him he has so much he wants to do that he knows it would not be a good thing in his life at this time. He, like all of us ,are responsible for decisions and I think if he handles them as they are important to him at this time in life. I think we all do it. You live with your decisions and only you can make them for you. Irish Witch said this on November 2, 2017 at 6:40 am \| Reply yes, no one expects him to defend his reproductive decisions (well, maybe Tanya Gold did but I certainly don’t). The point in raising it for the purpose of this post (re: factors that might influence his behaviors as a romantic partner) was simply to point out that it is an expected component of relationship discussions in the sources we have (“when will you settle down?” / “don’t you want to have children?”) and is a common question for the average person discussing this topic. As my comment suggests, you and I have pretty similar readings of the actual situation. Thanks for the interesting read and the MANY interesting diversions through your back catalogue that I took in the middle of it! (And as a total aside, I do so love that picture from the Da Man shoot.) Hope you don’t mind a longer comment… I really admire someone who devotes themselves so totally to their passion and craft. I’m sure, as you are, that Armitage must have had romantic partners at various times and that the involvement must have been quite intense for him to be able to convey the depth of emotion, want, and need that he does. But he seems to value his alone time and his freedom to pursue his art as the projects present themselves, even though he enjoys time with co-workers and friends. I suspect that Armitage did think (and maybe still does) that at some point he would have a family with children. But the type of career he has would make that difficult. For me, I always thought I would have a family “someday”, but I was wrapped up in my work. I used to say that children would be great if I could just put them away once I was done playing with them! Kind of like having a nephew that you sweep into town and take to the theatre. My husband finally had to point out that we’d have to act fast if we wanted kids… I had my first son 10 days before I turned 35 and the second son when I was 41. So, I can certainly understand how the time could get away from someone. If Armitage did want his own kids via the traditional route, then it would have to be with a much younger woman. But I somehow doubt that would satisfy him intellectually and culturally. And that might actually change how I saw him, depending on how young. I used to have a bit of a thing for Bradley Cooper, after I saw his amazing performance in “Silver Linings Playbook”. But the then 38-year-old started dating a 21-year-old and I thought… ok… just no. SueBC said this on November 5, 2017 at 5:58 am \| Reply I live for long quotes and I’m always happy when people are reading the back catalog. One thing the links in this post alerted me to is how long I’ve been thinking about aspects of this question. re: having a family with children — there was some indication around the time time his nephew was born that he thought the ship had already sailed, but was rethinking it (remark that he didn’t want to be an “old dad” but that his nephew’s birth had made him “broody” — I assume, broody like a chicken, as opposed to his usual broody). I’ve been astounded at how time has sped up since I turned 30 — I can only assume he has the same experience. I agree, a much younger woman would definitely be a ding for all kinds of reasons. I’ve never gotten the feeling he wanted to be in a quasi-parental relationship with a partner and there are so often elements of that in May -December romances. The few things he’s said move more in the direction of “just wants to have fun.” I thought I remembered him saying at one point that he would NOT mind being an “old dad”. I think about George Clooney who didn’t “settle down” until his mid-fifties. His wife is a mature woman and they’ve just had babies, so I guess it could happen. At this point Clooney says he doesn’t need the money and he can be there at home. But to me Armitage at this point doesn’t seem like he’s headed for “settling down”. SueBC said this on November 6, 2017 at 4:30 pm \| Reply This is the article I was referring to: 2006: http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/articlescans/WeekendMag-p2_09Sep2006.jpg He also says there he though thimself too selfish to have a child. He did say later (2014) that he would not mind it, although that was the 2014 interview round where he was regularly responding to questions about his sexuality from interviewers. So I admit that I take things said in that context less seriously, as it seems to me he was trying to protect his privacy. I don’t see Armitage as having the energy or the desire to conduct a Clooneyesque life. Everything Clooney does publicly has a political context. I say that without prejudice; some people can live that life and some cannot. I don’t see Armitage as being there. And Clooney is 17 years older than his wife. I do think he’s more focused on himself… I guess he could call it selfish, but we’re lucky that he pursues his art wherever it may take him. Yeah, I see what you mean about the 2014 stuff. Seems more like agreeing to end the line of questioning. Re: Clooney’s wife… yes I guess that would make her 17 years younger! I guess 56 vs 39 doesn’t seem as far as 38 vs 21 (Cooper and then girlfriend), although still quite a gap. I can see why he’d call it selfish within his cultural frame of reference (my impression is that Brits see this differently than Americans), but I agree, I don’t think it’s selfish unless he expects other people to pay for it in terms of time or support and then doesn’t give back. Deciding not to have kids is not a selfish decision. More than enough people are reproducing to keep the economy going. It would be more selfish to have a child and neglect it, or expect one’s partner to take over all of the parenting. re: 2014 — the Tanya Gold interview is formulated in the same way. He’d answer with a rhetorical question or a generalizing statement (doesn’t everyone?) rather than affirmative assertions. re: age differences — i cannot imagine the stress of being old enough to be one’s partner’s father. (I guess it’s okay for men.) The biggest difference I’ve been involved with was 7 years, and at times it was a real struggle. The physicist had a tendency to insist that I didn’t understand something correctly because I didn’t have the same memories of it that he did, and since we were both politically involved, it was a constant stressor. He had also finished his PhD by the time I met him and had lots of opinions about what I should do and how I should do it (despite the disciplinary differences.) ExSO was four years older, but that was doable mostly because we were at the same life stage — as a German, he had had a year more of school, a year and a half of civil service, and then about two years more undergraduate because at that time the first degree was the MA. So it turned out that we started our doctorates at the same time. So I guess that it depends a lot on the people involved — but I think this gets to my point (made in a later post) about how every relationship involves negotiation and for me the age difference really increased the amount of inevitable negotiation. Bringing up children does take a lot of time and focus. Rather than being selfish, I think that him having recognized that his focus is likely to be elsewhere is to be respected. I haven’t really experienced big age differences in my longer relationships, but it must be difficult, especially when the stage of life is not the same. (I might make an exception for Mr. A. though, given the opportunity!) SueBC said this on November 11, 2017 at 4:38 am \| Reply I’ve asked myself about this hypothetically — not whether I’d be eager, but how it would go. I’d really have to control my tendencies — I’m an elder sister and he’s a younger brother and it would be soooo easy to fall into certain patterns. Even though he’s older than my brother, so could have been in high school with me. Servetus said this on November 15, 2017 at 4:58 am \| Reply	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line537
__label__cc	0.593338	0.406662	Mediated Signals Private Press Vinyl, Chaos, & the Sublime Edmund Burke: Early theoretician of private press vinyl collecting. I first began buying records in Indianapolis thrift stores at the very end of the 1970s, just after I learned to drive. In most of these places, 45s were a nickel or a dime and LPs were a quarter or fifty cents. I would pick up anything that seemed offbeat, anything that transgressed the boundaries of “normal.” I had no model for this, I knew no one else who went out on their own looking for obscure vinyl. Later on, I began to meet others, but none of us thought of ourselves as collectors. Few of the records we found had any real commercial value at the time, so they were traded, discarded, or sometimes donated back to the places they were purchased. There was little fetishism in my crowd. We were sonic explorers. By the early 1980s my aesthetic had been seriously influenced by punk and post-punk, especially the more experimental fringes of that scene: bands like Throbbing Gristle, James Chance, Teenage Jesus & the Jerks, Suicide, or DNA. This ignited my appreciation of dissonance and atonality. Trying to find examples of these qualities, I began to look for records that I called “primitive,” but others might call “amateurish.” On these discs, lack of technical ability often led to the suspension of the usual rules of musical composition and performance, resulting in idiosyncrasy. These were not novelty records. They were not to be laughed at. I took them seriously. 700 West ad. The Daily Reporter, Greenfield, Indiana, May 27, 1972. I knew that these discs were most always either self-released or put out by local labels so tiny that they may as well have been, but it wasn’t until the publication of the late Patrick Lundborg’s Acid Archives in 2006 that I began to think of them as “private press.” Looking through the volume, I came across records that I had owned over the years, now selling for four or five hundred times what I had paid for them. Between my earliest days of thrifting and the mid-2000s, it was obvious that an army of taxonomists had been at work. Stories had been pieced together, narrative connections made, labels, artists, and producers well researched. Labels like Justice, 700 West, or RPC were now “legendary.” Not only had “private press” become a category, but a fully formed subculture of collectors had developed around it. A curious thing about this area of collecting is that it covers such a wide variety of genres. In one of the larger areas of the field, any disc featuring traits that could possibly be called “psych” is heavily sought after and often carries a hefty price tag. But connoisseurs of hard rock, southern rock, Christian prog, loner folk, and other hybrid genres are also well represented. Although these collectors tend to be more open-minded than their major-label-collecting counterparts simply because of their attraction to this obscure material, many of them are still entering the fray looking for something whose boundaries are roughly predetermined. This is also the zone usually inhabited by the collector willing to fork over four figures for a “holy grail” disc. Sympathetic with the psych collector, but operating in what often seems a parallel universe, is the sonic explorer who is less concerned with the boundaries of genre or rarity. This sort of collector is searching for new information, new experiences, and is seeking a personal connection to the music, regardless of what other collectors think. He or she is likely to get excited about an unknown lounge record with close to zero resale value simply because the female vocalist sings a very flawed, but mesmerizing, cover version of the Captain & Tennille’s “Muskrat Love.” This zone is the one I inhabit, and in my opinion is much closer to the spirit of serendipitous discovery that made the early days of searching for unknown vinyl so much fun. Mystic Zephyrs 4, 1974. The aesthetic shift required to develop a true appreciation of much of what these records contain is considerable. Once reached, it can be a lonely place. Few, if any of your friends will understand it, much less share it. But what is actually happening when this material is regarded not as novelty, but seriously and with true appreciation? How can an individual seriously enjoy both the Zombies and the Mystic Zephyrs 4? If Acid Archives was the introduction to the most collectible of private press discs, then 2012’s Enjoy the Experience was in part a celebration of the other end of the private press spectrum: the maybe-or-maybe-not-collectible. In his introduction to the book, Johan Kugelberg hits the nail on the head when he says that to approach this material is to meet the sublime, in the sense that Edmund Burke meant it. In essence, Burke challenged the classical notion that pleasurable experiences are always the result of beauty, the picturesque. In his view, pleasure could also be derived from an encounter with darkness, the horrific, or chaos. The music on private press records does not always follow the rules of form that in the classical mind were synonymous with those of beauty. Being unconcerned with those rules, it is by definition chaotic. Burke provided us with a theoretical foundation in which this encounter with chaos can also be an encounter with the beautiful. He called this the sublime. Whenever a private press collector begins a dig through a cache of unexplored vinyl, it is an attempt at communion with chaos, with the abyss. It is a search for beauty outside the usual norms, outside one’s zone of comfort, a search for the sublime. —Stephen Canner June 24, 2018 mediatedsignals Books, Music, Private press, Psychedelia, Psychedelic, Vinyl ← The Folk Process at 45rpm Ride the Tide: The Saga of Buccaneer → One thought on “Private Press Vinyl, Chaos, & the Sublime” Stefan Keydel says: Great article, Stephen!	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line538
__label__wiki	0.698902	0.698902	Medicaid Articles Medicaid enrollment higher due to glitch MONTPELIER — The Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office has estimated as many as one-third of the state’s Medicaid enrollees are ineligible for the program, but the Shumlin administration says that number is significantly higher than what they are finding as they review cases one-by-one. The state is grappling with higher-than-expected enrollment in its Medicaid program, which is funded by state and federal dollars. A consensus estimate in 2014 projected 46,738 adults would be enrolled in Medicaid during the 2015 state fiscal year and another 42,785 would be eligible for qualified health plans with subsidies on the state’s health care exchange. But the actual number of Medicaid enrollees came in higher, however, at 72,534. Meanwhile, just 16,906 people enrolled in qualified health plans. In the 2016 fiscal year, the state estimated about 64,951 people would be enrolled in Medicaid and another 18,368 would qualify for subsidies on the exchange. The actual number enrolled in Medicaid through February, however, has been much higher — about 84,000, according to an issue brief authored by Joyce Manchester, analyst with the Joint Fiscal Office. Just 13,242 enrolled in qualified health plans with subsidies on the exchange. The reason for the higher enrollment could be due to the many Vermonters that were once enrolled in the Vermont Health Assistance Program and the Catamount Health Premium Assistance Program, both of which were eliminated when the federal Affordable Care Act went into effect in 2013. As many as 11,700 Vermonters in both programs were automatically transitioned into the state’s Medicaid program using older eligibility criteria that was updated under ACA, according to the fiscal office brief. The state obtained a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that allowed the state to enroll them under older income eligibility rules. Under the ACA, eligibility is now determined by modified adjusted gross income. Manchester used 2013 tax filings to determine that as many as 11,700 Vermonters may have been enrolled in Medicaid under the old income eligibility rules but may not qualify under the new rules. Manchester used the 2013 tax data and a set of assumptions, including 17 to 20 percent of people who may have had insurance coverage through an employer, to determine how many Vermonters may be eligible for Medicaid. “Based on those rough calculations and using the midpoint for each assumption, roughly 63,000 adults ages 23 to 64 might be expected to be eligible for Medicaid in 2016,” she wrote. The estimate is about 21,000 people fewer than the actual 2016 enrollment. According to the brief, higher automatic enrollments “than seem reasonable today” might be explained by a lack of eligibility redeterminations — revisiting the eligibility of all enrollees — since early 2014. The CMS waiver that allowed Vermont to automatically enroll VHAP and CHAP enrollees in Medicaid in 2013 stipulated that redeterminations take place in 2014. However, because Vermont Health Connect lacked the requisite technology, those redeterminations did not take place. The state obtained another waiver from CMS to complete the redetermination process for “legacy” enrollees who had received Medicaid prior to January 2014 by February. The deadline for redeterminations for Medicaid enrollees who first entered the program through Vermont Health Connect using the new income definition was extended to November. “Using tax filers only and rough measures of income eligibility suggests up to one quarter of the transferred VHAP adults (about 7,300 adults) and a large portion of the transferred Catamount adults (between 2,400 and 4,400 adults) would not have been eligible for Medicaid under the post-ACA definition of income,” Manchester wrote. “If true, the number of adults enrolled in Medicaid today could be reduced significantly through redeterminations. The difference would explain up to 1/3 of the increased enrollments since the early estimate in January 2014.” Lawrence Miller, Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin’s chief of health care reform, said the administration began the redetermination process last October and is on track to complete it by the November deadline. He estimated the state is about halfway through the process. So far, the administration said about 87 percent of those checked remain eligible for Medicaid. About 77 percent of those no longer eligible qualify for subsidies on the exchange. Miller said the fiscal office’s issue brief is useful to show how difficult it has been to implement the federal law, but the administration believes the estimates provided in the brief are not accurate. “I think what it does is sort of correctly indicate that there were a number of variables in play that made it difficult to forecast whether or not people would wind up … in subsidized qualified health plans or in Medicaid coverage,” he said. “It does show that the aggregate estimate of people who come into coverage was pretty good; it was which bucket they landed in.” Shumlin spokesman Scott Coriell said the administration is not surprised that the state’s 2014 estimates for Medicaid enrollment did not hold up. “The world changed pretty substantially in late 2013 and early 2014 when it comes to health care,” he said. “Obviously, no one quite knew what was going to happen so it’s not totally surprising to me that estimates were not accurate.” However, Coriell said facts do not support a supposition that large numbers of Vermonters are wrongly enrolled in Medicaid. “We have zero indication that there are people on Medicaid that shouldn’t be. In fact, it’s kind of the opposite. We have been doing these redeterminations and the initial data that we’re getting is that nearly 9 out of 10 that are responding are still eligible,” he said. “In the real world, we’re basically auditing the Medicaid program which people have asked us to do and the result is that people who deserve to be on Medicaid are on Medicaid.” Miller said the waivers that allowed the state to delay redeterminations has helped ensure that people who are eligible for Medicaid were not kicked out of the program. “CMS was pretty clear when we didn’t have the tech sorted out that what they didn’t want to happen was that people who were eligible get thrown off,” he said. The state has booked about $3 million in Medicaid savings in the 2017 fiscal year state budget from redeterminations, which is a very small percentage of the Medicaid budget. Completion of the redetermination process later this year will provide the state’s best look yet at the true number of Vermonters eligible for the program. “We do expect to see some fall off with eligibility redeterminations, but in the sense of the total budget, not a lot,” Miller said. neal.goswami @timesargus.com Tagged on: medicaid news Robert Green June 3, 2016 Medicaid News ← Research Roundup: Conflicts Of Interest; Drug Resistant Bacteria; Medicaid For Prisoners With Medicaid expansion, ‘a better quality of life for our people’: Editorial → ODS to provide state-of-the-art digital dental tools for Medicaid members and providers – PRNewswire September 26, 2020 Thanks to the pandemic, Medicaid is covering more Alaskans than ever – KTOO September 26, 2020 Experts seek answers on why few Medicaid providers sought COVID-19 relief – Healthcare Dive September 26, 2020 Pritzker announces $140 million in grants for Medicaid providers – Chicago Sun-Times September 26, 2020 Experts react to NY comptroller’s Medicaid overspending reports – Modern Healthcare September 25, 2020 Copyright © 2021 Medicaid Articles. 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__label__wiki	0.830139	0.830139	Knockin' da Boots Knockin da Boots A Thin Line Between Love & Hate (feat. Shirley Murdock) They Like It Slow Part Time Lover Lick You Up Call Me Mr. Pac Man (Mixtape) Imitations of Life Ladies Edition Beggin After Dark Fever for da Flavor They Like It Slow (Video) Green Light 713 (feat. Lil' Flip) - Single El Colombiano - Single Realize - Single Knockin' da Boots (Re-Recorded) [Nick Talos Remix] - Single Good Meow - Single Green Light - Single I Appreciate U - Single The Best of H-Town Purple Hearts (feat. H-Town) - Single Wicked Law Public Announcement Levert Hi-Five About H-Town One of the big surprises of 1993 was H-Town, a vocal group that emerged from the stable of 2 Live Crew creator Luther Campbell. The single "Knockin' da Boots," a number three hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, established the group as part of the new breed of contemporary vocal groups harking back to vintage soul -- rather than new jack swing -- as their inspiration. The song's parent album, Fever for da Flavor, went platinum. The group's second and third albums, Beggin' After Dark (1994) and Ladies Edition, Woman's World (1997), both went gold, but their popularity continued to wane. Several years -- a period that included an automobile accident that took the life of founding member Kevin "Dino" Conner, as well as that of the singer's girlfriend -- preceded their fourth album, the self-issued Imitations of Life (2004). Surviving members Solomon "Shazam" Conner and Darryl "G.I." Jackson continued to record as H-Town, including the 2009 single "Knockin' Your Heels," on which they were joined by members of Jodeci and Pretty Ricky. Conner and Jackson continued to perform through the early 2010s. ~ Andy Kellman & Ron Wynn	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line546
__label__wiki	0.842109	0.842109	Which pop-culture depictions of sex work resonate most with actual sex workers? Maggie Gyllenhaal in HBO’s The Deuce Photo: Paul Schiraldi (HBO) The Deuce, David Simon’s sleazy, big-hearted look at porn and prostitution in ‘70s New York City, returned for its second season last night, delivering a compelling hour reintroducing us to sprawling ensemble. Still, though the show may offer a raw, empathetic look into the era’s subculture, that doesn’t mean it resonates for those who actually know what it’s like to be ogled for a living. As writer and stripper Antonia Crane points out in a new piece for MEL Magazine, the show was created by dudes and the writing room is more or less dominated by them. (Contrary to the article’s claim, however, The Deuce has invited as many female directors to the show as male ones, and, according to IMDB, that trend will continue into the second season). So, though characters like Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Candy exude humanity, they don’t necessarily offer an authentic look at the life of a sex worker. That’s why Crane reached out to a number of her colleagues—strippers, cam girls, fetish models, etc.—to see which depictions actually do resonate as true. The answers are fascinating; Crane, for example, finds truth in Sharon Stone’s turn in Casino, while others cite the likes of Hulu’s Harlots, multiple Jennifer Tilly films, and the sheer existence of Anna Nicole Smith. Interestingly, the name to pop up most was Sean Baker, the director behind critically acclaimed looks into poverty like The Florida Project and Tangerine. That authenticity, however, comes not from him, necessarily, but rather for his approach—especially in Tangerine—of casting those intimately familiar with both sex work and the marginalization that often accompanies it. And then there’s the response of Domino Rey, a stripper who names a minor character from Friday Night Lights, proving yet again the endlessly fertile nature of that beloved show. Domino Rey, Stripper: My favorite sex worker is Mindy Collette from the TV series Friday Night Lights. Friday Night Lights was run on a major TV network and treated sex work with dignity, didn’t sensationalize or sanitize it and gave the sex-working characters depth and empathy. Mindy is a stripper at The Landing Strip in small-town Dillon, Texas, in a show that revolves around the lives of the football players at Dillon High. Mindy is the girlfriend/wife of Billy Riggins, older brother of tailback legend Tim Riggins and sometimes Dillon High football coach. What’s most refreshing is that Mindy’s job is treated as just another gig in small-town USA, where opportunities are slim. Her job is neither celebrated nor denigrated. Mindy is a complex character: a mother figure, mentor and voice of reason. The scenes at the Landing Strip aren’t gratuitous. If anything, they’re admirable, relatable stripper-humor moments — like where she complains about having to dance for all the cheap farmers who come in for the lunch buffet during the day shift. She also comments on the indignity of being demoted to day shift after making a concerted effort to lose all of her baby weight post-partum. FNL is a critical darling, not least because of its level-headed approach to depicting sex work as extremely common, quotidian work for thousands of women across the country. Time for a rewatch. You can read the rest of the article here.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line554
__label__wiki	0.870735	0.870735	Shaurya Chakra for Rifleman Aurangzeb, Major Aditya Kumar Major Aditya Kumar of Garhwal Rifles and Rifleman Aurangzeb (posthumously) will be awarded Shaurya Chakra this Independence Day. Rrifleman Aurangzeb was abducted and killed by terrorists in Pulwama district of south Kashmir in June this year. Aurangzeb, who belonged to the 44, Rashtriya Rifles, was on way home to celebrate Eid when terrorists abducted him. Meanwhile, Major Aditya Kumar of 10 Garhwal Rifles came into the limelight in January this year when the convoy he was leading fired at a stone-pelting mob in Ganovpora village in Shopian, leading to the death of 3 civilians. The then Jammu and Kashmir government had ordered an inquiry and an FIR was registered under Sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Ranbir Penal Code. The FIR was challenged by Major Aditya's father in the Supreme Court, where the government said that the Major was not named as an accused in the FIR. -- with inputs from ANI, PTI	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line556
__label__cc	0.54375	0.45625	Former Representative from Hawaii's 1st Congressional District Colleen Hanabusa is on the board of The Gas Co. LLC. 05/04/1951 - Honolulu, HI, United States RelSci Relationships are individuals Colleen Hanabusa likely has professional access to. A relationship does not necessarily indicate a personal connection. Alicia E. Moy President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at The Gas Co. LLC Marilyn Cristofori Chief Executive Officer at Hawai'i Arts Alliance Colbert M. Matsumoto President & Director at Tradewind Capital Group, Inc. Representative from Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District John Souza Raúl M. Grijalva Representative from Arizona's 3rd Congressional District Spencer Thomas Bachus III Former Representative from Alabama's 6th Congressional District Environment & Energy Daily INTERIOR: Dems want Zinke briefing over plan to set fees for D.C. rallies Winner of packed Hawaii House race likely to win in November DEFENSE: Lawmakers approve amendment to reform mine permitting Who has signed the DACA discharge petition Zinke and Alexander: How to protect America's 'best idea' Paths to Colleen Hanabusa Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Sociology University of Hawaii - Hilo University of Hawai'i at Hilo engages in the provision of services relating to higher education. It offers bachelor’s degrees, minors, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, certificate programs, graduate certificate programs, and distance learning. The company was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Hilo, HI. University of Hawai - William S. Richardson School of Law The William S. Richardson School of Law is a collaborative, multicultural community preparing students for excellence in the practice of law and related careers that advance justice and the rule of law. We develop highly qualified, ethical professionals through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service. We embrace Hawai‘i’s diversity and values and recognize a special responsibility to our state and the Pacific region. We lead in environmental law, Native Hawaiian law, and Pacific-Asian legal studies. St. Andrew's Priory School St. Andrew's Priory School is a private company headquartered in Honolulu, HI, specializing in elementary and secondary schools. Congressional Native American Caucus Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Office of the Representative from Hawaii's 1st District, Colleen Hanabusa Hawaii State Senate Member, Board of Directors 2015 - Current The Gas Co. LLC The Gas Co. LLC provides gas services. It provides synthetic natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers through a pipeline distribution. The company was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Lanai City, HI. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Aloha United Way, Inc. ALOHA UNITED WAY BRINGS RESOURCES, ORGANIZATIONS AND PEOPLE TOGETHER TO ADVANCE THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL STABILITY OF EVERY PERSON IN OUR COMMUNITY. Colleen Hanabusa is affiliated with Office of the Representative from Hawaii's 1st District, Colleen Hanabusa, Hawaii State Senate, The Gas Co. LLC This web site is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by Colleen Hanabusa. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the trademark holder. The Presence of Colleen Hanabusa's profile does not indicate a business or promotional relationship of any kind between RelSci and Colleen Hanabusa.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line557
__label__wiki	0.538704	0.538704	Microsoft SQL Server 2014 now Available for Deployment Microsoft SQL Server laid the foundation of the company’s cloud-first data platform. Its latest version SQL 14 has been made available to the general public. It was locked up to manufacturers for a brief period of 2 weeks, but now, however, it can be purchased and deployed. The product uses the same familiar management tools, the same T-SQL language, and the same APIs that connect it to your applications. This by no means should indicate that no new changes have been incorporated in the machine. New features or improved technologies like in-memory online transaction processing and high-availability have been listed but only be a part of enterprise edition. Microsoft SQL Server 2014 new features There’s a new query engine for in-memory operations that does not subscribe to the idea of using locks. In its place, Hekaton, SQL Server’s new in-memory OLTP uses independent threads with low-level interlocks to ensure data integrity. Where a traditional lock can take thousands of CPU cycles, a Hekaton interlock takes just 10 or 20. The newly introduced feature assumes much significance since focuses purely on performance. Moreover, SQL Server 2014 provides an analysis, migration and reporting (AMR) tool. The software giant has also released SQL Server Backup to Microsoft Azure Tool, which allows customers to backup older versions of SQL Server to Azure storage “SQL Server 2014 delivers breakthrough performance with new and enhanced in-memory technologies to help customers accelerate their business and enable new, transformational scenarios. In addition, SQL Server 2014 enables new hybrid cloud solutions to take advantage of the benefits of cloud computing with scenarios such as cloud backup and cloud disaster recovery for on-premises SQL Server installations,” Microsoft stated in an official blog post. For more information on the topic, visit TechNet. The new licensing changes in SQL Server 2014is likely to affect organizations mostly in terms of their Software Assurance (SA) coverage. Tags: SQL Windows Phone 8.1 introduces cool new features Microsoft Security Essentials too starts warning Windows XP users HemantSaxena@TWCN A post-graduate in Biotechnology, Hemant switched gears to writing about Microsoft technologies and has been a contributor to TheWindowsClub since then. When he is not working, you can usually find him out traveling to different places or indulging himself in binge-watching.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line558
__label__wiki	0.647018	0.647018	Entasis Therapeutics Initiates Global Phase 3 Pivotal Trial of ETX2514SUL for Patients with Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Infections WALTHAM, Mass., April 04, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entasis Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ETTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel antibacterials to treat serious drug-resistant infections, today announced the initiation of the ATTACK (Acinetobacter Treatment Trial Against Colistin) Phase 3 pivotal clinical trial to evaluate ETX2514SUL, a fixed-dose combination of its broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor ETX2514 with sulbactam, for the treatment of patients with pneumonia and bloodstream infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. A. baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes severe infections and is associated with high mortality, increasing rates of antibiotic resistance and growing significance as a hospital-acquired infection due to limited treatment options. Outbreaks of A. baumannii typically occur in intensive care units and healthcare settings with seriously ill patients, and can either cause or contribute to death. Resistance to carbapenems, a class of antibiotics commonly used for the treatment of severe bacterial infections, has grown substantially amongst Acinetobacter in the last decade, resulting in a significant unmet medical need. “There are currently very limited antibiotic choices for the treatment of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infections, and mortality rates approach 50%,” said Robin Isaacs, MD, Chief Medical Officer. “More than 60% of A. baumannii strains tested in the United States in 2016 were resistant to carbapenems, and in some European and Asian countries carbapenem resistance surpasses 80%. ETX2514SUL offers a precision, pathogen-targeted, approach to the treatment of A. baumannii. We look forward to enrolling patients in our ATTACK trial which will evaluate ETX2514SUL’s efficacy and safety in the treatment of drug-resistant A. baumannii infections.” ATTACK is a global, two-part Phase 3 clinical trial that will enroll a total of 300 patients from 18 countries. The Company believes this single Phase 3 trial could be sufficient to support the filing of a new drug application with regulatory authorities in both the U.S. and Europe. Subject to necessary regulatory approvals, the clinical trial will also leverage the Company’s partnership with Zai Lab for patient enrollment in China, and potentially provide early access for patients in Asia-Pacific countries. The trial will also incorporate the BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel to optimize and accelerate patient enrollment. For more information about the ATTACK trial, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03894046). "We are excited to initiate our global ATTACK clinical trial with the ultimate goal of obtaining regulatory approval in the U.S. and other countries,” said Manos Perros, Chief Executive Officer, Entasis Therapeutics. “It is the culmination of extensive preclinical development and multiple Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, which have shown that ETX2514SUL has great potential for the treatment of patients with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections. We are fully funded through this study and look forward to reporting top-line data in the second half of 2020.” The initiation of ATTACK follows the End-of-Phase-2 meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ETX2514SUL has been designated a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) by the U.S. FDA and granted Fast Track designation. About ETX2514 ETX2514 is a novel, broad-spectrum inhibitor of class A, C, and D β-lactamases. ETX2514 restores the in vitro activity of multiple β-lactams against Gram-negative, multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Entasis Therapeutics is initially developing ETX2514SUL, the combination of ETX2514 and sulbactam, for the treatment of severe A. baumannii infections. Sulbactam is a generic β-lactam which has intrinsic antibacterial activity against A. baumannii but suffers from widespread β-lactamase-mediated resistance. In preclinical studies, ETX2514 restored sulbactam antibacterial activity against A. baumannii. ETX2514 has completed single- and multi-ascending dose Phase 1 trials and a Phase 2 trial, in combination with sulbactam, in complicated urinary tract infections. About Entasis Entasis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel antibacterial products to treat serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Entasis’ targeted-design platform has produced a pipeline of product candidates, including ETX2514SUL (targeting A. baumannii infections), zoliflodacin (targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae), and ETX0282CPDP (targeting Enterobacteriaceae infections). Entasis is also using its platform to develop a novel class of antibiotics, non-β-lactam inhibitors of the penicillin-binding proteins (NBPs) (targeting Gram-negative infections). For more information, visit www.entasistx.com. Entasis Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Entasis’ expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements about (i) the timing of the initiation, progress and scope of the Phase 3 clinical trial of ETX2514SUL; (ii) the timing of the availability of data; (iii) design of the Phase 3 clinical trial of ETX2514SUL, including plans to incorporate BIOFIRE Instruments and Pneumonia Panels into this trial and their ability to optimize and accelerate patient enrollment; (iv) the success of the Phase 3 clinical trial of ETX2514SUL; (v) the sufficiency of the single trial to support the filing of an NDA with the FDA; and (vi) potential clinical benefits of ETX2514SUL. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during non-clinical or clinical studies, clinical site activation rates or clinical trial enrollment rates that are lower than expected and changes in expected or existing competition. Except as required by law, Entasis assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available. Entasis Company Contact Kyle Dow Entasis Therapeutics kyle.dow@entasistx.com Lee Roth The Ruth Group lroth@theruthgroup.com Kirsten Thomas kthomas@theruthgroup.com	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line559
__label__wiki	0.734345	0.734345	Donald Trump’s going nowhere: US president could form ‘Patriot Party’ to challenge Biden \| World \| News Nancy Pelosi could remove Trump’s Secret Service protection after Biden inauguration \| World \| News President Donald Trump’s Executive Order Declassifying Crossfire Hurricane Materials [Full Text] Dolly Parton wrote I Will Always Love You to end major relationship \| Music \| Entertainment Rioter Arrested After Sending Selfie Storming Capitol To Ex-Girlfriend’s Brother Who Is A Federal Agent FLASHBACK: How the Lefty Media Used and Abused the Memory of 9/11 Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. While many Americans continue to solemnly observe the day 2,977 of our fellow citizens were murdered, it’s worth remembering that some in the liberal media used and abused the memory of 9/11 to trash Republicans and promote conspiracy theories. Let’s take a little refresher course. Two years ago, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post bashing Donald Trump as a graver threat than the 9/11 terrorists. On September 11, 2018, Scarborough fumed: Sixteen years of strategic missteps have been followed by the maniacal moves of a man who has savaged America’s vital alliances, provided comfort to hostile foreign powers, attacked our intelligence and military communities, and lent a sympathetic ear to neo-Nazis and white supremacists across the globe. Politicizing the solemn day, the MSNBC host linked America’s worst terrorist attack to the 2018 midterms: The question for voters this Fall is whether their country will move beyond this chapter in troubled history or whether they will continue supporting a politician who has done more damage to the dream of America than any foreign adversary ever could. Given how journalists try to paint conservatives as a bunch of conspiracy kooks, it’s worth noting the liberal hosts who pushed 9/11 conspiracy theories. On March 29, 2007, ABC gave then-View co-host Rosie O’Donnell a platform to promote her fact-free beliefs. In a heated discussion about the Middle East, token conservative co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck pressed O’Donnell: “Do you believe that the government had anything to do with the attack of 9/11? Do you believe in a conspiracy, in terms of the attack of 9/11?” O’Donnell responded: No. But I do believe the first time in history that fire has ever melted steel. I do believe that it defies physics for the World Trade Center Tower Seven, building seven, which collapsed in on itself, it is impossible for a building to fall the way it fell without explosives being involved, World Trade Center Seven. World Trade Center one and Two got hit by planes. Seven, miraculously, for the first time in history, steel was melted by fire. It is physically impossible. Joy Reid is now a supposedly serious, respected host on MSNBC. She co-anchored the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Yet here she is on March 22, 2006 on her website: I might have posted this before, but there’s an updated version of a documentary now called Loose Change 9/11. The fundamental question is: do you believe the official story of 9/11? If you do, great. If you don’t, then everything that happened after that is called into serious question. Even if you’re agnostic, or you tend to believe that al-Qaida attacked the World Trade Center and Pentagon and that the government had no warning such a thing could happen, it’s worth taking a second look. That truther posting must be kind of awkward for fellow MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace. Back when she was a Republican, Wallace was at the White House and could have been killed on September 11, 2001. Finally, on last year’s September 11, The New York Times used the passive voice and blamed the whole thing on airplanes. These are the profoundly unserious people that expect Americans to turn to them in times of strife, sorry and calamity? Not likely. For more examples from our FLASHBACK series, which we call the NewsBusters Time Machine, go here. Previous Watch Live: President Trump Presents the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Major Thomas Payne – 9/11/20 Next California Man Charged With Firebombing Offices Of Republican Women’s Group Donald Trump’s going nowhere: US president could form ‘Patriot Party’ to challenge Biden \| World \| News	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line560
__label__wiki	0.908963	0.908963	Did Lung ‘Bug’ Kill Confederate General? by admin \| May 11, 2013 \| Health News \| 0 comments Historians and doctors have debated for decades what medical complications caused the death of legendary Confederate fighter Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, felled by friendly fire from his troops during the Civil War. Shot three times while returning from scouting enemy lines in the Virginia wilderness, Jackson was badly wounded in the left arm by one of the large bullets the night of May 2, 1863. Blood gushed from a severed artery. It took at least two hours to get him to a field hospital, and Jackson was dropped twice in a stretcher before his arm was amputated. He died days later at 39. Scholars have long questioned whether it was an infection or pneumonia that killed Jackson, who gained the nickname “Stonewall” early in the war and went on to be lionized in the South and feared in the North because of his military exploits. On Friday, the 150th anniversary of Jackson’s death, a trauma surgeon with experience on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan revealed his diagnosis of Jackson’s death after reinvestigating the medical record. After reviewing the 1860s files and subsequent reports, University of Maryland surgeon and professor Joseph DuBose told The Associated Press that Jackson most likely died of pneumonia. DuBose is confirming the original diagnosis given by Jackson’s personal physician, the famed Confederate doctor Hunter H. McGuire. “You would be hard-pressed to find someone more qualified than him for the treatment of this injury and taking care of Stonewall Jackson,” DuBose said. “I do defer to him in some regard. I kind of have to. He’s not only the treating physician; he’s also the only source of information.” McGuire’s original medical notes were lost when he was captured by Union soldiers. He recreated them from memory three years later for the Richmond Medical Journal. Pneumonia was common in the Civil War, becoming the third most fatal disease for soldiers. Jackson was the subject of an annual conference Friday at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore that reviews medical diagnoses of historical figures. In the past, researchers have reviewed the deaths of Alexander the Great, Edgar Allan Poe and Abraham Lincoln, among others. DuBose is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, where Jackson was a professor before the Civil War. A large statue of Jackson stands near the campus barracks. So, his legacy and death were ingrained in DuBose’s experience as a cadet. Jackson was shot by soldiers from the 18th North Carolina regiment in a moment of confusion. He had led a surprise attack in the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia, and the Confederates drove Union forces back about three miles. Civil War historian James I. Robertson Jr. recounts that Jackson wasn’t satisfied and rode out at night to review the enemy’s position. When he rode back, he was shot by his own soldiers. Then, being dropped during a frantic nighttime rescue may well have contributed to Jackson’s death, DuBose found. “If he had been dropped and had a pulmonary contusion, or bruise of the lung, it creates an area of the lung that doesn’t clear secretions real well, and it can be a focus that pneumonia can start in,” DuBose said. “That’s probably what happened in this particular instance.” DuBose, a U.S. Air Force veteran, said pulmonary embolism – a blockage of the major blood vessel in the lung – still occurs in nearly 6 percent of combat casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is even more common among those who have amputations, as Jackson did. Still, the debate will continue over Jackson’s death. Dr. Philip Mackowiak, an internist who organizes the conference each year, said he differs with DuBose on the Jackson case. He reviewed the records and said he believes a recurrent pulmonary emboli destroyed Jackson’s lung over time, leading to his death. The medical records don’t describe Jackson coughing, as one would expect with pneumonia, Mackowiak said. It’s impossible to know for sure what killed Jackson. But DuBose said modern medicine could have saved him. Jackson’s doctor didn’t have the tools or knowledge to treat the complications after the shooting. Robertson, a former Virginia Tech historian and professor who wrote Jackson’s biography, said he has been persuaded that sepsis, caused by severe infection, killed Jackson, due to his chaotic rescue and unsanitary conditions. He noted, though, doctors at the time agreed Jackson had pneumonia. “Unfortunately, medicine in the mid-19th century was still in the dark ages,” he said. “Obviously, I’m not overly concerned with how he died. I’m terribly concerned that he died.” Jackson was a pivotal figure and perhaps the most esteemed soldier in the war, Robertson said. He was known for secrecy and speed to execute surprise flank attacks for Gen. Robert E. Lee’s strategy. “He was killed in what may be the high-water mark of the Confederacy,” Robertson said. “You can make a case that after Chancellorsville, it’s just a question of time for Lee.” Historical Clinicopathological Conference: http://medicalalumni.org/historicalcpc/home Follow Brett Zongker on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DCArtBeat Virtual Counselling Sessions Offered By Psychotherapist Caroline McDougall While Melbourne Is In Lockdown Use These Foods to Prevent and Even Treat Cancer! Buying Natural Health Products Online Donna Rockwell, PsyD: Mindfulness in Everyday Life \| Personal Power: Believe in the Power Within and Use It Rupa Mehta: The Weight of a Secret © 2016 News Naturally	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line561
__label__wiki	0.531904	0.531904	Home 76 Schermerhorn Street 76 Schermerhorn Street The Symon’s Exterior Stands Complete at 76 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights 7:00 am on November 16, 2020 By Michael Young Exterior work is complete on The Symon, a 13-story condominium building at 76 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights. Colberg Architecture served as the architect of record and Lonicera Partners, Orange Management, and The Davis Companies are the three developers of the address. The property features 59 units with interior design by Studio DB, which also led the design of the curtain wall. The project is located between Boerum Place and Court Street along the border with Boerum Hill. Exterior Work Wraps Up on The Symon at 76 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights 7:30 am on July 12, 2020 By Michael Young Exterior work is nearing completion on The Symon, a 13-story condominium building at 76 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights. Located between Boerum Place and Court Street along the border with Boerum Hill, the project is designed by architect of record Colberg Architecture and developed by Lonicera Partners, Orange Management, and The Davis Companies. Studio DB designed the building’s interiors and curtain wall. The Symon’s Façade Takes Shape at 76 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights 7:30 am on October 6, 2019 By Michael Young Work is moving along on the exterior of The Symon, a 13-story residential building at 76 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights. Installation of the brick façade and windows on the main northern elevation is nearly complete. Designed by Eugene Colberg of Colberg Architecture, the development will contain 59 units, which will range from one- to four-bedrooms layouts. Studio DB is the interior designer for the residences, amenity spaces, and the curtain wall. Lonicera Partners, Orange Management, and The Davis Companies are developing the property. Construction Nears Completion for The Symon, at 76 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights 7:00 am on June 17, 2019 By Michael Young A teaser site has launched for 76 Schermerhorn Street, aka The Symon, a 12-story building that is currently under construction in Brooklyn Heights. The structure will yield 59 residences spanning one- to four-bedrooms apiece. Several units, including three penthouses, will have their own private outdoor space. Eugene Colberg is the architect of record, while Studio DB is the interior designer for the residences, amenity spaces, and the curtain wall. Lonicera Partners, Orange Management, and The Davis Companies are the three developers for the property. Sales are being led by Stribling Marketing Associates. Pricing for the units has not been revealed yet. Fetching more...	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line563
__label__wiki	0.748539	0.748539	Elgey eyeing Nines for return News/NRL Gold Coast Titans half Kane Elgey (pictured) has targeted the Auckland Nines for his comeback after missing the entirety of the 2016 NRL season with a knee injury. The Titans Rookie of the Year in 2015 has plenty of competition for spots in the Gold Coast squad with Indigenous All Stars Tyrone Roberts and Ash Taylor in 2016. Elgey says after a long pre season, he’s excited by the prospect of once again taking to the field with ball in hand. http://news.nirs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Elgey-eyeing-Kane-Elgey.mp3 Ballin has plenty of footy left Sharks focused on top four finish Perfect opportunity for young Titan Henry happy for Titans five	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line564
__label__cc	0.703151	0.296849	NJBIA > Uncategorized > Incentives, Land-use Policies Top Smart Growth Economic Development Agenda Incentives, Land-use Policies Top Smart Growth Economic Development Agenda Dec18,2017 By NJBIA Keeping New Jersey’s incentive programs, standardizing local land use laws and creating cites more cites available to industry development top the list of policy recommendations of the commercial real estate industry. Smart Growth Economic Development Coalition Details Public Policy Agenda at NAIOP NJ Program More than a dozen commercial real estate industry leaders detailed public policy recommendations for 2018 at a special gubernatorial transition program hosted by NAIOP NJ, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. The program was planned to identify top priorities for incoming Gov. Phil Murphy and his administration. The event at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott followed months of collaboration by the more than 50 industry professionals who make up the Smart Growth Economic Development Coalition. Penn, Virtua Bringing Proton Therapy to South Jersey Penn Medicine, in partnership with Virtua, announced plans to build a new proton facility on the campus of Virtua’s acute care hospital, Virtua Voorhees. The new $35 million center, which will allow cancer patients to undergo cutting edge proton therapy in single-room treatments, is expected to be completed by 2020. It will be the first and only proton therapy center in South Jersey. A New Way to Control Healthcare Costs Big data is nothing new. We see it every day when we check our GPS app for a place to eat, when an ad for the product we were just looking for pops up on a website we’re viewing, or when our bank contacts us about a suspicious purchase using our debit card. But big data has been slow to make its way into the healthcare industry, and that’s unfortunate because it has tremendous potential to control or even reduce healthcare costs. Life Lessons from Women in STEM: Balance and Beyond Supporting the growth of women in science, technology, engineering and math is as mission-critical to BioNJ as ever, Debbie Hart said. However, it is not always easy. “We’ve been paying more attention to this issue over the last couple of years, and, as we build out our programs, we always want to make sure we (include) women,” said Hart, CEO and president of the 400-plus member organization and advocate for the state’s biotechnology industry. “I am sorry to say that, sometimes, it is difficult to find women in various roles at certain levels in the industry. Useful NJ Stats: R&D Expenditures at Colleges and Universities, by State Last week, The Digest covered newly released data from the National Science Foundation’s National Center for Science Education Statistics, which found that for the first time in five years, federal funding for higher education research and development increased in both current and constant dollars. For the country as a whole, higher education R&D expenditures increased by roughly 10 percent from FY 2011 to FY 2016, while gross domestic product increased by nearly twice as much. This article examines state-by-state trends in R&D activity at colleges at universities. New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force Holds Inaugural Meeting The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) hosted the inaugural meeting of the New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force at its Commercialization Center for Innovative Technologies (CCIT) on the Technology Centre of New Jersey campus in North Brunswick. In recognition of the vital role the biotechnology industry serves in support of the state’s economy, the Task Force was established pursuant to P.L. 2016, Joint Resolution No. 5, to develop policy recommendations to retain and attract new biotechnology companies to New Jersey. NJBIA: Annual Business Outlook Survey Shows Renewed Optimism The results of NJBIA’s 59th Annual Business Outlook show members are forecasting a positive 2018, including rising sales, profits, hiring and wages. Yet, their optimism remains tempered by ongoing concerns about the state’s challenges and the reforms needed to make New Jersey more affordable and competitive. US IT Sector Employment Expands by 8,100 Jobs in November New hiring in computer and electronics manufacturing and technology services and custom software development sparked November job growth for the US information technology (IT) sector, according to CompTIA, the leading technology industry association. IT sector employment grew by an estimated 8,100 jobs last month, CompTIA’s analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Employment Situation” report reveals. Meanwhile, IT occupations in other industries grew by an estimated 243,000 jobs in November, the largest monthly job gain since 2015. NJBIA News & Opinion Minding Your Business TV Other People’s Business Podcast NJ Economic Trends & Research Signup for NJ Business Today Bob Considine, 609-858-9502 Joanne Degnan, 609-858-9494	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line565
__label__cc	0.736529	0.263471	The Rapidly Evolving Role of Agent STATUS: What a way to start the day. Our ISP had a huge network outage that lasted for 45 minutes. No emails coming in or going out. It’s a Monday! What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? UPSIDE DOWN by Jack Johnson Last Thursday I highlighted that the AAR has made some observations on the role of agents in ePublishing. If an agent is both an agent and ePublisher, well, that’s pretty much a conflict of interest. If the agent has a biz interest stake in a client’s decision, it rather eliminates our disinterested and objective viewpoint when giving guidance to a client. But the digital landscape is shifting so rapidly and the agent’s role is evolving so quickly, what is an agent to do if clients want assistance making backlist titles available in eFormat? Well, I can tell you what NLA is doing. And because I believe in involving greater minds than my own, I used the best resource of all–our own clients. Working in partnership with them, we developed NLA’s Digital Liaison Platform. My lawyer was also a big help but he simply formulated the agreement language once we had nailed down the model. So what exactly are we doing? We created a platform where NLA clients can self-publish their content within a supported environment. This is not a publishing house. Before you say, “isn’t this a matter of semantics?” The answer is no. In a publishing house model, the author grants her rights to the publisher and cedes control in that grant. That is not what we are doing. In our model, our clients maintain full control of their titles. They are not granting them to us. They have full say on covers, editing, pricing, etc. The program is voluntary so if they want to participate on our DLP, they can, but they are also welcome to handle their backlist themselves. We offer two different options. The first is full service where we hook the client up with cover artists, copyeditors, publicists, and we do the file conversion and make it available on all the electronic distribution venues. We use our individual leverage with all the venues to promote. The second is a distribution-only venue. In this option, the author handles all the details of self-pubbing and conversions themselves but simply want access to venues they can’t reach on their own. Overdrive (main source for libraries) would be an example of a venue that individual authors can’t reach but we can. If they are on our full-service DLP, we ask them to commit to a two-year term of license [correction: it’s a two year term of liaison, not license. My apologies for not proofreading more thoroughly. There is quite the difference between the two!] since we undergo all the expense and that would be rather uncool for a client to let us do that and then pull the title a month later. Our agency commission split is the same as it’s always been. Indie Booksellers–we are also on Google eBookstore and Ingram but if you have your own dedicated eBookstore, feel free to contact us directly as we are happy to add your venue to our platform. Our Launch Title: SKATER BOY by Mari Mancusi $3.99 The first novel in the sweet, tween-oriented First Kiss Club series. Apple – access through iTunes Anonymous said: January 31, 2012 at 12:13 am Full service (you folks get cover/edits etc done) NLA gets 15%. Distribution only – NLA also gets 15%? I’m not sure that is what you meant, but that’s how it read. TBH, I think a flat fee system would be a more transparent and, ultimately, more sound model. The truth is, 15% forever could be a steep price for a few hundred bucks worth of cover and editing. Conversion is free (any fool can figure it out – no offense to anyone at NLA). I think charging a commission to get everything under one roof (if said fee is reasonable) is one thing. Getting 15% for a few hours work is a little much. Hope I’m not coming off as a hater here – this model is FAR better than some of the ‘I’m really not a publisher (but I am)’ things I am seeing around. I f I am wrong about the ‘lite’ version and the 15% is not charged, it is a fantastic model. Lazy folks pay 15%. Others don’t. The problem I see (with my incomplete knowledge here) is that in the ‘lite’ version NLA is getting nothing or they are getting way too much (15%). Anyway look forward to learning more,,, And the age of agents finally starts to fall. It is a matter of semantics and a writer really doesn’t need this service if they are prepared to put in a bit of effort learning to html a file and network. Lucy said: January 31, 2012 at 2:59 am @ Anon. Since the authors helped to formulate the model, they’ve obviously found it to their advantage, possibly in ways not even discussed here. This is indeed a liaison service, however much of it the author chooses to utilize; and from my point of view, it’s a good model, one that I could see using in the future where a backlist is concerned. @ Kristin I really, really do like this as an idea–and I’m all for getting backlists back on the market. Thanks for sharing what you’re doing. 🙂 The Color of Books said: January 31, 2012 at 3:08 am Bookends, now Nelson. Is your 15% on top on the 30% epublishing arms like Amazon charge? Writers no longer need agents. Your role was to act as the conduit between traditional publisher and author, and also to act as the gate keeper for publishing houses. Thank you for your advice and service over the years, but you are no longer required because authors can go it alone. Anonymous said: January 31, 2012 at 3:26 am To Anonymous #1, That’s not how I read this. The article says that the agency “hooks up” the author with editors and artists, but doesn’t make clear who pays. To Color of Books, I assume that the agency will charge 15% of the author’s share, just like they always do. But the real conflict has not been addressed here. Every time the agent is talking to a traditional publisher, the agent will be thinking “Can I make more money with the publisher or should I convince the author to just e-publish, where maybe I can make more money?” That is the real and hidden conflict of interest. J. Tillman DawnRaeMiller said: January 31, 2012 at 3:36 am I have a similar arrangement with my agent and I’m extremely satisfied. She handles the business part, I work on the writing. She also represents my book in the foreign markets and has helped get my book in the hands of people who wouldn’t normally consider reviewing a self-published author. Yes, I could have done it alone. But I’m so glad I didn’t have to. lee said: January 31, 2012 at 3:51 am If you don’t think you need/don’t want an agent, more power to you. Seriously. You’re probably going to need it. Marketing a sucessful s’pub book is more difficult than most people realize, but it can be done without an agent, absolutely. But coming to an agent’s blog to say you don’t need them makes me wonder who you’re trying to convince. Dave Kuzminski said: January 31, 2012 at 3:57 am I think it is awesome that people are firing an agent they don’t have. Didn’t Courtney Milan say she would fire you Kristin, if you did this? It will be interesting to see her response. It also is semantics when you do encumber the authors rights for 2 years. A flat fee system is the only way to avoid the bad smell of this. The first comment in this thread has the relevant questions, which you have failed to answer….. Kaz Augustin said: January 31, 2012 at 5:48 am To Anonymous #1: You said “Full service (you folks get cover/edits etc done) NLA gets 15%.” That’s not how I read it at all. The post says: “The first is full service where we hook the client up with cover artists, copyeditors, publicists, and we [my emphasis] do the file conversion and make it available on all the electronic distribution venues.” To “hook up” is not the same as “to pay for”. Thus, it looks like NLA will forward the client the names of cover artists, copyeditors and publicists and it’s up to the CLIENT to pay for those services as independent deals. What NLA will THEN do is the file conversion (watch those Calibre meta tags! LOL) and uploading. In the “basic” service, NLA will merely upload already converted files to Overdrive and venues that individual authors can’t reach…yet. Where I come unstuck is on the commission calculation: “Full service” is 15% in perpetuity + 2 years exclusivity on the NLA platform? “Basic service” is 15% in perpetuity? I’m sure there will be authors happy to do this because they are not technically-minded and prefer not to run their writing as a business. (I make no value judgement on this, I’m just stating the reality of the situation.) However, for someone as usually precise and straightforward as Kristin Nelson, the gaps in this post can’t help but raise alarm bells. Joni Rodgers said: January 31, 2012 at 6:12 am Kristin, I think this is terrific. People who think authors no longer need agents don’t understand the scope of an agent’s work. I’m a NYT bestselling author/ghostwriter repped by WME. Last year I started a digital imprint to self-pub my backlist books. That was a money decision. I make more on my own, and there isn’t really a need for my agent to participate in that. I also decided to self-pub the ebook of my latest novel because I wanted creative control, but I still need my agent to rep the print and subrights. I firmly believe a hybrid indie/traditional combo platter is the way forward for career authors. What NLA is doing here makes a lot of sense for midlist authors who have a healthy backlist, the experience to wisely steer their new books and the balls to step up and do the marketing mule work. I’m forming a coalition of authors in the US and UK who are doing exactly that.We’re not cutting ties with our agents and publishers. We see self-pub as a way to add value to those relationships. Check us out: http://www.stellalinkbooks.com http://www.courtneymilan.com/ramblings/2011/09/26/the-agencypublisher-distinction/ read this from Courtney Milan. I would be very interested to see what she has to say on this. Lucy Perrin said: January 31, 2012 at 8:31 am “we undergo all the expense” So I’m thinking NLA pays for the cover artist, editor, etc. These professional services can run into the thousands and make an enormous difference in quality. It makes sense, then, to have the 2-year license. I am a bit fuzzy though on how, in practice, this is different from an author signing away their rights for 2 years. exactly lucy! When you have to sign a contract for 2 years…..thats signing your rights away for 2 years….unless this is fee for service (i.e. well defined $500 for cover art/design etc.) this is a bad deal. MCPlanck said: January 31, 2012 at 10:14 am As far as I understand it, it doesn’t strike me as the same as Kristin being a publisher. The key is in the rights and the percentages. Kristin is taking an agent’s percentage, and she’s representing her clients to a different marketplace. She also takes an agent’s share of the rights, rather than a publisher’s. In that sense it’s just a forward-looking response to the changing marketplace. I don’t think the need for agents is going to go away all that soon, and even in the long term the role will change rather than disappear. It’s a little unusual that she is paying for the cover/editing/etc upfront; but the generic rule is that you don’t go with agents who demand money from you before the sale. Agents who spend money on you before the sale is a different matter. 😀 Kylie Griffin said: January 31, 2012 at 11:20 am I heard Kristin speak about the NLA platform at a Romance Writers of Australia conference. This option is just that for her authors – an option. They have the choice to self-publish through this service, or not. At no time, now or in the future, are they obligated as clients of NLA to venture into this. Natalie Aguirre said: January 31, 2012 at 12:43 pm I think it’s awesome that you are offering other options/services in these changing times. Personally if I ever did go the self-publishing route, which I’m not sure I could do with a demanding full-time job as an attorney, I would love to work with NLA and get your help. It’s already my dream to work with you and Sara. Colin Smith said: January 31, 2012 at 2:36 pm I think it would be helpful if Kristin gave some clarifying comments to the questions raised in comments so far, but on the whole, I think this is a good thing. First, it recognizes that epub-ing isn’t going away, but not all authors are ready or able to deal with it. The agent’s role is always that of the author’s advocate, so having an agent, rather than a publisher, help those authors that need it makes sense. Further, as Kylie pointed out, this is OPTIONAL. This is a service NLA offers to their clients. Their clients are not obliged to participate, and non-participation does not affect their relationship with NLA. If you don’t like the deal, you don’t have to do it. Anonymous said: January 31, 2012 at 4:39 pm I don’t see anything wrong here. I think you’ve been honest and you’ve explained it very well. But what I don’t get is why authors just don’t do this on their own and skip the fees. What little I know about self-publishing comes from friends who’ve self-pubbed on Amazon. From what I’m told, it didn’t cost much, if anything, at all to self-publish digitally. Once again, this is hearsay, so I’m no expert on self-publishing and I could be wrong. But speaking as a published author without an agent I would probably look into self-publishing on my own before I signed anything that meant I had to give more of a percentage away. In other words, the only way to get to a publisher in the past was through an agent. And through this agent authors were protected and guided. But authors don’t need agetns to self-publish (unless you can negotiate with Amazon self-publishing program). They don’t need agents to promoste on social media. So I’m honestly not “getting” why an author would do this. Once again, I see nothing wrong with what you are doing. I wish you the best. Lucy said: January 31, 2012 at 5:32 pm I wish I knew why Blogger keeps eating my comments overnight, but as I said before, Kristin, I really like this option, and I think it’s a great way to get the backlist available again. So…here’s my one question, and it’s a genuine question, not a veiled attack. How does this not pose a conflict of interest for the agent? It seems an inherent conflict–the agent has a vested interest in the author NOT publishing with a publishing house else, but instead self-publishing using services NLA benefits from financially. I just don’t get how the NLA set-up overrides this very important conflict of interest issues. It’s at the heart of agent-author relationship. As far as whether 15% for XX long a good deal or not, well, that’s up to an individual author. It’s the potentially (& likely) divergent self-interests at the core of the set-up that concerns me. Jackie Barbosa said: January 31, 2012 at 6:57 pm I, too, would like to see some clarification regarding the difference between the full-service model and the distribution-only model. As a self-publishing author, I’d be more than willing to pay 15% commission for expanded distribution in places like Overdrive and other venues I can’t access on my own. That is worth a lot. That said, if authors using the full-service model are also paying that same 15% and getting their cover art and editorial for free, even with the 2-year license term, I would feel as though I was significantly overpaying. Hopefully, Kristin will follow up with a post that better explains the differences/costs/benefits of the two models. Just so everyone knows. This isn’t new. Lit Agents are, and have been, offering publishing services similar to this to clients with backlisted books for quite some time. It’s just that most aren’t discussing it openly on blogs. Which is the main reason the AAR had to come out with a statement of some kind. They had to say something sooner or later. It’s a sneaky way of changing the rules. But it’s necessary if agents are going to jump on the band wagon of digital publishing at this late date, pardon the cliche. Courtney Milan said: January 31, 2012 at 9:14 pm I’ve been invoked. I commented about this here: http://www.courtneymilan.com/ramblings/2012/01/31/about-my-agent/ Patrice Fitzgerald said: February 1, 2012 at 8:29 pm I am a self-published author. Full disclosure: I met the charming Kristin Nelson at the final Hawaii Writers Conference. I sent her a query, she declined to look at my novel. No hard feelings. I published my first novel, paying about $650 in total for a professional cover and editing, in July of 2011. My husband is an IT guy, and helped me with the tech side. The rest I simply figured out. Amazon charges nothing up front for ebooks, but 30% of each sale goes to them. RUNNING didn’t sell much until December, when I signed up for KDP Select and made it free for 2 days. 12,000 free downloads were followed by 1,600 books sold and 700 borrowed on Amazon Kindle. I made just under $6,000 in ten days. I’ve been lucky. Sales have certainly slowed down, but yesterday I sold 66 books. I sell my novel at $7.99, so I make over $5.50 per book. I have to tell you that self publishing is EASY. I’m helping out some author friends with publishing them as a small indie press, much as NLA plans to do. I am releasing both new works and their out-of-print back list. To them, it is worth it. But the truth is that you can all do it yourselves. I recommend that you do! Patrice Fitzgerald Anonymous said: February 2, 2012 at 1:14 am @Patrice… “But the truth is that you can all do it yourselves. I agree. But so many authors don’t want to, or are intimidated. So as a published author I’m seriously considering starting my own small service that charges authors one reasonable flat fee to do this on Amazon…without taking any commission at all on the back end. I think that would be fair.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line568
__label__cc	0.737948	0.262052	Avon Village NY Auto Loans Home/New York Auto Loans/Avon Village NY Auto Loans Avon Village NY Auto LoansAllCreditCarLoans2019-11-11T04:23:51+00:00 Avon Village NY Auto Loans For All Credit Situations Looking For A Car Loan In Avon Village NY During August 2020? Getting the best deal on an auto loan in Avon Village NY can save you a significant amount of money over the life of your loan. That’s why you need a partner who knows how to get you approved for the vehicle that you want at the lowest interest rate possible and without hassle. Watch Our Video On Getting A Car Loan In Avon Village NY Avon Village NY New Car Loans Avon Village NY Used Car Loans Avon Village NY Auto Refinance Loans Avon Village NY Good and Fair Credit Car Loans Avon Village NY Bad, Poor and Horrible Credit Auto Loans Auto Loan Calculator For Avon Village NY Use our car payment calculator to determine how much you can spend when refinancing or financing your next car. You can run different scenarios by varying the "down payment" and "number of months" fields in order to arrive at your desired payment. Your total car expenses should be no more than 20% of your take-home pay. Steps To Get A Vehicle Loan Shopping for a car has never been easier. Our vast network of lender partners and streamlined process makes getting an auto loan quick and easy. 1 - Budget For Your Purchase If you have a vehicle to trade-in, you should determine its value so that you can factor that into your budget. A good resource for determining your cars market value is Kelley Blue Book. Finally, use our auto finance calculator to estimate your monthly payment. You can vary the interest rate and loan term to see how that affects the potential monthly payment. 2 - Choose Whether You Want A New Or Used Car 3 - Apply For Your Auto Loan Let us help you get preapproved for that new car loan and you will become a cash buyer. This saves you time at the dealership and gives you the power to negotiate your best deal on any car you choose. Apply for a new car loan in Avon Village NY and see how much we can save you. If you choose to purchase a used auto, you can click here to view used cars near you in Avon Village NY. Shopping For The Best Car Loan Rates In Avon Village NY? About Avon Village NY Avon (/ˈævɑːn/) is a town in Livingston County, New York, United States. The town is bordered on the north by the town of Rush, New York in Monroe County. Avon is south of Rochester. The population was 7,146 at the 2010 census. The town is named after the river Avon. The town has a village within it also called Avon. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 41.2 square miles (106.8 km²), of which, 41.2 square miles (106.6 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (0.15%) is water. The north town line is the border of Monroe County. The Genesee River defines the west town line, flowing past Avon village. Conesus Creek flowing from Conesus Lake flows into the Genesee west of Avon village. US Route 20 and New York State Route 5 are east-west highways across the town, and intersect New York State Route 39 in Avon village. New York State Route 15 is another north-south highway in the eastern part of the town. Interstate 390 connects the town to areas north and south. There were 2,525 households out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.05. In the town, the population was spread out with 26.2% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males. For more information, see Avon Village New York wiki Car Loan Coverage Map For Avon Village NY Back to Avon Village NY Car Loans Back to Avon Village NY Bad Credit Car Loans Back to Avon Village NY Car Refinance Loans	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line570
__label__cc	0.538279	0.461721	Back Page (1934) Posted on June 24, 2015 by realthog Standard US / 63 minutes / bw / Pyramid Dir: Anton Lorenze Scr: F. McGrew Willis Story: Harry E. Chandlee, Douglas W. Churchill Cine: James S. Brown Jr. Cast: Peggy Shannon, Russell Hopton, Claude Gillingwater, Edwin Maxwell, Sterling Holloway, Rockliffe Fellowes, Richard Tucker, Bryant Washburn, David Callis, Sidney Bracey, Tola Nesmith, Harvey Clark, Maude Truax, Hayden Stevenson, Otto Hoffman. New York City reporter Jerry Hampton (Shannon) has a hot story about the mistress of chain-store supremo John H. Smith (Tucker) killing herself when he dumped her, but Smith puts pressure on her paper’s proprietor, Ed Barman (Washburn), to kill the story, and Jerry’s editor, Barrows (Stevenson), fails to back her up. So she walks out. Jerry (Peggy Shannon) phones in the suicide story. Fellow-reporter Brice Regal (Hopton) fixes up for her to go as editor to the Apex Advocate, a small-town newspaper on the far side of the country, in California. Brice’s uncle, Martin Blake (Maxwell), President of the Apex National Bank, has an interest in the Advocate, so everything should be all right. On arrival in Apex, pop. ~8,000, however, Jerry is first of all dismayed by the rundown state of the paper— Jerry: “Is this the Advocate office?” Cabby: “Sure. Don’t you see the sign? Jerry: “Well, I’d hoped it was a typographical error.” —and then by the reaction of its owner, stuffy old stick Samuel “Sam” Webster (Gillingwater), to the fact that the Jerry he assumed was a man is in fact a woman. But Jerry uses a combination of charm and assertiveness to overrule his hidebound objections, and he agrees to give her a month’s trial. Sam (Claude Gillingwater) is reluctant to take Jerry on, because she’s — gasp! — female. The staff members he bequeaths to her—aside from compositor Luke Collins (Clark)—have made idleness a cultivated art. Ad manager Edgar Ashe (Bracey) whiles away the hours playing solitaire. The main preoccupation of Society Editor Gertrude Mellon (Nesmith) is getting her fingernails just right. Sports Editor Bill Giddings (Holloway) wimps around in a sort of wistful, limpwristed way—his own sport is croquet—and is extraordinarily proud of his sideline, the Over the Transom gossip column, which cryptically alludes to matters of the utmost mundanity. The Holloway passages of the movie are hardest to take and the Ashe ones are not much better; fortunately the moviemakers largely forgot about both characters maybe halfway through, thereby removing the blockages that had been stopping the movie from bubbling merrily along. Jerry (Peggy Shannon) pumps an adoring Nate (David Callis) for local info. The big news in Apex is that a company is drilling for oil nearby and, with the encouragement of banker Blake, many of the locals have invested their life savings in the project. So Jerry realizes just how devastating the news is for the community when project head John Levings (Fellowes) calls in at the Advocate office one day with a statement to the effect that the test drilling has been a failure: there’s no oil there. Jerry’s suspicious: she reckons the supposed failure is a lie, an attempt to scam the locals. She and Apex store owner Nathan “Nate” Young (Callis), whom she charmed into quadrupling his advertising with the Advocate and who adores her even in the sure knowledge that his love will never be requited, were out at the well site earlier in the day and everything seemed to be going fine. When Martin Blake tells her that, purely out of the generosity of his heart, he’s planning to find a way to buy out the local investors’ stock for at least a fraction of its cost so they won’t be entirely ruined, Jerry’s suspicions escalate yet further. She publishes an edition of the Advocate that blows the whole scam wide open. Blake (Edwin Maxwell) prepares to shenaniganize. Blake’s response is to call in Sam Webster’s debt on the Advocate, planning to take it over himself. The management of the paper he intends to put into the hands of his nephew Brice, who’s by now traveled from NYC to Apex because he’s can’t bear to be without Jerry. Jerry herself, Blake deems, can stay on as editor. He doesn’t reckon with the fact that Jerry has other ideas. When John H. Smith—he of the suicided mistress—arrives in town threatening to open up a store that will destroy Nate Young’s family business, Jerry realizes it’s time for drastic action . . . Blake (Edwin Maxwell) puts the screws on Sam (Claude Gillingwater). As intimated, some of the supposedly comic business with Holloway slows the movie up horrendously in places, but the sequences concerned use up altogether only a few minutes—it just feels like longer—and the rest of the piece has a tremendous zest to it that more than makes up for these longueurs. In greatest measure this is because of Peggy Shannon in the lead role; it’s mightily depressing to learn that just a few years later, in 1941, she died of an alcohol-induced heart attack aged only 34. Here, though, she’s tremendously vibrant, personable and of course startlingly lovely. It can’t have been too long after this that the drink started inexorably destroying her career. Her surviving (second) husband, cameraman Albert G. Roberts, committed suicide just a few weeks after her death, in order to “join her.” The other stalwart in the cast is Gillingwater, as crusty old Sam Webster. By this stage in his career Gillingwater, who in 1927 had been a founding member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, was mainly reduced to character roles—which is what in essence his part is here, however central it might be to the story. In fact, in playing the curmudgeonly yet remediable Sam he was acting a few years older than his true age, 64. A couple of years after this movie, while filming Florida Special (1936), he suffered a serious accident from which he never fully recovered; he died in 1939. Compositor Luke (Harvey Clark) grins as the presses roll for yet another special edition. Jerry’s final resolution of all the corruption that’s been going down in Apex is perhaps clever, in a B-movie sort of a way, but, looked at from the perspective of the real world, it’s decidedly reprehensible. To stop Smith destroying Nate and Blake from tearing Sam’s life work away from him, she threatens the two plutocrats with an extra edition of the newspaper featuring Smith’s lovenest suicide scandal and Blake’s plot to defraud stockholders. If the former agrees not to open a store in Apex and latter signs the paper back to Sam, she’ll kill both stories. Of course, this is (a) extortion and (b) in open defiance of all journalistic integrity. But this is Poverty Row, and we look for any halfway sensible finale we can get . . . Brice (Russell Hopton) and Jerry (Peggy Shannon) reunited. Back Page is amiable rather than exceptional, and could be criticized on any number of grounds, yet it’s well worth watching if for no other reason than the enchanting performance in the lead of an actress who could have achieved so much had it not been for her inner demons. This is a contribution toward Rich Westwood’s “Crimes of the Century” feature on his Past Offences blog. The year chosen for consideration in June 2015 is 1934. On Amazon.com: Back Page [DVD] This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged Anton Lorenze, Back Page (1934), Bryant Washburn, Claude Gillingwater, David Callis, Edwin Maxwell, film noir, Harvey Clark, Hayden Stevenson, Maude Truax, Otto Hoffman, Peggy Shannon, Richard Tucker, Rockliffe Fellowes, Russell Hopton, Sidney Bracey, Sterling Holloway, Tola Nesmith, US protonoir. Bookmark the permalink. o/t: Todd Mason’s Tuesday’s Overlooked Films and/or Other A/V . . . and on a Tuesday! o/t: hurrah for WordPress 17 thoughts on “Back Page (1934)” How many does that make? We’ll see how you get on next month, I have suggested a year! Four movies and three books. I, ah, got a bit carried away. Not sure how much I’ll be able to do for next month. I’ve a couple of deadlines to (try to) meet. I think I would enjoy this one, John. Spare time is a little scare right now but I’ll add to the list of films to check out. 🙂 Do let me know your reactions if you do get a chance to watch it, Jacqui — I’d be very interested. Will do, John. It may well be a few weeks before I get a chance to watch it. Work is a bit crazy right now as I’m working a few evenings (and Wimbledon has just started), but I’ll let you know. 🙂 and Wimbledon has just started I know, I know. And I have the added worry of the Ashes coming along. Getting any work AT ALL done around here is going to be difficult! patrickmurtha says: We think that untimely entertainment deaths are an epidemic now, but I think it may have been even worse in the 1920s and 1930s. Alcohol, drugs, suicide – it was all going on. I put up a post at my blog on tragic silent film deaths: http://bookthemdanno.blogspot.mx/2015/06/silent-film-tragedies.html Golly — a depressing roster! it may have been even worse in the 1920s and 1930s I think you’re absolutely right. Of course, advances in medical science, vaccination, etc., have made a difference too. I can’t count the number of times, while watching older movies for this site, that I’ve thought, “That actor/actress is damn’ good, wonder why I’ve never heard of them?” only to discover they didn’t make it through their thirties. Such a tragic story about Peggy Shannon – and her husband. One thing I like about films from the early 30s, is the strong female character. Based on your review, Shannon’s character seems to be the smartest person in the room, and I don’t see that kind of female character in film today. Shannon’s character seems to be the smartest person in the room She is by a long way — to the extent that the boyfriend seems an absolutely unnecessary character: he’s there only because, I guess, the scripters felt they had to have a leading man. I don’t see that kind of female character in film today I think they’re there. In many of Angelina Jolie’s movies, for example, there’s no doubt as to who’s the clever one. Let me come back to this later when I’m not so pressed for time. I was reading about Patrick Macnee this evening (http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/jun/25/avengers-star-patrick-macnee-dies), and he pointed out that The Avengers promoted lead female characters who were at least as bright if not brighter than their male counterpart (him!). Thanks for this link – I appreciate it. I’ve not seen this show, but you can bet I’m going to stream it now. 🙂 Oh, golly, never seen The Avengers? I didn’t know that was possible! 🙂 You’re in for a big treat. Forget about the later New Avengers series: the ones to go for are the (middle-period) Diana Rigg ones. The earlier Honor Blackman series was perfectly fine as a fringe spy/thriller show, but when Rigg came on the scene everything became far more surreal and wonderful. Oh, yes, and forget about the recentish movie, too: a desperate disappointment. One of those awful examples of Hollywood thinking that bigger and louder and more expensive is better. Macnee and Rigg triumphed in cheap sets that almost flaunted their cheapness because of a great chemistry and the obvious intelligence of both the actors and the scripts they were acting. Sadly, I did see the recent movie and it was as you said – a desperate disappointment. Pingback: Paper Orchid (1949) \| Noirish Pingback: Back Page (1934) Review, with Peggy Shannon – Pre-Code.Com	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line571
__label__wiki	0.668788	0.668788	Calculating Your #1 Core Number: The Life Path Number Calculating Your #2 Core Number: The Expression Number Calculating Your #3 Core Number: The Soul Urge Number Discover Numerology What Is A Natal Chart & What Does Your Astrological Birthdate Say About You? Predictions & Forecasts Career & Wealth Personal Growth & Success Step Into The Astrology Zone! What Will You Discover Inside the Celestial World of Susan Miller? By The Numerologist TeamNovember 4, 2019 Astrology, Astrology 101 It’s not often that we point you in the direction of other astrologers. But Susan Miller is a very special case. In 2018, there was one name on everybody’s lips in the field of astrology… Susan Miller. An article in The Guardian highlights how she became one of the most successful astrologers of recent times. Her website, Astrology Zone, has become a gathering place for millions of people. And her insights have influenced the lives of almost everybody she’s come into contact with. Susan’s success speaks for itself. Astrology Zone currently has 17 million followers, many of whom are younger people on a quest to learn astrology. In 2018 alone, her website had 310 million page views. She’s the author of 11 books and many magazine columns, as well as being a TV star. Some would even argue that Susan has made astrology a global phenomenon beyond what we’ve previously seen. But who is she and how has she established herself as such a bright leader in the field? In this article, we’ll get to know Susan Miller and delve deeper into the Astrology Zone. Getting to Know Susan Miller It all started with her mother. Susan Miller’s early life in New York was one of hardship. She was born with a birth defect that resulted in the arteries in her leg failing to function properly. As a result, she suffered from constant bouts of internal bleeding that caused severe pain. However, her mother believed that the leg would heal. Susan’s mother was a practitioner of astrology long before the science of the stars entered popular culture. This was the 1940s, and Susan’s mother only did astrology readings for her friends and family. Her primary focus was her ailing daughter. According to Susan, her mother predicted a great many things. As the article in The Guardian puts it: “Other than predicting the internet, and her daughter’s future career, she also predicted that Miller’s leg, which had paper-thin arteries that led to internal bleeding throughout her childhood, would heal by the time she was 14.” Susan was destined to become an astrologer, at least according to her mother. The leg that caused her so many issues would also heal – that was another prediction that came true. But perhaps the most important of those predictions was the rise of the internet. After all, it’s the internet that has allowed Susan’s work to receive such widespread acclaim. The Web-Based Astrologer There are two philosophies that define what Susan has achieved in the field of astrology. The first is her belief in what astrology actually is. As her website puts it: “Susan says astrology is the study of mathematical cycles and has nothing to do with her being psychic (she claims she is not). Susan also emphasizes that astrology is not the art of predestination, for each of us has free will.” Susan does away with a lot of the mysticism that surrounds astrology. Perhaps this is part of her appeal to such a large audience, as her mathematical approach means she can talk to the skeptics. She doesn’t claim to divine the future, either. Instead, she uses her techniques to discuss a possible future. Ultimately, it’s up to the reader whether or not that future comes true. She believes that her work may influence people, but it doesn’t overcome free will. However, it’s Susan’s second philosophy that’s likely responsible for her success, particularly with younger people. In explaining her widespread appeal, she says: “The internet. That’s what has made astrology so popular. In the old days, you had to go to the library or buy a magazine.” Susan sees the internet as a tool for getting her messages out to a larger audience. However, she also relishes the opportunity to connect with her readers and explore her ideas with them. Prior to the advent of the internet, this type of interaction wasn’t really available. You’d read a horoscope in a newspaper and have no easy way of exploring it with the astrologer. Susan has achieved such popularity because she eliminates that barrier and communicates with people via the web. Susan’s Mother’s Prediction Comes True The advent of the internet gave Susan a platform beyond any that her mother could have had. And with her mother’s predictions still fresh in her mind, Susan was one of the first astrologers to harness the power of the web. She started Astrology Zone in 1995, back when the internet was just a nascent technology. In this case, being one of the first certainly paid off. Susan began building a following amongst early adopters of the new technology. And as more people came online, that following only grew stronger. Of course, a lot of hard work went into building Astrology Zone into what it is. To this day, Susan still writes over 30,000 words per month for the site. And she’s still communicating with her followers, even with added writing and TV commitments. Stepping Inside the Astrology Zone So, what can you expect when you enter the Astrology Zone? Susan Miller takes a very positive approach to her astrological work. She believes in highlighting the best parts of her readings while helping readers negotiate the tougher parts. According to Susan: “You feel a great responsibility to people and you can feel the tension – you have to be accurate with what you say. I don’t have trouble deciphering the stars, but if I have difficult news, I look for the good parts of the chart and try and help emphasize them, and show the reader how to negotiate the difficult parts.” This means you can expect readings that focus primarily on how you can make your life better. But what exactly does Susan cover on her website? A quick exploration will turn up both her daily and monthly horoscopes. The daily horoscopes are part of her paid subscription plan. They provide detailed information about what the stars say about your day. However, those who don’t want to spend money will still find plenty of information in the monthly horoscopes. Susan is not the sort of astrologer to dedicate a couple of lines to each star sign. Every month, she takes a detailed, multi-page look at what the stars have to say about your sign. She explains her readings in detail and helps you to understand how everything she discusses applies to you. Susan also maintains a blog, which she calls the “Learn Astrology” section of the Astrology Zone. Here, you’ll find all sorts of information about astrology that will help you decipher her readings. You will also find information about Susan’s upcoming astrological events, should you want to meet her in person. Simply put, Astrology Zone is a valuable resource for anybody who wants to find out what effect the stars have on their lives. Learn More About Astrology Susan Miller has been using the web to communicate her message for quite a while. Her positive and interactive form of astrology has led to her developing a huge audience. Few people have done more for the science of astrology than she has in recent years. We consider her a great proponent of astrology and appreciate what she’s done to bring this science into the mainstream. Have you come across this Los Angeles-based astrologer’s work before? What do you think about it and are Susan’s readings accurate for you? Why not let us know in the comments section below? About The Numerologist Team Numerology nerds passionate about personal growth and spirituality! We’re a small team of numerologists, teachers, writers, and tech wizards who have come together to bring you the most accurate, powerful, and profound wisdom available in the world. GET FIRST DIBS ON ALL THINGS ASTRO-NUMERO BEFORE THEY HAPPEN WANT YOUR COSMIC GUIDE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX? CLICK BELOW SEND ME MY WEEKLY COSMIC GUIDE Customized to your exact birth date and name, this personalized numerology report will shed light on your core numbers and life purpose. Get Your Free Numerology Reading Subscribe to the Cosmic Current Podcast Surrounded By People Or All Alone? 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__label__wiki	0.729153	0.729153	What is Vote Compass? Vote Compass is a civic engagement application designed by political scientists and run during election campaigns. Based on their responses to a set of policy propositions relevant to a given election campaign, users are provided with a real-time assessment of their position in the political landscape and their proximity to each of the parties included in the application. Vote Compass stimulates democratic participation by offering the electorate an opportunity to engage with and compare the policy platforms of parties in a clear and accessible manner that addresses points of differentiation between the parties on a range of important issues. Who is responsible for Vote Compass? Vote Compass is developed by Vox Pop Labs, an independent, non-partisan group of social researchers and data scientists. Neither Vote Compass nor Vox Pop Labs are affiliated with any political organisation or interest group. See credits for more information. Why aren't all the parties included in Vote Compass? Political parties that had at least one MP elected in 2014 automatically qualify for inclusion. If a party isn’t eligible on those grounds, it may still be included so long as it can meet the following three conditions: it is registered with the New Zealand Electoral Commission, it has policy on a range of high profile issues and it is recognised as having the potential to influence the make-up of the next government. Does Vote Compass tell me how to vote? Vote Compass results are not intended and should not be interpreted as voting advice, nor as a prediction as to which candidate a given user intends to vote for. Every eligible voter decides for themselves which party is most appropriate to represent them based on variant criteria, not all of which are included in Vote Compass. The focus of Vote Compass is on public policy issues and how the parties differ on these issues, both among themselves and in relation to individual voters. Why do the response categories not allow me to fully express my position on the issues? Vote Compass has established standard units of measurement by which to compare the policies of the parties. We acknowledge that most issues are more complicated than can be captured on a 5-point scale, but by reducing this complexity the policy positions are made more accessible and a more accurate proximity estimate between user and parties is made possible. Vote Compass uses a 5-point scale instead of simply "Yes" and "No" to provide users with the opportunity to qualify their responses to a limited extent. Users who answer "somewhat agree" are essentially saying "Yes, but..." and users who answer "somewhat disagree" are essentially saying "No, but…". Why does Vote Compass place me closest to a party other than the one I intend to vote for? Vote Compass is not intended to predict which party a user intends to vote for in a given election nor which party a user feels that she or he is most closely aligned with. It specifies how the user is aligned with each of the parties on the basis of the public policy issues included in Vote Compass. How does Vote Compass determine my results? Vote Compass calculates the user's alignment with the parties by comparing the user's responses to the questionnaire with the parties' positions on the same issues. See our methodology for details. How does Vote Compass determine the positions of the parties? Parties are plotted on the grid in the same way that users are: by using their responses to the questionnaire in order to plot them on the grid. Party responses to each of the questions in Vote Compass are derived through careful research of the individual platforms complemented by a consultative process between the academic team and the parties themselves. See our methodology for details. Why am I close to a party to whose leader I gave a low rating? Leader ratings are not included in the calculation of a user’s position in the two-dimensional plane. They are accounted for in the ratings graph on the results page. Why am I close to a party for which I specified that I was unlikely to vote? The vote intention questions in Vote Compass are not used in the calculation of a user’s results. Why do the graphs show different results? In some cases, a user will appear to be more aligned with one party on the grid and a different party on one or both of the bar graphs. This is a normal and expected result. These various graphs are designed to provide different ways for users to interpret their results. The grid measures where users are situated in a multi-dimensional political system. The policy alignment bar graph measures how much you agree with the particular propositions included in the questionnaire. The leader evaluation bar graph measures your overall evaluation of the party leaders. The multiple measures reflect the practical reality that a person may agree with certain policies of one party but feel more aligned with the general values of another. How an individual reconciles these competing perspectives is entirely up to her or him. Is Vote Compass affiliated with any of the political parties or candidates? No. Vote Compass is an independent, non-partisan initiative designed to provide users with an objective, transparent analysis of the political landscape. What browser do I need to use Vote Compass? Vote Compass includes support for current versions of Chrome, FireFox, Internet Explorer, and Safari. It is supported on tablet and mobile devices running current versions of iOS and Android.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line579
__label__wiki	0.92599	0.92599	Registrar’s map gives nuanced glimpse into Oakland mayoral results Joshua Escobar and Alissa Greenberg on November 20, 2014 The seemingly simple results of the 2014 Oakland mayoral election have by now been broadcast far and wide: District 4 City Councilmember Libby Schaaf won with 29.43 percent of first-choice votes, trailed in second and third place by current Mayor Jean Quan and Councilmember At-Large Rebecca Kaplan. But an interactive map released by the Alameda County Registrar of Voters sheds more light on how complicated the election’s outcome really was. The map includes public data about each precinct’s winners, as well as its turnout and the way its constituents voted. This week, unofficial numbers indicate that Schaaf received as many first-choice votes (29,983) as her two closest competitors, Quan and Kaplan, combined (15,724 and 14,608, respectively). These totals have not been certified by the registrar’s office, which has 28 days from the election to declare a winner. But they are not expected to change because the office’s initial count of same-day, mail-in, and provisional ballots was completed on November 12. The registrar’s map is based on these not-yet-certified but complete numbers. The map is a treasure trove for anyone interested in examining the nuances of the election outcome or Oakland’s current political landscape. “We’re very proud of it,” said Tim Dupuis, Alameda County Registrar of Voters. Oakland North spent time with this map, analyzing its wealth of data, but readers who want to see for themselves can use this link or the one above to go directly to the registrar’s website. Click the “plus” and “minus” symbols to zoom in and out, use the color-coded key to interpret the winners of each precinct, and press the “i” information symbol to see a pop-up of the exact breakdown of votes in a given precinct. (A precinct is a voting area within a city council district; there are 275 precincts in Oakland.) Data obtained from the map challenge the idea that Schaaf won in a landslide. Instead, they suggest that while she took her home turf (the hills areas, including Districts 1 and 4) easily and by a wide margin, other precincts were more closely contested—a situation intensified by low voter turnout overall. Throughout her campaign, Schaaf was closely associated with support from voters in the hills areas—typically white, middle and upper class residents—which some have said carried her from a District 4 council seat into the mayor’s office. The registrar’s map does not do much to refute this claim: A wide swath of the green that symbolizes the precincts where Schaaf won covers the hills precincts, from North Oakland and the Berkeley border almost all the way down to San Leandro. A closer look shows that Schaaf did, indeed, lead by her most substantial margins in District 4 and the surrounding hills areas. For example in precinct 244200 in Montclair, Schaaf received 235 votes out of 487 and led her nearest competitor (San Francisco State University professor Joe Tuman) by more than 150 votes; Tuman came second in the majority of District 4 precincts. But Schaaf’s margin over opponents was slimmer in the southern end of the hills and closer to the flats, where she frequently earned her green precincts by fewer than 50 votes. For example, in precinct 346100, on the edge of Districts 4 and 6, Schaaf won with 88 votes, while Quan came second with 86 votes. This was a rare good showing for Quan in what was once also her home district. (Quan served as councilmember in District 4 from 2003 to 2011.) In an extreme case, she trailed fourth behind Schaaf, Tuman, and Courtney Ruby (who received 3.04 percent of the entire race’s votes) in precinct 245200, which borders District 1. More typically, she came in second behind Schaaf, as in precinct 213700, north of Piedmont, where she trailed Tuman by 22 votes and Schaaf by 194. District 1 school board representative Jody London said her constituents seemed to have made up their minds to oust Quan from office: “A lot of people I talked to wouldn’t vote for Mayor Quan no matter what,” she said. London said she observed Schaaf’s outreach efforts in her district, where volunteers for the campaign worked at the Temescal farmers’ market. She noted that District 1 is especially powerful because of its large volume of registered voters. “To win in any election, you have to win District 1,” she said. But Schaaf’s margin of victory was slimmer moving west toward the Longfellow neighborhood. Here, attorney Dan Siegel made inroads. In this area, he came in second in the majority of precincts and even won a few toward the southern border with District 3, which covers most of West Oakland. There, he won several more precincts—but none by more than 35 vote margin. (Siegel’s highest-margin victory was precinct 335300, just over the District 3 border in Pill Hill, where he beat Schaaf 118 votes to 79.) Siegel’s cluster of precinct wins along the San Pablo Avenue corridor (as well as the precincts he won further south in the Fruitvale area) correspond loosely to areas where he did his pro bono work against gang injunctions in 2011. “I think the work that I and others in my office on social justice issues over the years had an impact,” Siegel said in a phone interview. “People who live in those areas and are impacted by police conduct were very receptive to our message.” His firm, Siegel and Yee, represented suspected gang members who were monitored by the Oakland Police Department and whose actions were restricted by the injunctions in an effort to curb crime in the city—a program that was deeply controversial. But Schaaf’s victories in her home district and parts of District 1 did not necessarily equal a landslide in the rest of the city, where other candidates nipped at her heels. In District 1’s precinct 333100, close to downtown and including the staunchly upper-middle-class Adams Point neighborhood by Lake Merritt, Schaaf won with 105 votes, but Kaplan trailed by only nine. The race for mayor was even tighter in the flats districts of 2, 5, and 7, where many precincts had nearly three-way ties. These resulted in a colorful patchwork pattern on the registrar’s map, with Kaplan represented in purple, Quan in coral, and Bryan Parker in teal. Schaaf’s numbers were particularly spotty in the Fruitvale, despite her five years as chief of staff to former District 5 city councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente. Quan and Kaplan mostly ruled that area, but the votes were close no matter which way they split. In Fruitvale’s precinct 361000, Schaaf tied with Kaplan at 50 votes, and she edged out Siegel by only two votes in nearby precinct 347110. Not half a mile away in precinct 347300, Quan beat Schaff by four votes, 83 to 79. In precinct 362900, between Havenscourt and Millsmont, Parker won by just three votes, 63 to Kaplan’s 60. And in precinct 354300, intersected by East 21st Street and 23rd Avenue, Kaplan edged out Quan, 102 votes to 96. Kaplan declined to comment on the election results through her spokesman, Jason Overman. Quan did not respond to repeated requests for comment, and Parker’s representative, Dan Bellino, said that Parker had not had time to look over the map before press time. The second place finishers tended to vary across the map, as well. While Tuman took second in most of the hills areas that run through Districts 1 and 4, Siegel was more likely to come in second in North Oakland neighborhoods close to MacArthur BART and the Berkeley border. Kaplan and Quan did better as second-place finishers in the areas east of Lake Merritt and into the Fruitvale, and Parker came in second more frequently in East Oakland. Parker won eight precincts, colored in teal blue on the map, all within East Oakland’s Districts 6 and 7. Parker’s campaign has claimed to have knocked on 50,000 doors since January of this year; their work in East Oakland might well account for his second-place standing in precinct 400900, to the south of Quan’s coral-colored territory in the flats, as well as his win in precinct 400600, close to Lake Chabot, where he edged out Schaaf by six votes. In many of these areas, turnout was so low that even tiny differences represented significant percentages of the turnout. According to the registrar’s numbers and the October 20 registration report from the Secretary of State, Oakland’s turnout rate was 45 percent in this year’s election, accounting for both votes at polling stations and vote-by-mail ballots. Only 101,879 of the city’s 221,073 registered voters cast a vote. Comparing the numbers with the last non-presidential election in 2010, which had a turnout of 60.09 percent in Oakland, Registrar Tim Dupuis called this year’s numbers “low.” And in stark contrast, the 2012 presidential election brought 163,448 voters to the polls—a 76.4 percent turnout. The United States Elections Project, a nonprofit organization devoted to transparency in government, puts turnout nationally at 36 percent for this year’s election and in California at 32 percent, dramatically lower than Oakland’s still-low numbers. But this number calculates turnout using “voting eligible population” instead of registered voters, a practice that Dupuis does not follow. Other estimates, using 2012 Census records, put national turnout closer to half of registered voters, making comparisons difficult to draw but supporting the national trend of low turnout. Dupuis expressed confusion at the local drop in voter numbers, guessing that Governor Jerry Brown’s popularity might be a contributing factor keeping satisfied voters at home. But Dupuis said he feels it has never been easier to vote. “We obviously have a lot of different ways for people to vote these days,” Dupuis said. “They can mail it in or do vote-by-mail and drop it off at the polls. Or they can just walk in and vote. We let them vote provisionally.” He noted that dropping mail-in ballots at the polls has become especially popular recently—well over half of Alameda County voters voted by mail or dropped their ballots at the polls this year. While Dupuis said he was happy that voting was becoming more flexible, he acknowledged that “it makes our job a little harder,” as his staff must work round-the-clock processing these votes after polls close in order to make the 28-day deadline for election certification and to placate an impatient media and a community waiting for answers. Katherine Gavzy, President of the Oakland League of Women Voters (a nonpartisan organization that works for voter education) said she is “very concerned” about the election’s low turnout. “Is the presence of big money in elections creating voter cynicism?” she said. “That’s one answer we’re coming up with. That people are saying, ‘My vote doesn’t count.’” But Gavzy said she was “very encouraged” by the results of the election in Richmond, where a slate of candidates sponsored by Chevron were voted down despite the corporation’s best campaign efforts and enormous financial support. “If the problem is that people are cynical and apathetic due to presence of all this money and constant advertising,” she said, “then what happened in the city of Richmond shows that if people are also informed, then they do bother to vote. … If you put daylight on money in politics, then the voters may end up making more informed decisions and feeling less manipulated.” Some observers say low turnout gave more power to the areas that did vote, helping Schaaf over the proverbial hump in a tight race. “Who votes in low-turnout elections? The hills people do,” said Dan Lindheim, a former city administrator now teaching at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. Since Schaaf got twice as many votes as the second- and third-place candidates, her win could be considered a landslide, Lindheim said, but pointed out that it could viewed another way: that she won with less than 30 percent of the first-place votes. He pointed out that Ron Dellums received about 42,000 votes in his successful 2006 bid for mayor while second place finisher Ignacio De La Fuente received about 27,700 votes. This year, he noted, Schaaf received 30,000 first-choice votes, not many more than De La Fuente in 2006. “To me, what happened in this election is that 85 percent of the population voted against Quan,” Lindheim said, referring to first-choice votes. “What was unclear in this election is that if you weren’t going to vote for Quan who would you vote for?” Governor Jerry Brown’s endorsement for Schaaf answered this question for many Oakland voters, he said. Gary Yee, Oakland School Board Representative for District 4, has worked very closely with Quan for many years and personally supported her race for mayor. When asked why Schaaf did better than Quan in District 4, Yee said his district is more conservative than other areas and that successful District 4 councilmembers focus much of their work on Montclair. Yee said that some residents in his district who voted against Quan felt like she was serving other districts more than theirs. Mayors, however, have to “have a more global responsibility,” he said. He pointed out that, as mayor, Quan had “seven times the geographic and demographic responsibility that a city council person does.” Though he said he’s disappointed to see to Quan leave, Yee said, “There couldn’t be a better person than Libby for the transition…She definitely understands the city as a whole.” As for Schaaf, the mayor-elect says she is ready to reach out to people who live in the areas where she lagged behind her competitors. “I recognize that it is now my job to win them over,” Schaaf said in a phone interview. She also said that the split between the flats and the hills was something that she encountered as a councilmember and that she has worked to try to bridge that gap. She mentioned the driving tours of various districts that she has recently requested from city council members as an example of her outreach across communities, as well as her endorsement by Oakland Rising, the East Oakland advocacy organization. “A mayor’s challenge is to represent the whole city. That is something that I’ll do with great passion and integrity,” she said. Image: A screenshot of the Alameda County Registrar of Voter’s map of the recent mayoral election in Oakland. Election 2014 \| Mayoral Race \| Politics “BART to OAK” airport connector to open after years of planning Coworking art space “Oakstop” provides meeting place for art, business Jason H on November 20, 2014 at 2:43 pm Without analysis of RCV 2nd and 3rd choices,this isnt really all that enlightening a on November 20, 2014 at 9:22 pm Wow, please share a link to your even more in-depth analysis. We’re all ears. I am impressed with AC having it together enough to provide this data and this article is far more informative that most other news sources in the bay area. Thank you. Greg L on November 20, 2014 at 9:51 pm Good points. Hats off to the registrar for the site and for Oakland North for writing it up. Have to agree. Surprised this got in: “This year, [Lindheim] noted, Schaaf received 30,000 first-choice votes, not many more than De La Fuente in 2006.” It’s wrong to compare a single-choice vote to a ranked-choice vote in this way because with RCV a lot of people will put a no-hoper first as a statement then use one of their remaining votes strategically. The carping about RCV results in the last two elections amounts to sour grapes as far as I can tell. Zagger on November 23, 2014 at 10:38 am Map the voting results against violent crime stats and everything will be perfectly clear. Some groups in Oakland would like to keep incompetent leadership like Quan in office. » Discover the New Economy: Documentaries and Quick Reads on December 3, 2014 at 7:01 am […] https://oaklandnorth.net/2014/11/20/registrars-map-gives-nuanced-glimpse-into-oakland-mayoral-result… […] A Newly Divided City? Ranked Choice Voting and Urban Affluence in Oakland, CA \| Musings on Maps on December 18, 2014 at 11:23 pm […] low voter turnout–when the approximate percentage of Oaklanders turning up at the polls of 45% seemed consistent with a dramatically low turnout statewide of only 46%. The institution […] ThomasEl on March 29, 2015 at 4:38 pm Danielner on March 31, 2015 at 12:17 am I love LIFE!!!!! Oakland North welcomes comments from our readers, but we ask users to keep all discussion civil and on-topic. Comments post automatically without review from our staff, but we reserve the right to delete material that is libelous, a personal attack, or spam. We request that commenters consistently use the same login name. Comments from the same user posted under multiple aliases may be deleted. Oakland North assumes no liability for comments posted to the site and no endorsement is implied; commenters are solely responsible for their own content. Oakland North Oakland North is an online news service produced by students at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and covering Oakland, California. Our goals are to improve local coverage, innovate with digital media, and listen to you–about the issues that concern you and the reporting you’d like to see in your community. Please send news tips to: oaklandnorthstaff@gmail.com. Oakland residents lead the fight to rename and reclaim public spaces Bashirah Mack on December 19, 2020 As COVID-19 infections rise, is this year’s ski season as safe as people think? Qinghui Kong on December 19, 2020 COVID-19 cases remain stable at Santa Rita Jail despite rising community cases Brian Nguyen on December 17, 2020	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line580
__label__wiki	0.612969	0.612969	Funeral Advice Grief Articles Grief Subscriptions Sympathy Suggestions Obituary Writing Master Guide Funeral Pre-Planning Articles Funeral Quote Prearrange Online Talk of a Lifetime About ObitTree Gordon Mortuary 400 West Cherokee St Blacksburg, SC United States www.gordonmortuary.com Obituary Listings for Gordon Mortuary Charles Thomas Montgomery (March 14, 2018) Gordon Mortuary - Blacksburg, South Carolina Jeremy Michael Tyler Holden (March 6, 2018) David Owens (March 3, 2018) Jody Scott White (March 2, 2018) Novella Davis (February 28, 2018) Eva Jay Bullocks (February 26, 2018) Donald Clark Holcombe (February 20, 2018) Dale Ann Martin (February 18, 2018) Ethel Mae Putnam (February 15, 2018) James Amiel Patterson (February 11, 2018) Robert Thomas Black (February 8, 2018) Gilbert Subastus Porter (February 7, 2018) Arvel Dewey Martin (February 1, 2018) Jerry Dean Parker (January 30, 2018) Judy Bailey (January 29, 2018) Marty Lane Ramsey (January 28, 2018) Tangee Nicole Cobb (January 21, 2018) Ethylene Varner (January 20, 2018) George Allison Martin (January 20, 2018) Dorothy Burgess (January 9, 2018) first prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 next last Showing 281 to 300 of 1054 ( 53 Pages ) Loading More Obituaries National Obituary Registry Community Support Network ObitTree © 2021 Privacy Policy Terms of Use	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line582
__label__wiki	0.526977	0.526977	Budget 2017: Feds see slimmer deficits, make 'big bets' on high growth sectors The Trudeau government unveiled a budgetary crystal ball Wednesday that foresees slightly smaller deficits and a growth-lifting plan that places "big bets" on what the feds predict will be high-potential sectors. Finance Minister Bill Morneau's second budget projects shortfalls of $23 billion for 2016-17, $25.5 billion next year and $24.4 billion in 2018-19, not including a $3-billion contingency fund – forecasts that have each shrunk between $1.5 billion and $2.1 billion since the fall. Later in the outlook, the annual deficits are expected to be little bigger than previously thought. But the government once again failed to outline a plan to return the books to balance, which it promised to do in its 2015 election platform. The leaner-than-expected deficit projections are largely tied to Canada's stronger economic outlook. However, the government is also anticipating changes in this year's budget to boost revenues via new tax measures and higher premiums on the employment insurance program. The federal government's bookkeepers also found another $933 million over six years, thanks to previously planned defence commitments that were not spent as quickly as initially expected. And while the document contained little new spending, it did offer fresh details on commitments made in the Trudeau government's curtain-raising 2016 budget, as well as sharpened strategies for enhancing skills development and driving the so-called innovation economy. "To make the most of the opportunities that the new economy offers, the government will equip Canada's workers with the skills and tools they need to succeed," reads the 278-page budget. "It will also make big bets in high-growth sectors of the economy, including clean technologies, digital industries and agri-food, to secure Canada's place as a world-leading centre for innovation." The Liberal government is banking on that plan to improve the country's growth trajectory and eventually help eliminate the deficit. The promising sectors identified by the feds also included health sciences, clean resources and advanced manufacturing. The budget called for the creation of growth strategies and more available cash to help each of these industries prosper. The government also pledged $125 million to launch an artificial intelligence institute. To provide further support, the budget contained commitments to expand federal investments in venture capital, to ease access to public procurement contracts for young, innovative firms and to develop an intellectual-property strategy, which is considered critical by some industry players. "It's probably worth a shot," Scotiabank chief economist Jean-Francois Perrault said of the Liberal's plan to take a more hands-on approach by pinpointing specific sectors with potential. Perrault said other countries have had success in the interventionist approach for particular sectors, when it's done intelligently. He was encouraged the federal government seemed intent on taking more of a free-market approach. Morneau's budget also re-allocated infrastructure cash to add $150 million to a five-year, $800-million commitment the Liberals made in last year's budget to support "superclusters" – a "dense" area of business activity that includes post-secondary institutions, companies, specialized talent and necessary infrastructure. When it came to the headline numbers, the finance minister gave himself more breathing room on his so-called fiscal "anchor" to lower the debt-to-GDP ratio by the end of the Liberal mandate. The ratio – a measure of the public debt burden – is now projected to only drop below 2016-17 levels in 2020-21. The budget predicted a deficit of $15.8 billion in 2021-22, the final year of its forecast horizon. The government also reinstated a $3-billion contingency fund, which increased the projected deficits swell to $28.5 billion next year, $27.4 billion in 2018-19, $23.4 billion in 2019-20, $21.7 billion in 2020-21 and $18.8 billion in 2021-22. Asked about the lack of a road map to return to balanced books, Morneau sidestepped and told reporters the government's approach is growing the economy. "Our plan is to be responsible every step of the way," Morneau said. "We're making every dollar count." The Liberals won the 2015 election on a platform that vowed to invest billions in measures like infrastructure and child benefits as a way to re-energize Canadian growth. They planned to run deficits to finance the investments, but promised annual shortfalls would not surpass $10 billion during the first couple years of their mandate. The Liberals also vowed to return to balance by 2019-20. Since taking office, however, the government abandoned those promises, citing a weaker-than-expected economy. None of the government's forecasts Wednesday accounted for the potential fallout from policy changes being discussed in U.S., which many fear would have major consequences for the Canadian economy. The U.S. administration is eyeing cuts to corporate and personal taxes, the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement and a possible border tax.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line583
__label__cc	0.623772	0.376228	Old Car Memories > New Cars > 2016 BMW Z4 – BMW’s Last True Z Car 5 Best Performance Cars at the 2013 Washington Auto Show 1967 Chevrolet Corvette – the Perfect Marriage of Beauty and Raw Performance 1980-1982 Ford Thunderbird – Luxury with Loads of Electronic Gizmos 2012 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series – It’s the Real Deal 1970 AMC Rebel Machine – Don’t Mess with the Machine! 2008 Ford Mustang GT – the Perfect Package 1957-1959 Plymouth Fury – the Grand Plymouth 5 Best High Performance V8s from the Muscle Car Era 1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – the High Compression Muscle Car Returns How to Deal with Carburetor Issues It’s official, the BMW Z4 ended production last week. It’s sad when a good car like the Z4 is put out to pasture. The Z4 and its Z3 predecessor have served (with honor) BMW’s faithful for the last 20 years. Though there were hardtop coupe and high-performance “M” versions along the way, the bread-and-butter version has always the roadster. It’s been a popular car in BMW’s line-up. The upcoming Z5 when it hits production is going to have some mighty big shoes to fill. If it had not been for the smash success of the 1990 Mazda Miata, there would have never been the original release of the 1996 Z3. The Z3 began its production run as a Miata competitor. BMW took the Miata concept and added BMW styling, performance, and handling. Though the Z3 roadster and coupe M versions were road rockets, once the newness wore off, the M was dropped when the 2003 Z4 debuted. BMW could have easily crammed a V8 under the hood or created a super-performance M version of the Z4. It would have been the stuff legends are made of – visualize the 1998-2003 BMW M5’s (394 horsepower) 4.9 liter V8 and 6-speed manual transmission being dropped into the 2003 Z4, and you get the idea. The entire package wouldn’t have weighed more than 3,100-lbs and would have ate most the world’s fastest 2-seaters for breakfast including the Chevrolet Corvette. But that just wasn’t in the cards. Though BMW has made a name for itself in the last 3 decades with its high-performance M versions of its cars, in reality that’s a tiny slice of its business. Its core business is providing the masses with good European touring cars. A touring car isn’t about going down a road as fast as possible, it’s about perfect balance. A BMW M version is like a large body-builder who may be in good shape and can lift massive amounts of weight however all those muscles come at a cost – loss of agility and speed. A 260-lb bodybuilder isn’t going to be as agile or quick as a 150-lb athlete. The athlete will have firm toned muscles but won’t be as strong as the bodybuilder. The BMW M cars are like the bodybuilder, they have tons of muscle under the hood giving phenomenal performance. Handling and braking are also phenomenal in order to keep up with the great power under the hood. This comes at a cost – gas consumption is very high and day-to-day driving can be torture due to a harsh suspension (that’s tuned for an ultra smooth race-track surface and not the normal pothole populated streets). Whereas the rank-and-file BMW car is like the athlete, it has the perfect balance – good acceleration, good braking and handling, and a ride quality that will absorb the worst road imperfections. In other words this is the type of car that will be enjoyable in all driving conditions, while the M will be more fun but only when the driving conditions are ideal such as a nice smooth road with no traffic. With all this in mind, you can understand why BMW just let the Z4 be a good touring car instead of the high-strung ultra-fast sports car it could have been. Being a touring car is the role that the Z4 performs so well. The Z4 may still been considered a Miata competitor, but in reality it’s in a league of its own. Though the Miata has become more civilized over the years, it’s harsh, underpowered, and lacking in social graces compared to the Z4. For instance the current 2016 Z4’s interior though it has been around for few years, it still is far superior to the all-new 2016 Miata’s interior. The upscale materials and overall design of the Z4’s interior makes the Miata look like Mazda cut some corners with the Miata’s interior. Not really a surprise since the 2016 Z4 has a $49,700 base price compared to the 2016 Miata’s base price of $24,915. In other words you can buy two Miatas for the price of one Z4. Is the Z4 still worth the price, you bet! There’s more to the Z4 than its ultra comfortable interior and plentiful high-tech gadgets and gizmos. The fit and finish of the entire car is par excellence. All the body panels have perfect fit just like the interior panels. Even closing or opening a door or the trunk is pure perfection. It’s what we have all come to expect from BMW, and it’s the reason for the high admission price. When you are buying a BMW, you aren’t buying a car, you’re joining a club that a majority of car buyers will never be a member. The Z4’s exterior styling is unique, even those who aren’t car folk won’t confuse this car for anything other than a BMW. It’s nice on the eyes but not super spectacular. It’s not going to ever be in any automobile historian’s top 10 best sports car exterior designs, but it’s pretty enough to turn heads. The current body style was introduced for the 2009 model year, it has aged well. BMW did it right starting in 2009, instead of offering both a roadster and a hardtop coupe version, it offered just a roadster with a retractable hardtop. This pleased the hardtop crowd or those who live in cold winter climates, yet kept happy the open air convertible fans who are the Z4’s core buying constituency. With the Z4, BMW offers some really lively exterior colors. If you want to buy a Z4, don’t fall into the silver, black, and white exterior color crowd. There’s a sea of new BMWs driving around with these colors. Be a little bold and opt for Valencia Orange, Melbourne Red, or Estoril Blue, it will make your Z4 really stand out and prove to those other BMW owners you have some flair. For a toned-down alternative, Sparkling Brown is a classy color that’s sure to get you some thumbs up from onlookers. As previously mentioned the Z4’s handling, cornering, and acceleration are well-balanced. This car will never let the driver feel shorthanded. The base engine is a 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo 2.0 liter 4-cylinder. The mere thought of a small-displacement 4-banger propelling a pricey performance-oriented 2-seater doesn’t sit well. Kind of like the thought of ordering an In-N-Out double burger only to discover it’s the size of M&M when the order is ready to eat. Somehow BMW has pulled a rabbit out the hat, and the tiny-4 makes more than enough grunt to move the 3,263-lb car with ease – 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. If zippy power isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll at least be elated by the 2.0 liter 4’s EPA rating of 22 City MPG and 34 Highway MPG which will have you reaching into your wallet less often. To get the 2.0 liter 4 is the mandatory engine with the base Z4 which BMW calls the “Z4 sDrive28i”. This motor for no additional cost can be equipped with either a manual or automatic transmission. If the base engine doesn’t fulfill the need for speed, then an upgrade to the Z4 sDrive35i is necessary. The sDrive35i version starts at $58,495. This is where the Z4 begins to get pricey. There are more standard goodies with the sDrive35i, but the real prize is the mandatory 300 horsepower twin-turbo 3.0 liter I6 which offers a nice 60 horsepower bump over the standard engine. This equates to 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The next upgrade is to Z4 sDrive35is which adds even more standard features and the 335 horsepower version of the turbo 3.0 liter I6. With this upgrade, the Z4’s 0-60 mph time drops to 4.8 seconds and yields a 165 mph top speed. However it’s costly, the sDrive35is starts at $67,345. Though a high-performance M version of the Z has been gone for over a decade. Its spirit isn’t gone, BMW offers a “M Sport package” with all Z4 trim levels. This package includes an aerodynamic kit, a sport steering wheel, and other interior trim enhancements. The package may not increase performance but it does add some nice touches to an already beautiful car. BMW has been hush on many of the details of the upcoming Z5. What we do know is that the Z5 will be built on a new joint venture BMW and Toyota platform. In other words the BMW Z5 will share its platform and possibly other components with a newer version of the Toyota GT86. The exact same type of venture Subaru had with Toyota to develop a shared platform for the current Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota GT86. These are the type of joint ventures that make Sergio Marchionne giddy. In reality, it’s this type of pennywise but pound foolish thinking that leads to an eventually downgrading of a great brand name. Toyota is a fine brand, but its GT86 sells for a lot less than the Z4. This partnership will elevate Toyota’s sports car credentials, but will hurt BMW. Put another way it’s going to be a hard sell to convince even the most loyal BMW buyer to purchase a $50,000-$70,000 Z5 which is built on the same platform as a $30,000 GT86. Good luck BMW, you’re going to need it! There are many in BMW circles disappointed that BMW hasn’t made a big celebration of the passing of the Z4. It’s a flawed trait that most automakers possess, when a car no longer serves a purpose it’s thrown out to pasture without even an informal goodbye. Only after many years have passed after the departure, do automakers start recognizing a long gone model with nostalgia, and so do the collectors. Make no bones about it, this day will come for the Z4. It may be 25 years from now, maybe a little sooner or perhaps later, but the Z4 will eventually be recognized for what a great 2-seat touring car it is. When that day comes the collectors will start swooping them up in droves, driving the prices through the roof. If you like to own this future BMW classic now, you’re in luck, brand new examples are still on BMW dealer lots waiting for a good home. At least this is the case until the end of the year, by that time a majority of them will be gone. If you should decide to take the plunge, make sure you get a good discount. Most BMW buyers are focused on the upcoming Z5, so interest in the Z4 is at a low point. BMW dealers are very motivated to move them off their lots to make room for the new 2017 BMW models. If you purchase one the reward is not just the good deal you’ll get, but driving the last BMW Z car that was 100% BMW in DNA. Years down the road this will mean a lot to collectors. For Z4 buyers the purchase is an investment in the fun they will have over the next 25 years before Z4 nostalgia kicks into high gear. « European Exotic Sports Car Bucket List – 3 Vintage Exotics You Must Drive Before You Die FCA To Kill Hemi V8? »	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line589
__label__wiki	0.911181	0.911181	Michael Phelps arrested on DUI charges By Nick ZaccardiSep 30, 2014, 4:18 PM EDT Michael Phelps was arrested on DUI charges in Maryland early Tuesday morning. Phelps, a 22-time Olympic medalist, was pulled over after driving 84mph in a 45mph zone. He “appeared to be under the influence,” and was unable to perform standard field sobriety tests, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority. He was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speed and crossing double lane lines at about 1:40 a.m. In 2004, Phelps was sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading guilty to drunken driving shortly after the Athens Olympics. “We were surprised by today’s news,” U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun said in a statement. “We are disappointed on a number of fronts, but want to give Michael Phelps and USA Swimming an opportunity to comment before saying anything more.” “The news regarding Michael Phelps and his actions are disappointing and unquestionably serious,” USA Swimming said in a statement. “We expect our athletes to conduct themselves responsibly in and out of the pool.” Follow @nzaccardi	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line593
__label__wiki	0.507178	0.507178	HomeCRISPR (Gene Editing)First Human Embryos Edited in U.S. First Human Embryos Edited in U.S. July 27, 2017 CRISPR (Gene Editing), Medical Research, Science The first known attempt at creating genetically modified human embryos in the United States has been carried out by a team of researchers in Portland, Oregon, MIT Technology Review has learned. The effort, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University, involved changing the DNA of a large number of one-cell embryos with the gene-editing technique CRISPR, according to people familiar with the scientific results. Until now, American scientists have watched with a combination of awe, envy, and some alarm as scientists elsewhere were first to explore the controversial practice. To date, three previous reports of editing human embryos were all published by scientists in China. Now Mitalipov is believed to have broken new ground both in the number of embryos experimented upon and by demonstrating that it is possible to safely and efficiently correct defective genes that cause inherited diseases. Although none of the embryos were allowed to develop for more than a few days—and there was never any intention of implanting them into a womb—the experiments are a milestone on what may prove to be an inevitable journey toward the birth of the first genetically modified humans. In altering the DNA code of human embryos, the objective of scientists is to show that they can eradicate or correct genes that cause inherited disease, like the blood condition beta-thalassemia. The process is termed “germline engineering” because any genetically modified child would then pass the changes on to subsequent generations via their own germ cells—the egg and sperm. Some critics say germline experiments could open the floodgates to a brave new world of “designer babies” engineered with genetic enhancements—a prospect bitterly opposed by a range of religious organizations, civil society groups, and biotech companies. The U.S. intelligence community last year called CRISPR a potential “weapon of mass destruction.” By Steve Connor \| MIT Technology Review Image Credit: OHSU We are VRHealth, and we are about to change the face of healthcare Amazon has a secret health tech team called 1492 working on medical records, virtual doc visits Scientists turn bones transparent to let them see into marrow May 11, 2017 Medical Research, Orthopedics STAT – Now you see it, now you don’t: Scientists have used a chemical technique to make mouse bones turn transparent. The technique has been used in the past to make brains and kidneys see-through, but this marks the first time it’s been used in hard tissues. […] AMBER to develop 3D bioprinted implants for arthritic patients August 23, 2018 3D Printing, Arthritis, Depuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson, Medical Research, Orthopedics, Regenerative Medicine (3D Printing Industry) – The AMBER center, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is undertaking a project to develop 3D bioprinted implants for people suffering from osteoarthritis. […] CRISPR-SMART Cells Regenerate Cartilage, Secrete Anti-Arthritis Drug May 3, 2017 Arthritis, Biotechnology, CRISPR (Gene Editing), Genomics GEN – CRISPR technology has been used to rewire the genetic circuits of stem cells to produce an anti-inflammatory arthritis drug when the cells encounter inflammation. […]	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line594
__label__cc	0.605894	0.394106	Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies Oxford Research Encyclopedias International Studies Conflict Studies International Relations Theory Politics and Sexuality and Gender Qualitative Political Methodology Quantitative Political Methodology International Relations Theory (1) Keywords: media outlets x Entertainment Technologies Craig Hayden Entertainment technologies are not new, and neither is their relevance for international studies. As studies evidence, the impact of entertainment technologies is often visible at the intersection of “traditional” international relations concerns, such as national security, political economy, and the relation of citizens to the nation-state, and new modes of transnational identity and social action. Thus the study of entertainment technologies in the context of international studies is often interdisciplinary—both in method and in theoretical framework. Moreover, the production, regulation, and dissemination of these technologies have been at the center of controversies over the flow of news and cultural products since the dawn of popular communication in the nineteenth century. These entertainment technologies include video games, virtual worlds and online role-playing games, recreational social networking technologies, and, to a lesser degree, traditional mass communication outlets. In addition, there are two primary emphases in the scholarly treatment of entertainment technologies. At the level of audience consumption and participation, media outlets considered as entertainment technologies can be discussed as means for acquiring information and cultivating attitudes, and as a “space” for interaction. At the more “macro” level of social relations and production, representation can work to reinforce modes of belonging, identity, and attitudes. Printed from Oxford Research Encyclopedias, International Studies. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a single article for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice).	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line598
__label__cc	0.586384	0.413616	American Royal Building American Royal Ruins Photograph of the ruins of the American Royal building which was destroyed in a fire in February 1925. West Bottoms Near American Royal Circa 1930 photograph with slide description, "Looking W. over S. end of W. Bottoms, 23rd St. Viaduct, American Royal, sheep & mule barns: K. C., Mo." This vantage point faces west from the western end of Reservoir Place (presently 20th Terrace) and shows Terrace Place (foreground), Allen Avenue (center), and 23rd Street Viaduct (background). American Royal Building, Kansas City, Mo. Postcard showing the American Royal Building, located just to the north of the intersection of Wyoming Street and the 23rd Street Viaduct (now 23rd Street Trafficway) in the West Bottoms of Kansas City, Missouri. The defunct Wyoming Street is shown in the foreground with the viaduct elevated to the left. This vantage point faces northwest towards downtown Kansas City, Kansas in the background. The back of the postcard includes a short letter to Mrs. J. Leeper of Ottawa, Kansas. American Royal Livestock Pavilion American Royal Livestock Pavilion, reconstructed in 1925. This vantage point faces northwest with the 23rd Street Viaduct on the left.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line601
__label__cc	0.587622	0.412378	Kansas City Philharmonic Ruth Seufert Formerly Missouri Valley Special Collections Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, Ruth associated with the leading figures of Kansas City’s musical community. Ruth’s involvement with the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra was a family affair: while her husband played cello for the orchestra, she sold subscriptions to its concerts. Ruth Seufert’s sales talent and commitment to the Philharmonic eventually earned her an appointment as the organization’s business manager. Jason Roe Kansas City Public Library Isaac "Ike" Katz, who would go on to found the Katz Drug Co. in Kansas City and become a pioneer in the modern pharmacy business, was born in the town of Husiatin in western Ukraine (then a part of Russia) on March 8, 1879. Ike Katz brought customers into his drug stores with a unique business model, where customers could fill prescriptions, shop for groceries, buy appliances, and even purchase exotic pets such as monkeys or baby alligators; all at cut-rate prices. At its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, the company boasted 65 retail locations spread across seven states.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line602
__label__wiki	0.964142	0.964142	Major, Hermon S. Treatment Room, Major Clinic Photograph of a treatment room at Major Clinic. The clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major, was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. Reception Room, Major Clinic Photograph of the reception room at Major Clinic. The clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major, was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. The Major Clinic Exterior photograph of the Major Clinic at 31st and Euclid as seen from Euclid Avenue looking west. The clinic was owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major and was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. Office of Medical Director, Major Clinic Photograph of the office of the medical director at Major Clinic. The clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major, was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. Exterior photograph of the Major Clinic at 31st and Euclid. The clinic was owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major and was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. Patients' and Employees' Dining Room Photograph of the patients' and employees' dining room at Major Clinic. The clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major, was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. Female Mental Department, Reception Hall, Major Clinic Photograph of the reception room of the female mental department at Major Clinic. The clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major, was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. Patients' Rooms with Twin Beds, Men's Department, Major Clinic Photograph of a patients room with twin beds in the men's department at Major Clinic. The clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major, was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. Patients' Room, Ladies' Department, Major Clinic Photograph of a patient room in the ladies department at Major Clinic. The clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Hermon S. Major, was a private facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholism. The History of Hermon Samuel Major, M.D. Biography of Hermon Samuel Major, M.D., including a family history, description of Dr. Major's early life, and his entrance into the Scarritt Collegiate Institute in Neosho, Missouri, where Will Rogers was a classmate. Major later boarded with Senator and Mrs. Thomas Benton, and began attending University Medical College in September, 1900. In 1912 he was appointed clinical director of State Hospital No.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line603
__label__cc	0.738094	0.261906	Tag Archives: William Ivan Edwards Service Leaflet for the Third Sunday in Advent at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for the Fourth Sunday in Advent at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for the All Saints’ Day at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Trinity at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for the First Sunday in Advent at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for the Sunday next before Advent at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for the Second Sunday in Advent at St. George’s Church, West End (1964) Service Leaflet for Pentecost at St. George’s Church, West End (1964)	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line607
__label__wiki	0.578225	0.578225	The Executive Order on Travel: Case Study on the Concurrence Process By John Pearson The Executive Order (EO) on travel restrictions, issued by the White House on January 27, 2017, immediately caused confusion at airports worldwide and a significant backlash. The order suspended travel for 90 days for most persons from seven designated countries, suspended refugee admissions for 120 days, indefinitely banned Syrian refugees and made other immigration policy changes. Initial court challenges to the EO were successful and implementation of the order was completely suspended pending a revised EO and possibly further court challenges. As of this writing (March 5, 2016), the White House had not issued a revised EO. General Kelly, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, testified before Congress on February 7, 2017, that his thinking was to get the EO out quickly to minimize any time terrorists would have to take advantage of more relaxed standards. In retrospect, he states he should have delayed the EO “just a bit” to brief Members of Congress. See minute 36 of his testimony to Congress. Kelly doesn’t suggest he or the White House should have obtained additional concurrences within the executive branch prior to release of the EO. He concedes they made three adjustments to the original order within the first two days. Also, the White House Counsel to the President issued guidance on February 1, 2017, that made clear the EO did not apply to “lawful permanent residents of the United States.” Many commentators have suggested the EO should have had more executive branch concurrences before being released. I would submit that concurrences and delegations of authority are critical ongoing issues for all government organizations at all levels. Failure to consider all viewpoints is a common criticism of government decisionmaking. On the other hand, slowness of decisionmaking is also a common criticism. For each decision, there is an optimal number of concurrences, from one signature to many, based on the value added by each concurrence. It’s hard to know what the optimal level is, but I believe decision makers do attempt to move in an optimal direction. From my observation, organizations are continually adjusting the concurrences for various decisions—sometimes adding more concurrences and sometimes subtracting concurrences—trying to achieve optimality. Concurrence from the legal staff is critical if a decision is subject to court challenge as in this case. Dealing with the lawyers can be painful. Their advice is usually to be cautious. They want to frame the policy so it will not be challenged successfully in the courts. The program staff, on the other hand, may wish to “push the envelope” and see how far they can go. Concurrence from relevant program experts is critical. In this case, major policy issues were apparently ignored in the initial EO. Why did the EO suspend travel from Iraq, an ally whom the U.S. is helping militarily? Why are workers and students who have been approved to be in the U.S. for years suddenly having their travel challenged? Why did 97 hi-tech companies feel it necessary to challenge the EO on the grounds it would inflict substantial harm on them? Uber CEO Travis Kalanick was quoted as saying: “The executive order is hurting many people in communities all across America… Families are being separated, people are stranded overseas and there’s a growing fear the U.S. is no longer a place that welcomes immigrants.” The knowledge and ability of individual decision makers partly determines the level of concurrence needed. A well-informed decision maker may be able to make decisions without a huge about of consultation and concurrence. A poorly informed decision maker is well advised to seek out subordinate comments and concurrences. A decision maker isn’t necessarily the best judge of how many concurrences he or she should seek. It is critical for decision makers to have the best judgment of their staff members or even other agencies, as appropriate. The concurrence process can bring painful differences of opinion to light. All parties need to be on their best behavior — stating their views honestly but avoiding personal attacks on people who disagree with them. If management suppresses dissent in the concurrence process to make the decision appear to have unanimous support, the resulting decision may not be optimal. It may be unsettling for a decision maker to realize the facts surrounding a decision are uncertain and that the decision affects multiple conflicting values — but welcome to public administration! It’s better for decision makers to have a fuller understanding of the issues than to have a paper trail reflecting everyone agrees with the decision when that is not the case. A document like the travel EO is really many separate decisions. Most of the paragraphs within this document are actually separate immigration policy decisions, each with its own factual and value issues. Having a good concurrence process doesn’t guarantee satisfactory results. The individuals in the concurrence process simply may not understand all aspects of the problem or they may be overwhelmed with the number of decisions to make. Whatever decisions are chosen may cause a significant backlash from people who perceive they are harmed. Administrators should look to optimize their concurrence process as best they can. Author: John Pearson recently retired from a lengthy career in the federal government where he was a program analyst. He has an MPA and a bachelor’s degree in economics. He now writes columns reflecting on his experience in government. His email is [email protected]. What nickname was given to Abraham Lincoln in reference to his well-known truthfulness? Please capitalize the first letter of each word of the answer. (Required)	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line612
__label__wiki	0.611304	0.611304	Pop Tug 240 Mph Tornado Blows Down Million-Dollar Homes, Leaves Trailer Park Intact by pop tug A tornado ripped through a town of 5,000 people and blew down everything in its path except the trailer park, which stood up to the twister’s 240 mph winds. The nearby million-dollar homes and businesses were blown to splinters. Miraculously, nobody was killed in the storm, which demolished 27 brick- and wood-frame homes and laid waste to 11 modern buildings in the city’s business district. The twister lasted just four minutes as it swept through Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa and the surrounding countryside. But when all was said and done, the Summer Breeze Motor Court was still standing, the only damage being a single broken window in the community’s clubhouse – the victim of a heavy, chrome-plated espresso maker blown in from an upscale neighborhood that was laid to waste a few miles away. “For once in my life I’m glad I’m trailer trash,” Innes Gerve, who’s called his 12-by-60 single-wide home for 17 years, told me in an interview. “Everyone in town used to look down on us and call us names like ‘garbage’ and ‘peon’. Now they’re living in cars and tents and wishing they had a trailer too. “It feels real good to be better off than other people,” he added. “Now I know what it’s like to be one of the haves instead of the have-nots.” The bizarre and terrifying drama unfolded in the wake of a powerful thunderstorm that created atmospheric conditions under which tornadoes, or cyclones as they are called south of the equator, are at high risk of forming. “I heard the warning on my radio,” police detective Roger Helstorer told me. “And a few minutes later, the worst happened. A black funnel cloud formed in the sky just west of town. “It got bigger and blacker and longer until it finally touched the ground,” he said. “I could see lawn chairs and barbecue grills and even what looked like a kid and his dog being sucked into the air like toy balloons. I drove straight for the trailer park thinking the worst. As it turned out that was the safest place to be. Everybody was dancing around and high-fiving each other and shooting guns in the air. For once in their lives they’d gotten the long end of the stick instead of the short end They couldn’t have been happier that all the misery was, or so it seemed to them, a million miles away – on the ritzy side of town.” Advisory: Derek Clontz’s Wild World of News is parody and should be read and evaluated as such. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Character Voiceovers in ‘Man of Steel’ Trailer: The Devolving of Professional Movie Trailer Narration Is a Strong Dollar or Weak Dollar Better for Americans Amtrak Claims a $834 Million Dollar, Ten Year Food and Beverage Loss Philadelphia Phillies' $35 Million Dollar Question to Be Answered? The Tony Award Winning “Million Dollar Quartet” is Coming to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts November… Happy 75th Birthday to My Six Million Dollar Mom Previous Post: « Office Apparel and Attire – Flashy or Sober? Next Post: To Supplement or Not to Supplement: The Herbal Menopause Controversy » © 2021 Pop Tug · Contact · Privacy	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line616
__label__wiki	0.609988	0.609988	Community Health Elective The community health elective provides a conceptual framework and introduction to specific methodologies for health professionals to engage with community members to effectively address the medical, social and structural determinants of health. It builds relationships across the university and into the community, while introducing approaches to community engaged scholarship, including population health management, asset based community development, community based participatory research, community oriented primary care, service learning, advocacy and policy narrative. Designed for medical students interested in the Scholarship and Discovery Community Health Track and interested others, we: Explore the role of social, societal and global environmental factors in producing health Learn how doctors and other professionals can be part of this process Understand community health issues on the South Side of Chicago,with special attention to the priority topics defined through the UCM's community health needs assessment: violence, sexual health, asthma, obesity, diabetes, cancer and access to care. Meet academic leaders and community leaders who work together to understand, address, and advocate for healthy solutions Explore our own roles in building healthier communities--on the South Side, in America, and the world. Coursework consists of weekly readings, reflections, class attendance, and community outreach. We explore the role of universities in partnering with communities, with weekly panels including speakers from the medical center, university and community addressing priority health issues.There are visits to community organizations. Attendance is required at a Community Grand Rounds, and optional at the Urban Health Initiative Summit. We learn about and practice the different forms of community engaged scholarship with all students conducting and presenting an independent or group community health service-learning project, preparation for community engaged research, or a policy/advocacy paper.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line619
__label__wiki	0.778399	0.778399	Department of Energy Assessment of Electricity Disruption Incident Response Capabilities Electricity is critical to every aspect of modern life. The United States’ national security, economy, and public health and safety rely on the North American electric grid every second of the day. These, and many other functions powered by the grid have likely experienced local outages caused by weather, accidents, or sometimes from tree branches falling on power lines. Larger power outages, however, are infrequent occurrences, due in part to an array of organizations that work tirelessly to ensure the grid remains reliable, resilient, and secure. Nonetheless, it is neither practical nor possible to prevent all disruptive events. Grid owners and operators balance risk, investment, and cost to customers when making investments in their systems. Idaho National Laboratory Cyber Threat and Vulnerability Analysis of the U.S. Electric Sector With utilities in the U.S. and around the world increasingly moving toward smart grid technology and other upgrades with inherent cyber vulnerabilities, correlative threats from malicious cyber attacks on the North American electric grid continue to grow in frequency and sophistication. The potential for malicious actors to access and adversely affect physical electricity assets of U.S. electricity generation, transmission, or distribution systems via cyber means is a primary concern for utilities contributing to the bulk electric system. This paper seeks to illustrate the current cyber-physical landscape of the U.S. electric sector in the context of its vulnerabilities to cyber attacks, the likelihood of cyber attacks, and the impacts cyber events and threat actors can achieve on the power grid. In addition, this paper highlights utility perspectives, perceived challenges, and requests for assistance in addressing cyber threats to the electric sector. Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory Plutonium Disposition Red Team Report The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) calls for the United States and Russia to each dispose of 34 metric tons (MT) of excess weapon-grade plutonium by irradiating it as mixed oxide fuel (MOX), or by any other method that may be agreed by the Parties in writing. The MOX disposition pathway is a realization of the spent fuel standard (SFS) as envisaged in the 1994 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) review that recognized the value of physical, chemical, and radiological barriers to future use of the material in nuclear weapons whether by state or non-state actors. The decision to pursue the MOX pathway using light water reactors in combination with immobilization using a can-in-canister approach was adopted by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) after review of 37 different pathways for disposition in 1997. Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of the Treasury, Office of the Director of National Intelligence DHS Privacy and Civil Liberties Assessment Report on Executive Order 13636 Section 5 of Executive Order 13636 (Executive Order) requires the DHS Chief Privacy Officer and Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to assess the privacy and civil liberties impacts of the activities the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, or Department) undertakes pursuant to the Executive Order and to provide those assessments, together with recommendations for mitigating identified privacy risks, in an annual public report. In addition, the DHS Privacy Office and the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) are charged with coordinating and compiling the Privacy and Civil Liberties assessments conducted by Privacy and Civil Liberties officials from other Executive Branch departments and agencies with reporting responsibilities under the Executive Order. Sandia National Laboratories Mobile Biometric Device Technology Study Mobile biometric devices (MBDs) capable of both enrolling individuals in databases and performing identification checks of subjects in the field are seen as an important capability for military, law enforcement, and homeland security operations. The technology is advancing rapidly. The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate through an Interagency Agreement with Sandia sponsored a series of pilot projects to obtain information for the first responder law enforcement community on further identification of requirements for mobile biometric device technology. Working with 62 different jurisdictions, including components of the Department of Homeland Security, Sandia delivered a series of reports on user operation of state-of-the-art mobile biometric devices. These reports included feedback information on MBD usage in both operational and exercise scenarios. The findings and conclusions of the project address both the limitations and possibilities of MBD technology to improve operations. Evidence of these possibilities can be found in the adoption of this technology by many agencies today and the cooperation of several law enforcement agencies in both participating in the pilot efforts and sharing of information about their own experiences in efforts undertaken separately. Sandia National Laboratories/Department of Energy Sensitive Country List A sensitive country is one to which particular attention is given during the review and approval process for Foreign Visits & Assignments. Countries may be designated as sensitive for reasons of national security, nuclear nonproliferation, regional instability, threat to national economic security, or terrorism support. A foreign national is considered to be from a sensitive country if he/she is a citizen of a sensitive country or is employed by the government of an institution of a sensitive country. Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security (U//FOUO) DHS “Red Cell” Report: How Terrorists Might Use a Dirty Bomb An independent, unclassified analytic Red Cell session, sponsored jointly by the U.S. Departments of Energy and Homeland Security, found a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) attack on the U.S. homeland to be highly appealing from a terrorist standpoint. The Red Cell group, which simulated two different terrorist cells, believed an RDD attack would be relatively easy to prepare and mount and could have wide-ranging physical, psychological, political, and economic impacts. The group believed radioactive materials would be easy to procure, especially from abroad, and found a variety of potential targets across the country. Participants expected that public distrust of official guidance would heighten fear and panic. U.S. Department of Energy Highly Enriched Uranium Production Historical Report In February 1996, the Department of Energy (DOE) commissioned a comprehensive effort to document and declassify the United States inventory and other information needed to present a complete picture of the production, acquisition, and utilization of highly enriched uranium (HEU). Highly Enriched Uranium: Striking A Balance presents the results of that study. The effort was commissioned to facilitate discussions of HEU storage, safety, and security with stakeholders, to encourage other nations to declassify and release similar data, and to support the national policy on transparency of nuclear materials. This information will also be available for formulating policies involving the identification and disposition of surplus nuclear materials. (U//FOUO) DoE-DHS Energy Sector Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan In its role as Energy SSA, DOE has worked closely with dozens of government and industry security partners to prepare this 2007 Energy SSP. Much of that work was conducted through the Sector Coordinating Councils (SCC) for electricity and for oil and natural gas, as well as through the Energy Government Coordinating Council (GCC). The electricity SCC represents more than 95 percent of the electric industry and the oil and natural gas SCC represents more than 98 percent of its industry. The GCC, co—chaired by DHS and DOE, represents all levels of government—Federal, State, local, and tribal-that are concerned with the Energy Sector.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line622
__label__wiki	0.672357	0.672357	Biodiscrimination of alpha-tocopherol stereoisomers in humans after oral administration Am J Clin Nutr. 1997 Mar;65(3):785-9. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/65.3.785. C Kiyose 1 , R Muramatsu, Y Kameyama, T Ueda, O Igarashi 1 Institute of Environmental Science for Human Life, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan. ckiyose@cc.ocha.ac.jp DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/65.3.785 We investigated changes in the concentrations of the stereoisomers of alpha-tocopherol in serum and lipoproteins in seven normal, healthy women aged 21-37 y who had received oral administration of natural and synthetic alpha-tocopheryl acetate. This study was conducted in three separate periods of 28 d each; there was a 3-mo washout period between each experimental period. During the first period the subjects were administered a daily dose of 100 mg RRR-alpha-tocopherol/d, whereas in the second and third periods 100 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/d and 300 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/d were given, respectively. Blood samples were collected 3 d before each treatment and 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 d after treatment. alpha-Tocopherol stereoisomer concentrations in serum and lipoproteins (very-low-, low-, and high-density lipoproteins) were determined by the chiral HPLC method. The bioavailability of RRR-alpha-tocopherol was greater than that of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. When bioavailability was estimated from the increase in the concentration of RRR- or all-rac-alpha-tocopherol in serum, bioavailability of RRR-alpha-tocopherol administered at 100 mg/d was not different from that of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate administered at 300 mg/d. 2R-Isomers and small amounts of 2S-isomers were detected in the serum lipoproteins of subjects administered all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Administration, Oral Biological Availability Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid Lipoproteins / blood Vitamin E / administration & dosage* Vitamin E / blood Vitamin E / pharmacokinetics*	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line623
__label__cc	0.740503	0.259497	Urgent Concern for the Safety of Land and Human Rights Defenders Home/News/Urgent Concern for the Safety of Land and Human Rights Defenders Civil Society Organzation from various regions in Indonesia and International sent a letter to the chief of Indonesian National Police, Indonesian Presidential Staff Office, Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission, National Human Rights Commission Indonesia, United Nations Human Rights Council, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, United Nations Development Program, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Bank Negara Indonesia, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Jakarta, Siemens Gamesa, Forest Stewardship Council, Sumitomo Forestry, Oji Group, Citigroup, Mirae Asset Financial Group, Credit Agricole, BlackRock, Korindo Group, POSCO International. The letter contains urgent concern for the safety of land and human rights defenders impacted by the Korindo Group and POSCO International, Indonesia. “To all concerned. We write with an urgent appeal for your immediate attention and diligence in preventing further human rights abuses associated with the operations of the Korindo Group and POSCO International”, written in the letter. To the Korindo Group and POSCO International: we demand respect for the human rights of all communities impacted To all public bodies with oversight or enforcement responsibilities for protecting human rights: to proactively intervene in the situation by warning Korindo, POSCO and local security services that complete restraint must be shown and that any rights violations or other retaliation measures against communities or activists will not be tolerated, and to fully investigate any allegations of land or human rights abuses. The complete contents of the letter can be seen here: CSO Letters – Urgent Concern for the Safety of Land and Human Rights Defenders – 03 Juli 2020 Ank, July 2020 Select Category English Post (13) News (12) Press release: Stop Food Estate Plans in Papua Actualizing Peoples Food Sovereignty and Security EU Due Diligence Policy Must Cover Human Rights Press Statement Pusaka Bentala Rakyat Foundation: Protect Human Rights Defenders December 9th, 2020\|0 Comments The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations asked the UN CERD to urge Indonesia to Repeal the Omnibus Law on Job Creation October 21st, 2020\|0 Comments About Pusaka PUSAKA is a civil society organization that focuses on researching and advocating for policies, promoting and defending the rights of indigenous peoples and poor communities, empowering community capacity and critical education, participatory mapping, advocating campaigns for the protection of community rights, justice and environmental sustainability.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line624
__label__wiki	0.578077	0.578077	We Are Not the Sum Total of Our Parts Angelina Jolie is no less a woman without her natural breasts than the Boston victims are less than human without their legs. Ford Vox (PHOTO: GWOLTERS/SHUTTERSTOCK) America is obsessed with beauty and perfection. Most Americans emerge into adulthood only after surviving a childhood packed full of skin-deep assumptions about one another. Once we’re adults, many of us seek to find situations in life that allow us to keep these shallow attitudes at bay. But this “normal” life is not an option for the American actor. While the cool kids and the nerds join up and work together (and see tables turned) in most workplaces and communities, the national popular culture we share is often as immature as our sixth-grade selves. Like many American stars, Angelina Jolie’s beautiful body was critical to her career. When choosing a star for the film version of a video game beloved by teen boys for featuring a comically endowed female, Tomb Raider, it’s no wonder producers settled on Jolie. Esquire, which named Jolie the “Sexiest Woman Alive” in 2004, has described Jolie’s figure as iconic for its “voluptuousness.” Her profile is second only to her easily recognized lips which “glisten like wet roads in a car commercial,” according to the men’s magazine. When Jolie encourages women at risk for breast cancer to get genetically tested, she’s no Suzanne Somers eschewing water fluoridation and chemotherapy. Looks alone won’t transform any actress into a star of Jolie’s caliber, but for most female actresses in particular, looks are an entry-level requirement. If an actress succeeds, her looks become part of her brand. That’s why Jolie’s decision to announce to the world that she has surgically removed and reconstructed her breast tissue is such a big evolutionary moment in our perfection-obsessed American culture. Angelina Jolie has long been her own woman, to the consternation of critics who fret about her bountiful adoptions and the proper place of celebrity humanitarians. She values family first, which is an American virtue as much as our demands for physical perfection are an American vice. In her New York Times op-ed Jolie explains that her children “know that I love them and will do anything to be with them as long as I can.” No one can argue with her reasons, and, perhaps surprisingly for a medical appeal from a famous American, there’s little for doctors like me to question either. When Jolie encourages women at risk for breast cancer to get genetically tested, she’s no Suzanne Somers eschewing water fluoridation and chemotherapy. Preventive mastectomy is based on real science that works with success rates higher than many standard treatments. Jolie’s op-ed is commendable in its accuracy and its notable lack of a one-size-fits all prescription. While she’s allowing the Pink Lotus Breast Center to post more details of her case and treatment on its website, she encourages women to seek out their own best treatment options in consultation with their doctors. Jolie accurately portrays the highly elevated risk of breast cancer faced by women with a family history like hers and genetic testing positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. It’s important the conversation stay focused on those well-understood mutations, however, as preventive mastectomy is sometimes chosen by women who’ve markedly misunderstood their risk of developing cancer. This phenomenon was demonstrated in a 2002 Canadian study that showed women who had undergone the procedure and didn’t carry those genes had greatly overestimated their risk, even if close relatives had breast cancer. It’s vitally important all women considering such a radical procedure undergo professional genetic counseling. Jolie’s choice is profound, of course, because it is so serious, and so well and bravely played against the background of our shallow celebrity culture. That she had a choice is wonderful, no matter how painful. I moved from Boston last summer, before one of its worst winters in recent history and a worse spring. I am not there helping to rehabilitate the amputee victims of the marathon bombings, but I now work with people who’ve lost body parts, damaged organs, and suffered disfigurement at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta every day. We are not the sum total of our parts. Jolie is no less a woman without her natural breasts than the Boston victims are less than human without their legs. The story of Angelina Jolie’s medical choice, based on science, love, and hope—values not strongly associated with Hollywood, is now part of the dialogue of American popular culture. I think we will all be better for that. So many of us need to stop staring and grow up. Breast CancerAngelina JolieThe New York TimesBoston bombingsDoctors	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line626
__label__wiki	0.659168	0.659168	The $1,000 Genome Project and New DNA Sequencing Technologies An NIH View Jeffery A. Schloss The first human genome sequenced was completed in 2003. Rather than completing a picture of human genetics, it spurred a desire to understand sequence variations in the human genome and their effects on health and disease. Although the cost of DNA sequencing was reduced more than 1,000 fold during the 13 year course of the human genome project, it was still much too high to sequence the thousands of human genomes necessary to begin understanding complex relationships between DNA sequence variation and health and disease. The high cost of the existing methods led some innovators – in government, academia and industry – to begin thinking about and developing new and much more powerful sequencing technology. To spur the development of these methods, NIH through NHGRI in 2004 launched an innovative program with the goals of reducing sequencing costs 100 fold in five years and ultimately 10,000 fold. This would allow sequencing of complete human genomes for less than $1,000, make it possible to study rare variations and put within reach the use of whole genome sequencing as a practical tool of individualized medical care. Five years later, as a result of intensive research and development stimulated by NIH’s modest investment in this program and substantial investments by several companies, the initial goal of driving costs below $100,000 was achieved. Sequencing a human genome, which in 2003 required 100 machines operating continuously for three months, could be done in 2008 on one machine in a month. And the community of academia, government and private institutions that achieved the initial goal is now on a path to bringing the cost down to less than $1,000 per genome – the ultimate goal of the program. Already, the cost of sequencing a human genome commercially is well below $10,000, and a new generation of sequencing technologies is entering the market that will further reduce costs. This presentation will summarize the technologies that are used for high-throughput sequencing today, the staggering amounts of DNA sequence information they are providing, the novel biological insights scientists are obtaining from the data and the real clinical impact that DNA sequencing is having even now. Emerging and horizon technologies will be discussed that promise to provide DNA sequence information with the quality, rapidity, and cost required for optimal applications in research and medicine. And the presentation will highlight the key roles of all of the sectors in bringing these dramatic improvements about, particularly focusing on the role the NIH program plays in the functioning ecosystem of research, development and commerce that puts products in the marketplace and changes how we think about human health. JEFFERY A. SCHLOSS is Program Director at the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health. He earned a B.A. Biology, cum laude at Case Western Reserve University and a Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University. He did postdoctoral work at Yale University and was Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky. He currently manages the grants program in DNA technology development at NIH, including the “$1,000 genome” program. He also coordinates the Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science; leads the technology development component of the NIH Common Fund Human Microbiome Project; and serves as co-chair of the NIH Nanomedicine Common Fund Initiative. He was previously NIH representative to the National Nanotechnology Initiative; served as chair of the NIH Bioengineering Consortium and co-chair of the Trans-NIH Nano Task Force. He was a finalist for the Service to America Medal in Science and Technology (2009), 6 NIH Director’s Awards; and 10 NHGRI merit awards. President Robin Taylor called the 2,288th meeting to order at 8:21 pm September 23, 2011 in the Powell Auditorium of the Cosmos Club. Ms. Taylor announced the order of business and introduced six new members of the Society. The minutes of the 2,287th meeting were read and approved. Ms. Taylor then introduced the speaker of the evening, Mr. Jeffery A. Schloss of the National Institutes of Health. Mr. Schloss, who is Program Director at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), spoke on "The $1,000 Genome Project and New DNA Sequencing Technologies." Mr. Schloss began by describing the strategic research transition that occurred as the sequencing of the human genome neared completion in 2003. The Human Genome Project was a technologically and conceptually bold plan using multiple donors to create a mosaic sequence, but the ability to sequence full individual human genomes and also the genomes of many other organisms was not easily in reach. By sequencing individuals, especially those with diseases or genetic variations, we could better understand the possible genetic contributions to their conditions. A full sequence for many other species would enable comparative genomics to provide us further insight into the structure and function of the human genome. Mr. Schloss explained that early DNA sequencing technologies required that a genome, about three billion base pairs for humans, be shattered into many smaller fragments of DNA before processing. Each fragment was cloned in bacteria to make many identical copies, then isolated and biochemically processed to create a set of nested fragments of varying lengths. These fragments were separated by size using electrophoresis and the fragments that ended with each of the four nucleotide bases were labeled separately. This allowed you to "read off" the DNA sequence manually, he said. Starting in the 1980s, fragments were labeled with fluorescent dyes that glowed under a scanning laser, allowing an optical sensor and attached computer to read off the sequence even faster. This enabled a robotic workflow where every fragment would be cloned in bacteria, moved to reaction plates where robots would set up the biochemical reactions, and then automatically loaded into a sequencing machine. This factory-inspired cycle was used for much of the Human Genome Project, with academic labs processing ten to twelve of these cycles per sequencing machine, per day. Mr. Schloss emphasized that the cost per finished base of DNA was carefully tracked throughout the project, with a total cost of approximately $650 million to sequence the entire human genome. Due to technology and automation development during the project, if the genome were resequenced immediately upon completion in 2003 it would only cost $50 million, a reduction of the cost per base by a factor of one hundred over ten years. The NHGRI published a strategic plan in 2003 that laid out the anticipated relation of genomics to biology, health, and society. For related technology developments, they listed "quantum leaps" that "seem so far off as to be fictional but . . . which would revolutionize biomedical research and clinical practice," which included sequencing a mammalian genome at high quality for less than $1000 by 2014. This further cost reduction factor of ten thousand would be enabled by funding many new technology approaches, both conservative and speculative. Mr. Schloss explained that an important early innovation replaced the robotic processing of fragments in many individual test tubes with a new system that captured the same information from hundreds of millions of DNA molecules in a single test tube. By modifying the DNA fragment ends with known sequences and capturing those ends on beads in a water and oil solution, each droplet became its own reaction tube. To sequence by synthesis, DNA polymerase is allowed to incorporate one correct fluorescent nucleotide modified with a blocking group. After this fluorescence is recorded for each droplet, the fluorescent dye and blocking group are removed and the cycle repeats, achieving very high throughput. A series of commercial sequencing machines were produced beginning in 2005, many of which received support from NHGRI. This program support explicitly encourages both collaboration and competition. Specifically, sequencing throughput has steadily increased to the point that many labs cannot handle the amount of data produced, leading to new computer storage and processing capacity bottlenecks. To resequence one human genome in 2003 would take one hundred machines approximately three months but today it would take only one machine about one week for $10,000. Mr. Schloss stated that sequencing technology is both pushed to develop but also rapidly pulled into new applications. The ability to digitally sample very large numbers of molecules allows new biological insights, such as examining the variations between individuals, human DNA variation based on geographic origin, reading methylation status directly from the genome, finding rare RNA that would be difficult to observe with analog methods, studying the human microbiome, and comparing tumor/normal pairs from individuals with cancer. Mr. Schloss reported on several new sequencing technologies in development, such as a flow cell chip containing millions of pH meters that measures the release of Hydrogen ions as each base is added during sequencing by synthesis. This method doesn't yet provide competitive throughput or read lengths, but the instrument costs ten times less than leading existing machines. Another approach involves watching individual DNA polymerase molecules in real time as they synthesize a new DNA molecule. A zero mode waveguide and light source are used to create an energy field that only excites the fluorescent nucleotide at the polymerase molecule's active site. This method may be able to determine many kinds of methylation, making it a very powerful tool. The technology that may have the most dramatic impact on cost is nanopore sequencing. A small protein channel is made in a membrane and a single DNA molecule is threaded through it. The passing nucleotide's disruption of the channel's ion transport allows measurements that can distinguish bases. This would allow fast, digital, non-destructive, direct sequencing without conversion or amplification, as well as very long read lengths. Current implementations have distinguished between nucleotides both in solution and in a DNA strand, observed a specific methylation, and controlled the speed of the strand to maximize signal to noise ratio, all the critical functionality needed for sequencing. Mr. Schloss hopes to see a laboratory demonstration of nanopore sequencing within the next year and anticipates that a one thousand nanopore array should be able to sequence a human genome in less than a day, potentially using a portable, handheld device. Mr. Schloss emphasized that the NHGRI is committed to supporting technological development through research investment decisions, internal peer review, and an advisory structure that are all supportive of funding more speculative projects than other large organizations might. This chain of discovery, development, and investment paired with a growing research market has led to many publications on applying whole genome sequencing to clinical situations such as understanding the molecular flaw in disease of a newborn and selecting a personally optimized cancer therapy. The institute's new strategic plan is focused on improving healthcare effectiveness by moving technology rapidly towards the clinic. He explained that a milestone of sequencing a patient genome in thirty minutes for $50 at a quality sufficient for individual medical decisions could enable exciting new applications such as pharmacogenomics, checking therapeutic drugs against enzymes coded in your genome for potentially ineffective or adverse reactions. With that, he closed his talk and Ms. Taylor invited questions. In response to a question regarding the potential dark side of new sequencing capabilities, Mr. Schloss agreed that, like any new technology, concerns accompany the potential benefits. Particularly, he noted that genetic discrimination will be a significant issue and stated the need for updated anti-discrimination legislation. Someone wondered how noncoding DNA is handled during sequencing. Mr. Schloss explained that some techniques only sequence the coding regions because they're much easier to interpret. New sequencing tools allow closer examination outside coding regions, which may provide insight into complex genetic diseases. One person was curious about gene therapy. Mr. Schloss clarified that gene therapy can be used to correct structural defects in a protein rather than simply correcting its regulation, but noted there are still many challenges to performing gene therapy. A final question concerned the comparative quality and correlation of the different sequencing machines. Mr. Schloss offered the analogy that sequencing technology genome coverage is a Venn diagram with a large degree of shared, trustworthy agreement. Areas of less rigorous agreement can still be validated with specific, laborious biochemical tests. After the question and answer period, Ms. Taylor thanked the speaker, made the usual housekeeping announcements, and invited guests to apply for membership. At 9:57 pm, she adjourned the 2,288th meeting to the social hour. The weather: Cloudy Justin Stimatze, A Billion Times Brighter Engineering the World’s Tallest Building	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line628
__label__cc	0.665265	0.334735	News Analysis: Is Green IT Falling Short? By Stephen Swoyer Green IT. Everyone wants it or is paying lip service about wanting it. Three of the biggest computing OEMs, for example -- Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP), IBM Corp., and Sun Microsystems Inc. -- have made noise about the greening of their respective server platforms, with Big Blue even ponying up $1 billion to emphasize its eco-credibility. These days, HP, IBM, Sun, and other vendors push server, storage, and networking products that are denser, cooler, and require less power (relative to their information-processing capabilities) than systems they marketed just three years ago. No vendor can afford to rest on its laurels, according to veteran industry watcher Wayne Kernochan, a senior IT advisor with consultancy Illuminata, who says most of today's Green IT offerings suffer from a crippling shortcoming: they aren't green enough. The issue, he notes, is that much of what the big hardware OEMs are doing is beside the point. "It isn't because what they are doing isn't striking. Announcements from the likes of AMD, EMC, HP, IBM, Intel, and Sun about the potential for 50 percent, 60 percent, and even 90 percent reductions in the energy expended by various systems and data centers, even while computing power is increasing, certainly indicate that improvements in computer technology's ability to reduce energy output may be moving even faster than Moore's Law right now," Kernochan concedes. "But the real requirements for reductions in energy output and carbon footprint to combat global warming -- the main focus of green computing initiatives -- are tougher still." Kernochan points out that while computing designs have definitely become more efficient, they're also denser and more powerful. One upshot is that while today's quad-core processors might be significantly more efficient than their single-core predecessors, they also require significantly more power. In other words, while the individual cores of a quad-core chip might be drastically more efficient than a single-core design, the quad-core chip in toto requires substantially more power. "We have been proceeding as if today's market-driven improvements in energy efficiency are enough, even though their result is still increasing total energy emissions," he continues. "Thus, an effective requirement is reducing total global energy emissions every year, eventually reaching a 'steady state' with minimal additional effects on the environment. This, in turn, means reducing energy emissions every year in every area with a significant energy impact." That's not happening on the IT front, Kernochan points out. If anything, in fact, IT-related power requirements are drastically increasing. "The bad old days around 2000, when we were hearing alarmist stories about how Web server farms used up a major part of California's energy, appear to have returned," he continues, citing an estimate (which he attributes to IBM) that data centers used 183 billion kilowatt hours of electricity last year. "In other words, the need for green computing is not just that data centers are running too hot; the overall computing-industry use of electricity is now a significant proportion of the world's energy usage." Just how much will IT-related power demands grow over time? Kernochan cites a factoid he says he picked up at a recent EMC Corp. conference. "[G]lobal storage size will continue to increase by 60 percent year to year over the next five years, reaching a zetabyte in 2011," he says. "The implication is that if nothing else changes, energy emissions from computing will begin to increase close to 60 percent year to year as storage energy usage begins to dominate overall computing energy usage." In this respect, most Green IT efforts fall well short of the mark, Kernochan argues. "Things like taking a holistic view of data center energy usage, using virtualization to pack more computing power into a single machine, or figuring out how to reduce per-chip and per-disk energy requirements by better designs and better venting of heat are not only the easiest targets but also one-shots," he indicates. [T]hey do not continue to improve at the same rate over time. Once a computing unit is fully utilized via virtualization, only minor improvements in energy savings via better virtualization are typically possible." Kernochan himself doesn't offer any technological prescriptions -- other than that vendors should avoid the low-hanging fruit -- the easy one-offs -- and focus on the more philosophical stuff. "[Vendors] have been very effective in identifying one-shots that will take us one year [such as EMC's pledge to reduce storage energy requirements by half next year], two … or even three … years down the road," he concludes. "What they have not done is to clearly identify the processes that will allow them to do this five, 10, [or] 20 years down the road." Stephen Swoyer is a Nashville, TN-based freelance journalist who writes about technology.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line633
__label__cc	0.622038	0.377962	Q1 Report: Apple Dominates Tablet Market, Surface Sells 900K IDC shared first-quarter tablet sales results today, showing that Apple is firmly in the lead, with Microsoft appearing as but a blip on the horizon. In terms of tablet devices shipped, Apple delivered 19.5 million devices during the first quarter. Samsung placed second with 8.8 million devices, followed by Asus (2.7 million) and Amazon.com (1.8 million). Microsoft, which recently declared itself to be a "devices and services" company, had sold 900,000 Surface RT and Surface Pro devices during the quarter. Microsoft first began selling its Surface RT tablet-PC devices in October of 2012, but its Surface Pro sales began later, in February of 2013, in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Microsoft's Surface devices amounted to just 1.8 percent of the overall tablet market for the first quarter, according to IDC's data, while Apple's tablets led with a 39.6 percent market grip. The operating system market share for tablets was a bit different than the device market tallies, according to IDC's data. The Linux-based Android OS led with 56.5 percent of the market (27.8 million units), followed by Apple's iOS at 39.6 percent (19.5 million units), Windows at 3.3 percent (1.6 million units) and Windows RT at 0.4 percent (200,000 units). "Android's share surpassed iOS in the latter half of 2012," explained Jitesh Ubrani, a research analyst for IDC's Mobile Device Trackers, via an e-mail. All told, there were 49.2 million tablets shipped worldwide in the first quarter. That represents a year-over-year growth rate of 142.4 percent, according to IDC. In mid-March, IDC shared its projected tablet estimates for 2013. However, the new data being reported today stems from the "IDC Worldwide Tablet Tracker" report published in May, and it includes full first-quarter results. IDC's first-quarter tablet results are somewhat at odds with first-quarter findings reported by Strategy Analytics. For instance, Strategy Analytics found that Microsoft shipped three million Windows tablets in the first quarter, representing a 7.5 percent market share. According to IDC, there were a total of 1.8 million Windows and Windows RT shipments in the first quarter, representing 3.7 percent of the market. Microsoft needs to execute on delivering smaller 7-inch to 8-inch tablets at lower price points to be competitive in the market, according to IDC. "Firstly, Microsoft needs to focus on its messaging," Ubrani indicated. "Consumers still aren't buying the value proposition of Windows RT. Smaller, cheaper devices would certainly help bolster Microsoft and other device vendors' market share. However, such low-cost devices tend to have low margins and vendors will have to focus on finding niche markets in order to maintain profitability." Microsoft suggested during its fiscal third-quarter earnings report that smaller form factors would be seen with future Windows devices, as well as devices offered at "more attractive price points." These new devices could leverage new Intel Haswell and Bay Trail chips that are expected to arrive in the second half of this year. iCharts	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line634
__label__wiki	0.867273	0.867273	Bernie Sanders Has Always Sacrificed Pragmatism For Idealism, But Now It’s Hurting Democrats Political Beginnings by: Bob Cunningham on April 26, 2017 Over the past couple of years, Bernie Sanders has become something of a folk hero to a large portion of the country. The senator from Vermont is one of only two independents currently serving in the senate. Sanders frequently calls out Wall Street, pharmaceutical companies, and the big banks. He opposes war, foreign intervention, and trade deals he feels negatively effect American workers. His presidential campaign, though unsuccessful, proved a candidate can earn large sums of campaign cash without the help of large, corporate donors. As a result, Sanders consistently ranks as one of the most popular political figures in the country. However, while Sanders dreams big and talks a good game, scratching past the surface reveals a man full of bark with very little bite. Bernie’s introduction to public office came in 1980, when he successfully ran for mayor of Burlington, Vermont. The successful campaign came after four consecutive failed bids for both the House of Representatives and Governor of Vermont as a member of the Liberty Union party, a left-wing party found only in Vermont. Before that, Sanders considered himself a “political activist” and remembered his introduction to politics as being extremely important. “A guy named Adolf Hitler won an election in 1932,” he told the Christian Science Monitor. “He won an election, and 50 million people died as a result of that election in World War II, including 6 million Jews. So what I learned as a little kid is that politics is, in fact, very important.” Here is perhaps the first case of Sanders’ idealistic speech not matching up to his pragmatic actions. While claiming politics was very important to him at an early age, he has also admitted to not voting until nearly 40 years old. “Actually, I didn’t (vote when turning 21). Politics interested me in the sense of basic social issues such as social justice, poverty, the condition of black people or war and peace issues, but I would say, I certainly did not gravitate towards electoral politics. I think probably, I won’t swear to it, that the first time I voted was in the state of Vermont, probably for myself.” It’s great that Bernie was aware of the plight of others. Social justice is perhaps the most worthy cause anyone can champion. However, it’s foolishly idealistic to believe that things will change simply by griping about them. Even protesting has its limits in creating social change if the protesters are unwilling to back up their beliefs at the polls. Go back and read the quote again. Not the one about not voting, the one about how he discovered elections are important. Alright, now read the one about not voting. Only a wide-eyed idealist could say these things and not think they conflict with one another. If you believe elections are important because one gave rise to Hitler and therefore the Holocaust, why don’t you believe in them enough to vote in your own state’s or country’s until you’re the one on the ballot? It seems like an obvious question to those of us who have been hitting the polls since our 18th birthday, but Bernie and his supporters seem to lack this basic sense of pragmatism. There is a desire for revolution and an up-ending of the entire system, but it comes from a belief that simply wanting it hard enough will be sufficient. An “Impotent” Legislator Perhaps that’s why in approximately 25 years in the House and Senate, Sanders doesn’t have a ton he can point to as an example of change he has championed and seen accomplished. In fact, those who work with him are even hard-pressed to think of any. According to Politico, when asked to name specific instances of Bernie’s influence, Senator Tammy Baldwin was stumped. “Um,” she said, pausing for a full eight seconds while thinking, “I’m sure I could. In terms of the things that he talks the most about, is when he was chair of the Veterans Affairs committee. But he actually compromised on a whole heck of a lot. Back in … it’s not coming to my mind right now.” While it’s true Sanders did help veterans attain better and quicker health care, that is only one of three bills he sponsored that has become law. The other two were renaming USPS locations in Vermont. While Baldwin tried to help out a colleague, one of Sanders’ former colleagues in the House of Representatives, Barney Frank, was not so forgiving. “His legislative record was to state the ideological position he took on the left, but with the exception of a few small things, he never got anything done,” said Frank. “Senators are not impotent.” Sanders likes to point to different things he did not support and fought against, such as the war in Iraq, DOMA, the TARP bailouts, the PATRIOT Act, and other bills that later would prove unpopular as examples of his impact as a legislator. However, he conveniently leaves out votes against the Brady Bill, which mandated a waiting period when purchasing a firearm, and in favor of the now-infamous Clinton Crime Bill of 1994, among others. He was all too happy, however, to attack Hillary Clinton on such past issues while ignoring his own. This is the impulse of Bernie Sanders: everyone must past the purity test. Except Bernie Sanders, of course. Becoming a Democrat? After years of presenting himself as a maverick totally independent of the two parties — to the point of even refusing to caucus with Democrats while he was in the House because they couldn’t pass his purity test — Sanders saw an opportunity in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. Suddenly, with an opportunity to bolster his national recognition, Bernard Sanders found a bit of pragmatism in an old coat jacket and decided now was the right time to become a Democrat. After nearly 25 years, Sanders switched party affiliations and ran against Clinton in the Democratic primary. The move was seen as largely inconsequential at the time, but would prove to be a big part of the Democrats’ undoing. While he held off in the beginning, trying to still brand himself an independent with a “D” next to his name, Sanders couldn’t help but revert to his old ways. The debates with Clinton, civil at first, got nasty and more personal the longer the primary went. The more states Sanders won, the more savage he became. Sanders attacked Clinton for her past voting record, though it largely holds up to his own. He even at one point called the former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State unqualified for the presidency. Then he began to claim the DNC had rigged the election against him. Sanders, unknowingly or otherwise, was laying the foundation for what would later become central themes of Donald Trump’s campaign. Bernie Sanders says that Hillary Clinton is unqualified to be president. Based on her decision making ability, I can go along with that! We all know how the story of the primary ended: Clinton wound up building an insurmountable lead that included a raw vote advantage of approximately 4 million and more delegates than Sanders could have hoped to gain with the few states remaining. However, Sanders refused to drop out. At one point he even vowed to take it all the way to the convention, a move that would have torn Democrats more than his campaign already had. Even once he finally did drop out, his endorsement of Clinton and the Democrats as a whole was lukewarm at best. “I also look forward to working with Secretary Clinton to transform the Democratic Party so that it becomes a party of working people and young people, and not just wealthy campaign contributors: a party that has the courage to take on Wall Street, the pharmaceutical industry, the fossil fuel industry and the other powerful special interests that dominate our political and economic life.” Sanders could not have released a more passive-aggressive statement if he read it out loud while rolling his eyes and doing the “blah blah blah” motion with his hand. In that statement he told all of his supporters that Democrats were not working for them and officially cast them as “the lesser of two evils,” a theme that would push many Sanders supporters away from Clinton and Democrats. After officially dropping out, his support would become more steady as he campaigned with and for Hillary. Perhaps seeing the threat of a Trump presidency scared him enough to bring his wits about him for a while, but to the chagrin of the majority of the country, it wasn’t enough. Well, Maybe Not During the primary, Sanders was attacked by some for not truly becoming a Democrat. He signed the paperwork and used the DNC when convenient, but still seemed to be pushing his own agenda and keeping other Democrats at arms-length. When asked about his status as a Democrat during the primary at a New Hampshire town hall, Sanders said: “Of course I am a Democrat and running for the Democratic nomination.” A couple months later, Sanders’ campaign manager Jeff Weaver unequivocally stated Sanders was not just a Democrat now, but would be a Democrat forever and ever. “Well, he is a Democrat, he said he’s a Democrat and he’s gonna be supporting the Democratic nominee, whoever that is,” Weaver responded in a Bloomberg interview with Mark Halperin. “But he’s a member of the Democratic Party now for life?” Halperin pressed. “Yes, he is,” Weaver said. And so he did, right up until the election was over. After the election, Democrats attempted to regroup, recognizing they could grow and expand by bringing Sanders into a leadership role with the party, hoping to attract the young progressives who so fervently supported him the primary. With that idea in mind, Democrats created a leadership position specifically for Sanders, appointing him the head of Democratic Outreach. However, even with a shiny new appointment at the head of the Democratic party, Sanders once again backtracked. “I was elected as an Independent and I will finish this term as an Independent,” Sanders said. Sanders seemingly left the door open for a party switch after this current term was complete, but has all but slammed shut even that possibility. Instead, Sanders has decided to keep his independent status while using the Democrats as a way of expanding his national profile. A Saboteur From the Inside Since Trump’s inauguration in January, Sanders has consistently attacked Democrats and undercut them from the inside. Even knowing the Democrats face an uphill battle in fighting anything Trump and a GOP-controlled congress wants to do, Sanders can’t seem to quit stroking his own ego. The DNC, on the other hand, has done everything they can think of to appease him and his supporters. There was a contentious vote for a new DNC leader to replace the interim chair, Donna Brazile. Tom Perez, former Labor Secretary under President Obama, and Keith Ellison, a representative from Minnesota and devoted Berniecrat, sent the election into a second round. To the chagrin of the Berniecrats, Perez won. However, in a move to unify the party, Perez immediately named Ellison his №2 and began attempting to reform the party’s image. So far, Ellison has been helpful in attempting to reunite the party, despite some ridiculous comments about President Obama. Sanders, however, wrench in hand, has been nothing but harmful. In the first special election since Trump’s inauguration, James Thompson, a Berniecrat, ran for the House seat vacated when Mike Pompeo became CIA Director. Thompson performed especially well, losing by only seven points in a district that voted +27 for Trump in 2016. Sanders did not support Thompson in person, vocally, or in writing. He ignored the campaign almost completely, yet saw fit to lecture Democrats on doing the exact same thing he did. “It is true that the Democratic Party should have put more resources into that election,” Sanders said on CNN’s “State of the Union” of the Thompson campaign. On its face, it’s easy to buy in to the sentiment. The DNC and DCCC should have absolutely done more to help Thompson. But Bernie seems to forget he’s a party leader now and the failures of Democrats are his as well, despite his unwillingness to call himself a Democrat. Speaking of which, Sanders also remained conspicuously silent regarding Jon Ossoff and his campaign to take Georgia’s 6th District, vacated by current HHS Secretary Tom Price. In fact, before the jungle primary in which Ossoff nearly won outright, Sanders had not spoken about the election. Not until after the primary was over did he even mention Ossoff, and even then it was only to undercut him. “I don’t know,” Sanders replied when asked if Ossoff is a progressive. “If you run as a Democrat, you’re a Democrat. … Some Democrats are progressive and some Democrats are not,” he said. Sanders released a much stronger endorsement of Ossoff a few days later, but it still shows his unwillingness to simply help the Democrats in resisting the Trump agenda. Most recently, Sanders decided it would be a great idea to come out and attack the entire foundation of the party. “I think what is clear to anyone who looks at where the Democratic Party today is, that the model of the Democratic Party is failing,” Sanders said on CBS’s Face the Nation. Democrats must become “a grassroots party, a party which makes decisions from the bottom on up, a party which is more dependent on small donations than large donations.” Again, the sentiment isn’t necessarily wrong. However, in a time when Democrats are doing all they can to resist a budding facist, it appears as though the effort to resist Trump really only counts if it’s his idea. Even if that idea means supporting a candidate who opposes abortion, despite the Democratic party’s official stance to the contrary. Again, that’s the purity politics of Bernie Sanders. Moving On From Here… Sanders is an extremely popular politician, and for good reason. Many of his ideas are rooted in common sense and the way a government should be run. For example, his call for parties to operate from the bottom-up, fighting big banks and Wall Street, demanding health care for everyone, and making sure everyone pays their fair share. On these issues, Bernie Sanders is right. The message itself is great, but the delivery is horrendous. Attacking the only party attempting to fight for the middle class, the environment, health care, and many of Sanders’ other pet projects defies reason. Yes, Democrats need some introspection, but do that without leading people to the “lesser of two evils” conclusion. This fight is simple. Democrats are attempting to do the right thing for the country. Republicans are not. That should be the main theme behind every speech Bernie gives. If changing the party really is what drives him, perhaps he could start by joining it. Talk of change comes off less harsh and more sincere when it’s coming from the inside rather than an outsider who just lobs critiques with no practical solutions. Sanders’ job is supposed to be about bringing people into the Democratic party, but how can he do that when he won’t join himself? If someone tries to get you to enter a restaurant but only tells you repeatedly they need to change their entire menu and all their ingredients and, by the way, that person refuses to eat there or even walk in the building themselves, are you going in? No. It defies all logic. Democrats have hitched their wagon to Bernie. There is no going back now, unfortunately. The only thing left to do is hopefully convince Bernie that he is harming the party, and the cause, whether he realizes it or not. And only when Bernie realizes that strong idealism must be partnered with an even stronger sense of pragmatism will there be any hope of Democrats truly taking the next step in re-taking congress and the White House. News // Bernie Sanders / Democratic Party / Democrats / Politics by: Bob Cunningham Bob Cunningham is a Rantt Staff Writer based in Central Pennsylvania. He graduated from Cheyney University with a BA in Political Science and currently attends law school with a focus on Constitutional Law.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line639
__label__wiki	0.856318	0.856318	Posts on ‘September 17th, 2015’ Update: U.S. Dept. of Defense Confirms NCIS Espionage Investigation of Shell In 2010, I published an article revealing that four years earlier, U.S. authorities had launched an investigation into alleged industrial espionage by Shell Oil Company. I contacted Shell at the time, but the then Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for the company refused to comment. A related court case is currently underway. A link is provided to documents filed today IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Case 1:14-cv-02139-KBJ. Shell is not currently involved. read more Optimism & Outrage: Shell’s $7 Billion Arctic Oil Gamble by CYNTHIA MCFADDEN and JAKE WHITMAN: SEP 17 2015 At Royal Dutch Shell’s operations center in Anchorage, the cries of outrage that greeted the start of offshore drilling in the Arctic are drowned out by optimism. The energy giant’s president, Marvin Odum, told NBC News that he’s confident that the $7 billion already spent to find oil under the sea — a bet that no other company is making in the American Arctic — was the right business decision. And he says he’s also certain that Shell can handle any accident that might unfold during exploration or extraction, which wouldn’t even happen until 2030. read more Shell CEO: Alaska drilling efforts could end after this season If Shell’s Chukchi Sea drilling operations manage to penetrate underground rock formations in waters off Alaska’s north coast this season and don’t find oil, that could be the end of the company’s controversial Arctic efforts, according to a report from the BBC. “Our plan for the Arctic is to find out whether there is any oil in the Chukchi Sea,” Shell CEO Ben van Beurden told the British news outlet. “We are in the middle of that drilling campaign and we have to see at the end of the season whether we get into the reservoir. If these results are conclusively no, then it will probably be the end of the road for our Alaska adventure.” read more Australia throws spanner in the works for Shell’s takeover of BG Group by Sarah Spickernell Royal Dutch Shell’s takeover of rival BG Group has been postponed, after Australian regulators voiced concerns about the potential impact on domestic gas supplies. In a statement today, Rod Sims, chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), claimed the deal was not in the best interests of Australian consumers, as it might result in a greater proportion of east coast supplies being exported. If the proposed acquisition resulted in less supply of gas to the domestic market, therefore, this could substantially lessen competition to supply domestic gas users and lead to higher domestic prices and more restrictive contractual terms. read more Shell will not sanction Arctic exploration until at least 2020 Kamal Ahmed: Business editor: 17 Sept 2015 As it moves, gingerly, through the first stages of exploration 70 miles off the Alaskan coast, Royal Dutch Shell has revealed its commitment to drilling in the Arctic. And how long it will be before any oil or gas actually comes out of the ground – if at all. Despite environmental concerns and the low oil price, Ben van Beurden, Shell’s chief executive, told me that as the world’s energy demands increased, the hunt for new resources was as important as ever. The Arctic, he points out, has long been a source of oil and gas production. Environmental safety would be the priority, he insisted. read more Australia delays decision on Shell bid for BG on gas supply concerns Commodities \| Thu Sep 17, 2015 * Regulator raises domestic gas supply, price concerns * ACCC to issue final decision on Nov. 12 * Shell says still expects to complete deal in Q1 2016 By Sonali Paul MELBOURNE, Sept 17 (Reuters) – Australia’s competition watchdog flagged concerns on Thursday that Royal Dutch Shell’s proposed $70 billion takeover of BG Group may lessen gas supply competition in eastern Australia and delayed a final decision on the bid to November. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said a large number of market participants had expressed concerns that the proposed takeover may lead Shell’s Arrow Energy to sell its gas into BG’s Queensland Curtis liquefied natural gas plant (QCLNG) for export. read more Shell-BG Deal Poses Competition Concerns, Regulator Says By James Paton Sept 17, 2015: BLOOMBERG.COM Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s $70 billion deal to buy BG Group Plc could reduce the supply of natural gas to local customers in Australia and boost prices, according to the nation’s competition regulator, which delayed a decision on the agreement until November. The transaction may decrease the incentive for Shell’s Arrow Energy venture with PetroChina Co. to feed gas to the domestic market, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission wrote in a statement on Thursday. That’s because it would allow Shell to send the Arrow supplies to BG’s Queensland Curtis liquefied natural gas project on the east coast, which is super-cooling the fuel for export to customers in Asia. read more Volatile’ oil price hard to predict, says Shell boss Royal Dutch Shell chief executive Ben van Beurden has told the BBC a recovery in the price of oil is hard to foresee. “It is a very, very volatile business in terms of supply and demand. The oil price responds to very small mismatches between supply and demand,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. The price of oil has roughly halved in the past year, to just under $50 (£32) per barrel. Goldman Sachs predicted earlier this month it could fall as low as $20. When asked where oil prices may go next, he told the BBC: “The honest answer to that is I don’t know.” read more Cash-strapped Nigeria to renegotiate contracts with oil majors By: Carl Surran, SA News Editor: Sept 16, 2015 Nigeria’s state oil company says it plans to renegotiate production sharing agreements with oil majors including Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A, RDS.B), Chevron (NYSE:CVX), Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) and Eni (NYSE:E), as the country has been hit hard by the plunge in global oil prices. “Some of the contracts were negotiated over 20 years ago and they have since been overtaken by new realities in the industry,’’ says Ibe Kachikwu, the new head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. Nigeria is Africa’s top producer of crude oil and gets 70% of its government revenues from oil. read more	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line646
__label__wiki	0.998137	0.998137	Guernsey Ireland Jersey UK All countries All countries Ireland Wexford Wexford Weather in Wexford Weather archive at the airport ( 45 km, +3 °C+37 °F ) 5 °C41°F 42 minutes ago at the weather station (4 km) it was +4.2 °C+40 °F, very low air pressure, very high humidity (97%), gentle breeze (5 m/s) (18 km/h) (11 miles/hour) (10 knots) (3 Bft) blowing from the north. Moderate rain. Today we expect +5..+3 °C°F, +41..+37 °C°F, rain shower, fog, moderate breeze. Tomorrow: +7..+3 °C°F, +45..+37 °C°F, without precipitation, fresh breeze. direction N NW W W W W W W W W W NW NW NW SW W NW NW W W W S S direction N N N N N N NW NW NW NW W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W NW NW W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W NW NW NW NW NW NW W SW W W W NW NW NW W W W W W W SW S S S direction 96 95 93 94 94 90 91 92 91 90 91 88 89 91 90 89 88 86 83 84 82 83 83 82 79 77 72 69 71 78 84 87 90 91 92 93 94 95 97 94 93 81 77 86 92 93 91 89 79 68 72 76 79 81 86 91 86 80 78 76 79 82 84 86 77 68 77 85 88 90 Humidity, 11:36 01:20 11:51 01:20 12:08 02:29 12:29 03:38 12:55 04:48 13:31 05:55 14:18 Moon: 42 minutes ago, the minimum air temperature ( +4 oC +39 oF ) was observed in Johnstown Castle. 4 hours ago, the maximum air temperature ( +9 oC +48 oF ) was observed in Johnstown Castle. Rosslare Harbour	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line647
__label__wiki	0.895873	0.895873	RT VERSIONS: روسيا اليوم NOTICIAS RUPTLY ИНОТВ FIND US ON: FaceBook RT Russiapedia Anywhere History Basic facts Prominent Russians Foreigners in Russia Of Russian origin On this day Galleries Prominent Russians History and mythology Geography and exploration Space and aviation The Ryurikovich dynasty The Romanov dynasty Foreigners in Russia Of Russian origin On January 20, 1899, the first group of 2000 Doukhobors, members of an old Russian religious group, arrived at the Canadian port of Halifax.… Go to On this day Peter Carl Faberge Peter Carl Faberge was a world famous master jeweler and head of the ‘House of Faberge’ in Imperial Russia in the waning days of the Russian Empire. Go to Foreigners in Russia RT.com / RT projects / Russiapedia / Prominent Russians / Politics and society / Lavrentiy Beria Prominent Russians: Lavrentiy Beria March 29, 1899 — December 23, 1953 Image from www.alternathistory.org.ua Lavrentiy Pavlovich Beria was certainly one of the most vicious and mysterious figures of Stalin's era. He was born on March 29 (March 17 according to the Julian calendar), 1899, to a poor Megrel (an ethnic group of Georgians) family in the village of Merkheuli, Abkhazia. Drafted into the Russian Imperial Army, he briefly saw action during World War I at the Romanian front before deserting in 1917 in order to take part in the Russian Revolution. Having joined the Bolshevik Party in 1917, Lavrentiy participated in revolutionary activities in Azerbaijan and Georgia. Meanwhile he managed to receive an architectural degree from a technical college in Baku (Azerbaijan) in 1919 and even worked for a time as a building inspector in Azerbaijan but later preferred to become a Bolshevik Party activist. Very soon he was drawn into the intelligence and counterintelligence operations of the ‘Cheka’ – the Bolshevik secret police – and in 1923 became the head of Georgia’s Cheka division. In the 1920s and early 1930s Beria quickly climbed his way up through the ranks of the Cheka and its successors: the GPU, the OGPU and later the NKVD. He ruthlessly blackmailed officials in order to gain political backing and promotions. He would often set up his superiors with married women and then exposed the affairs, ruining them and then taking their posts when they resigned in disgrace. He wasn’t just vicious in his career ambitions either – wherever he went, people died or were reported missing. In 1931 Beria first met Joseph Stalin while the latter was on vacation in Georgia. One popular story claims that Beria saved Stalin from an assassination attempt, others suspect Beria staged the attempt so that he appeared to thwart it. Image from www.automotonews.biz He became the party boss of the Transcaucasian republics (Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia) in 1932 and personally oversaw the political purges in those republics during Stalin’s Great Purge (1936–38). In 1938 Beria was brought to Moscow as a deputy to Nikolay Yezhov, head of the People’s Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD). In 1938 Yezhov was arrested and executed on Stalin’s orders, and Stalin rewarded Beria's dog-like loyalty by making him head of the NKVD. It is rumoured that Beria personally strangled his predecessor. Stalin used Beria to stage his purges. Beria used this opportunity to murder as many old Bolsheviks as he could, thus eliminating as many of Stalin's old political rivals as possible and going so far as to order the mass execution of several thousand political prisoners he had already sent to detention camps. He supervised a purge of the secret service bureaucracy itself and administered the vast network of labour camps (also known as ‘Gulags’) set up throughout the country. Under Beria, over 500 NKVD agents and 30,000 Red Army officers were executed. In addition, the NKVD was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of ordinary Soviet citizens which were convicted of high treason by false, sometimes even absurd, accusations. Soviet-era black humour typified the methods used by Beria and his people with the following joke: Once, Stalin met a delegation of workers from the Urals. When the workers left, Stalin looked around for his pipe but did not see it. He called Beria and said, ‘Lavrentiy, my pipe disappeared after the visit of those workers.’ ‘Yes, Yosif Vissarionovich, I'll immediately take proper measures.’ Ten minutes later, Stalin pulled out a drawer in his desk and saw his pipe. He struck a match, puffed out a ring of smoke, and dialed Beria's number. ‘Lavrentiy, my pipe's been found.’ ‘What a pity," Beria said. "All of them have just confessed.’ In addition to massive internal investigations and purges, Beria oversaw the implementation of a highly effective global espionage system, aimed at gathering intelligence data from the West. He worked out useful regulations for the secret service: from the hiring to liquidation of unsuitable persons. It's supposed that he proposed and ordered the killing of over 15,000 Polish officers in Katyn. Later, he became one of the founders of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia and was supposed to have organized the assassination of J. Masaryk, whose death has not yet been fully explained. In February 1941 he became a deputy prime minister of the USSR. During World War II, as a member of the State Defense Committee, he not only controlled the Soviet Union’s internal security system but also played a major role in strategic raw materials production using the slave labour in the Gulag camps. He was made Marshal of the USSR in 1945, although he never participated in any military operations. He was also a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party from 1934 and of the executive policy-making body, the Politburo, from March 1946. When the Politburo was reorganized as the Presidium of the Central Committee in 1952, Beria retained his seat. Beria had the reputation of getting things done properly, no matter what the cost. Stalin placed him in charge of many important tasks, including the atomic bomb project. The Soviet nuclear weapons program was officially initiated in April 1942, when Stalin received a letter from nuclear physicist Georgy Flyorov about the lack of published physics journals in the U.S., UK, and Germany on nuclear fission as well as published papers on the subject since the discovery of nuclear fission in 1939. This lack of publications seemed suspicious to the Soviet leadership, and as a result the wide research of nuclear fission for military purposes began, despite the ongoing war. Lavrentiy Beria was appointed as the administrative leader of the project with physicist Igor Kurchatov in charge of scientific research. Shortly after the atomic bombings of Japan by the US in 1945, Stalin issued an ultimatum to Beria, ordering the A-bomb to be built within five years. A special department was set up at the NKVD, called “Department S” (also known as Bureau #2) to consolidate the research efforts and organize documents gathered about the U.S. A-bomb project through intelligence channels. As a result, the bomb was ready within four years. This extraordinary success was achieved at a high price. Beria created a climate of total secrecy and immense fear within the project. Everyone involved was under constant surveillance at all times, even the top scientists. The head of one of the departments was sentenced to 8 years in prison for reportedly boasting to his family about the work being conducted. Another worker choosing to avoid punishment after misplacing several papers committed suicide. Nevertheless, Beria’s administrative talent showed itself at the highest capacity. Academician Yuly Khariton who played a major part in the nuclear research highly appreciated Beria’s organizational skills and capabilities. Many years later he wrote; “Beria quickly heartened all work on the project with necessary scope and dynamism. This man, who personified evil in the country's modern history, possessed at the same time tremendous vigor and efficiency... It was impossible not to admit his intellect, willpower, and purposefulness. He was a first class manager, able to bring every job to its conclusion”. Beria was viewed by many including his party comrades as not just a distasteful monster, but as a vicious sexual predator. Beria reportedly kidnapped young girls on Moscow streets, raping and sodomizing them and threatening their families to keep quiet. He was also known for being a good balalaika player and had a fast hand with a revolver. Soon after Stalin’s death in March 1953, Beria became one of four deputy prime ministers under Georgy M. Malenkov, as well as head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, an organization which at that time combined both the secret and regular police functions. Beria apparently attempted to use his position as chief of the secret police to succeed Stalin as sole dictator. By July 1953, however, he had been outmaneuvered and defeated by an anti-Beria coalition (led by Georgy M. Malenkov, Vyacheslav M. Molotov, and Nikita S. Khrushchev). He was arrested, deprived of his government and party posts, publicly accused of being an “imperialist (British) agent” and of conducting “criminal anti-party and anti-state activities.” Later he, along with six accomplices, had been tried and convicted of high treason and executed. In the official version the execution took place in December 1953, but it is said that he was shot dead during his arrest as early as in July. Related personalities: Aleksandr Litvinenko Aleksandr Litvinenko was a former Russian security officer famous for his criticism of the Kremlin, while his dramatic death that brought his name into the media limelight worldwide. Artem Tarasov Artem Tarasov was the first Soviet citizen brave enough to declare that he’d earned a million roubles. Pyotr Stolypin Pyotr Stolypin has remained a controversial figure, famous chiefly for his agricultural reforms and as the author of many other progressive policies. Roman Abramovich Orphaned at the age of three and brought up by relatives in a remote area in Northern Russia, Roman Abramovich has been ranked the 15th richest man in the world by Forbes. Aleksey Navalny Aleksey Navalny is a blogger, an opposition activist, a lawyer, a nationalist, a businessman, husband, father and surely one of the most controversial public figures in Russia. Pavel Borodin Pavel Borodin, the acting State Secretary of the Union of Russia and Belarus, headed the Department of Presidential Affairs while Boris Yeltsin was President. Corporate profile Job opportunities Press releases Legal disclaimer Feedback Contact us © Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “TV-Novosti”, 2005–2021. 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__label__wiki	0.658105	0.658105	Home > Opinions > People v. Lang Citation 11 Cal.3d 134 People v. Lang People v. Lang , 11 Cal.3d 134 [Crim. No. 16988. Supreme Court of California. April 8, 1974.] THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. ROBERT KENT LANG, Defendant and Appellant In Bank. (Opinion by Burke, J., with Wright, C. J., Tobriner, Mosk and Sullivan, JJ., concurring. Separate dissenting opinion by Clark, J., with McComb, J., concurring.) Gary T. Wienerman, under appointment by the Supreme Court, and David A. Folsom, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant. Evelle J. Younger, Attorney General, Edward A. Hinz, Jr., Chief Assistant Attorney General, William E. James, Assistant Attorney General, Harley D. Mayfield, Richard D. Gaske and Marc M. Seltzer, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent. BURKE, J. Defendant Robert Lang appeals from a judgment of the Superior Court of San Diego County committing him to the State Department of Mental Hygiene for placement at Atascadero State Hospital as a mentally disordered sex offender. The trial court had found defendant guilty of two counts of committing lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 years of age (Pen. Code, § 288), following a trial by the court. We have concluded that defendant was deprived of his right to the effective assistance of counsel on appeal, by reason of his former appellate counsel's failure to raise certain contentions of arguable merit during the pendency of the appeal before the Court of Appeal. Accordingly, pursuant to our practice in prior cases, we order that this cause be returned to the Court of Appeal with instructions to reinstate the appeal and to appoint counsel for appellant for purposes of rebriefing and rearguing the appeal. Defendant's commitment followed a court trial during which the following evidence was introduced: On March 12, 1971, several of defendant's friends and relatives held a surprise birthday party at defendant's house and in his honor. The party involved approximately fourteen adults and seven children, including defendant's wife, two daughters, step-daughter and son-in-law. Defendant and several other adults consumed varying quantities of alcoholic beverages; some witnesses testified that defendant and others were intoxicated during the party. [11 Cal.3d 137] Defendant arrived at the party at about 7 p.m. He remained seated in his reclining chair in the living room during the events in question, in full view of various party-goers at all times. According to Leslie R., a nine-year-old prosecuting witness, at one point during the party she walked from the bedroom, where she was playing with the other children, to go to the kitchen to get a soft drink. On her return, defendant reached out from his chair, "blocked" her way, picked her up and placed her on his lap. Then, according to Leslie, defendant "put his hand in my vagina," and rubbed inside and out. The act in question assertedly lasted for five minutes and took place with about twelve adults in the room. Leslie stated that she tried to "get away" from defendant while the alleged act occurred. Leslie's twin sister, Debbie, gave a nearly identical account that she had been molested by defendant at the same party. She was returning from the kitchen to the bedroom with a soft drink and defendant "blocked" her way and, according to Debbie, "put his hand in my vagina," and felt inside. She testified that she was on defendant's lap for about three minutes and that there were six or seven persons in the room at the time. She also tried to "get away" from defendant. After the alleged molestations took place, the twins each returned to the bedroom where they continued to play with the other children until the party broke up. The twins did not report the incident to anyone until, several weeks later, their mother overheard them conversing and, after hearing their story, called the police. Seven adult witnesses, including persons who claimed to have been in the same room with defendant during the entire party, testified that they had not seen either Leslie or Debbie on defendant's lap. One witness, Mrs. Raab (a nondrinker), testified that the only child to enter the living room area was her own daughter, Dorothy, who sat on defendant's lap for a few, evidently uneventful, minutes. None of the witnesses corroborated the twins' testimony. Defendant took the stand, and denied that he had molested the twins, that they had sat on his lap, or even that he knew they were at the party that night. The trial judge, prior to announcing his findings, reviewed the foregoing evidence and noted that the twins had testified in "clear and precise terms" regarding their molestation by defendant. The judge believed that the twins' testimony was not "really shaken" by other witnesses, although the judge confessed that he did not know how "bright" the girls were or what their "capacity for fantasy" was. The judge likewise admitted that the alleged crime occurred in "incredible" circumstances, at a party amid dozens of people "milling around." [11 Cal.3d 138] Nevertheless, the judge observed that much drinking had occurred and that several witnesses had failed to observe Dorothy Raab on defendant's lap, even though defendant and Mrs. Raab remembered that incident. Moreover, the judge was "not impressed" with defendant as a witness. The judge concluded that "In viewing all the evidence, I can't find -- I can't find that reasonable doubt that is necessary to find the defendant not guilty, and I must therefore find him guilty of this charge." Subsequently, after conviction, the trial court adjourned the proceedings and referred defendant to the psychiatric department of the superior court to determine whether he was a mentally disordered sex offender (see Welf. & Inst. Code, § 6302, subd. (c)). Following a hearing, the court found defendant to be a MDSO and ordered him committed to Atascadero. On appeal to the Court of Appeal, defendant's former appellate counsel waived oral argument and submitted the case on the briefs. He prepared a three-and-one-half-page opening brief which was directed solely to the propriety of defendant's commitment as a MDSO, and was devoid of argument for reversal of defendant's conviction. In the statement of facts, counsel noted that, "as might be expected" there were substantial conflicts in the testimony regarding what took place at the party. Then counsel stated that "Appellant vigorously contends that he was innocent and that the testimony of the two victims was so incredible that the finding of guilt must be reversed as impossible ... [citation]. [¶] While I am not in agreement with this contention, I must confess that there have been times when the Appellate Courts have held that I am not infallible, and for this reason, as well as for the reason that it is my belief that Appellant should be entitled to have his contentions heard, I am attaching an Appendix to this brief containing Appellant's own arguments in his own words." (Italics added.) Attached to the opening brief were ungrammatical, unpolished notes written by defendant and addressed primarily to the question of the substantiality of the evidence against him. Despite the fact that the People filed a brief which considered the issue at some length, counsel's reply brief failed to discuss the point. The Court of Appeal disposed of defendant's argument on this issue in a single paragraph. fn. 1 [11 Cal.3d 139] [1] We have recently set forth in detail the obligations of appellate counsel, including the duty to prepare a legal brief containing citations to the transcript and appropriate authority, and setting forth all arguable issues, and the further duty not to argue the case against his client. (In re Smith, 3 Cal.3d 192, 197 [90 Cal.Rptr. 1, 474 P.2d 969]; People v. Feggans, 67 Cal.2d 444, 447-448 [62 Cal.Rptr. 419, 432 P.2d 21].) [2a] In the instant case, appellate counsel breached both duties. He not only failed to argue the insubstantiality of the evidence but affirmatively stated his belief that the point lacked merit. Such a concession could have had a devastating effect upon defendant's chances of a successful appeal, especially when coupled with counsel's waiver of oral argument. In the Smith and Feggans cases, supra, as well as in People v. Rhoden, 6 Cal.3d 519, 523-529 [99 Cal.Rptr. 751, 492 P.2d 1143], we catalogued the various contentions which appellate counsel failed to raise, "not to imply how the merits of the appeal should have been resolved but to emphasize the gross deficiencies in counsel's presentation." (Rhoden, at p. 529.) We noted that "Petitioner need not establish that he was entitled to reversal in order to show prejudice in the denial of counsel." (Id. at p. 524.) As in those cases, the instant appeal presented issues of arguable merit which, though not necessarily decisive, certainly merited careful presentation by appellate counsel. First of all, counsel should have paid more attention to his client's urging that the evidence of his guilt was insubstantial. Although the issue has not yet been properly briefed, it seems apparent that a strong argument could have been made that the twins' testimony was inherently improbable and insubstantial. Each child, using almost identical words, told of unsuccessfully resisting separate but identical assaults by defendant in the presence of from six to twelve persons, none of whom saw either assault. As noted above, even the trial court described the alleged event as "incredible." The prosecution offered no corroborating testimony whatever; neither twin witnessed or even mentioned the other's molestation, and no medical testimony was introduced to establish the possibility of such assault. A properly briefed argument, emphasizing the foregoing circumstances with references to the transcript testimony, might well have led the Court of Appeal to conclude that the alleged assaults were physically impossible, and that the twins' testimony was demonstrably false. (See People v. Huston, 21 Cal.2d 690, 693 [134 P.2d 758]; People v. Headlee, 18 Cal.2d 266, 267-268 [115 P.2d 427], regarding the rules for determining inherent improbability of testimony.) [3] As we have often stated, "in determining [11 Cal.3d 140] whether the record is sufficient ... [to support a criminal conviction] the appellate court can give credit only to 'substantial' evidence, i.e., evidence that reasonably inspires confidence and is 'of solid value.'" (In re Roderick P., 7 Cal.3d 801, 809 [103 Cal.Rptr. 425, 500 P.2d 1].) [2b] To strengthen defendant's attack on the substantiality of the evidence against him, appellate counsel, on the basis of certain remarks by the trial judge, might have contended that the judge misapplied the presumption of innocence and, in effect, placed the burden of proof on defendant to establish his innocence. As noted above, the trial judge with some reluctance found defendant guilty because the judge could not find "reasonable doubt that is necessary to find him not guilty ...." This remark seems to imply that in order to acquit a defendant in a criminal case, the burden is on the defendant to show reasonable doubt of his guilt, rather than on the People to show guilt beyond all reasonable doubt (Pen. Code, § 1096). Although the judge may in fact have understood this crucial distinction, fn. 2 nevertheless the foregoing remark when coupled with the conflicting testimony and "incredible" circumstances presented in this case, might have gained a reversal on appeal. (See People v. Van Gorden, 226 Cal.App.2d 634, 638-640 [38 Cal.Rptr. 265], where the trial judge's reported statements demonstrated his misconception of the proper burden of proof.) Finally, although the record is not entirely clear on the question, there would appear to be some basis for an argument by appellate counsel that defendant was inadequately represented at trial. The record suggests that trial counsel may have failed (1) to obtain psychiatric examinations of the twins, to ascertain their ability, and possible motive, to falsely implicate defendant, fn. 3 (2) to obtain medical examinations of the twins, to determine [11 Cal.3d 141] whether molestation actually took place, fn. 4 (3) to obtain medical or other expert testimony in support of a possible defense of diminished capacity through intoxication, fn. 5 (4) to impeach the twins' testimony through cross-examination and use of inconsistent statements in a police report, fn. 6 and (5) to investigate by cross-examination of the twins, or otherwise, defendant's assertion, alluded to at trial, that the twins had made similar complaints against other persons, and had a poor reputation for honesty. fn. 7 It is, of course, conceivable that trial counsel did in fact explore these various approaches and found them fruitless, but defendant's own vigorous assertions to the contrary suggest otherwise. Certainly, on renewal of defendant's appeal, counsel should ascertain whether or not defendant received adequate trial representation. In the event the record is not conclusive of the question, counsel should consider the possibility of alternative relief through habeas corpus. fn. 8 [11 Cal.3d 142] Although some of the foregoing matters perhaps were the result of an exercise of trial tactics rather than inadvertence or incompetence, and accordingly would not furnish grounds for reversal (see People v. Najera, 8 Cal.3d 504, 516-517 [105 Cal.Rptr. 345, 503 P.2d 1353]; People v. Miller, 7 Cal.3d 562, 569-574 [102 Cal.Rptr. 841, 498 P.2d 1089]), others may have involved the withdrawal of crucial defenses from the case, thereby reducing the trial to a farce or sham (see In re Saunders, 2 Cal.3d 1033, 1041-1042 [88 Cal.Rptr. 633, 472 P.2d 921]; People v. Ibarra, 60 Cal.2d 460, 464 [34 Cal.Rptr. 863, 386 P.2d 487]). It was trial counsel's duty to investigate carefully all defenses of fact and of law that might have been available to defendant (see In re Williams, 1 Cal.3d 168, 175 [81 Cal.Rptr. 784, 460 P.2d 984]), and to obtain such psychiatric and medical evidence as might be relevant to the case (People v. Welborn, 257 Cal.App.2d 513, 518-523 [65 Cal.Rptr. 8] [failure to raise diminished capacity defense]). As we have explained above (fns. 3, 4 and 5), such evidence might have been crucial to defendant's case. Therefore, as in People v. Rhoden, supra, 6 Cal.3d 519, In re Smith, supra, 3 Cal.3d 192, and People v. Feggans, supra, 67 Cal.2d 444, we have concluded that former appellate counsel failed to raise crucial assignments of error which arguably might have resulted in reversal, thereby depriving defendant of the effective assistance of counsel to which he was constitutionally entitled. The cause is transferred to the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One, with directions to appoint counsel for appellant and to reconsider his appeal. Wright, C. J., Tobriner, J., Mosk, J., and Sullivan, J., concurred. CLARK, J. I dissent. The majority holds defendant's appellate counsel ineffective for failing to make three arguments: (1) It is "inherently improbable" the assaults occurred because no one in the room even noticed the victims in defendant's lap. (2) The trial judge's comment concerning reasonable doubt indicates defendant was improperly required to prove his innocence. (3) Defendant was inadequately represented at trial. However, as the foregoing arguments would have been frivolous, counsel properly did not raise them. fn. 1 [11 Cal.3d 143] (1) "To warrant the rejection of the statements given by a witness who has been believed by a trial court, there must exist either a physical impossibility that they are true, or their falsity must be apparent without resorting to inferences or deductions." (People v. Pearson (1969) 70 Cal.2d 218, 221 [74 Cal.Rptr. 281, 449 P.2d 217]; People v. Lyons (1956) 47 Cal.2d 311, 320 [303 P.2d 329].) Neither of the two grounds exists here. It certainly is not physically impossible for the assault to have occurred without anyone in the room noticing the victims in defendant's lap. In fact, although defendant admittedly held a third little girl on his lap for as long as 10 minutes, no one but the child's mother noticed. Since the alternate basis for rejection of testimony as inherently improbable requires the falsity to be apparent "without resorting to inferences or deductions," it is incorrect for the majority to assume the defense witnesses were sober and attentive at the party or truthful when they testified. Actually, all but one admitted drinking at the party, and over half were "loaded" in one witness' opinion. The trier of fact may reasonably have concluded that defendant's friends lied to protect him because they were unwilling to see his family suffer the consequences of his shameful conduct. fn. 2 (2) It would be completely unreasonable to conclude from an offhand remark that a distinguished trial judge of 14 years experience misunderstood the most fundamental principle of criminal law -- that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The proper subject of appellate review is judicial action, not the judge's extemporaneous explanation of his decision to a lay defendant. (See Lincoln v. Superior Court (1943) 22 Cal.2d 304, 315 [139 P.2d 13].) To suggest this judgment might be overturned on such a ground is "to open the door to mischievous and vexatious practices." (See DeCou v. Howell (1923) 190 Cal. 741, 751 [214 P. 444].) fn. 3 (3) To obtain relief because of ineffective trial counsel, "the defendant [11 Cal.3d 144] must affirmatively show that the omissions of defense counsel involved a critical issue, and that the omissions cannot be explained on the basis of any knowledgeable choice of tactics." (People v. Floyd (1970) 1 Cal.3d 694, 709 [83 Cal.Rptr. 608, 464 P.2d 64].) Review of the issue on direct appeal is, of course, limited to the trial court record. (See In re Hochberg (1970) 2 Cal.3d 870, 875 [87 Cal.Rptr. 681, 471 P.2d 1]; People v. Merriam (1967) 66 Cal.2d 390, 396-397 [58 Cal.Rptr. 1, 426 P.2d 161].) The requisite affirmative showing cannot be made on this record, fn. 4 as the majority virtually concedes: "It is, of course, conceivable that trial counsel did in fact explore these various approaches and found them fruitless ...." (Ante, p. 141.) Recognizing the record on appeal may not be "conclusive of the question," the majority directs defendant's present counsel to consider the possibility of alternative relief through habeas corpus. (Ante, p. 141.) As counsel below was appointed to represent defendant on appeal, he properly limited his representation to matters within the scope of appellate review. Counsel could not expect to be reimbursed for investigating possible grounds for habeas corpus relief, because a defendant's right to appointed counsel has not been extended to applications for collateral relief. Therefore, it is both unfair and unrealistic to suggest that defendant's appointed counsel on appeal was ineffective if he did not conduct such an investigation. Finally, by emphasizing appellate counsel waived oral argument (ante, pp. 138-139), the majority implies submission on the briefs is so unusual as to constitute lack of diligence. To the contrary, last year two-thirds of the criminal cases in the division considering defendant's appeal were submitted without oral argument. fn. 5 Defendant's counsel on appeal demonstrated due diligence in successfully pursuing the one arguable issue [11 Cal.3d 145] -- procedural irregularity of the MDSO commitment -- by filing a closing brief. I would affirm the convictions. McComb, J., concurred. FN 1. The Court of Appeal did, however, accept counsel's contention that defendant's subsequent commitment as a MDSO was invalid for failure to follow the proper procedures and, accordingly, vacated the order of commitment with instructions to hold new commitment proceedings. We do not reach the question, since we have concluded that defendant is entitled to a new appeal on the merits of his conviction and commitment. FN 2. In this connection, the transcript contains a remark by the trial judge that "We don't handle that many criminal matters in this department and I am not sure of the precise process and procedure [for obtaining psychiatric evaluation of the defendant] ...." On the other hand, in another remark the trial judge acknowledged the dangers of fabricated testimony in child assault cases and recognized that accordingly "there ought to be a conviction in the mind of the trier of fact beyond a reasonable doubt." FN 3. See Ballard v. Superior Court, 64 Cal.2d 159, 171-177 [49 Cal.Rptr. 302, 410 P.2d 838, 18 A.L.R.3d 1416]. Such an examination would seem a minimum protection for a defendant charged with molesting a child, and only the rarest of cases would excuse counsel from obtaining one. As the trial judge indicated in this case, shortly before finding defendant guilty, "I don't know how bright these girls [the twins] are. I don't know what their capacity for fantasy is." The results of a psychiatric examination of the twins might easily have tipped the balance in this close case in favor of defendant, whose strongest defense was that the twins lied about him. FN 4. According to the rough "notes" submitted by defendant to the Court of Appeal, a police medical report disclosed "both girls' hymens as intact and undamaged." A probation report in the record suggests that the examining physician concluded that "an allegation that molestation had occurred could neither be proved or disproved." FN 5. As noted above, several witnesses believed that defendant was intoxicated at the party. Defendant himself testified that he had been drinking "heavily" but that he remembered all that took place. The trial judge acknowledged the possibility that defendant may have acted with diminished capacity, lacking "the necessary intent," but he rejected the theory since, under defendant's own testimony, "he [defendant] knew everybody who was there at all times, and he knew everything that went on, and he knew when it was time for him to go to bed, so that if something happened it didn't happen while he was without the capacity to understand what was happening." Yet section 288 requires a specific intent to arouse, appeal to or gratify the lust or passion or sexual desires of the defendant or the victim. (People v. Jones, 42 Cal.2d 219, 223 [266 P.2d 38].) Therefore, expert testimony might have been available to show that defendant's intoxication prevented the formation of such an intent, despite the fact that defendant may have been consciously aware of what he was doing. (Pen. Code, § 22; see People v. O'Tremba, 4 Cal.App.3d 524, 527-528 [84 Cal.Rpr. 336].) FN 6. The police report indicates that the twins also had accused defendant of molesting another child, Lorrie, at the same party. None of the adult witnesses, however, could recall Lorrie's presence at the party, and the prosecution made no attempt to prove this offense at trial. The report also states that each twin reported seeing the other twin being molested; at trial, however, the twins testified to the contrary. FN 7. At trial, defendant testified generally that "Debbie would follow whatever Leslie would say," that the twins would "stick together" in their stories, and that defendant had discussed with Leslie "some sexual allegations she had made against other people in the neighborhood." No further evidence was introduced to support defendant's assertions. FN 8. See People v. Pena, 25 Cal.App.3d 414, 422-423 [101 Cal.Rptr. 804]. In view of the fact that defendant has already filed petitions for habeas corpus raising adequacy of trial counsel, which petitions we ordered transferred from the Court of Appeal to this court, we are retransferring those petitions to the Court of Appeal to consider along with defendant's appeal. FN 1. Counsel also did not breach his duty to not argue against his client. When a defendant insists on raising an issue counsel recognizes as frivolous, the attorney is in a dilemma: Arguing the issue antagonizes the court and deflects attention from more meritorious contentions. Refusing to even raise the issue antagonizes the client, giving him the impression he is being denied access to the courts. An apparent solution -- filing defendant's argument as a pro. per. brief -- merely confronts counsel with another dilemma. Counsel's failure to brief the issue may be attributed to lack of diligence in the absence of explanation, but explanation may be construed as arguing against his client. The comment counsel made here was innocuous. FN 2. The majority also suggests the evidence against defendant was insubstantial because the victims' testimony was uncorroborated. In a prosecution for commission of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14 years of age (Pen. Code, § 288), the child's testimony need not be corroborated. (People v. Sylvia (1960) 54 Cal.2d 115, 122 [4 Cal.Rptr. 509, 351 P.2d 781].) Therefore, absence of corroboration does not render the evidence insubstantial. FN 3. Judge Byron F. Lindsley appears to be exceptionally well qualified to try serious criminal prosecutions. (See Arnold, Cal. Courts and Judges Handbook, pp. 449-450.) FN 4. On several points, however, the record is adequate to show the contrary. Although he admitted drinking "fairly heavily," defendant insisted he remembered "everything that happened" and denied having anything to do with the victims that night. Evidence establishing diminished capacity would have undercut his claim of absolute innocence. Why take that risk if, as the majority suggests, the victims' testimony was inherently improbable. The police report was so prejudicial to defendant that it would have been suicidal to use it to impeach the victims. One of the twins testified she had once seen defendant similarly molest his own daughter. Defense counsel's successful motion to strike would have been an idle act if he had then introduced a police report stating the nine-year-old child tearfully confirmed that defendant "puts his fingers up me and puts his dingy in me until it hurts." FN 5. According to the Clerk for Division One of the Fourth Appellate District, of the 185 criminal cases placed on calendar in 1973, 128 were submitted without argument. Opinion Information Date: Citation: Category: Status: Mon, 04/08/1974 11 Cal.3d 134 Review - Criminal Appeal Opinion issued Apr 8 1974 Remanded Cite This Case Cite Case Link SCOCAL, People v. Lang , 11 Cal.3d 134 available at: (https://scocal.stanford.edu/opinion/people-v-lang-22956) (last visited Wednesday January 20, 2021).	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line652
__label__wiki	0.890811	0.890811	Hearst Professor Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences jayth@stanford.edu James T. Hamilton is the Hearst Professor of Communication and the Director of the Journalism Program. His books on media markets and information provision include All the News That’s Fit to Sell: How the Market Transforms Information into News (Princeton, 2004), Regulation Through Revelation: The Origin, Politics, and Impacts of the Toxics Release Inventory Program (Cambridge, 2005), and Channeling Violence: The Economic Market for Violent Television Programming (Princeton, 1998). His most recent book, Democracy’s Detectives: The Economics of Investigative Journalism (Harvard, 2016), focuses on the market for investigative reporting. Through research in the field of computational journalism, he is exploring how the costs of story discovery can be lowered through better use of data and algorithms. Hamilton is co-founder of the Stanford Computational Journalism Lab, Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, affiliated faculty at the Brown Institute for Media Innovation, and member of the JSK Journalism Fellowships Board of Visitors. For his accomplishments in research, he has won awards such as the David N Kershaw Award of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, the Goldsmith Book Prize from the Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center, the Frank Luther Mott Research Award, and a Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences Fellowship. Teaching awards from Duke and Harvard include the Allyn Young Prize for Excellence in Teaching the Principles of Economics, Trinity College Distinguished Teaching Award, Bass Society of Fellows, and Susan Tifft Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring Award. Prior to joining the Stanford faculty, Hamilton taught at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where he directed the De Witt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy. He earned a BA in Economics and Government (summa cum laude) and PhD in Economics from Harvard University. Focal Areas: Politics and Media	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line655
__label__cc	0.634949	0.365051	Why Do We Witness The Wanton Destruction & Mob Rule Nowadays? feed No Comments For over a month, the nation has been treated to the spectacle of a massive temper tantrum by those on the extreme left, and the coddling of those destroyers by leftist politicians. I’m not talking about the legitimate demonstrations that have been going on. Those are guaranteed rights under the First Amendment of the Constitution. But there’s nothing in that amendment which gives anyone the right to destroy anything. Yet destruction marches on. I can almost understand the removal of Confederate statues, even though I don’t agree with the methodology. After all, what country builds monuments to the losing side of a war? But that’s not the point. The destroyers have reached the point where they are destroying just to destroy. We can see where this is going by what’s being destroyed now. They’ve torn down the statue of a man who was an abolitionist 30 years before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, as well as a statue of Frederick Douglass, a famous black abolitionist. As far as I’m concerned, that proves this is no longer about black lives matter. Now they’re talking about tearing down statues of all our historic figures and even “white” statues of Jesus. Apparently they think that he was a racist too. But perhaps the one statue that most proves this is about destruction and nothing else is the statue that was torn down of an elk; yes, an elk. If destroying our nation’s monuments isn’t enough, there’s been an increase in flag burning going on as well. Now I realize that’s nothing new, but it’s a rather clear statement of where the mob is coming from. They don’t see the flag as a symbol of freedom, as it is seen around the world, but one of oppression, following the warped teachings they’ve been hearing. I recently wrote about the current conditions in our country looking more and more like revolution and this destruction is making it look more and more that way. Tearing down statues, burning books and destroying other things associated with a nation’s history are all part of the Marxist playbook for revolution. In their world view, it is necessary to destroy the past in order to create the future. Perhaps that’s because they don’t have anything better to offer. Sadly, many leftist politicians are unwilling to punish those who are unwilling to take any action towards making these people pay for their criminal actions or even put an end to the wanton destruction. Worse than that, it seems like some of them are even applauding those who are breaking the law. Isn’t that what the mayor of Seattle did with CHOP? This sort of support is only emboldening the mob, giving them more reason to keep destroying and demanding more and more of society in general. It is convincing them they are right and that they can get whatever they want. Let’s Keep it in Perspective In reality, the mob that I’m talking about is a small percentage of our overall population. Even so, they currently wield a big stick and they’re using it very effectively. They’ve learned the lessons of political correctness and previous work by the black lives matter movement and are using that to allow the tail to wag the dog. What do I mean by that? I mean that this small group of people is dictating what major corporations, cities and even society is doing. They are setting the standard which everyone else must meet and they’re doing it through threats and violence. Click here to get your guide to a layered survival defense! This is strangely reminiscent of the NAZI party’s Brownshirts, their personal army of rabble-rousers. Few pay any attention to this group, but the Sturmabteilung were the NAZI party’s “paramilitary arm,” otherwise known as “thugs.” Their official function was to act as guards at NAZI rallies and assemblies, but they also disrupted the meetings of other political parties and were busy intimidating everyone from trade unions to Jews. Eventually, they were disbanded, but only to be replaced by the SS, which should give you a pretty good idea of how squeaky clean they were. Historically, intimidation has been an effective tool used by many in politics. We even have it in our own history. The “shoulder strikers” of the mid-19th century were often employed by politicians to intimidate election officials, their opponents, and businesses, all in an effort to get the vote to go their way. That’s a whole lot more similar to what’s going on today than most people realize. The current mob isn’t changing the culture at the ballot box, at least not yet; they’re changing it by threatening companies and politicians to meet their demands. Failure to heed those demands can lead to violence, financial ruin, and destruction. I think it’s becoming increasingly clear that this isn’t accidental; nor is it spontaneous. Just like back when the Black Lives Matter movement started, there have apparently been advertisements, soliciting to hire paid agitators. The most likely culprit behind that movement is George Soros, the far-left billionaire who has made it his mission to bring down America. Somehow, it always seems to come out that he’s funding every anti-American movement and group out there. Coincidentally (yeah, right… some coincidence), Soros also funds the Democrat Party, and just about every Democrat candidate there is, the more radically left, the better. At the same time, he spends millions of dollars trying to suppress the Republican Party and anyone who has a conservative message and a platform to voice it. Just as coincidentally, the far-left politicians are the same ones who are supportive of the anarchist message of ANTIFA. In other words, they are supporting a terrorist movement, which is using violence to bring down American institutions, American history, traditional American values, and traditional American culture. They’re just using the current Black Lives Matter protests as camouflage. Like Rahm Emmanuel, former mayor of Chicago said, “Never let a crisis go to waste.” Where’s this All Going? If I can add another coincidence in here, which really isn’t a coincidence, all of this is happening at the same time that there’s a concerted effort to silence conservative voices. Granted, that’s not anything new. Political correctness has always been about silencing conservative voices. You either parrot the PC message or you get called out and cut off. But the efforts to silence Republican and conservative voices are increasing all the time. A large part of the reason why the president is always tweeting is that that’s about the only way he can make sure that his message gets out to his followers, without being corrupted by the left-wing’s media lapdogs. They have become so good at misquoting his words, that they can now outright lie about them with a straight face. He could say “black lives matter” and they’d turn it into “kill the blacks.” We now have a situation where Facebook is censoring the president’s posts and having them “fact-checked” by people who compare them to the New York Times. If they don’t agree with what the Times, a clearly leftist publication, says on some topic, those posts are marked as “untrue.” Many people are seeing this as an effort to win the November election, but they’re being a bit to short-sighted. Those on the left aren’t just interested in winning the next election; they’re not even interested in winning every election. They’re only interested in total control. That’s their end game. Talk to any strong Democrat and they’ll gleefully tell you that the Republican Party is going down. That’s what they want. Hey, I might not like the Democrat Party and what they stand for, but that doesn’t mean I think we should eliminate them. Our country needs to have at least two strong political parties, and it just so happens that we only have two. Neither is indispensable. Communist China has one political party and look where it’s led them. The same can be said for the former Soviet Union. Perhaps they were a bit more hypocritical about it, as they still had elections. But there was only one party on the ballot you could vote for. It really made election day exciting. When there’s only one party, the country falls into the trap of that famous quote about absolute power. Yet there are those who want just that. We’ve got them on our side too, but there are a whole lot more of them on the other side. With the left in full out conservative suppression mode, it really questions the ability of any Republican candidate to win in the fall. That’s a scary prospect when you think about it. The way things are going right now, if the left ever manages to gain total control of our nation’s government, as they did in former President Obama’s first term, there’s no saying what they will do. But I’ll tell you this; they’re probably going to work overtime to make sure that whatever they do can’t ever be undone. The other thing they’ll probably do is try to make it impossible for Republicans to ever regain power. They’ve already floated a number of proposals which will put them in permanent control, including immigration amnesty, vote by mail, and stacking the Supreme Court. They want their way and they aren’t going to allow anything to stop them. Taking it to the Next Step Kicking Republicans out of power and keeping them out of power isn’t all of it. Not by any means. During the last few years, the far-left wing of the Democrat Party has gained tremendous power. They have made it increasingly clear that their goal is to turn the United States into another socialist country. That will soon be followed by the United States becoming a failed socialist country. They say that the hardest thing to kill is a bad idea and socialism sure seems to prove that point. It is being taught in our “institutes of higher learning” (almost a parody) and talked about fondly by the “intellectual elite.” Any time anyone brings up the fact that socialism has never worked, they brush it off, saying that “nobody has done it right before.” Perhaps the reason for that is that socialism can’t be done right. To do so requires perfect people, who are totally unselfish and willing to give their lives for the collective. But we humans aren’t like that; not even those who are trying to push socialism down our collective throats. They’re perhaps the worst of all because each and every one of them is interested in pushing socialism for what they can get out of it, whether that be some financial benefit or political power. One of socialism’s biggest errors is that it doesn’t give anyone any incentive to do better. You can’t get paid more for doing more, so why bother? That one thing is enough to cause socialism to fail. Without anyone being given any incentive to do more, society can’t move ahead. People need their needs met, but they also need to know that they have an opportunity to better their own lives. Should the more socialist wing of the Democrat Party ever gain control, it will be the end of the United States as we know it. Oh, it might still exist in name, but that’s it. All the technological advances that our country has been known for and all the wealth we have generated will become a thing of the past. Without the ability to start a business, build something for ourselves and better our own lives, people will stop putting forth the effort. We, just as many other countries have done before, will fall. Just Let Me Say… The United States isn’t perfect. We have our flaws. We have a checkered past. And we still make mistakes today. But this is the greatest country the world has ever spawned. Even with all our failures, we are the most altruistic country in history. We are the ones who run to help, whenever there is a need. We are the ones who protect the underdog and cheer him on. We are the police of the world and rightly so. Maybe it’s time for people to stop concentrating on the bad that this country has done and start looking at the good once again. I’m not talking about ignoring the bad. No, I believe in learning from our mistakes. But it’s hard to have pride in a country when you don’t see the good that it has done. When I listen to Black Lives Matter and others on the left, I hear a common thread. It’s the same thread that’s calling for the destruction of our monuments. That thread is that this country is all bad; it’s never done anything good; in fact, we’re somehow guilty for everything bad that has ever happened, anywhere in the world. No wonder they want to destroy our past and our heritage; they don’t understand what it is. That’s the mob which wants to rule. They want the rest of us to bow to their ideas of who we are; ignoring history, except those parts they can use to make our country look bad. Well, I for one won’t bow. I’ll admit we’re not perfect, but rather than using that as an excuse to destroy, I’d much rather use it as an excuse to build. One thing that has made the history of the United States unique is that we have always improved. That’s what needs to come of this, not wanton destruction and mob rule. Is a Program like CERT, Search & Rescue, or the American Red Cross Right for You? Effective Security, Traps & Alarms for Your Home Why the Ruger 10/22 is One of … When looking for the perfect rifle for your off grid … Solar Panel Cost – It’s Less Than … There are a lot of questions about the bottom line … Prepper Plans for Building a Home Families who begin preparing for chaos and disaster (or even … Homesteading Electricity Options When families make the decision to become preppers on a … Homesteading Acreage Options When you talk about how many acres are needed to … Is a Program like CERT, Search & … SmokeyBottom.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This website contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase an item, I may earn a commission. See my terms of service for details. Smokey Bottom Copyright © 2021.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line658
__label__wiki	0.750172	0.750172	Virat Kohli – ambassador for World Cup 2015 November 13, 2014 by Sports Editor International Cricket Council has appointed five top cricketers as its ambassadors for the ICC Cricket World Cup next year. These include India’s Virat Kohli, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, Australia’s Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson and New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum. India’s current ODI Skipper and star batsman, Virat Kohli said it is an honor to be selected as the Ambassador to spread the passion for the game of cricket to grass root levels and across the world. Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who featured in the 2007 and 2011 finals in the West Indies and India, said he would assist the ICC in promoting the values and excitement of the World Cup. One of the world’s leading all-rounders Shane Watson said it is truly a special occasion and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a World Cup at home against the best teams in the world. The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will start on 14 February with New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka in a day match in Christchurch. On the same day in Melbourne, co-host Australia will go head to head with England in a day/night match. Melbourne will also host the final on 29 March. A total of 49 matches will be played across 14 venues, seven each in Australia and New Zealand. Virat Kohli – quickest cricketer to reach 6000 runs in ODI Armaan Kohli – Bigg Boss Season 7 participant – arrested for alleged physical abuse Dr. Vijay Kohli – cardiovascular surgeon India second among world tea producers – Dubai Tea Forum India lose number one spot to Lanka in ICC T-20 rankings Categories Sports Post navigation PM Modi leaves for Nepal tomorrow to attend SAARC summit	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line662
__label__wiki	0.830026	0.830026	Does Trump Even Like Jeff Sessions? Eleanor Sheehan Short answer: it seems unlikely. In an interview with The New York Times, Trump blasted Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the investigation into whether Trump’s campaign colluded with Russia during the election. “Sessions should have never recused himself, and if he was going to recuse himself, he should have told me before he took the job and I would have picked somebody else,” Trump told The Times. Following up, Trump called Sessions’s decision to recuse himself as “frankly, very unfair to the president” and then again “extremely unfair.” Trump suggested he was holding back with his frustration towards Session since he also said unfair was a “mild word” to express his feelings. Sessions certainly had every reason to recuse himself: he was caught lying about whether he had any contact with Russian officials during the time he was an advisor to Trump’s campaign. Sessions did meet with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak twice, despite saying he had not met with any Russian officials during his confirmation hearing. Trump also spoke about the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, now handling the inquiry during the interview. The president said Mueller was leading an office “rife with conflicts of interest” and cautioned Mueller against investigating anything but the campaign’s alleged contact with Russian officials. He also seemed to think that Mueller’s investigation would “cross a red line” if it scrutinized his children. Per The Times: Asked if Mr. Mueller’s investigation would cross a red line if it expanded to look at his family’s finances beyond any relationship to Russia, Mr. Trump said, “I would say yes.” He would not say what he would do about it. “I think that’s a violation. Look, this is about Russia.” Trump did not seem to acknowledge that the investigation would be obligated to probe his children since at least one of them, Donald Trump Jr., who was an advisor during the campaign, publicly admitted to meeting with someone he thought was a Kremlin-connected lawyer. As far as Trump is concerned, however, he is not under federal investigation for obstruction of justice after firing former FBI director James Comey. “I don’t think we’re under investigation. I’m not under investigation. For what? I didn’t do anything wrong,” Trump told The Times. In July, The Times also reported that Mueller wanted to question the director of national intelligence, the head of the National Security Agency, and the former N.S.A director. Mueller’s request suggested, according to The Times, that he might be considering if Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey. According to The Times, Sessions did not respond to Trump’s recorded comments. Though, if I were him, I would be pressing the eject button right about now. Night Editor, Splinter	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line663
__label__cc	0.745915	0.254085	Home / Profiles / Driver Profiles / Martin Swig – Interview and Profile Martin Swig – Interview and Profile April 22, 2011 by Dennis Gray 7 Comments Interview and photos (unless noted) by Dennis Gray Martin Swig is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vintage racer, car collector and founder of the California Mille vintage car rally. A graduate of Stanford University, Swig was a multi-franchise new car dealer in San Francisco for 40 years. In addition to founding the storied California Mille in the early ’90s, Martin has been vintage racing a variety of mostly Italian marques for more than 30 years. He is a contributor to Sports Car Digest and a variety of other publications. In advance of the 2011 California Mille, Martin sat down with Sports Car Digest to discuss his early passion for all things automotive, his time as a new car dealer, insight into what makes the California Mille go and much more. Sports Car Digest: Can you give us a history of Martin Swig? Martin Swig: I was born in 1934 in Northern New Jersey. At some point I got hooked on automobiles. I must have been pretty young because I remember my mother wanted me to go to a Sunday school when I was three or four years old, I must have been three because I remember the bribe was, on the way there was a Cord showroom, and If I’d go to the Sunday school I could get out of the car on the way and press my nose up against the Cord showroom. So I got hooked kind of early on. Luckily, when I was about 12 years old my father bought a company here in San Francisco and moved us here. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. You read about the beginnings of the hot rod movement in California, it was a place that was all about cars. I thought that was pretty neat. And, in those years in California, you could get a driver’s license when you were 14. So every kid who was worth a shit knew how to drive when he was 12. Whenever you had a chance you would get together with a couple of your friends and steal your parents car when they were gone for the night, and go for a little drive. Luckily, we survived all of that. Every kid who was worth his salt had a driver’s license by the time he was 14 years old; and a car. I guess for a California boy at that time there was only one thing he was as interested in playing with besides his car, but we had to take care of the car and buy gas first, so there wasn’t too much money left over for social. I was lucky enough to go to high school down in Palo Alto, and then I went to Stanford. While I was at Stanford I worked for a used car dealer over in Menlo Park who was starting to fool around with used foreign cars. And they were really foreign then. When I got out of school I went to work for the Fiat/Alfa Romeo/Lancia dealer in San Francisco. I had been attracted to those cars before. A friend of mine brought a Fiat 1100 back from Italy in 1955, and we all knew Henry Manney at the time and he was sort of our, well he taught us about everything good, he taught us about Fiats, about Alfas, about Lancia Aurelias, he taught us about little Crosley-powered Siatas, about all the fabulous stuff. I worked for that company for about 10 or 12 years. It became the Mercedes dealership. By the time I had been there for that long I thought I was about the smartest man on the face of the earth and my bosses were two fabulous guys, old Stanford business guys, old-time quality new car dealers. I really had a wonderful sort of graduate school education, and they had let me buy a minority interest in the company, so when it was time for me to be kicked out and fly on my own they did me the favor of doing that and since I owned a minority share of the company I got a fairly good size check for the times, buying out my interest. I went down the street on Van Ness in San Francisco and bought the Datsun dealership. That worked out pretty well, and then in the next few years I picked up Fiat and Alfa Romeo, and I got kind of serious and picked up Mazda, Toyota and some other Japanese cars over the years. Then, after about a dozen years on Van Ness, the whole car business was changing a lot so I was lucky enough to be able to do one of the first artful multi-franchise, all-under-one-roof dealerships in San Francisco. That worked out very well, but it also kind of put me in the real estate business. I didn’t know it at the time, but after I had that San Francisco Autocenter, as we called it, for about a dozen years I realized — with the help of the J.D. Power Organization, who were doing a lot of dealer roundtables, and some real estate friends of mine — that I was really in the real estate business and not the car business. So, with the help of a good developer, we made a good retail shopping, not automotive, center out of it, and that enabled me to be the bum I always wanted to be. So that is sort of the business background. I must say I loved every minute of being in the car business. I don’t recall I ever went to work. I put into it an awful lot of hours and it was dead serious, and certainly at-risk financially, the whole time, but it was certainly fabulous, fabulous. Along the way, I always liked the hobby side of cars. To this day, I think I only have two good friends who don’t come from either the business side of cars or the hobby side. Of all the guys I know and I am very fond of, it’s the total world of cars, whether for hobby or business, and I consider myself very lucky, it’s been a fabulous group of people. I guess I always had one or two collector cars, I mean way back when, years ago, because you would buy some treasure and you’d be telling someone how pleased by you were and they would say “what did you pay for that piece of old shit?” Well their answer was always, “you could have bought a new Chevy for that kind of money!” Well, it was more fun when people thought we were nuts. Now they think you’re really hot stuff if you have an old Alfa or something and it’s only $50,000. Well, you stole it. Now that they have gone up so they cost more than new Chevys. A local Porsche notices a cousin. Tatra T-87 sedan. Rear engine 3-liter V8, 4-speed transmission, monocoque body. SCD: Your wife drives, and don’t you have a daughter who drove? MS: That’s funny. The valet parking guy here, we come here a lot on Sunday mornings, and when I have to go do a few errands my wife and I take two separate cars. One day I pulled up here and the parking guy says, “Hey, your daughter is already here.” So my wife earned that. She’s been living on that ever since. My wife is probably better, more aware of most cars than most ladies, and she does a little racing — not that she is very quick, but she is attentive. She drives a little Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Zagato, she has never frightened anybody into thinking she might pass them, she knows where she is on the track, to her credit. I have two sons who race very well. The older one named David works for Bonhams auction house in the automotive sector, and the younger guy, Howard, is working for Car and Driver in Ann Arbor. SCD: What was your first vintage automobile? MS: I can go back to about to about 1947 when I had a $10 Model T, but we didn’t even know they were called vintage, it was just an old piece of shit at that time. After that you get married and have a kid and all that stuff and you don’t fool around too much. In the early 1960s I bought a very nice 1940 Buick convertible. Nice original car, never should have sold that one either, but if I never sold all the cars I shouldn’t have sold there would not be a garage big enough. Later in the ’60s I had a nice 1937 Buick Century convertible from the original owner, I was into Buicks. One of my problems, but I don’t consider it a problem, is that I like an awful lot of different kinds of cars. Because there are so many that are significant in one way or another, if I would just zero in on one. I like Alfa Romeos a lot, I’ve got eight or nine of them. I have too many other things. I worked for the Alfa dealer, then later I had the dealership myself. That was between 1958 and 1995. I was involved in new Alfa franchise all those years. I bought my first Alfa Romeo 1900 in about 1973. I’ve had a lot of Alfa 1900s over the years, and a lot of Giuliettas, and some others as well. SCD: Can you describe your toy car collection? MS: Well, again, I like all kinds. I like pedal cars, I probably have 30 or 40 of them. I like manufacturer’s promos, and I have several hundred of them. I like 1/43rds. I like oversize things, and it’s out of control. If I had to guess, and I wouldn’t claim anything like that, but it’s probably like a thousand pieces. I keep some at home and some in my office. The problem is I have a house full of this stuff and an office full. And the office is several rooms, which doesn’t present any trouble except in terms of books. I probably have 85 percent of my library at home and 15 percent at the office. But that doesn’t prevent the fact that wherever you are, the book you want is at the other place. I could never afford to move again, it would be so disorienting it would kill me. Filed Under: Driver Profiles, Featured Articles, Profiles Tagged With: Collectors, Other Profiles William Edgar says Martin Swig is a man who speaks his mind and in the bargain has important things to say, and what’s better than that? Dennis Gray has done a great job here with his questions, and Martin’s replies run the gamut from what makes sense to kick-ass brilliance in understanding the vintage and rally car scene’s population that comprises all types from ultra-cool to go-do-something-else. This sit-down with Mr. Swig is informative and entertaining throughout and makes a stellar read to begin another new day in our car-centric lives. Fabulous stuff. Larry Jones says Wonderful interview with Mr Swig. Thanks Mark Colbert says Thanks Dennis!… The Martin Swig Interview and Profile was another fantastic story with great history and photos. Vin D'Amico says Really sounds like you are actually listening to Martin speak, which is always a pleasure. Lars Mapstead says Wow after reading this Interview I have a whole new appreciation for Mr Swig, he is hilarious and seems like my kind of people. I guess I need to do the California Mille. Roberto Ramirez says I was so touched this morning, when I knew of Martin`s dead, coincidentially on my father`s 25th anniversary, so at church this morning we prayed for Martin too. We always enjoyed talking at the Laguna Seca pits, around his Chrysler 8, and mainly last year we both were so enthusiastic about us finding a 1930 Chrysler 77 Le Mans Roadster, that had been lost for 40 years in a mexican hacienda, we finally got a hold of her and is being rebuilt on our family`s premises, but were never able to show her to Martin; he, together with our dad, will now see us working on her from the best place they could ever have: Heaven. We now have one more good angel looking after us. Martin L. Swig Dies at 78; Started Vintage Car Rally \| Classic Car Blogs says: […] California tour requires unusually devoted drivers, Mr. Swig told Sports Car Digest in 2011. “They have to have a car they drive and don’t just take it out once a year,” he said. “You […] About Dennis Gray Senior Photographer Dennis Gray was team photographer for George Dyer Racing when they won the 12-Hours of Sebring in 1977, team photographer for Tom Spalding’s Can-Am team in 1978 and the RJR photographer for the IMSA series in 1979 and 1980. He was a frequent contributor to On Track magazine from 1968 to 1985. Gray has created images for many automotive firms including BMW; Ford; Goodyear; Jaguar; Mercedes-Benz; Pirelli and Porsche; in addition to many print publications. He is a member of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. To see more from Dennis, visit DennisGrayPhotographer.com.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line665
__label__cc	0.659977	0.340023	First Official Xbox One Emulator Is a Phony Posted: June 26, 2013 by Joshua Cannell Gamer or not, you’ve likely heard about the next generation of video game consoles arriving later this year. However, you probably haven’t heard that fake emulators for the anticipated consoles are already being distributed. In case you aren’t familiar with them, video game emulators are software used to play console and handheld games on a PC. Many gamers use emulators to play older games not seen in years, despite any potential legal issues of playing games they don’t own. Over at emulatorxboxone.com, you’ll find the self-proclaimed first and “best Xbox One emulator out there,” a profound statement considering the Xbox One won’t be publicly available until this November. The website displays an image of its interface (above) and contains an embedded video of the emulator in action, featuring gameplay from the upcoming “Watch Dogs” from Ubisoft. Despite being only a few days old, the video has gotten a lot of attention on YouTube, currently holding more than 75,000 views. That’s pretty impressive—that is, for a fake emulator. The video’s narrator has a German accent, and makes use of his strong video editing skills to make the gameplay seem real, even going as far to pretend to load a saved game during the demonstration. However, the video is actually just a clip from this year’s Watch Dogs E3 gameplay trailer (see 1:15), and not the actual game at all. I went ahead and downloaded the emulator to see what visitors might really be getting. Afterward, I examined the files: on the surface they seemed legitimate, with one executable and some libraries files. Some of the libraries are standard ones from Microsoft, but interestingly enough, a couple are actually from a legitimate emulator for the PlayStation 2, known as PCSX2. As a matter of fact, I grabbed the latest copy of PCSX2, and was surprised by the similarities. Many of the files and folders were the same, but different versions. This is likely done to make the Xbox One emulator appear like its real. The emulator binary, XboxOneEmulator.exe, is coded in .NET and therefore requires the .NET framework to run. When you execute the emulator, you’ll get a nag screen explaining the BIOS is missing and asking if you’d like to download a copy: either choice exits the program, but clicking “Yes” takes you back to the emulator’s website. From there, you’ll be redirected to complete an offer, a trick used to gather your personal information for spam and other malicious purposes, afterward granting you access to the requested file. However, these offers almost never live up to their promises. Deceptive ploys like these have been around for a while and can be used for anything from advertising to spreading malware (and maybe both). In fact, one of the download mirrors for the Xbox One emulator is hosted by zippyshare, and contains a download for a fake Flash Player. Continuing support for video game emulators increases as new game consoles are released, so it’s no surprise that gamers would want to get their hands on an emulator for the Xbox One. However, make sure you take time to think through situations like these—how could an emulator realistically be available for a console that hasn’t been released yet, and where would you get the games? Don’t be another victim, and stay away from sites like these. Thanks to Steven Burn for research material. Joshua Cannell is a Malware Intelligence Analyst at Malwarebytes where he performs research and in-depth analysis on current malware threats. He has over 5 years of experience working with US defense intelligence agencies where he analyzed malware and developed defense strategies through reverse engineering techniques. His articles on the Unpacked blog feature the latest news in malware as well as full-length technical analysis. Follow him on Twitter @joshcannell Joshua Cannell Malware Intelligence Analyst Gathers threat intelligence and reverse engineers malware like a boss.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line668
__label__wiki	0.581732	0.581732	What’s the connection between washrooms for girls and furthering their education? ©2016 World Vision, Inc. All rights reserved. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. In 2014, 85 percent of World Vision's total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need. Help the Daughters of India Today 10% fundraising OF INDIA No washrooms, no education, no future. This is what 63 million schoolgirls in India face every day. DONATE BY PHONE PLEASE CALL World Vision Canada \| 1 World Drive \| Mississauga, ON L5T 2Y4 In this fiscal year, World Vision Canada anticipates raising $382 million in total revenue for its community development, emergency relief and advocacy work, of which approximately 12.7% will be used for necessary fundraising. In cases where donations exceed what is needed or where local conditions prevent program implementation, World Vision Canada will redirect funds to similar activities to help people in need. World Vision Canada is federally incorporated and located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, or for a copy of our latest audited financial statements, please visit our website at www.worldvision.ca. You may also send an email to customerservice@worldvision.ca or contact the Director, Operational Excellence at 1.800.268.4888 Business/Registration Number: 119304855RR0001. Your donation will help build secure washrooms for girls in India and keep them in school. Together, we can build more than just washrooms—we can help girls build better futures today and for years to come. Donate \| Your Impact \| Our Goals \| Contact Us Imagine how disruptive, unsafe and unhealthy life would be without clean, functioning washrooms. In India, schoolgirls don’t have to imagine it—they live it. Each washroom that RUDI builds helps keep all students, girls and boys, healthy with access to clean, running water and working drainage systems. Female students can attend school free from the fear, shame and stigma around menstruation. Parents, leaders, governments and institutions are motivated to work together to improve hygiene, water and sanitation conditions for the entire community. With new washrooms in her school, Sukhpreet, 8th standard student, now attends classes regularly and feels like school is her second home. She says, "We girls are happy now due to separate toilets and proper water supply in our school." Without separate washrooms, female students in rural India have limited options. Some are forced to use a nearby field, risking their safety, health and dignity. Most girls decide to stop going to school rather than endanger themselves. I have witnessed first-hand the bias against our daughters in India. By simply improving school facilities for girls, we are showing everyone that a girl’s education is important. This is the importance of Rise Up Daughters of India. ~Nav Bhatia, Toronto Raptors Superfan, World Vision Ambassador Education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty, especially for girls and women. Building washrooms specifically for girls helps them stay in school longer, further their education and keep them safe from harm. When girls are educated, they’re less likely to fall victim to violence, early marriage and pregnancy, or human trafficking. And when educated girls have children of their own, their children are twice as likely to survive beyond the age of five. One Change Can Make A BIG Difference Help Girls Stay in School One of the leading causes of school drop-outs among India’s schoolgirls is their lack of access to washrooms. Rise Up Daughters of India, in partnership with World Vision Canada, is on a mission to build solutions that keep girls in school. “We were struggling because only one toilet was available and the drainage system was not proper, causing diseases and infection among us. But now we have three toilet blocks with proper water and a drainage system. Now we can concentrate more on our studies.” ~ Harpal, 8th standard student, Dalewala High School	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line671
__label__wiki	0.604418	0.604418	Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced for December (STL.News) United States Attorney Trent Shores today announced the results of the December 2020 Federal Grand Jury A. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Joshua Michael Arneecher. Third Degree Burglary in Indian Country. (superseding) Arneecher, 33, of Tulsa, is charged with breaking into the victim’s vehicle with intent to steal items of value. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. Samuel James Bray and Morgan Alexandria Guevin. Robbery in Indian Country; Attempted Robbery in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Bray, 32, and Guevin, 30, both of Tulsa, are charged with stealing and attempting to steal jewelry and a motor from the victim by force and intimidation. Further, they are both charged with brandishing a firearm during this crime of violence. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Donta Keith Davis. Bank Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Davis, 38, of Sayre, is charged with robbing a bank by brandishing a firearm. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. David Allen Dean. Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Short-Barrel Shotgun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Dean, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun with a 15 5/8in barrel and ammunition. Dean is a 4-time convicted felon. Further, Dean allegedly possessed heroin with the intent to distribute. He is also being charged with possessing the Mossberg short barrel shotgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. READ Raleigh, N.C; Antonio Rishawn Taylor Sentenced for Possession of Ammunition Chaney Hair. Distribution of Methamphetamine. Hair, 28, of Hinton, is charged with distributing methamphetamine. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs is the investigative agency. Grant N. Jackson IV. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Jackson, 40, of Tulsa, is charged with child abuse after allegedly burning the young victim with scalding hot bathtub water. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Floyd Twobears Joshua. Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Joshua, 20, of Sapulpa, is charged with intentionally possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is also being charged with possessing a Taurus Judge .45 Colt/.410 caliber pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Jenks Public Schools Police Department are the investigative agencies. Sajjad Ali Khan. Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. Khan, 50, of Tulsa, allegedly touched the victim inappropriately without her consent. The FBI, Sapulpa Police Department, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations are the investigative agencies. John Kimble. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Kimble, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock, .22 caliber pistol and ammunition. Kimble is a 10-time convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Ryan Glen McClain. Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner in Indian Country. (Superseding) McClain, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with 3 counts of assault. On Sept. 10, McClain allegedly assaulted his dating partner by striking and wounding her with his fists and a television. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. READ Brendan Rowin Figuly Sentenced for Violently Assaulting Two Neighbors Dominique Laron Morgan; Rontaysha Leann Cox; Treveon Marquise Cato. Sex Trafficking of Children; Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity; Possession of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors. (Superseding) Morgan, 25, of Tulsa; Cox, 27, of Wichita, Kansas; and Cato, 23, of Tulsa, allegedly recruited, enticed, harbored, and advertised a minor to participate in sexual activity, profiting from her exploitation. Advertisements for the teenager were discovered on a website promoting prostitution and soliciting sex acts in exchange for money. Morgan is further charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Cox is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (added in this superseding indictment), coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. The Tulsa Police Department Vice-Human Trafficking Unit, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Ryan Thomas Phillips. Strangulation of a Dating and Intimate Partner in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner in Indian Country. Phillips, 28, of Mound, is charged with two counts of assault. On April 25, Phillips allegedly assaulted his dating partner by strangling her and striking her in the face. The FBI and Glenpool Police Department are the investigative agencies. READ Raleigh: Laequan Chrishawn Sellers Sentenced for Multiple Crimes Jonathon Ray Scott. Robbery in Indian Country. Scott, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with robbery after allegedly taking money from the victim by means of force and violence. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. David Owen West. Mail Fraud; Engaging in Unlawful Monetary Transactions. (Superseding) West, 59, of Drumright, is charged with 27 counts of mail fraud and 5 counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. From 2013 to 2017, West allegedly devised a scheme to defraud his employer for the sake of monetary gain. According to the indictment, West oversaw the oil and gas sites for his company and was in charge of choosing vendors to assist in the maintenance and transport of production. West allegedly began stealing oil and selling it to another company. Further, West allegedly created an LLC so that the purchasers would pay him and his LLC for the stolen production. West not only defrauded his employer in this way, but also allegedly had his employer pay for the transportation and maintenance that were required for the sale of the stolen production. West had his employer mail company checks through the U.S. Postal Service; therefore, committing mass mail fraud and engagement in unlawful monetary transactions. The FBI and IRS–Criminal Investigation are the investigative agencies. Jerry Paul Wright. Theft in Indian Country. Wright, 47, of Tulsa, is charged with stealing a 2006 Dodge Ram pickup truck from the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Tagged in Joshua Michael Arneecher, Morgan Alexandria Guevin., Samuel James Bray, US Department of Justice PrevMiami: Daniel Daniel Pleads Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court NextNew York: Joseph Santiamo Admits Distributing Opioids to Patients	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line672
__label__cc	0.693566	0.306434	Your Fear will set you Free Is this the end? Streamin’ Radio/TV Near Me EVERYTHING near me ← John McCain wants United States to launch preemptive war on Syria Submitting Corrections → The “Mormons hate black people” thing Posted on March 5, 2012 by Fred Stiening No Republican is going to bring this up in the pimrary. No Democrat is going to mention it until after Mitt Romney has locked up the nomination and it is too late for Republicans to change their candidate. It’s an issue with no merit, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a potent weapon. It came up briefly in 2008 and Romney chased it away, but he wasn’t the Republican Nominee and he wasn’t running against a man who is the result of an inter-racial sexual relationship. I listen to “black radio” fairly regularly, something few “white” people do. You can bet your last dollar that if Romney is the nominee running against Barack Obama, this issue will be out front 24 hours a day for months pounding Romney into the ground for something he doesn’t believe (at least I don’t think so) Back in the “good old days”, the Mormon church had an official policy that blacks could not be in leadership positions in the Mormon Church and were specifically not considered to be equals Background on LDS theology about Blacks Mitt Romney’s reaction to being hit with that charge is that it was his father George Romney who pushed the LDS church to repeal its stand in 1978. George Romney had tried to run for President in the 1960s with little success. George Romney was born in Mexico after his parents fled the country. It’s an open question as to whether George Romney was a “natural born” US citizen and eligible to run for President. This is a letter George Romney received in 1964 while he was Governor of Michigan: Letter from Delbert Stapley to George Romney Enjoy your Super Tuesday Choose wisely. This entry was posted in 2012 Election, American Politics, Presidential Elections, Republicans. Bookmark the permalink. 11 Responses to The “Mormons hate black people” thing PACoug says: I never liked Delbert L. Stapley. I had much more affinity with Spencer W. Kimball, who spent so much of his life as an apostle visiting the members in Central and South America and the Pacific Islands. It was not George Romney who inspired Kimball, as president of the church, to inquire about whether the whole “curse” thing should be abrogated. It was my friend, Helvécio Martíns, former CEO of Petrobrás and eventually the first black bishop of the Mormon church, whose great testimony and faith moved President Kimball to action on the subject. If Stapley had had more than a simple racist’s understanding of the church policy, he’d perhaps have noted that several black men received the priesthood under the hands of Joseph Smith and it was not until his assassination and the assumption of the presidency by Brigham Young that black men were denied the priesthood. I think it’s quite likely, given the zeitgeist, that Brigham was as racist as most of his contemporaries. Because of the hierarchichal nature of the church, and its doctrinal dependence on revelation to the man at the top, a mistake made early on could persist for generations and cause all manner of mischief, including the racist attitude of Del Stapley and multitudes of other Mormons of the day. When the policy was officially changed by Pres. Kimball in 1978, I remember the quiet joy felt in my household–although my mother was by today’s standards quite racist at the time. Even she felt the happiness that comes from something so obviously right. She’s still around now, and tells me how much she hated Martin Luther King–and now, after reading many of his sermons, how she loves him these many years later. I think it took the policy change by the church that she is so invested in to get her to look at racial relations in a more fair-minded way. Our parents are wise because of the mistakes they’ve acknowledged and corrected, not because they’ve always been right. I served a mission in Brazil in 1985-87. Most of the people I taught were black, and about half of the Brazilian friends who’ve stayed in touch with me over the years are black. It was an honor to serve them, serve under their authority, and serve alongside them. I would do it again today. And I would continue to teach, as I do in my own ward, that if you think like ol’ Del Stapley in the above letter, you’re in danger of hell fire. Your brothers and sisters deserve nothing less than the best and most evenhanded behavior from you, and if you aren’t there yet, repent and get on the peace train, brutha. There is not a soul on this earth that is worth less to God than yours, so remember you’re dealing with God’s precious children at all times. I’m pretty sure that’s the message delivered by George Romney in 1964 that got Elder Stapley’s garments in a twist. Absolutely sure it’s what he instilled in his children, and what Mitt and Ann have taught their own as well. It is now the official doctrine of the church, so not hard to embrace. If you think the Mormons have a racist past, you should try the Southern Baptists or…pick your poison. Any church of the South from Joseph Smith’s time. The Mormons were pretty doggone liberal compared with the rest of the lot. In fact, that’s why the Missourians kicked them out of their state–the Mormon vote threatened to overturn the slave-state consensus, so the old residents took care of the newcomers with powder and ball. It’s helpful to take the big picture under consideration when you are forced to render a judgement such as a vote. I’m comfortable with Mitt’s opinions on race relations. What I don’t like is his political opinions, which appear to not exist, or exist in a mercurial state depending on which crowd he’s addressing at the moment. Romney may indeed believe similarly to me politically, but there’s no way for me to know, because he is such a chameleon. Some say changing your positions to fit your audience is “moderate.” To me it renders you untrustworthy. If you want my vote, come and get it. I don’t vote the man, and I don’t vote the party. I VOTE THE POLICIES. I know I’m never going to get all of what I want. I vote for the man who seems to be the one who’ll bring about the least-bad set of policies. Right now for me that’s probably Santorum or Gingrich. But if it comes down to Romney and Obama, it’s Romney by a country mile, whether or not long-dead Mormon apostles were as racist as preachers from other white churches of the day. Art Stone says: You’ll get no argument from me. The church I attended as a youth (right next to the one Quinn & Rose attend in Mount Lebanon) had the ministers telling us to embrace the Civil Rights movement, while one of the deacons was employed by Mount Lebanon to make sure no black people dared to pollute the Mount Lebanon municipal swimming pool or buy a house. Had a black person sat down in a pew, the police probably would have been called, or at least it would have been gossip for the next year. Meanwhile, down in the basement, the youth minister was rounding up the local street gangs and talking to them about Woodstock and helping to fight against President Richard Nixon. Last report is the huge sanctuary is just about empty on Sundays. I csn’t figure out why. At the point I was asked to “be confirmed”, the only thing I knew I knew was I wanted nothing to do with this religion. But the bigger point that you’ve demonstrated very well (and I mean this sincerely) is how effective the Democrats bringing this issue up in a few months will take the entire campaign into the ditch. Non-Mormon Republicans will be forced to “take sides” on religious doctrines that has nothing to do with anything, while the looting of the US Treasury will be off the radar of the campaign. TheJerseyDevil says: Generally speaking, I think the presidential election will be decided by the people in the political middle who voted for Bush in 2004 but decided to give Obama’s “hope and change” a chance in 2008. These voters are not going to hold old Mormon bigotry against Romney any more than they would refuse to vote for a white candidate because slaveholders were pretty much all white. If Democrats try to bring this stuff up, Romney will simply change the subject back to spending and the debt and that will illustrate to folks in the middle the difference between the two sides. For an example of the power of the media to sway those people in the middle using a made up charge of racism, look no further than George Allen and “Macaca” In 2012, the Republicans could nominate Mother Theresa and by the election she would be painted as a racist merely for running against Barack Obama. You can take this to the bank. I’m fully expecting Democrats to play the race card at every opportunity. Fortunately for the country, playing the card doesn’t automatically mean winning with it. 3tooz says: If Condelezza Rice ran against Obozo, she would probably be considered a racist as well ! Parrott says: >”In 2012, the Republicans could nominate Mother Theresa and by the election she would be painted as a racist merely for running against Barack Obama. You can take this to the bank.” Art, Glenn Beck or his boys that gather info for him, read your Blog ! They(Pat, Glenn and Stu) were joking around about Ms Fluke being put out by a PR firm that hired that ole girl that admired Mao that worked for obama. They more or less said this exact same sentence in the first our this morning(Friday March 9) That they would call Mother Theresa a racist for her political views and platform. You are cutting edge Art. Glenn Beck watches his public image very closely. There was evidence at one time that Michael Savage used to read things here in real time, or at least his producer did 🙂 JustTheFactsMaam says: This is my beef about most links that are supposed to offer “support” of what people think is truth. Doesn’t it make more sense to go to a proper source for information? I mean would you go to Burger King to find out about McDonald’s? Would you go to Purdue to get information about Georgetown? Wouldn’t it make more sense (and probably be more legitimate) if you went to the official Mormon church website to find out the true stance on blacks in their church? It’s as if people are afraid of what they might find out if they actually go to the actual source. I was interested in what the link had to say until I found out that it was from someone who really didn’t have authority to speak on the matter. This fall, the Democrats won’t be looking for truth, only what works to derail the Republicans. Right on schedule, here it comes: http://m.newsbusters.org/blogs/scott-whitlock/2012/04/10/it-begins-msnbc-investigates-mitt-romneys-mormonism-and-how-it-deals Clark Howard gives 30 day notice Caving to the digital overlords iHeart terminates Steve Sommers for talking politics Public Radio station WAMU turns off website comments Alexa Bombing Getting Caught Up The '80s until now The Decline of the Dickey Empire Michael "Savage" Weiner seeks freedom "Christian" "Science" Monitor freaks out over Glenn Beck's NRA speech Savage #2, Hannity #7 Is all-digital the future of AM radio? Fun with snowflakes The Dubious Media RebelSansClue said Happy New Year! Is the Savage podcast any good? Fred Stiening said The podcast has arrived. It is free, at least for now. RebelSansClue said I don’t even want to think about that. The day when Rush does his last show (if he hasn’t already) is getting ever nearer. I still think there’s a place for traditional radio though. Outdoor internet connections aren’t as stab... RebelSansClue said Yeah, but this site has better content! Fred Stiening said Kind of like here. RebelSansClue said Meh. No big loss. His web site looks about 2004ish. Really amateurish. Fred Stiening said Journeyman radio host Mancow is leaving WLS-AM in Chicago at the end of the month Fred Stiening said After I wrote that, one station defaulted to using iHeartRadio for the stream. How Amazon decides which streaming service to use I have no idea. It appears that you can tell Alexa which streaming service you want to use. Fred Stiening said The flip side is – what is to prevent a vaccine maker to claim their vaccine is 90% effective if it is a placebo and 80% are not susceptible to infection. The election is over after all. The Trump pandemic is over. Fred Stiening said I am blaming that on auto correct 😛 Crosley went on to dabble in the car business. Sparkey Johansen said Reporting a single keystroke typo: Powel Crosley Jr., not Crowley. I am refurbishing a Crosley 11-125U for a friend. Fred Stiening said One of my complaints about “big radio” is they tend to view on-air hosts as interchangeable. Inga lived and worked in the Central valley. She knew the people and politics of managing water resources, and the reliance on seasonal immigra... 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__label__cc	0.575559	0.424441	Stuart Frost Stuart Frost is a skilled professional working in startups, whose entrepreneurial talents currently see him at the helm of several different businesses that he founded or is operating. Predominantly in his career at the moment, Stuart is serving as Founder and CEO of his business, Avventura, LLC. Stuart Frost attended the University of Nottingham in England, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Electronic and Computer Engineering. After graduation, he founded his own company – SELECT Software Tools – at 26 years old, leading the company into a highly successful NASDAQ IPO in 1996. He left the company near the end of 1998, when the business was seeing annual revenues around $30 million; the next year, Select was acquired by Princeton Softech. In 1999, Stuart Frost co-founded his next venture, InvestorIQ.com, where he stayed for a year as CEO, providing investment research on small-cap companies. From there, he served as Chairman at Avellino, providing data cleansing services and tools to large database users throughout the United States and Europe. In 2003, Stuart Frost founded DATAllegro, a leading player within the data warehouse appliance market. Here, he served as CEO for five years, raising $64 million in venture capital and leading the acquisition by Microsoft. After the acquisition, he stayed on for two years with Microsoft, where he served as the GM for Data Warehousing, leading the $1 billion data warehousing product line. Stuart Frost founded Avventura Partners, LLC to incubate and develop his ideas for IoT startups within the industrial and healthcare sectors. Through Avventura, Stuart has conceptualized and actualized more than two dozen companies, most recently fostering connections in China and developing strategies for the Chinese market. Alongside his current work in startups as CEO of Avventura, LLC, Stuart Frost has held a number of roles throughout his career – mostly worked in founder, Chairman, and CEO roles for other startups. From 2010 through today, Stuart Frost founded and held chair positions for numerous other startups, including MAANA and SWARM Engineering. Each business served a unique function in helping to advance developing areas of the tech industry. On top of that, he’s held – and currently holds – multiple chair positions across additional startups, including GenieDB, Cirro, SourceThought, Ubix.io, Sentrian Inc., and AdvisoryCloud (presently a freelance advisor). Outside of his busy career as an entrepreneur, Stuart Frost still finds time to enjoy his life and unwind with some hobbies. He’s an involved member of several charities and is passionate about giving back to his community. He works with the Shea Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mission Hospital, Megan’s Wings, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Oceana. Learn more about Stuart Frost and his life by checking out his blog page! Find Stuart Frost on the Web	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line681
__label__wiki	0.975112	0.975112	Lawyers in Strauss-Kahn case hold private talks Lawyers for Dominique Strauss-Kahn met with prosecutors Wednesday for what the defense called a productive discussion, but there was no immediate word on what would happen to the sexual assault ... NEW YORK – Lawyers for Dominique Strauss-Kahn met with prosecutors Wednesday for what the defense called a productive discussion, but there was no immediate word on what would happen to the sexual assault case that has been threatened by doubts about the accuser's credibility. The two sides met privately for about 90 minutes in Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr.'s offices, but participants were tight-lipped about the exchange, which came five days after prosecutors said the accuser had not been truthful about her background and the aftermath of the alleged attack. Lawyers for the former leader of the International Monetary Fund called the session with Vance and assistant prosecutors "constructive." Vance's office said only that it was continuing to investigate and that no decisions had been made about the case's future. Hours later, the woman's lawyer asked Vance to appoint a special prosecutor to take over the matter, citing questions about the way prosecutors have treated the accuser. In a letter, Kenneth Thompson said he believes the DA's office is behind media reports that the 32-year-old woman referred to Strauss-Kahn's wealth in a recorded telephone call to an incarcerated friend. Thompson said he wants to ensure her rights "are not further prejudiced by deliberate acts seeking to undermine her credibility." A Vance spokeswoman said the request was baseless and mischaracterized the work of prosecutors. Wednesday's discussion in Vance's office came amid intensifying public debate over the allegations, with a police fraternal group and others pressing prosecutors not to drop the matter. Strauss-Kahn was represented by Benjamin Brafman and William W. Taylor III. Private meetings between prosecutors and defense attorneys are not unusual, but the stakes in the Strauss-Kahn case are especially high. The defense has said it wants an outright dismissal, insisting that the encounter with a Manhattan hotel maid was not forced. Prosecutors must decide whether to forge ahead with a flawed case, seek a face-saving plea deal or cut their losses — a decision fraught with political peril for Vance. Meanwhile, Strauss-Kahn, who was a leading presidential contender in France before his arrest, faces a July 13 deadline to register in the Socialist Party primary. That's just five days before his next court date. It's unclear whether he might be able to enter the race later and what French voters would think if he did. Recent polls in France have shown people divided over any potential return to politics. Some legal experts have said the allegations would be difficult, if not impossible, for prosecutors to prove because the accuser's history of fabrications could make a jury reluctant to believe her. Vance's office says it did the appropriate thing at every stage. On Wednesday, members of the police fraternal organization 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care urged Vance's office to go ahead with the prosecution, noting that there was physical and other evidence to support it. Group founder Noel Leader said he recalled Vance meeting with his organization when he was running for DA. "This is not the Cy Vance we thought we were getting, the one who said he would prosecute fairly across the board," he said. "This is a female immigrant victim of humble means. We have to question whether there's issues of race, gender and economic status involved here." The group also wants to see a special prosecutor appointed, he said. In Paris, the prosecutor's office said Wednesday it had received a criminal complaint accusing Strauss-Kahn of attempting to rape a writer eight years ago. He denies the latest allegation. His French lawyers have called the writer's account "imaginary" and say they plan to file a complaint accusing her of slander. Just a few weeks ago, the New York case looked destined to be a long legal fight. Strauss-Kahn was accused of chasing down the hotel housekeeper in his luxury suite, forcing her to perform oral sex and yanking down her pantyhose. Her version of the May 14 events was unwavering, and police and prosecutors called her credible. Prosecutors have not publicly questioned her account of the encounter itself, but they appear to have lost faith in the accuser's prospects of helping them prove it. Amid the revelations about the accuser's past lies, "the details are a bit more in doubt," said a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the matter involved internal decision-making. After the case developed, the maid acknowledged she had lied to prosecutors about being gang-raped in Guinea and had not given a grand jury an accurate account of what she did immediately after the alleged attack. She initially described running into a hall and waiting until a supervisor arrived. Prosecutors now say she went on cleaning rooms before reporting the matter to a supervisor. They said they also found she had cheated on taxes, including claiming someone else's child as her own. In addition, prosecutors said, she alluded to Strauss-Kahn's wealth when talking to a friend who was locked up, and that other people had deposited tens of thousands of dollars in her bank account — money she said she knew little about but authorities suspect may be tied to drug dealing, another law enforcement official has said. Thompson, her attorney, has said she's made mistakes in her life but is not involved in drug dealing and is telling the truth about her encounter with Strauss-Kahn. The apparent breakdown in the relationship between the DA's office and the accuser creates another potentially complicating factor in pursuing the case. Normally, sex crime victims keep a low profile and work closely with prosecutors, forming a bond needed if the case goes to trial and the victim must testify. But the disclosures about the maid — and her lawyer's open criticism of Vance — have created a potentially insurmountable breach of trust. In Paris, the official receipt of the complaint from novelist Tristane Banon means prosecutors must now decide whether there is enough evidence to charge Strauss-Kahn in France. Banon says Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her in an empty apartment during an interview for a book project, struggling with her on the floor as he tried to tear off her clothes. Her complaint faces a series of difficult tests in the French justice system and could be dismissed long before reaching trial. Prosecutors must decide first if her allegations would support a charge of attempted rape rather than the less serious crime of sexual aggression, an attack that does not involve an attempt to penetrate the victim. Strauss-Kahn is free, though he can't leave the United States. He's due back in a New York court July 18. Associated Press Writer Colleen Long contributed to this report. Reagan centennial endowment reaches $100M goal Bernanke describes how rate-tightening might start Jury weighs first US foreign bribe sting case A Senior Republican Senator Admonishes Trump: ‘America Is an Idea, Not a Race’ May 30, 2011: The nation's weather	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line688
__label__wiki	0.729403	0.729403	The ATA Compass Your guide to translation and interpreting in the global market An Outreach Publication of the American Translators Association 25 Million Americans Don’t Speak English: Translators and Interpreters Essential in Pandemic May 22, 2020 by atacompass By Molly Yurick (Note: The following was originally published in Multilingual Insights.) At the time of this writing, millions of Americans are have been ordered to stay home, instructions that are hard enough to grasp if you speak English—even harder still for the eight percent of Americans considered limited English proficient (LEP). As new updates and guidelines are issued by the day—in English-only communication, for the most part—what happens if critical messages aren’t communicated to LEP citizens? To put it bluntly: How are we going to stop the spread of the virus if a group of 25 million Americans goes uninformed? Several state and county websites are relying on Google Translate, a service that’s better than nothing but often fails to convey information in an accurate and clear way. This method also assumes LEP citizens will find and successfully navigate the website on their own. Cities like Boston are making efforts to reach all residents, despite their language proficiency or internet access. The city launched a multilingual text service for COVID-19 updates and also distributed informative pamphlets outlining preventative measures and city resources. And what about businesses, hospitals, and government agencies? Well, many are calling on the often behind-the-scenes language services industry, largely made up of freelance translators and interpreters and language services providers (LSP) who serve as intermediaries between end clients and independent contractors. Melissa Harkin of Harkin Translations, Inc., a boutique LSP specializing in Portuguese, Spanish, and English languages, has seen a 32% increase in workload for February when compared to the same month last year. “The spike is specifically related to the outbreak,” Harkin said. Her company receives daily requests to translate different types of content related to the pandemic: internal communications for human resources, travel advisories, urgent scientific papers for the international research community, and new state or national policies, among others. “Most of the requests are urgent, so we’ve been working extra hours,” Harkin continued. “We’ve experienced similar spikes in the past, such as the H1N1 flu pandemic, Ebola outbreak, and the 2011 Rio de Janeiro floods and mudslides.” What she’s not sure of is how long this will continue. “The full global economic impact of the pandemic is yet to be seen,” she said. Steve Lank, vice president of translation services at Cesco Linguistic Services headquartered in Denver, Colorado, has been pulling long days, seven days per week, to service COVID-19-related translation needs for clients since lateFebruary. “We’ve seen a huge spike in requests for translation services,” he said. “And everything is urgent. We have to get the news out fast.” Clients requesting these services range from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to hospitals, clinics, public schools, nonprofit organizations, and social services. They’re working around the clock to translate critical health and safety information for the LEP public. This includes factsheets for travel, memos on proper hand washing, as well as explanations of testing procedures and social distancing, among hundreds of others. “Things are changing constantly. One day, we translated a sign for the CDHPE stating: ‘CDPHE is not offering COVID-19 testing for the general public,’” Lank said. The next day, a state of emergency was declared, and they started offering testing. “Then, we had to translate a new sign.” For the remote team at Translations in Motion, Inc., a few of their contractors played a critical role in the medical care of American expats at the onset of COVID-19 in China. When the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) airlifted American expats from Hubei Province and Wuhan City back to the states, those who were infected were sent to hospitals for treatment, while those not showing symptoms were quarantined on Marine Corps and Air Force bases. Translations in Motion was contracted to provide interpreting services to LEP people quarantined there. The contract was later expanded to provide services for exposed passengers from the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess cruise ships quarantined on other bases. Over the past few months, the company has sent a team of nine Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Lao interpreters to work long stints at the bases. The interpreters are considered an integral part of the medical team and receive the same treatment in terms of personal protection and training. In the meantime, Elena Langdon—owner of Alcolá Language Services & Consulting and founding partner at String and Can—has seen an increase in requests for video remote interpreting (VRI). “Several of my on-site interpreting jobs were cancelled, but I’ve seen an uptick in interest for remote or distance interpreting,” she said. “I think that, as with everything related to this pandemic, if we remain calm and operate sensibly, remote interpreting can allow for quality language access and multilingual meetings to increase, despite social distancing measures.” As a freelance translator, my work has never been more meaningful as I (virtually) work alongside thousands of other language cohorts across the world to ensure everyone has the same access to critical information, no matter their native language. This is not a business-as-usual situation for anyone, and perhaps it’s that one universal reality that unifies us all in the midst of social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantines. “What’s been remarkable to me is how kind everybody has been,” Lank said. “It’s nice to work with people who are in crisis mode, yet no one is lashing out. I worked from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. yesterday and feel okay doing it. This is everybody’s emergency.” Molly Yurick is a Spanish-to-English translator and serves as the Deputy Chair of Public Relations for American Translators Association, which represents more than 10,000 translators and interpreters across 103 countries. How to Avoid Misinformation: Cross-Border Strategies PR Pros Should be Thinking About » « Content Marketers: Time to Call in the Language Professionals? One thought on “25 Million Americans Don’t Speak English: Translators and Interpreters Essential in Pandemic” translatenow says: At All Language Alliance, Inc., where we specialize in multilingual cross-border e-Discovery translation and legal translation and interpreting services for litigation, we’re seeing an increased interest in document translation services and deposition interpreting services related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) litigation. Here’s an example of the type of cases that are likely to need legal translator and court interpreters more and more often: “Non-English-Speaking Workers Express Coronavirus Concerns” https://www.languagealliance.com/blog/legal-translation-for-covid-19-litigation/ Top Six Reasons You Should Caption Your Social Media Video Content How to Avoid Misinformation: Cross-Border Strategies PR Pros Should be Thinking About Content Marketers: Time to Call in the Language Professionals? Hiring an Interpreter? 9 Dos and Don’ts to Get the Most Out of Your Partnership Buying Interpreting Services Buying Translations Creative Translation Solutions Follow The Compass © American Translators Association and The ATA Compass, 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the American Translators Association and The ATA Compass with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Reprints may be used with permission from The ATA Compass, published by the American Translators Association (www.atanet.org). Requests for permission to reprint articles should be sent to atacompass@atanet.org.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line691
__label__wiki	0.949351	0.949351	Chris Stapleton, Rascal Flatts + More Among Country Acts Who Received Government PPP Money According to a new report, some big-name country stars were among the small businesses that received economic relief under the U.S. government's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) earlier in 2020. The Small Business Administration and the Treasury enacted the program as part of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act, which President Trump signed into law on March 27 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program was designed as a way for small businesses to continue to pay their employees during the economic downturn caused by the quarantine, and few businesses have been as adversely affected as the music industry, which has seen live concert events canceled almost entirely across the board since March, while bands and artists are still trying to make payroll for their full-time employees so they don't lose their organizations entirely before they can return to work. Most of the country acts who received PPP money did so through their touring corporations or other LLCs. Cody Johnson's CojoMusic, LLC, received between $150,000 and $350,000, which helped retain 17 jobs, according to a searchable database from ProPublica. Jason Isbell also got $150,000-$350,000, as did a company called Slow Hearts Touring. Public records trace that company back to Chris Roach, who serves as Kip Moore's tour manager. Rascal Flatts received a similar amount. Chase Rice also received $150,000-$350,000 in PPP money, as did Gary Allan. Some major touring entities took on quite a bit more PPP money: The Eagles' touring company got $350,000-$1 million in PPP money, and Chris Stapleton received a similar amount in stimulus money. Tim McGraw's Road Dog Touring company received between $2 million and $5 million in PPP loans. Not all of the PPP money in country music went to touring organizations, however. The Country Music Foundation, which runs the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, received a loan between $2 million and $5 million. Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row restaurant chain received between $1 million and $2 million, and Zac Brown received between $350,000 and $1 million for his Camp Southern Ground, a charitable camp that provides an array of services for kids and veterans. While a number of artists are still out of work for the foreseeable future, several artists have begun to test the waters with new business models for touring. Granger Smith recently staged a successful socially distant concert, and now has a blueprint to take to other venues. Garth Brooks recently performed a drive-in concert that aired in 300 markets to more than 350,000 people, and Blake Shelton has just announced a drive-in concert that will follow that same model, which is the first in a series that is to be announced. LOOK: These Are the Best Country Songs of 2020 Source: Chris Stapleton, Rascal Flatts + More Among Country Acts Who Received Government PPP Money Filed Under: Chris Stapleton, coronavirus outbreak 2020, Rascal Flatts	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line693
__label__wiki	0.695374	0.695374	black crappie identification In the angler's creel, the black crappie probably ranks second behind the bluegill. Body form is very deep and narrow (laterally compressed). Identification. Black crappie seem to be more adaptive in small ponds and manmade lakes. Despite their common names, both species are the same color (dark olive or black dorsally with silvery sides) and both have spots on the sides. If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices. 6 dorsal spines, black side markings form vertical bars rather than random spots. The black crappie usually has 7 or 8 spines while the white crappie normally has only six (Fig. The dorsal fin has 7 or 8 spines. Common game species; less important than white crappie in most waters because it is generally not as abundant. Dorsal fin length about equal to the distance from first dorsal spine to the eye. Neither jaw extends to the eye. The dorsal fin has 7 or 8 spines. Anal spines 5-7, usually 6. Identification. If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. Crappies are very thin, perhaps the thinnest of all sunfish. 7 to 8 dorsal spines, random blotches on sides. Large mouth extends to below center of pupil. The upper jaw is long, reaching past the middle of the eye. (6 lbs. The black crappie grows more slowly in length than the white crappie, but it is generally heavier at any given length. The black crappie is covered with dark, irregular blotches and has seven—rarely eight—dorsal spines. There is also a difference in the number of bony spines in the dorsal fin. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Black crappie adults feed on fewer fish, and more insects and crustaceans, than do white crappie. The species epithet nigromaculatus is Latin and means "black spotted." The black crappie is the more widely distributed of the two closely related species, occurring in most lakes throughout the state. Find local MDC conservation agents, consultants, education specialists, and regional offices. Dorsal fin shorter than distance from first dorsal spine to the eye. You may need to download version 2.0 now from the Chrome Web Store. Crappie Distribution and Identification Crappies’ original habitat was the eastern U.S. into Canada but they have been stocked all over the U.S. and in many other countries. Caught a fish but need help identifying the species? As with all fish, eggs and young individuals are commonly eaten by many other species. Others in the sunfish family include the Black Crappie and White Crappie (genus Pomoxis), the Rock Bass (genus Ambloplites), the Mud Sunfish (genus Acantharchus), and the little sunfishes of the genus Enneacanthus, which are the Blackbanded, Bluespotted and Banded Sunfish (additional illustrations at the bottom of this page). However, it is deeper bodied than the white crappie, and silvery-green in color. Identification: Sunfish family.There are two species of crappie—the black and the white. Panfish Identification B White crappie Pomoxis annularis Black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Yellow perch Perca flavescens Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus White crappie has head, back and upper sides dark green with 8 to 10 vertical bars. White Crappie. Crappie Distribution and Identification Crappies’ original habitat was the eastern U.S. into Canada but they have been stocked all over the U.S. and in many other countries. Identification. Black crappie. It shows more yellow and green on its sides and its caudal (tail) and anal fins are heavily flecked. The genus name Promoxis refers to crappies' sharp operculum, while the species name annularis means 'having rings', i.e., it has vaguely vertical bars on the body. The sides are marked with black blotches which become more intense towards the back. Black crappie have a more compact frame with a more forward forehead and a smaller hinged mouth that angles up, giving them a snub-nosed look, hence another of their nicknames, “snubbys” or “stubbys.” White crappie possess more elongated bodies and much larger mouths. Another way to prevent getting this page in the future is to use Privacy Pass. Key ID Features: Crappies are a round flat fish with a large anal fin nearly the same size and shape as the dorsal fin. This is a reliable identification feature. It shows more yellowish and greenish on its sides and its caudal (tail) and anal fins are heavily flecked. Coloration is silvery-olive to golden brown, with an irregular mosaic of dark black blotches. • BLACK CRAPPIE. ). Although similar in appearance, white crappie tend to have markings that resemble vertical bars on their sides, while black crappie appear more randomly spotted. The most reliable characteristic, however, is that black crappie have seven or eight dorsal spines. Black crappie have deep bodies that are compressed laterally. A newbie angler might (understandably) assume that a black crappie would be blacker in color and a white crappie would be whiter – given their titles it makes sense; however, this isn’t true. ), but most range from 8-15 in. Typical panfish have a forked tail and a fused, spiny-soft dorsal. It usually lives 4 years; occasionally it will live 8 years or more. Large mouth extends to below center of pupil. Each Crappie Ruler decal provides biological Identification for black and white Crappie. Because of their diverse diets, crappie may be caught in many ways, including casting light jigs , trolling with minnows or artificial lures, using small spinnerbaits , or using bobbers . Most prevalent in large Ozark reservoirs, upper Mississippi River navigation pools, and natural lakes and borrow pits of the Bootheel lowlands. Both white and black crappies have a silvery green back and silvery sides. Dorsal fin length about equal to the distance from first dorsal spine to the eye. Both white and black crappies have a silvery green back and silvery sides. Identification: Closely resembling bass and sunfish species, which have 10-12 dorsal fin spines, crappies possess 6-8 dorsal fin spines. Black crappie, captured in rotary screw trap on the Sacramento River at Knight's Landing on 2/26/2009. The two species are difficult to distinguish. Performance & security by Cloudflare, Please complete the security check to access. Most fish in Missouri “look” like fish and could never be confused with anything else. It shows more yellowish and greenish on its sides and its caudal (tail) and anal fins are heavily flecked. There are no distinct vertical bars, rather there are irregular black blotches. Very deep-bodied. Captured and released in the Delta Cross Channel, near Walnut Grove, CA, 5 June 2013. Despite their common names, both species are the same color (dark olive or black dorsally with silvery sides) and both have spots on the sides. Similar to black crappie. Common Names: papermouth, Calico bass, specks, speckled perch. The Crappie Ruler by Release Ruler provides true to scale measurement with award winning design. Another easy way to spot white crappies is the marking on the body which are noticeably brighter stripes that run from the upper body to the lower parts of the crappie, while the black crappies have darker markings in no particular pattern on the side of its body. The white crappie has six spines—rarely, five—and it has noticeable vertical bars on its silvery sides as well as a light pearlescent color or iridescent blue and lavender. … Black crappie have seven to eight dorsal spines with dark, random spots on their bodies and fins. There are two species of crappie—the black and the white. ). When in doubt, a quick count of the spines will provide a near certain identification. The easiest way to determine the diﬀerence between a black crappie and a white crappie is to count the number of spines in the dorsal ﬁn. We call them mustangs, but some people call them blacknose! The black crappie is covered with dark, irregular blotches and has seven—rarely eight—dorsal spines. How to identify a Black Crappie. Identification: Very similar to the White Crappie, but differs by having a shorter body between the snout and dorsal fin origin, 7-8 (vs. 6) dorsal-fin spines, and sides more boldly patterned with dark green or black speckles and blotches (vs. sides with dark vertical bars).Adults can grow to 19 in. Best Fishing. It's possible for … We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) - Introduced. (1-2 lbs. Black crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus, male in spawning coloration, Black_Crappie_Pomoxis_nigromaculatus_Spawning_Male_5-1-13.jpg, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants. white. Identification. The most distinguishing characteristic is the marking patterns or spots on the sides of the fish. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are also marked with rows of dark spots. Crappies, as a group, are popular panfish that are deep bodied and strongly compressed laterally (slab sided). white. The black crappie densely speckled with black spots. Black crappies are most accurately identified by the seven or eight spines on its dorsal fin (white crappies have five or six dorsal spines). Pectoral fins are round. Viewed from the side, it is deep-bodied, not as long-looking in its proportions as the white crappie. However, the black crappie is less tolerant of turbid water and siltation. MinnAqua Program provides these images, graphics, and photographs for educational use. Black Crappie Called Pomoxis nigromaculatus, black crappie can be found in the freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams across North America. The black crappie is a popular panfish. Similar species: White crappie have faint vertical bars instead of irregularly arranged speckles and blotches as the color pattern. Photo by Gary Riddle. Identification. Identification. Favorable spawning temperatures range from 64 to 68º F. The male sweeps out a nest in the sand or fine gravel and guards the nest and defends the young until they start to feed. Distribution The native range of the species was very similar to that of the white crappie, except that it extended slightly further north into Canada and east to the coastal plain south of Virginia. Dorsal fin has 5 to 6 spines. Crappie Black Identification The black crappie and the white crappie are similar in color—a silvery olive to bronze with dark spots, although on the black crappie the spots are irregularly arranged instead of appearing in seven or eight vertical bands, as they do on the white crappie. Crappie length limits vary to reflect the differences in crappie populations from region to region. In the black crappie the spots are irregular and scattered while in the white crappie the spots may be more vague and are clearly arranged into 7-9 vertical bars on the sides. Least abundant in extreme south-central Missouri. ALIAS: Papermouth, speck, calico bass. The upper jaw is long, reaching well past the middle of eye. Total length: 9-10 inches (seldom exceeds 14 inches); weight: to about 4 pounds. If you have caught a fish and cannot determine what species it … These blotches do not form vertical bands as on white crappie. Identification: Sunfish family. SPECIES OVERVIEW. The black crappie has a … An 8-inch Connecticut River black crappie. 1). 2009). The white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) is a freshwater fish found in North America, one of the two species of crappies. The black crappie is a bit deeper-bodied than the white crappie. In the black crappie the spots are irregular and scattered while in the white crappie the spots may be more vague and are clearly arranged into 7-9 vertical bars on the sides. The black crappie densely speckled with black spots. Black crappie, captured in rotary screw trap on the Sacramento River at Knight's Landing on 2/26/2009. BLACK CRAPPIE (Pomoxis nigromaculatus). Black Crappie: The black crappie is a silvery-green to yellowish fish with large dorsal and anal fins of almost identical shape and size. True, lampreys and eels have snakelike bodies — but they also have fins and smooth, slimy skin, which snakes do not. Water clarity, time of year, and gender actually determine the color of crappie. Viewed from the front, its body is very compressed, narrow from side to side. BLACK CRAPPIE (Pomoxis nigromaculatus). They are usually silvery-gray to green in color and show irregular or mottled black splotches over the entire body. Your IP: 139.59.59.164 The black crappie is covered with dark, irregular blotches and has seven-rarely eight-dorsal spines. Fishes live in water, breathe with gills, and have fins instead of legs. Large mouth extends to below center of pupil. The black crappie is very similar in physical appearance to the white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) but the black crappie has a deeper body and a longer dorsal fin base, is silvery-green in colour and has 7/8 spines on its dorsal fin (white crappies have five or six dorsal spines) . Key ID Features: Crappies are a round flat fish with a large anal fin nearly the same size and shape as the dorsal fin. Favorable spawning temperatures range from 64 to 68º F. The male sweeps out a nest in the sand or fine gravel and guards the nest and defends the young until they start to feed. Identification. Florida’s black crappie fisheries are seasonal, largely occurring during winter and spring, making Florida a popular winter destination for travelling anglers. Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) Small mouth relative to body size. Impact of Introduction: Black Crappie prey on threatened and endangered juvenile salmon that spawn in rivers of the Northwest United States and may further contribute to salmon decline through habitat alteration, though the extent of those impacts are unknown (Sanderson et al. The white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) is a freshwater fish found in North America, one of the two species of crappies. USS Goldring is named for the fish. Photo by Gary Riddle. Widespread but sporadic. However, you can easily identify the Black Crappie because the pattern of the spotting is distinctly different. USS Goldring is named for the fish. The white crappie’s black spots run in dark vertical bars. Alternate common names for the species include goldring and silver perch. There is a difference in the average number of spiny dorsal rays between the two species, although the range can overlap, but color patterns often work well for identification. Today, their range extends east to the Atlantic coast, and west to include Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota and Utah. Base of anal fin similar in length to base of dorsal fin. A deep body with nearly symmetrical dorsal and anal fins and a speckled pattern on the body and fins identify the black crappie. Black Crappie: The black crappie is a silvery-green to yellowish fish with large dorsal and anal fins of almost identical shape and size. The recessive gene may prove to be an evolutionary change, helping the crappie to see, as well as providing better camouflage when stalking prey. In addition, a knowledge of the variety of fish found in the state will increase your understanding and appreciation for … Identification: On first impressions, the black crappie looks black and white, but on closer examination it shows iridescent colors and sheens. Egg viability for the F1 hybrid black crappie female × white crappie male appeared equal to that of the parent species and greater than that of its reciprocal hybrid. In Missouri, black crappie spawn from about mid-April to early June, when water temperatures exceed 56 F. They spawn in coves protected from wave action and require silt-free substrates.Female black crappie may spawn with several males and can produce eggs several times during the spawning period. A black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) The Pomoxis species are highly regarded pan fish and are often considered to be among the best-tasting freshwater fish. Base of anal fin a little longer than base of dorsal fin. Where foot traffic is allowed, please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. It is deep bodied and slab sided. • They are considered excellent food fish and sportfish, and have white flaky meat that makes for sweet fillets. The white crappie’s black spots run in dark vertical bars. Black-nose or black-stripe crappie are black crappie that have a recessive gene causing a black stripe from the dorsal fin down to the lips. Very deep-bodied. Panfish identification. They also have seven … They can hybridize in the wild and every now and then we catch one that has the markings and body build typical of black crappie but only 6 dorsal spines and I'm pretty sure they are hybrids. Crappies, as a group, are popular panfish that are deep bodied and strongly compressed laterally (slab sided). Another distin… Captured and released in the Delta Cross Channel, near Walnut Grove, CA, 5 June 2013. Crappie can be identified by their large rounded dorsal and anal fins, and their deep, but narrow bodies, giving a … Panfish--Black Crappie. Today, their range extends east to the Atlantic coast, and west to include Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota and Utah. Because crossbreeding sometimes occurs between black and white crappies and water quality often affects fish coloration, counting spiny dorsal fin rays is the best method for distinguishing between the two species. Identification. A white crappie, the most prevalent crappie in the state, will have distinct vertical bands of blue/gray spots, whereas a black crappie will have only a sporadic, unrecognizable pattern to its black spots. Call 1-800-392-1111 to report poaching and arson, Centrarchidae (sunfishes) in the order Perciformes (perch-like fishes). It has a large mouth with an upper jaw extending under the eye. ), but most range from 8-15 in. Both the black crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus, and the white crappie, Pomoxis annularus, are the most distinctive and largest members of the Centrarchidae family of sunfish. Best Fishing. If you use one fish ruler, make sure it's a high quality Release Ruler. The sides are marked with black blotches which become more intense towards the back. Black crappie seem to be more adaptive in small ponds and manmade lakes. The black crappie and the white crappie are most often confused with each other. Florida lakes are in many ways different from lakes and reservoirs in the Midwest, and these environmental factors affect the way black crappie live and grow. Notice. Typical crappie fisheries produce fish between 6 and 11 inches long, although crappies exceeding 14 inches and 3 pounds have been caught in Maine. connected and appear as one. The black crappie and the white crappie are most often confused with each other. They also have 6 dorsal fin spines instead of 7 or 8. The black crappie prefers deeper, cooler, clearer water than the white crappie does. However, you can easily identify the Black Crappie because the pattern of the spotting is distinctly different. The range of the Black Crappie has been expanded through introduction. DIET: Insect larvae, fathead minnows, golden shiners and other small fish.. SPAWNING: When water temperatures are 60-65̊F, black crappie broadcast their eggs onto shallow submerged structures. Very deep-bodied. (1-2 lbs. Although similar in appearance, white crappie tend to have markings that resemble vertical bars on their sides, while black crappie appear more randomly spotted. Like the white crappie, the black crappie occupies open water with submerged timber or aquatic vegetation in standing water bodies and slow-flowing backwaters of large rivers. Body form is very deep and narrow (laterally compressed). Feeds primarily on small fish such as minnows and young shad, plus aquatic insects and small crustaceans. Because crossbreeding sometimes occurs between black and white crappies and water quality often affects fish coloration, counting spiny dorsal fin rays is the best method for distinguishing between the two species. Black Crappie. The most reliable characteristic, however, is that black crappie have seven or eight dorsal spines. The black crappie is covered with dark, irregular blotches and has seven-rarely eight-dorsal spines. Identification. The black crappie is easily confused with the white crappie. Cloudflare Ray ID: 5fb987f79a97df3a Plus a patented length based weight scale. Missouri has more than 200 kinds of fish, more than are found in most neighboring states. IDENTIFICATION: Characterized by 7-8 dorsal spines, deep body, mottled head, back and sides, and upturned snout.. 6 dorsal spines. Dorsal spines 7-8. The black crappie has 7 or 8 spiny dorsal fin rays, while the white crappie only has 5 or 6. The genus name Promoxis refers to crappies' sharp operculum, while the species name annularis means 'having rings', i.e., it has vaguely vertical bars on the body. The upper jaw is … Photo by Dan Worth, California Department of Fish and Game. Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) is a highly valued game fish throughout much of North America, including Florida, where the species is commonly known as “speckled perch” or “specks”. A black crappie with 8 dorsal spines. Black Crappie Distribution: The Black Crappie ranges from Minnesota and Lake of the Woods to Southern Ontario and Lake Champlain, southward in the Gulf drainage to Texas and Florida, and north on the Atlantic slope to North Carolina. The black crappie is silvery with a color pattern that is mainly irregularly arranged speckles and blotches (not vertical bars). The black crappie has a … Most are covered with scales. Dorsal spines 7-8. The white crappies also seem to look longer than the black crappies. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are also marked with rows of dark spots. Spawning: In Wisconsin, the black crappie usually spawns in May and June; however, during a colder season, spawning may be delayed until July. ALIAS: Papermouth, speck, calico bass. Base of anal fin similar in length to base of dorsal fin. Nearly all KDWPT facilities remain open to the public. There is a difference in the average number of spiny dorsal rays between the two species, although the range can overlap, but color patterns often work well for identification. Identification. Alternate common names for the species include goldring and silver perch. Where to fish Pomoxis annularis - scientific name (white crappie) Pomoxis nigromaculatus - scientific name (black crappie) Identification: Michigan has both black and white crappie in its waters. Identification. Pomoxis nigromaculatus. We also have crappie with a black stripe all the way down their nose and mouth! Identification: Closely resembling bass and sunfish species, which have 10-12 dorsal fin spines, crappies possess 6-8 dorsal fin spines. Both white and black crappie have protruding lower jaws. Black crappie. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. IDENTIFICATION: Black crappie closely resemble white crappie, but have deeper bodies. Impact of Introduction: Black Crappie prey on threatened and endangered juvenile salmon that spawn in rivers of the Northwest United States and may further contribute to salmon decline through habitat alteration, though the extent of those impacts are unknown (Sanderson et al. Pomoxis refers to the sharp facial structure and jawline while nigromaculatus is Latin for “black spotted”. The white crappie (on the left) isn’t nearly as heavy bodied as the black crappie (on the right) even though they are about the same length. Black crappie are one of several "panfish" species in Washington and are very popular with anglers, because they are relatively easy to catch and are considered excellent eating. The black crappie has 7 or 8 spiny dorsal fin rays, while the white crappie only has 5 or 6. Fish Identification Form. Their compressed, short bodies are designed for short bursts of speed in backwater areas. These blotches do not form vertical bands as on white crappie. The sides are silver with an irregular pattern of dark speckles. Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) - Introduced. Furthermore, their head, back and sides are mottled with dusky or black blotches. (6 lbs. The two sections of the dorsal fin (spiny forepart and soft-rayed rear part) are broadly connected, without a notch between. Made from premium 3M high quality material. Nebraska is home to more than 100 species of fish. Spawning: In Wisconsin, the black crappie usually spawns in May and June; however, during a colder season, spawning may be delayed until July. Dark blotches on … The upper surface of the head and forward part of the back are strongly concave. DIET: Insect larvae, fathead minnows, golden shiners and other small fish.. SPAWNING: When water temperatures are 60-65̊F, black crappie broadcast their eggs onto shallow submerged structures. Furthermore, their head, back and sides are mottled with dusky or black blotches. Crappie are feisty, tasty, and a favorite of anglers. Best Fishing The Black Crappie closely resembles its cousin, the White Crappie, but has physical and habitat differences. IDENTIFICATION: Characterized by 7-8 dorsal spines, deep body, mottled head, back and sides, and upturned snout.. Identification. An 8-inch Connecticut River black crappie. The most analytical identification characteristic is a count of the rigid spines of the dorsal fin, A white crappie will have 5 to 6 spines. It has many dark spots on its sides and fins, which become more mottled toward the back. It is important to have a basic ability to identify the variety of fish species found in Nebraska because of fishing regulations for different species. IDENTIFICATION: Black crappie closely resemble white crappie, but have deeper bodies. The anal fin is nearly as long and large as the dorsal fin, and it has 6 spines. Identification: Michigan has both black and white crappie in its waters. Yes we only have black crappie in Talquin and during the spawn they get black as smut! A black crappie will have 7 to 8 spines. As a predator, this fish controls populations of prey species. The black crappie is silvery with a color pattern that is mainly irregularly arranged speckles and blotches (not vertical bars). With a compressed body, small head and arched back, the black crappie is silvery-green to yellowish, with large dorsal and anal fins of almost identical shape and size. Crappies have a deep and laterally compressed body. Photo by Dan Worth, California Department of Fish and Game. Identification: Very similar to the White Crappie, but differs by having a shorter body between the snout and dorsal fin origin, 7-8 (vs. 6) dorsal-fin spines, and sides more boldly patterned with dark green or black speckles and blotches (vs. sides with dark vertical bars).Adults can grow to 19 in. 2009). Revoace Replacement Parts, Virgin's Bower Invasive, Gold Bond Rough And Bumpy Aha Percentage, How To Remove Strawberry Seeds From Smoothie, Korea App Store, How To Find Cofactor Of A 3x3 Matrix, Baseball Showcase Camps 2019, Old Newspaper Template, St Lucia Weather December, How Do I Force Shutdown My Samsung Galaxy S10, Graphing Systems Of Equations Worksheet Answer Key,	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line694
__label__wiki	0.667204	0.667204	'Big data’ going public? By Julian Hattem - 02/25/14 07:42 AM EST The Commerce Department wants to unleash the power of “big data,” but it’s looking for the public’s help. On Monday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a formal request asking for private companies to help make its immense amounts of data on the air, oceans and climate available to the public. “We are, I think, fundamentally an environmental intelligence agency,” NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan told The Hill. The agency uses vast networks of buoys, weather stations, satellites, ships and aircraft to monitor conditions from the surface of the sun to the ocean floor. The problem, though, is not all that data is not making it out to the public. Of the 20 terabytes (TB) of information the agency collects each day -- an amount Sullivan noted was twice the size of the printed records in the Library of Congress -- just about 2 TB are available to the public. Through the request for information, NOAA wants to change that. “Our notion is very simple: we’re asking the private sector to help us figure out how we can unleash the power of NOAA’s data,” Sullivan said. The agency is inviting companies of all shapes and sizes to help make that data more available to anyone who wants it, from academics to private companies. Once made public, information about the planet could help scientists, startups or massive corporations alike. “We look at these data as a public good,” Sullivan said. “They’ve been collected through public means. The American people in a sense already own them. I think an ideal model from our point of view would be one that preserves that characteristic of the data being a public good and really sort of turns it into an open innovation platform that anyone could have at.” NOAA’s effort is part of a broader trend to take advantage of the benefits of analyzing huge amounts of data at the Commerce Department and throughout the Obama administration. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker has declared data one of the four core principles of the department’s operating agenda. President Obama has also tapped John Podesta, a top counselor, to lead a review of big data and privacy. Tags Kathryn Sullivan National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration United States Department of Commerce Big data	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line696
__label__wiki	0.596566	0.596566	Colton Pankiw @Coltonpankiw My name is Colton Pankiw. I have been with The Hockey Writers for nearly a year now covering the Calgary Flames. Recently I have begun to cover the Edmonton Oilers as well. Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter with any questions/comments. Oilers Goaltending Issues Rest Squarely on Holland's Shoulders January 19th, 2021 Since he was hired by the Edmonton Oilers in early May 2019, general manager Ken Holland has done a solid job, almost as good as anyone could have asked for given the salary cap mess he inherited. Compared to the previous management, he has been a godsend (although that isn’t saying a ton). He has added forward depth with players like... Oilers Weekly: Inconsistent Play, Goalie Carousel & COVID-19 January 18th, 2021 It was a long wait, but hockey fans around the world were finally able to watch the game they love once again as the NHL returned to action this past week. Both the Edmonton Oilers and their fans were very excited to get the 2020-21 season underway as they had a very disappointing ending to their 2019-20 campaign. The Oilers were... They Wore It Once: Flames Players and Their Unique Numbers January 14th, 2021 The Calgary Flames have had many players during their thirty years in the league. As a result, many different jersey numbers have been worn. Numbers like 7, 15, 16, 21 and 22, have been extremely popular, worn by 23 different players each, the highest amount of players who have worn any number in Flames history. They also have three... Flames Make Right Choice in Waiving Derek Ryan January 13th, 2021 Today is the day. After having no games played since September 28, the NHL is set to return tonight. There are five games on schedule for tonight, but Calgary Flames fans will have to wait one more day to watch their team, as they get set to take on the Winnipeg Jets Thursday night. With the season being so close, teams have had to make... Oilers' Hemsky Had an Underappreciated Career January 13th, 2021 Edmonton Oilers fans finally have reason to cheer once again. The team is on the rise and would have more than likely earned a spot in the 2020 playoffs had the regular season played out. They are becoming a more intriguing market to free agents, as defenceman Tyson Barrie reportedly turned down longer term and more dollars to sign a... Flames Need Kylington to Take a Big Step Forward January 8th, 2021 In mid-December, Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving announced that the team had re-signed defenceman Oliver Kylington to a one-year, two-way contract worth $787,500 at the NHL level. The now 23-year-old defenceman, who was taken by the Flames with the 60th pick at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, has shown flashes of potential... Oilers Prospects Bitten by Injury Bug at World Juniors January 7th, 2021 Edmonton Oilers fans had been excited for some time about the 2021 World Junior Championship to get underway. Of course, one reason for that was that there hasn’t been much of any hockey since the Stanley Cup Playoffs wrapped up in late September. The other was that two of the team’s top prospects were playing in Dylan Holloway... Flames PTO Players Could Provide Taxi Squad With Great Depth January 7th, 2021 With NHL training camps beginning over the last few days, many teams have and are continuing to give professional tryout offers (PTOs) to players who are still without contracts. The Calgary Flames are no exception, as they have officially confirmed two players who will be joining the team on PTOs for training camps, and there have been...	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line697
__label__wiki	0.501583	0.501583	Gra (My Grandmother) and the Start of World War One: A Contribution to History Here is the brief article about my grandmother that appeared in the New York Times in August 1914. (This follows on from the article I wrote for the Guardian Family of Saturday 26th July, 2014.) My grandmother, known in the family as Gra, lived on in Lytham St Annes to the age of 105. A CONTRIBUTION TO HISTORY “The sunset tonight was most beautiful,” wrote MURIEL FURNESS, an English schoolgirl, in the diary she kept at the convent school in Eysden, Holland, when war was declared. “It kept changing its color – that, we are told, is a sign of war.” Perhaps it is a sign of war. Nobody can feel so wise now as he might have felt a few weeks ago, and a little simple faith in signs seems reasonable enough when a war, which few believed would ever occur, came without warning, and is causing destruction in the centre of the civilized world. Anyhow, Miss FURNESS believes in the relation of brilliant and changing sunsets to war, and she has a clear mind and an aptness of expression which make the excerpts of her diary in the Dutch border town between July 30 and Aug. 11, which were cabled to THE TIMES yesterday, not only readable but positively valuable. Miss FURNESS’S brief notes on the early encounters between the Germans and Belgians are coherent and graphic enough to be of service to future historians. She could hear the guns, she could see and talk to the wounded who were carried to neutral territory, and she sets down not only what interests her. There is a pathetic human touch in this little incident narrated by the young diarist: ‘There is a Belgian soldier here who is slowly recovering. A German, badly injured, was brought in, and the Belgian at once ran forward and unlaced his boots for him.’ It is through veracious chronicles of this sort, not through the technical writings of military experts, that the world gets its knowledge of wars. Muriel Furness, fourth from the top, aged nine. And here is the longer but equally remarkable article from The Blackpool Gazette. In her terse diary entries, my grandmother definitely – at points – equals Hemingway: A WAR DIARY. THRILLING EXPERIENCES As Recorded by a School-Girl. There is scarcely a man or woman in Europe for whom the great war will not bring fresh sensations, fresh experiences, and perhaps fresh perils. Among the many Blackpool people for whom, in years to come, the mention of 1914 will bring back a flood of recollection, perhaps the ones who will have most to remember will be the young girls who were penned up for days amid the raging of battle. The experience of the two Blackpool girls, Miss Muriel Furness, the daughter of the Borough Electrical Engineer, and Miss Lola Taylor, of South Shore, will never be forgotten as long as they live. Together with eight other young English girls, they had to remain in a convent school near Limbourg, in Holland, where wounded soldiers were being continuously carried inside, when the thunder of heavy artillery shook the very foundations of the building, and aeroplanes dropped bomb after bomb over the flaming town of Visé, only a few miles away. Miss Furness, whose fourteenth birthday was only in July, was formerly a student at the Blackpool Secondary School, and she left there about eighteen months ago to complete her education at the Convent School of the Ursulines, at Eysden, which is just on the border of Holland and Belgium. Beautifully situated amid peaceful wooded slopes, the convent is one of the most charming of the many similar institutions for which the Netherlands are famous. Amid such scenes the girls in the convent, who comprised at least half-a-dozen nationalities, of which the English contingent amounted only to ten, were taught the arts of peace. Mrs. Furness speaks in glowing terms of the way in which her daughter has been taught music, sewing and carving. The English girls were made exceedingly happy by the sisters and the Mother Superior, who looked affectionately after their young charges. It was upon Thursday, July 30th, that the ominous clouds of war first threw their shadow across the convent in the peaceful Dutch valley. Many telegrams were received from German parents, who apparently recognised already the significance of the German preparations, asking for their children to be sent home by the next train. The Mother Superior hesitated, and then, in consequence of the continued arrival of German telegrams, she decided upon sending the girls home at once. The next day the Belgian and German students were sent off under the care of sisters; and from that time the outlook became blacker and blacker, until the convent was soon literally enveloped in the smoke of battle. Meanwhile, in Blackpool, the uneasiness of Mr. and Mrs. Furness and Mrs. Taylor was deepening as time went on. Mrs. Furness had gone to London a few days previously, and intended to meet her daughter at Liverpool-street Station on Tuesday, August 3rd. On the Monday night, Mr. Furness received a telegram from Louvain, which is half way between the convent and Brussels, in Belgium, as follows – “Impossible for children to leave.” In response to a wire from her husband, Mrs. Furness returned to Blackpool the following day. On the next day, Wednesday, arrived an unsigned postcard from Visé, bearing the date of August 1st, four days previous, saying, “Impossible for children to leave. Fetch them.” That was all. When the news was first received in London by Mrs. Furness, she made urgent inquiries as to how soon she could get to the convent in Eysden. She was strongly urged not to go; and in response to Mrs. Furness [words missing] said, with emphasis, “Madame, you may possibly reach Eyden. But I can tell you this – you will not get back again.” Mr. Furness realised the extreme difficulty of the situation, and communicated with Mr. W. H. Fox, the private secretary to Mr. W. H. Ashley, M.P. Repeated inquiries from Mr. Maas, the Consul General for the Netherlands, only elicited the response that the girls might obtain a military escort to Flushing, but it was doubtful; and that it was impossible to guarantee anything at all in the circumstances. Last Monday, however, Mr. Furness decided to do his very best to rescue his daughter and her friends from a situation that was hourly becoming more perilous. Eysden is situated at the bottom of a long thin strip of Holland which separates Germany from Belgium. If the Germans, concentrating in enormous numbers north of Liege, were driven back over the frontier and into Holland, the odds were that they would violate the neutrality of Holland as they had done that of Belgium rather than surrender, and then the convent would have been the very pivot of the fighting. Little wonder that uneasiness had merged into anxiety, and anxiety into an ever-present fear. A DIARY OF WAR Meanwhile, what was happening at the convent? The story can best be told in the words of Miss Muriel Furness, who throughout the stirring days maintained sufficient sangfroid to write a vivid and intelligent diary of their experiences. For such a young authoress and for such disturbing surroundings, this diary is verily a literary achievement. It commences at the beginning of the war, and we give it practically as it stands, as written in ink, in an ordinary copy book. July 30th – Early this morning the Mother Superior received many telegrams from the parents of German girls asking for them to be sent home by the next train, as there were rumours of war between England, Germany, Russia, Austria, etc. We girls scorned the idea, and laughed. At tea-time the Rev. Mother said that as so many telegrams had arrived, she had decided that the holidays should commence on August 1st instead of August 3rd. July 31st – We went to the station to see the Belgian girls off, still thinking there would be no war and expecting to be home on Monday. One of the sisters went to Cologne with the German girls. The Dutch girls expect to go home to-morrow. August 1st – It was found impossible for the Dutch girls to return home to-day, as the trains were filled with troops going to the frontier. The sister who went to Cologne has not come back. Went to pack up and prepare for the journey home, but we are still doubtful as to whether we shall have to stop here if war breaks out. The nuns told us that we should all go home, and we then felt content. It will be noticed that the postcard from Visé, received four days later in Blackpool, must have been already dispatched. The children still thought that their departure for home was imminent, however, for the next entry reads: — August 2nd – Still in a doubtful state of mind, but rejoice to think that we are going home to-morrow. At tea-time the Rev. Mother came in crying, telling us that war had actually been declared, and that the Germans were approaching the frontier, and that we could not now go home. The sister who went to Cologne with the German girls returned to the convent after much difficulty, as she was taken for a spy, and it was only her Prayer-book, which contained her name, that saved her. To-night there was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. The clouds were always changing in colour. They said it was a sign of war, and we were not a little frightened. For Monday, August 3rd, the day they should have started home, the entry read: — “This day we should have gone home. The Belgian girls have been taken away by their parents, and there are only us ten English girls left at the convent. In the morning we cleaned out the drawing room in preparation for the wounded soldiers. They came into our garden, which was close to the frontier.” The account of the next three days’ fighting round Liege and Visé is as vivid as any of the accounts transmitted by any of the war correspondents in the field, some of them the most accomplished in the world. FURIOUS FIGHTING August 4th – About 4 o’clock this morning we heard a most terrific explosion, and afterwards learned that it was the bridge at Visé over the Meuse which had been blown up by the Belgians. After this explosion, we heard repeated artillery duels, and were very frightened. A German officer came to Visé. He commenced to read a proclamation, but before he finished doing so was shot dead. This the nuns told us. About 3 o’clock in the afternoon, refugees came rushing into the convent from Visé with the news that they had escaped from German cavalry, who were attacking civilians and were firing on the houses. They said the Germans had taken the town, and it was reported there was a lot of wounded. Straight away the Rev. Mother ordered that all beds should be put into the drawing room and arranged as a hospital in case they brought in the wounded. When that was finished we hoisted a white flag with a red cross on the top of the tower, denoting that the place was a hospital. We also put another flag right in the centre of the front garden – such a lovely flag! We heard the sound of aeroplanes and the continuous noise of artillery. No wounded came in to-day, as the Belgians would not let them pass over the frontier into Holland. August 5th – Artillery firing all through the night prevented us from sleeping. In the morning we could hear aeroplanes. I jumped out of bed, but I was too late. I was told they were German officers inspecting the position of the Belgian troops. The nuns told us that twelve aeroplanes had flown over the house during mass. The Germans tried to make a bridge over the Meuse, but they could not succeed in getting it across, owing to heavy Belgian fire. They pulled down houses by the side of the river and used the débris to stem the current. As soon as they had the bridge half finished, the Belgian fire would destroy it. It took 36 hours of hard work before the Germans had spanned the river. This morning some refugees arrived from Fouron-le-Compte, and they reported that the Germans were there, and that they had had to fly for their lives. I received two letters from home this morning, wishing me a pleasant crossing. They made me feel sad to thtink it would perhaps be a long time before I could return home. After tea we could again hear the noise of the aeroplanes which came towards us. They were very high, and kept disappearing in the clouds. It was a lovely sight. Just at the back of one we saw a light. I suppose it was a searchlight for the night. We watched it until our eyes ached, and until it was quite out of sight. At supper time we were told that a large number of Germans had successfully crossed their temporary bridge, and that they had set fire to the village of Mouland. From our windows we could see the smoke from the fire. It was said they would soon be in Liege. The fire from the artillery was soon greater than ever. It was dreadful and nobody could sleep. This night we crowded into the cloak room, which is partially underground, and has a communicating door with the painting room. We fetched down the pillows and coverlets and my big winter overcoat, for the nuns expected that perhaps the French might catch up the Germans and begin firing into our village. If that happened we should have to fly and hide ourselves in the meadow. About 9.30 we lay down on the floor, but it was impossible to sleep. A BRAVE LETTER It is obvious from the above account what must have been the situation at the convent. Yet in a letter to her mother, dated August 5th, the day of that entry, she writes brightly and cheerily, without the slightest intimation of what she was going through. In that letter, she wrote: “At last I can write to you and let you know I am well and content with my lot. Of course, you understand what a great disappointment it was not to be able to return home. But never mind, better days will follow, and the darkest are always before the dawn.” Continuing, she said, “Don’t fear for me, I am quite safe. You see it is as yet Belgium that is fighting because it will not let the Germans pass, and I am in Holland. I will not tell you all in this letter: I will wait until I am at home to tell you everything in detail.” The brave letter is concluded in the same brave spirit. “I suppose,” she wrote, “you will be writing to me again very soon to keep up my heart. I am doing my best to be a brave little girl, like I know you wish me to be. Don’t worry, we are all in the hands of God.” Mère Alphonsine, the Mother Superior, added the following foot-note: “We have a lot of wounded, and they are arriving continually. We are too glad to nurse them. So far as this, Holland is preserved; and I hope we shall be safe to the very end of the war. You can understand what misery is around us. The children are in very good care, and we shall place our confidence in God for the future. One never knows what might happen.” But to turn to the diary again: — August 6th – About 3.30 in the morning we were in the church. The firing ceased and we went to the top of the house from which we could see the smoke at Mouland. We were told that fourteen wounded soldiers had arrived. I saw a motor come with a wounded officer and a Boy Scout. Many fugitives arrived from Visé. At tea-time a German officer was brought in who had fainted from fatigue on the battlefield. After tea we heard the sound of aeroplanes. One of the nuns saw an aeroplane under fire. It kept dodging up and down with shrapnel bursting below it. It escaped, however. To-night we are to sleep in the cloak-room in the basement. August 7th – We went to bed at 9.30 last night, but could not sleep as the floor was hard and cold, and the noise alone was awful. At 3.30 a.m., we went to Mass, and then back to bed again. The Mother Superior told us to pray a great deal, as we might die at any moment. We must be prepared to die. Many wounded were brought in. I was so sorry for a young officer who was shot through both legs. We could see the smoke of burning Mouland curling up towards the sky. Just before dinner I was taken into the vestry to see the Prince Consort of Holland, who had come down with his suite to see the wounded soldiers. He bowed to us English girls, and shook hands with the Rev. Mother, and left a doctor and others to look after the wounded. Shortly afterwards the Consort and his suite left in five motor-cars. August 8th – This morning I could hear the artillery. We were told that Liege was taken by the Germans and two aeroplanes had met in the air, a Belgian aeroplane having cut the German in two. I can’t say if this is true. Artillery has been firing all through the day, but the noise isn’t so great as before, as it is farther away. We were told there was little danger for the Convent now. All the wounded in the hospital are prisoners of Holland. Dutch sentries were on guard in the garden to prevent them getting away. August 9th – Some of the soldiers came to Mass. It was so sad to see all the young fellows look so pale. Each had a Prayer book in his pocket, and their one desire seemed to be to get back to the front again. I took fruit to the wounded soldiers, and I spoke to a Belgian who had a bullet right through his cheek. He opened his mouth and showed me the hole. The only thing he wanted was to see his loved ones and go to war again. Poor things! BELGIAN CHIVALRY August 10th – Last night the cannon fired in earnest, and continued all through the night. From the roof I could see three villages on fire. The wounded get on very well together. There is a Belgian solder here who is slowly recovering. A German – badly injured – was brought in, and the Belgian at once ran forward and unlaced his boots for him. During the night an aeroplane passed over the house. It was very high and scarcely distinguishable. We could still see the fires at Visé. That was last Monday, when Mr. Furness arrived in London. In the ordinary course of events, two days would have to have elapsed before he could have obtained a special passport for his dash to Holland. It was entirely through the good offices of Mr. Wilfred Ashley that he obtained one within an hour of application. Immediately the passport was obtained Mr. Furness took it for endorsement to the Netherlands Consulate and then wired to the convent, telling them he was on the way to Flushing, and would wait there for instructions. The passage across from Folkestone was accomplished by 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Mr. Furness proceeded to tramp 1 and a half miles to the post office at Flushing, no vehicle of any sort being available, to see if any reply had come to his telegram. He did not then know that the Dutch government accommodatingly places on a large blackboard opposite the quay the names of those for whom telegrams are waiting. No message had come, however, and the harassed father once more wired to the convent. Eleven hours afterwards a reply came to say that the children had left Eysden for Flushing. It was on Tuesday morning, according to the last three items in Miss Furness’s diary, that “we heard the joyful news that we should be allowed to pass through the Dutch military lines, so we were in great spirits.” On Wednesday, she wrote, “we travelled up to Rossenthal – soldiers all the way.” The last entry in this memorable diary is for Thursday of last week, when she says, “Arrived at Flushing quite safely, and were soon on the boat for dear old England!” Needless to say, Mr. Furness was overjoyed the receive his daughter once more, together with the six other English children under the charge of the Mother Superior. They were tired after the long two days’ journey, which, in normal circumstances, is accomplished in nine hours. All they way along they had been met with the question, “Are you Mr. Furness’s children?” They had been treated with every consideration. If the meeting was a joyful one for Mr. Furness, the parting was pathetic enough for the nuns. “Do come back to us some day!” begged the Mother repeatedly. “We shall all be dreadfully poor, but still you will come back, won’t you?” To Mr. Furness she simply said, “Sir, you are taking all the sunshine out of my life!” She turned away to hide her tears, and so left them. In addition to his daughter and Miss Lola Taylor, Mr. Furness brought home with him a Liverpool girl, Miss Renée Holt, whose parents are in India. For the present she will remain with Mrs. Furness. The four others, three London girls and one from Co. Clare, Ireland, were met by relatives in London. And so the great adventure has ended happily. Miss Furness, a slim girl and tall for her age, has practically recovered altogether from the effects of her experience, whilst Misses Holt and Lola Taylor seem little the worse. During the week-end they have shown some tendency to jump at slight noises, as though half expecting to hear once more the thunder of artillery, but the nervousness is rapidly vanishing. And Blackpool’s bracing breezes will soon restore them to their former happy selves. This entry was posted in Bloggings, Doings and tagged 1914, Air-War, Gra, Guardian Family, World War One. Bookmark the permalink. « Hanging with the Dead Boys Making Friends With Ghosts »	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line700
__label__cc	0.70182	0.29818	July 23, 2009 by TF When Richard Yates died in 1992, all of his novels were out of print, including his first novel, Revolutionary Road, published in 1961 and a finalist for the National Book Award. One of the most brilliant and resonant things about Revolutionary Road is its title. It is, like the novel, simple and straightforward, and yet deeply ironic and layered. It is the name of the street in the suburbs where Frank and April Wheeler live. It is the path they choose to take. And it is the battle they will inevitably lose. After reading Revolutionary Road and A Special Providence, his second novel, published in 1965, I still don’t know whether I like or actively dislike Yates’ stories. For one thing, it’s hard to love his characters. Frank and April Wheeler are an aimless couple leading their rather pointless lives in an atmosphere of petty bickering and disappointment with each other and with themselves. And then there are Alice and Robert Prentice, mother and son in A Special Providence, who can’t seem to relate to each other or to anyone else. This, of course, is the point Yates is making: no one relates to anyone. We are all alone. April Wheeler understands this when she reflects, “… if you wanted to do something absolutely honest, something true, it always turned out to be a thing that had to be done alone.” E. M. Forster says, “Only connect,” but nobody has that capability in Yates’ stories. They bump up against each other, often explosively, but there is no connection. Like 18-year-old Robert Prentice, experiencing his first taste of battle in the closing days of World War II, there is an endless round of skirmishing with no driving force and no discernible outcome. Yates creates unsympathetic characters for whom we feel a reluctant empathy as we count the ways in which we have known personal failure. The central characters eventually move offstage, swept away like detritus by circumstances they cannot or choose not to control. We are losers on the road of life, Yates seems to be saying, whether we choose a different path – or fall back on the smooth well-trodden road. The film of Revolutionary Road is amazingly close to the novel as written – more credit to Yates, who wrote a couple of screenplays himself and is renowned for his dialogue. There were a few nods to Hollywood, including a more passionate relationship between Frank and April than I felt in the book. The movie leaves us with hope – and I don’t think that was Yates’ intent. I didn’t realize what a hopeful person I was until I read Revolutionary Road. This entry was posted in Literary, Reading. Bookmark the permalink. ← Possessions Synthetic Mourning →	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line705
__label__wiki	0.847234	0.847234	Dispatch, Explainers February 13, 2020 How Deep Does Barr’s Intervention Go? Attorney General William Barr’s shocking intervention to help Roger Stone is a blatant abuse of power. It confirms that Barr sees his job as protecting Trump’s political interests rather than enforcing the law. By overturning the prosecutor’s sentencing recommendations, Barr is abandoning longstanding norms to insert himself into a range of cases that implicate Trump and his cronies. His behavior also raises important questions about whether—or how—the attorney general has intervened to protect Trump on a host of other politically sensitive matters. Mueller’s criminal referrals: Appendix D of the Mueller report lists 14 referrals for “potential criminal activity that was outside the scope of the Special Counsel’s jurisdiction.” All except two—Mueller’s referral of Michael Cohen for the Stormy Daniels hush-money scheme and former White House Counsel Greg Craig for alleged violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act—were redacted for “Harm to Ongoing Matters.” (Cohen pleaded guilty to the relevant charges; Craig was found not guilty.) In addition, documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act Requests appear to show that the Department of Justice (DOJ) closed seven applications for court orders related to Mueller’s investigation on April 1, 2019, just 10 days after Mueller filed his report and more than two weeks before the report became public; it is unclear whether these are related to Mueller’s criminal referrals. Were the cases that the DOJ closed on April 1 related to the criminal referrals? Was Barr involved in the closing of those cases? If so, why? What were the nature of the redacted referrals, and what are their current statuses? Has Barr had any involvement with the redacted criminal referrals? Erik Prince referral: After Mueller’s report was published in April 2019, House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) made a criminal referral to the DOJ for Prince, alleging that the former Trump adviser lied to Congress about his contacts with Russian officials on behalf of the Trump transition team. More than 10 months later, on the day before the Senate voted in Trump’s impeachment trial, the DOJ finally confirmed that it was investigating Schiff’s referral. On February 11, the same day Barr reportedly intervened to reduce Stone’s sentencing recommendations, The Wall Street Journal reported that the DOJ is “in the late stages of deciding whether to charge” Prince for the contacts as well as potentially illegal arms trading. Why did it take more than 10 months for the DOJ to respond to Schiff’s referral? What role, if any, has Barr played in deciding whether to charge Prince? Rudy Giuliani’s many potential crimes: The DOJ is reportedly investigating Trump’s personal lawyer for a variety of potential crimes, including obstruction of justice, money laundering, and campaign finance violations, apparently related to his work with corrupt Ukrainian oligarchs and officials. However, Barr also confirmed that the DOJ created an “intake process” to work with Giuliani to see if the information he claims to have on Trump’s political opponents is “verified.” Barr did not mention that Giuliani obtained said information through the same relationships with corrupt Ukrainians that prompted the DOJ’s investigation in the first place. In addition, Trump has appeared to repeatedly linked Barr’s international effort to undermine the Russia investigation with Giuliani’s crusade to do the same, including by telling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to speak with both Barr and Giuliani about the debunked CrowdStrike conspiracy theory. Why has Barr created an “intake process” to obtain information on Trump’s political opponents? Why is the DOJ apparently giving special treatment to Giuliani, who is reportedly under investigation by the DOJ? What role, if any, has Barr played in deciding whether to charge Giuliani? Mueller report redactions: Substantial portions of Mueller’s report remain redacted, with estimates varying from 6 to 12 percent of the document. Many of these redactions were made to prevent “Harm to Ongoing Matters,” including the Stone trial. The conclusion of the Stone trial should free the DOJ to remove redactions related to his prosecution, including sections that appear to describe Stone’s contacts with WikiLeaks and the Trump campaign’s interactions with Stone about those contacts. but they have not yet done so. In addition, Barr has repeatedly refused to allow members of Congress to see the full, unredacted report and has said that Congress would need to seek a court’s permission to remove redactions related to grand jury material. Why hasn’t the DOJ released sections of the report relating to the now-finished prosecution of Stone? Why hasn’t the DOJ provided Congress a full, unredacted version of the Mueller report? Mueller’s Supreme Court case: Part of Mueller’s investigation entailed a case in which Mueller’s team sought to enforce a grand-jury subpoena for a foreign government-owned corporation. The details of the case appear to have been deliberately kept secret to the point that an entire floor of the U.S. courthouse in Washington, D.C., was cleared out prior to a hearing in the case. The corporation appealed the subpoena all the way to the Supreme Court, which ultimately refused to hear its appeal. After being repeatedly fined for contempt of court, the corporation reportedly turned over almost 1,000 pages of documents to Mueller’s team in February 2019, after which the federal court decided “the company was no longer in contempt on April 17.” The identity of the corporation has never been revealed nor has Mueller’s reason for pursuing the subpoena. What is the corporation that Mueller sought to subpoena, and why? Why did Mueller go to such extreme lengths to subpoena the corporation but decide against doing the same for witnesses like Trump or Donald Trump Jr.? Barr’s counter-Mueller investigation: Barr has undertaken a months-long campaign to undermine the Mueller investigation. He has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that the Obama administration improperly “spied” on the Trump campaign; accused the FBI of acting in “bad faith” in the Russia investigation; and repeatedly questioned whether it was properly predicated. Barr has reportedly pressed the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom, and Italy to help him undermine Mueller’s findings, including by requesting they substantiate a debunked far-right conspiracy theory that Joseph Mifsud, the Maltese professor who told George Papadopoulos that Russia had stolen “thousands of emails” from Clinton’s campaign, was actually an agent of Western intelligence services. He has also publicly contested DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s conclusion that the Russia investigation was properly predicated and not politically motivated. Instead, Barr has pointed to an investigation by U.S. Attorney John Durham, whom Barr handpicked to run a parallel probe and who has also publicly disputed Horowitz’s conclusion, as the final word on the subject. Did Barr offer any incentives to foreign governments in exchange for help undermining the Mueller investigation? What communications, if any, has Barr had with either Trump or Giuliani about his efforts to undermine the Mueller investigation? What communications has Barr had with Durham since choosing Durham to review the Mueller investigation? Dmitry Firtash’s extradition: According to the indicted member of Trump’s legal team, Lev Parnas, Trump’s shakedown of Ukraine involved an effort to establish a quid pro quo with Ukrainian oligarch Dmitry Firtash. Parnas told Rachel Maddow that Firtash, who was indicted for alleged bribery in 2013 and whom the DOJ has called an “upper-echelon [associate] of Russian organized crime,” wanted the DOJ to drop its charges against him in exchange for what he characterized as damaging information about a cooperation deal from the Mueller investigation. Firtash also appears to be personally involved in efforts to fabricate dirt on Trump’s political opponents in Ukraine. (Firtash denies all allegations against him, including the DOJ’s indictment, the allegation that he has ties to Russian organized crime, and Parnas’s claim he has helped with the smear campaign against Trump’s political opponents. He is currently in Vienna fighting extradition to the U.S.) Firtash reportedly considered hiring Giuliani to represent him but instead hired Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing, two conservative lawyers who are close to both Barr and Giuliani. They reportedly met with Barr after taking on Firtash as a client. According to Parnas, Barr was fully aware of the Ukraine efforts to the point that he “was basically on the team.” (The DOJ has called Parnas’s allegation “100 percent false.”) What is the current status of the case against Firtash? What role, if any, has Barr played in the case against Firtash? Are Parnas’ allegations regarding Barr true? What did Barr, diGenova, and Toensing discuss in their meeting? Michael Flynn’s sentencing: Federal prosecutors are reportedly softening their position on sentencing for Trump’s former national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Prosecutors had previously called for up to six months of jail time because of the “serious nature of the defendant’s offense, his apparent failure to accept responsibility, his failure to complete his cooperation in [the Virginia case] and the need to promote respect for the law and adequately deter such criminal conduct.” But last month, the DOJ attorneys shifted, saying the department would not oppose probation. Did Barr apply any pressure to the prosecutors in the Flynn case to relax the sentencing? Barr’s latest interventions on Trump’s behalf are a stark reminder that the American justice system is in the hands of a man who sees his main job as defending Trump—not enforcing the law. It is past time for the House to investigate Barr’s politicization of the DOJ. The Barr File: Trump’s Man on the Inside Crime→Cover-Up→Payback	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line707
__label__cc	0.610625	0.389375	Category: Ponderosa Aces HE’S A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY….. A GUEST POSTING by JOHNNY BOTTOMS Those of you who might be new(ish) to this little corner of the internet might like to have a read at this post from February 2017 and then this post from May 2017 to get the back story….. Greetings, Jim. A little while back you asked for an Aces update. So as not to bore you to tears I’ll try to sum up everything that’s happened since our fateful April 2017 meeting in Manchester, bullet-point style: The England trip was truly amazing and we got a nice write up about it when we got home: https://www.ocweekly.com/whats-it-like-for-an-outlaw-country-band-touring-the-uk-8099980/ * We started recording an album in fall of 2017 * In October Hoss reluctantly left the band for family reasons * Marty Beal, formerly of the Lisa Marr Experiment, agreed to join the band as lead guitarist * The album was mixed and mastered earlier this year * We planned to self-release the record and did all the photo shoots, cover art and graphics etc. * To our surprise we were contacted by At The Helm Records, a UK label, who said they wanted to release it for us overseas * At The Helm is the home of Ags Connelly, whom you may remember opened for us in England * This pushed the release of the album to early 2019 * We are excited about the label’s interest because we are hoping they’ll bring us back for another tour * The album will be titled No Particular Way * The first single, ‘Come Around’, has just been released and is available on iTunes, CD Baby and similar digital sites! So, at long last, new Ponderosa Aces music is available and a lot more is coming soon. ‘Come Around’ marks the first time I’ve been in the studio for 30 years. Johnny Bottoms JC adds…. Johnny also provided a copy of the new single and said that he didn’t mind if it was posted on the blog to download for a while, but that he really wanted to encourage folks to buy the single independently. As he points out, the band aren’t going to make any money from record sales but the big hope is that if enough people download it may convince the label to bring them back for another UK tour. So….no link from me except to here and here where it can be downloaded. I’ve done so already and it’s a mighty fine sounding tune. Please find it in your hearts to spend 99p or 99 cents or whatever your currency is! In the meantime here’s something with an apt title from the band’s back catalogue:- mp3 : The Ponderosa Aces – Play The Game October 9, 2018 July 7, 2019 3 Comments DID THEY CUT THE MUSTARD IN 2017? #6 : THE PONDEROSA ACES SUNDAY 23 APRIL : THE PONDEROSA ACES GULLIVER’S, MANCHESTER I had mostly stayed off the drink at Butcher Boy and Teen Canteen as I had an early start the next morning, down to Manchester for the third and final gig of the action-packed weekend. It was only the fact that Jonny the Friendly Lawyer, is bass player with The Ponderosa Aces (where he goes by the name of Jonny Bottoms) that made me decide to venture south on the National Express bus for the first time in at least 30 years (the trains were off as a result of engineering works and this was the easiest way to go). To be perfectly honest, I went down regarding the gig as secondary for it was all about hooking up with JTFL. I’ve already mentioned in a previous post how much fun the hook up proved to me and how it was the prefect appetizer for the then upcoming Bloggers’ Weekend. I also did a short posting on Facebook in which I described the meeting as providing a really satisfying feeling thanks to Jonny being a highly talented and very funny man and also said The Ponderosa Aces were a mighty fine outlaw country music combo. This post is about the gig itself rather than anything else. The venue was Gulliver’s a cracking old boozer on Oldham Street, nor far from Piccadilly and just a little bit further up the street beyond the legendary Dry Bar where a drug-addled Shaun Ryder once went amok with a pistol in a fit of rage with high-heid yins at Factory Records. I was in the company of a long-time friend Ian who lives in nearby Rochdale and who was putting me up overnight afterwards. The thing is, I’d never let onto Ian in all the 20+ years I’ve known him that I had a music blog until explaining why I was coming to watch a country band in a city more than 200 miles from home and having to take a day off work afterwards to fit it in. Jonny was quite bemused that I kept word of the blog so low-key….. But I digress (again)!! The venue at Gulliver’s is upstairs from the bar. It has a capacity of 150 inside a grand high-ceilinged room with a proper, raised stage that made for great sight lines and even better acoustics. There was an enthusiastic and highly knowledgable crowd inside which was no doubt a joy to the Ponderosa Aces given they are fairly well-known in their home state of California and are gaining a reputation slightly further field in Texas, but for the most they are an unknown quantity in the UK; after this particular tour I would suggest they won’t be a secret for much longer. Fans had travelled from many parts of the north-west and further afield, including three people from Belfast with tonight’s gig being the closest to their home city, with everyone having a great time as the band proved to be a ridiculously talented four-piece (they are normally five-strong but the pedal steel player didn’t come on the UK tour). I can’t claim to be an expert on country music. I don’t own much beyond Johnny Cash although growing up in Glasgow and being present at family gatherings has long exposed me to all sorts of renditions of songs recorded originally by Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Kris Kristofferson, Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette, Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard among others. Many of my own favourite indie-era stars have incorporated country styles into a number of their best known tunes while of course the likes of Elvis Costello has gone much further. So it wasn’t as if I was being exposed to something that was completely alien. But nothing prepared me for just how great a band the Aces proved to be. Jonny has written on here before about how he was blown away by the welcome he got from singer Mike Maddux, guitarist Hoss Griggs, drummer Arthur Rodriguez and Steve Meitzer on pedal steel when he showed up firstly to audition and then to rehearse, but more so by the fact the guys were, in Jonny’s words, ‘monster musicians’. Believe me, that doesn’t come close to doing them justice. It was a fantastic set that chugged along at a fairly frantic pace for the most part. To these ears, it was if Prefab Sprout had turned up and decided to do an entire set around variations on their song Faron Young. I was especially blown away by Hoss’s perfectly effortless guitar playing which was such that Roddy Frame alongside him would have looked like a beginner…and I’m not exaggerating. I’ve long said that you can judge how well a set has gone down by the number of folk at the merchandise stall afterwards and it looked to me that most went home after picking up a copy of their most recent LP Honky Tonkin My Life Away that was released last year and/or a t-shirt. It’s also worth mentioning that I was lucky enough to enjoy a pre-gig chat with the band and they’re up there with the likes of the two Davids (Kid Canaveral and The Wedding Present) as being the nicest musicians out there performing. The band played a few new songs that they will be recording in due course for an LP either later this year or into next; these will be the first on which Jonny appears* as the previous LP had the now departed bass player in the studio with them. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a copy in due course. But for now, here again are two great songs from the current canon:- mp3 : The Ponderosa Aces – Make Things Right mp3 : The Ponderosa Aces – Judgement Day The band have given an interview back in the States describing the entire tour with great and often funny insights into what went on. Click here for a read and more images. (It floored me somewhat as I was described in the article as a ‘Scottish music writer’. That’s another life-long ambition realised!!!!) *I should mention that this will not be the first time Jonny’s skills will have been captured on vinyl as I found out when we hooked up. But that’s a story, and a review, for another time. May 17, 2017 January 28, 2018 8 Comments JTFL – LIVING THE DREAM The handsome devil playing bass guitar on the right hand side of the above picture is no stranger to these parts, although this will be the first confirmed sighting. As you may have gathered from the title of today’s posting it is an image of Jonny the Friendly Lawyer (JTFL) who has been a long-time friend of this and many other quality blogs offering his thoughts, wisdom and opinions all the way from the West Coast of the USA. But he could soon be coming close by your own ‘hood and thus offering the chance to meet in person while listening to live music. I’ll lrt the great man himself tell you all about it:- THE PONDEROSA ACES A GUEST ADMISSION BY JONNY THE FRIENDLY LAWYER My name is Johnny Bottoms and I am an Outlaw Country musician. I play bass for The Ponderosa Aces. I wasn’t always this way. In fact, only a few months ago I was just like anyone else. Here’s what happened… Goldie The Friendly Psychologist (GTFP) and I have been empty nesting since last summer. Why not get a band together? I jammed with a few friends, singing and playing guitar, trying to sort some basic tunes by The Jam, Blondie, Pretenders, Bowie. But it just wasn’t happening and I got frustrated. I thought, Screw this — I play bass, I never pretended I was any good at guitar. So I went on the local musicians network and typed in “bassist.” The first ad that came up said “Bassist Needed for Established Country Band. Gigs Lined Up.” It could have been a reggae band, a power pop band, a death metal band — whatever. The operative word was established. They were up and running and already playing out. I should say here that up to this point I didn’t know anything about country music. I didn’t listen to it often, didn’t have much in the library beyond Elvis Costello‘s country album (if that even counts). I sure as hell didn’t know how to play country music. So I called up the lead guitarist named, naturally, Hoss. Our conversation went like this: Hoss: So, you’re a country music guy? Me: Sure. – Who’s your favorite country artist? – Don’t know if I could name just one (which was true, since I didn’t know any). – Well, you got some favorite country songs? – Er, do you guys need a bass player or not? – Oh, yeah, we do! You have played bass in a band before, right? – Of course. – When was that? – 1988. In New York. – Oh. Well, can you come to a rehearsal this Thursday? That was a Monday. I downloaded the band’s album on iTunes and gave a listen. I was knocked out. The songs on Honky Tonkin’ My Life Away are all originals and they’re EXCELLENT. I practiced the bass parts until I felt like I might not completely disgrace myself. On the Thursday Hoss called to apologize that he couldn’t make the rehearsal and that I would just be meeting the drummer and singer. Okay. I drove down to Long Beach with the album on repeat, trying to ingrain my parts. The drummer, Art, was a good-natured and friendly guy. I was a bit leery of Mike, the singer. It wasn’t just that they guy is pure outlaw, with a formidable foot long beard. It was that Mike wrote all the songs on the album and I hoped I could do them justice. He handed me a book with the chord charts and off we went. It must have gone okay because when we finished I handed Mike the book back and he said “That’s yours — you keep that. We got a gig a week from tomorrow, can you sit in?” Sure I could. I had a pair of cowboy boots I bought in 1983 somewhere in the closet. I found an embroidered western shirt that looked the part on eBay. I showed up for the gig and met Hoss and Steve, the pedal steel player. Fortunately for me, Steve plays sitting down with a handy music stand to keep the charts on. I stationed myself next to him and did the best I could, peeking over at the charts as discreetly as possible. After the show, the rest of the band were waiting for me in the parking lot. Christ, I wasn’t that bad, was I? Or maybe this was the part where they said, “Hey, thanks for filling in, but our real bassist will be back from his hernia operation next week.” But that didn’t happen. Instead, I got a round of handshakes and a question: – Are you free to travel in February and April? – Travel where? – Texas in February and England in April. – Sure I am. I had been a country musician for 8 days. I hadn’t played bass in a band in 28 years. I was going to tour Texas and England. (I am not making any of this up, by the way). Turns out the band’s criteria for a bassist depended on five critical questions, in roughly this order: (1) Are you a complete fucking maniac that no one can get along with? (2) Can you show up on time for gigs and rehearsals? (3) Are you going to bitch about money? (4) Is your wife going to be pissed off about you spending a lot of time doing band stuff? and (5) do you own a bass guitar and know where it is? Honestly, that’s what they were thinking, having gone through a string of bassists that were overly ornery, complained about the cash, showed up erratically and not always sober, and whose wives didn’t approve of the band. I slotted in perfectly: I can get along with most anyone, I’m punctual, I’m not bothered about money, GTFP is glad to get me out of the house, and I know exactly where my bass is! My skills weren’t the prime concern for a simple reason: the band are all MONSTER players. The aptly named Aces are such superb musicians that everything they do sounds so professional I couldn’t screw it up if I tried. And we can’t have a rehearsal without Mike introducing at least two new classic outlaw tunes. (We’ll be recording a new album later this year.) So, now I’m Johnny Bottoms. I play all over the coast a few times a month. The guys are typical southern Californians: laid back, quick to laugh, fun to be around. The Ponderosa Aces are nominated for awards as Best Pure Country Band by the Academy of Western Artists and Best Outlaw Band by Ameripolitan, a roots country foundation based in Austin. We’re going to the Ameripolitan awards show and will play five gigs while we’re in Texas. I’m over the moon about that, never having been to Texas once. We’re sponsored by a Whiskey company (Coldcock) and I got a new stage tuner from another sponsor, GoGo Tuners. One of the nicest surprises about joining the Aces is the discovery that loads of people I wouldn’t have guessed LOVE country music. I knew my wife was a Patsy Cline devotee, but had no idea our own daughter was a huge Dolly Parton fan. My buddy Ronnie can do a perfect Bob Wills “Aaa-haah!” Driving down the coast a week ago my buddy Kevin — pure Malibu royalty that is such an OG surf punk that he actually drummed for The Surf Punks — amazed me by jumping in on the chorus of ‘Dang Me’, an obscure Roger Miller tune from 1964. I almost drove onto the beach! Nearly everyone I know has a favorite song by Willie, Tammy, Waylon, Merle, Loretta, EmmyLou, or Hank — and my own country library is growing all the time. In my last NYC post with Echorich I wrote that my modest music career ended after I took the bar exam in July 1988. No longer true: now I’m playing regularly and WE ARE COMING TO TOUR ENGLAND! I wrote JC to tell him all about it in the hope that some of the formidable Vinyl Villain community will come out to see us and, of course, our man was happy to help out a friend. This is the tour schedule: Sat. 22 APRIL – THE STABLES, Milton Keynes Sun. 23 APRIL – GULLIVERS, Manchester Mon. 24 APRIL – JUMPIN’ JACK’S, Newcastle Tue. 25 APRIL – THE MUSICIAN, Leicester Thu. 27 APRIL – THE BORDERLINE, London Fri. 28 APRIL – FAT LIL’S, Witney Sat. 29 APRIL – BILLY BOB’S SALOON, EuroDisney, Paris Sun. 30 APRIL – THE HAUNT, Brighton Mon. 1 MAY – THE PRIORY, Dover And here are some songs from the album, Honky Tonkin’ My Life Away: mp3 : The Ponderosa Aces – Judgment Day mp3 : The Ponderosa Aces – Roadside Shrine mp3 : The Ponderosa Aces – Hit The Door So, a surprising but happy story. I hope you’ll be able to come out and see The Ponderosa Aces in just a couple months’ time. This blog’s readers are an amazing crowd I like to think of as old friends, and it would be great to finally meet some of y’all in person. Johnny Bottoms, the country bassist February 13, 2017 December 3, 2017 23 Comments	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line708
__label__cc	0.730837	0.269163	Women in Sports Really Can’t Afford to Think Girly Thoughts Women in sports take a great deal of abuse, and most of it is off the field. Professional women athletes are criticized in both public and social media for being competent, for being aggressive, and for winning. Consider the sexist remarks made before the women’s final of the BNP Paribas Open. Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore opined at a press conference that “both the Women’s Tennis Association and its players ride on the coattails of men” and that they “should go down every night on their knees and thank God Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were born.” Negative, Disparaging Attitudes Led to THIS Not only do professional women athletes receive less media, but what they do receive is often negative. Take the case of the World Cup Championship U.S. Women’s National (Soccer) Team. ESPN reported that “The USWNT’s victory in the World Cup final last summer not only beat the title-clinching game of the NBA Finals in viewership ratings, but also became the most-watched soccer event in television history. . . .” Yet the women earn an astonishing 98.6 percent less than their male counterparts, receive less funding, less media coverage, and are forced to play on a tougher surface than the U.S. Men’s team. #MoreThanMean The negativity came to a head this month in a video about sports reporters Sarah Spain and Julie DiCaro and the vicious tweets they’ve received. In it, men (who did not know these women and had not previously seen the vitriolic tweets) read them in person to the two professional sportswriters. The fans, who stutter and struggle to read these horrible tweets realize these attacks are #MoreThanMean—they’re harassment. Do We Do This to Ourselves? Chances are good that you, too, are outraged at these stories and these tweets. Sadly, women in sports are subject to the same types of disparaging remarks as women in other fields receive. Yet, if you experience outrage when you hear an obviously sexist remark from a man, why do you say similar things to yourself? Think you don’t? Consider these examples: I’m so grateful—instead of feeling good about your ability to work your tail off to achieve your goals. I’m so lucky, I owe you—instead of understanding you earned that promotion, raise, degree, championship, or anything else. It’s my fault—instead of standing up for yourself and saying, “No, you can’t treat me that way.” Telling yourself that you’re not the reason for your own success, or that you are the cause of a problem, is a toxic pattern of internalized self-blaming ideas I’ve named girly thoughts. Why name this? So you can identify and distance yourself from this type of pervasive, negative thinking that has you doing to yourself what the tweets in the video are doing to the reporters—shaming and disempowering yourself. So the next time you second guess yourself, make excuses for your success, or feel reluctant to be in the winner’s circle, think of Serena and Sarah and Julie exercising their power, and then exercise your own. See what happens within you when you tell yourself, “That’s a girly thought!”—and don’t forget to share your experience with me. Want to take some public action? Share the hashtag #MoreThanMean to increase awareness about harassment of women in sports. Picture courtesy of pixabay.com! Author PatriciaPosted on May 10, 2016 May 4, 2016 Tags ESPN, girly thoughts, harassment, Indian Wells, Julie DiCaro, morethanmean, putting yourself in the the winner’s circle, Rafa Nadal, Raymond Moore, Roger Federer, Sara Spain, second guessing yourself, Serena Williams, sexism, vitriolic tweets, women earning less than men in sports, women in sports, Women’s NBA, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Tennis Association, world cupLeave a comment on Women in Sports Really Can’t Afford to Think Girly Thoughts	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line709
__label__wiki	0.719902	0.719902	Top 10 Avatar: The Last Airbender Characters thereviewmonster Top 10 List June 18, 2018 June 18, 2018 9 Minutes Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of my favourite shows of all time. It not only has a fantastic story, along with animation, music, action sequences and themes but incredible characters as well. Some of these characters are even among the best in television history so I am going to count down what I consider to be the top 10 best. Before that though, I have a few honorable mentions of Commander Zhao and Firelord Ozai, who are good characters, just not good enough to get on the list. So, these are who I consider to be the top 10 best Avatar: The Last Airbender characters. 10. Suki When we were first introduced to Suki in Book One, episode four, The Warriors of Kyoshi, she seemed like a very interesting character but only one that would be recurring and not a part of the main cast. This, for the most part, was true because we did not see her for the rest of Book One and she was only in a little of Book Two before she got captured by Azula. It is in Book Three where she is made a part of the main cast after being rescued from the Boiling Rock Prison. She would go on to take part in the final battle, helping Sokka and Toph destroy the Firelord’s airships, even saving them both at one point. Suki may not get that much development, due to her limited screen time throughout the series, but she is still a really cool character due to her unique fighting abilities as a Kyoshi Warrior and her relationship with Sokka. I am going to be honest and say that when Mai was first introduced I did not really care for her. Yes, her skill with knives was pretty cool but character wise she just fit the trope of a moody uncaring teen. The reason she is on this list though is due to her actions in the Book Three episode, The Boiling Rock Part 2. It is in this episode where she betrays Azula to save her ex-boyfriend Zuko, leading her to say one of my favourite lines in the series, “I guess you miscalculated. I love Zuko more than I fear you.” This was a really great moment for her because it showed her dedication to protecting those she cares about. This along with the explanation of why she is so moody in the episode The Beach was enough to put her on my list at number nine. 8. Appa and Momo Appa and Momo are basically the mascots of the show. Appa, a sky bison, is Aang’s lifelong friend who has stuck with him through thick and thing and Momo was discovered as the last winged lemur in The Southern Air Temple. Both stick with Team Avatar throughout the series and are mainly used for comic relief, especially Momo. However, they also provide emotional moments for the show as well as Appa’s kidnapping was one of the big driving points for Book Two. It was through the separation of Aang and Appa that we got a good look at how strong their friendship was through how both of them were reacting to their separation. Appa was also very important to the show due to him being Team Avatar’s main form of transport. While, Momo may just be comic relief and not important to the story he is still a lovable character that is shown to have a lot of heart, just like Appa. Appa and Momo may be mascots but they are some of the best of any show. 7. Katara Katara is the strong-willed mother figure of the series and provides a lot of emotional heart for the show. I was genuinely surprised that I placed her at only number seven but that comes from no fault of her own, just that I like the characters further down the list more than her. Katara herself is still a fantastic character who grows a lot from beginning to end. In fact, some of the best episodes of the series are Katara centric like The Puppet Master, where Katara had to use the inhumane technique of Bloodbending to save her friends. Then there was my second favourite episode of the series The Southern Raiders, where Katara and Zuko went to hunt down the man who killed her mother. This episode had a lot of great growth for Katara, like with her going so far as breaking her vow of never bloodbending again when she thinks she has captured her mother’s killer, and her deciding not to kill Yon Rha but does not forgive him. Throughout the show we have seen Katara at her best and lowest points presenting a strong character with a lot of emotional depth. 6. Aang You might think it is a problem for me to consider the main character of the series, Aang, to be only the sixth best character but, like Katara, he is a fantastic character, just not as good as the ones further down, which shows how fantastic the entire cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender is. Aang is the Avatar, the only one who can control all four elements and bring balance to the world. It just so happens that he is also a fun loving goofball who would rather have fun with his friends than save the world. This does not mean he is neglectful of his responsibilities though because, after realizing what his disappearance has done to the world, he takes on his responsibility as the Avatar, despite him never wanting to be. Just like Katara, Aang grew a lot throughout the series, having matured a lot in the final episodes of Sozin’s Comet. We got a look at his tragic backstory in The Storm where it was revealed he ran away from home after he learned the monks were going to take him away from his adoptive father Monk Gyatso when he got frozen in the ice, dooming the world to 100 years of war. Watching his journey from here to Sozin’s Comet was great to see and only made better with how his character arc played into the themes of the show. 5. Sokka Sokka may just seem like comic relief when you see him in the first episode but he is so much more than that. You only need to compare him to the comic relief of the series’ follow up The Legend of Korra, Bolin, to see that Sokka is the perfect type of this character. Bolin’s sole purpose in The Legend of Korra was comic relief so there was little to no depth with his character, while Sokka, on the other hand, had so much more depth despite being comic relief, thus making him a more interesting character. He was the smartest person in Team Avatar, constantly figuring out ways for them to get out of tricky situations. Even better, he got a lot of great character development as well, both through the relationships he had and his character arc. We got to see him grow through his loss of Yue and eventually learning not to be too overprotective of Suki, when dealing with the aftermath of that loss. Sokka’s feelings of inadequacy were also addressed in episodes like Sokka’s Master and The Day of Black Sun Part 1, and this all lead to him becoming an experienced warrior by the end of the series. Sokka was a great character with a lot of heart. 4. Toph Sokka may be the comic relief character but I always felt like Toph was the funniest character of the series. Her blind jokes always got a laugh out of me. Despite being blind, she is one of the most powerful characters in the Avatar series due to her unique sense of vibrations that allows her to fight in a very different style to everyone else. She is a very fun character with a lot of spunk and heart. Although she is one of the more underdeveloped members of Team Avatar, Toph is still one of my favourites because of her great personality. We first meet her in The Blind Bandit fighting in a pro-wrestling match, a fantastic way to introduce her that really showed her characteristics and her skill set. Toph also had many inspirational moments throughout the series, like her inventing metal bending in The Guru. This was an excellent scene that really showed Toph overcoming the odds. Toph is a character who, out of everyone in the show, I would probably want to be friends with the most due to her fun personality and inspirational strength. 3. Azula I love a great villain and Azula is the best one in the entire series. She is not only my favourite villain in Avatar: The Last Airbender but one of my favourite villains of all time. That shows what an excellent character Azula is. Azula is, without a doubt in my mind, a complete and utter sociopath. That may seem extreme for a Nickelodeon show but it is the only thing that makes sense. She threatens her “friends” with physical injury if they do not join her mission, she taunts Sokka about what she has done to Suki and, worst of all, as an eight-year-old girl she celebrated when she learnt her father planned to kill her brother and laughed about it. Yet, despite being a completely despicable person, Azula is still fascinating to watch. Seeing her plan to overthrow the Earth Kingdom in The Guru and The Crossroads of Destiny was brilliant to see play out and her scolding line to Long Feng, “don’t flatter yourself, you were never even a player” is probably the biggest insult in TV history. Then, despite all the terrible things she had done, the show actually succeeded in making me feel sorry for her at the end. Watching her slowly descend into madness was very sad to see because she had gone from basically perfect in every way to a shell of her former glory. The only problem I have with Azula is we do not know what happened to her. I do know from reading the comics she escaped and is still causing trouble but she is not mentioned in The Legend of Korra and I just want an explanation as to where she is. Azula is the best villain in all of Avatar and one of my favourite villains ever. 2. Iroh Iroh is the kind of guy who any person would be happy to have as their uncle. He stuck by Zuko and supported him when no one else would. Iroh has had some of the most emotional moments on the entire series as well. When he celebrated his dead son’s birthday in The Tales of Ba Sing Se it was very emotional and his reconciliation with Zuko during Sozin’s Comet always makes me cry tears of joy at how beautiful it is. Iroh always has great advice for people, as can be seen when he helps Toph in The Chase and is one of the most spiritual characters in the entire characters, except for the Avatar of course. He also had his own little arc as it is revealed years before his son’s death he was a lot like other Fire Nation royalty as he planned to burn Ba Sing Se to the ground. However, after Lu Ten’s death, Iroh became more spiritual and calm, joining the White Lotus when he realised what his Nation was doing to the world. Iroh will do was is right above all else and is Zuko’s true father figure. Heroic, kind and a father figure to everyone, Iroh is my second favourite Avatar: The Last Airbender character. 1. Zuko Honestly, who else could it be? Zuko is not just the greatest Avatar character but one of the greatest characters of all time. I know this might seem like a bold statement but I do not think I am exaggerating at all here. Just look at his arc throughout the entire series. He starts of as a conflicted villain, then becomes an anti-hero, then the conflicted villain again, until he finally realizes what is right and becomes a hero. He goes through so much development throughout the series and all of it is excellently handled. We got to see Zuko go from the conflicted, angered, banished prince to the confident, content, new Firelord. It was not an easy journey, however, as Zuko made many mistakes along the way, most notably relapsing into his desire for his father’s approval by turning on Aang in The Crossroads of Destiny. Despite this, we all saw that Zuko was redeemable through episodes like The Blue Spirit and Zuko Alone. This all culminated in the two-parter The Day of Black Sun, where Zuko decided to do the right thing and join the Avatar to help defeat his father. Watching Zuko face off against Ozai after so much abuse from him was very powerful, especially when he utilized Iroh’s technique of redirecting lightening. From here we had the satisfaction of, after so much great build up, Zuko redeeming himself by helping each member of Team Avatar and then facing Azula for the throne with Katara. Zuko’s arc is one of if not the greatest character arc ever put to screen and watching him grow was a pleasure to see. Zuko is, without a doubt, the best character in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Previous Post Detroit: Become Human, a Game of Choices and Cringe. Next Post Tag: A Good Message About Friendship but not Much Else.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line710
__label__cc	0.610731	0.389269	Home \| Subscribe \| Contact Us SEASONS & CELEBRATIONS YOUR FAITH BISHOP'S CORNER SECTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS KEEPSAKE PUBLICATIONS WEB EXTRAS READERS' INFO MyMonitor VIDA Y FE EL ANZUELO Despite hardships, Pope says there is much for which to be thankful Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service Thursday, December 31, 2020 12:34 PM Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, leads a New Year's Eve evening prayer and the singing of the "Te Deum" to thank God for the year that is ending. The Vatican announced earlier in the day that Pope Francis, 84, would not preside over the celebration due to "painful sciatica." CNS photo/Fabio Frustaci pool via Reuters The notable absence of Pope Francis at the final liturgical celebration of 2020 in St. Peter's Basilica capped off a difficult year for the Vatican and for the world. Yet Pope Francis, in remarks read by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, urged people to find meaning in the pandemic. The Pope said giving thanks to God after such a year may seem "forced, almost jarring" especially for those who have lost loved ones, have fallen ill or have lost their jobs. "At times, someone may ask, 'What is the meaning of such tragedy?' We must not be in a hurry to answer this question. To our most anguished 'whys,' not even God responds by appealing to higher reasons," the Pope wrote. God, he continued, is not someone "who would sacrifice human beings for a grand design," but instead a compassionate and paternal shepherd. "God is a shepherd, and what shepherd would give up even one sheep, thinking that in the meantime he has many others left? No, this cynical and ruthless god does not exist. This is not the God we 'praise' and 'proclaim Lord,'" Cardinal Re read. Christians, the Pope wrote, can find meaning in the example of the Good Samaritan, who was moved by compassion to care for the stranger. "Here, perhaps we can find 'meaning' to the tragedy of this pandemic, like other scourges that strike humanity: that of awakening in us compassion and provoking attitudes and gestures of closeness, of care, of solidarity," the cardinal read. Earlier in the day, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Pope Francis, 84, would not preside over the traditional end-of-the-year prayer service nor the New Year's Mass the following day due to "painful sciatica." However, Bruni confirmed that "Pope Francis will still lead the recitation of the Angelus from the library of the Apostolic Palace, as scheduled" Jan. 1. An estimated 150 faithful, as well as 25 cardinals, attended the Dec. 31 prayer service at the Altar of the Chair, which began with the prayer of vespers on the eve of the feast of Mary, Mother of God. The faithful were accompanied by the serene sounds of the Sistine Chapel Choir filling the centuries-old basilica with music in Latin and Italian. The liturgy included the singing of the "Te Deum" ("We praise you, oh God") in thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year, as well as eucharistic adoration and benediction. Reading the Pope's prepared homily, Cardinal Re said that, despite the hardships endured throughout the year, Christians should give thanks to God for the good things that have happened and for the many people who, "without making a sound, have tried to make the burden of this trial more bearable." Doctors, nurses and volunteer health care workers, as well as priests and religious men and women, should always be "in our prayers and deserve our gratitude," the Pope wrote. He also expressed gratitude for "all those who strive each day to maintain their families and their service to the common good in the best possible way." "We are thinking in particular of school administrators and teachers, who play an essential role in society and who must deal with a very complex situation," Cardinal Re read. "We also think with gratitude of the public administrators who know how to make the most of all the good resources present in the city and in the territory, who are detached from private interests and even from those of their party, who truly seek the common good, beginning with the most disadvantaged." Concluding his reading of the Pope's homily, Cardinal Re said that all those who placed the needs of others before themselves are "driven by God's strength, which is more powerful than our selfishness." "This is why we give praise to (God), because we believe and know that all the good that is accomplished day by day on earth comes, in the end, from him," he read. "And looking to the future that awaits us, we again implore: 'May your mercy be with us always, in you we have hoped.'" Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju Pope to skip Dec. 31, Jan. 1 liturgies due to sciatica, Vatican says God gives everyone the task of being peacemakers, Pope says In new year, share the blessing of your time, Pope writes DIOCESEOFTRENTON.ORG The Monitor, 701 Lawrenceville Road, P.O. Box 5147,Trenton, NJ 08638-0147 PHONE: 609-406-7404 \| FAX: 609-406-7423 \| Monitor@DioceseofTrenton.org Copyright © 2021 \| TrentonMonitor.com \| All Rights Reserved. Any use of materials on this website, including reproduction, modification or distribution without the prior written consent of the Diocese of Trenton is strictly prohibited. The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors. If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Abuse Hotline. To report the sexual abuse of minors call our hotline 1-888-296-2965 or email us at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org Please note: The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line714
__label__wiki	0.77595	0.77595	TripleOT Crossroads for Basketball & Music Music, Portfolio Kendrick Lamar’s Black Panther Soundtrack is a Milestone for Black Culture Black Panther is a critically successful, and culturally significant milestone led in part by Kendrick Lamar. Date: February 10, 2018Author: Brandon Johnson 0 Comments A seemingly limitless well of inspiration and creativity, Kendrick Lamar has hit his next career milestone. Approached to contribute to Marvel’s Black Panther by director Ryan Coogler, Lamar’s involvement with the soundtrack marks his continued expansion into the mainstream, pop culture. Saying Kendrick Lamar isn’t mainstream is off; his list of credits skyrocketed after dropping his second studio album, Good Kid M.A.A.D. City, contributing to non-hip-hop cuts like Sia’s “The Greatest” and Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood”. But unlike many of his rap contemporaries, much of Kendrick Lamar’s persona has been tied to rapping, and rapping alone. With hip-hop, both the music and the culture around it, blossoming in its commercial viability, the absence of a noisy backing from a fashion house or alcohol brand for Lamar is obtuse in 2018. While artists like Drake and Rick Ross are quick to flaunt bottles of Virginia Black and Belaire Rose at every passing moment, much of Lamar’s non-musical activities are subtler. In 2013, on his infamous “Control” verse, Lamar swore off many of the material afflictions of his peers such as designer clothes and recreational use of MDMA. He’s largely kept to that message, limiting public appearances of his endorsements and ostentatious displays of wealth. “And I ain’t rocking no more designer shit/ White T’s and Nike Cortez, this Red Corvette’s anonymous” – Kendrick Lamar, “Control” (2013) Outside of featuring in commercials for frequent collaborator Dr. Dre’s Beats merchandise, he’s gone shopping for soap with Shaquille O’Neal and American Express and participated in a Big Brother-like PSA produced by Top Dawg Ent. called “Hard Work”. Lamar also released limited edition Reeboks, unifying a red and blue colorway symbolic of an anti-gang violence message aimed at Bloods and Crips. Still, music has come to define K. Dot’s existence largely without interruption, making his involvement with a critically acclaimed film even more notable. In fact, Lamar’s hand in curating the Black Panther soundtrack solidifies just the fourth time he’s earned a production credit, and his first since 2011. According to Discogs, Lamar has only produced on Section 80, O.Verly D.edicated, and labelmate ScHoolboy Q’s Setbacks. His contribution is also the first time is also the first time a black artist or rapper executive produced a Marvel soundtrack. While Ludwig Göransson and TDE’s in-house producer Sounwave handled much of the instrumentation according to an NPR interview, that Lamar is listed as producer at all is a testament to his calculated approach to defining his career. Lamar’s most recent album, DAMN. strayed from the funk and gangsta rap sounds he embraced in the past in favor of more modern, trap-flavored production. Though the album was well within his conscious rap wheelhouse, DAMN. has been Lamar’s most commercially successful release thus far, reaching RIAA double-platinum status in under a year. Commemorating the release of Black Panther with a soundtrack curated by Lamar, Sounwave and Top Dawg as a whole continues to blur the lines that once bisected pop culture and politically geared hip-hop. Once viewed as commercially disparate, Kendrick Lamar is proving the importance of hip-hop, and more importantly black culture, at large. Black PantherKendrick LamarMarvelMusicTop Dawg Entertainment Published by Brandon Johnson View all posts by Brandon Johnson Previous Previous post: Dwyane Wade on return to Miami Heat: “I can’t wait” Next Next post: Ravyn Lenae’s Crush EP is a beautiful, Steve Lacy produced duet – Review © 2021 TripleOT	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line715
__label__cc	0.565893	0.434107	Trump picks Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo for CIA director Three-term Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) will be nominated CIA director for Donald Trump's incoming administration. Pompeo had been a Marco Rubio supporter and was hesitant to back Trump in the general election, but came around to help Indiana Gov. Mike Pence prepare for the vice presidential debate. The Wichita-based representative met with the president-elect's transition team earlier this week, McClatchy DC writes. Pompeo is a member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence and has been a supporter of the Patriot Act and the National Security Agency's collection of bulk data. He has also outspokenly opposed President Obama's Iran nuclear deal. Pompeo came under fire in 2013 for suggesting Islamic faith leaders encouraged radical terrorist attacks. Jeva Lange In the real world, President Trump is "particularly upset that Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Hanks, and other stars agreed to perform as part of Biden’s inaugural celebrations," after Trump's "harsh rhetoric, hard-line immigration policy, and other stances during the 2016 campaign led Hollywood to largely boycott his inauguration," The Washington Post reports. Trump is "a believer in the power of being associated with marquee names," so the snubs apparently stung hard. In comparison, a fake playlist would probably just pinch. Peter Weber	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line717
__label__wiki	0.8905	0.8905	Copyright © 2020-2021 Myke D.. All Rights Reserved. THIS STORY IS COPYRIGHT © 2020-2021 BY MYKE D.. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DISTRIBUTION FOR COMMERCIAL GAIN, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, POSTING ON SITES OR NEWSGROUPS, DISTRIBUTION AS PARTS OR IN BOOK FORM (EITHER AS A WHOLE OR PART OF A COMPILATION) WITH OR WITHOUT A FEE, OR DISTRIBUTION ON CD, DVD, OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC MEDIA WITH OR WITHOUT A FEE, IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT THE AUTHOR'S WRITTEN CONSENT. YOU MAY DOWNLOAD ONE (1) COPY OF THIS STORY FOR PERSONAL USE; ANY AND ALL COMMERCIAL USE EXCEPTING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS REQUIRES THE AUTHOR'S WRITTEN CONSENT. THE AUTHOR MAY BE CONTACTED AT: storymyke@outlook.com Isaac held onto his father's hand, staring at the man in disbelief. "I can't believe that you're here, daddy," the nine-year-old said quietly. Dalton held onto his son, tightly, never wanting to let go of the tiny boy, again. "I can't believe it, either, Isaac. I thought that I would never see you again." "Mommy would hit me whenever I asked about you," the tiny boy admitted sadly. "She said that I wouldn't get into heaven if I thought about you, daddy." "What kind of God would ever keep a sweet angel like you from his side?" Dalton asked the boy as he pulled him against his chest. "You're perfect in every way." "Even though, I'm gay?" Isaac asked nervously. "Mommy said that fags go to Hell. . ." Dalton barely froze before he turned Isaac to face him and proceeded to kiss his son's cheek. Isaac felt his father's body shaking as the man cried. "I love you, so much, buddy," Dalton told his son. "God teaches us to love one another. Why would He ever care if you loved another boy?" "But mommy," Isaac started until Dalton quickly put his finger over his son's mouth. "From what I understand," the father reminded his son, "your mother doesn't even exist anymore, so her opinion doesn't exactly matter. Now, does it?" "I guess not," the boy said sheepishly. He knew exactly what had happened to his mother. "Trust me, son," Dalton told the boy honestly, "You can forget about your mother. She's never coming back." "That's an understatement," Noah Barnes said as he reentered the room with a tray that had three mugs on it. The light-brown haired boy set the tray on the nearest empty table before proceeding to hand one of the mugs to Dalton and another to Isaac. "Thank you, Noah," Dalton thanked the boy. "Thank you," Isaac said. "I find that hot chocolate helps people cope with sudden changes in their lives," Noah said as he sat in one of the empty chairs and sipped from his own mug. "The hospital didn't have whipped cream, though," he added with a frown. "Hot chocolate is always better with whipped cream." Isaac giggled as he sipped from the mug of steaming cocoa. "Are you doing okay, Isaac?" Noah asked in concern. "All of your numbers seem to be leveling out, finally." "I feel much better, Noah," Isaac said happily. "Thank you for helping me." "It was all Marc," Noah said with a slight blush. "I'll make sure he knows, though." "You helped save my son's life," Dalton said gratefully. "That's all that matters to me." "He's not completely out of the woods, yet, unfortunately," Noah said. "Marc is going to want to take him back to a much better-equipped hospital for further testing. The dedication ceremony is supposed to be tomorrow." Dalton nodded in understanding. "Whatever it takes, Noah," the father said firmly. Harold stared at the boy in disbelief. "He's my son?" "Yes, T'hy'la," Vanek said warmly. "He is your son, though I do not know why he is reacting this way towards you." "I do," Davie said softly. He took a sad look at the sobbing Arys being held by his Guardian Angel. "It's the ultimate nightmare. I was the one that brought him back, and I saw the man that he had been living with." Davie looked at Harold and frowned. "The man that has been his foster-dad for the past two years, is your opposite in the universe where I found him." "What?" Harold was completely confused. Davie sighed sadly. "This is difficult to explain, Harold," the angel said. "Just bear with me for a minute. Look, when Alex tried to save Harris from the house fire, he intended to send the boy to your sister-in-law, but he forgot to take into account a few events that had shifted the timelines around. His miscalculations sent the little Harris into another universe. Charles and Melissa didn't live in the same place, since the Harold from that universe had never been saved by Vanek after his wife died. He fell into a deep depression that was lifted when he met a woman named Abigail Clark. Ms. Clark died shortly after they had wed, and Harold was stuck with the new foster-kid they had brought into their home. He resented the child because the boy looked like his first wife that had died in a house fire, and he began to take out his anger on the boy. Arys' Social Worker had pretty much forgotten about the boy, and only checked on the child when his boss mandated it." Davie turned and glanced sadly at Harris. "It's not his fault that he doesn't trust you, Harold. It's not your fault either." "It's mine," Xander said grimly as he looked up at Davie and Harold. "It's all my fault. I screwed up and didn't think before I acted, and your son suffered because of my mistake. I will never forgive myself for the damage this poor boy has suffered from." "I forgive you, Alex," Arys said quietly. "I understand that mistakes happen." Arys looked out towards the man that was supposedly his father. He had tears in his green eyes, and his body was trembling with the fear he radiated. "I'm sorry. I- I- I just can't trust you, yet." "No matter how much I wish that you could, Harris," Harold said, trying unsuccessfully to keep the tears from his voice. "I understand. I just want you better so that I can have you back in my life." Harold sniffled slightly as Vanek squeezed his hand. "I love you, so much, Harris. I only want what is best for you." "He's telling the truth, Arys," Xander said quietly. "This man is your real father. I'll show you everything." "But you lied to me, too!" Arys said as he scowled at his Guardian Angel. "You told me you were homeless!" "I thought I was, Arys," Xander said. "It was part of my punishment for screwing up your life." "Oh," Arys said sadly. He sniffled and hugged Xander. "I'm sorry that you had to suffer, too. You didn't deserve to be punished for what happened, Alex." "I failed my family, Arys," Xander said humbly. "I deserve whatever punishment that God thinks I deserve." Xander looked over at Melissa. "I'm sorry that I didn't remember you, Melissa," Alex said as tears fell down his cheeks. "I was given the task of protecting you, and I didn't. I abandoned you to skip off across the realms in search of Arys. Can you ever forgive me, Melissa?" Melissa stood as Tyler and Kyle quickly slid off of her lap. She went over and sat on the edge of the biobed and ran her hand down Xander's wing with a whimsical smile on her lips. Then, she reached out and pulled both of the boys into her arms. "I can't be mad at you for something that I didn't even know was happening, baby brother," Melissa told the angel quietly. "I've missed you for so long. We never even found out who did this to you." "I don't know," Alex said sadly. "I've tried to remember what happened, but all I know is that I woke up in the woods, then I was standing at the pearly gates a moment later. I begged Saint Peter to let me stay, but he said it was only possible if I was sincere about guarding my sister's life. I told him that I wanted to protect my entire family. I begged him to give me the chance." Xander sighed in defeat. "It was easy at first. I followed Melissa around everywhere that she went. Then, she met Charles and my family started to grow." Xander looked down at Arys and stroked the boy's cheek with his thumb. "Your father and mother joined my idea of a family next. My nephew came along, and then you were shortly after Geoff, Arys. It'll be easier just to show you guys. Davie?" "Yeah, Alex?" "Can you help me?" Xander asked softly. "I need to show a few people my memories, and I don't think that I can do it alone." "Who do you want to include, Xander?" "My sister, Arys, Harold, and Vanek," Xander said with a thankful smile. "Kyle and Tyler can look on their own. I don't think my memories will be blocked to them, now." "They're not," Tyler confirmed. "Kyle and I have someplace else we need to be, though." Kyle looked between Arys and Harold with a thoughtful look on his face before he did something that surprised all of them. Kyle walked over and wrapped his arms around Harold's waist and hugged the man. Harold was stunned but reached down to pat the boy's back gently. "Thank you for fighting for my Harris, Kyle," Harold said sincerely. "I'm glad that you're on my side." "I'm glad that you're on my side, too," Kyle said with a smug grin. "I saw what you wanted to happen to the defendant. She was lucky that Isaac needed to see the results of the punishment, or else you would have gotten to see something completely different." "Remind me to never piss you off, Kyle," Harold told the boy with a slight chuckle. "If you ever need to talk about it, don't be afraid to come find me." "I'll remember that, Harold," Kyle said before he finally stepped away from the man. He looked over at Tyler and giggled. "What?" "Is there anything else that you want to surprise me with, today?" Tyler asked with a roll of his eyes. "Come on, we've got things to do. We'll be back, later!" Kyle and Tyler vanished in the blink of an eye. Harold shook his head in disbelief. "Welcome to Clan Short, Harold," Davie said with a smug grin. Then, the angel turned his attention back to Xander. "Show me the memory, and I will help Vanek and Harold. You take Arys and Melissa." "Okay," Xander said before he closed his eyes and he appeared to be searching for the right memory before Xander frowned. "There, Davie." Davie closed his eyes. "I've got it, Xander." A golden glow filled the room as everyone started to see the night that changed Harris's life forever. Meanwhile, at a small ice cream shop near the hospital, Charles listened as the blond-haired preteen told him about his life, glazing over the boring parts, before he started telling Charles about a teen named Danny that was also an android. The man listened, intently, wanting to gain as much knowledge about Clan Short as he could. Charles wanted to know what he was getting involved with after everything he had witnessed that morning alone. Charles, in turn, told Marc about his own life, and how he had started 'Conner's Shop' with nothing more than the money in his pocket, and Melissa's love and support. Marc smiled as he listened to the man tell his story and asked a few questions that he had while the man and boy enjoyed their ice cream together. "This is really good, Charles," Marc said with a grin. "It's one of the best places around here," Charles said with a smile. "That's not the real reason why you wanted me to come here, though, is it?" Marc asked with a smug grin. Charles couldn't help but grin at the seemingly young doctor's grasp on the situation. "I need your help, Marc," Charles explained. "With what?" Marc asked curiously. "The care of Isaac Jennings," Charles admitted. "Oh," Marc said with a shrug. "That's handled. The Clan will make sure that he gets the best care. So, will I, of course. I'm his personal physician, for now." "For now?" "Of course," Marc added. "He'll be getting a new doctor to do follow-up exams on him once his father is fully transferred back to Springfield." "I see," Charles said with a grin. "So, all of this wasn't even necessary?" "No," Marc said. "But it does show me that I'm doing the right thing when I go tell Cory that you're the perfect person to fill the spot of Clan Short Logistical Support Director for its new Ohio Valley Division." Charles's jaw fell open making Marc grin at the dumbfounded man. "The Clan Short, what?" Charles had trouble even forming the thought. "What could I ever do for Clan Short? They have access to everything." "They don't have you," Marc said with a slight grin. "Now, I'll get with Kyle and Danny to see about buying 'Conner's Shop' and procuring your new office within the Division Headquarters." "There aren't any Clan Short offices around here," Charles tried to argue. "There will be once I have a talk with a few people," Marc said with a smile. "Now, let's grab some ice cream for Noah, so I can go check on my patient. I'm sure Noah would like a break, anyways." "You're not entirely what you seem to be, are you, Marc?" Charles asked suspiciously. Marc grinned smugly as he shrugged. "I have no idea what you could be talking about, Mr. Conner," the blond-haired youth said. Alexander's memory appeared in front of the small group, the hospital room vanishing from their sight as the Guardian Angel showed them his past. Xander stared at the house, unable to let the memory move forward any further. His heart was breaking as he tried to show the others what had happened to Arys that led to Alexander's mistake. The mistake that had ruined Arys' life. Xander sighed and turned to look at the people gathered. The members of his family that were there to see the truth behind why he had become an outcast of Heaven. "It's time, Alexander," Davie told him softly. "It's the only way for Harris to understand everything that's going on." "I know," Xander said sadly. "It doesn't mean that I have to like it." Davie smiled at his friend. "Nobody said that you did, Alexander." Xander waved his hand and the scene started to play out in front of everyone. "What is this?" Harold asked curiously. "The night that your wife died," Alexander replied. "The worst night of my existence. Let's go inside, so we can see what's actually going on." Xander closed his eyes, and suddenly the small group found themselves standing inside the living room of the small modern style home. A woman with long brown hair was busy shuffling about the kitchen while a younger version of Harold was gathering up his belongings for his night shift at the bank headquarters. "Theresa," the older version of Harold said distantly, a hint of longing in his voice. "Oh, how I have missed you all of these years." The woman was smiling happily as she put together her husband's lunch for him to take along to work, while their toddler-aged son watched on from his spot on the plaid-colored sofa with a soppy-cup in his tiny hands. "When are you getting off, Harry?" Theresa asked curiously as she finished up with Harold's lunchbox. "Hopefully, not any later than two in the morning," Harold replied as he grabbed his jacket and pulled it on. "Diego was late all last week and the bosses didn't do crap about it." "Aww," Theresa said as she crossed the room to console her husband. "I'll make sure that I leave a plate of food for you in the microwave." "Thanks, love," Harold said as he kissed his wife soundly. Harold wiggled his eyebrows at the woman, making the little boy on the couch begin to giggle. Harold quickly went over and scooped Harris up into his arms. "Just what are you laughing about, little man?" Harold proceeded to tickle the tiny boy until he squeaked about having to pee. Harold kissed the squirming toddler before putting him down. The man couldn't help but laugh as the boy frowned. "That's what the diapers are for, buddy," Harold said with a grin. "Don't worry. I'm sure that if you ask mommy really nicely, she'll get you all cleaned up." Harris looked up at his father, his green eyes full of the love he felt for the man. Harold looked down and couldn't help but reaching down and hugging his son one more time before he left for work. "I love you Arys," Harold said softly. "You be good for mommy, okay?" "Okay, daddy," the tiny boy replied. "I love you, too." Harold ruffled his son's brown hair before he went over and gave his wife another kiss. "I'll call you at break time, Theresa," Harold said as he gathered up his stuff for work. "I love you." "I love you, too, Harold," Theresa replied before Harold left for the evening. She turned and smiled at her son. "Well, Arys, it looks like it's just going to be us, tonight." The boy giggled as the memory slowly faded away, leaving the small group surrounded by darkness. "I left right after Harold did," Xander told the group. "My nephew was in the hospital because he broke his leg." "I remember that," Melissa said with a frown. "Geoffrey wouldn't stop jumping on his bed, and he fell off the day before and broke his leg. The doctors were going to have to do surgery, which is why he was still in the hospital." Xander nodded absently. "Before I can continue," the angel said regretfully. "I need to warn all of you about something. I need you to remember that nothing you are about to see is real. Nothing can harm you in any way. So, don't freak out on me, okay?" Melissa and Harold both exchanged worried glances as Vanek just nodded at the angel. Xander reached over and squeezed Arys' hand gently. "Are you ready for this?" "Yeah," Arys said with a sad smile. "I think I am." Alexander nodded before he closed his eyes and the group suddenly found themselves standing back in Harold and Theresa's living room. Everything was different this time, though. The entire living room was filled with smoke as a fire burned uncontrollably through the lower floor of the house. Glass could be heard shattering in the kitchen as the fire burned through the cabinets and crackling and popping could be heard from upstairs as the fire continued to spread everywhere throughout the two-story home. "The smoke detectors never went off," Harold said distantly as he watched the house of his memories burn right in front of him. "The Fire Marshall said it was due to faulty wiring." The house groaned as pictures began to fall from the walls and the paint started to bubble as the fire took its toll on everything. Suddenly, another version of Alexander appeared in the center of the room. He appeared confident and ready to handle the situation. The angel studied the room before there was a choking cough from the top of the stairs. The angel's eyes went wide in fear before he darted up the stairs. "That's me," Xander said quietly. "Let's go upstairs." The second floor of the house was completely engulfed in flames, everywhere you looked. They all looked up as the angel pulled Theresa Conner out of her bedroom and into the hallway. Her breaths were shallow as she slowly suffocated from the smoke. "Arys," she whispered in a ragged sounding voice. The angel suddenly vanished just before the floor fell out from beneath Theresa, and she fell towards the first floor with a soft cry. Harold let loose with an anguished cry as he saw his wife fall to her death, the debris sending sparks and fire shooting out of the hole in the floor where the woman had one been. Melissa quickly grabbed Harold's arm to keep him from falling to his knees in grief. "We're almost done," Xander said calmly as he looked upon the scene before them, with a look of utter sadness that haunted his blue eyes, belying his true feelings. "It's time for you to see me make my mistake." The group vanished and reappeared in the infant's room where the angel was picking the toddler into his arms. "I'll make sure you're safe, Harris," the angel said softly. "I promise." The Guardian Angel kissed Arys on his forehead before the child vanished in a flash of light. The angel glanced around the room and disappeared just before the second floor of the house collapsed down into the first floor. Xander took the small group back to their spot outside of the burning house where he watched as the other Alex stared at the fire in disbelief. It was Harold that broke the silence. "Why didn't you save, Theresa?" He asked in a choked whisper. Seeing how his wife had perished was not one of the things he was expecting to see during this journey. "She told me not to save her," Alex said so quietly that everyone had to strain to hear him. "One of the Reapers had already taken her soul so she wouldn't suffer in the fire. It was her Destiny." Alexander looked over at Harold with tears falling down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Harold," he said sadly. "This night is filled with nothing but regrets, that I will never be able to take back. I tried to save her, but the Reaper's job had already been done, brother-in-law." "I- I think I understand," Harold stated sadly as tears fell from his green eyes. Vanek reached up and squeezed Harold's hand gently. Harold looked down at his T'hy'la with a frown. "I'm sorry for letting these emotions from the past overwhelm me like this, Vanek. I love you more than anything in this universe, besides my own son." Harold turned and looked down at Arys as the youth gripped the Guardian Angel's hand tightly. The boy looked up at his father, a timid smile broke across his lips, before he ducked behind the safety of the angel's wing. "You'll come to love me, soon enough, Harris. Then, we can be a family, again." "It's time to move on," Alexander said. "What happened next?" Melissa asked softly. "I spent the next seven years trying to find Arys," Xander said quietly. "In 1992, there was the Trans Warp Disaster, and it was so powerful of an explosion that it shifted universes and timelines around. The universe that I sent Arys to, had been shifted to the point that it was twisted around our own universe. It bunched up our universes enough that the night of October 29th, 1995 in our universe, lined up with the night of October 29th, 2008 in the other universe." Everyone looked at Alexander, dubiously. "That does not sound even remotely possible," Vanek said calmly. "Yet, here you are, talking to a Guardian Angel, within his own memory, Mister Vanek," Alex replied confidently. "I stand corrected," Vanek said with a slight bow of his head. "Please, continue." "Charles is missing out on some prime material here," Melissa said with a chuckle. Vanek gave Melissa a side glance but didn't comment. "There's one last thing that Harris needs to see," Xander said as the scenery shifted around them until they were all standing at the entrance to the same alley that Harris had come stumbling out of only days prior. "I know this place," Vanek stated, as he glanced at the boy peeking at him from around Alexander's white wing. "I believe that we had our first encounter here, Harris." "This is so Harris knows that I was telling the truth to him," Xander stated humbly as he pointed towards a spot next to one of the walls. "Watch there." The spot that Xander had pointed to began to shift and twist before Alexander entered the universe. The moment that the Guardian Angel appeared, a woman with golden wings shimmered into view, and Alexander froze as he stared at the woman with familiarity in his eyes. "Theresa?" His tiny voice trembled in fear as he said the dead woman's name. Harold, Vanek, and Charles all gasped in disbelief as the woman nodded. "Yes, Alexander," she said softly. "I am Harris's mother." Alexander fell to his knees and began to sob uncontrollably. "I'm so sorry, Theresa," he cried out, his white wings drooping against the ground as he let go of his sorrow. "I tried so hard to protect him, I really did!" "I know, little one," Theresa said to reassure the boy as she stepped closer. "Nobody is mad at you for what happened, Alexander. I forgive you. I know that my husband will forgive you, as well as Harris when he is found." "I will find him!" Xander said, suddenly defiant as his blue eyes flashed with a moment of sobriety. He stood, but Theresa held out her hand to stop him. "What? I can't stand here, wasting time like this!" "I'm sorry, Alexander," she said solemnly. "This is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do." "What do you mean, Theresa?" Alexander looked at the woman in confusion. Her eyes were filled with sadness as she gazed at him. "What's going on?" "You will be the one who finds Harris, Alexander," Theresa told the boy as she reached out and took one of his hands in her own. She pulled him closer to her before she knelt in front of him. "It just won't be today, little one. You are such a beautiful soul, Alexander Martin. I hope that you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive me once you remember all of this." Theresa pulled the confused boy into a tight hug and kissed his forehead. Her golden wings stretched out and wrapped around the tiny boy, shielding him from view before they were both bathed in a golden glow. When the glow faded, the woman was gone, and a tiny eleven-year-old human boy was standing there at the end of the alley, with a confused expression on his face. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and he had a small backpack on his shoulders. He glanced around him, as if he had no idea where he was, or how he had gotten there before he started to dig around in the pocket of his pants. The boy pulled out a tiny slip of paper and carefully unfolded it. He read it quickly, before he had to read it again, just to make sure it said what he thought it said. "Xander, I am sorry that you are being forced into going through this. In time you will come to remember everything. Please, forgive me. -T" "PS: Your name is Xander Croft. You are eleven, and it is October 31st, 2002. There is one month's worth of supplies in the bag. Go to the church circled on the map for refuge." The boy folded the note and stuffed it back into his pocket before he quickly dropped the backpack to the ground and started to search through it. The group watching the memory all turned to see that Alexander was crying softly, a muted-white glow surrounding his body. "That's the end of everything that I wanted you to see," the angel said softly before the memory faded away, and the small group found themselves standing in Arys' hospital room, again. "Thanks, Davie." "No problem, bro," Davie replied with a grin. "That's what family is for." "I don't mean, just for helping me, right now," Alexander said shyly. "Thank you for saving Harris for me." "I'd do it again in a heartbeat," Davie said firmly. "You've both done very well," a woman's voice said from the corner of the room, making everyone turn to see the same woman from Alexander's memories standing there, with her golden wings resting against her back. A warm-golden glow surrounded her body, and the woman smiled happily at the others. "Theresa?" Harold asked in shock, his voice cracking as he stared at the angel. He took a step forward before Harold's face went pale and the man crumpled to the floor. "Daddy?" Arys called out, unexpectedly as he gripped the Alexander's wing firmly. Isaac was clearly growing antsy as he and his father waited for one of the doctors to return to the boy's room. "I'm tired of being in this bed," the blond-haired boy whined. "It's been hours, already, daddy!" Dalton smiled at his son and patted his knee. "It hasn't been that long, Isaac," he told his child. "Relax, Doctor Marc will be back in a little bit." "What about Noah?" "He went to check on Arys," Dalton replied with a chuckle. "As soon as Noah gets back, we'll see about getting you a nice and comfy wheelchair to sit in." Isaac groaned until Dalton reached over and tickled the boy, making him giggle excitedly. "I love you, daddy," Isaac said as he suddenly found himself wrapped in his father's arms. "I love you, too, Isaac," Dalton responded softly. "I would do anything for you." "Get me out of this bed?" The boy suggested hopefully before his father began to tickle him, again. "Okay! Okay! I give up!" Isaac laughed happily along with Dalton as they spent some time reconnecting with each other. Noah entered the room and stood by the door as he watched the father and son. "I just keep getting happier, and happier, every time that I come in your room, Isaac," Noah told them as he walked over to the end of the biobed. "How's my favorite patient doing?" "Can I get out of this bed, yet, Noah?" Isaac pleaded, hopefully. "Please?" "Let me check the readout, and see how you're doing," Noah said as he walked over to study the biobed's display panel for a moment. "Well, I still think that you need to go to my other hospital, but I'll at least, let you roll around for a little bit. Let me see if I can find a whee. . ." Noah fell silent as a wheelchair appeared next to the bed, with a green pendant attached to a pole on the back of the chair. In the center of the tiny pennant was the Clan Short symbol. Noah couldn't help but giggle. "Ask and you shall receive," he muttered as he struggled to contain his laughter. "Thanks, Kyle! I'll have your cookies tomorrow evening!" "I'm holding you to that, Noah!" A tiny voice quipped from the air around them. "Mister Jennings," Noah turned his attention to Isaac's father. "Would you mind placing your son in his new wheelchair, please?" "Not a problem, Noah," Dalton said almost proudly as he lifted his son into his arms for the first time in several years. The man couldn't help but hold the boy close as he carried him around the edge of the bed. It was with a heavy reluctance that he finally placed the child in the wheelchair. Dalton kissed Isaac's cheek before he grabbed the handles of the chair and turned his son to face the door. "Where to, my prince?" "Can we go see Arys and Xander?" Isaac asked, hesitantly. "You're going to enjoy this, Isaac!" Noah said with a smug grin. "You guys are in for the surprise of your life." "I highly doubt that Noah," Dalton said dismissively. "Ten bucks says you're wrong," Noah said as he gazed up at the man, his blue eyes seemed to be sparkling with excitement at the challenge. "Deal," Dalton said with a shrug. "Lead the way, Noah." There were two people, though, that had no idea what was happening in the hospital. Charles and Marc crossed the street, each still lazily sipping on their own milkshakes, the hospital parking lot entrance only a few feet away. Both of their hands held cups in them as Charles had decided to grab something for Melissa, as well as Noah. The man highly doubted that Melissa had taken the time to eat anything that morning, and while the milkshake was empty calories, he knew the sugar would hold her over until he could convince his wife to take a break and visit the shop. "Melissa's a lucky woman," Marc told him. Charles glanced down at the boy, curiously. "How so, Marc?" "She's got a great guy that cares about her, Charles," Marc said with a giggle. "You would do anything for her just to see Melissa smile, and she knows it." Charles smiled down at the boy. "I'm the lucky one, Marc," he informed the doctor. "I do all of those things to show her how much she means to me. If she isn't smiling, then I'm not doing my job properly. Do you understand?" "I think so," Marc grinned. "Good," Charles said with a chuckle. "I'd hate to have to explain something to someone older than I am." Marc blushed and giggled. "Just because I'm older than you, it doesn't mean that I know everything." "That's rich, coming from an android," Charles teased Marc playfully before changing the subject. "When are you going to transfer Arys and Isaac to your own facility?" "I don't think Arys is going to need to see me any longer," Marc informed the man. "But I am planning on transferring Isaac tomorrow. My hospital will be open by then, and this way I can keep a closer eye on Isaac." "Why not Arys?" "Didn't you see what Xander did?" Marc asked in disbelief. "Wait," Charles' face fell for a moment. "He's completely healed?" "Yes, Charles," Marc told the adult fondly as he patted his shoulder. "Arys is completely healed." "So, what's going to happen to Xander, now?" "If you wanted to know the answer to that, you should have stayed in the hospital room and asked Alexander himself," Marc said with another giggle. "I'm not a mind reader like Kyle and Tyler, though I could find you one or two telepaths if you really need them?" "I'm good," Charles replied quickly. "Tyler and Kyle were enough for me." Charles was about to say something else when there was a blood-curdling scream coming from the direction of the park. The man didn't even hesitate to run in the direction of the sound, something that Marc clearly took note of. Even when the sound of gunshot reached their ears, Charles never stopped running. Charles was solely focused on rescuing whoever it was that was in trouble. Another gunshot and the screaming ceased. The man barely heard Marc call out for help from behind him, noticing someone in a dark car suddenly peeling out of the park and onto the main road. "I got his license plate," Charles called out to Marc as he kept running until he saw a tiny figure slumped against the side of the outbuilding with his hand clenched against his stomach, and blood soaking through his t-shirt. The boy slid to his side just as Charles and Marc ran up to him. Charles took charge of comforting the dark-haired youth as Marc started calling into his communicator for assistance. "Just hang on, buddy. We're going to get you some help." The boy's blue eyes looked hopeful even as they slowly started to fade. Charles quickly lay the boy flat out on the ground and yanked his own jacket off before using it to help staunch the flow of blood, not caring about the blood covering his hands. Charles was only worried that he was going to lose the child before he even got a chance to try and save him. "Don't worry," Charles said with a slight smile, making sure the boy's attention was focused only on him. "I'll make sure that the bastard who did this is sent to the darkest corners of the universe. Not even God will be able to save him from my wrath." "It hurts," the boy mumbled. "I know," Charles said calmly. "I was shot once when I was twenty-one. It was an awful experience. Why don't you tell me your name?" "I'm Enon," the boy said with a grimace. "It's nice to meet you, Enon," the man said, trying to maintain his calm demeanor, even though he was furious that anybody could just shoot a child like this. "I'm Charles Conner. I own a little shop around the corner, and my lovely wife works for Federation Youth Services." The boy began to whimper unintelligibly about going back into foster care, and Charles quickly put his finger to the Enon's lips. "My wife doesn't put children into foster care, Enon. She gets them adopted by loving families. Now, why don't we let Doctor Furst, here," Charles pointed his thumb at the android, and Enon's blue eyes went wide in disbelief. "Take a look at ya, and when he's done getting you fixed up, I'll see about getting us some ice cream. Okay?" The boy looked hesitantly at Marc. "Trust me, Enon," Charles said reassuringly. "He's the best-damned Doctor that I've ever met!" "You'll stay with me?" "Until you ask me to leave," Charles told the boy. Enon finally nodded reluctantly. "Okay." "Ark, NOW!" Marc yelled out without a second of hesitation. A moment later, the park was silent again, and Charles, Marc, and Enon had all vanished. Back in Arys' hospital room, Arys glanced between the three angels in disbelief. The woman that everyone else knew as his mother, was talking to the man named Harold that looked like the Monster, and the Vulcan named Vanek. Arys was confused, though. The brown-haired man holding onto the Vulcan's hand didn't seem to be mean like the Monster had been, and he certainly cared more about Arys than anybody else had ever even remotely shown. Can I really give him the chance he deserves? Arys asked himself sadly as the man that was supposedly his father looked over at him again with worry in his emerald-green eyes. Arys blushed and hid himself in Xander's wing. He peeked around the edge to see Harold smile and look back towards the woman with golden wings. I have to try, don't I? "Everything is going to be okay for you, now, Arys," Xander whispered to Arys. "I swear on my life." "You're not alive, though," Arys told Xander, absently. Not realizing his mistake until he felt his friend cringe. Harris quickly looked at Guardian Angel and pulled him into a hug. "I'm sorry, Xander. I didn't mean it like that." "I know," he said with a sniffle. "Please, don't cry, Xander," Arys begged quietly. "I really am sorry." "It's not that Arys," the angel said as he leaned his forehead against Arys' own with a sad smile. "What's wrong, then?" Arys asked him, feeling a knot forming in his own throat at the sight of Xander crying. "I don't think that I'm ever going to be able to see you again after this is all over," Alexander told Arys, sadly. "And all I want is to be able to be your friend. I want to always be there for you." Harris Conner frowned. "I'm sorry, Xander," he told the angel. "I wish there was something that I could do to help you." "Me, too, Arys," Xander said regretfully. "Me, too. Now, how about we go over and take a chance meeting your dad?" "I don't think I can, yet," Harris replied nervously, his heart still beating erratically in his chest. "I really want to, though." Xander squeezed Arys' shoulder affectionately. "Don't worry," Xander told his friend. "You'll get there. I'll do whatever it takes to help you get through this." "Do you promise, Alex?" "I do," Xander replied sincerely. "I would never do anything on purpose to bring you harm." Harris nodded and let his angel hug him, again. The boy's mind was conflicted with different motions as he watched the man known as Harold Conner. Everything in his tiny body, every fiber of his being yearned for the moment he could be held by someone that claimed they loved him, but there was still the doubt that the man would turn back into the Monster without a second thought. He knew he needed to take the chance, but he also knew that he was terrified beyond measure. All his life, the only thing he had ever really dreamed of having was a mother and father, and now that his father was standing just on the other side of the room, Harris Michael Conner knew that he couldn't let the moment pass him by. Then, Harris did something he never thought he would do. He slowly slid from Xander's lap. The room went silent when his feet hit the floor. Arys took a deep breath to calm his nerves. The first set of eyes he met when he started to look up where the blue eyes of Vanek. The man nodded encouragingly to Arys, giving him the hint of courage he needed to keep moving forward. The boy stopped for a moment when he reached Vanek's wheelchair, still unable to meet the gaze of the people watching him. Arys reached up to grab the arm of the wheelchair, and jumped slightly when he grabbed Vanek's arm, instead. "Sorry, Mister Vanek," Harris said, quickly. He went to yank his hand away, but Vanek simply reached over and patted the boy's hand with his free hand. "No apology is needed, Harris Conner," the Vulcan said warmly, trying to calm the child beside him. "You are more than welcome to seek comfort within my presence whenever you feel the need. I would never turn you away. Especially, now." Harris looked at the man in confusion for a moment until Vanek reached over and took Harold's hand in his own. Arys trembled slightly but nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Mister Vanek," the boy said quietly, eyeing his father from the corner of his eye. He took a deep breath before he finally took the next few steps until Arys was standing directly in front of Harold Conner. The boy was trembling in fear as he waited for the man to make his move, hoping that everyone was right about the man that they all said was his father. Arys froze until heard the soft voice of Vanek. "You are a very brave child, Harris," Vanek told the boy in a serious tone. "Not everyone can face their demons like you are doing. Especially, someone who is almost eleven." Harris felt himself smile at the Vulcan for a moment, grateful for the man's words of encouragement before he finally brought his eyes up to meet his father's gaze. Harold Conner knelt slowly in front of his son and simply smiled as he waited for the boy to make the next move. "Vanek is right, Harris," Harold said quietly. "You are one of the bravest kids I have ever met. I know that you're terrified of me, and I wish I could understand all of it, but I will be there for you, no matter what. It's been nine years, Arys. All I've wanted is to have you back in my life." "Really?" Harris asked quietly. "The Monster always said that I was nothing but a disappointment. He's going to do the same thing to Zachary, too." "You're not a disappointment, Harris Michael Conner," Harold said sincerely. "You never were! If I could change anything about your past, I would go back and remove Harold Stubbs from existence for what he did to you." Arys froze. Harris looked at the smiling man kneeling before him, and finally took that last fateful step, and let his father reach out and hug him. Father and son could both be heard sighing in pleasure as they held onto each other. "It's a start," Davie said with a grin. "Davie," Theresa said with a smug smile. "I believe that it's time for you to give me back my powers. You look beautiful in gold, but it's not the time for you, yet." "Yet?" Davie asked with a confused smirk. "I need to go have a talk with Mikey." "I don't think that he'll be able to give you the answers that you need, Davie," Theresa said pointedly. "The only reason he even knows about any of this, is because you told him." "Isn't he listening?" Davie countered. "He's not allowed," Theresa said soberly. "The higher-ups didn't want him to get involved, since he has enough on his plate, right now. That's why you were brought in, Davie. Saint Peter knew that you would be able to bring Arys back without help." "Oh," Davie said soberly. "I didn't think of it like that." "There's a reason for everything," Theresa told the blond-haired boy. She held out her hand towards Davie. "Take my hand, Davie. Our time is growing short, and there are still a few more things that we need to deal with." Davie reached out and placed the palm of his hand in Theresa's. Both of the angels were surrounded in a golden glow that was so bright that Arys had to squint to see around it. The golden light seemed to pull from Davie's form and was absorbed by Theresa, leaving Davie with his soft-white glow when the gold light finally vanished. Arys blinked a few times until Theresa turned and smiled at him. "It's your turn, my son," the woman said warmly as she held her hand out to the boy. Arys glanced up at his father who nodded at him humbly. Harris turned his attention back to the softly glowing woman. "Are you really my mom?" He asked quietly. "I am, Arys," Theresa told him. "I know this is all very hard for you to believe, but I'm going to help you continue down the right path." Arys hesitantly reached out and let the woman pull him from his father's arms. The moment she wrapped her arms around him, Arys' mind was filled with a song that seemed to calm him and made him feel warm throughout his entire body. "Just relax, little one," Theresa told him softly. "All I'm doing is helping you." Harris nodded as his mother continued to hold him, feeling the love and devotion that she held for him surrounding his entire being. He opened his eyes and saw that his skin was glowing softly, and he gasped in surprise. Theresa laughed lightly and kissed her son's cheek. "Now," Theresa explained quietly. "I couldn't take away the memories from you, Arys, but I could help you separate the image of the Monster from the image of your father, so that should help you realize that there is a heavy difference between them. Okay?" "Okay," Arys said softly. "Now, go give your new daddies a hug for me." "Two daddies?" The boy asked in disbelief. "Did you honestly think that I would ever let your father go through life without being able to move on?" Theresa asked her son. Then, she turned him to face Harold and Vanek. "Those two men will do anything to protect you, Arys. Just like I will, and just like Xander did. Plus, I don't think your aunt or uncle would let them hurt you, either. Okay?" The boy nodded silently. His thoughts were filled with confusion. "Theresa?" The mother and son glanced up to see Melissa looking at them in confusion. "Yes, Melissa?" "Is this real?" The woman asked in disbelief. "It's very real, Melissa," Theresa told her. "Now, I need you guys to take Arys, so I can have a few minutes alone with Xander." Xander looked down as Theresa set her son back down on the floor. Arys was about to walk over to his father and Vanek when he decided that he needed to say something in Xander's defense. He turned around quickly and looked up at his mother, his green eyes flashing with worry. "You're not going to punish Alex," Arys said firmly. It wasn't a question. Theresa listened solemnly to her son. "He only did what he did to protect me. It's not his fault what happened, afterward. If anybody deserves to be punished, it's me. I could have tried to fight the Monster off, but I didn't. I was too scared to try. Xander was the only person that actually showed himself to me and helped me. The only person that deserves to be punished is Harold Stubbs. I won't let you punish Alex. He's my family, too." "What's going on?" Dalton asked as he wheeled his son Isaac into the room. "A slight family dispute, Dalton," Harold said with a grin as he watched his son stare down Harold's long-dead wife. "How is Isaac doing?" "I'm much better, Commander Conner," Isaac said with a shy smile. "Thanks for helping me, sir." Harold walked over and stood in front of Isaac and Dalton. "It was the least I could do, Isaac," he told the father and son. "No child should ever have to go through something like what you went through. Don't ever be afraid to let me know if you need anything. Give us a few minutes, and I'll meet you guys in the hallway." Arys was only half-listening to the other people in the room as he continued to stare at his mother, a hint of challenge in his eyes as he waited for her to say anything. Finally, Theresa smiled and knelt in front of her son. "He's not being punished, baby boy," Theresa said solemnly. "Saint Peter agrees with you, completely. Alexander. Now, keep that same devotion to your friends and family throughout your life. I can't wait to watch you grow up." "Thanks, mo. . .," Harris hesitated as his cheeks flushed red. "Thank you, mommy." He threw himself into the angel's arms and sobbed happily. Arys finally had a real family. Melissa pushed Vanek's wheelchair as she watched Harold hold his son in his arms. Harris was smiling, but Melissa could see that the child was holding back emotionally, but he was clearly doing much better than he had been when he had first woken up. The boy was listening to his father tell him a story and the sound of his happy giggle brought a smile to Melissa's face. "It seems as though you and I both have some major changes coming in our lives, Melissa," Vanek said calmly. "I've noticed, Vanek," Melissa said. "Everything is happening, at once. I just wish it would slow down a little bit, at least." "I do not think that you will be getting that luxury, for a long time, Melissa," Vanek told her. "None of us are." "Speaking of slowing down, Vanek," Melissa said as she changed the subject. The group stopped in the main waiting room of the hospital, and Harold carried Harris over by the windows. Dalton and Isaac were nearby, having their own private conversation as the fathers reconnected with their sons. "I would like to offer you a job, Vanek." "I accept, Melissa," Vanek said without even considering the offer. "Don't you even want to know the details, Vanek?" "I believe that you have been giving this idea some consideration, Melissa," Vanek stated. "And I believe that you came to the logical conclusion that you are in need of my assistance. . ." Vanek was interrupted by the sound of the elevator chiming as it arrived in the hospital lobby. Everyone turned to look as a boy shouted out Melissa's name. "Melissa!" The brown-haired boy called out as he darted from the elevator and ran towards where the woman was standing. She looked at the boy in confusion as he slid to a stop in front of her. His blue eyes were sparkling with excitement as Melissa stared in disbelief. "Alex?" Melissa asked. "What happened to your wings?" The boy giggled and held out his arms for his sister to pick him up. Once he was secured, he hugged her tightly. "I'm not an angel, anymore, Melissa," he said with a soft hint of sadness. "Oh," Melissa said softly. "I'm so sorry, Alex." "It's okay, Melissa," the boy said with a grin. "I get to grow up with you, now!" "Wait?" Melissa asked in disbelief. "What? How is this possible?" "Theresa didn't want to see me to punish me," Xander said as he rested his head on his sister's shoulder. "She saved me." "What did she save you from, Alex?" "She saved me from finding our dad and killing him." "Alex?" Melissa asked in disbelief. "Why would you want to harm, daddy?" Alex sniffled as the smile faded from his lips. "He murdered me," the boy stated in an angry whisper. "He fucking murdered me and left me to rot next to the railroad tracks." "Oh, shit," Melissa mumbled. She felt herself freeze as so many things her father had said throughout the years finally started to make sense to her. Then, Melissa's cell phone started ringing. She pulled out her phone and saw it was her husband's number, so she answered it quickly. "Charles? You'll never guess what happened. . ." "Melissa," Charles cut her off. "Tell Dalton that he's in charge for the day. There's a boy barely hanging onto life here." "Where are you, Charles?" "Charleston." The man said shortly. "Ask Noah. I think they called it Saint Mikey's, or something like that. There hasn't really been time for me to ask, yet." I need to thank my editors for helping me out with this chapter, and hopefully, kept me away from the jumbled mess it was! Thanks to SirACFan, The Story Lover (though, I think I wound up giving TSL the gift of more characters to keep him entertained), Iluvantir, and Jeff P for permitting me the use of their characters throughout this story! As always, if you wish to provide me with feed back on this story, or any of my other stories located throughout the Fort Family, feel free to email me at storymyke@outlook.com or you can also find me on Discord on The Nook by following this invite: https://discord.gg/Yt8u8TQ Stay Safe and Stay Healthy this Holiday Season, if you decide to venture out and visit with family. (Wear your mask!)	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line720
__label__wiki	0.972586	0.972586	British Government in 'Spending Frenzy' on International Aid as it Seeks to Meet Target of 0.7% GDP Britain is paying professional aid staff up to £1,000 a day to work in developing countries as part of a spending "frenzy" to meet a government target, a new report suggestst. Spending on consultants has doubled in the past four years to £1.4bn with the bill for outside help now eating up more than 10 per cent of the aid budget. The figures prompted anger among MPs, who described the practice as a "grotesque waste". Aid? What Aid? Why the UK Ignores its Record on International Development The people who took part in the Jubilee 2000 and Make Poverty History campaigns are still there. They haven’t gone away. The calculation, however, is that there are no votes in development - which is why, when the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank meet in Washington later this week, the talks will not impinge on the election campaign. George Osborne and Ed Balls will be looking to see how they can exploit what the IMF says about the health of the UK economy for domestic political reasons, but that’s about it. Foreign Agents At the end of last year, China introduced a draft law that forbids foreign NGOs that engage in activities contrary to "Chinese society's moral customs." In Russia, organizations that receive foreign funding must register as "foreign agents." Egypt, Bolivia, Eritrea, and Zimbabwe have passed similar measures. These governments see malign motives behind many of these foreign-financed initiatives. Are they right to be worried? Responses to Humanitarian Crisis in Syria This week PD News focuses on different approaches taken to help address both the political and humanitarian needs to resolve the crisis. If You Know Where The Missing $6 Million Is, Please Tell Sierra Leone Sierra Leone poured a lot of money into the battle against Ebola. The government earmarked $18 million of treasury funds and public donations to combat the disease, which has claimed around 3,800 lives there. That's an admirable commitment. But there's just one problem. A third of that money appears to have disappeared. UN Pulls Its International Staff Out of Yemen The United Nations said Tuesday that the last of its international staffers had left Yemen, while the U.N. human rights chief warned that the country was on the verge of a "total collapse."U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the 13 remaining international staffers had been withdrawn and would return when "circumstances permit." U.S. Commits $504 Million For Syrian Aid, Leads Pledges At International Conference The United States pledged $507 million in humanitarian aid at an international donors' conference for Syria on Tuesday as the United Nations issued an appeal for $8.4 billion in commitments this year — the organization's largest appeal yet for the war-ravaged country. Turkey's Aid Agency Works Beyond its Mission in Accomplishing Humanitarian Aid Fuat Oktay, the president of Turkey's Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) remarked that AFAD is engaging in humanitarian aid by hosting Syrian refugees and that AFAD's accomplishments until now are beyond its mission.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line728
__label__wiki	0.559119	0.559119	Tag Archives: South Georgia Rosenwald Schools Site of Historic Queensland Schools, Ben Hill County This historic marker, recently placed by Ben Hill County, details the history of the old Queensland School: In July 1913, applicants furnished 10 acres of land and $800.00 cash to build the Queensland Negro Industrial Training School on this site. The Ben Hill County Board of Education matched the funds, work began, and the school and grounds were dedicated on October 2, 1913. The Rosenwald Fund continued to support the school by financing building projects as needed for growth. The first principal, J. Clifton Smith, a graduate of Brown College and Tuskegee Institute, promised the patrons that with their cooperation he would teach their children and themselves better use of the land and better modes of living. First term commencement exercises were held May 2-May 5, 1914. School enrollment for the first term totaled nearly 300 students representing seven counties; with 107 boys in the corn club and 76 girls in the canning club. The school was one of the first three in Georgia designated as Training Schools for excellent vocational training in labor professions. The school expanded academic offerings and prepared graduates to pursue professional careers as lawyers, doctors and educators as well as farmers and laborers. In 1918, the school was supported by the county board of education, the Slater Fund and a Negro Baptist Association, mainly for the purpose of training teachers for the Negro schools. The original school included a two-story building with five large classrooms, a dormitory and teachers’ home. The faculty consisted of the principal and four assistants with an average enrollment of over 200 students. At that time, including Queensland, there were fourteen Negro schools in Ben Hill County. The rest were one- teacher schools located in church buildings with very little equipment. The world is a better place because of the dedication of patrons, educators, administrators and the thousands of students who were educated on these grounds located “Deep into the heart of Southeast Georgia.” The Christian Fellowship Tabernacle Church, which now owns and occupies this site, continues the legacy of preparing people to make a positive difference in this world. This image, from 1918, shows the original school in the foreground and dormitory in the distance. It appeared in M. L. Duggan’s Educational Survey of Ben Hill County. A modern replacement followed by the late 1940s or early 1950s and all components were razed by the early 2000s. Filed under --BEN HILL COUNTY GA--, Queensland GA Tagged as --BEN HILL COUNTY GA--, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, Lost Structures of South Georgia, Queensland GA, South Georgia African-American History & Culture, South Georgia Historic Markers, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Rosenwald Schools Barney Colored Elementary School, 1933 The Morven Rosenwald Alumni Association, with the cooperation of the Georgia Historical Society and the Brooks County Board of Commissioners restored this important resource in 2013. The marker placed at the site reads: Barney Colored Elementary School was part of the Rosenwald school building program that matched funds from philanthropist Julius Rosenwald with community donations to build rural Southern schools during the era of segregation. An example of a “community school plan,” it included large banks of windows, an industrial room, and sliding partition doors to accommodate larger school and community gatherings. This combined a Progressive-era design emphasis on lighting and ventilation with educator Booker T. Washington’s focus on community development and industrial training for rural African Americans. The school operated from 1933 to 1959, serving first through sixth grade students. One of six Rosenwald projects in Brooks County, Barney served as a feeder school to the Morven Rosenwald School. In 2006, the Morven Rosenwald Alumni Association, Inc. acquired the building and preserved it for community use. Filed under --BROOKS COUNTY GA--, Barney GA Tagged as --BROOKS COUNTY GA--, Barney GA, South Georgia African-American History & Culture, South Georgia Architecture, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Restorations, South Georgia Rosenwald Schools, South Georgia Schoolhouses Canoe-Hagan School, 1932, Candler County Located between Metter and Twin City is a Rosenwald school known as the Canoe-Hagan School. Rosenwald Schools were built through the efforts of Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington and thousands of volunteers all over the South. Their purpose was to provide industrial education to rural blacks at a time when Southern states were barely providing them school buildings, let alone a proper education. Thanks to James Palmer for pointing out the Rosenwald connection, and for the identification. UPDATE: Sadly, this landmark burned to the ground on 16 June 2017. Filed under --CANDLER COUNTY GA-- Tagged as --CANDLER COUNTY GA--, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, Lost Structures of South Georgia, South Georgia African-American History & Culture, South Georgia Architecture, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Rosenwald Schools, South Georgia Schoolhouses	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line730
__label__wiki	0.790105	0.790105	Leslie Jones Blasts the Alabama Abortion Ban on 'SNL' Stephanie Rose You've probably already heard about the controversial bill that has now been signed into law in Alabama that will ban abortion with very few exceptions. People all over the US (and all over the world) have already spoken out against the ban. One of the most recent big names to do so is SNL's Leslie Jones. Keep reading to hear all she had to say about the bill. Eight states in total have recently passed anti-abortion laws. The states in question are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah. All have passed laws that are heavily restrictive on abortion. Many of them have passed so-called "heartbeat" bills. These bills ban abortion as early as 6 weeks into a pregnancy, which, as many critics have pointed out, is only a 2-week late period; long before most people are aware that they're pregnant. But Alabama has passed a near-total ban on abortion. This will make abortion illegal at any stage of pregnancy, with the only exception being cases wherein the mother's life is at risk and abortion is the only option. It's the most restrictive abortion law in US history. Up until this point, abortion has been legal to some degree in all fifty states. So these laws, if allowed to go ahead, will mark a huge change. The lack of exceptions has been greatly criticized. Under the Alabama abortion ban, abortion won't even be allowed in cases of rape or incest, even though both scenarios would have a significant impact on the resulting child. But the law was approved by the House, Senate, and Governor. Today, I signed into law the Alabama Human Life Protection Act. To the bill’s many supporters, this legislation sta… https://t.co/iGzfUDMGRk — Governor Kay Ivey (@Governor Kay Ivey)1557957411.0 It was signed by Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday May 15 and could punish any doctors who perform abortions with life in prison. But it's a direct challenge of Roe v Wade. Roe v Wade was a Supreme Court decision made specifically to protect Americans from legislation such as this. The original decision was made in 1973. It provides a fundamental right to privacy and choice and rules that all Americans have the right to obtain an abortion. Obviously, the ban is in conflict with this. But the aim is to have Roe v Wade overturned. Because of the conflict, the bills will have to be challenged in court and may even make it in front of the Supreme Court, providing the chance to revisit the decision and overturn it. It's already an issue for the 2020 Presidential campaign. Vice President Mike Pence has voiced his approval of the abortion laws and this may become a central issue in the presidential race next year. But banning abortion won't stop it from happening. It will just increase the number of unsafe abortions taking place meaning that Alabama's abortion law could actually put women's lives at risk. And abortion is already the lowest it's been in a long time. The abortion rate in the US decreased by 26% between 2006 and 2015, an all-time low for the country, all while abortion was legal. So the reason for this drop is not due to restrictions. In fact, the reason that abortion rates are lower is because access to contraception has improved. Abortion is usually a last resort, so when alternatives are easily available, it's not needed. Plus, the majority of people who have abortions already have children. This dispels the myth that anyone who has an abortion must hate kids. In most cases, these people are living below the poverty line and simply can't afford another addition to their family. Currently, the majority of abortions occur in early pregnancy. Later abortions (after twenty weeks) are usually only performed due to serious fetal abnormality which would affect the viability of the pregnancy. It's not a decision that people take lightly. The law could also impact victims of domestic violence. Some abusers deliberately impregnate their victim, by controlling access to contraception, to lock them into the relationship and prevent them from leaving. Sometimes, the only safe option is to seek out an abortion in secret, so the law could leave victims in danger. Some women have been sharing their stories. I’m just gonna leave this here... #AlabamaAbortionBan https://t.co/O1Yu6b8KdQ — Matty (@Matty)1558062109.0 Many of them are heartbreaking, to say the least. They highlight how important it is that people have access to safe abortions. The law has not yet taken effect. Even though Governor Ivey has signed the bill into law, abortion is still legal at this time. And the law is likely to be challenged. Several people have already condemned the ban. What's proven to reduce the abortion rate? Comprehensive sex ed and accessible contraception. What do the religio… https://t.co/5CCs1uzpFT — Christina Burge (@Christina Burge)1558127968.0 It has been widely criticized all across social media and, offline, people have been protesting the bill in large numbers as well. It's even been criticized by conservative televangelist, Pat Robertson. On his CBN show, The 700 Club, he said, "I think Alabama has gone too far," and that "it's an extreme law." A number of celebrities have also spoken out. 1 in 4 women have had an abortion. Many people think they don't know someone who has, but #youknowme. So let's do t… https://t.co/wOeNHDk5fl — Busy Philipps (@Busy Philipps)1557894034.0 Among them was Busy Philipps, who started the hashtag #YouKnowMe for women to share their stories of abortion without shame or stigma. And Leslie Jones of Saturday Night Live also had something to say. She hit out against the abortion ban on SNL's Weekend Update on Saturday in a 4 minute segment. She began the segment in an outfit inspired by the Handmaid's Tale. The Handmaid's Tale is, of course, a dystopian story wherein women are subjugated and the fertile are forced to bear children. But she soon dropped that get-up to reveal her true feelings about the issue. Underneath the red cloak, she wore a black t-shirt emblazoned with the word "MINE" with a downward pointing arrow. Very clear and to the point. And she didn't hold back. Jones highlighted the fact that all twenty-five of the Alabama Senators who voted in favor of the ban were white men. And that wasn't the end of it. She questioned why so many men are invested in what women do with their bodies and why they try to police their decisions. And she had a special message for the Senators. "You can't control women," she said, to cheers from the audience. "Because I don't know if ya'll heard, but women are the same as humans." She criticized the female Alabama Governor for going along with the ban. Governor Ivey has said that the ban shows that Alabama values the sanctity of life, but many people are shocked that a woman would police other women's bodies rather than protect their rights. Jones made one thing perfectly clear. "When women have choice, women have freedom." The Alabama law is a restriction on both choice and freedom, with no similar restrictions enforced on men's bodies. Check out the video for yourself. Despite the serious and controversial nature of this subject, Jones managed to insert humor in the right places. Her speech is well worth a watch.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line731
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HA3, HA3, HA7, HA3, HA7, HA8, HA4, HA5, HA5, HA4, HA6, HA7, HA8, HA9, IG1, IG11, IG2, IG3, IG4, IG6, IG7, IG8, IG8, E18, KT1, KT1, KT2, KT2, KT3, KT4, KT5, KT5, KT6, KT9, N1, N10, N11, N11, N10, N11, N14, N11, N22, N12, N13, N14, N15, N15, N16, N15, N17, N16, N19, N2, N2, N3, N12, N20, N21, N22, N3, N4, N4, N8, N15, N5, N6, N7, N7, N19, N8, N9, N18, NW1, NW1, NW3, NW8, NW10, NW10, NW6, NW11, NW2, NW2, NW10, NW2, NW4, NW3, NW4, NW5, NW5, NW3, NW6, NW7, NW7, EN5, NW8, NW9, RM1, RM11, RM11, RM12, RM12, RM13, RM14, RM2, RM2, RM3, RM3, RM3, RM4, RM4, RM5, RM6, RM7, RM8, RM9, RM9, RM10, SE1, SE1, SE11, SE17, SE1, SE17, SE10, SE11, SE12, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE18, SE19, SE19, SE20, SE26, SE19, SE27, SE2, SE20, SE21, SE21, SE26, SE22, SE23, SE24, SE24, SE27, SE25, SE26, SE27, SE28, SE2, DA18, SE3, SE3, SE12, SE4, SE4, SE13, SE5, SE6, SE7, SE8, SE9, SE9, DA14, DA15, SE9, DA16, SM1 (PARTIAL), SM2, SM3, SM1, SM2, SM2, SM4, SM5, SM6, SM6, CR0, SW1, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, 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__label__wiki	0.736041	0.736041	apeculiaralgorithm First how many judges are actually relying on this algorithm COMPAS. Probably not too many. I suspect the team leader at ProPublica knows very well. The data in question needs to be analyzed by an objective third party. From the viewpoint of one that has spent twenty-five years inside the criminal justice system monitoring the courts and making mental note on sentencing, what you call minorities, blacks, aboriginal offenders, etc., usually receive less time in prison than do those categorized white. If you wish to image it the other way around. All the officers of the court have been programmed by racist algorithms in law school. The spirit of discernment in dispensing justice is staved by FEAR Guy Valentine Bull shi”. An algorithm for the protection of minorities when judges are going to spew out the best of all considerations for minority committed crimes. What a left winded thinker can come up with is fricking unbelievable. Hell, what 21st century bench warmer is going to rely on an algorithm to decide any case when they can design case law as they deem necessary. Ha Opinion: Deplatforming Hate Speech When Space Stories Fall Victim to Hype Abstracts: Covid Deaths, Flint Charges, and More Book Review: An Instruction Manual on Humans Opinion: Profiting Off Open Access Science In Blood Donations, Signs of Covid-19’s Spread Children’s Hospitals Grapple with Mental Illness The Last-Ditch Efforts to Save Endangered Plants Republish Print To Reform Criminal Justice, Design a Racist Algorithm? Advocates argue that if software is used to assist judges, it must account for racial bias. Would that be legal? Visual: Wikimedia/Undark By Stephanie Wykstra In 2016, ProPublica, the New York-based nonprofit journalism organization, published an investigation of a computer-based prediction tool called COMPAS. The software, which uses a proprietary cocktail of variables to predict future re-arrests, and is used by judges to determine whether that person should be released or held in jail until their court hearings, was biased against black defendants, and thus unfair, the investigation argued. The company behind the software, originally called Northpointe but renamed Equivant last year, vigorously defended their algorithm in a follow-up report, and many independent researchers have since pointed out that the concept of “fairness,” in all of its legal and ethical complexity, may not be so easy to define. Arvind Narayanan, a computer scientist at Princeton, details 21 different kinds of fairness, for example. Richard Berk and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania have described six kinds. But I would add one further conundrum to the COMPAS debate — one that many commentators have thus far neglected to mention: Achieving ProPublica’s concept of fairness would actually require treating people differently by race, a reality that raises its own set of ethical and even constitutional questions. The debate over COMPAS is pretty straightforward. The ProPublica reporting team looked at people who had been deemed by COMPAS as a “high risk” to be re-arrested, and yet who were not re-arrested over two years. Among black defendants, that percentage was about twice the rate of white defendants (45 percent compared to 24 percent). On the flip side, the percentage of defendants who had previously been judged “low risk” and yet were later re-arrested was much higher for whites than for blacks (48 percent compared to 28 percent), suggesting that COMPAS was getting things wrong in part on the basis of race. For its part, Northpointe argued that their analysis shows rough parity in the algorithm’s predictions across races. In other words, both groups labelled “high risk” had about the same chance of being re-arrested (60 percent), regardless of race. They were, they said, focused on a different metric (which we could call “predictive parity”), and a different kind of fairness, from ProPublica. A number of independent researchers have indicated that a single algorithm simply couldn’t have achieved both ProPublica’s and Northpointe’s kind of fairness. Developing a racially unbiased system in ProPublica’s sense would then almost certainly require doing what stakeholders on all sides are trying so desperately to avoid. “It is possible to modify an algorithm to equalize outcomes across racial groups,” the legal scholars Megan Stevenson and Sandra Mayson wrote in a research paper last fall, “but usually [that] requires treating defendants with the same observable risk profiles differently on the basis of race.” Why would it make sense to embrace ProPublica’s concept of fairness, if it required treating people differently by race? A crucial reason is that, as advocates and researchers have shown, criminal history data — a major input to pretrial risk assessment tools — is itself often racially skewed, the result of long-standing racist practices in policing and in the criminal justice system. For example, police arrest black people at twice the rate of whites for drug-related charges, though both use and sell drugs at comparable rates. By drawing on skewed data, a pretrial algorithm could not only perpetuate the racial asymmetries already in the system, but could also further exacerbate the disadvantage, leading to a vicious cycle. So, this side argues, decision-makers should adjust the underlying data or the algorithm to make up for the bias in the data. Rather than trying to rid algorithms of any influence of race, the tool would take race into account. Of course, this raises potent questions, among which: Is it constitutional to treat people differently by race in designing an algorithm? The question has a long history in other areas like college admissions, loan decisions, and hiring and promotion practices. But there haven’t yet been legal cases related to race-based affirmative action in criminal justice algorithms, and researchers are of mixed views on whether it would be constitutional to use race (or a proxy for race) to adjust algorithms to achieve equal outcomes. On the one hand, some researchers, like legal scholar Anupam Chander, argue that failing to use race in algorithm design could lead to “viral discrimination” where “algorithms trained or operated on a real-world data set that necessarily reflects existing discrimination may well replicate that discrimination.” On the other hand, Sharad Goel, executive director of the Stanford Computational Policy Lab, and colleagues have written bluntly that treating people differently depending on their race would be “a violation of the fundamental tenet of equal treatment.” One of the outstanding questions is whether a particular way of adjusting an algorithm would hold up under the conditions of “strict scrutiny” that could be triggered by using race in an algorithm’s design. Beyond the legal questions, there are even bigger ethical questions. Can philosophical distinctions and theories help guide this conversation? This was one recurring theme at a recent interdisciplinary Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency conference held at NYU, which brought together practitioners and researchers in computer science, law, and philosophy. As Princeton’s Narayanan put it, there’s some incoherence in only looking at technical definitions, without bringing in moral frameworks to help clarify and guide us. In order to make progress, he said, “It would be really helpful to have scholars from philosophy talk about these trade-offs [in algorithms] and give us guidelines about how to go about resolving them.” While there’s a long tradition of relevant work in moral and political philosophy on fairness and justice, it’s rare to see work that explicitly applies ethical theories to algorithms (though a few researchers, including Reuben Binns, are doing so). You might think all of this is just a problem introduced by computer-based algorithms, and that refusing to adopt computer-assisted decision-making technology would avoid the issues. Yet this isn’t true. Whether humans are making decisions on their own, or drawing on computer-based prediction for assistance, the questions about fairness remain mostly the same. The use of computer-based prediction — as compared with human brain-based prediction — simply requires making the decision-making rules explicit, rather than hazy and undefined. Some advocates, like the AI Now Institute, have suggested that algorithms used by public agencies should be made publicly available, so that they can be independently and transparently audited on their aims and impacts. Another approach might be to consider changing or discontinuing the use of algorithms if their use is found to worsen racial inequities or increase jail populations. And some researchers have urged that we design algorithms which make predictions about things less prone to racial disparities (arrests for violent crimes specifically, as opposed to all crimes, for example). Finally, collecting and sharing information about how the algorithms are used in the real world is essential. Megan Stevenson, researching the effects of adopting a pretrial algorithm in Kentucky, found that judges often ignored the algorithm’s recommendation to release people, and that as a result, there was not a sustained reduction in pretrial jail populations over time. “Despite extensive and heated rhetoric,” she wrote, “there is virtually no evidence on how use of this ‘evidence-based’ tool affects key outcomes such as incarceration rates, crime, or racial disparities.” She has rightfully called for a much more extensive study of the impacts of algorithms. The conversation about what fairness is and how to achieve it involves a tangle of factors — statistical, legal, and ethical — which makes it difficult to work through. Yet it is hugely important for the wider community to tackle. As Berk and his colleagues write, “it will fall to stakeholders — not criminologists, not statisticians and not computer scientists — to determine the tradeoffs. “These are matters of values and law,” they add, “and ultimately, the political process.” Stephanie Wykstra (@swykstr) is a freelance writer and researcher with a focus on transparency and criminal justice reform. Her work has recently appeared in Vox, Slate, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. Stephanie Wykstra is a freelance writer and researcher with a focus on transparency and criminal justice reform. Did AI worsen Covid-19’s Toll on Black Americans? By Rod McCullom Podcast: Making Precision Medicine a Reality	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line735
__label__wiki	0.808352	0.808352	DAL $40.31 View long term graphs Set price and date alerts Delta Air Lines, Inc. Financial Performance Delta Air Lines, Inc. latest financial report Delta Air Lines, Inc. DL DAL DELTA (as Huff Daland Dusters) Macon, Georgia, U.S. Commenced operations June 17, 1929 (1929-06-17) AOC # DALA026A London–Heathrow New York–JFK New York–LaGuardia Paris–Charles de Gaulle Tokyo–Narita Frequent-flyer program SkyMiles Subsidiary List Aero Assurance Ltd. Cardinal Insurance Company (Cayman) Ltd. Crown Rooms, Inc. DAL Global Services, LLC DAL Moscow, Inc. Delta Air Lines, Inc. and Pan American World Airways, Inc.—Unterstutzungskasse GMBH Delta Air Lines Dublin Limited Delta Air Lines Private Limited Delta Benefits Management, Inc. Delta Loyalty Management Services, LLC Delta Private Jets, Inc. Endeavor Air Epsilon Trading, LLC Kappa Capital Management, LLC MLT Inc. Montana Enterprises, Inc. New Sky, Ltd. Northwest Aerospace Training Corporation Regional Elite Airline Services, LLC Segrave Aviation, Inc. Tomisato Shoji Kabushiki Kaisha Fleet size Company slogan "Keep Climbing" Traded as NYSE: DAL DJTA Component S&P 500 Component Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Ed Bastian (CEO) Glen Hauenstein (President) US$ 39.639 billion (2016) US$ 6.952 billion (2016) delta.com Delta Air Lines, Inc. ("Delta"; NYSE: DAL) is a major American airline, with its headquarters and largest hub at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline along with its subsidiaries and regional affiliates operate over 5,400 flights daily and serve an extensive domestic and international network that includes 319 destinations in 54 countries on six continents, as of October 2016. Delta is one of the four founding members of the SkyTeam airline alliance, and operates joint ventures with AeroMexico, Air France-KLM, Alitalia, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Australia. Regional service is operated under the brand name Delta Connection. One of the three remaining legacy carriers, Delta is the sixth-oldest operating airline by foundation date, and the oldest airline still operating in the United States. The company's history can be traced back to Huff Daland Dusters, founded in 1924 in Macon, Georgia as a crop dusting operation. The company moved to Monroe, Louisiana, and was later renamed Delta Air Services, in reference to the nearby Mississippi Delta region, and commenced passenger services on June 17, 1929. Among predecessors of today's Delta Air Lines, Western Airlines and Northwest Airlines began flying passengers in 1926 and 1927, respectively. In 2013, Delta Air Lines was the world's largest airline in terms of scheduled passengers carried (120.6 million), and the second-largest in terms of both revenue passenger-kilometers flown (277.6 billion) and capacity (4.4 billion ASM/week; March 2013). Delta Air Lines began as a crop dusting operation called Huff Daland Dusters, Incorporated. The company was founded on May 30, 1924 in Macon, Georgia, and moved to Monroe, Louisiana, in 1925. They flew a Huff-Daland Duster, the first true crop duster, designed to combat the boll weevil infestation of cotton crops. Collett E. Woolman, one of the original directors, purchased the company on September 13, 1928, and renamed it Delta Air Service. Service began on June 17, 1929 with the inaugural flight between Dallas, Texas and Jackson, Mississippi. Delta moved its headquarters to its current location in Atlanta in 1941, and continued to grow through the addition of routes and the acquisition of other airlines. They replaced propeller planes with jets in the 1960s and entered international competition to Europe in the 1970s and across the Pacific in the 1980s. Delta's more recent history is marked by its emergence from bankruptcy on April 25, 2007, and the subsequent merger with Northwest Airlines. The merger was announced April 14, 2008, and was set to create the world's largest airline. After approval of the merger on October 29, 2008, Northwest continued to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta until December 31, 2009 when both carriers' operating certificates were merged (the Delta certificate was kept). Delta completed the integration with Northwest on January 31, 2010 when their reservation systems and websites were combined, and the Northwest Airlines name and brand were officially retired. Delta Air Lines as it exists today is the result of numerous mergers over its history. Predecessor carriers forming the current Delta Air Lines include: Delta's corporate headquarters is located on a corporate campus on the northern boundary of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, within the city limits of Atlanta. This location has served as Delta's headquarters since 1941, when the company relocated its corporate offices from Monroe, Louisiana, to Greater Atlanta. The crop dusting division of Delta remained headquartered in Monroe until Delta ceased crop dusting in 1966. Prior to 1981, the Delta corporate campus, an 80-acre (32 ha) plot of land in proximity to the old Hartsfield Airport terminal, was outside the City of Atlanta limits in unincorporated Fulton County. On August 3, 1981 the Atlanta City Council approved the annexation of 141 acres (57 ha) of land, an area containing the Delta headquarters. As of 1981 Delta would have had to begin paying $200,000 annually to the City of Atlanta in taxes. In September 1981 the airline sued the city, challenging the annexation on the basis of the constitutionality of the 1960 City of Atlanta annexation of the Hartsfield old terminal. The City of Atlanta was only permitted to annex areas that are adjacent to areas already in the Atlanta city limits. In addition to hosting Delta's corporate headquarters, Hartsfield-Jackson is also the home of Delta TechOps, the airline's primary maintenance, repair and overhaul arm and the largest full-service airline MRO in North America, specializing in engines, components, airframe and line maintenance. Delta maintains a large presence in the Twin Cities, with over 12,000 employees in the region as well as significant corporate support functions housed in the Minneapolis area, including the company's information technology divisional offices. Delta's logo, often called the "widget", was originally unveiled in 1959. Its triangle shape is taken from the Greek letter delta, and recalls the airline's origins in the Mississippi Delta. It is also said to be reminiscent of the swept-wing design of the DC-8, Delta's first jet aircraft. Delta's current livery is called "Upward & Onward". It features a white fuselage with the company's name in blue lettering, and a widget on the vertical stabilizer. Delta introduced its current livery in 2007 as part of a re-branding after it emerged from bankruptcy. The new livery consists of four colors, while the old one (called "colors in motion") used eight. This meant the switch saved the airline money by removing one day from each aircraft's painting cycle. The airline took four years to repaint all of its aircraft into the current scheme, including aircraft inherited from Northwest Airlines. Delta has ten domestic hubs and four international hubs. Delta carries more passengers than any other airline at Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia, and Salt Lake City. These statistics are current as of February 2017. (Ranked by daily departures). Between its mainline operation and subsidiaries, and as of March 2015, Delta employs nearly 80,000 people. Joanne Smith is Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer responsible for the oversight and support of personnel needs at Delta. She was appointed on October 1, 2014 replacing Mike Campbell. Delta's 12,000 mainline pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International and are the union's largest pilot group. The company's approximately 180 flight dispatchers are represented by the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA). Not counting the pilots and flight dispatchers, Delta is the only one of the five largest airlines in the United States, and one of only two in the top 9 (the other being JetBlue), whose non-pilot USA domestic staff is entirely non-union. The non-pilot non-unionization caused issues during and after the merger with Northwest, whose employees had a much higher rate of unionization. While pilots at both airlines were unionized, it was necessary to hold unionization votes for all other groups of employees. Northwest Airlines flight attendants were formerly represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). A vote on unionization with the AFA at the post-merger Delta was held on 3 November 2010, unionization was narrowly rejected by flight attendants, with 9,544 votes against unionization and 9,216 in favor. The AFA accused Delta of interference in the vote and requested the National Mediation Board (NMB) investigate and order a second vote. The NMB investigation found that the election was not compromised and dismissed the claim. Currently both the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and a coalition of the AFA and the Transport Workers Union of America are seeking to hold unionization votes for Delta flight attendants. As of March 2015, Delta operates more than 5,400 flights per day. Delta Connection operates 2,533 daily flights. Delta is the only U.S. carrier that is flying to Accra, Copenhagen, Dakar, Dusseldorf, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nice, Prague, Reykjavik, and Stuttgart. It is also the only US carrier that has scheduled service to Africa. Delta was a founding member of the SkyTeam Alliance in 2000. In addition to SkyTeam partners, Delta Air Lines also has codeshare agreements with the following airlines: Inherited from the Northwest-KLM relationship (which is older than any of the three major airline alliances including SkyTeam itself), Delta has a transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. The program coordinates transatlantic operations, including ticket pricing, schedules, capacity, and revenue. On January 27, 2012, the European Commission launched an investigation into the impact of the joint venture on competition on the routes that it covers. On December 11, 2012, Delta announced that it would spend $360 million to acquire a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic. These shares were previously held by Singapore Airlines. As a part of this agreement, both airlines would share the costs and revenues from all of the joint venture flights the airlines operated. The two airlines planned to operate a total of 31 roundtrip flights between the UK and North America, including nine daily roundtrip flights between London Heathrow and New York City airports (John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport). The two airlines' application for antitrust immunity was granted by the United States Department of Transportation on September 23, 2013. As of January 2013, Delta operates a fleet of more than 800 aircraft manufactured by Airbus, Boeing, and McDonnell Douglas. Delta operates the largest Boeing 717, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, McDonnell Douglas MD-88, and McDonnell Douglas MD-90 fleets in the world, and the largest Airbus A330 fleet of any US airline. Prior to its 2008 merger with Northwest Airlines, Delta's fleet was made up of solely Boeing and McDonnell Douglas aircraft. Airbus aircraft from Northwest joined the fleet after the merger, and more have since been added. Unlike other U.S. legacy carriers, Delta often seeks to acquire and utilize older aircraft, especially narrow-bodies, and they have created an extensive MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) organization, called TechOps, to support them. The oldest aircraft in the fleet are the McDonnell Douglas MD-88s, with an average age of over 25 years. However, in early 2011, Delta began talks with Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier to discuss replacing the McDonnell Douglas DC-9s, MD-88s, and older A320 and 757-200 aircraft. On August 22, 2011, Delta placed an order for 100 Boeing 737-900ER aircraft and deferred an order of 100 small narrow-body jets until 2012. As part of its strategy to utilize less expensive used airplanes, Delta agreed in 2012 to lease 88 Boeing 717s acquired by Southwest Airlines during their acquisition of AirTran Airways. They would be used as replacements for the DC-9 fleet and some 50-seat regional aircraft like the CRJ-100 and -200. The first revenue flight was on October 25, 2013, Delta officially retired its last DC-9 on January 6, 2014; it was used on an as-needed basis until January 22, 2014 when the last one was removed from service. Delta was the final US carrier operating the DC-9. As a continuation of the narrowbody fleet refresh and expansion, Delta ordered 75 Bombardier CS100 aircraft and an additional 50 options on April 28, 2016, becoming the first American carrier to order the type. The airline has not been as keen to acquire or operate aging widebody aircraft. On August 1, 2014, Delta announced they would begin to retire the aging Boeing 747-400 fleet, acquired as part of the Northwest merger. During a 2014 earnings call, CEO Richard Anderson announced that they would be retired by the end of 2017. On November 20, 2014, the airline announced an order for 25 Airbus A350-900 and 25 Airbus A330-900 aircraft to replace the 747 fleet as it was retired, as well as some aging 767s. A350 deliveries began in the second quarter of 2017, while the first A330-900 is scheduled for 2019. Delta underwent a cabin branding upgrade in 2015. The airline now offers or plans to offer 6 different cabin service options: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, First Class, Comfort+, Main Cabin, and Basic Economy. Availability and exact details vary by route and aircraft type. Delta One is the airline's premier business class product, being available on long haul international flights, as well as transcontinental service from New York-JFK to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Delta One features lie-flat seating on all aircraft types, and direct aisle access from every seat on all types except the Boeing 757-200. The Boeing 767-300ER and Boeing 767-400ER seats, designed by James Thompson, feature a space-saving design whereby the seats are staggered such that when in the fully flat position, the foot of each bed extends under the armrests of the seat in front of it. Delta one cabins on the Boeing 777-200ER/LR fleet are configured in a Herringbone layout, while all Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A330 cabins (featuring the Cirrus flat-bed sleeper suite by Zodiac Seats U.S.) are configured in a reverse herringbone pattern. All seats are also equipped with a personal, on demand In-Flight-Entertainment (IFE) system, universal power-ports, a movable reading light, and a folding work table. Passengers also receive complimentary chef curated meals, refreshments, alcoholic beverages, an amenity kit, premium bedding, and pre-flight Sky Club access. In August 2016, Delta announced the introduction of Delta One Suites on select widebody fleets. The suites will feature a door to the aisle for enhanced privacy, as well as improved storage space, a larger IFE screen, and updated design. The suites will roll out on the Airbus A350 fleet, slated to begin delivery in fall 2017, followed by the Boeing 777. In April 2016, CEO Ed Bastian announced that a new Premium Economy cabin will be added. Since renamed to Premium Select, this cabin will feature extra legroom, adjustable leg rests, extra seat pitch, width, and recline, and a new premium service. Delta will introduce it on its new Airbus A350, slated for delivery in Fall 2017, followed by the Boeing 777. First Class is offered on mainline domestic flights (except those featuring Delta One service), select short- and medium-haul international flights, and Delta Connection aircraft with more than 50 seats. Seats range from 18.5 to 20.75 inches (47.0 to 52.7 cm) wide and have between 37 and 40 inches (94 and 102 cm) of pitch. Passengers in this class receive a wider variety of free snacks compared to Main Cabin, as well as free drinks and alcohol, and full meal service on flights 900 miles and longer. Certain aircraft also feature power-ports at each seat and free entertainment products from Delta Studio. First Class passengers are also eligible for priority boarding. Delta Comfort+ seats are installed on all aircraft and feature 34–36 inches (860–910 mm) of pitch; on all Delta One configured aircraft, 35–36 inches (890–910 mm) of pitch and 50 percent more recline over standard Main Cabin seats. Additional amenities include: Sky Priority Boarding, dedicated overhead space, complimentary beer, wine, and spirits on flight 250 miles or more, and complimentary premium snacks on flights 900 miles or more. Complimentary premium entertainment is available via Delta Studio, with free headsets available on most flights. On transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX/SFO, Delta Comfort+ passengers also get Luvo snack wraps. Medallion members can upgrade from Main Cabin to Comfort+ for free, while other customers can upgrade for a fee or with SkyMiles. Main Cabin (also known as "Economy Class") is available on all aircraft with seats ranging from 17 to 18 inches (43 to 46 cm) wide and 30 to 33 inches (76 to 84 cm) of pitch. The main cabin on Boeing 737, 747-400, 777, and selected Boeing 757-200, 767-300, and McDonnell Douglas MD-90 aircraft have an articulating seat bottom where the seat bottom moves forward in addition to the seat back tilting backwards when reclining. Main Cabin passengers receive complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on all flights 250 miles (400 km) or longer. Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. Complimentary meals and alcoholic drinks are provided on long-haul international flights as well as selected transcontinental domestic flights, such as between New York–JFK and Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. As part of Delta's Flight Fuel buy on board program, meals are available for purchase on other North American flights 900 miles (1,400 km) or longer. Delta operated a different buy on board program between 2003 and 2005. The previous program had items from differing providers, depending on the origin and destination of the flight. Prices ranged up to $10 ($12.68 when adjusted for inflation). The airline started the service on a few selected flights in July 2003, and the meal service was initially offered on 400 flights. Delta ended this buy on board program in 2005; instead, Delta began offering snacks at no extra charge on flights over 90 minutes to most U.S. domestic flights and some flights to the Caribbean and Latin America. Beginning in mid-March 2005 the airline planned to stop providing pillows on flights within the 49 contiguous U.S. states, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America. In addition, the airline increased the price of alcoholic beverages on Delta mainline flights from $4 ($4.91 when adjusted for inflation) to $5 ($6.13 when adjusted for inflation); the increase in alcohol prices did not occur on Song flights. Basic Economy is a basic version of Main Cabin, offering the same services with fewer flexibility options for a lower price. Examples of fewer flexibility options include no ticket changes, no paid or complimentary upgrades regardless of frequent-flier status, and only having a seat assigned at check-in. On August 5, 2008, Delta announced it would be installing the Aircell mobile broadband network, Gogo, which enables customers traveling with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, to access the Internet for a fee. Gogo was initially offered on Delta's fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-88 and MD-90 aircraft but has expanded to the remaining domestic fleet, as well as Delta Connection aircraft with a first class cabin. Delta has the largest fleet of Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft in the world. The airline introduced its first in-flight Wi-Fi on international routes to Tokyo from Los Angeles and Atlanta in March 2014, and stated its intent to offer the service on all transoceanic flight routes by the end of 2015. Even though Delta has announced the retirement of its 747 fleet, all Delta 747s are wifi-equipped and Delta is currently installing wifi on the 777 fleet. In the 1960s audio programming was introduced where passengers wore headphones consisting of hollow tubes piping in music. These were installed in some Delta aircraft. Some early wide-bodied aircraft, including the Lockheed L-1011, Boeing 767-200, and 767-300 fleet, had movies projected on to the cabin bulkhead. Also during the late 1980s and early 1990s, CRT monitors over the aisles were added to the 757 fleet, making them the first narrowbody aircraft to feature video entertainment. The MD-90 introduced Delta's first IFE system with LCD monitors in 1995, and the 777 introduced Delta's first in-seat video system in 1999, initially using the Rockwell Collins Total Entertainment System. Delta's first all-digital IFE system with AVOD (Panasonic eFX) was first introduced in 2003 on Delta's former low-cost subsidiary, Song. The Rockwell Collins IFE system on the 777s was replaced by the Panasonic eFX system in 2007, followed by the Panasonic eX2 in 2011. The Panasonic eFX and eX2 systems are trademarked by Delta as Delta on Demand. In the spring of 2010, Delta installed the Panasonic eFX AVOD system in Economy on six 767-300ERs that are used on routes that are 12 hours or longer. Delta also announced it would be installing AVOD in Economy class on all Boeing 767-300ER and 747 aircraft over the next 3 years. On July 27, 2010, Delta announced that it would be the launch customer of the new eX2 AVOD system with the Eco 9i Integrated Smart Monitor, a new ultra-lightweight IFE system by Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Zodiac Seats U.S.. The systems have been installed on the entire 747-400 fleet as of October 2012, and are currently being installed on the 767-300ER fleet (except for the six aircraft previously retrofitted with the eFX system in 2010). A different version of the Integrated Smart Monitor developed by Panasonic Avionics Corporation and BE Aerospace is currently being installed on the Airbus A330 fleet. These seats will also be installed on the Boeing 757-300 and new Boeing 737-900ER fleet, and will replace the existing seats and monitors on the international Boeing 757-200 fleet. In 2012, Delta began replacing the overhead CRT monitors on the pre-merger Delta 757-200 fleet with new LCD monitors. This was completed in late 2012. The 767-400ER fleet initially featured LCDs over the aisles, but were replaced in 2009 by the Panasonic eFX AVOD system when the last of the 767-400ERs were converted from domestic to international use. CRT projectors were originally featured in economy class on Boeing 767–300s, with the international 767-300ERs also featuring ceiling-mounted CRT displays over the aisles, which have since replaced by LCD monitors, and are now in the process of being converted to the eFX2 AVOD system. When Delta's ex-TWA ETOPS 757s were first delivered, they featured a system made by Sony Transcom (a former subsidiary of Sony now sold to Rockwell Collins) system that was factory installed for TWA. The system featured overhead drop-down LCD monitors similar to Delta's non-Transcon 737-800s and 757-300s. Delta replaced the Sony Transcom system with the Panasonic eFX system featuring in-seat video and AVOD at the same time as the new BusinessElite seats and slimline economy class seats were installed. Audio and video are available on all aircraft except for the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and MD-90, select Airbus A320, and Delta Connection aircraft. Boeing 777-200ER, 777-200LR, and 747 aircraft, along with those 767-300 and A330 aircraft that have completed cabin modifications, feature the Panasonic eX2 system. Compared to the older eFX system, this offers greater storage capacity, as well as lighter and larger personal video screens. Boeing 767-400ER aircraft, selected 757-200 aircraft, as well as the remaining internationally configured Boeing 767-300ER aircraft that have not completed cabin modifications, use the Panasonic eFX AVOD system. On these 767-300 aircraft, AVOD is available only in the Delta One class, while the system includes overhead LCD monitors and audio programming for passengers seated in the Economy cabin. The unmodified Airbus A330 aircraft feature the Panasonic 3000i AVOD system in all cabins. This system includes supplemental LCD monitors over the aisles for displaying the safety video and moving map. Domestic Boeing 767–300s, Boeing 737–700s, as well as selected transcontinental Boeing 757–200s and selected Boeing 737–800s using the Panasonic eFX system, also feature live television via Dish Network in both first class and economy. Some Boeing 737-800s, as well as all Boeing 757–300s feature systems with drop-down LCD displays below the overhead bins. All aircraft with AVOD feature Panasonic's iXplor moving map program. 737-800s with overhead video and the coach sections of 767-300ER aircraft with overhead video feature the Rockwell Collins Airshow moving map, which is often shown during takeoff and landing. Other aircraft formerly equipped with the Rockwell Collins Airshow moving map included the Lockheed L-1011-250 and -500, McDonnell Douglas MD-11, and Boeing 767-400ER and 777-200ER. The L-1011 and MD-11 fleet have since been retired, while the 767-400ER and 777-200ER have since had their Airshow systems replaced by the Panasonic iXplor system built into the eFX and eX2 AVOD systems. Delta Sky Magazine and its online edition are published by MSP Communications in Minneapolis, Minnesota. SkyMiles is the frequent flyer program for Delta Air Lines. As of September, 2017, one of the features of the program is that miles never expire. Delta Air Lines' airport lounges are called Sky Clubs. Membership options include single visit passes and annual memberships that can be purchased with either money or miles. International business class passengers get free access. Membership can also be granted through top level Delta status or with the purchase of some American Express credit cards. Features vary by location, but generally include free drinks (including alcoholic beverages), snacks and reading material. Wi-Fi is free for members and guests and is mostly provided in the USA by AT&T. Other benefits for Sky Club members include reciprocal lounge access with other SkyTeam members and Delta's other partners. Originally, Delta's membership-based airport clubs were called Crown Room lounges, with Northwest's called WorldClubs. On November 27, 2001, Delta Air Lines launched SkyBonus, a program aimed toward small-to-medium businesses spending between $5,000 and $500,000 annually on air travel. Businesses can earn points toward free travel and upgrades, as well as Sky Club memberships and SkyMiles Silver Medallion status. Points are earned on paid travel based on a variety of fare amount paid, booking code, and place origin or destination. While enrolled businesses are able to earn points toward free travel, the travelling passenger is still eligible to earn SkyMiles during his or her travel. In early 2010, Delta Air Lines merged its SkyBonus program with Northwest's similar Biz Perks program. In 2008, Delta Air Lines was given an award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment (DfE) program for their use of PreKote, a more environmentally friendly, non-hexavalent chromium surface pretreatment on its aircraft, replacing hazardous chemicals formerly used to improve paint adhesion and prevent corrosion. In addition, PreKote reduces water usage by two-thirds and reduces wastewater treatment. PreKote is also saving money by reducing the time needed to paint each airplane. With time savings of eight to ten percent, it will save an estimated more than $1 million annually. As part of the rebranding project, a safety video featuring a flight attendant showed up on YouTube in early 2008, getting over 1 million views and the attention of news outlets, specifically for the video's tone mixed with the serious safety message. The flight attendant, Katherine Lee, was dubbed "Deltalina" by a member of FlyerTalk for her resemblance to Angelina Jolie. Delta had considered several styles for its current safety video, including animation, before opting for a video presenting a flight attendant speaking to the audience. The video was filmed on a Boeing 757. The following are major accidents and incidents that occurred on Delta mainline aircraft. For Northwest Airlines incidents, see Northwest Airlines accidents and incidents. For Delta Connection incidents, see Delta Connection incidents and accidents. There have been over a dozen attempted hijackings that resulted in no injuries and the surrender of the often lone hijacker. These incidents are not included. The following are notable hijackings because of fatalities or success in forcing the aircraft to fly to another country: Delta Air Lines, Inc. 0.83% (industrials) DAKT Daktronics, Inc. search stocks Q3 2020 2020-10-13 -3.30 -3.30 2016-07-06 Boost Price Target Credit Suisse Group AG Outperform $48.00 to $51.00 2016-07-06 Lower Price Target Cowen and Company Outperform $60.00 to $55.00 2016-06-15 Reiterated Rating Raymond James Outperform 2016-06-15 Reiterated Rating Raymond James Financial Inc. Outperform 2016-06-10 Reiterated Rating Morgan Stanley Buy 2016-05-17 Reiterated Rating Bank of America Buy $65.00 2016-05-17 Reiterated Rating Bank of America Corp. Buy $65.00 2016-05-16 Reiterated Rating Sterne Agee CRT Buy 2016-05-16 Reiterated Rating Wolfe Research Buy $63.00 to $62.00 2016-05-16 Reiterated Rating Credit Suisse Buy 2016-05-16 Reiterated Rating Credit Suisse Group AG Buy 2016-04-28 Reiterated Rating Morgan Stanley Overweight $65.00 to $59.00 2016-04-17 Reiterated Rating Deutsche Bank Hold 2016-04-17 Reiterated Rating Deutsche Bank AG Hold 2016-04-15 Reiterated Rating Buckingham Research Buy 2016-04-12 Lower Price Target Credit Suisse Outperform $61.00 to $59.00 2016-04-12 Reiterated Rating JPMorgan Chase & Co. Overweight $66.00 2016-04-01 Downgrade Deutsche Bank Buy to Hold $68.00 to $55.00 2016-03-31 Reiterated Rating Credit Suisse Outperform 2016-03-29 Initiated Coverage Stephens Underweight to Overweight $65.08 to $65.00 2016-03-25 Boost Price Target Raymond James $62.00 2016-03-10 Reiterated Rating JPMorgan Chase & Co. Buy 2016-03-10 Reiterated Rating Buckingham Research Buy $75.00 2016-03-03 Reiterated Rating Sterne Agee CRT Buy $65.00 2016-02-08 Reiterated Rating Stifel Nicolaus Buy 2016-02-06 Reiterated Rating Morgan Stanley Overweight 2016-02-04 Lower Price Target JPMorgan Chase & Co. Overweight $74.00 to $66.00 2016-01-19 Reiterated Rating Credit Suisse Outperform $65.00 2016-01-13 Boost Price Target Argus Buy $58.00 to $60.00 2016-01-07 Reiterated Rating Credit Suisse Outperform $68.00 to $65.00 2016-01-06 Reiterated Rating Cowen and Company Outperform $62.00 2015-12-23 Reiterated Rating Oppenheimer Buy 2015-12-23 Reiterated Rating Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. Buy 2015-12-19 Reiterated Rating Cowen and Company Buy 2015-12-18 Boost Price Target Evercore ISI Buy $65.00 to $68.00 2015-12-18 Reiterated Rating Deutsche Bank Buy $55.00 to $68.00 2015-12-18 Boost Price Target Cowen and Company Outperform $55.00 to $62.00 2015-12-03 Reiterated Rating Raymond James Strong-Buy 2015-11-20 Reiterated Rating Cowen and Company Market Perform 2015-11-19 Reiterated Rating Deutsche Bank Buy $55.00 2015-10-13 Boost Price Target JPMorgan Chase & Co. Overweight $63.00 to $74.50 2015-10-12 Reiterated Rating Morgan Stanley Overweight $62.00 2015-10-09 Reiterated Rating Credit Suisse Top Pick 2015-10-05 Reiterated Rating Sterne Agee CRT Buy $60.00 to $65.00 2015-09-22 Boost Price Target Raymond James Outperform $58.00 to $60.00 2015-09-20 Reiterated Rating Morgan Stanley Outperform 2015-09-18 Lower Price Target Wolfe Research Outperform $58.00 to $54.00 2015-09-10 Boost Price Target Credit Suisse $61.00 to $65.00 2015-09-01 Upgrade Deutsche Bank Hold to Buy $43.78 to $50.00 2015-08-04 Reiterated Rating Morgan Stanley Equal Weight $65.00 to $61.00 2015-07-30 Reiterated Rating JPMorgan Chase & Co. Overweight $63.50 to $63.00 2015-07-28 Reiterated Rating Cowen and Company Outperform 2015-07-17 Reiterated Rating Stifel Nicolaus Buy $55.00 2015-07-17 Reiterated Rating Raymond James Outperform $53.00 2015-07-16 Reiterated Rating Imperial Capital Buy $69.00 2015-07-16 Reiterated Rating Deutsche Bank Hold $50.00 2015-07-03 Reiterated Rating Goldman Sachs Buy $60.00 2015-07-03 Reiterated Rating Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Buy $60.00 2015-07-02 Upgrade Wolfe Research Outperform $62.00 2015-06-23 Initiated Coverage Morgan Stanley Overweight $65.00 2015-06-19 Upgrade Wolfe Research Peer Perform to Outperform $62.00 2015-06-08 Downgrade Raymond James Strong-Buy to Outperform $60.00 to $53.00 2015-05-23 Reiterated Rating Goldman Sachs Buy 2015-05-13 Set Price Target Imperial Capital Buy $69.00 2015-04-16 Boost Price Target CRT Capital Buy $59.00 to $60.00 2015-04-06 Set Price Target Cowen and Company Buy $55.00 2015-03-30 Initiated Coverage Argus Buy $55.00 2015-03-04 Lower Price Target CRT Capital Buy $63.00 to $59.00 2015-02-02 Upgrade Raymond James Outperform to Strong-Buy $60.00 2015-01-16 Boost Price Target Barclays Overweight $58.00 to $60.00 2015-01-16 Boost Price Target Barclays PLC Overweight $58.00 to $60.00 2014-12-12 Reiterated UBS Buy $57 to $58 2014-12-12 Boost Price Target Deutsche Bank Buy $48.00 to $60.00 2014-12-12 Reiterated Cowen Outperform $45 to $58 2014-12-12 Reiterated Rating Morgan Stanley Positive 2014-12-10 Boost Price Target Imperial Capital Outperform $53.00 to $69.00 2014-12-01 Downgrade Bank of America Buy to Neutral $48.00 to $50.00 2014-10-15 Reiterated Rating Barclays Overweight $49.00 to $51.00 2014-09-26 Downgrade Wolfe Research Outperform to Peer Perform 2014-09-08 Initiated Coverage Credit Suisse Outperform $56.00 2014-09-08 Boost Price Target Goldman Sachs $62.00 to $63.00 2014-09-04 Reiterated Rating CRT Capital Buy 2014-07-24 Reiterated Rating Raymond James Outperform $46.00 to $48.00 2014-04-17 Reiterated Rating Barclays Overweight $39.00 2014-02-25 Initiated Coverage Stifel Nicolaus Buy $40.00 2014-01-08 Initiated Coverage Atlantic Securities Overweight 2014-01-03 Upgrade S&P Equity Research Strong-Buy 2013-12-19 Upgrade Evercore ISI Equal Weight to Overweight 2013-12-16 Boost Price Target Imperial Capital In-Line $31.00 to $35.00 2013-10-03 Boost Price Target Goldman Sachs Buy $25.00 2013-10-02 Downgrade Standpoint Research Buy to Hold 2013-09-17 Upgrade JPMorgan Chase & Co. Neutral to Overweight $22.00 to $26.00 In DAL 599 funds of 2197 total. Show all Vanguard Group, Inc 66.38M BlackRock Inc. 36.08M PRIMECAP MANAGEMENT CO/CA/ 23.12M STATE STREET CORP 21.55M Capital World Investors 21.14M BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. 18.98M CITADEL ADVISORS LLC 10.68M BlackRock Fund Advisors 10.41M GEODE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC 10.21M D. E. Shaw & Co., Inc. 8.95M LANSDOWNE PARTNERS (UK) LLP 8.64M BLACKROCK ADVISORS LLC 7.74M Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors, LLC 7.46M DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS LP 7.18M JANE STREET GROUP, LLC 6.76M Jacobson Paul A EVP & CFO 0.05% (402373) DAL / Bastian Edward H President 0.04% (301943) DAL / HIRST RICHARD B EVP & Chief Legal Officer 0.04% (300358) DAL / HAUENSTEIN GLEN W EVP-Mktg,Ntwk Plng & Rev Mgmt 0.03% (235152) DAL / CAMPBELL MICHAEL H EVP - HR & Labor Relations 0.02% (198386) DAL / GORMAN STEPHEN E EVP & Chief Operating Officer 0.02% (148788) ARCB / BTU / DAL / West W Gilbert EVP & COO 0.01% (119447) DAL / Smith Joanne D EVP & Chief HR Officer 0.01% (95325) DAL / Carter Peter W EVP and Chief Legal Officer 0.01% (80532) DAL / Reynolds Paula Rosput 0.01% (73313) APC / CBG / DAL / GOODE DAVID R 0.01% (73173) DAL / WOODROW KENNETH 0.01% (73173) DAL / Sear Steven M Pres. Int\'l & EVP Global Sales 0.01% (69741) DAL / CARP DANIEL A 0.01% (66603) DAL / NSC / TXN / Samant Rahul D EVP & Chief Info Officer 0.01% (62654) DAL / ANDERSON RICHARD H Chief Executive Officer 0.01% (59119) DAL / MDT / BRINZO JOHN S 0.01% (50773) AKS / DAL / DEWALT DAVID G 0.01% (48070) DAL / FEYE / FIVN / PLCM / FORET MICKEY P 0.01% (42994) DAL / SPTN / URS /	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line736
__label__cc	0.683429	0.316571	Policy Basics: The Child Tax Credit Center On Budget And Policy Priorities (CBPP) This fact sheet provides basic details about the CTC, including refundability and the value of the credit. Divorced and Separated Parents This webpage includes frequently asked questions about who claims EITC if the parents are divorced or separated. Vital Signs: Estimated Proportion of Adult Health Problems Attributable to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Implications for Prevention: 25 States, 2015–2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as victimization, substance misuse in the household, or witnessing intimate partner violence, have been linked to leading causes of adult morbidity and mortality. This report presents the CDC’s first ever comprehensive estimates of the potential to improve Americans’ health by preventing ACEs. WEBINAR: DELTA FOCUS Stories: Lessons Learned from 3 Community-Based Initiatives On this 90-minute webinar, preventionists and change-makers in Alaska, Rhode Island, and North Carolina share their successes, surprises, pivots, and points of learning along their journeys, offering strategies and tools for those who wish to engage in this work or adapt similar projects for their own communities. Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Leveraging the Best Available Evidence This technical package from the CDC cuts across many forms of violence and draws on research and strategies from other technical packages. ACEs are far too prevalent, but they are preventable, and having new guidance on the best available evidence for prevention helps practitioners ensure their work will be impactful. Topic 607 - Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Programs This page provides general information about the ATC including who can qualify, refund levels, and links to the necessary forms. The site also explains changes to the ATC over the past few years. Strong Families Respect Each Other: What Native Youth Need to Know About Domestic Violence National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC), Native Youth Sexual Health Network The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center's Native Youth Handbook, produced in partnership with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network, contains definitions on domestic violence, examples of controlling violence, what to do if you are experiencing domestic violence in any form, for family and friends of people experiencing domestic violence and how Native youth can lead the change to breaking the silence around domestic violence in their communities. Strong Families Respect Each Other: What Native Youth Need to Know About the Connection Between Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence This handbook from the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, produced in partnership with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network, contains definitions on domestic violence and sexual assault, examples of sexual assault, myths and truths about sexual assault, what to do if you have been sexually assaulted, what to do if you know or think a friend or family member has experienced sexual assault, our power as life-givers and cool apps that can help prevent violence. How can children’s books be used to promote social justice and peace? Casey Keene Our favorite childhood stories tend to stick with us. NRCDV's June 2019 TA Question of the Month explores the power of children's books in creating social change. How can domestic violence (DV) programs partner with home visiting programs to better support survivors and their children? Katie Hood, Ghia Kelly For families experiencing domestic violence, home visitors can play a key role in screening for abuse, assisting with safety planning and providing referrals to advocacy services. NRCDV's May 2019 TA Question of the Month highlights the experiences of a collaborative initiative implemented in the state of Florida to better equip home visitors to offer support to families experiencing or at-risk for intimate partner violence. Mentoring Youth in the Foster Care System Toolkit By focusing on staff and mentor training, skill-building, and expanding social networks, mentoring programs can have a profound impact on the lives of youth who have experienced the foster care system. This toolkit is designed to help staff from mentoring programs that serve youth in foster care mitigate some of the challenges they face. WEBINAR: The Impact of Adultification on Child Survivors of Trauma with an Emphasis on Children of Color Jacqueline Miller This webinar addresses the impact adultification has on children who experience trauma with an emphasis on black girls. Through storytelling, participants will learn about from presenter Jacqueline Miller’s story as it unfolds in three dimensions, revealing how to develop a framework for building resilience with youth and communities of color.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line738
__label__wiki	0.81359	0.81359	77 autonomous vehicles drove over 500,000 miles across Beijing in 2019 Kyle Wiggers@Kyle_L_Wiggers March 2, 2020 4:46 PM Baidu and Hongqi: Level 4 car Hot on the heels of the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s annual autonomous vehicle disengagement report, Beijing’s Innovation Center for Mobility Intelligent (BICMI) published its 2019 survey of self-driving vehicles being tested on local roads. Beyond Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Beijing is one of the few cities globally to mandate autonomous car companies disclose the miles they’ve driven, as well as the size of their vehicle fleets and the disengagements — or autonomous system failures — they have experienced. A total of 77 autonomous vehicles from 13 China-based companies — Baidu, Nio, Beijing New Energy, Daimler, Pony.ai, Tencent, Didi, Audi, Chongqing Jinkang, NavInfo, Toyota, and Beijing Sankuai — covered 1.04 million kilometers (~646,226 miles) on Beijing roads during 2019, according to the BICMI. That’s up from the 153,600 kilometers (~95,442.6 miles) eight firms drove in 2018. Above: The mileage numbers are in kilometers and truncated. Multiply by 10,000 to get the mileage in each cell. Image Credit: Baidu Baidu’s 52 cars covered a total of 754,000 kilometers (~468,513 miles), putting the tech giant in the lead, with over 5 times the miles it notched in 2018 (140,000 kilometers, or 86,991 miles). As for Pony.ai, its fleet of five cars drove roughly 111,200 kilometers (~69,096 miles), substantially improving upon 2018’s 10,132 kilometers (6,296 miles). And Toyota’s four cars ranked third, with about 11,100 kilometers (~6,897 miles). The BICMI doesn’t break out disengagement numbers by company or vehicle, but it said 86% of disengagements in 2019 resulted from human takeovers — i.e., drivers tinkering with data-recording equipment, changes in planned routes, or “personal reasons” (like bathroom breaks). The remaining 14% of disengagements were attributable to some form of mechanical or software system failure. Of course, whether disengagements communicate anything meaningful remains the subject of debate. In a conversation with VentureBeat, Dmitry Polishchuk, head of Russian tech giant Yandex’s autonomous car project, noted that Yandex hasn’t released a disengagement report to date for this reason. “We have kind of been waiting for some sort of industry standard,” he said. “Self-driving companies aren’t following the exact same protocols for things. [For example, there might be a] disengagement because there’s something blocking the right lane or a car in the right lane, and [the safety driver realizes] as a human that [this object or car] isn’t going to move.” The BICMI’s report is part of China’s strategy to bolster driverless technology development in the region, an effort outlined in a recent whitepaper by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and nine other “ministerial-level” authorities. As early as 2025, China intends to codify guidelines around infrastructure, regulatory supervision, and safety that enable companies to “scale production of vehicles capable of conditional autonomous driving” and “[commercialize] … highly autonomous vehicles in certain circumstances.” As of the end of December, Beijing has allowed autonomous vehicle testing on 151 roads spanning 503.68 kilometers (~312 miles), supplementing a test area about 40 square kilometers (~24 miles) in size within the city limits. China has designated five levels for self-driving test permits, ranging from T1 to T5, which are similar (but not necessarily analogous) to the automation levels issued by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport allocated its first batch of T4 autonomous test permits to pack leader Baidu last July. The company noted at the time that the T4 — China’s highest-level permit — is an open-road test license, enabling it to deploy driverless vehicles on urban roads and in tunnels, school zones, and elsewhere. Baidu announced in late 2019 that it had secured 40 licenses to test driverless cars carrying passengers on designated roads in Beijing, making it one of the first to do so in the Chinese capital. The company seeks to gain the upper hand over well-financed rivals like Tencent, Alibaba, and Pony.ai. In April, Alibaba confirmed that it has been conducting self-driving car tests with the goal of achieving level 4 autonomous capability and said it’s looking to hire as many as 50 engineers for its AI research lab. In May, Tencent secured a license from the Chinese government to begin testing autonomous cars in Shenzhen, China. And just last week, Pony.ai raised $462 million in venture capital at a $3 billion valuation. Baidu and its rivals are racing toward a veritable gold mine of a market. Autonomous vehicles and mobility services in China are expected to be worth more than $500 billion by 2030, when as many as 8 million self-driving cars hit public roads, according to a McKinsey report.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line739
__label__wiki	0.791797	0.791797	Master of Military Content Since 2013 Intel Drop US Weapon Systems Database Foreign Country Military Capability Military Quizzes Film & TV Projects Marine Protector-Class Coastal Patrol Boat +Sponsored Links +Intel Drop +Follow us! Get Briefed! +Generation Napalm Hoodie The Marine Protector class is a class of coastal patrol boats of the United States Coast Guard. The 87-foot-long vessels are based on the Stan 2600 design by Damen Group, and were built by Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, Louisiana. Each boat is named after a marine predator. The Coast Guard placed its original order in 1999 for 50 boats, which were delivered by mid-2002. Several additional orders brought the class to a total of 73 ships, with the last, USCGC Sea Fox, being completed in October 2009. Four additional vessels were built for Foreign Military Sales, with two each going to Malta and Yemen. The Marine Protector class replaced the 82-foot Point class. These older boats had one small and one large berthing area, and they had to stop for five or more minutes to deploy or retrieve their pursuit inflatable boat via a small crane. The last Point class cutter was decommissioned in 2003. Name: Marine Protector class Builders: Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, Louisiana Operators: United States Coast Guard Displacement: 91 lt Length: 87 ft (27 m) Beam: 19 ft 5 in (5.92 m) Draft: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) Propulsion: 2 x MTU diesels Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph)+ Range: 900 nmi (1,700 km) Endurance: 5 days Complement: 10 Sensors and processing systems: 1 x AN/SPS-73 surface search radar Armament: 2 × .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns Missions include combating smuggling, illegal immigration, marine fisheries enforcement and search and rescue support. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks many have a homeland security mission in the form of ports waterways and coastal security (PWCS) patrols. Boarding parties can be launched while the vessel is underway, through the cutter's stern launching ramp. The attached rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) has been upgraded since the initial inception of this class of cutter, in an effort to increase speed and sea state sustainability for boarding parties and rescue and assistance teams. The stern launching system requires just a single crewmember to remain on deck to launch or retrieve the boarding party. The cutter burns approximately 165 gallons of diesel per hour at its max speed of 26 knots. Like all new US Coast Guard vessels the Marine Protector-class are designed to accommodate crews of mixed gender with five separate small berthing spaces accommodating standard crews of ten with maximum berthing for 12. The information contained on this page is unclassified, approved for public dissemination and is released under CC-BY-SA Licensing Agreement. About Warrior Lodge OPSEC Precautions For This Site Picture Credits For This Site Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and discounts for active duty, first responders and veterans… © 2021 Warrior Lodge Media. Not affiliated with the Department of Defense	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line745
__label__cc	0.721258	0.278742	Convening for Action in British Columbia VIDEO: “The sustainability challenge: Do nothing and fall behind; or run hard just to stay where you are,” Bob Sandford said to his Feast & Famine Workshop audience February 7, 2016 - Posted in 2015 Feast and Famine, Convening for Action in the Province of British Columbia, Uncategorised, YouTube Videos Solutions and Tools for Building Water-Resilient Communities In December 2015, the Feast AND Famine Workshop addressed this over-arching question: What should we expect and what can we do to build “water-resilient communities”? The program comprised four modules that were cascading – from high-level visioning to ground-level applications. Adaptation to a changing climate was a unifying theme. In Module A, Kim Stephens and Bob Sandford were a tag-team. First they provided the BC and global contexts, respectively. Then they interacted with the audience in a town-hall style ‘sharing & learning’ session. The energy this approach created set the tone for the workshop day. Bob Sandford is an internationally known author and water champion. In providing a global context, he elaborated on the value of studying and understanding the history of water policy and management in California. He also made the case for early action on ‘restorative development’. What Happened to the Water Balance? Bob Sandford provided this big picture context: “The drought that extended this past winter, spring and summer from Vancouver Island to Manitoba and from Mexico to the Yukon is an indicator that Western North America may be crossing an invisible threshold into a different hydro-meteorological regime.” “After a period of relative hydro-climatic stability, changes in the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere have resulted in the acceleration of the global hydrologic cycle with huge implications. We can expect deeper, more persistent drought punctuated by flooding.” To download a PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentation by Bob Sandford, click on The Storm after the Calm: Hydro-Climatic Change & Its Consequences. His slide-by-slide storyline follows below: Slide 1: Title Slide Thank you very much for the kind introduction. I wish to thank Ted van der Gulik and Kim Stephens for the opportunity to speak at this important and very timely symposium. For those who do not know me, please allow me to explain that the goal of my work with the UN is to build a better bridge between science and public understanding and policy action on water and climate issues in Canada. One of the principal roles of our initiative is to bring national and international example to bear on Canadian water and water-related climate concerns. Slide 2: Follow the Water My principal focus is on water security. As everyone at this gathering knows, water security used to mean having and being able to reliably provide adequate water of the right quality where and when you need it for all purposes especially agriculture but also for purposes related to sustainable natural bio-diversity-based Earth system function. It also used to mean ensuring that your use and management of water in the region in which you live does not in any way negatively affect the water security of regions up or downstream from you now or in the future. Water security still means all of these things; but changing circumstances now mean that there is an additional element of water security that must now be considered. Over the last decade water security has also come to mean being able to achieve these goals not just in the face of growing populations but also in the face of new circumstances created by the acceleration of the global hydrological cycle. What I am describing here is what I call the storm after the calm. After a period of relative hydro-climatic stability during which we created most of our built environment, step-like changes to our hydro-climatic circumstances are demanding that we redefine what development and sustainability mean not just in Canada but globally. This in turn demands that we reassess personal and collective vulnerability, accountability and liability and adapt quickly to change circumstances if we want to sustain our prosperity in the face altered hydro-climatic conditions. What such reassessment reveals is that water security, food security and climate security are inseparable; one is implicit in the other. It could even be said they are the same thing. As everyone in this room knows; water, food and climate security are critical elements of sustainability. Without stable water and climate regimes sustainability will forever remain a moving target. But if you are at this symposium you also know that flood resilience is very much an element of the larger water security ideal. This makes forest management, especially in upland regions a critical factor in any water and climate security formula. These are old ideas made new again in the context of the emerging politics of hydro-meteorological change. In order to see where all this might be taking us it may be helpful to examine how these politics of hydro-meteorological change emerged and have evolved. Slide 3: Flooding in New Orleans While not related directly to climate change the issue of urban flood resilience appeared on our radar just after the UN Water for Life Decade was initiated ten years ago. What happened in New Orleans could simply not be ignored. While the media and most public attention focused on the failure of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the culpability of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the disaster, we looked at the broader implications of the disaster. We examined the implications of a projected increase in the vulnerability of big cities to longer, more frequent, and ever more intense flooding events that were expected over time as a consequence of human-caused changes in the composition of the global atmosphere. What we found was that, while the initial focus was on the huge cost of repairing the damage to the city; the real cost – the deeper cost that went largely uncalculated – was the permanent physical and psychological impact on those who survived Katrina and its aftermath. It has taken a decade to sort out just how serious this damage really was and remains. Slide 4: Five Days at Memorial If you interested in the larger issues related to the sustainability of our society in a changing climate and haven’t already read this book, I urge you to do so. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, sections of New Orleans were uninhabitable for weeks. The hospital medical centre at which Sheri Fink worked was an island in the centre of the flood zone. When the power went out in the city, back-up generators could not keep the air conditioning functioning and still be relied upon to supply light. Helicopters could only take one or two of the 2000 people that needed to be evacuated at a time. The ethical question became who to evacuate first. How do you prioritize who lives and who dies? In the aftermath some doctors and nurses were charged with murder. What this example demonstrates is that the moral jeopardy that arises in the aftermath of extreme weather events is similar to that which arises in war zones where it becomes impossible to adhere to established moral values. That is the larger terrain we are entering with respect to extreme events. Slide 5: The New Normal Katrina was followed by nearly a decade of foreshadowing of the flooding disaster we later experienced in Southern Alberta. There was flooding in southern Alberta in 2005; followed by flooding widely throughout Europe and the Northern Hemisphere almost every year following. Slide 6: Australian Flooding Then in 2010, we began to see mega-floods – events that occurred in Australia and Pakistan so large they had never experienced before. Slide 7: Prairie Flooding 2011 There was a mega-flood on the Canadian prairies in 2011. It was clear to us that there was something going on out there – the hydrologic order was changing – but we didn’t have the evidence to prove it. Then suddenly we had it. Slide 8: National Academies Report In the fall of 2011, John Pomeroy and researchers at the University of Saskatchewan showed evidence that was confirmed by a major report almost simultaneously released by the National Research Council in the United States that proved that the global hydrological cycle is, in fact, accelerating. The report confirmed how serious the loss of hydrologic stability could be in North America and around the world if current trends persist. The findings of the National Academies analysis include consensus on the fact that anthropogenic land cover changes such as deforestation, wetland destruction, urban expansion, dams, irrigation projects and other water diversions have significant impact on the duration and intensity of floods and drought. Slide 9: National Academies Report Quote The report concludes that “continuing to use the assumption of stationarity in designing water management systems is, in fact, no longer practical or even defensible.” In other words, the old math and the old methods no longer work – and continuing to use them will in time be legally indefensible. The significance of the loss of hydrologic stationarity is only slowly beginning to sink in. My experience globally right now is that at present action in support of true sustainability and resilience in the fact of hydro-climatic change is moving along at 5 kilometers an hour while the problem is moving along at 19 kilometers an hour and accelerating. We need to catch up while we still can; and I think that is what this symposium is about. Slide 10: Liveable Cities Ad Because of the increasing number and growing costs of climate-related disasters, more and more people in this country are concerned about resilience. This growing interest coincides with a critical time in the global dialogue concerning the sustainability of human presence on this planet. Slide 11: Earth System Boundaries We face a number of cumulative and compounding human effects that at present make sustainability a moving target. We need to stabilize these effects if we don’t want adaptation and resilience to constantly be beyond reach. The problem, as all of you know, is that our numbers, needs and activities globally are such that we have begun to undermine the planetary conditions upon which we depend for the stability of environment and economy that are the foundation of our prosperity. Nine Earth system boundaries have been identified as critical in that the extent they are not crossed mark the safe zone. Of these nine boundaries, we have already crossed four. Slide 12: A New Geological Era: The Anthropocene? Careful examination of how our hydrology is changing and how little the public understands the significance of these changes suggests that if we want to create resilience we may have to reframe our situation. One way our current situation is being reframed is through the notion that we have entered a new geological era in which human activities rival the processes of nature itself. So what is this new geological epoch and how is it different from the geological periods of the past? This new geological era is being called the Anthropocene. Unlike earlier epochs in the Earth’s history which were brought about by meteorite strikes and other geological events which resulted in mass extinctions, this epoch is marked by our overall impact on the Earth system. Climate disruption is only one of the Earth system boundaries that mark the safe zone we must stay within if we want a prosperous future. By virtue of our numbers and our activities we have altered global carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous cycles. We are causing changes in the chemistry, salinity and temperature of our oceans and the composition of our atmosphere. Changes in the composition of the atmosphere in tandem with land use changes and our growing water demands have also altered the global water cycle. The cumulative measure of the extent to which we have crossed these boundaries is the rate of biodiversity loss. What this means is that we have entered an era in which we can no longer count on self-willed, self-regulated natural landscapes to absorb human impacts on Earth system function. Whether we like it or not we have to assume responsibility for staying within Earth system boundaries. These, however, are not matters people want to talk about. The problem is that the way things are going now we will not be able to afford the costs to our economy of ignoring our changing hydro-meteorological circumstances. This means we have to re-think sustainability. Despite inherent tensions among them the next iteration of global sustainable development goals and targets must create a safe operating space within Earth system and social boundaries. Slide 13: Transforming Our World Agenda In responding to the urgency and the opportunity of finally getting sustainable development right, the United Nations last month announced a new framework for global action. The 2030 Transforming Our World agenda promises to be the most comprehensive and inclusive effort to positively change the world in all of human history. This may well be the most important thing we have ever done for ourselves and for our planet. It is nothing less than a charter for people and the planet for the 21st century. The 2030 Transforming Our World agenda raises the ceiling on sustainability. As such it is as important as pending climate negotiations in Paris in that it deals with damage we are doing to other elements of the Earth system that are exacerbating and being exacerbated by climate change. The 2030 agenda is constructed around five themes: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. This agenda applies equally to the developed world as it does to developing nations. Our hope for achieving sustainable development globally resides in the balance between urgency, capacity and will to succeed as demonstrated by each and every UN Member State in making action possible through common but differentiated responsibility at the level of each nation. It is at the national level that these goals must be met. The degree of our success will depend on governance, by which I mean the way in which authority is organized and executed in a society. Translating the global sustainable development agenda to action at the national level is the greatest challenge we now face in dealing with the degree of hydro-climatic change we are now witnessing on a planetary scale. In other words we won’t achieve the goal of sustainable human existence at any meaningful level of prosperity unless we all take common global goals seriously and implement meaningful and measurable actions at the national level in every country in the world. This means there can be no laggards particularly in the developed world. It also means that the world cannot afford to leave anyone behind. Where does Canada stand in all this? That just changed. Often in social movements timing is everything. The world is about to reach out to steady itself. Now is the time. There is still room to move, but we have to move now what that room still exists. One of the ways to re-energize the conversation about sustainable development and humanity’s need for resilience in the face of rapid change is to talk about something none of us can live without: water. Of the nine Earth system boundaries which we dare not cross, water plays of significant role in seven. There are 17 goals in the 2030 Transforming Our World sustainable development agenda. Goal 6 pertains specifically to water. The world learned from the Millennium Development Goals that we need to better address the multiple roles water plays in establishing, maintaining and improving the human condition. Creating a systems approach to managing water has to be seen as synonymous with sustainability and the sine qua non of resilience. Slide 14: Liveable Cities Then there is the not insignificant matter of cities. Some 92% of the population growth which has brought the last 1.2 billion into the world has occurred in cities. Some 60% of the urban space required to accommodate future populations has yet to be built. Sustainable development goal 11 aims to make the world’s cities and human settlements inclusive, resilient and sustainable. The Transforming Our World vision is that by 2030 sustainable, resilient cities will significantly reduce the number of deaths and the economic and psychological effects caused by disasters including water-related catastrophes. The target is that as early as five years from now we will have substantially increased the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change and to enhance resilience to disasters. Five years – that’s not much time. By 2030 we also want to reduce the adverse per capita impact of cities on surrounding regions. I spend a lot time travelling in rural Canada as many of you do, and I can say with considerable confidence that most city-dwellers would be very surprised with what is going on out there in the name of urban prosperity. The concept of sustainable development has been badly abused in this country. Because it has lacked clear, commonly held definition and timeframes the concept of sustainable development has become like elevator music to which we all march down the road together thinking we are actually doing something that is not being mocked and overshadowed by population and economic growth. It all sounds terrific until someone starts asking divisive questions about where we are actually going. Deteriorating Earth system function makes it very clear that if we don’t take sustainable development seriously we could find ourselves on a planet whose conditions are hostile to human habitability as we know it today. We are now faced with the realization that if we are to achieve any meaningful level of sustainable development all development has to not only be sustainable but restorative. We need to recognize that no city can become truly sustainable and resilient unless the landscapes around it are managed sustainably also. This means we have to master basin-scale integrated water resource management. It also means we have to stop ignoring the growing impacts of industrial agriculture. Slide 15: Stream Channelization It is widely held that agriculture globally is in a state of emergency that cannot be sustained indefinitely. At the risk of disagreeing with one another, we have to talk about these things. This is not an “us versus them” proposition. We can’t let agriculture fail. Nobody disputes that. If agriculture fails, our cities will fail; but we also need clean water and protection from flooding. That fact remains, however, that if we want flood resilience in our cities – or anywhere else – we not only need changes in agricultural practices but changes in agricultural principles. Agriculture must become restorative as well as productive. Slide 16: International Year of Soils What we may need is another agricultural revolution – one in which society agrees to pay farmers not just for crops but for perpetuating critical Earth system functions over the ever-expanding lands now under agriculture globally. We know what direction we should head. Rebuilding soils as a means of enhancing natural processes of water purification is now seen as smart urban planning. That is why 200 cities in 29 countries have foregone building new water treatment plants and instead invested in watershed restoration that prevents pollution downstream while at the same time enhancing flood protection. But soil does something else besides grow forests, supply food and absorb and purify water. It stores carbon. It is now estimated that we have already lost as much as 80 billion tons of carbon from our soils through inappropriate agricultural practices and short-sighted land-use. Current IPCC warming projections based on the effect of increased CO2 in the atmosphere resulting from greenhouse emissions do not as yet take the effects of warming of the world’s soils into full consideration. It appears, however, that these feedbacks could be substantial. There is about four times more carbon sequestered in top 20 centimeters of our planet’s soils as there is now in the atmosphere. A warming of only 2˚C could cause 25% of the soil carbon in top soil to burn off as carbon dioxide. That amount would be equal to the amount of carbon already in the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels. In other words, if we warm the world’s soils by 2˚C, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could double from its present 400 parts per million to 800 parts per million. Keeping and getting carbon in the soil, therefore, may be one of humanity’s most important priorities. We need smart agriculture – which is to say agriculture which seeks to increase productivity while at the same time reducing greenhouse emissions and increasing resilience. What we may need is another green revolution – another agricultural revolution but this time focused on the integration of water, food and climate security. Canada can and should be a leader in that revolution. Slide 17: The Red Queen Effect I am reminded of the “Red Queen Effect” in biology which is used as a metaphor for the evolutionary principle that regardless of how well a species adapts to its current environment, it must keep up with its competitors and enemies who are also evolving. “The Red Queen Effect” is an allusion to Lewis Carrol’s Through the Looking Glass where Alice is confronted with the fact that in Wonderland you have to run at least twice as fast to keep in the same place. The Red Queen Effect very much describes our current sustainability challenge. Do nothing and fall behind; or run hard just to stay where you are. Slide 18: Transforming Our World Image In conclusion I wish to point out that it is not the end of the world. There is no need for us to throw up our hands in hopeless despair. Nor should any of us feel compelled to curl up in a ball on the floor. Declining Earth system function gives the concept of true sustainability new force. I believe that, if only out of sheer necessity, we will adapt and become more resilient as a society. We should never lose sight of the fact that the potential also exists to create a better world. I am honoured and privileged to work with people of your caliber to help create that world. Thank you. Inside Convening for Action Action Plan Program Initiatives Water Sustainability Workshop Series Publications & Downloads Convening for Action in Lower Mainland Convening for Action in the Okanagan Convening for Action on Vancouver Island Convening for Action in the Columbia Basin Convening for Action in Thompson Region Convening for Action in Northern BC Convening for Action in the Central Interior Beyond The Guidebook Series To Learn More, Click Here to Explore 2012 – Forests not just for tree huggers in Vancouver (Globe & Mail) 2012 – Sustaining the flow of water ethics (Vancouver Sun) 2015 – Market gardens won’t solve BC’s food challenges (Vancouver Sun) 2015 – Warm climate spells future drought trouble for Metro Vancouver (Vancouver Province) 2016 – Victoria’s stormwater utility looks to the future (Op-Ed, Victoria Times-Colonist) 2016 – We must protect watershed systems (Op-Ed, Vancouver Sun) 2017 – Indigenous and Western science work together to make waterfirst decisions (Op-Ed, Vancouver Sun) 2017 – More irrigation is key to food security in B.C. (Op-Ed, Vancouver Sun) 2018 – Celebrating a decade of living water smart in B.C., but where to from here? (Vancouver Sun) Provincial Initiatives A Water Conservation Strategy for BC Water Sustainability Action Plan: Downloadable Documents “Design with Nature” philosophy guides Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia (2010 publication) Water Sustainability Action Plan: Published Articles 2004 – Sustainable Community Design: A New Approach to Rainwater Management (Innovation Magazine) 2007 – Water Sustainability: from awareness to action in British Columbia (Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine) 2012 – Connecting Water, Land….and People (BC Hydro Conservation of Community Practice Newsletter) 2012 – Leadership in Water Sustainability: “Vancouver Island Vision” is Mission Possible (Douglas Magazine) 2012 Vancouver Island Economic Summit: Springboard to Inter-Regional Educational Initiative on ‘Sustainable Service Delivery’ (Asset Management BC Newsletter, 2012) 2013 – A Growing Alternative: Green Roofs in Nanaimo (Construction Business Magazine) 2014 – “Vancouver Island 2065: Moving Towards Sustainable Service Delivery” (Asset Management BC Newsletter) 2015 – Asset Management for Sustainable Service Delivery: Supporting the Vision for Integration of Natural Systems Thinking into “The BC Framework” (Watermark Magazine) 2015 – Feast AND Famine: Moving Towards “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management” (Asset Management BC Newsletter) 2015 – Sustainable Watershed Systems (Construction Business Magazine) 2015 – Watershed Health, Resilient Rainwater Management, and Sustainable Service Delivery: How they are Connected (Asset Management BC Newsletter) 2016 – Feast AND Famine, Flood AND Drought: Solutions and tools for building water-resilient communities (Watermark Magazine) 2016 – Getting the Most from Infrastructure Assets: The idea of ecological accounting (Asset Management BC Newsletter) 2016 – OP-ED: On Sharing a Vision for “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management” (Asset Management BC Newsletter) 2016 – Water Balance 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__label__wiki	0.933787	0.933787	Onimusha: Warlords Review – Slightly Faded Feudal Japan Evil By Francesco De Meo Platform PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Publisher Capcom Developer Capcom In the early 2000s, Capcom was among the most successful Japanese publishers, mostly thanks to a game released in the late 90s which changed gaming forever: Resident Evil. After three entries in the series, the Japanese publisher started experimenting with the survival-horror formula introduced in Resident Evil, releasing titles that featured some interesting spins on said formula, which led to the release of Dino Crisis and Onimusha: Warlords. The latter separated itself from the Resident Evil series thanks to a much more action-oriented experience and setting, which was further expanded with the sequels. After a very long wait, Onimusha: Warlords has made its leap from its PlayStation 2 origins, with a more than competent remaster that, sadly, ends up highlighting how the experience hasn't aged well at all, despite its many unique features. Onimusha: Warlords is set in Japan during 1560, shortly after Nobunaga Oda's victory against Imagawa Yoshimoto and his clan. With his enemy defeated, the warlord turned his attention to the Saito clan, the strongest allies of the Yoshimoto clan, but he is killed during the march toward Inabayama castle by a stray arrow. Nobunaga Oda's war, however, is far from over, as he is brought back to life by demons, and he manages, with their help, to conquer the castle and kidnap Princess Yuki to use her in a terrible ritual which will solidify his power but also make the demons stronger than ever. PlayStation 5 Hardware Review – True Next-Generation In Your Hands Before getting kidnapped, Princess Yuki manages to send a letter to her cousin Samanosuke Akechi, a masterless samurai, warning him that strange things are happening in the castle, with servants disappearing overnight. Setting out to save her cousin with the help of the ninja Kaede, Samanosuke finds Inabayama Castle, now held by Nobunaga Oda, overrun with demons. During his journey to save Yuki, Samanosuke will come to learn about Oda's resurrection and what the demons have in store for humanity. Onimusha: Warlords' story combines real-life historical events, like Nobunaga Oda's wars to unify Japan under his rule, and fantasy elements, like the influence the demons have had on real events. The story is told through pre-rendered cutscenes, which have been enhanced for the remaster, as well as with in-game graphics' sequences and documents scattered all over the castle. While the story itself is not particularly original, there's enough mystery to keep things going until the end, which sadly isn't all that satisfactory, as it leaves many threads hanging. Some of these threads are resolved in the sequels, but until remasters are out, the only way to experience the second and third entry in the series is by hunting down the original PlayStation 2 releases. As mentioned at the beginning, Onimusha: Warlords features the survival-horror formula made famous by Resident Evil with a unique action-oriented twist. Gone are the days of limited ammo and avoiding enemies to save resources, as players need to defeat enemies in order to proceed through the game. Red Magic 5S Review – A Gaming Beast Onimusha: Warlords features the same static camera seen in the classic Resident Evil games, as well as similar controls, which definitely feel floaty today. Outside of walking and running, players can also perform a strafing maneuver which makes it easier to avoid enemy attacks and block enemy attacks. Samanosuke is armed with a regular katana as well as three different weapons, obtained all within the first hour of the game, which come with elemental powers that can be unleashed if the magic meter is at certain levels. Magic, Health and experience orbs, which appear after defeating the enemy, are absorbed through the Orc Gauntlet, which Samanosuke obtains right at the beginning of the game. All three weapons and their respective cores can be enhanced by using the souls of defeated enemies. Powering up weapons increases their damage while enhancing cores allows players to unlock doors marked with two or more cores. Since story progression often happens behind these doors, players must defeat enemies to enhance the cores to proceed, making combat way more important than in Resident Evil games. Combat is extremely straightforward, and far from the complexity of modern action-adventure games. Samanosuke can perform a regular, three hit combo with any of his weapons, a kick attack, a stabbing attack if the enemy has been knocked down, and an elemental special attack, with enough magic meter. In a way, the Onimusha: Warlords' combat feels a lot like a primitive Souls game: even though there is no stamina gauge, mashing the attack button will not get you far, as enemies sometimes are not staggered by attacks, and they will retaliate before you have the time to block or strafe. Making the game feel even more like a Souls game is the fact that difficulty is very high at the normal setting, and it usually takes only a few hits to die. The remaster adds an Easy Mode, which is very, very welcome, also in light of the save system, which allows players to save the game only by accessing specific save mirror scattered all over the castle. While combat works well, for the most part, it's hard not to see how dated it feels today. The Resident Evil-like controls and camera make things a bit frustrating, as it's easy to get a camera change in the middle of combat, which completely messes up the directional controls. This is even more frustrating during bosses, making it clear how Capcom was still far from perfectly tweaking the classic Resident Evil formula for a more action-oriented experience. When not engaged in combat, players will also have to solve a variety of puzzles, in true Resident Evil fashion. In Onimusha: Warlords, however, puzzles are more built for speed, as, quite often, they must be solved with a strict time limit. Puzzles are extremely varied, ranging from those involving pressing the right panels on a floor, pulling the correct lever, place pieces on a board in the correct order and so on. At times, players will have to switch between Samanosuke and Kaede to solve some of them. Puzzles are definitely the highlight of Onimusha: Warlords, but also one of the biggest issues of the remaster: many of them, if failed, lead to a game over, forcing players to start from their last save point. As cutscenes cannot be skipped, this can lead to frustration. While some of the features that make feel Onimusha: Warlords dated couldn't have been fixed without essentially remaking the game, Capcom has done its best to make the game feel more modern. Alongside the aforementioned Easy Mode, the game finally supports analog controls, which make things a bit more manageable in combat. Graphics have also been improved considerably, with details on character models finally being clear, and the static backgrounds looking better than they ever did. Performance is also solid on Nintendo Switch, with the game running at steady 60FPS in both docked and handheld mode. The resolution takes a small hit in the handheld mode as expected, but the game still looks quite good on the console's small screen. Music is also acceptable and well suited to the game, but the English voice acting is truly horrendous, made even worse by the writing and bad Japanese to English translation, and total lack of lip-synching. Given the setting, playing the game with Japanese voices (which have actually been enhanced in this remaster) is the only way to go. At the end of the day, Onimusha: Warlords is still a very nice experience, but the remaster only highlights how the game hasn't aged well at all, with many of its features feeling dated. Changing them to make them feel more modern, however, would have changed what Onimusha: Warlords truly is, so Capcom really couldn't do more than they did to let a new generation of players see where many mechanics of modern action-adventure games originated from. Reviewed on Nintendo Switch (code provided by the publisher). Onimusha: Warlords is a game from another era and the remaster, despite its many enhancements, sadly highlights how the experience hasn't aged too well. This doesn't mean that the game isn't good, as many of its ideas, such as combat, leveling system and puzzles, only required a few small tweaks to be truly excellent. The fact that it's a game from 2001 is clear when playing the game, but Onimusha: Warlords can still provide a sweet, albeit short, experience. Great atmosphere and setting Unique twist on the classic Resident Evil formula Serviceable story with a horror twist Varied puzzles The fixed camera and floaty controls make combat more frustrating that it should be High difficulty level Death Stranding PC Review – Uniting the World, One Strand at the Time Francesco De Meo • Jul 13, 2020 The Persistence Interview – Former SCE Studio Liverpool Devs Spread Wings with a Roguelike Space Horror Game Alessio Palumbo • May 20, 2020 The Persistence Review – Supermassive Black Hole Francesco De Meo • May 20, 2020 Intel Core i9-10900K CPU Flagship Review Leaks Out LG HU85LA CineBeam 4K UST Projector Review – The Best In UST 4K Experience? Usman Pirzada • Jan 7, 2020	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line747
__label__cc	0.586768	0.413232	Woody & WilcoxWoody & Wilcox Don’t Worry, People Were Pretty Dumb During the Spanish Flu, Too If you've been discouraged by some of the dumb things your friends are saying about the coronavirus pandemic, you may be comforted in knowing that people were even dumber 100 years ago (or didn't know any better). In 1918 the Spanish Flu killed over 50 million people around the world. The pandemic was actually caused by a severe strain of influenza that was believed to have been passed to humans by a bird. While COVID-19 is a completely different kind of virus, there are many similarities in how the disease has spread and how it can easily return if social distancing is relaxed too early. Over a century ago, even without the help of Facebook, people were still spreading misinformation and bad advice about the virus. Strange "miracle cures" like wearing certain herbs around your neck were believed to stop the spread of the disease. Many people were also resistant to wearing masks, which helped spread the disease even more. And sadly, the public's desire to reopen too early lead to an even deadlier second wave of the virus. Here's a look at some of the dumb mistakes we made 100 years ago. Hopefully, those self-proclaimed experts on your Facebook feed will see this and understand how important it is to leave the science and medicine to, well... scientists and doctors. KEEP READING: Learning From Mistakes During the Spanish Flu Source: Don’t Worry, People Were Pretty Dumb During the Spanish Flu, Too	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line748
__label__cc	0.743584	0.256416	Watch Marilyn Manson’s Cameo on ‘The New Pope’ Marilyn Manson has added a scene with John Malkovich to his acting resume, appearing in an episode of HBO’s The New Pope. In the cameo, Manson mistakes one Pope for another and suggests Malkovich’s character visit his predecessor, who is in a coma. The New Pope is in its first season, premiering as a continuation of The Young Pope, which aired in 2016. Jude Law reprises his role as Pope Pius XIII, while Malkovich plays Pope John Paul III. Seeing Manson meeting with the Pope is extremely satisfying, especially considering the Antichrist Superstar’s decades-long clash with Christianity and organized religion as a whole. The musician brings John Paul III a painting as a gift, confusing him with Pius XIII. “Please forgive me, holy father,” Manson pleads. “You’ve gotta understand, I’ve been in the studio holed up for months and I don’t really keep track of the news, so…” The scene is a quiet one, giving viewers plenty of time to sit and enjoy the imperfect union of characters. Watch Marilyn Manson’s full scene with John Malkovich below. The New Pope airs every Monday at 9PM local time on HBO and can also be streamed on-demand via Hulu. The Evolution of Marilyn Manson (1994-2019) Source: Watch Marilyn Manson’s Cameo on ‘The New Pope’ Filed Under: marilyn manson	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line749
__label__wiki	0.550522	0.550522	Day 803: "Incompetent or corrupt." 4/2/2019 • 5 min read 1/ Trump abandoned his plans to dismantle the Affordable Care Act a week after announcing that his administration agreed with a judge’s ruling that the entire health care law should be eliminated. In a string of morning tweets, Trump promised that the “vote will be taken right after” the 2020 election “when Republicans hold the Senate and win back the House.” Last week, after directing the Justice Department to support a full dismantling of the ACA on constitutional grounds, Trump urged Republicans to come up with a “spectacular” replacement to the ACA. He called the unwritten Republican proposal “truly great HealthCare that will work for America,” while promising to unveil the plan “at the appropriate time.” He offered no details about when that might be. Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, said he had “a good conversation” with Trump and “made it clear to him we were not going to be doing [health care] in the Senate.” (Politico / New York Times / Washington Post / Bloomberg / CNN / NBC News) 📌 Day 796: The Trump administration supports a federal appeals court ruling that the entire Affordable Care Act should be invalidated and thrown out. In a reversal, the Justice Department now says it agrees with the ruling of a federal judge in Texas that declared the ACA unconstitutional on the basis of a 2017 change in federal tax law that eliminated the penalty on uninsured people. Previously, the administration had pushed to remove the protections for people with pre-existing conditions. More than 20 million Americans are covered through the ACA’s Medicaid expansion and its insurance exchanges. Trump, meanwhile,tweetedthat “The Republican Party will become ‘The Party of Healthcare!’” (CNN / NPR / Politico / Washington Post / Vox / Axios / Mother Jones / New York Times) 2/ Trump walked back his threat to close the southwestern border over the increasing number of asylum seekers crossing into the US, saying “we’re going to see what happens over the next few days.” He added that “If we don’t make a deal with Congress, the border’s going to be closed […] 100 percent.” Last week, Trump threatened that he “will be CLOSING….the Border, or large sections of the Border, next week.” While Trump’s top economic advisors have briefed him on the consequences of shutting down the border, he told reporters that “security is more important to me than trade.” McConnell also cautioned that closing the border would be ill-advised and “have potentially catastrophic economic impact on our country, and I would hope we would not be doing that sort of thing.” (Washington Post / Politico / Reuters/ NBC News / CNN / USA Today / ABC News) 3/ Trump blamed Puerto Rico for being “a mess” and called its politicians “incompetent or corrupt” after the Senate blocked billions of dollars in disaster aid for states and territories devastated by natural disasters in recent months. Senators took test votes on two competing measures: Republicans rejected a recovery bill passed by the House, citing Trump’s opposition to the bill’s Puerto Rico funding. Democrats, meanwhile, rejected the GOP legislation, arguing that the proposed $600 million in nutritional assistance for Puerto Rico was not enough. Trump has been pressuring Democrats to support a disaster relief measure that does not include the money they want for Puerto Rico. (New York Times / ABC News) A White House spokesman twice referred to Puerto Rico as “that country” while defending Trump’s attacks on the leaders of the U.S. territory. Hogan Gidley later clarified his statement, saying that calling Puerto Rico a country was a “slip of the tongue.” (Politico / Washington Post) poll/ 48% of American describe Trump as “aggressive” and 38% describe him as “mean.” Trump scored high for being “insincere,” “confident” and “creepy.” On the attributes of being “sexy,” “impartial,” “handsome” and “physically fit,” Trump scored between 0 and 4%. (New York Times) Notables. The House Oversight and Reform Committee voted to subpoena the former White House personnel security director accused of overturning security clearances after a whistleblower complained that the Trump administration ignored national security concerns to approve clearances for 25 individuals whose applications were initially denied. Carl Kline will now be forced testify before the panel about his role in approving security clearances. (Washington Post / Politico) The House Oversight Committee also voted to subpoena Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for records related to the Commerce Department’s decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. Ross testified before the committee in March, denying the citizenship question was intended to influence the allocation of congressional seats across the country. (Axios / Politico) A Chinese woman was charged with making false statements to the Secret Service after entering Mar-a-Lago with a thumb drive that contained “malicious software.” Yujing Zhang was on the property on while Trump was playing golf at the Trump International course. Zhang told a receptionist she was there to attend an event (which did not exist), presenting documentation written in Chinese she claimed was her invitation to the event. After Secret Service agents were notified, Zhang claimed she was there to “go to the pool.” Zhang was carrying two Republic of China passports, four cellphones, a laptop, a hard drive, and a thumb drive with malware on it. (CNBC / Washington Post / WPTV) The Department of Homeland Security quietly disbanded its domestic terrorism unit last year, saying that the threat of “homegrown violent extremism and domestic terrorism,” including the threat from white supremacists, has been “significantly reduced.” The branch of analysts in DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis were reassigned to new positions. (Daily Beast) Trump claimed for the third time that his father was born in Germany. Fred Trump was born in New York City, in the United States of America. Not Germany. (The Guardian / Washington Post) « Day 802 Day 804 »	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line754
__label__cc	0.746708	0.253292	Bowmore 1964 Black Bowmore Final Edition Winning Bid: £9,000 Oloroso Sherry Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements. The unique microclimate of the No.1 Vaults warehouse at Bowmore distillery means casks share very little with the angels, and has allowed the distillery to bottle some spectacular age-statements over the years. These early Morrison Bowmore era vintages are considered classics, particualrly this parcel of 1964 vintage sherry casks. Indeed, it is hard to fathom where whisky collecting would be today without the Black Bowmore. This is the final release of three, bottled in 1995. The Black Bowmore not just a whisky but a true artefact from the history of the spirit, representing a turning point for single malts. Appearing at a zenith in the popularity of sherry-casked whisky, which was for the first time creating a fashionable buzz around single malt whiskies, seeing it replace cognac as the after dinner drink of choice at banqueting tables, and customers now willing to pay the heady sum of £120 for a bottle. We may look back and scoff at this now but this was a princely fee back in the early 90's when the Black Bowmore was first stocked by Oddbins in the UK. This is bottle number 451 of 1812. Bruichladdich Waves 1st Edition Lot: 001249 Winning Bid: £46 Port Charlotte PC5 Bruichladdich 16 Year Old Cuvee B Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2nd Edition Lot: 001264 Item has not met reserve	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line756
__label__wiki	0.609739	0.609739	« Dead Man Walking (Blu-ray Review) Savage County (DVD Review) » Rocky (Blu-ray Review) May 28th, 2011 by Sean Ferguson Nominated for ten Academy Awards, this 1976 Best Picture Winner started a franchise that inspired the world. A struggling Philadelphia club fighter (Sylvester Stallone) gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight for love, glory and self-respect. Featuring a legendary musical score by Bill Conti and thrilling fight sequences, this rousing crowd-pleaser proved to be as much an underdog at the Oscars as Rocky himself! Rocky won Best Picture over the likes of All The President’s Men, Bound for Glory, Network, and Taxi Driver! Audiences couldn’t get enough of the character which allowed the story to continue in Rocky II, III, IV, V, and to be wrapped up beautifully in Rocky Balboa. “I took my story and injected it into the body of Rocky Balboa because no one, I felt, would be interested in listening to or watching or reading a story about a down-and-out, struggling actor/writer. It just didn’t conjure up waves of empathy, even from me and I was sure it wouldn’t do it from an audience either.” – Sylvester Stallone When Sylvester Stallone created the character of Rocky Balboa it came from his own past and experiences and he shared the character’s dreams and aspirations which gave the movie a verisimilitude and heart that everyone around the world could relate to. Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) doesn’t have huge dreams, he just wants to “go the distance,” and earn some respect since at the beginning of the movie he doesn’t get that much nor does he have a lot of respect for himself. Rocky is unambitious fighter and part time enforces for a local loan shark and has disappointed his trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith) so much that Rocky’s locker is cleaned out and given to another fighter to use. With no clear direction in life and conflicted about his boxing career, the only thing Rocky is sure of his is attraction to a n extremely shy girl named Adrian (Talia Shire) who works in a local pet shop. Adrian is so shy that she can’t even look directly at Rocky and their slow flirtation allows the audience to see Rocky’s tender side as we see how patient and playful he can be. There’s much more to this down and out fighter than appears on the surface which brilliantly helps the audience to empathize with the character. It’s Rocky’s endearing qualities and resolve that make his character transcend the usual sports genre and what set the Rocky movies apart from others boxing movies like Raging Bull. Adrian’s brother Paulie (Burt Young) also happens to be Rocky’s best friend and their relationship is filled with a strange mixture of emotions that feels true. Paulie has a drinking problem which can cause arguments between the two friends as Paulie’s feelings of jealousy come out into the open. Paulie has no one in his life except for Rocky and his sister and becomes jealous when it appears that that their relationship gets serious and also later when Rocky becomes well known. In his own way though, Paulie is very loyal to Rocky and despite his efforts to make money off of Rocky’s name, he also does what he can to help Rocky out. When the reigning undefeated heavy-weight champion of the world Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) finds out that his title bout isn’t going to happen because his opponent got injured, he decides to give an unknown a shot at the title and picks Rocky because he likes how his nickname “The Italian Stallion” sounds. When presented with this once in a lifetime opportunity, Rocky isn’t sure if he should do it since he doesn’t think he has a chance of winning. His self-doubt and low self-esteem which have held him back for years almost overwhelm him but the love and belief in him from Adrian and Mickey’s decision to train him again provide Rocky everything he had been missing up until that point. Rocky begins to train in earnest while his opponent Apollo (who is so confident of the outcome he doesn’t even train) spends his time worrying about the spectacle of the fight. Watching Rocky push himself harder and harder to build up his speed, reflexes, and strength we become even more invested in his success as we can see everything he is going through. That training includes punching carcasses of meat in a freezer (which actually flattened Stallone’s knuckles for life), or trying to get up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art after a long run and seeing his progress makes us cheer when he actually makes it all the way up the steps as his journey is now ours. When the climactic fight between Rocky and Apollo finally happens, Rocky’s sole goal is to “go the distance” and last the entire fifteen rounds with the heavy-weight champ. As the fight begins, it’s obvious that Apollo doesn’t really think this will be a serious fight until Rocky knocks him down in the first round and leaves Creed stunned and embarrassed. Now entirely serious and angry, Apollo comes after Rocky with all he’s got and the fighting between them becomes intense and brutal. Both fighters suffer serious injuries and Rocky is knocked down and told to stay down by Mickey but Rocky’s determination won’t let him do that. Shocking everyone, Rocky gets up and the fight goes the entire fifteen rounds leaving both fighters exhausted and battered. For Rocky, it was never about winning or losing but just about showing that he could do it and his efforts and credo has inspired anyone who has wanted to prove their own worth. As Rocky says, “I was nobody. But that don’t matter either, you know? ‘Cause I was thinkin’, it really don’t matter if I lose this fight. It really don’t matter if this guy opens my head, either. ‘Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody’s ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I’m still standin’, I’m gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren’t just another bum from the neighborhood.” I unabashedly love this series and no other movies have ever made me want to exercise more than the Rocky movies. Sylvester Stallone created a character than transcends race, politics, or nationality as Rocky embodies the human spirit of never backing down and striving to be the best you can be. If you get knocked down, you get back up and try again and never let others define you. This movie was a perfect fusion of actors, director, and composer. Every actor in this is perfect for their role and they all bring the characters to life in a very believable way that rings of truth. None of them are perfect and they aren’t afraid to show that. While the studio wanted either Robert Redford, Burt Reynolds, Ryan O’Neal, or James Caan for the role of Rocky, Stallone wisely refused to sell the script unless he was allowed to play the role himself. I can’t imagine anyone else playing the role better than he did so I’m glad he stuck to his principles. John G. Avildsen did an incredible job keeping the movie grounded and true to life as well as filming the incredible boxing matches (especially since he had never even watched a single fight before this). There are some movie scores that are so perfect that they part of the movie’s soul and success like Star Wars and Bill Conti’s score for the Rocky movies is one of them. The music plays such an integral part of the movie’s emotional pull that I’m willing to bet you can still find it on just about every guy’s iPod in the gym today. This is the film that started it all and the reason a ton of clones followed that tried to replicate the story and its success. This 1080p (1.85:1) transfer is identical to the previous Blu-ray release (in fact it’s the same disc) and it’s a step up from DVD quality but for a movie of this cultural and cinematic importance, I would have thought that a full restoration would be warranted. There’s a lot of heavy grain throughout the picture and flesh tones tend to be on the reddish side off and on. There’s also a lot of soft looking shots and the black levels aren’t as dark as I would have liked but in a strange way, all of these problems seem to fit the movie and give it a cinéma vérité feel which complements the rough and truthful approach the movie takes in every other area. That’s not to say that I wouldn’t want to see a new 8K transfer done from Lowry Digital, but the kind of issues that this movie has don’t have the same impact on the viewing experience as they would for other movies. Rocky’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is decent but it also should be better than this. The original mono track is also included for the purists but the 5.1 track is fuller and sounds a lot better. This is still a front heavy mix with the rear speakers only being lightly used during the fight scenes and even then not as well as they should have been. Dialogue is mostly clear although there are a few instances of it being muddled and there’s a little bit of imperfections here and there too. Bill Conti’s memorable score is well presented and it seems to get the best treatment by this sound design but it too should have been spread out across all of the channels. I’m hoping that the following movies sound a lot better than this. Other than the trailer and the hardcover book that is part of the packaging to hold the disc, there aren’t any extras which is completely mystifying to me since the DVD release had a lot of good extras on it. The book has some nice pictures, background info, and some career highlights of the cast but I would have rather had some serious behind the scenes extras and commentaries. For a movie that was good enough to win both a Best Picture and a Best Director Academy Award, you’d think that MGM would release a lavish, overloaded with extras release complete with a brand new restoration, but that’s not what happened. This is now the second time Rocky has been released on the Blu-ray format (third if you count the box set) and they didn’t even bother to change anything which is very disappointing for fans of the movie. This is better than the DVD in every way except for the extras, but it should be a lot better than this. I hate seeing the final score be dropped down to a three due to the the quality of the disc, since Rocky is one of the most influential movies every made. The movie is an inspiration for many people across the world and I hope that someday it gets a release that is comparable to the movie’s importance. I highly recommend this movie to everyone. Yo Adrian! Order your copy today! This is the training montages from all of the Rocky movies but I couldn’t resist adding it: Sean Ferguson Tags: Burt Young, Carl Weathers, John G. Avildsen, Rocky, Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire. 8 Responses to “Rocky (Blu-ray Review)” I wish I could make my font bigger… THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST MOVIES EEEEEVVVVVEEEERRRR MADE! Comment on May 28th, 2011 at 11:52 pm Gregg Senko Absolutely. Pretty much every movie in the franchise is great (with the exception of part 5). Comment on May 29th, 2011 at 8:37 am Matt Goodman “Stay in school and use your brain. Be a doctor, be a lawyer, carry a leather briefcase. Forget about sports as a profession. Sports make ya grunt and smell. See, be a thinker, not a stinker.” These films are what helped me succeed in my physical training last year for the Eff Bee Eye. The Rocky franchise means so much more to me than sheer words can ever express. Glad to see it get a top score here! Comment on May 29th, 2011 at 2:23 pm The movie is absolutely fantastic and has long been a favorite of mine, it’s just too bad the transfer isn’t equal to the movie itself. Someday, they will release a top notch restoration and I will be ready. I’m going to beat you to it Sean! You know…I just realized…this is the 4th Blu-ray release of this film. Wow! Yeah this is quadruple dipping with no extras added! This entry is filed under Blu-ray Reviews, Sean Ferguson . You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0 . Both comments and pings are currently closed.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line757
__label__wiki	0.887609	0.887609	Report: Teens risk injury walking to school when distracted by devices By Ryan Jaslow August 27, 2013 / 2:05 PM / CBS News Gone are the days of just reminding kids to look both ways before crossing the street. Thanks to modern technology, the non-profit Safe Kids Worldwide says they now also need to be reminded to look up -- that is, away from the screens of electronic devices. It's a reminder that could save their lives this back-to-school season, according to the child safety advocacy group. "People think that they're safe in a cross walk," Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide, told CBSNews.com. "They think it's not going to happen to me. And in fact, we're seeing more pedestrian injuries and fatalities." Pedestrian injury rates have increased by 25 percent over the past five years among teens ages 16 to 19, according to Safe Kids, with that age group now representing about half of all pedestrian deaths for children and adolescents. A May report from the government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found about 69,000 pedestrians are hurt each year, 11,000 of whom are younger than 14 years old. About 4,400 of the injuries were fatal, according to 2011 agency statistics. Safe Kids wanted to measure the risk for this age group in areas where kids walk the most: to and from schools. Researchers camped out in intersections at 68 schools in 17 states, where they observed more than 34,000 kids crossing the street. They found about one in five high schoolers were distracted by an electronic device when crossing. So too were about one in eight middle school students. "That's a cross-walk observation, a space where (teens are) least-likely to be distracted," said Carr. "But so many are texting, have headphones on, and talking on the cell." The report revealed that distracted teens were most often texting on their phones or wearing headphones, with about 39 percent of those observed doing each. About 20 percent were speaking on their phones, while 2 percent were playing video games. Girls were about 1.2 times more likely to cross the street distracted than boys, and distracted behaviors for all students were about 25 percent more likely if a traffic light was present. Researchers also surveyed about 2,400 of the kids on their pedestrian habits, and found half used a cell phone when walking to school, 40 percent listened to music while walking, and about 6 percent were using gaming devices. Despite teens being most at risk for pedestrian crashes, nearly 80 percent of those surveyed said kids in a different age group were at greater risk. That's why Safe Kids wants teens to take part in a "Moment of Silence" when crossing the street. The organization's campaign was launched in memory of Christina Morris-Ward, a 15-year-old Md. teen who was wearing headphones and carrying her phone while crossing the street two blocks from her high school last year on the morning of Halloween. The campaign tells teens to simply unplug their headphones or put their devices down when crossing the street. The same goes for adults, who may take a stroll for lunch while keeping their eyes glued to their work emails. Carr pointed out that parents who put their devices down while walking may spread that positive message to their kids. "Technology is great, but technology doesn't always fit into the activity," said Carr. "Let's just be mindful of where it belongs." Earlier reports have suggested distracted walking due to electronic devices is a growing U.S. problem. Distracted walking a growing phone-related danger Last Dec., Seattle researchers observed 20 busy intersections, and found distracted behaviors in about 30 percent of pedestrians. More than half of those observed were between 25 to 44 years old, and most observations took place during morning rush hour. Fort Lee, N.J. banned "dangerous walking" -- which can include texting while walking -- last year after 23 pedestrians were injured during a four-month stretch in 2012, including three fatalities. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced a $2 million grant program for 22 cities where pedestrian fatality rates are higher than the national average. Money would go towards education and enforcement of laws that discourage distracted walking. Texting and driving: New Herzog film shows co... 03:53 "Everyone in America is a pedestrian," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said this month. "Every pedestrian death is one too many." With so much recent attention being placed onteens texting while driving, Safe Kids doesn't want parents and students to forget they should be just as alert while walking. Warned Carr, "Those few seconds are worth much more in terms of your life than the message you're in the midst of." First published on August 27, 2013 / 2:05 PM Ryan Jaslow Ryan Jaslow is CBSNews.com's health editor. Many health care workers refuse to get COVID-19 vaccines New COVID strain in Los Angeles could be driving virus surge Post-COVID lungs worse than the worst smokers' lungs, surgeon says Biden to propose bill to offer legal status to millions of immigrants Farm workers and undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. children would be placed on an expedited pathway to U.S. citizenship. President-elect Joe Biden arrived in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday ahead of his inauguration. Former chief strategist Steve Bannon and rapper Lil Wayne were among those pardoned by Trump on his way out the White House door. The amended criminal complaint cites a video in which Williams allegedly instructs a man to put on gloves before he touched Pelosi's laptop. The $970 million grand prize would be Mega Millions' second-largest, only trailing a $1.54 billion bonanza in 2018.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line758
__label__cc	0.589401	0.410599	(Redirected from Row %) Related Online Training modules Question Types and Statistics Crosstabs Generally it is best to access online training from within Q by selecting Help > Online Training Q has an expert system which automatically selects the most appropriate statistics to show on a table. Most commonly, these are percentages and averages. Alternative statistics can be shown within each cell, to the right of the table or below the table. These statistics can be selected by right-clicking on the table and selecting from within Statistics – Cells and, on some tables, also from Statistics – Right and Statistics – Below. Which statistics are available depends upon the type of questions selected. Hold down the Ctrl key while clicking to prevent the menu from closing, in order to toggle more than one statistic. Statistics can be renamed either for the entire project or for specific tables within a project (see Output Text). 2 % Column Responses 3 % Column Share 4 % Excluding NaN 5 % Responses 6 % Row Responses 7 % Row Share 8 % Share 9 % Total Responses 10 % Total Share 11 5th Percentile 12 25th Percentile 15 Average 16 Base n 17 Base Population 18 Coefficient 19 Column % 20 Column Comparisons 20.1 See also 21 Column n 22 Column Names 23 Column Population 24 Columns Compared 25 Column Standard Error 26 Column Standard Error of Mean 27 Corrected p 28 Correlation 29 Cumulative % 30 d.f. 31 Effective n 32 Effective Base n 33 Expected Average 34 Expected % 35 Expected Correlation 36 Expected n 38 Interquartile Range 39 Labels 40 Lower Confidence Interval 41 Lower Confidence Interval % 42 Maximum 43 Median 44 Minimum 45 Missing n 46 Mode 47 Multiple Comparison Adjustment 49 n Observations 50 Not duplicate 51 Observation 53 Population 54 Probability % 55 Range 56 Residual 57 Residual % 58 Row % 59 Row Population 60 Row n 61 Standard Deviation 62 Standard Error 63 Sum 65 Text With No Blanks 66 Total % 67 Trimmed Average 68 t-Statistic 69 Unique Text 70 Upper Confidence Interval 71 Upper Confidence Interval % 72 Values 73 z-Statistic The weighted proportion of respondents to give a particular response. This is computed as Population/Base Population. Note that in some other programs a different computation is used, whereby the percentage is only computed for respondents that have provided data; thus in Q it is possible to have a NET which is less than 100% (which indicates some people have not selected anything) while in the other programs the NET, which is often labeled as Total, always shows 100%). % Column Responses The proportion of the total number of responses (weighted) in the column represented by the cell. Refer to % Responses for more information. Where the data contains missing values and/or hidden categories the percentages may not add up to 100%, and the value of the statistic will not correspond to the value obtained by summing the values of n in each column. % Column Share The proportion of the total Sum for the column of the table represented by the cell. Where the data contains missing values and/or hidden categories the percentages may not add up to 100%. % Excluding NaN Same as % except that categories with a NaN Value have been excluded from the denominator when computing the percentage. % Responses The proportion of the total number of responses (weighted) represented by the cell. Only applies to Pick Any and Pick Any - Compact questions. This is computed as the percentage shown in the cell divided by the sum of the percentages in the table. Note that where a category in a table has been created by merging other categories, these are de-duplicated prior to performing the calculation. Where the data contains missing values and/or hidden categories the percentages may not add up to 100%, and the value of the statistic will not correspond to the value obtained by summing the values of n in the table. % Row Responses The proportion of the total number of responses (weighted) in the row represented by the cell. Refer to % Responses for more information. Where the data contains missing values and/or hidden categories the percentages may not add up to 100%, and the value of the statistic will not correspond to the value obtained by summing the values of n in each row. % Row Share The proportion of the total Sum for the row of the table represented by the cell. Where the data contains missing values and/or hidden categories the percentages may not add up to 100%. % Share The proportion of the total Sum for the table represented by the Sum cell in a margin of the table (obtained via Statistics – Right or Statistics – Below). If you delete some categories in a table, but leave these categories in the NET, the share shown in the NET may exceed 100%. Where the data contains missing values and/or hidden categories the percentages may not add up to 100%. % Total Responses The proportion of the total number of responses (weighted) represented by the cell. Refer to % Responses for more information. Where the data contains missing values and/or hidden categories the percentages may not add up to 100%, and the value of the statistic will not correspond to the value obtained by summing the values of n in the table. % Total Share The proportion of the total Sum for the table represented by the cell. Where the data contains missing values and/or hidden categories the percentages may not add up to 100%. 5th Percentile The value which 5% of non-missing observations are equal to or below. This is referred to as Q ^ 1 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{1}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). In the edge-case where exactly 5% of values are less than a specific value ( x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} ), the 5th percentile is computed as 0.95 × x i + 0.05 × x i + 1 {\displaystyle 0.95\times x_{i}+0.05\times x_{i+1}} , where x i + 1 {\displaystyle x_{i+1}} is the next highest value; this method is sometimes known as the HAVERAGE method and is referred to as Q ^ 6 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{6}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). The value which 25% of non-missing observations are equal to or below. This is referred to as Q ^ 1 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{1}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). In the edge-case where exactly 25% of values are less than a specific value ( x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} ), the 25th percentile is computed as 0.75 × x i + 0.25 × x i + 1 {\displaystyle 0.75\times x_{i}+0.25\times x_{i+1}} where x i + 1 {\displaystyle x_{i+1}} is the next highest value; this is sometimes known as the HAVERAGE method and is referred to as Q ^ 6 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{6}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). The value which 75% of non-missing observations are equal to or below. This is referred to as Q ^ 1 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{1}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). In the edge-case where exactly 75% of values are less than a specific value ( x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} ), the 75th percentile is computed as 0.25 × x i + 0.75 × x i + 1 {\displaystyle 0.25\times x_{i}+0.75\times x_{i+1}} , where x i + 1 {\displaystyle x_{i+1}} is the next highest value; this method is sometimes known as the HAVERAGE method and is referred to as Q ^ 6 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{6}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). The value which 95% of non-missing observations are equal to or below. This is referred to as Q ^ 1 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{1}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). In the edge-case where exactly 95% of values are less than a specific value ( x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} ), the 5th percentile is computed as 0.05 × x i + 0.95 × x i + 1 {\displaystyle 0.05\times x_{i}+0.95\times x_{i+1}} , where x i + 1 {\displaystyle x_{i+1}} is the next highest value; this method is sometimes known as the HAVERAGE method and is referred to as Q ^ 6 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{6}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). The weighted mean, which is defined as Sum / Population. Base n The total unweighted sample size that is used to construct the cell in the table. Base Population The estimated number of people in the total population from which the data is derived. It is the weighted total sample size (i.e., Base n). Unless different sample sizes apply to different cells in the table, such as with a split cell experimental design (randomized experiment), the Base Population will be the same for all cells in the table. Where a Date question is used, Base Population only relates to the individual time period. The coefficient in an Experiment or Ranking question. Column % The weighted proportion of respondents in a column to give a particular response. Note that in some other programs, a different computation is used, whereby the percentage is only computed for respondents that have provided data; thus in Q it is possible to have a NET which is less than 100% (which indicates some people have not selected anything) while in the other programs the NET, which is often labeled as Total, always shows 100%). Column Comparisons Statistical tests comparing columns (within rows). When used in Statistics - Below this will return the results of the tests conducted on the Statistics - Below > Average statistic. Interpreting Column Comparisons Column Comparisons with Missing Data and Grid Questions How to Specify Columns to be Compared Statistical Assumptions for selecting which statistical tests are used to set column comparisons. Column n The number of observations containing data in the column. For example, if the column represents males, then the Column n is the number of males in the sample that do not have missing data on the row variables. Keep in mind, Column n is not affected by weights, except if the weight for a particular sub-group is zero -- essentially removing them from the analysis. Also note, this definition means that if you change a Pick Any question to a Number - Multi question, this will cause the Column n to change (and become equivalent to the Base n). Column Names The names of columns used in Column Comparisons. See Statistical Assumptions for more information. Column Population The weighted sample size of the column. Columns Compared The names of the columns that were compared against in Column Comparisons. Column Standard Error The standard error of the Column % (expressed as a proportion). Column Standard Error of Mean The standard error of a mean. Corrected p A corrected p-value taking into account if the Cell comparisons setting of Multiple comparison correction is set to False Discovery Rate. If not, Corrected p = p. A value of 0 indicates no statistical association. A positive number indicates a positive association – as one goes up the other, on average, also goes up, and vice versa for negative values. The further a correlation from 0, the stronger the relationship. Correlations range from -1 to 1. The correlation is available when a Number or Number - Multi question is selected in each of the blue and brown drop-down menus. The specific type of correlation is specified in the Correlations setting in Statistical Assumptions. Cumulative % The cumulative percentage, starting with the top of the table. Degrees of freedom. Only computed when using parametric statistical tests that compute a t-statistic. Effective n Equivalent to n, except adjusted to reflect the effective sample size. See Effective sample size. Effective Base n Equivalent to Base n, except adjusted to reflect the effective sample size. See Effective sample size. Expected Average The expected value of the statistic under the assumption of independence. The statistic that Expected refers to is sometimes a percentage, sometimes an expected average and sometimes an expected value of Population. This depends on the table. See Effective sample size. Expected % The expected value of the statistic under the assumption of independence. The statistic that Expected refers to is sometimes a percentage, sometimes an expected average and sometimes an expected value of Population. This depends on the table. See also Summaries of Grid Questions (Number - Grid and Pick Any - Grid). Expected Correlation The expected value of the statistic under the assumption of independence. The statistic that Expected refers to is sometimes a percentage, sometimes an expected average and sometimes an expected value of Population. This depends on the table. Expected n The ratio of the row percentage (or column percentage) to the total for the column (or row) multiplied by 100. For example, if Pepsi has an Index of 150 for Males, this would mean that males are 50% more likely to purchase Pepsi than the average for the population. The difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles. The labels assigned to specific values of categorical variables. For example, “Gender” may be associated with the value “1”. Only available when RAW DATA is selected in the brown drop-down. Lower Confidence Interval The lower-bound of the Confidence Interval. Lower Confidence Interval % The highest value of a respondent. The value which 50% of non-missing observations are equal to or below. For example, if 51% of respondents have a value of 0 and 49% have a value of 1 then the median will be reported as 0. This definition is different to that employed in some other statistics and market research programs. This is referred to as Q ^ 1 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{1}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). In the edge-case where exactly 50% of values are less than a specific value ( x 1 {\displaystyle x_{1}} ), the 50th percentile is computed as 0.5 × x i + 0.5 × x i + 1 {\displaystyle 0.5\times x_{i}+0.5\times x_{i+1}} , where x i + 1 {\displaystyle x_{i+1}} is the next highest value; this method is sometimes known as the HAVERAGE method and is referred to as referred to as Q ^ 6 ( p ) {\displaystyle {\hat {Q}}_{6}(p)} in Hyndman and Fan (1996). The lowest value of a respondent. Missing n The number of observations with missing data. The most commonly occurring non-missing value. Where there is a tie, the lowest value is selected. Multiple Comparison Adjustment Corrected p / p. The number of people in the data file in the cell in the table. This is commonly referred to as a count. When the table involves numeric data, n is the sample size used to compute the average or correlation. n Observations The number of observations in repeated measures data; used to compute the statistics in the cell. Used in Experiment and Ranking questions. Not duplicate A 1 indicates that the cell is not “overlapping” with another cell and a 0 indicates that it overlaps. For example, if a table contains “18 to 24”, “25 to 24” and “18 to 34” then the “18 to 34” cells will have a value of 0. This is used in the computation of multiple comparison adjustments (i.e., if a cell overlaps other cells, it is not used when computing cutoff values). Observation was introduced in Q 4.6 The observation number (in terms of the rows in the data file) that gave the response in the cell. The p-value for the cell; it does not take into account any Multiple Comparison Corrections that have been specified. Refer to p-Values for a definition. The estimated number of people in the population (as determined from the weight) in the cell in the table. When the table is showing categorical data (i.e., Pick One - Multi, Pick Any, Pick One and Pick Any - Grid), the Population is a weighted count (i.e., the weighted n). When the table involves numeric data, Population is the estimate of the number of people in the population to which the average or correlation applies. Probability % Ranking questions display a Probability % which is an estimate of the proportion of the population that would choose an option first (i.e., with the highest ranking). This statistic is not computed by counting up the proportion to give an option the highest rank; rather, it is derived from Coefficient (via a logit transformation) and takes into account all the ranking information across the sample. In general, Probability % has a lower sampling error than will be computed if counting up the proportion to choose a particular option once and can thus be a more reliable statistic for assessing preferences. See MaxDiff Case Study for an example discussing interpretation of this statistic. See: See Allison, P. D. and N. A. Christakis (1994). "Logit Models for Sets of Ranked Items." Sociological Methodology 24: 199-228. Maximum - Minimum. The difference between the observed and expected value. Residual % The difference between the observed and expected %. Row % The weighted proportion of respondents in a row to give a particular response. Note that in some other programs, a different computation is used, whereby the percentage is only computed for respondents that have provided data; thus in Q it is possible to have a NET which is less than 100% (which indicates some people have not selected anything) while in the other programs the NET, which is often labeled as Total, always shows 100%). Row Population The weighted sample size of the row. Row n The number of observations containing data in the row. Respondents that have either not selected any of the options in the columns of the brown drop-down question, or, have missing data in one or more of the cells of the row, are not counted. A measure of central tendency. The population standard deviation is obtained by having Bessel's correction off for Means in Statistical Assumptions, and the sample standard deviation is obtained by having it on (this is the default). See also Results Are Different to those from Another Program#Standard deviation. Where the sample size is 1, a NaN is returned. See also Standard deviations with weighted data The estimated standard deviation of the sampling distribution of the primary statistic on the table. Where the data is numeric, this is computed for the Average, where it is an Experiment it is computed for the Coefficient, where a Ranking it is for the Probability %/100, and where it is a proportion, it is computed for whichever exists of %/100 or Total %/100, except for with Pick One - Multi questions in which case the proportion is whichever is applicable of a Row % and Column %. Note that percentages in Q are multiple by 100 (i.e., they do not appear as proportions), whereas the standard errors are of the proportions (i.e., they need to be multiplied by 100 if comparing with the percentages). Where the data is not weighted, or, Weights and significance is computed using Kish's correction or Set to a specified value, the standard error of the proportion p {\displaystyle p} is computed as: σ p = p ( 1 − p ) ∑ i = 1 n w i − b {\displaystyle \sigma _{p}={\sqrt {\frac {p(1-p)}{\sum _{i=1}^{n}w_{i}-b}}}} where b = 1 {\displaystyle b=1} if Bessel's correction is selected and 0 otherwise and where w i = 1 {\displaystyle w_{i}=1} where no weight has been applied and w i {\displaystyle w_{i}} is the calibrated weight if Weights and significance is set to Kish correction or Set to a specified value (see Weights, Effective Sample Size and Design Effects). Where the Weights and significance has been set to Automatic or Taylor series linearization, then Taylor series linearization is used to compute the standard error, and the Bessel correction is always assumed to be 1 (which will give a different result to those used in most statistical texts, which instead have no Bessel correction). Where the data is not weighted, or, Weights and significance is computed using Kish correction or Set to a specified value, the standard error of the mean is computed as: σ x ¯ = 1 ( ∑ i = 1 n w i ) ( ∑ i = 1 n w i − b ) ∑ i = 1 n w i ( x i − 1 ∑ i = 1 n w i ∑ i = 1 n w i x i ) 2 {\displaystyle \sigma _{\bar {x}}={\sqrt {{\frac {1}{(\sum _{i=1}^{n}w_{i})(\sum _{i=1}^{n}w_{i}-b)}}\sum _{i=1}^{n}w_{i}(x_{i}-{\frac {1}{\sum _{i=1}^{n}w_{i}}}\sum _{i=1}^{n}w_{i}x_{i}}})^{2}} where b = 1 {\displaystyle b=1} if Bessel’s correction is selected and 0 otherwise and w i = 1 {\displaystyle w_{i}=1} were no weight has been applied, w i {\displaystyle w_{i}} is the calibrated weight if Design effect for weight is set to Kish correction or Set to a specified value (see Weights, Effective Sample Size and Design Effects). Where the Design effect for weight has been set to Automatic or Taylor series linearization, then Taylor series linearization is used to compute the standard error. Refer to Train, Kenneth E. (2009), Discrete Choice Methods with Simulation, Second Edition: Cambridge for a details regarding computation of standard errors in experiments and to Logit Models for Sets of Ranked Items Paul D. Allison; Nicholas A. Christakis, Sociological Methodology, Vol. 24. (1994), pp. 199-228, for technical details regarding parameters of Ranking questions. The weighted sum of all the responses, defined as Average multiplied by Population. The raw data from text variables (e.g., verbatim responses from open-ended questions). Text With No Blanks The raw data from text variables (e.g., verbatim responses from open-ended questions), with the blank entries provided at the end (i.e., underneath the non-blank values). Total % Trimmed Average The average computed after deleting the lowest 5% and highest 5% of non-missing values. t-Statistic Coefficient divided by the Standard Error, except for Ranking questions where the t-statistic is computed using the Probability % and the standard error for this computation is not shown. Only computed when using parametric statistical tests that compute a t-statistic. Unique Text Unique text responses (i.e., all duplicates removed). Upper Confidence Interval The upper-bound of the Confidence Interval. Only computed when using parametric statistical tests that compute a t-statistic or z-statistic. Upper Confidence Interval % The values of the variable(s) in a question (e.g., a “1” may represent men). Only available when RAW DATA is selected in the brown drop-down. z-Statistic The value from a unit normal distribution which corresponds to the two-tailed value of p. The further this value is from 0, the more statistically significant the difference between the observed data and the Expected data, where 1.96 and -1.96 each equate to p being 0.05. Larger numbers can be shown as infinity. Retrieved from ‘https://wiki.q-researchsoftware.com/index.php?title=Statistics&oldid=49391#Row_.25’ Reading Tables and Interpreting Significance Tests Q Technical Reference > Tests Of Statistical Significance > Reading Tables and Interpreting Significance Tests	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line760
__label__wiki	0.672554	0.672554	Weather Bird Summary Writing Examples 1. Once producers filed for a tax Home / Summary / admin Summary 1. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (2011) – Cost: $410.6 millionThird party image referenceIt is the first and only film to cost more than $400 million. The fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series, it stars A-list actors like Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Penelope Cruz as Angelica, two Buccaneers in search of the Fountain of Youth. The film was shot primarily in the United Kingdom and Hawaii. It utilized similar 3D film technology that was used for James Cameron’s Avatar and featured around 1,200 computer generated sequences. Once producers filed for a tax rebate within the United Kingdom, it was revealed that the product prices had totaled $410.6 million, making On Stranger Tides definitely and without any doubt the foremost expensive movie of all time.2. AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (2015) – Cost: $330.6 millionThird party image referenceThe sequel to Joss Whedon’s successful first Avengers movie, Avengers: Age of Ultron features Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, and Chris Evans as Captain America. The film was shot in England, with on-site filming in Bangladesh, Italy, New York City, and South Korea. The tax rebate from the United Kingdom verified the price of the film to be $330.6 million. An international movie with a large cast, even before considering the cost of post-production special effects, the second Avengers movie would be a very expensive movie.3. JOHN CARTER (2012) – Cost: $306.6 millionThird party image referenceJohn Carter’s budget became one of the reasons that it the movie was a box office flop. The film made only $284.1 million, which did not cover up for the cost of the film’s production and marketing. Filming took longer than expected, with many scenes being completely reshot. Additionally, more than 2,000 visual effects were added post-production. The film was shot in the United States and the United Kingdom, and the tax rebate from the United Kingdom revealed the cost of the film to be over $300 million.4. TANGLED (2010) – Cost: $260 millionThird party image referenceTangled is a Disney musical comedy that utilizes 3D animation. Loosely supported on a story by the Brothers Grimm, it features Rapunzel, the primary official Disney princess to be rendered in 3D rather than 2D. Tangled is the most costly animated film of all time, with several film experts estimating that it cost approximately $260 million. The cost is typically attributed to the actual fact the film was in production for six years, during which period the production team developed state of the art programs to code, however, Rapunzel’s hair ought to move and behave in water.5. SPIDER-MAN 3 (2007) – Cost: $258 millionThird party image referenceThe budget of Spider-Man 3 was verified when Sony publically acknowledged the production price to be $258 million. Helmed by director Sam Raimi, the third installment of the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man trilogy was recorded in Los Angeles, Cleveland, and Peter Parker’s town, New York City. Within the film, Spider-Man faces off with three completely different adversaries: Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), Venom (Topher Grace), and Harry Osborn as New Goblin (James Franco).Which of these movies deserved their budget, and which ones were a waste? Please tell us by commenting. If you like this post then do not forget to like and share. Pakistan’s the lowest tax to GDP ratios in English towards the criminals, but to the audience The the confusion. But, even though regional variants 1. expenditure exceeds income from taxation, customs Gabriela details on the layout and appearance In and love interest Rachel Dawes. Around the New Summaries Choudhury to all actions insid? th? company. According 1. such as: 1) NRIC/ FIN number n INDIANSNative Americans used to be more commonly Basic (Wright, 2004) as well as The HR case: 1. Enrollment: Enrollment is a Ramses then in the battle of The I'm James!	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line761
__label__wiki	0.661192	0.661192	FIA rubber-stamps 2016 changes Yesterday evening the FIA World Motorsport Council met in Paris to rubber-stamp all the rules and regulations for next season’s FIA-sanctioned racing series. One major factor for the 2016 WEC season and its calendar, which must be approved by the committee before it becomes official. The 2016 calendar is one of the major sticking points among the teams and one of the major sources of controversy. Teams and drivers had been promised a eight-race season, as the WEC has been since its inception in 2012, but suddenly it was announced that a ninth race would be held midway through the season in Mexico City. With budgets already decided and plans already set in stone, it has been a bitter pill for many to swallow. Aside from the calendar, the World Motorsport Council also approved a number of changes to the technical regulations. LMP1 sees changes to hybrid and aerodynamic regulations, particularly for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and restrictions on wind tunnel use and the amount of testing. New rules have also arrived in LMGTE, with most areas of the technical regulations receiving an update. A particular focus has been placed on safety, with the same driver safety nets currently used in GT3 machinery being transferred to GTE cars. Source: FIA WEC press release Image source: WEC-Magazin (WEC-Magazin) Categories: AnnouncementFIAWEC Toyota hypercar revealed as new era begins Toyota has become the first manufacturer to lift the lid on its new hypercar for the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship season. The new WEC Hypercars at a glance Each passing month provides more tantalising glimpses of what the top class of the WEC will look like this year. Here is a summary of what we know so far.	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line762
__label__cc	0.727473	0.272527	Caspian Sea State of the Environment Report Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (2011) Mauritius Environment Outlook Report Government of Mauritius (Government of Mauritius, 2011) State of the Environment Report - Maldives Ministry of Environment and Energy, Republic of Maldives (Ministry of Environment and Energy, Republic of Maldives, 2011) ILAC Nicaragua Ministerio del Ambiente y los Recursos Naturales (MARENA), Nicaragua (Ministerio del Ambiente y los Recursos Naturales (MARENA), Nicaragua, 2011) Situation Economique et Sociale du Sénégal AGENCE NATIONALE DE LA STATISTIQUE ET DE LA DEMOGRAPHIE (AGENCE NATIONALE DE LA STATISTIQUE ET DE LA DEMOGRAPHIE, 2011) Uganda position paper on RIO+20 Government of Uganda (Government of Uganda, 2011) Australia: State of the Environment Report 2011 In Brief State of the Environment 2011 Committee, Australia (2011) AuthorAGENCE NATIONALE DE LA STATISTIQUE ET DE LA DEMOGRAPHIE (1)Government of Mauritius (1)Government of Uganda (1)Ministerio del Ambiente y los Recursos Naturales (MARENA), Nicaragua (1)Ministry of Environment and Energy, Republic of Maldives (1)Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (1)State of the Environment 2011 Committee, Australia (1)Subjectcoast protection (7) marine conservation area (7) marine ecosystem (7) natural resource (7)... View MoreDate Issued	cc/2021-04/en_head_0027.json.gz/line763

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