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The Daily Beast’s Obsessed
Inside the ‘Project Runway’ Finale Runway Show
Everything we can’t stop loving, hating, and think about this week in pop culture.
Kevin Fallon
Senior Entertainment Reporter
Published 06.14.19 10:00AM ET
Everything we can’t stop loving, hating, and thinking about this week in pop culture.
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Making it work at the Project Runway finale.
The Tony Awards!!!
You should be obsessed with Maya Erskine.
Deep feelings about Toy Story 4.
The greatest reality TV episode...ever?
I Got to Go to the Project Runway Finale
I have two distinct memories of going to college in New York City [redacted] years ago: Poverty! And watching Project Runway.
They are actually two very interlinked memories. I could not afford to be a person “out and about” in New York City, so I stayed inside and watched a lot of TV, like Project Runway. My friend Casey dated a guy who went to Parsons School of Design and we would watch at his dorm room, as if I wasn’t a third wheel and as if we were somehow absorbing more of the spirit of the show because we were in the Haus of Tim Gunn. Neither thing was true! They happened anyway!
In any case, Project Runway has been a staple of my life for the last 15 years. Probably more significantly for those who make the show, it’s been a staple of reality television. It was a revolutionary series when it premiered on Bravo in 2004—Making the art of fashion design entertaining television! Unapologetically queer contestants! The discovery that Heidi Klum is a delight!—and, all these years and countless attempts at replicating its success later, it remains one of the most captivating and even important reality television shows.
This is all a preamble to the dramatic cardiac episode I suffered last month upon receiving an invitation to the taping of the Season 17 finale runway show, which aired Thursday night. First, there was the shock of learning that this show has been on for 17 seasons, my lord. Then there was sheer excitement that I would get to be in the room for the fashion showcase I’ve watched for more than a decade. I have to say that it was as fun as I imagined.
This past season has been a reboot of sorts for the show, with a new host—Karlie Kloss, who makes up for what she lacks in Klum’s charismatic weirdness with sheer enthusiasm—a new mentor in Christain Siriano, and designer Brandon Maxwell and journalist Elaine Welteroth joining the iconic Nee-NAH Gar-see-YAH as judges. The series had also returned to Bravo after several seasons of airing on Lifetime.
To be honest, I was dubious of the changes, but in a way the fresh start brought the show back to what made it so special in the first place. Maxwell and Welteroth were phenomenal additions, with the latter especially bringing a grace and keen understanding of the cultural impact of fashion to the show that is necessary in 2019. And the contestants were all thrilling and endearing in ways that I’ve missed in past years.
As for what it was like to be at the runway show? Hilarious and thrilling. It started laughably late. There was a tickling self-seriousness in the room. Diane von Furstenberg was there.
Fun tidbit: My seat was moved three different times because I was “too tall” and blocking camera shots of Karlie Kloss. (I am not that tall.) So if you watch the finale episode, you’ll see me either in three different places in the audience, or maybe not at all, depending on which shots they use. (This newsletter was written before the finale aired.)
As for the clothes, I was surprised by how stark the difference was between a look that was shoddily constructed and cheap, and something that was worthy of a win. My favorite collection by far was from Sebastian. It should also be said that I know nothing about fashion, as you can tell by that photo of me in a black shirt I bought for $11 at H&M.
But that’s why this show has always been so great. You don’t need to be enveloped in the pretension of the fashion world to be enamored by it. It’s about bringing the beauty, the wonder, and the impact of fashion to people who would never have a front row seat to the runway. I can’t believe that I actually had one. (And then was moved. And then moved again. But at one point, I was there!)
I Loved the Tony Awards
It should come to the surprise of no one that I burst into tears while watching the Tony Awards.
The Tonys have always been the best awards show on TV, in that there is an undercurrent of kindness and inclusive, familial love that is palpable to anyone who watches, plus the people who are winning awards also perform for you the very work they are winning for.
Elaine May, who gave one of the most heartbreaking performances I’ve seen on stage, gave an all-time great speech when she won Best Actress for The Waverly Gallery. So, too, did Andre de Shields, who, after winning for Hadestown, gave his advice for longevity, starting with this incredibly moving bit that I haven’t stopped thinking about since he said it: “Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming.”
Then, Hadestown director Rachel Chavkin, powerfully articulated why the fact that she was the only woman directing a musical on Broadway this season was total bullshit: “This is not a pipeline issue. It is a failure of imagination by a field whose job it is to imagine the way the world can be.”
Ali Stroker became the first performer who uses a wheelchair to win a Tony Award for her work in Horny Oklahoma! Broadway veterans and venerated owners of keys to my heart Stephanie J. Block and Celia Keenan-Bolger finally became Tony winners, Block for playing Cher and Keenan-Bolger for playing Scout Finch, the high-low epitome of my taste. And if all that wasn’t enough, Audra MacDonald and Laura Linney, as they are wont to do, gifted us with the TV moment of the year.
I Am Maya Erskine’s Biggest Fan
I can not oversell how excited I am for the career of Maya Erskine. She co-created and co-starred in what remains my favorite television show of the year so far, PEN15. (If it doesn’t get nominated for Emmys, we march.) She was responsible for perhaps the funniest scene in Wine Country—no small feat when your co-stars are Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and a murderer’s row of SNL greats—in which, be still my heart, she creates an art exhibit devoted to Fran Drescher’s character on The Nanny. But it’s her turn in Plus One, which comes out this weekend, that solidifies her arrival as Hollywood’s next great comedy star.
Plus One joins the recent spate of great romantic comedies (Always Be My Maybe, Long Shot). In it, Erskine’s Alice and Jack Quaid’s Ben agree to be each other’s dates to weddings for an entire summer, falling in love in the process. Erskine is wildly good in a role that the half-Japanese actress never thought she’d be able to play.
“This was something that I couldn’t have dreamed possible as a kid,” she told me after Plus One’s premiere earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival, which she burst into tears in the car back to her hotel after attending. “As a kid, I didn’t see myself reflected back to me, so I didn’t see this as a possibility. So if this movie makes it out there and other people see it, I do hope that a young girl who is like me can look at it and be like, ‘Oh, I can be that woman.’”
I Deeply Felt Toy Story 4
I always forget how much I relate to the characters in the Toy Story franchise, whose survival instinct is to play dead whenever humans enter the room. So it was like a warm hug to attend a press screening this week of Toy Story 4, in which our beloved characters reckon with their sentience and the first half of the film is spent with everyone trying to convince a character that he is not trash. (Again, relatable!) It is nowhere near the masterpiece the third movie in the Toy Story franchise was, but it is goofy and strange and heartfelt, and I look forward to watching it with the royal babies—I have newborn nephews!—45 times in one weekend.
I Can’t Stop Thinking About The Real Housewives of New York City
I have not fully recovered or gathered all my thoughts from Wednesday night’s episode of The Real Housewives of New York City—and, frankly, may never—but let it be known that is without a doubt the best episode of reality television I have ever seen.
What to watch this week:
American Woman: When is everyone going to realize that Sienna Miller is one of her generation’s best actresses?
City on a Hill: Kevin Bacon in a ’90s-set gritty crime drama. Yes, please!
Euphoria: “In one episode alone, close to 30 penises flash on screen.”
What to skip this week:
Men in Black: International: Just...why?
Shaft: See above.
@kpfallonkevin.fallon@thedailybeast.com
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NEWS RELEASE: SPLC names new-media innovators Barry, Costa-Lima to board of directors
September 6, 2016 September 5, 2018 Frank LoMonte
The Student Press Law Center has unanimously elected two emerging leaders in digital storytelling to its 15-member board of directors, naming CNN’s Samantha Barry and University of Missouri graduate student Beatriz Costa-Lima to three-year terms.
Samantha Barry is a world-renowned social media expert, with more than a decade of experience as a broadcast journalist. As CNN’s senior director of social news, Barry manages the social teams at all of the CNN bureaus and works closely with the CNN Digital leadership in their editorial strategy.
Barry joined CNN from BBC World News in London, where she served as a social media producer and journalist, focusing on using social media as a tool for both newsgathering and audience building. Her work included extensive coverage of social media trends and developments, in addition to overall social and mobile strategy for the channel. She has trained editors and journalists across the globe on how to make social news content and incorporate social media platforms into the editorial process. An Academy of Achievement 2012 delegate, Barry was recently named one of the top 50 female innovators in digital journalism in the world.
Beatriz Costa-Lima is a visual journalist based in Columbia, Missouri, where she’s pursuing a master’s degree in documentary journalism at the University of Missouri. She also has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, where she is a co-founder and former president of Mizzou Women in Media.
She has worked as a staff photographer for the Columbia Missourian, and as a news intern for The Associated Press. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. Costa-Lima was an SPLC intern during her time as an undergraduate and worked for student publications in high school and college. Costa-Lima will occupy the student seat on SPLC’s board, created in 2013 to make sure that the organization always remains in touch with and responsive to its core constituency.
“This is an especially crucial time of opportunity at the SPLC, with the launch of our Active Voice fellowship program addressing the school press-freedom issues that disproportionately affect young women. Adding Samantha’s and Beatriz’s skills and contacts to the SPLC board will supercharge that promising new initiative,” said attorney Frank D. LoMonte, executive director of the Student Press Law Center. “It’s especially timely for the SPLC to add board members expert in visual storytelling with the adoption of our new five-year strategic plan, which emphasizes capturing and sharing the stories of adversity experienced by student journalists in more compelling ways, to create policy change at the grassroots level.”
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Student Press Law Center is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1974 to provide free legal assistance and training tailored to the needs of student journalists and journalism educators at the college and K-12 levels nationwide. Information about the work of the SPLC and an array of free legal research materials can be found at www.splc.org.
Tagged Beatriz Costa-Lima, press-release, recent-news, Samantha Barry, SPLC board of directors
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Peg Helminski
About Peg Helminski
Cinderella: The True Story
Redefining marriage?
An African and an American Disagree about Ordaining Women
AIDS in China
Martin Luther King Community Caregiver Award Nominee
Posted on January 18, 2017 by Peg Helminski
I was deeply honored to have been nominated for the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Caregiver award sponsored by Duke University Health System for my ongoing work with the Durham Rescue Mission Toastmasters Club. To be sure, this has been one of the most challenging undertakings of my life and one of the most rewarding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUNZvHYEI_g
Over two years ago, when Toastmasters Area Director, Manu Laksmanan invited me to help with what he envisioned as a six-month project, I did not agree to do so because I thought there might be an award involved. I doubt that any of my fellow award nominees began doing the work they do because of an award incentive. We step up to this sort of work because, as Dr. King said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” I knew I had skills that could empower an otherwise seldom-heard part of the community to develop a clear voice and build the courage to speak up and step into a better life.
I would hazard a guess that few people could achieve an award like this alone. Thank you to my boss, Dr. Geoff Rubin for nominating me and for allowing me to flex my time two days a month, coming in early or staying a bit late so that I can take a longer lunch break to attend daytime meetings. Thank you to Dawson Riggs, President of Duke Toastmasters. Jeb Sturmer and Manu Laksmanan fellow toastmasters who initially began this project with me and wrote letters of support. Thanks to my husband, John, who supports this effort in many ways. Very special thanks to members of the Durham Rescue Mission Toastmasters Club who also wrote letters of support: Chaplain Lynn Holloway, Tony Hairston our Vice President of PR, and James Davis Vice President of Education. Their enthusiasm and continuing growth as speakers and leaders, above all, keeps me energized for this project.
Like Dr. King, I have always believed that we are all connected. As he said, “Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.” Our community, and indeed our world functions best when we empower all of our members to function at their personal best.
I have also found another great paradox to be true; in seeking to give, I have received. The Durham Rescue Mission Toastmasters Club has inspired me as I repeatedly witness the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of our shared stories.
As a Toastmaster, it was a particular joy to be nominated for this award which associates my name with that of the great American leader and orator, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If his legacy teaches us anything it is that we must all continue to work to help each other by whatever means and opportunities life presents us.
I’ve been thinking a lot about opportunities to develop a strong self concept.
Posted on May 11, 2016 by Peg Helminski
Since September of 2014, I have been a volunteer mentor and club coach for the Durham Rescue Mission Toastmasters Club during two lunch breaks and two evenings a month.
At the very first meeting, I gave an evaluation of an ice-breaker (first) speech –and found renewed purpose! The speech was a heart wrenching tale of a shattered childhood, unsuccessful school experience, military service, lack of support after leaving the military, some bad decisions, failed relationships –and a new resolve to start over. I started my evaluation by saying, “Thank you for your service!” He held his head up and sat a little taller in his seat. I pointed out three things he had done particularly well; speaking without notes, speaking from the heart, and drawing us in with an engaging story. By then, he was beaming. Then I made one suggestion to engage more of the audience by moving around a bit. The look on his face was priceless. I had the feeling it was the first time he had ever received positive feedback from a teacher or boss or evaluator –in his life! It was that look on his face that sealed the deal for me. I was hooked on the Durham Rescue Mission Toastmasters Club at my first meeting.
In the year and half since that first meeting, I have heard countless similar tragic stories of lost opportunities, costly lapses of judgement and battles with depression and mental illness. I have gotten that same expression of elation and stunned disbelief in return for my constructive comments–over and over again. I keep going back because I am inspired by human resilience at every meeting and because the impact of my small effort is so immediate and heartwarming. I watch confidence grow and leadership skills develop. My heart cheers when I see the men improve.
From the beginning, our goal was to empower residents to take steps toward improving themselves and their career opportunities through the arts of public speaking and meeting leadership. I realized immediately how similar this was to the vision of Ralph Smedley who founded Toastmasters in a California YMCA in the early part of the 20th century. His mission was to help young men improve their career prospects by teaching them to make better toasts at business luncheons. This was the one recognized way to assure career advancement in that era. Society has changed since then and so has Toastmasters! We seldom are called upon to give a toast at a business meeting these days, but a firm handshake and a clear response to an interview question are still valued skills.
Although we struggled unsuccessfully for some months to build a consistent evening meeting attendance, membership and enthusiasm gained traction after we began meeting as part of the Tuesday morning “Victory Class.” In this class, men learn to apply Biblical principles to their lives. Toastmasters became the second half of the class twice a month. One of my most memorable speaker evaluations happened in this class. A fellow named James Davis told a story about his life, delivering it with power and drama and lots of voice inflection. He ended by saying, “Here I am, 50 years old with no marketable skills.”
I was assigned as his evaluator that day. As an “icebreaker” speech, James had just delivered one of the best I had ever heard. He had a clear point and a logical progression to his story and his delivery contained a lot of the enhancements other beginning members struggle to implement such as vocal variety and appropriate hand gestures. I opened by saying, “Make no mistake. You sir, have a marketable skill!”
Several weeks later, I offered James a ride to a Toastmasters Competition in Charlotte. I think that was where the magic hit him. While watching those competitors, a fire lit in him and James saw something of his own life purpose. From that moment on, James Davis became the driving force for the Durham Rescue Mission Toastmasters Club, often assuming the role of Toastmaster (Master of ceremonies) at club meetings, encouraging new members to join while also working his way through the ten speech projects of the Competent Communicator Manual. It wasn’t long before he was elected Club President and led the club to charter!
Chartering was in important step. Without a charter the men were not eligible to receive educational awards for their accomplishments or compete in speech contests. James has now completed his Competent Communicator award. And, two men, James Davis and Chaplain Lynn Holloway recently competed in an area speech contest!
For me, the experience has been nothing short of astounding. As Jeb Sturmer, another club mentor and a member of Duke Toastmasters Club has often said, “The men start at a very high level. They are all able to tell a story with a clear beginning, middle and end, make a point and do it all without using notes!” But to progress beyond that point, to get to the level of competition speaking, like all accomplished speakers, they need mentoring.
Because the men are residents at the Rescue Mission, there are also a few hurdles this club faces that other clubs don’t. For one thing, the membership is fairly fluid, with new members joining and others leaving the group when they find work and move on. The other challenge is membership fees. Although members are encouraged to contribute to their own membership fee when they are able, most of the membership and chartering fees have been raised through donations. And that need will continue as long as the club exists. The Durham Rescue Mission has set up a special fund for the ongoing support of the toastmasters clubs and all donations clearly marked for that purpose will be deposited to that fund.
“To me, the most exciting thing has been watching men find their voice and then realize that their story of struggle has the power to lift up the brothers coming up behind them and give them hope.”
To continue, this very special club needs community support. Beyond financial support, we need a community to serve as a club core. These members would not only provide stability to this club designed to serve a transient population, but also much needed role modeling and mentoring. If you have been thinking of joining a toastmasters club, please consider the Durham Rescue Mission Toastmasters Club as your new home club! If you are already a Toastmasters Club member in the Durham, NC area, joining us as your second club will also help you to advance in speaker and leadership goals more quickly!
Meetings are held on the First and Third Monday at 6:30 pm in the second floor Victory Classroom of the Durham Rescue Mission.
The men at the Rescue Mission face many obstacles. A community who believes in them and is willing to help bring out the best in them is just the beginning of great things to come. I hope you will consider joining us in this very rewarding leadership opportunity.
Visit us in the Victory Classroom 2nd floor
Center for Hope and Healing
1201 East Main St.
1st and 3rd Mondays at 6:30 pm
2nd and 4th Tuesday at 11:00 am
Childcare is STILL a Women’s Issue in America.
Posted on August 26, 2014 by Peg Helminski
As a grad student, working on a master’s in counseling psychology, I once argued that childcare was a couples’ issue, not a women’s issue. We had come a long way baby! We were living in a new age: Men and women shared equally in domestic responsibilities –didn’t we?
I was living the dream. In my first job out of grad school, I earned $4000 more than my finance! Yes sir, women could compete in a man’s world!
My husband and I continued on for a few years in a fairly level field. And then he went back to grad school for a doctoral degree while I worked two jobs to pay his tuition and our living expenses.
Then, just before John’s graduation, our first son was born. No one told this infant that men and women share childcare responsibilities equally. He knew, right from the start that men and women were not created equally. He was committed to nursing and would have nothing to do with a bottle. He voiced his protests loudly and incessantly. In fact, once he learned to speak, son #1 articulated his preferences quite clearly, “Not you, Daddy; I WANT Mummy!” was his first full sentence.
Still physically drained after a very difficult pregnancy and complicated delivery, I took a job as a research assistant for an injury study. Babies are only infants for a very short time, I reasoned. This break would present but a speed-bump in my career path. I went to the office once a week for a staff meeting and to gather up my case files for the coming week. I planned that I would interview patients over the phone while the baby napped. My son never got the memo.
He had colic.
He was active and very alert.
He did NOT nap!
EVER!
I interviewed patients while the baby nursed on my lap, played with toys I dangled in front of him or while pacing with the baby strapped to me in a sling.
Just as I was preparing to return to “real work,” my husband finished his doctorate and accepted a position–in Minnesota, a state where my counseling degree was not recognized as licensable.
Without a license, the only jobs I could find paid less than the cost of childcare! I reinvented myself again as writer. It would only be a year to two, John said, ’till he got established. Then we would move back East.
So, I managed to carve out a career that I worked around child care. I would put my son and my husband to bed and then “go to work.” I would work until I fell asleep at the desk or finished the assignment. I managed to publish a slew of articles and my first book came out. I had a lineup of book signing events scheduled and was on my way!
And then we got the call to adopt our second son. They told us he was aged three and a half, but he came with a whole host of undisclosed special needs–one of which was that he was actually six. While I canceled my book tour, my husband took on more responsibility at the hospital and more patients in private practice and finished a national board certification in forensic psychology.
Son #2 and I played “doctor-of-the-day” seeking out an ever expanding array of medical experts to get his issues straightened out. It seemed that for every career step forward John made, I took three steps backward. Now 15 years past grad school, John made more than four times what I did so it only made financial sense that he left all these doctor and therapist appointments to me. In the first year, #2 had three outpatient surgeries requiring extensive day and night followup at home, and two hospitalizations requiring one parent to room-in for a week at a time.
Have you ever heard a sick or hurt child sobbing for his daddy? Nope, me neither. Though postoperatively stoked with pain killers, this child managed to repeatedly whimper the only English word he knew, “Mama!”
I continued the daily rounds of doctors, therapists and advocacy groups trying to get help. I researched and implemented every diagnosis and treatment plan. I lobbied against state budget cuts for special needs children’s programming.
The urologist, engaged for #2 in the midst of a bladder stone crisis that we hadn’t been apprised of prior to adoption, said that I asked better questions than his medical residents. I should consider going to Medical School. He would write a recommendation. I was stunned. How would I pay for that? And, if I couldn’t afford child care for a typical child when I was working, how would I afford child care for six years for a special needs child when I wasn’t working?
I carried my laptop everywhere and wrote in waiting rooms and on playgrounds. I hired babysitters on an as-needed basis and led workshops for would-be writers on weekends when my husband was home, organized writing conferences and networked with writers around the globe. To keep my counseling skills active, I taught active listening skills to church outreach groups and taught parenting skills to mother’s groups.
When the preschool refused to take #2 because of his by then well diagnosed multiple special needs, I agreed to sit in the hallway outside the classroom in case I was needed urgently. I sat on a classroom chair with my laptop for three hours every day, five days a week for two years because this child NEEDED to be in preschool more than any other child I ever knew. Still, I produced hundreds of articles for Harcourt Educational Testing.
And then we got a phone call that our daughter was waiting for us to fly to China to adopt her.
Unlike Son #2, this two-year-old child was physically sound, not a scratch or parasite or undiagnosed anything! But she was emotionally traumatized. For a full year she did not let go of me. She clung like a baby opossum. I wrote with her sitting on my lap, clinging to me and with my arms wrapped around her. She screamed in terror if I stepped out of view even for a second. I even learned to perform a full regimen of bathroom activities with a second person attached. We moved her toddler bed next to our bed because she would not sleep unless she was touching me. If she woke in the night and my hand was not on her she would have dissociative panic attacks that lasted hours and were loud enough to wake at least the neighbors if not the dead.
I think now, that in my younger, less experienced life, that I had seriously miscalculated the impact of childbearing and child rearing on a woman’s life. Although I still believe, in an egalitarian society, it should be a couple’s issue, biology and the structure of the American workplace conspire against women to keep this a women’s issue. Not all women bounce back from life threatening complications of pregnancy able to plow fields the following day –or even months later. It was nearly a year after I had given birth before I began to feel “normal” again.
I know that other countries do a much better job of this. China, for example currently has a proposal under consideration to extend the mandatory maternal leave to 3 years. Onsite childcare and employer sponsored sick childcare would help nursing mothers and ease the separation of anxious toddlers and sick children who know “that mommy is just upstairs.” Mothers who know that if their child needs them, taking a break to stop down-stairs to the daycare center is a very real possibility. Such a scenario would be free them for real work-place productivity.
So, if it’s not too late, I’d like to take back that assertion about childcare being a couple’s issue. I concede that, in America, it is still very much a woman’s issue–though I wish it was a couples issue or even an issue that society and more policy makers as a whole took seriously.
I’ve been thinking about privilege . . .
I’ve been thinking about the place of privilege in the career success formula.
My parents were first and second generation Americans. My father’s father had emigrated to the land of golden opportunity with not much more than a Catholic prayer book (now in the Ellis Island Museum) and a pocket full of dreams. They believed that if you worked hard enough in America, good things would come to them. My grandfather had worked in the steel mills of Johnstown, PA and farmed to keep his family fed. Having left abject poverty in rural Croatia, it was relative prosperity: steady income and good soil produced adequate nutrition and shelter for his family. He left seven children when he died. My father, the youngest, was twelve.
When his brother, my Uncle Jim returned home after WWII, he moved his mother and younger siblings to the New Jersey Shore where my widowed grandma could run a boarding house. My dad was a hard worker too and even at a young age, he found work on the boardwalk, sewing names on hats for tourists, and flipping burgers at a hamburger stand. He married his high school sweetheart a few years after graduation.
Mom had wanted to be a nurse, but in those days, once she married, a woman was no longer permitted to be a nursing student. She left school to became a full-time wife and started right away making babies in true Catholic fashion. I was born ten months after the wedding, thirteen months later came my first brother and 11 months later a second brother . . . and we kept coming until there were six of us.
My dad continued to work; one job to feed the family and pay the bills and the second job to pay his tuition. At the same time, he attend night school, finally graduating with a degree in accounting when I was in third grade. We were never rich but he managed to build a successful practice despite some changeover in partners and a couple of bad business decisions. Despite setbacks that would have discouraged lesser men, he kept going, one step at a time, weaving the growth of a business and a family with his personal growth, pursuing the American dream. He finished his master’s degree after I (taking a more traditional college route) had already finished mine.
My dad was, I believe unique for his time. When I was in seventh grade, the leading partner in his firm died. In order to keep the business afloat, he sunk his limited personal assets into the practice. He told me this meant that he would not be able to help me with any money but that I must go to college. In order to do so, I would have to work hard and start my own savings for college. I would also need to remain academically strong so that I might qualify for scholarships. I worked part time from seventh grade onward. In the summers, I worked two or three jobs. I saved nearly every cent. In high school I took all the “hardest courses” and did not “waste time” taking study hall and maintained a B+ average despite working after school and on weekends. I also rose to the highest rank of Girl Scouts; First Class. I was vice president of the council’s senior planning board, student representative on the board of directors and a representative of the council at two national events. Though I won several other small scholarships because of this activity, I was dismayed in senior year that I had worked so hard–far harder than a lot of my classmates and had not earned a national merit scholarship. True, I didn’t have a straight A average as all of these students did. I could have lived with that realization until I discovered that one person I knew, who took all the “easiest courses” including typing (which my dad considered a waste of time and talent) and was in no school clubs or after school community service organizations had gained a national merit scholarship! Clearly this scholarship was not about hard work. It occurred to me that winning was all about knowing the rules of the game. And, I had not known the rules of this game. If I had taken all the easiest courses, perhaps I would have maintained an A average, but I wouldn’t have gotten the most learning possible out of High School. And, in my father’s rule of life, that was the most important thing. That’s why, in college when I was on a scholarship that allowed me up to 20 credits per semester, I always took all 20 credits. Some people consider that academic suicide. One can’t manage more than 16 credits a semester–12 if you are working! I always took twenty credits and I always worked. I wouldn’t have been able to finish two majors in four years if I hadn’t done that.
The messages I received as a child said that one should work hard, focus on the desired prize and delay all gratification until the goal had been reached. Once achieved a goal was celebrated briefly and then a new, higher goal was set. One did not spend money or time frivolously. For this reason, when I was twenty-one and presented with an offer by the Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts to chaperone a bicycle tour through Europe for the summer, I turned it down. To accept would have meant that I would have had to delay college for a year. If I didn’t earn my annual tuition each summer, I couldn’t afford to stay in school.
When I look back, I realize how little guidance I received from anyone who knew anything about higher education. My dad was my primary adviser and he was, in retrospect, more a graduate of the school of hard knocks than of Rutgers University. The career advice he gave me:
Learn how to type but don’t take a typing class or stenography class and never put on a transcript or a job application that you know how to type. If they know you can type they’ll never let you out of the typing pool. You’re too smart to waste your life typing!
You need to go to college to get a good job. I don’t want you to get married because you need a husband to support you.
Accounting is a good career for a woman–except during tax season.
Follow the money. If they offer you a scholarship go to that school. If they offer you a better job in a different city, move.
In looking back over my career life and my choices of colleges and grad schools, I could certainly have benefited from some mentoring or at least guidance from someone who knew the rules of this higher education and career game. There are rules, but I am only now beginning to understand them. I have made many career missteps because I didn’t have the advantage of someone who understood what I wanted to do with my life, or appreciated those goals or had an understanding of the ways in which my innate abilities could best translate into a career. There was no one who could offer solid advice on how to structure the steps of a career.
All colleges are not created equal. A scholarship does not guarantee a good or even an adequate education. As I reflect back on it, I think it might have been better to go into debt and come out of college having better career prospects and commanding a higher salary. I was accepted to Cornell and William and Mary but not offered scholarships, so I followed one scholarship after another, eventually completing my BA at St. Francis College in Loretto Pennsylvania and an M.Ed. in Counseling at James Madison University, Virginia.
I wonder sometimes how my life might have been different had I gone the more expensive route and attended Cornell or William and Mary without a scholarship. Would that have opened career doors I didn’t even know about? Would I have found a more informed mentor in one of these places?
I don’t think of this as anyone’s “fault.” I was part of a new generation of women raised to believe, unlike our mothers, that we could have a career after marriage. Just because it was possible didn’t mean anyone had figured out how to make it work. The career rules that had worked for men do not work as well for women–especially when there is not yet an established infrastructure for balancing child care and the demands of a professional career.
I once toured Carl Sandberg’s home. It was a foggy day and a pair of kittens played in the garden. I could envision, “The fog comes on little cat feet!” The guide showed us through his study to a high desk where he liked to stand to write. I like to stand when I write! She said that he also liked to write at night. I love to write in the deep silence of night! One of his wife’s chief duties, said the guide, was to keep the children quiet during the day so he could sleep. What I lacked in my writing career, I only half joked with my husband, was a wife to keep the children quiet while I slept!
Society, I believe, still needs to evolve in ways that better accommodates the needs of women in the career force. Girls need active mentoring that teaches them how to balance home and career worlds. This is far more complicated than the women’s activists of the 1960’s and ‘70’s might have led us to believe. The rules of this game are extremely complicated and often seem to contradict themselves. Working hard is not enough. Some women have concluded that there needs to be a choice between being a good mother and being a good employee. Many women have made the painful choice to be either a good wife or a good employee, sacrificing the joy of motherhood for the pursuit of a fulfilling career or choosing to devote themselves to a career over the satisfaction of raising a family. I believe this choice may be a real either/or reality for many women, but only because society has not yet provided the infrastructure to allow all women to be both–at least not simultaneously.
For myself, I opted for sequential achievement. I had a counseling career for ten years, then opted to redefine myself as a writer while I raised children. It felt like the only option that afforded me the flexibility to balance a career with involved mothering. Once the children were all back in school, though I continued to write, I also went back to a more traditional job.
Although women are no longer required to drop out of higher education if they marry or become pregnant, affordable child care still remains a barrier for many women. Live-in “help” remains a privilege of the most wealthy. Without adequate childcare, many working women, especially single mothers and those working entry level positions, end up trying to juggle at least three identities: career, wife and mother, housekeeper and cook, and all too often, especially for single moms, a second job to pay for the childcare. Flexible work schedules that accommodate family development need to be set in place so that parents of either gender who make use of this flexibility, do not feel singled out or deprived of promotions. Employer provided, on-site child care (including care for sick children) is a necessity if society is to equally value the contributions and honor the abilities of women as equal to those of men. Without this support, even the most skilled of women will remain trapped in unsatisfying, low wage positions. This seems to me a steep price to pay! It means that the contributions of only half of society are valued. The full career potential of half of society is discarded as a means to enhance the contributions of the other half.
This is especially true for women who come from less privileged backgrounds. They begin with fewer support systems, little accurate guidance and fewer opportunities for advancement. Without education, they lack the opportunity to advance even if they possess innate abilities. Without childcare, the addition of educational pursuits on top of the roles of mother, wife, worker, homemaker becomes unattainable except for the most determined of women. Affordable, reliable, convenient childcare remains one of the biggest career hurdles for mothers. It is really time that we, as a society provide the infrastructure to both empower women as workers and empower men as co-equal caregivers for their offspring.
Posted in careers, gender issues, privilege, race issues, Uncategorized | 1 Reply
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Essential reportedly only shipped 88,000 phones in 2017
Brian Heater @bheater / 1 year
Essential knew it had a hard road ahead of it. Andy Rubin and company acknowledged as much when they launched a handset aimed at taking on the likes of Apple and Samsung. Given that the company hasn’t issued anything in the way of official numbers thus far, a new batch of numbers from IDC are the best we have to go on at the moment — and things don’t look great for the product’s first half-year.
A tweet posted by research director Francisco Jeronimo puts the company’s total shipping at 88,000 units for 2017. We reached out to Essential about the report, but the company wouldn’t comment as is its policy with outside reports.
When I spoke to the company’s president and COO Niccolo de Masi the day the phone was launched, he called the handset a “long-term play,” speaking in terms of a decade’s worth of development to reach the heights of the big names.
Of course, he also framed things relative to the first Google Pixel, noting that the handset was a bomb compared to Apple and Samsung — though that phone’s reported sales number was around 2.5 million.
. @Arubin's @essential smartphone is still a long way from becoming a successful venture. In 2017, it shipped less than 90K units (first six months after launch) pic.twitter.com/NHVlA2Gjzr
— Francisco Jeronimo (@fjeronimo) February 12, 2018
“We will effectively run a similar growth trajectory probably to what you saw with Apple’s approach to the iPhone,” he added at the time. “They sold a million in the first year. Not because there wasn’t demand for more, but because they couldn’t build more than that when it came to capacitive touch-resistant screens.”
If those were, indeed, the benchmarks for the company’s planned first year of sales, 88,000 is a drop in the bucket. And even with the long runway, the company afforded itself being tied to the man who invented Android, it’s hard to imagine investors being thrilled by this sort of estimate.
Essential hasn’t talked numbers yet — no surprise, really for a young company. But early reports were low, a fact seemingly confirmed by the company’s decision to slash prices in October. At the time, Darrell called the phone “the best deal in smartphones,” but a $200 drop soon after launch wasn’t exactly a vote of confidence in the brand.
“We could have created a massive TV campaign to capture your attention,” the company wrote at the time of the drop, “but we think making it easier for people to get their hands on our first products is a better way to get to know us.” The notion of cutting out advertising in order to pass the savings along to the consumer is a noble one, but word of mouth isn’t exactly a reliable launch pad for a mainstream consumer product.
The company confirmed a total of $330 million back in August, which should give it wiggle room, especially given the importance the company’s executives place on couching expectations early on. It’s easy to forget that Android got off to a pretty slow start as well, given how wildly successful the mobile operating system has become.
Aside from some software updates, however, things have been pretty quiet on the Essential front. The company’s Hub smart home device has been largely MIA since it was first announced alongside the phone.
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Brexit: Passport Validation
Updated 7 March: Most British passport holders will not have a problem but some will so it’s worth reminding travellers that Schengen rules require travellers from outside the Schengen area to have at least six months left on their passport. The UK is currently in the EU so there’s no problem even though the country is not a Schengen member, but in a No Deal Brexit, where the UK leaves the EU without a deal, anyone with less than six months left on their passport will not have a valid passport for travel to Spain, which is in both the EU and the Schengen area.
If one of the various possibilities for a deal succeeds in the next three weeks then after 29 March there will probably be no issue for travellers, at least as long as their passport is valid for the expected duration of their trip, but anyone planning now to travel after that date can’t wait to hope for a last minute deal to save them renewing their passport if it’s coming up to its expiry date. The UK’s Home Office has provided THIS website for British nationals holders to check if their passport will be valid for their intended visit, and if it needs to be renewed then it really needs to be done immediately because it can take three weeks to get a new one issued.
Updated 2 March: At the end of January, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that Spain would be introducing a law for Spain’s Brexit contingency measures which included important provisions in regards to citizens’ rights and business (see updates on 14 and 30 January below). This has now been approved by the Consejo de Ministros (the Spanish Cabinet), and its details are HERE. In response, British Ambassador to Spain Simon Manley said:
The UK Government’s top priority remains securing a deal with the EU that wins the support of the UK parliament. However, like any responsible government, the UK Government is planning for every eventuality. It has already announced a series of no deal contingency measures, published extensive advice to business and citizens, and has guaranteed the rights of EU nationals living in the UK. I am pleased to see that the Spanish Government has today announced a series of detailed Brexit contingency measures, should the UK leave without a deal. The Royal Decree offers important assurances on issues like residency and access to healthcare for the more than 300,000 British nationals who have chosen to make Spain their home, and for the many millions more British tourists who visit Spain each year. I welcome too the announcement on customs procedures to avoid potential obstacles to the free movement of goods, which will be important to both British and Spanish businesses who trade in or between our two countries. It is also welcome that the Spanish government has made clear that the measures will apply to Gibraltar, with special consideration for maintaining flows across the border. This will provide some certainty to citizens and businesses in Gibraltar and Spain, and helps to protect the close economic and social relationship between the Campo de Gibraltar and Gibraltar.
Health Minister Stephen Hammond said:
This is a positive step forward in securing an agreement which will enable British expats to access Spanish healthcare in the same way they do now. This should also give reassurance to the millions of British tourists who travel to Spain every year using the EHIC scheme for free or reduced medical costs if they need to see a doctor or nurse. Our next priority will be to continue our work with other EU member states, so that healthcare access for all UK and EU nationals are protected in a no deal scenario.
The British Embassy in Madrid and its network of consulates have held over 100 outreach events all across Spain in the last two years, explaining the implications of Brexit to resident UK nationals and answering their questions. Through these events and through the Embassy’s digital channels they have underlined the importance of British nationals living in Spain being correctly registered.
Being correctly registered means being registered with the National Police and in receipt of a green document, the Certificado de Registro. Its age and size – whether A4 or credit-card size – are irrelevant, and it does not need to bear the word “permanente”. Permanencia is something that happens automatically after five years legal residence, and those who like to see the word on their document can change it for one that says permanente but this it is not a requirement.
It has long been the case that that British nationals who live in Spain for more than 3 months of the year, should hold a certificate of registration from Extranjeria. Spain has announced today that, through the Royal Decree, UK nationals living in Spain will maintain their legal residence status after 29 March and that they, and their family members, will have until 31 December 2020 to get a Foreigner’s Identity Card. Further information on the process for obtaining this card will be released in due course. The key message – and NOW – is that it is essential for all British nationals living in Spain to check their residence status and ensure they are correctly registered.
On healthcare, the UK has offered to fund healthcare in Spain for UK nationals who would benefit from the S1 / EHIC schemes until 31 December 2020 on a reciprocal basis. The UK is also protecting healthcare for Spanish nationals in the UK. Through the Royal Decree, the Spanish Government has said that it will introduce measures that will protect healthcare for UK nationals in Spain, whether they be residents or visitors, under existing reimbursement mechanisms which have seen the UK Government providing £250m last year to Spain for the healthcare costs of British nationals in the country, and the Spanish government paid the £4 million for the healthcare costs of Spanish nationals in the UK.
The official Spanish “Brexit” website is part of the Interior Ministry’s site, and it is HERE. Spanish PM Sánchez said that his goal was to preserve the rights of Spanish and British citizens, as well as protecting a normal trade flow and Spanish economic interests in the event of a chaotic Brexit without a deal, and in this respect, Spain was acting unilaterally. In other words, this is Spain’s gift even though the UK has not yet guaranteed reciprocity; it’s almost certain to reciprocate, but it is thanks to Spain alone at present that we have these reassurances and I think it is important to recognize this.
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Philips Foundation publishes 2018 Annual Report
July 1, 2019 admin PRESS RELEASES
Amsterdam, the Netherlands – The Philips Foundation, established by Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA) as the central platform for Philips’ CSR activities, today announced publication of its 2018 Annual Report. The report highlights the Foundation’s solid progress in delivering on its commitment to reduce health inequality through meaningful innovation. This includes support for local NGO projects, collaboration with international organizations, and support for social entrepreneurs seeking to implement innovative healthcare solutions. Via the Foundation, Philips also focuses its workforce’s volunteering activities on a single global healthcare issue to achieve greater impact.
Building on its commitment to help solve some of the world’s most difficult healthcare challenges through innovation and collaboration, the Philips Foundation deliberately steered away from traditional donations in 2018. Instead, it teamed up with complementary partners, such as national Red Cross societies, UNICEF, ICRC, Save the Children and Amref, and with specific social entrepreneurs, resulting in the launch of 40 exciting new projects that explore new models of access to care to strengthen healthcare systems, improve outcomes, and reduce the cost of care.
“Standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners and of course Philips’ workforce, the Philips Foundation focuses on providing high-quality healthcare to communities lacking affordable and sustainable facilities,” said Margot Cooijmans, Director Philips Foundation. “In developing and deploying innovative solutions the Philips Foundation leverages the heads and hands, skills and technologies of Philips and its employees worldwide, to serve the health and well-being of disadvantaged people. To date, over 150 projects are running, improving the lives of more than 10 million people.”
Social entrepreneurship – accelerating access to care in collaboration with Ashoka
The Philips Foundation and Ashoka, the largest global network of leading social entrepreneurs, have completed the first year of a three-year collaboration to increase access to healthcare around the world. By connecting leaders in Philips with innovative social entrepreneurs, the aim is to optimally leverage business capabilities and achieve greater impact. In 2018, five new social entrepreneurs were selected, all committed to accelerating access to healthcare in underserved communities of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Combining the business strengths of Philips and the system-changing capabilities of social entrepreneurs will allow the co-creation of solutions and the establishment of win-win partnerships to reduce health inequality and build sustainable access to primary healthcare.
Employee volunteering – making an impact on a key global access-to-healthcare issue
Through its employee team-volunteering program, the Philips Foundation provides a platform for more than 75,000 Philips employees to volunteer and make an impact on a key global access-to-healthcare issue. The focused goal for 2018 and 2019 is to reduce childhood pneumonia – a respiratory disease that can be relatively easily prevented, diagnosed and treated. Working closely with its strong network of NGOs, including Amref, the UN Foundation, Save the Children and the Red Cross, the Philips Foundation has identified impactful challenges, such as brain challenges, hands-on challenges and fundraising opportunities, that support the fight against childhood pneumonia. In 2018, the Philips Foundation facilitated deployment of up to 4,800 hours of volunteer work.
To read the Philips Foundation’s full Annual Report, please click here.
Koen Joosse
Philips Foundation
Tel.: +31 6 1339 2233
E-mail: koen.joosse@philips.com
About the Philips Foundation
The Philips Foundation is a registered charity that was established in July 2014 as the central platform for Philips’ CSR activities. Reflecting our commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) and 17 (Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development), the mission of the Foundation is to reduce healthcare inequality by providing access to quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities. We do this by deploying Philips’ expertise, innovative products and solutions, by collaborating with key partners around the world and by providing financial support for collaborative activities. More information on the Philips Foundation can be found at https://www.philips-foundation.com.
Philips Foundation Annual Report 2018
Nanobiotix announces new organizational structure as the company enters its next stage after first european market approval
Train Service From Bangkok To Thailand-Cambodia Border Resumes
North Korea says nuclear talks at risk if U.S.-South Korea exercises go ahead
Uzbekistan resumes flights over Pakistan
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Scholar bridges Islam and West
by Susan | May 23, 2017 | Express-News Columns
Originally published in the San Antonio Express-News, November 28, 2004
In his 1973 book “The Best and the Brightest,” David Halberstam described how firing most of the State Department’s Far East experts during McCarthy-era witch hunts left a gap in knowledge and experience that inexorably led to the quagmire in Vietnam.
Let’s all breathe a sigh of relief. Now that we understand the implications of cutting ourselves off from the very expertise we need in time of war and crisis, we’ll never be stupid enough to pull that stunt again.
Or will we?
Last Sunday, Dr. Tariq Ramadan was scheduled to be one of the keynote speakers at the annual conference of the American Academy of Religion. His visa was denied.
The disappointed scholars attending the conference in San Antonio saw him via a live video feed. The moderator told him he got a standing ovation. He was touched.
Ramadan, a Swiss-born Islamic scholar, quit his job as a professor at the University of Fribourg to accept a yearlong visiting professorship at Notre Dame. In August, four days before he, his wife and four children were scheduled to fly to the United States, the State Department rescinded his visa at the direction of the Department of Homeland Security.
He reapplied seven weeks ago and is still awaiting a decision. All the Ramadans’ stuff — from bed linens to his daughter’s toys — is sitting in a warehouse in Indiana.
Neither Ramadan nor Notre Dame has been given an explanation of why his visa was pulled. He’s visited the United States 30 times in the past four years, he said, and in 2000 was named one of Time Magazine’s most important innovators for the 21st century. He considers himself a reformer and has been called the Islamic Martin Luther.
He speculated the visa was rescinded based on incendiary French reports that have erroneously claimed that he has spoken in favor of violence and that terrorists have attended some of his classes.
“I have nothing to do with violence. I have nothing to do with terrorism. I have nothing to do with alleged relationships with these people,” he said in an interview prior to his conference address.
Scholarly groups have petitioned in support of Ramadan. In August, the executive directors of the American Academy of Religion and the Middle East Studies Association of North America wrote, “There is absolutely nothing in the public record regarding Dr. Ramadan, or in his scholarly production, that would indicate any basis whatsoever for such allegations.”
Ramadan maintains it is both possible and desirable to be fully Muslim and fully Western. His two English-language books — “To Be a European Muslim” (1999) and “Western Muslims and the Future of Islam” (2004) — expand on this theme.
Ramadan embraces Western culture. He is Swiss. He is European. His undergraduate degree is in French literature, which he claims as his own. He believes Western Muslims will play an important role in importing the Western values of justice, democracy and freedom to the Islamic world.
He sees himself a builder of bridges, not only between Islam and the West but also among Islamic traditions.
Perhaps Ramdan’s most articulate defender is Radwan Masmoudi, president of the Center of the Study of Islam & Democracy. He wrote, “Few other leaders connect to the disaffected Muslim youth of America, Europe and the Middle East like he does. He offers them hope and a vision for living as Muslims in the 21st century, for being true to their Islamic heritage, culture, and faith while embracing modern, progressive, and democratic values and ideals. If somebody like Tariq Ramadan did not exist, the U.S. would have needed to invent him.”
We don’t have to invent him. We just have to reinstate his visa, allow him his year at Notre Dame and pay attention to his refreshingly contemporary vision of an Islam that is fully integrated with the best of American values.
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UK händelser
World Youth Day London 2022
söndag, 07. augusti 2022, London, World Youth Day London 2022
från 07. augusti 2022 - 12:00
United Kingdom, London
726 personer som deltar
We believe that World Youth Day 2022 should take place in Britain, with the main events and closing Mass in London. And we'll be there! Visit and LIKE the WYD London 2022 page here to support the cause:
https://www.facebook.com/WYDLondon2022?hc_location=stream
We could put on the best WYD there has ever been. Why? Because of the faith and energy of young Catholics here, the sense of renewal and hope within the Catholic Church in this country, the pull of the English language, and the attraction of Britain as a destination for visitors. WYD 2016 will be in Krakow; WYD 2019 will probably be outside Europe; and so by 2022 it will be time to come to Britain! It seems like a long way off, but time passes quickly, and it will take a lot of planning ahead.
WYD London would revitalise the Church and be an incredible witness to the people of this country. It would be a truly national event, bringing together every Catholic diocese, parish, group and movement. It wouldn't distract from other important pastoral priorities - instead it would provide a focus and stimulus for them. The period of planning and preparation would galvanise the Church at national and local levels. The ‘Days in the Dioceses', in the week before WYD itself, would be a celebration of faith throughout the regions, with hundreds of thousands of international young pilgrims welcomed into parishes and families across Britain. And there could be an important ecumenical dimension too, with Catholics and other Christian communities cooperating in hospitality, witness and celebration.
London would be the focus for the main WYD events and closing Mass. Why? Not because of some unthinking ‘London-centric’ prejudice in favour of the capital, but simply because of the practical advantages. London has the venues, the infrastructure, the transport, the public spaces - the sheer size; and it will have the experience of dealing with the Olympics. In the three dioceses that converge there (Westminster, Southwark and Brentwood), it has the greatest number of Catholic parishes and movements, the richest concentration of Catholic life, and an incomparable diversity of people and communities. And it has a unique pull in the international imagination. It would be ‘London uniting the country and opening out to the world’, rather than ‘London excluding the regions’.
Yes, there would be significant costs. But unlike Pope Benedict's visit to the UK in 2010, WYD would pay for itself. If just half a million pilgrims register (a conservative estimate), and the fee is just £50, that's £25m to start with, even before the serious fundraising has begun. And despite the misgivings of some, no-one seriously doubts that this kind of event brings massive economic benefits to the host country. The Papal visit, for example, brought an £8.5m boost to Glasgow alone; and a £12.5m boost to Birmingham. According to an independent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers, WYD Madrid brought 354m Euros to Spain, and there are similar predictions for Rio [see links below]. This is one reason why the British Government and Mayor of London will surely be interested in it. But there would be deeper reasons are well: the opportunity of hosting what is perhaps the largest youth event in the world, of opening our doors to people from every corner of the earth, and of putting young people at the centre of the national agenda.
At the moment, this is an off-the-cuff, un-thought-out, testing-the-water kind of proposition. It began in the parks and cafes of Madrid at WYD 2011, when thousands of young people from the UK began to think ‘We could do this!’ It continued in a World Youth Day London 2016 Facebook Event, before Krakow was announced, which had 2,900 potential attendees - it's now been closed! And it continues now through this new WYD London 2022 Event.
So if you want to see it move forward, INVITE YOUR FRIENDS - TODAY!!
What do you think? Post your own comments, suggestions, criticisms, links, etc. in the box below.
You can see the Krakow page here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/World-Youth-Day-Krakow-2016/1398183080399598
Report about effects of Papal visit on Glasgow's economy:
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/papal-visit-s-8-5m-boost-for-city-1.1043610
Report about the effects of Papal visit on Birmingham's economy:
http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2010/09/08/pope-s-visit-expected-to-be-worth-12-5m-to-birmingham-s-economy-65233-27222221/
Report about the economic benefits of WYD Madrid to Spain:
http://www.rio2013.com/en/noticias/detalhes/144/wyd-madrid-yielded-354-million-euros
Report about the expected economic benefits of WYD to Rio: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/world-youth-day-expected-to-boost-economy-in-rio-de-janeiro/
[Flag image from http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-2695490118]
World Youth Day London 2022, London händelse
FOTBOLL???????
Landlord and Letting Agent Training
Simon Caine & Tara Newton-Wordsworth - Edinburgh Fringe preview
LEGO®-Based Therapy Training - August 2019
EMRTS Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) Open Evening
The Clone Roses
Pottery wheel - Drop in Workshop.
An Introduction to Customer Relationship Management
Electric Swing Circus at Love Summer Festival 2019
lördag 05. oktober 2019
***** pottery workshop - Planters and Vases.
***** pottery workshop - Mugs.
***** pottery workshop - Porcelain Flowers.
Public Lecture "Environmental Ethics in a Changing Climate"
torsdag 28. maj 2020
***** pottery workshop - Vases.
Penshurst Place Summer BBQ Evening
RYA Diesel Engine Course
***** pottery workshop - Introduction to porcelain.
***** pottery workshop - Mugs and Jugs.
Kids 6-18 - GoCode Summer Tech Camp Wimbledon
Certified Kanban Management Professional (KMP2)
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Campus and University Life
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Press | MedUni Vienna
Two professors at MedUni Vienna newly appointed
Karl Rössler (at the left) and Daniel Aletaha
(Vienna, 03 July 2019) On July 1, 2019, two professorships were appointed at MedUni Vienna. Karl Rössler is taking over the Chair of Neurosurgery and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at MedUni Vienna. Daniel Aletaha takes over the Chair of Rheumatology and Head of the Division of Rheumatology of the Department of Internal Medicine III. He led the division last interim.
Karl Rössler takes over Chair of Neurosurgery
Karl Rössler's main research interests over the last few years have been in neuronavigation and intraoperative imaging in epilepsy surgery, brain tumour surgery and vascular neurosurgery at Erlangen University Hospital, one of the world's outstanding centres of excellence in intraoperative imaging. This enabled him to obtain ground-breaking findings in the area of epilepsy surgery, in particular, and to develop them within the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) as a board member of the Surgical Therapies Commission. Rössler intends to continue these research projects at the new intraoperative MRI centre at the Department of Neurosurgery of MedUni Vienna/Vienna General Hospital, with the aim of establishing a cutting-edge, international centre for intraoperative imaging in neurosurgery, together with the Department of Radiology, Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy.
In addition to this, Karl Rössler wants to expand and intensify interdisciplinary collaboration with the neurological specialities at MedUni Vienna and establish the Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences. Intensified collaboration with the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, the Institute of Neurology (Obersteiner Institute) and the Center for Brain Research should help to ensure that basic research findings increasingly feed into neurosurgical treatments for national diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or depression and are used for new treatments. Synergies with the Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna (CCC-CNS Unit) at MedUni Vienna should also be intensively utilised for the precision medicine in oncology. Neurological spinal surgery is to be more closely linked with trauma surgery and orthopaedics on an interdisciplinary level. Paediatric neurosurgery and skull-base surgery (meningioma, acoustic neuroma) are likewise to be developed by closer interdisciplinary collaboration with the associated disciplines. The Department should also play a pioneering role in open questions in gender medicine within the field of neurosurgery.
Other focuses are also to be international networking of clinical practice, research and advanced training of young specialist colleagues and also the treatment of patients with rare neurosurgical diseases, which will play an increasing role in future, especially in oncologic and vascular neurosurgery (in the subfields of endovascular neurosurgery and gamma knife surgery) and will increasingly be reflected in greater participation in international multi-centre studies.
Karl Rössler believes that "Neurosurgery should also be more available on undergraduate and postgraduate courses,” and he plans to establish a major lecture in neurosurgery and an internship in neurosurgery as part of the medical curriculum at MedUni Vienna and to provide more patient-based learning at the bedside and in the operating theatre.
About Karl Rössler
Karl Rössler studied medicine in Vienna and completed a postgraduate course in clinical and experimental neuropathology under Herbert Budka and Hans Lassmann at the Neurology Institute of the University of Vienna (now the Institute of Neurology and Center for Brain Research of MedUni Vienna). He completed his specialist training under Wolfgang Koos at the Department of Neurosurgery Vienna, where he was also awarded the Venia Docendi for neurosurgery and the professional title of University Professor by the Austrian Ministry of Science and Research. He went on to become Senior Doctor in charge of the Division of Neurosurgery at Feldkirch Main Hospital in Vorarlberg, before moving to Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg as Deputy Director of the Department of Neurosurgery.
Daniel Aletaha takes over Chair of Rheumatology
Daniel Aletaha studied medicine at the Medical Faculty of the University of Vienna (now Medical University of Vienna), where he completed his training in the area of rheumatology. He also completed research assignments at the National Institute of Health in the USA. He holds a Master of Clinical Health Science from Duke University and an MBA from Danube University Krems.
Aletaha is committed to international networking: "The internationality of the Division is very important to me, as is the corresponding development of its staff. Internationality is key to ensuring that our research keeps pace with the times and it also increases the visibility of our university abroad."
His research goal is to ensure optimum use and intensive integration of basic, translational and clinical research to answer pathogenic, clinical and prognostic questions: "That must be our core aim, so that we can develop better treatments for the benefit of our patients."
With this in mind, his aim is to pursue future-oriented fields of research, such as Deep Learning, Big Data (epidemiological, clinical but also "omics" data), single-cell sequencing and developments of the same … plus much more besides.
"A specific goal is the early detection and/or prevention of inflammatory rheumatic diseases," explains Aletaha. The patient must always be at the centre of any endeavour, "so that we can maximise the quality-of-life of all those affected."
Research-related and practice-related teaching
A major focus for Aletaha is the modernisation of teaching. "We want to create classes within the existing curriculum to inspire students and impart both tried and tested and new knowledge from the field in a way that is relevant to both clinical practice and research. Engaging students is one of the keys to this. Clinical rheumatology is concerned with many rare diseases which are, nonetheless, highly relevant to those suffering from them – and here it is important to learn from the complexity of the diseases. Besides, successful teaching is one of the most rewarding aspects of our academic work."
Date: Inaugural lecture Karl Rössler on September 20, 2019 (11:00 am) in the lecture hall center (Hörsaalzentrum) of the MedUni Vienna in the AKH Vienna (level 7). Registration is requested.
Inaugural lecture Daniel Aletaha: tba.
Sommer, Sonne, Sonnenschein ☀️ Wer ist für die kommenden heißen Tage schon mit Sonnenbrille, Handtuch oder Flip-Flops aus unserem #MedUniShop ausgestattet? Facebook 17. July 2019
#Heart failure: new technique uses microcurrent to exercise heart muscle Twitter 16. July 2019
© 2019 Medical University Vienna
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9/And after all of that – don’t forget to send in feedback! Any good company that offers telephone psychic readings will tell you that they want to hear from you. If you’re blown away by your reading, let them know. If you aren’t, let them know. Many of the people who have psychic readings with my readers have been with us for years and we really do listen to what people say.
^ Brian Righi. (2008). Ghosts, Apparitions and Poltergeists: An Exploration of the Supernatural through History. Llewellyn Publications. Llewellyn Publications. p. 52. ISBN 978-0-7387-1363-2 "One medium of the 1920s, Mina Crandon, became famous for producing ectoplasm during her sittings. At the height of the séance, she was even able to produce a tiny ectoplasmic hand from her navel, which waved about in the darkness. Her career ended when Harvard biologists were able to examine the tiny hand and found it to be nothing more than a carved piece of animal liver."
I'm using this with a 2018 Mac mini to download pictures from my Sony A7R III SD cards. RAW image downloads really fast, especially if the card is UHS-II. I w I'm using this with a 2018 Mac mini to download pictures from my Sony A7R III SD cards. RAW image downloads really fast, especially if the card is UHS-II. I was able to copy 10 GB from a Sony UHS-II card to my Mac mini's internal SSD in about 40 seconds. On the card reader, there is a little mark to indicate where the top of the SD card is and you can easily tell when the card is inserted all the way. Presumably this works well with all Apple computers with USB-C and the 2018 iPad Pro. I haven't tested the card reader with an iPad Pro. More(Read full review)
No, the psychic said, because it had been her time. Throughout the eight-minute reading, she repeatedly told me Emily's death was meant to be. Emily was sad that she left me behind, but she's in a positive place now and is the reason why I feel a presence around my house (it's her watching over me and I should try talking to her). I also learned that after death, souls hang around Earth for six weeks which is why I dreamt of Emily a lot right after she died.
Most cameras and camcorders are compatible with Secure Digital (SD), CompactFlash (CF) or Memory Stick type cards. SD cards typically hold up to 2GB of storage. An SD high capacity card (SDHC) can hold between 4GB and 32GB, while an SD extended capacity card (SDXC) has a capacity of up to 2TB. SDXC cards are handy, since they're backwards compatible with SDHC and SD devices. There are also microSD cards available for more compact devices like smartphones but these can be adapted to fit SD-compatible devices.
Magicians have a long history of exposing the fraudulent methods of mediumship. Early debunkers included Chung Ling Soo, Henry Evans and Julien Proskauer.[59] Later magicians to reveal fraud were Joseph Dunninger, Harry Houdini and Joseph Rinn. Rose Mackenberg, a private investigator who worked with Houdini during the 1920s, was among the most prominent debunkers of psychic fraud during the mid-20th century.[60]
Thank you so much for the reading. The first thing of my questions I asked has came true today as I had my biopsy results. Although pathology came back with cancer the doctors decided to monitor the situation instead of surgery because the cancer is very unusual and rare. You said in the reading “they will decide to monitor instead of another surgery ” which would t normally make sense and you couldn’t have guessed. you were right!
Our past life psychics can help you open your mind to those experiences in ways you never imagined possible. Through a psychic past life regression we can open a portal to another time and place and allow you to relive those moments vividly. As we journey backwards and forwards we will continue to provide support and guidance so that you can appreciate fully not just the experiences themselves but their deeper meaning, allowing the voices from your past to better mould you future.
When your psychic reading shows signs that there may be problems in your future, it is important that the psychic tells you those indications openly and clearly. This provides you with information on potential pitfalls that may await you on a particular path. Knowing the possible obstacles before you begin can make a significant difference in your ability to create future happiness in both business and personal arenas.
The magician Julien Proskauer revealed that the levitating trumpet of Jack Webber was a trick. Close examination of photographs reveal Webber to be holding a telescopic reaching rod attached to the trumpet, and sitters in his séances only believed it to have levitated because the room was so dark they could not see the rod. Webber would cover the rod with crepe paper to disguise its real construction.[162]
“I first met Catharine a number of years ago for a reading. She described my husband and told me that he would be taking 4-6 weeks off work and relaxing. I have to admit I was skeptical…my husband is a complete workaholic and this was definitely not him! A few weeks later he hit his head on a staircase, ended up with a concussion and, yes, had to have 6 weeks off work to rest. I was hooked. Since then, she has described holidays that we would be taking, described my children’s mannerisms down to a tee and also work activities that I would be getting involved with. The rest of my family think that I’m strange for wanting to have readings like this…but it’s amazing how interested they all are when I get home to find out what she’s said and what’s going to happen in their lives. Thanks Catharine!
Most telephone psychic clients are repeat customers, who rely on their telephone psychic to provide accurate and timely advice that is pertinent to their lives. It is all done over the phone. Phones provide an instant connection between callers and psychics. As a supernatural advisor, it is imperative to build trust and credibility with your clients by using a calming and interested voice and by being able to solve problems and answer questions without ever seeing the person on the other end of the line.
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Laverne Cox on Groundbreaking Doubt Role: 'It's Wonderful to Be a Black Transgender Woman on CBS'
By Michael Ausiello / August 10 2016, 3:25 PM PDT
Courtesy of CBS
On CBS’ midseason legal drama Doubt, Laverne Cox plays a fiercely competitive Ivy League-educated attorney. Oh, and she’s also broadcast television’s first full-time transgender character — a distinction not lost on Cox.
“What’s so exciting about [the role of] Cameron and being on CBS is I’m an avid TV watcher and, growing up, I did not see people like me on television,” the Orange is the New Black actress told reporters Wednesday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour. “It’s wonderful to get to play a character like that. And to be a black transgender woman in that position on CBS feels really special.”
More than anything, Cox admitted, “I’m really grateful to have a job as an actor.”
Doubt also marks a return to television for Katherine Heigl following her short-lived NBC drama State of Affairs. Jumping back into a new TV project —and one shepherded by her former Grey’s Anatomy EPs Tony Phelan and Joan Rater — is “always kind of thrilling,” Heigl shared. “You cannot deny that every time this opportunity happens and this coalescing of events takes you to this moment right now…it’s an exciting process.
“But it’s also terrifying and stressful and, if one goes there — which I’m trying not to — scary,” she added, “I’m trying to stay focused on how fun it’s been. I’m just really excited for people to see this.”
TAGS: CBS, Doubt, Katherine Heigl, Laverne Cox
GET MORE: TCA Press Tour
Watch all the season 14 'America's Got Talent' Golden Buzzer…
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Filmore Performs 'Slower' During National TV Debut
posted by Chandler Reeves - May 15, 2019
Filmore made his national television debut on NBC’s Today Show this morning (5/15) and performed his hit single “Slower.” Co-written by Filmore, Justin Ebach, and Steven Dale Jones, “Slower” has garnered nearly 30 million streams and is currently climbing up the country charts.
[Purchase "Slower" on iTunes]
When asked about the debut single he said, "I wrote it about back home in Missouri where I grew up. A lot of experiences, when you write songs, I've been here for six years in Nashville writing songs for a living, I really found out who I was as an artist, I found the songs that I love, and I kind of put those together. And this one really tells a story of my life and how I always try to slow things down and live in the moment; 'Slower' has always been that for me. I knew from the moment I wrote it that it was one hundred percent me, very exciting, and I was hoping that people would love it. They started responding in live crowds, and as that progressed, it just became something that's one hundred percent a part of me. I'm just beyond excited to move to the next level with this, and be here performing it, and now be at Country Radio. I'm taking a chance on the song that definitely made me who I am."
The anything but typical Missouri-native, who now calls Nashville home, has received early accolades for his live show and has built an impressive fan base prior to signing with Curb Records. He continues to sell out shows nationwide and will be making his Opry debut on June 14. He tells us, "I'll be touring just as much as I have the past two years, if not more. Things are escalating, so I get to play for some bigger crowds. I'm really excited about that."
For more information on Filmore, visit http://www.filmoremusic.com.
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Greatest resource – The Nation
Nigeria must adequately cater for its youths for a brighter tomorrow
The United Nations pegs the youth age at between 15 – 24 years. However, because this is done without prejudice to any country’s benchmark, Nigeria pegs her own youth age at between 18-35 years. Invariably, if well prepared with good education, health and other developmental variables, the youth of any nation is the most productive sector of its population. In essence, the children of any country hold the ace to its future.
It is in complete realisation of this that the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, William Symington, reminded Nigerians that the greatest resource of the country is its youths and not petroleum. He made the statement on his visit to Adekunle Anglican Primary School in Makoko, a sweltering suburb of Lagos famous for its slum. A huge percentage of Makoko rests on stilts above the Lagos Lagoon. Until recently, the children and youth of Makoko community have suffered huge education deficit. Some private sector and non-governmental organisations have been pulling resources together to improve education in the area but there is still room for improvement.
The ambassador challenged the Nigerian government saying, “If you have oil and you don’t have people, you have nothing, the reason the world cares about Nigeria is because of the youths of the country”. This is very instructive and must be taken very seriously by all tiers of government, given that the education sector is handled by the different tiers of government. He pointed out the potential in any well-educated youth, the endless possibilities in all human sectors.
For a country that consistently fails to meet the UN education budget benchmark of 26%, the ambassador in choosing to go to a school in Makoko must be taken very seriously. The paltry allocation of about less than 10 percent to the education sector is enough proof that successive governments have not given youth development the requisite attention needed to prepare the most productive segment of the population.
The negligence shown towards youth development is boldly announced by the scandalous 13.2 million out of school children that has earned Nigeria the country with the greatest number of out-of-school children globally. The fact that there is a growing number of acutely malnourished, dying and retarded children across the country is an ill wind that blows no one any good. What it shows is that in the nearest future, those children who ought to step into the youth segment would either be dead, retarded mentally or physically and therefore unable to grow and fulfill their potential.
If the tiers of governments in Nigeria had feigned ignorance of what is truly important to the future of the country, the ambassador’s advice and that of Bill Gates who had in an earlier visit lamented the lack of adequate investment in health and education as very detrimental to the human capital development of the country must be a wake-up call.
The undue attention to the oil sector by successive governments must shift to the development of the youth population in ways that would equip them for the challenges of the 21st century that is ruled by ideas. The lack of clear youth development and implementable plans as evident in the dysfunctional system where children are malnourished, dying, mentally and physically retarded, uneducated or half educated, unemployed or even total illiterates cannot augur well for the future of the country.
If the future of a country is in its youths, then it logically follows that Nigeria must deliberately plan to equip its teeming youths with the basics in nutrition, health, functional education and the requisite infrastructure for optimal productivity and national growth. The northern part of the country in particular must realise that the socio-cultural excuse for almajiri system, IDP negligence, child brides, excessive population growth and provision of commercial motorcycles with the attendant risks, poverty and illiteracy are tools detrimental to growth. The South must discourage child-labour, high school drop-out, and invest more in education and health for future growth. Nigeria must invest in its youths for sustainability and development. Petroleum can finish or be out of use but not so for human capital.
Previous: Gov. el-Rufai lifts curfew in Kaduna
Next: The invasion of Ekweremadu’s residence – Tribune
Nigeria further descended into the abyss of lawlessness at the weekend with the gruesome murder ...
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Dear Doug Ford: Sex ed shouldn’t be political
Allegra Morgado
Doug Ford, leader of the Ontario Conservative party. Photo: CC, HiMY-SYeD.
Curriculum gives key facts on sexuality, consent, gender identity
Since winning the Ontario PC leadership race, Doug Ford has begun to make some promises. One of the most troubling is his plan to scrap the sexual education curriculum introduced by the Ontario Liberal party in 2015.
This curriculum has received much criticism, mostly from right-wing parents and religious organizations, since its introduction. This criticism, however, is mostly biased and unfounded.
The new sex-ed curriculum was a significant improvement of the former program administered to public school students in Ontario. In fact, it was the first update to sexual education in Ontario in almost two decades, and introduced concepts relating to anatomy and puberty at earlier grade levels than before. It also included updates on topics like sexuality, gender identity, consent, mental health, and online harassment.
This curriculum is not attempting to indoctrinate students into going against their parents’ religious beliefs and becoming queer or sexually active. It’s simply trying to create more educated, progressive students in a country where same-gender marriage has been legal for almost 15 years, and teen pregnancy was on the rise only five years ago.
Simply put, Ford would be doing a disservice to the students of Ontario by changing the curriculum. Students with different sexual identities and gender identities deserve to feel safe and respected in their classrooms, and with Ford giving into the religious right and changing the curriculum he is risking the lives of these children.
Ford has made claims that parents were not properly consulted during the creation of this program; however, according to a Toronto Star article, not only were parents consulted, but so were medical professionals, educators, and even the police especially concerning the ages that different topics were taught.
There are also statistics that show that comprehensive sex-ed works. According to Advocates for Youth, a nonprofit organization and advocacy group based out of Washington, D.C., research on comprehensive sexual education programs demonstrate that these programs decrease sexual activity and increase use of condoms and contraceptives. We know that the more educated students are, the more informed decisions they will make.
This curriculum could also improve the mental health of students with transgender and non-heterosexual identities, who already face higher rates of disorders such as depression and anxiety, and who are 14 times more likely to attempt suicide in comparison to their heterosexual peers, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
By improving the curriculum, all the Liberal party has done is better educate students on topics they may already be curious about, and ensure they are receiving the correct information. Students today have more access to the internet than ever before, and as a result are at risk of learning incorrect information if they are not taught otherwise within their schools.
So instead of scrapping the curriculum, maybe it’s time for Doug Ford to educate himself on queer identities, and the issues facing LGBTQ+ youth. Being against this curriculum, it’s pretty obvious he needs it.
Allegra MorgadoconsentConservative partyDoug Fordgendergender identityLGBTQOntarioPregnancysexSex ed
The criminalization of HIV non-disclosure
Matt Gergyek
“If you … (think) people with HIV deserve to be thrown in jail, you won’t care about applying the criminal law because you don’t see them as human beings; you see them as vectors of transmission.”
The pink police
Sofia Hashi
Campus Pride week may have come and gone at the University of Ottawa, but for Cody Boast, a third-year political science student, the incident that occurred on March 4 left him feeling little pride in his campus community.
Forget reading
Iain Sellers, Arts & Culture Editor
What to do if you’re stuck in Ottawa during the study break If you’re not going away for Reading Week, you have an entire week in Ottawa without classes. Once you’ve slept in, eaten ice cream for breakfast, and spent at least a day watching Netflix, you’ll need to get out of the house and …
Heckles
The Tomato
So That's How My Life's Going
Philosophical Sh*t
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Is There Any Real Right and Wrong?
View Series / Michael Horner
What would you do if, during World War II, you were hiding some Jewish people in your home and a Nazi soldier came to your door and asked if there were any Jews inside? Would you tell the truth and consign these innocent people to death, or would you lie to protect them? Most people respond to this question with the “logical conclusion,” that they would lie and protect the Jews.
Most people know that such atrocities, as what occurred during the Holocaust, are genuinely, objectively wrong. But did the organizers and instigators at the time believe them to be right? Who decides right versus wrong?
For years now, many people have used such moral dilemmas to disprove the existence of moral absolutes. Lying may be wrong in most situations, they say, but not in all situations. But what do moral dilemmas really prove? I argue that they do not prove that there are no moral absolutes. That conclusion does not follow from the above example. To the contrary, there would be no dilemma if there were no moral absolutes. Moral dilemmas merely show that in some circumstances one must choose the greater good when more than one absolute impinges upon the situation.
Because of moral dilemmas like this one, and other major disagreements over ethical questions like abortion, euthanasia, pre-marital sex and capital punishment, many think that ethics must be relative to individuals, culture or time. People do not realize that an increasing number of philosophers these days think that ethical relativism is naive and that morality is objectively true.
Surveys tell us that most people in Western society claim to be moral relativists; that is, they claim that what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another. But it is very easy to say there are no objective or absolute moral principles. It is much more difficult, however, to live as if there are none.
It is much more difficult, however, to live as if there are no moral absolutes.
The way we live, our behaviour and the way we respond when people treat us, the judgements we make when other people are mistreated — these things reveal what we really believe about right and wrong. For example, we believe it was morally wrong for the Nazis to torture and kill six million Jews during World War II. But we not only think it is wrong, we think everyone should agree that it is wrong.
This is not to say that something is wrong just because everyone agrees it is wrong. There is a logical possibility that we are mistaken and it is just our cultural conditioning that tells us these things are wrong. This may be a logical possibility, but is it very likely that our deepest intuitions about this matter could be mistaken? That would mean torturing people is not really wrong; we just think it is.
But if this basic intuition is wrong, that is, if it is merely the result of cultural conditioning, could it be possible that our other basic beliefs and intuitions, such as our belief in cultural conditioning, are also the result of this same conditioning process? If so, it seems this line of reasoning is self-refuting. It fails its own test.
Therefore, it is logical to conclude that there must be an absolute after all — one that transcends cultural conditioning. Otherwise, how do we establish and enforce laws, teach our children, etc? For each generation to start over and decide it’s own definitions would be chaotic at n best. There must be a wiser and transcendent source that can determine what is right and what is wrong. One which is objective, fair and unbiased.
Christians believe that if objective principles of right and wrong exist, there must be a foundation for them. And the foundation that makes the most sense is the character of a perfect and holy God who provides sure, unwavering, guidelines for social interaction. Christians do, however, also believe this God is loving and caring enough to provide a guide, the Holy Spirit, which will help them carry out the principles in their daily lives.
Tags: apologetics
Photo Credit: Pablo Garcia Saldaña
Do All Religions Lead to the Same God?
It is a common idea that all religions lead to God, just by different paths. But do they actually claim to help you find the same God?
Will God Condemn People Who Have Never Even Heard About Jesus?
Seems unfair that God would send them to hell, doesn't it?
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Tag Archives: 32in32
5th Annual 32 in 32ish NFL Previews: Playoff predictions and Super Bowl LIII winner
Time to finish up the season preview posts with my projected NFL playoff bracket for the coming season. I’ve determined what records I think every team will end up with this season and the subsequent playoff seedings. Here are my playoff predictions. Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged 32in32, 49ers, Bengals, Chargers, Eagles, Jaguars, NFL, Packers, Panthers, Patriots, playoffs, Raiders, Rams, Saints, Steelers, Super Bowl, Super Bowl LIII on 09/09/2018 by scottj326.
5th Annual 32 in 32ish NFL Previews: Season predictions
Here are my predictions for how the 2018 NFL season will play out. I went through and picked who I think will win each game and these are the final records, standings and playoff seedings. Thanks to the NFL Playoff Predictor for making it easy to track everything. There were some changes in my thinking from when I was writing the team previews through the summer based on signings, trades and other news items from recent weeks, as well as general changes in my opinions of some teams.
Patriots 12-4
Jets 7-9
Bills 5-11
Dolphins 3-13
Bengals 10-6
Steelers 10-6
Ravens 5-11
Browns 3-13
Jaguars 10-6
Texans 10-6
Colts 6-10
Titans 6-10
Raiders 10-6
Chargers 10-6
Chiefs 7-9
Broncos 4-12
AFC Playoff Seeds
1-Patriots
2-Jaguars
3-Raiders
4-Bengals
5-Chargers
6-Steelers
Eagles 10-6
Cowboys 7-9
Redskins 7-9
Giants 6-10
Packers 11-5
Vikings 10-6
Lions 9-7
Bears 6-10
Saints 12-4
Panthers 10-6
Falcons 9-7
Buccaneers 5-11
Rams 12-4
49ers 11-5
Seahawks 8-8
Cardinals 5-11
NFC Playoff Seeds
1-Rams
2-Saints
3-Packers
4-Eagles
5-49ers
6-Panthers
You can check out my game-by-game picks for the regular season here. Coming later today, I’ll make my postseason picks, including for Super Bowl LIII.
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged 32in32, NFL, picks, playoffs, Super Bowl LIII on 09/09/2018 by scottj326.
5th Annual 32 in 32ish NFL Previews: Seattle Seahawks
We finish our previews of all 32 NFL teams with the Seattle Seahawks, who finished in second place in the NFC West last season.
After five straight playoff appearances, the Seahawks took a step backward last season, going 9-7, and it might get even worse this season. The defense got worse when the team released CBs Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane and DE Cliff Avril, and later traded DE Michael Bennett to the Eagles. On offense, TE Jimmy Graham and WR Paul Richardson left in free agency, signing contracts with the Packers and Redskins, respectively. Their biggest addition on offense was selecting RB Rashaad Penny in the first round of the draft. They also signed WRs Jaron Brown and Brandon Marshall and changed backup quarterbacks, trading a draft pick to the Packers for QB Brett Hundley.
The Seahawks were 15th in the NFL with 5,286 yards and 11th with 366 points last season. QB Russell Wilson threw for 3,983 yards and 34 touchdowns — which tied his career high — with 11 interceptions; he also ran for team-highs with 586 yards and three touchdowns. WR Doug Baldwin had 75 receptions for 991 yards and eight touchdowns. WR Tyler Lockett caught 45 catches for 555 yards and two touchdowns. Brown had 31 catches for 477 yards and four touchdowns with the Cardinals, and Marshall had 18 receptions for 154 yards in five games with the Giants. Rookie RB Chris Carson had 49 carries last season for 208 yards. The defense was in the top half of the league in both yards and points allowed.
The Seahawks begin on the road for Weeks 1 and 2, playing the Broncos and Bears, respectively. The Cowboys come to Seattle for Week 3, then the Seahawks hit the road again to take on the Cardinals. They host the Rams in Week 5, then head overseas to take on the Raiders as the visiting team in London in Week 6. After a Week 7 bye, the Seahawks visit the Lions, then host the Chargers in Week 9. The Seahawks visit the Rams in Week 10 and host the Packers in Week 11. After a Week 12 road game against the Panthers, the Seahawks return home for games against the 49ers and the Vikings. The Seahawks then visit the 49ers in Week 15, and they finish the season with consecutive home games against the Chiefs and Cardinals.
The Seahawks are set for significant regression this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball with Sherman, Lane, Avril and Bennett all gone entering this season. Graham is also a significant loss on offense, leaving third-year TE Nick Vannett, who has 15 career receptions in his first two seasons, as the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart; they also used their fourth-round draft pick on TE Will Dissly. Brown could be a decent addition in the receiving corps, but Marshall is entering his 13th season in the league and, at 34 years old, is past his prime and shouldn’t be expected to be a big part of the offense. Baldwin and Lockett will be big parts of the offense. One part of the team that should be improved this season is the running game, which was virtually nonexistent last season. Carson will begin the season as the starter but Penny will get his share of playing time, especially has it gets deeper into the season. Overall, though, the team isn’t going to be good this season and may not win more than six or seven games.
And that concludes this year’s look at all 32 NFL teams. Tomorrow, we’ll have a preview of the Falcons-Eagles season opener, with our Week 1 picks and season and playoff predictions coming up this the weekend.
Source: http;//www.seahawks.com, http://www.pro-football-reference.com
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged 32in32, 49ers, Bears, Broncos, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Eagles, Falcons, Giants, Lions, NFC West, NFL, Packers, Panthers, picks, Raiders, Rams, Redskins, Seahawks, Vikings on 09/05/2018 by scottj326.
5th Annual 32 in 32ish NFL Previews: San Francisco 49ers
Next up for the NFC West in our previews of all 32 NFL teams is the San Francisco 49ers, who finished in last place in the division last season.
It was a tale of two seasons for the 49ers in 2017. They were 1-10 in their first 11 games, using starting QBs Brian Hoyer and C.J. Beathard. But they traded for QB Jimmy Garoppolo and started him for the last five games of the season; they went undefeated in his five starts to finish the season a semi-respectable 6-10. The team’s biggest offseason acquisition was signing RB Jerick McKinnon to a four-year contract, but he suffered a torn ACL in the final weekend before the start of the regular season. He was the anticipated starter at the position, and with him out for the season the 49ers are expected to turn to RB Alfred Morris — another offseason signing — to become the No. 1 running back. McKinnon’s injury also means a bigger workload for second-year RB Matt Breida, who the team signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017. The running-back signings were facilitated by the loss of RB Carlos Hyde, who signed with the Browns.
The 49ers were 12th in the NFL with 5,587 yards and 20th with 331 points in 2017. In his six games — five starts — Garoppolo threw for 1,560 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions. WR Marquise Goodwin had 56 receptions for 962 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie TE George Kittle recorded 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games, including seven starts. WR Pierre Garcon played in eight games, catching 40 passes for 500 yards — but that was all before Garoppolo took over as the quarterback because Garcon missed the second half of the season with a neck injury. Breida had 105 carries in his rookie season, running for 465 yards and two touchdowns. In 14 games — five starts — with the Cowboys, Morris ran the ball 115 times for 547 yards and a touchdown. The defense was in the bottom third of the league in both yards and points allowed.
The 49ers have a tough opponent to begin the season, visiting the Vikings in Week 1. Another NFC North opponent awaits in Week 2, with a home game against the Lions. The 49ers visit the Chiefs and Chargers in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively, then return home to face the Cardinals in Week 5. After that, they visit the Packers in Week 6 and host the Rams in Week 7. The 49ers play at the Cardinals in Week 8 before back-to-back home games with the Raiders and Giants. After a Week 11 bye, the 49ers have road games with the Buccaneers and Seahawks on tap, followed by a Week 14 home game against the Broncos. They host the Seahawks in Week 15 and Bears in Week 16 before ending the season on the road at the Rams in Week 17.
With Garoppolo as the starting quarterback all season, the 49ers will get off to a better record than they did last season, but I don’t think he’s as good as he looked in the few games he played late last season, so I’m not sure if they’re better than a .500 team. That would represent a two-game improvement over last year’s record, but wouldn’t be good enough to keep the 49ers in a hunt for a playoff spot. Especially with McKinnon’s injury, meaning the team is relying on Morris and Brieda on the ground, I think the 49ers are a level below the elite teams in the conference. They’re probably still a year or two away from competing for the playoffs.
Source: http://www.49ers.com, http://www.pro-football-reference.com
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged 32in32, 49ers, Bears, Broncos, Browns, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Giants, Lions, NFC North, NFC West, NFL, Packers, playoffs, Raiders, Rams, Seahawks, Vikings on 09/04/2018 by scottj326.
5th Annual 32 in 32ish NFL Previews: Los Angeles Rams
Up next in our previews of all 32 NFL teams is the Los Angeles Rams, who won the NFC West last season.
After going 4-12 in 2016, the Rams went 11-5 in 2017 — their first season under head coach Sean McVay — en route to winning the franchise’s first NFC West title since 2003 and their first playoff appearance since 2004. The near-tripling of the team’s win total was due to breakout seasons for third-year RB Todd Gurley, who was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year, and second-year QB Jared Goff. Even though the Rams had one of the league’s best offenses last season, that didn’t stop them from adding to it this year. They traded a couple of 2018 draft picks, including their first-rounder, to the Patriots in exchange for WR Brandin Cooks, who they later locked up with a five-year contract extension. Acquiring Cooks makes an already-good offense even better and deeper.
The offense was 10th in the NFL with 5,784 yards, but it led the league with 478 points, which was 20 points better than the second-place Patriots. Goff threw for 3,804 yards and 28 touchdowns, with just seven interceptions in 15 games. Gurley had 279 rushes for 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns, to go along with a team-high 64 receptions for 788 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. Rookie WR Cooper Kupp also played in 15 games — six starts — and caught 62 balls for 869 yards and five touchdowns. WR Robert Woods added 56 catches for 781 yards and five scores in 12 games. Cooks recorded 65 receptions for the Patriots, going for 1,082 yards and seven scores. The defense was in the middle third of the league in both yards and points allowed.
The Rams’ start their season in the final game of Week 1, visiting the Raiders in the second half of the Monday NIght Football doubleheader. They’re at home for their next three games, starting with the Cardinals coming to Los Angeles in Week 2. That’s followed by visits from the Chargers and Vikings. The Rams then have three straight on the road, starting with a Week 5 contest at the Seahawks. They visit the Broncos in Week 6 and the 49ers in Week 7, then return home to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Rams play at the Saints in Week 9, and that is followed by a home game against the Seahawks in Week 10. The Rams are the designated home team in Week 11 when they play the Chiefs in a Monday night contest in Mexico City. That is followed by a Week 12 bye, then consecutive road games against the Lions and Bears. The Rams host the Super Bowl LII champion Eagles in Week 15’s Sunday nighter and visit the Cardinals in Week 16. They end the regular season at home against the 49ers in Week 17.
The Rams scored more points than any team in the league last season and they added to their offensive attack by trading for Cooks this offseason. After last season, it appears to be obvious that Goff and Gurley are both the real deal. It may be hard for Gurley to duplicate the numbers he put up last season, but he should be able to surpass 1,000 rushing yards while putting up numbers in the passing game as well. The defense, led by DT Aaron Donald, could be better but if the offense can continue putting points on the board like it did in 2017, the defense shouldn’t be too much of a drag on the team. The Rams have some tough teams on the schedule this season, including two games against an improved 49ers team, but with the talent they have they should be able to get to double-digit wins again, which will likely be good enough to reach the playoffs for a second straight season.
Source: http://www.therams.com, http://www.pro-football-reference.com
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged 32in32, 49ers, Bears, Broncos, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Lions, NFC West, NFL, Packers, Patriots, Raiders, Rams, Saints, Seahawks, Super Bowl LII, Vikings on 09/03/2018 by scottj326.
5th Annual 32 in 32ish NFL Previews: Arizona Cardinals
The NFC West is the final division in our previews of all 32 NFL teams, and the first team we’re previewing in the division is the Arizona Cardinals, who finished in third place in the division last season.
Coming off of an 8-8 season, the Cardinals lost the centerpiece of their offense this offseason with the retirement of QB Carson Palmer. That led to the Cardinals using their first-round draft pick on QB Josh Rosen — taking him with the 10th overall pick — and signing veteran QBs Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon to compete for the starting job. Bradford is probably the best of that group, but none of the three is likely to have much upside. There was good news for the offense as RB David Johnson, who suffered a season-ending wrist injury in Week 1 last year, is ready to return to the field this season. And WR Larry Fitzgerald, who contemplated retirement, ultimately decided to return for his 15th season with the team. The team added to the receiving corps by signing WR Brice Butler and selecting WR Christian Kirk in the second round of the draft. The Cardinals also have a new head coach, with Steve Wilks replacing Bruce Arians and getting his first shot at being a head coach in the NFL.
The offense ranked 22nd in the league with 5,026 yards and 25th with 295 points last season. Bradford only started two games for the Vikings last season, going 32-for-43 for 382 yards and three touchdowns, and Glennon started four games for the Bears in which he threw for 833 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions. Fitzgerald had another strong season in 2017, recording 109 receptions for 1,156 yards and six touchdowns. WR JJ Nelson had 29 catches for 508 yards and two touchdowns, while rookie TE Ricky Seals-Jones had 12 catches for 201 yards and three scores in limited playing time over 10 games, including one start. Butler had 15 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games, but no starts, with the Cowboys. There wasn’t much of a running game with Johnson out and the running backs who had most of the carries last season — notable Adrian Peterson and Kerwynn Williams — are no longer with the team. The defense ranked sixth in yards allowed but was 19th in points allowed last season.
The Cardinals begin their 2018 campaign with a home game against the Redskins, then play at the Rams in Week 2. That is followed by home games with the Bears and Seahawks in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively. The Cardinals have a two-game road trip after that, with games at the 49ers and Vikings before returning home to play the Broncos and 49ers in Weeks 7 and 8. After a Week 9 bye, the Cardinals have three straight games against AFC West foes. They visit the Chiefs in Week 10, host the Raiders in Week 11 and hit the road again to play the Chargers in Week 12. They stay on the road in Week 13, playing the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Cardinals host the LIons in Week 14 and visit the Falcons in Week 15, then finish the season with a home game against the Rams in Week 16 and pay a visit to Seattle to battle the Seahawks in Week 17.
It’s not looking like a good season for the Cardinals, who figure to have one of the worst offenses in the league this season. Bradford is currently expected to begin the season as the starting quarterback, but with his injury history he probably won’t finish the year in that capacity. Glennon has never been a great quarterback, and Rosen is a rookie who may not be ready to play at a NFL-caliber level in 2018. The lower level of quarterback play that the Cardinals are likely to have compared to what they got out of Palmer will probably lead to worse numbers for Fitzgerald than what he has done throughout much of his career. Johnson will probably have to be the workhorse in the offense, but is unlikely going to be able to carry the team enough for them to have a good year. After a .500 record last season, the Cardinals may be looking at just five or six wins in 2018 in their first season of the post-Palmer era.
Source: http://www.azcardinals.com, http://www.pro-football-reference.com
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged 32in32, 49ers, AFC West, Bears, Broncos, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Falcons, Lambeau Field, Lions, NFC West, NFL, Packers, Raiders, Rams, Redskins, Seahawks, Vikings on 09/02/2018 by scottj326.
5th Annual 32 in 32ish NFL Previews: Oakland Raiders
We’re up to the final team in the AFC West as we continue our previews of all 32 NFL teams, continuing with the Oakland Raiders, who finished in third place in the division last season.
After three seasons under head coach Jack Del Rio, who led them to a 12-4 record in 2016, the Raiders let him go and went into their past for his replacement, hiring Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden — who previously coached the team from 1998-2001 — to a 10-year contract despite him having been out of coaching since 2009. It looks like Gruden will be without the heart of his defense as the Raiders have reportedly agreed to trade star LB Khalil Mack, who has been holding out for a new contract, to the Bears for two first-round draft picks — and possibly more. The Raiders added to the offense this offseason, inking free-agent WR Jordy Nelson and RB Doug Martin to contracts, along with trading a third-round draft pick to the Steelers for WR Martavis Bryant. Among players the Raiders cut was WR Michael Crabtree.
The Raiders were 17th in the NFL with 5,185 yards last season, and their 301 points placed them 23rd in the league. QB Derek Carr threw for 3,496 yards and 22 touchdowns, with 13 interceptions in 15 games. TE Jared Cook recorded 54 receptions for 688 yards and two touchdowns and WR Amari Cooper had 48 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games. Nelson played in 15 games for the Packers, catching 53 balls for 482 yards and six touchdowns. Veteran RB Marshawn Lynch led the running game in his first season with the team, carrying the ball 207 times for 891 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. Martin was limited to 11 games — eight starts — with the Buccaneers, recording 138 rushes for 406 yards and three scores. Defensively, the team ranked in the bottom half of the league in both yards and points allowed.
Gruden’s first game back on the sideline will get national attention as the Raiders host the Rams in the second game of the Week 1 Monday Night Football doubleheader. After that, the Raiders are on the road for two weeks, visiting the Broncos and Dolphins. They’re back at home in Week 4 to take on the Browns, then they visit the Chargers in Week 5. A Week 6 “home” game against the Seahawks in London is followed by the Raiders’ bye and a Week 8 game against the Colts at home. The Raiders don’t have to travel far in Week 9 when they visit the 49ers. They host the Chargers in Week 10, then travel to the Cardinals and Ravens in Weeks 11 and 12, respectively. They have home games in Weeks 13 and 14 against the Chiefs and Steelers and then visit the Bengals in Week 15. After that, the Raiders host the Broncos on Monday night in Week 16, and they end the season with a Week 17 road game against the Chiefs.
Losing Mack will have a big impact on how the Raiders do this season. He is the best player on their defense, which will take a massive hit. Getting a couple of first-round picks in return for Mack, though, sets the Raiders up nicely in the coming years if they can turn those picks into stars. On offense, it’s unknown what can be expected from Nelson. He’s 33 years old and coming off one of the worst seasons in his career, but he had backup QB Brett Hundley throwing him the ball for much of 2017 with Aaron Rodgers injured. Can he bounce back and get closer to the numbers he put up in his prime now that he’ll have a better quarterback in Carr throwing him the ball? That is yet to be seen. Overall, the Raiders should have a decent offense but the defense has its flaws. The Raiders should best last season’s 6-10 record, but they’re probably about a .500 team. If they can eke out nine or 10 wins, they could compete for a wild card in the AFC, but I don’t think they’ll win that many games.
Source: http;//www.raiders.com, http://www.pro-football-reference.com
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged 32in32, 49ers, AFC West, Bears, Bengals, Broncos, Browns, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Colts, Dolphins, NFL, Packers, Raiders, Rams, Ravens, Seahawks, Steelers on 09/01/2018 by scottj326.
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Tag Archives: STL Cardinals
MLB Hot Stove: End-of-year recap, where are Harper and Machado going?
It’s been two months since the Red Sox won the World Series, and MLB has seen quite a bit of player movement in the hot stove. The two biggest pieces available this winter, however, have yet to sign as the calendar turns to 2019 and OF Bryce Harper and SS/3B Manny Machado are still on the market. The biggest names to be moved so far this offseason have come via trades.
The biggest story of the offseason to date has been the rebuilding of the Mariners, who saw their playoff drought extend this season after a promising first half of the season turned into a disappointing second half that saw the team fail to make the postseason for the first time since 2001. The Mariners’ first trade saw a package highlighted by C Mike Zunino go to the Rays in exchange for OFs Mallex Smith and Jake Fraley. The next trade was their most significant, as they sent veteran SP James Paxton to the Yankees in exchange for several minor leaguers, with the centerpiece of the package being SP Justus Sheffield. They also made two trades on December 3. One sent 2B Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz to the Mets for four players, including OF Jay Bruce and P Anthony Swarzak. Seattle’s other trade that day included SS Jean Segura and Ps Juan Nicasio and James Pazos going to the Phillies for 1B Carlos Santana and SS J.P. Crawford. The Mariners subsequently flipped Santana to his former team, the Indians, in a three-team deal in which the Mariners acquired DH Edwin Encarnacion. All of that action by GM Jerry DiPoto helped the Mariners shed salary and get younger as part of a rebuild, which is likely to extended the team’s streak of missing the playoffs by at least a couple more years.
Welcome to Seattle, Justus Sheffield!
The Mariners have acquired the left-handed starting pitcher, RHP Erik Swanson and CF Dom Thompson-Williams from the Yankees in exchange for James Paxton.
📰 https://t.co/7Eewkfj0cw pic.twitter.com/dOyOMuFizu
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) November 19, 2018
The aforementioned three-team trade with the Mariners and Rays wasn’t the only deal the Indians have made, as they also sent 1B Yonder Alonso to the White Sox and extended the contract of SP Carlos Carrasco with a team-friendly three-year, $37.5 million that will keep him under team control through 2022, with a vesting option for 2023. While Carrasco will be with the Indians long-term, there have been rumors that they will trade either SP Trevor Bauer or Corey Kluber as they also look to pare down their payroll.
We have signed Carlos Carrasco to a contract extension through 2022! 🍪
Cookie has the 7th best fWAR (18.2) among Major League pitchers since 2015, and led the Majors last season in cookies consumed (probably).#RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/dDEndEbqHx
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) December 6, 2018
The biggest trade at this point of the offseason occurred a few days before Christmas and involved the team that has lost the World Series in each of the last two seasons. The Dodgers traded OFs Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp, SP Alex Wood and C Kyle Farmer to the Reds for SP Homer Bailey and a couple of minor leaguers, SS Jeter Downs and P Josiah Gray. Making those moves helped clear some room on the payroll for the Dodgers, who have been linked to Harper and are believed to be among the teams most likely to land the coveted free agent, who is expected to sign for more than $300 million.
Thanks to all Dodgers’ fans for the love and support, I’m really going to miss you guys and I’ll see you at spring training but this time with different team!!!!! 👍😊😆🤪👊🏾👌🙌🏼💪🏾🙏👅👀 pic.twitter.com/rgNLUBZ4IP
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) December 22, 2018
Free-agent signings
As has been the case in recent winters, the free-agent market has been slow to get moving with the biggest names still available heading into January. Some of the bigger names behind the big two — including OFs Marwin Gonzalez and A.J. Pollock , SP Dallas Keuchel, C Yasmani Grandal, DH Evan Gattis and closer Craig Kimbrel — are likely waiting for Harper and Machado to sign before the other dominos begin to fall and we get a better idea of what teams’ rosters will look like heading into spring training and the regular season.
The Red Sox re-signed a couple of their World Series heroes, including inking SP Nathan Eovaldi to a four-deal and bringing back World Series MVP 1B Steve Pearce for another season. The team the Red Sox beat in this year’s ALCS, the Astros, who are likely going to lose Gonzalez and Keuchel, have made a couple signings with C Robinson Chirinos and OF Michael Brantley agreeing with the team to one-year and two-year deals, respectively. Among other playoff teams, the Braves brought back C Brian McCann, who started his career with them, and signed 3B Josh Donaldson each to a one-year deal. The Phillies, hoping to keep pace with the Braves in the NL East, signed veteran OF Andrew McCutchen to a three-year deal, and another division rival in the Mets signed C Wilson Ramos for two years and RP Jeurys Familia — who they traded to the A’s during the season — for three years.
Welcome to the Houston Astros, Michael Brantley! #Astros pic.twitter.com/OrmpKYGaJS
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) December 19, 2018
The Nationals — in all likelihood preparing to be without Harper starting in 2019 — have signed four free agents so far, with the biggest deal being a six-year, $140 million contract for SP Patrick Corbin, with SP Anibal Sanchez also signing a two-year deal with the team. They also signed C Kurt Suzuki for two years, with a one-year deal going to 1B Matt Adams. The Rays signed Astros 2017 postseason hero SP Charlie Morton to a two-year contract, and the Cardinals’ biggest signing has been RP Andrew Miller, with a two-year contract worth $25 million. The Yankees re-signed SPs J.A. Happ and CC Sabathia.
New home @Nationals pic.twitter.com/9YXpFMQ3pC
— Patrick Corbin (@PatrickCorbin46) December 8, 2018
Other notable players who have come off the board so far in the offseason (with the team that signed them) include: 2B Jonathan Schoop and DH Nelson Cruz (Twins); RP Joe Kelly (Dodgers); SPs Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill, OF Justin Bour (Angels) ; OF Billy Hamilton (Royals); SP Tyson Ross (Tigers); and 2B Daniel Murphy (Rockies).
Likely landing spots for Harper and Machado
With Harper and Machado both reportedly seeking long-term deals in excess of $300 million, the number of teams that could sign them are limited. The Yankees, at times entering the offseason, have been linked to both players but appear to be focusing in on one while some high-profile National League teams appear to be leading the pack for the other.
Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are still available in free agency. Which star do MLB execs prefer? https://t.co/yDIKnjd40L
— SI MLB (@si_mlb) December 29, 2018
The Yankees, Phillies and White Sox are the three teams thought to be pursuing the services of Machado, who visited all three cities and met with the teams prior to Christmas. The Phillies and White Sox — especially the former — seem to be willing to spend more money for Machado than the Yankees, but I think if the money is close Machado could still sign with the Yankees due to the perceived prestige of playing for the team. The Yankees are reportedly shopping 3B Miguel Andujar in trade talks, which could be a sign that the Yankees may still sign Machado. Signing him would make Andujar more expendable, as Machado can play either shortstop — where he would likely begin the season while SS Didi Gregorius is out — or third base. In the end, I think Machado signs with the Yankees.
The Dodgers’ biggest intention in making that big trade with the Reds was likely to clear room on the payroll to sign Harper. Other teams that have been connected to Harper are the Cubs — who have 3B Kris Bryant who, like Harper, is a Las Vegas native — Phillies and Nationals, who are likely still in on Harper, even though he reportedly turned down a $300 million team late in the season. Being from Vegas, I think Harper wants to sign with a West Coast team to be closer to home, and why not make it the team that has represented the National League in the World Series each of the last two seasons? I think the Dodgers ultimately sign Harper.
Possible trades still to come
Even though there have already been several trades this offseason, the trade market likely isn’t closed yet. All winter, the Marlins have been trying to shop C J.T. Realmuto, with teams like the Mets, Dodgers, Yankees and Astros reportedly among the teams interested in the backstop. Signing Ramos means the Mets are out. Reports have tabbed the Yankees as wanted a straight swap of Realmuto-for-Gary Sanchez, which the Marlins have seemingly balked at. If the Yankees sign Machado, maybe they’ll be willing to include Andujar in a possible deal. The Dodgers may not have enough trade pieces anymore after the Reds deal, and the Marlins are reportedly asking for one of the Astros’ top prospects — SP Forrest Whitley or OF Kyle Tucker — for Realmuto. Whitey is reportedly untouchable from the Astros’ perspective, but Tucker would likely be the centerpiece of the trade if the Astros are successful in acquiring Realmuto, even though they signed Chirinos earlier this winter. The Marlins may keep Realmuto for now and reconsider trading him near the trade deadline this summer, but if they trade him this offseason — which I think they will — I think he goes to Houston to fill one of the holes on the Astros’ roster.
Another trade to watch out for is the Mariners dealing Encarnacion. They are reportedly shopping him around, and drawing interest from the Rays, White Sox and Astros. The Mariners likely want to get rid of as much of the $25 million remaining on the veteran’s contract as possible because the 1B/DH, who is almost 36, doesn’t fit in with the team’s rebuilding effort. If he is traded, whichever of the Rays, White Sox and Astros doesn’t get him may turn their sites to Cardinals 1B/OF Jose Martinez, who has also been the subject of trade rumors.
With almost two months remaining before the start of spring training, there is still plenty of time left for free agents to sign and teams to make more trades. We’ll be updating the moves that happen as the hot stove continues.
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged A's, AL Central, AL East, AL West, American League, Angels, Astros, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, hot stove, Indians, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, MLB, National League, Nationals, NL Central, NL East, NL West, Phillies, Rays, Red Sox, Reds, Rockies, Royals, STL Cardinals, Tigers, Twins, World Series, Yankees on 12/31/2018 by scottj326.
World Series preview: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox — Two storied franchises meet
The ALCS and NLCS didn’t go the way I expected and as a result, the World Series will be contested between two the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with the Dodgers and Red Sox meeting in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1916, when the Red Sox beat the then-Brooklyn Robins. The Dodgers went to the full seven games in the National League Championship Series, getting past the Brewers, while the Red Sox needed just five games to beat the defending champion Astros in the American League Championship Series. The Dodgers are in the World Series for the second straight season after losing to Houston in a seven-game classic a year ago, and the Red Sox are in it for the first time since 2013, when they beat the Cardinals. Los Angeles is looking for its first title since 1988.
The Dodgers won the NL West — after winning a tie-breaking Game 163 over the Rockies — and finished the regular season with a 92-71 record that was the third-best in the National League. The Red Sox, on the other hand, won a franchise-record 108 games en route to securing the best record in the majors over the course of the season. That MLB-best record gives the Red Sox home-field advantage, securing them Games 1 and 2 at Fenway Park, along with Games 6 and 7, if necessary.
Games 1 and 2 are at Fenway Park on Tuesday and Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 8:09pm. After a travel day Thursday, the series moves to Dodger Stadium for Games 3-5 set for Friday through Sunday. First pitch for Games 3 and 4 is also at 8:09pm, with Game 5 (if necessary) set to begin at 8:15pm. If the series goes beyond five games, Games 6 and 7 are back in Boston on October 30 and 31, respectively. First pitch for both of those games is again at 8:09pm. All games are on Fox in the U.S., and all times are Eastern.
How did they get here?
After winning the NL West in the aforementioned tiebreaker, the Dodgers beat the Braves in a four-game NLDS and then eked past the Brewers in the NLCS that went the distance. The Red Sox finished eight games ahead of the Yankees in the AL East before beginning their postseason run by beating the Yankees, 3-1, in the ALDS and then the 4-1 ALCS victory over the Astros.
Game 1 looks to feature a matchup of two top-tier pitchers, with the Dodgers expected to start SP Clayton Kershaw — who pitched the ninth inning of Game 7 of the NLCS — with the Red Sox likely going with SP Chris Sale, who didn’t make his scheduled Game 5 start in the ALCS after being hospitalized for a stomach infection. Both pitchers spent time on the DL during the regular season and threw around 160 innings, but they put up good numbers when they did start. Kershaw posted a 2.73 ERA with a 9-5 record, while Sale went 12-4 with an impressive 2.11 ERA. I think Sale is the better pitcher at this point in their careers, so I have the Red Sox the advantage in Game 1 starting pitching.
Beyond those starters, things get a little more murky. The Game 2 matchup looks to be Dodgers SP Rich Hill opposing Red Sox SP David Price, who has historically struggled in his postseason career but is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 10.2 innings in two starts this month. As the series moves to Dodger Stadium for Game 3, the anticipated pitching matchup pits Red Sox SP Nathan Eovaldi, who they acquired in a trade with the Rays during the summer, facing Dodgers SP Walker Buehler, who had an impressive rookie season. Fourth in line to take the mound are SP Rick Porcello for Boston and SP Hyun-Jin Ryu for Los Angeles. I think Buehler is the best of this group, and each of the Red Sox starters behind Sale have question marks, so I give the Dodgers the advantage in starting pitching from Nos. 2-4 in the teams’ rotations.
Both teams were top 10 in the majors during the regular season in bullpen ERA with an identical 3.72 ERA . The Dodgers’ bullpen has been impressive through the first two rounds of the playoffs, posting a 1.30 ERA in their 11 games. Boston’s bullpen ERA is closer to its regular-season numbers with a 3.62 ERA in nine games. Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen has yet to allow an earned run in 6.2 innings over his six appearances, with 10 strikeouts on his ledger. Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel, on the other hand, has struggled to the tune of a 7.11 ERA and a 1.89 WHIP in 6.1 innings over five games; he has struck out eight batters. And Kimbrel’s ERA could be worse, but he has stranded a number of runners on base through the first two rounds. The Dodgers have the advantage in relief pitching.
Advantage: Red Sox
The Red Sox finished the regular season at or near the top in many of the major hitting categories. Their .268 average, 829 RBI, 355 doubles, 876 runs and .792 OPS all led the majors, and they were in the top 10 with 208 home runs. The Dodgers were closer to the league average with a .250 average, but they were second in the majors with 235 home runs and third with a .774 OPS and were in the top 10 in many of the other categories on offense, and they had a MLB-best 647 walks.
The Dodgers have continued their power surge in the postseason, with their 13 home runs so far second only to the Astros, but their .268 average places them around the middle of the 10 playoff teams. The Red Sox are hitting .253 through the ALCS, second in the postseason, but their nine home runs are the fewest among the four teams that made the league championship series and played the most games so far in the playoffs.
Leading the offense for the Dodgers are OFs Yasiel Puig and Joc Pederson, 1B Cody Bellinger, IF Max Muncy and midseason acquisition SS Manny Machado. Leading the Red Sox lineup are offseason free-agent addition DH J.D. Martine, who hit 43 home runs during the regular season, American League MVP candidate OF Mookie Betts, 3B Rafael Devers, SS Xander Bogaerts and OF Jackie Bradley Jr., who was named MVP of the ALCS.
The Red Sox were the better team defensively during the regular season, making 77 errors compared to 100 for the Dodgers.
The 2016 NL Manager of the Year Dave Roberts is in his third season as a major-league manager, and managing in the World Series for the second straight season. Red Sox skipper Alex Cora is in his first season as a manager in the majors.
Advantage: Dodgers
Throughout the season, the American League has had the best teams at the top of the league, and many people expected whatever AL team made it to the Fall Classic to win it. I have been of that opinion, and I am sticking to it now that we know the World Series participants. I don’t think the Dodgers can match up with the Red Sox, and I expect Boston to win its ninth World Series title.
Red Sox in six.
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged AL East, ALCS, ALDS, American League, Astros, Braves, Brewers, Dodgers, MLB, National League, NL West, NLCS, NLDS, postseason, Red Sox, Rockies, STL Cardinals, World Series, Yankees on 10/23/2018 by scottj326.
MLB All-Star Game Final Vote: Who deserves to make the teams?
The American League and National League rosters for next Tuesday’s All-Star Game were announced yesterday but, as has become customary in recent years, there is one spot left in each league for fans to vote on who they think deserve it. There are five candidates for each league’s Final Vote, and here is who I think should make the cut.
These guys still have a chance.
We present your 2018 @CampingWorld All-Star #FinalVote candidates. Vote NOW: https://t.co/8a7gYAR1L5 pic.twitter.com/GfG1naL1P5
— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2018
OF Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox
OF Eddie Rosario, Twins
SS Jean Segura, Mariners
SS Andrelton Simmons, Angels
OF Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees
Given the size of their teams’ fan bases, I think either Benintendi or Stanton will win the vote, probably Stanton, but I don’t think either of them deserves it. My vote goes to Rosario, but playing for the Twins will hurt his case.
1B Jesus Aguilar, Brewers
1B Brandon Belt, Giants
3B Matt Carpenter, Cardinals
1B Max Muncy, Dodgers
SS Trea Turner, Nationals
This is a tough call. I think Muncy will get a lot of votes because he’s a bit of a feel-good story, hitting 20 home runs already after not playing at all last season and having just 215 at-bats in Major League Baseball prior to this season. But he’s not the best candidate in my opinion. My vote goes to Aguilar, who has a couple more home runs and a batting average that is more than 30 points higher than Muncy’s. Out of the 10 players in the Final Vote between the two leagues, I think Aguilar is the one who most deserves to be in the game.
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged All-Star Game, American League, Angels, Brewers, Dodgers, Mariners, MLB, National League, Nationals, Red Sox, SF Giants, STL Cardinals, Twins, Yankees on 07/09/2018 by scottj326.
MLB All-Star Teams: Altuve leads the pack, Markakis gets his first nod
All the votes have been counted and the 2018 MLB All-Star starters have been announced. Reigning American League MVP Jose Altuve led all players with 4.84 million votes. It is his sixth All-Star selection, including five in a row. The top votegetter in the National League was Braves 1B Freddie Freeman, with more than four million votes cast for him, his third selection. Freeman’s teammate, OF Nick Markakis, is among the notable players selected to start. The veteran will be appearing in his first All-Star Game in his 13th season in the majors.
Here are the full rosters for both leagues, with some analysis:
Your 2018 American League All-Star starters! pic.twitter.com/YZKPf78pqG
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 8, 2018
C Wilson Ramos, Rays: He had a late push to get past the Yankees’ Gary Sanchez, which was the right call by the fans. Ramos was my vote.
1B Jose Abreu, White Sox: He’s one of the few bright spots on one of the worst teams in the majors. I voted for Mitch Moreland of the Red Sox, but you can’t argue with Abreu.
2B Jose Altuve, Astros: He’s the best second baseman in baseball and plays for one of the best teams in the league. No-brainer.
SS Manny Machado, Orioles: He may not be on the Orioles by the end of July, but he’s having a season worthy of being on the All-Star team.
3B Jose Ramirez, Indians: He’s putting up good offensive numbers for a team that is likely going to be a division winner.
DH J.D. Martinez, Red Sox: He is one of the keys to the Red Sox success this season. The only real choice at DH.
OF Mookie Betts, Red Sox; Aaron Judge, Yankees; Mike Trout, Angels: No surprises or arguments to be made with these three selections.
C Salvador Perez, Royals
1B Mitch Moreland, Red Sox
2B Gleyber Torres, Yankees
SS Francisco Lindor, Indians
3B Alex Bregman, Astros
OF Michael Brantley, Indians; Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers; Mitch Haniger, Mariners; George Springer, Astros; Nelson Cruz, Mariners
The American League reserves are outfield-heavy. One of the biggest snubs here in my opinion is Astros DH Evan Gattis, who has been crushing the ball since the end of May. Torres is on the DL and isn’t expected back until after the All-Star Game so will likely be replaced on the roster.
SP Trevor Bauer, Indians; Jose Berrios, Twins; Gerrit Cole, Astros; J.A. Happ, Blue Jays; Corey Kluber, Indians; Chris Sale, Red Sox; Luis Severino, Yankees; Justin Verlander, Astros
RP Aroldis Chapman, Yankees; Edwin Diaz, Mariners; Joe Jimenez, Tigers; Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox; Blake Treinen, A’s
Bauer was chosen as a replacement for Verlander, who is scheduled to pitch Sunday and will be unavailable for the game. Availability may require other pitching replacements to be made as well. Hopefully that includes Rays SP Blake Snell making the team. He’s having a breakout year and is probably the biggest snub in either league. He’s probably more deserving than Berrios or Happ, but those players are both on the team because their teams each needed a representative. There are a few good candidates to start the game. I would lean toward Cole, but it could also be Kluber or Severino.
Your 2018 National League All-Star starters! pic.twitter.com/IzQvko1MQj
C Willson Contreras, Cubs: He surpassed the Giants’ Buster Posey in voting and is having a good year, but I voted for the Marlins’ J.T. Realmuto, who I still think should have gotten the nod here. He’s having a better season than Contreras, but playing for a team with a pretty small fan base obviously hurt Realmuto in the voting.
1B Freddie Freeman, Braves: He got the most votes in the National League, and he is deserving of being selected for the team.
2B Javier Baez, Cubs: Like his teammate, Contreras, he made a late push, overtaking the Braves’ Ozzie Albies in the voting. I voted for the Reds’ Scooter Gennett.
SS Brandon Crawford, Giants: He got my vote, and is the right call at the position.
3B Nolan Arenado, Rockies: He’s having the type of season people have come to expect from him. Another no-brainer pick.
DH Fans don’t vote for a DH in the National League
OF Bryce Harper, Nationals; Matt Kemp, Dodgers; Nick Markakis, Braves: At the start of the season, only Harper would have been expected to be on the team. Kemp and Markakis are surprises, but are both deserving of the honors. All three (eventually) got my vote.
C Buster Posey, Giants; J.T. Realmuto, Marlins
1B Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks; Joey Votto, Reds
2B Ozzie Albies, Braves; Scooter Gennett, Reds
SS Trevor Story, Rockies
3B Eugenio Suarez, Reds
OF Charlie Blackmon, Rockies; Lorenzo Cain, Brewers; Christian Yelich, Brewers
Despite being a last place team, the Reds have three reserves on the team. It’s good to see that Realmuto and Gennett made the team after being snubbed in the voting. Dodgers OF Max Muncy has hit 20 home runs, coming out of nowhere this season, and should be on the team. He is a final vote candidate so still has a chance to make it.
SP Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks; Jacob deGrom, Mets; Mike Foltynewicz, Braves; Jon Lester, Cubs; Miles Mikolas, Cardinals; Aaron Nola, Phillies; Max Scherzer, Nationals
RP Sean Doolittle, Nationals; Josh Hader, Brewers; Brad Hand, Padres; Kenley Jansen, Dodgers; Felipe Vazquez, Pirates
Scherzer should get the start for the National League, based on the numbers he’s putting up this season and the fact that the game is in his home park this season. DeGrom is among the best pitchers in the majors this season and gets the Mets’ obligatory spot on the roster.
Tomorrow, I’ll discuss the five final vote candidates in each league and make my selections.
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged A's, AL Central, AL East, AL West, All-Star Game, American League, Angels, Astros, Blue Jays, Braves, Brewers, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, MLB, MLB Weekly, National League, Nationals, NL Central, NL East, NL West, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, postseason, Rangers, Rays, Red Sox, Reds, Rockies, Royals, SF Giants, STL Cardinals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, World Series, Yankees on 07/08/2018 by scottj326.
What does the MLB playoff picture look like on July 4th?
July 4th is typically considered to be the unofficial midway point of the Major League Baseball season, so it’s a good time to take a look at what teams are in a good position to make the playoffs and which teams are likely just playing out the rest of the season before they can begin their offseasons on October 1st.
We’ll begin with the American League, in which five teams may already have the playoff spots clinched. The junior circuit has four teams that are currently on pace to have 100-win seasons and, barring a major second-half collapse, those teams will make it to the playoffs, securing the two AL wild cards in the process. The Red Sox and Yankees hold the top two spots in the AL East, with the Red Sox a game ahead of the Yankees, and the Rays in third place, 15 games out of first. There’s a similarly close race in the AL West, with the Astros holding a half-game lead over the Mariners, with the third-place A’s eight games back of the division lead. With the wild cards likely coming out of the East and West, that means there will only be one playoff team coming out of the Central, and that appears to be the Indians, who are 11 games ahead of the Tigers; the Indians are also the only team in the division with a winning record.
While the five playoff teams seem to already be determined, seeding will be important heading into the postseason. The three division winners will secure themselves spots in the two ALDS, while the wild cards will have to play each other in the one-game playoff for the opportunity to play the No. 1 seed in an ALDS.
Looking back at my preseason picks, it looks like I’ll have an 80% success rate on the five AL teams I projected to make it to the postseason, with my only miss being picking the Angels over the Mariners for the second wild card. I had the Red Sox and Astros winning their respective divisions, and I’ll stick with that despite the fact that the Yankees and Mariners could easily end up as division winners.
The playoff picture in the National League is much murkier than in the American League, with seven teams currently within a half-dozen games of the league’s two wild cards. Not only are more teams in the race, but there are more surprising teams that weren’t expected to compete for playoff spots this season.
The biggest surprise is probably in the NL East, where the Nationals were the preseason favorites to win the division for the third straight season but find themselves a game under .500 after losing to the Red Sox on Wednesday, their fifth straight loss and giving them a 2-8 record in their last 10 games. Their subpar season has opened the door for the Phillies and Braves, and those teams are taking advantage of the opportunity for a different team to win the East. Despite losing their last series to the Yankees, the Braves remain atop the division, holding a 1.5-game lead over the Phillies. Most people expected both of those teams to start being competitive in a season or two, but they are ahead of schedule in their rebuilding processes and both look like they could be playing meaningful games in October for the first time in several years. The Nationals are seven games behind Atlanta.
Both the Phillies and Braves are getting production out of young guys, with young SPs Aaron Nola and Zach Eflin both recording sub-3.00 ERAs through the first half of the season for Philadelphia. For the Braves, 2B Ozzie Albies leads the teams in home runs and OF Ronald Acuna looks like he is on his way to earning NL Rookie of the Year honors. But it’s not just the rookies helping the Braves get to first place in the East. 1B Freddie Freeman is putting up good numbers and OF Nick Markakis could have a career year at the age of 34. While those teams are overperforming, its a subpar performance from OF Bryce Harper that is hurting the Nationals. The power is still there, with more than 20 home runs, but he’s hitting just .216 on the season.
The top two teams in the NL Central aren’t surprising, but the order may be. The Brewers hold a one-game lead over the Cubs, with the Cardinals seven games back, in third place. And there are four teams with a realistic chance of winning the NL West. The Diamondbacks currently lead the pack, followed by the Dodgers at 1.5 games back. The Giants are in third, 3.5 games out of first, and the Rockies are five games behind the D-backs.
The Cubs and Phillies currently hold the two wild cards in the NL, with the Dodgers, Giants, Cardinals and Rockies all within five games of the second wild card; the Nationals are 5.5 games back, while the Pirates still have a shot as they sit 7.5 games behind the Phillies.
Taking a look at the mess that is the NL playoff picture, I’m going to say that four of the five teams that currently hold playoff spots will stay there, with the Cardinals overtaking the Phillies for the second wild card. I think the Phillies will struggle a little in the second half and fall out of the wild card. I think the Cardinals have a run in them and will make the postseason. So my five playoff teams as of today are the Braves, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Cubs and Cardinals. So that is two changes from my preseason picks, above, with the Nationals and Dodgers falling out of my postseason projections.
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged A's, AL Central, AL East, AL West, American League, Angels, Astros, Blue Jays, Braves, Brewers, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, MLB, MLB Weekly, National League, Nationals, NL Central, NL East, NL West, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, postseason, Rangers, Rays, Red Sox, Reds, Rockies, Royals, SF Giants, STL Cardinals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, World Series, Yankees on 07/04/2018 by scottj326.
The latest MLB All-Star Game voting results: Are the fans getting it right?
Voting for the All-Star Game has been open for a few weeks now and with the game just under a month away, MLB has released has released its second weekly update at where the voting stands in both the American League and National League. The league made some changes to the voting process this season, notably opening the voting later than usual and greatly reducing the number of votes each person can cast, limiting it to 35 votes per email address. And it appears that those changes have led to the voting being more reflective of who actually deserves to get in the starting lineups for the All-Star Game in Washington, D.C., on July 17.
Here are the latest polling numbers, as of Monday (June 18) and Tuesday (June 19) for the National and American leagues, respectively.
These guys lead the pack in the latest NL update. Keep the votes coming!
@CampingWorld MLB All-Star Ballot: https://t.co/6ybNylAsJr pic.twitter.com/zPgOMaSy7l
— MLB (@MLB) June 18, 2018
C Despite not having the type of season we’ve come to expect from him, with just four home runs so far in 2018, Buster Posey is leading NL catchers, with about a 90,000-vote lead over the Cubs’ Willson Contreras. I voted for J.T. Realmuto of the Marlins, who has a higher average than Posey and has hit more than twice as many home runs as the Giants’ backstop in fewer at-bats. Playing for a bad team like the Marlins, though, Realmuto isn’t getting the recognition he deserves and isn’t even in the top five in the voting.
1B The Braves’ Freddie Freeman is running away with the voting here, earning nearly 900,000 more votes than Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs. You can’t argue with the fans here, as Freeman is putting up MVP-type numbers for a first-place team that is exceeding expectations. Freeman got my vote.
2B Another Brave is getting the nod here; this time it’s Ozzie Albies, who isn’t hitting for average but does have 16 home runs on the season. It was Albies’ relatively low average that kept me from voting with him. I went with the Reds’ Scooter Gennett, who sits at third in the voting with nearly 150,000 votes to make up and Javier Baez of the Cubs sitting between him and Albies.
SS Brandon Crawford is playing for a sub-.500 Giants team, but his .315 average and eight home runs are enough for him to get enough votes to hold about a 550,000-vote lead over another Brave, Dansby Swanson, at shortstop. Crawford was my pick on my ballot.
3B Nolan Arenado of the Rockies has over a million votes, giving him a lead of nearly 450,000 votes over his closest competitor, 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant of the Cubs. I think the voting could be closer than that, but Arenado deserves to win the vote, and he was on my ballot, edging out Bryant.
DH With no DH in the National League, fans don’t get to vote for one.
OF Not only is Braves veteran Nick Markakis in the top three of outfield voting, but he is the leading votegetter at the position and second to only Freeman in the National League. He is joined atop the outfield voting by the Nationals’ Bryce Harper and the Dodgers’ Matt Kemp in second and third place, respectively. Markakis leads the National League with 92 hits, giving him a .327 average that puts him on pace to set a career high. It’s Markakis’ 13th major-league season and it looks like he’ll make his first All-Star appearance, and it’s deserved based on the season he had. Having said that of the top three in voting, only Kemp got a vote on my ballot. I had the Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon and A.J. Pollock of the Diamondbacks, who is currently on the DL, on my ballot. Blackmon is currently fourth in the voting and Pollock isn’t in the top 15. I have no argument with Kemp being in the top three, but Harper isn’t deserving of it. He has 19 home runs, but he’s hitting just .212. The game is in his home ballpark, though, and he’s one of the bigger names in the sport so he’s getting votes, for better or worse. If I were to redo my vote now, I’d replace Pollock with Markakis.
The latest AL update is IN! Make sure to keep voting.
@CampingWorld MLB All-Star Ballot: https://t.co/6ybNylAsJr pic.twitter.com/lNvXy0PEbl
C This is probably the most surprising result to me — in a good way. Yankees C Gary Sanchez led the voting at the time of the first update last week, despite a sub-.200 average, but he has now been overtaken by the Rays’ Wilson Ramos, who is hitting .286 with nine homers. Ramos, who leads by about 60,000 votes, got my vote and will hopefully hang on to the lead throughout the balloting.
1B Jose Abreu of the White Sox sits atop the voting at first base, with about 160,000 more votes than Mitch Moreland of the Red Sox. They have very similar numbers at this point of the season. Abreu has a slightly better average and one more home run. I think he has a more recognizable name than Moreland, which helps him in the voting, but I put Moreland on my ballot.
2B The Astros’ Jose Altuve in this second voting update has taken over the overall lead in both leagues, with more than 1.5 million votes. The reigning AL MVP is more than a million votes ahead of the Yankees’ Gleyber Torres. While Altuve’s power numbers are down this year, he is the only player in the majors to surpass 100 hits so far this season, with 102. And his .342 average is the best in MLB. He got my vote.
SS The Orioles have the worst record in the majors, but that isn’t stopping people from voting for Manny Machado at shortstop. And that is understandable with a .310 average and 18 home runs for a player who could be traded before the trade deadline. The Astros’ Carlos Correa is behind Machado in voting, almost 145,000 votes back. It’s surprising that Correa is ahead of the Indians’ Francisco Lindor, who’s in third place. Machado got my vote.
3B The Indians’ Jose Ramirez leads the voting at third base, which isn’t surprising since he’s hitting .289 with 21 home runs, but the player in second place is surprising. The Yankees’ Miguel Andujar is ahead of the Astros’ Alex Bregman. It doesn’t matter, though, since Ramirez has a lead of nearly 400,000 votes and should end up as the starter. He was on my ballot.
DH There’s no surprise here, with Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez leading the voting. He’s having a terrific first season in Boston, hitting .315 with 22 homers. He got my vote, and he’s really the only viable choice at DH.
OF There are three big names in the top three outfield spots, and they’re not very surprising. Mookie Betts of the Red Sox is leading at the position, fewer than 4,000 votes behind Altuve for the overall lead, with the Angels’ Mike Trout and Yankees’ Aaron Judge also in position to start in the All-Star Game alongside Betts. They are the only three outfielders in the AL with more than a million votes. The Indians’ Michael Brantley and the Astros’ George Springer round out the top five, but they’re both about half-a-million votes behind Judge. The three outfielders who currently lead the voting are also the three who I had on my ballot a couple weeks ago.
Starting pitchers are not on the ballot and are chosen by the all-star managers, but I’m sticking with the matchup of the Astros’ Justin Verlander and the Nationals’ Max Scherzer that I chose in the post that I revealed my ballot.
The only real issue I have is Posey over Realmuto at NL catcher and the other positions where I disagree with the voting, an argument can be made for the current leader. And the fans are getting it right at AL catcher, with Ramos taking the lead away from Sanchez.
The next voting update is scheduled for next week, with voting running through July 5.
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged A's, All-Star Game, American League, Angels, Astros, Blue Jays, Braves, Brewers, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Indians, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, MLB, National League, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Rays, Red Sox, Reds, Rockies, Royals, SF Giants, STL Cardinals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees on 06/19/2018 by scottj326.
My 3rd annual way-too-early MLB All-Star Game ballot
Over the last couple of years, I’ve written about some things I don’t like about the balloting for the MLB All-Star Game, and the league has made some changes this year that improve the process, in my opinion. First, the ballot was released on Friday, nearly a month later than voting has started in the past, and there are fewer votes allowed per email address. My big beef the last two years was the league allowing people to vote up to 35 times per day per email address. This year, they’ve changed the voting to allow for five ballots per day per email address, with a total of 35 ballots cast per email address throughout the voting period. This change will hopefully allow for less ballot-box stuffing and increase the likelihood of deserving players getting voted into the starting slots.
Despite the later start to the voting, I’m continuing with the tradition of calling my first ballot “way-too-early” with additional updates during the voting period, which ends on July 5, which is 10 days before the game is set to be played in Washington, D.C., on July 17.
1B Mitch Moreland, Red Sox: Moreland is getting a chance at regular playing time and is doing well enough that the Red Sox were willing to release DH Hanley Ramirez, who had been platooning with Moreland. With an average around .300 and nine home runs, I’m giving Moreland the nod over a guy like Jose Abreu, of the White Sox, who is putting up comparable numbers.
2B Jose Altuve, Astros: Altuve’s power numbers are down compared to last season, but he’s still near the top of the American League with a .332 batting average. The only other AL second baseman who’s hitting better than .300 is Yankees rookie Gleyber Torres. An argument can be made for either player, but the reigning MVP — who leads the AL in hits — gets my vote.
SS Manny Machado, Orioles: Machado and the Indians’ Francisco Lindor are both having great seasons, but Machado is hitting about 20 points better, with more homers and RBI on the season so he’s the choice to make here. Lindor would still make the team as a backup, but Machado is having the better season and gets my vote.
3B Jose Ramirez, Indians: A Cleveland infielder is getting my vote here as Ramirez is the only player at the hot corner in the AL who’s hitting both for average and power. He’s hitting around .300 and is leading the position in home runs and RBI, making him an easy choice for my ballot.
C Wilson Ramos, Rays: The veteran catcher is hovering around a career-high with a .301 batting average entering Sunday with seven homers. There are other catchers — including the Royals’ Salvador Perez and the Yankees’ Gary Sanchez, who have more home runs but aren’t close to Ramos in average, making him the AL’s best overall catcher in terms of offensive stats.
DH J.D. Martinez, Red Sox: The biggest offensive hole the Red Sox had last season was hitting the fewest home runs in the AL. Martinez, who signed with the Red Sox as a free agent in the offseason, is helping to change that with a MLB-best 19 home runs to go along with 50 RBI, which also leads the majors. He’s easily the best choice to make at DH.
OF Mookie Betts, Red Sox; Aaron Judge, Yankees; Mike Trout, Angels: Betts just went on the DL this weekend, but he is having one of the best seasons of all hitters in the American League, leading the league with a .359 average, in addition to 17 home runs and 37 RBI. I expect him to be back in action in time for the All-Star Game, but even if he’s not he gets my vote. There’s no sophomore slump for Judge, who is putting up similar numbers to what he did last year, when he finished as the runner-up to Altuve in AL MVP voting. And Trout is having a typical Mike Trout season, hitting .313 with 19 home runs — tied with Martinez for the major league lead — here in early June.
My first AL all-star ballot of 2018
1B Freddie Freeman, Braves: Some rookies have helped the Braves get out to a surprisingly strong start in the NL East this season, but the veteran Freeman is doing his part as well, hitting .335 with nine home runs and 40 RBI.
2B Scooter Gennett, Reds: Gennett is one of the few bright spots for a Reds team that has the second-worst record in the National League. His .340 average and 11 home runs gets my vote over the Braves’ Ozzie Albies and Cubs’ Javier Baez, who are also having good seasons thus far.
SS Brandon Crawford, Giants: There’s not a standout candidate among NL shortstops, so I’ll give it to Crawford, who is hitting over .300 with six home runs.
3B Nolan Arenado, Rockies: Arenado is always in contention to get a start in the All-Star Game, and this year is no different with a .325 average and 12 homers entering Sunday. He edges out the Cubs’ Kris Bryant to get my vote at the position.
C J.T. Realmuto, Marlins: Realmuto began the season on the DL, but he has put up good numbers since taking the field, hitting over .300 with six home runs at a position where offense isn’t easy to come by. The Giants’ Buster Posey is having a bit of a disappointing season, by his standards, giving Realmuto a chance to get a vote on my ballot.
OF Charlie Blackmon, Rockies; A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks; Matt Kemp, Dodgers: Two of the three choices here are the same as on my way-too-early ballot last season, with the Nationals’ Bryce Harper the one who didn’t get the repeat vote. He has 18 home runs, but is hitting just .233 — a far cry from his .319 average in 2017 — which kept him off my ballot. Pollock, who is hitting .293 with 11 homers, gets my third outfield vote instead. Kemp currently has the highest average of this threesome, at .347, and Blackmon is hitting .285 with 12 home runs.
My first NL all-star ballot of 2018
Starting pitchers are not on the ballot and are chosen by the all-star managers, but I like to choose them, too. In the American League, the only choice is the Astros’ Justin Verlander, who has an impressive 1.24 ERA and 104 strikeouts through 13 starts, with the Nationals’ Max Scherzer getting my vote in the National League. Scherzer is 9-1 with a 1.92 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 12 starts.
I’ll be updating the ballot as the All-Star Game approaches, so keep checking back in for updates.
This entry was posted in Sports and tagged A's, AL Central, AL East, AL West, All-Star Game, American League, Angels, Astros, Blue Jays, Braves, Brewers, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Indians, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, MLB, National League, Nationals, NL Central, NL East, NL West, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Rays, Red Sox, Reds, Rockies, Royals, SF Giants, STL Cardinals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, World Series, Yankees on 06/03/2018 by scottj326.
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Shell's Former Chairman Made a Startling Comment About Climate Change
By Chris Matthews/Fortune
When the oilmen themselves are arguing for stronger action to fight climate change, it’s probably time to start acting.
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, the former chairman of oil giant Royal Dutch Shell, said that the lack of progress the world has made on climate change is, “distressing,” and that it was “rational” for investors to start divesting their money from companies that extract fossil fuels, according to a report in The Guardian.
According to the paper, “His striking remarks are the most supportive of divestment made by any senior figure in the fossil fuel business.”
Moody-Stuart is a geologist who worked his way up through the firm to become its chairman, though he retired from that role in 2005. Says Stuart: “If you think your money can be used somewhere else, you should switch it. Selective divestment or portfolio-switching is actually what investors should be doing.”
Though some oil companies are coming around to the idea that climate change is a threat, you’d be hard-pressed to find any that would recommend dumping their shares as away to solve the problem.
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The Art Of Murdering Kevin Bacon: An Oral History Of How ‘Friday The 13th’ Became A Horror Classic
Ashley Burns and Chloe Schildhause 06.03.15 4 years ago 29 Comments
In 1978, the film Halloween changed the horror genre forever by proving that a low budget, independent movie could hit the jackpot at the box office. Made for just $300,000, Halloween ended up grossing more than $70 million worldwide, and the only sound that was louder than the screams of fans that year was that of Hollywood studio execs shouting “CHA-CHING!” With only a pair of kids’ movies under his belt, director Sean Cunningham took notice and decided to bring his idea for a horror film called Friday the 13th to the big screen. After all, he pitched it as “the scariest movie ever made.” The only problem was… he needed to make it first.
Cunningham called on his best friend, screenwriter Victor Miller, to help him create Friday the 13th, a movie that was supposed to be as scary as Halloween, but with way more blood. Despite developing their idea on the fly, working with a cast that had little to no horror experience, and running out of money several times, Cunningham and his crew completed their slasher pic, and thanks to a cast member’s mother’s blood-curdling screams, it soon found a home at Paramount. Like Halloween, Friday the 13th was a box office hit, and while Cunningham and his cast and crew had never imagined it, this movie would be the catalyst for a franchise that would run for 29 years. Even today, Paramount has the wheels in motion for a new chapter in the death and resurrection of Jason Voorhees, but the hockey-mask-wearing monster still doesn’t hold a candle to the murderer who started it all… his mom.
Om celebration of this iconic film, we spoke to Cunningham and Miller about the creation of Camp Crystal Lake; as well as Betsy Palmer, the woman who masterfully turned Mrs. Voorhees into a terrifying mother on the hunt for vengeance; Tom Savini, the award-winning special make-up effects creator lovingly known as “The Godfather of Gore,” about the dawn of the “Splatter Era”; and stars Adrienne King and Kevin Bacon, whose grass-smokin’ camp counselors paved the way for bloody big screen murders for years to come.
TOPICS#Horror Movies#Kevin Bacon#Oral Histories#Halloween
TAGSFRIDAY THE 13THHalloweenhorror movieskevin baconoral histories
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Wheel of Oops
Monday night, the popular game show "Wheel Of Fortune", with members of the US military playing, accidentally paid tribute to the late actor Paul Walker.
Wednesday's VIRAL OUTBREAK.......
Only two days after actor Paul Walker died in a tragic car accident, "The Fast and the Furious" was an answer on Monday night's episode of the popular syndicated game show. Even though the show added a scrolling message at the top of the screen stating that the episode had been taped weeks before Walker's death, the Twitter-verse exploded.
Most of the comments were related to poor timing, others were the usual smart aleck responses expected.
If you missed it, here ya go.
More Viral Outbreaks from Peter Christian
Filed Under: Paul Walker, Peter Christian, US105
Categories: AC, Articles, Daily Distraction
Hooters in Killeen Closed for Business
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Fed To Commit To A Staggering $1 Trillion Of QE For 2013
from KingWorldNews:
Today acclaimed trader Dan Norcini told King World News the Fed is about to commit to more than $1 trillion of QE for 2013. Norcini stated that because of this, “Anyone who does not own physical gold is committing financial suicide.” Here is what the acclaimed trader had to say about this stunning situation and what it will mean for the gold market: “One of the things that may have been overlooked by a lot of people, but it certainly wasn’t overlooked by some of us in the trade, was a report that was published by Goldman Sachs dealing with the Federal Reserve and its upcoming policy meeting.
Goldman Sachs expects, next month, for the Fed to come out of their policy meeting announcing QE4. It will be a purchase of $45 billion each month in Treasuries. This number will be in addition to the already existing QE3, which is $40 billion per month in mortgage-backed security debt.”
Dan Norcini continues @ KingWorldNews.com
Angie’s List Inc. (NASDAQ: ANGI)
Angie's List, Inc. operates a consumer-driven solution for its members to research, hire, rate, and review local professionals for home, health care, and automotive service needs in the United States. The company focuses on delivering its members trusted ratings and reviews of local service providers; providing the opportunity for highly-rated service providers to offer its members discounts and other promotions on local services; and advocating for its members to resolve their complaints with local service providers. As of June 30, 2011, it had approximately 820,000 paid memberships. The company was formerly known as Brownstone Publishing, LLC. and changed its name to Angie's List, Inc. in April 2010. Angie's List, Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
To analyze Angie's stock for potential trading opportunities, please take a look at the 1-year chart of ANGI (Angie's List Inc.) below with my added notations:
ANGI has had a rough go of it since the end of March. However, the stock does seem to be trying to bottom over the last (3) months. During those same months, the stock has created a resistance level at $12 (green). That is the same $12 level that was also support in the prior (3) months (red). So, $12 is a key price to ANGI. A break above that level should result in higher prices for the stock.
5 Charts Showing a Year-End Stock Bounce
A skeleton crew is keeping watch over Wall Street today, while the rest of America herds into mile-long lines at the mall.
Black Friday's half-day of trading is typically a light volume day for Mr. Market, and that's likely to be the case this year too. But it's what happens after Black Friday that's worth keeping a close eye on -- historically, the final month and change of the year often comes with a year-end bounce higher for stocks.
In 2012, we're starting to see that shape up in the S&P 500: the big index slammed hard against support at 1350 late last week, rallying back above the 200-day moving average on Monday. That support level coincides with a 61.8 retracement of the June through September rally in stocks, an important level for traders who rely on Fibonacci levels.
The fact that the S&P's pullback has been orderly for the last couple of months is significant. And now, we're seeing bottoming in a large number of individual names -- but we're not focusing solely on upside today.
Instead, we're leveraging new interest in the market by taking a technical look at five big names that are tradable this week.
If you're new to technical analysis, here's the executive summary.
Technicals are a study of the market itself. Since the market is ultimately the only mechanism that determines a stock's price, technical analysis is a valuable tool even in the roughest of trading conditions. Technical charts are used every day by proprietary trading floors, Wall Street's biggest financial firms, and individual investors to get an edge on the market. And research shows that skilled technical traders can bank gains as much as 90% of the time.
Every week, I take an in-depth look at big names that are telling important technical stories. Here's this week's look at the charts of five high-volume stocks to trade for gains.
We can't talk about big trades without bringing up Apple (AAPL), the $528 billion tech firm that's been catching so much attention from traders in the last couple of months. Apple rallied hard with the broad market from June to September, and then it followed up by dropping like a rock for the next couple of months. But a v-bottom in Apple points to the end of a nasty trend here. (more)
Grains Moving Higher: Good News for Agriculture Equities and ETFs
News about growing drought conditions in the U.S. , lower than expected available grain for export by Russia, Ukraine and Australia combined with rising demand by China is having an impact on grain prices. ‘Tis the season for grain prices to move higher!
Higher grain prices is good news for Agriculture equities and related ETFs
3 Overlooked Stocks Set to Rally Before Year-End
We watch the analyst recommendations on stocks closely for a couple of reasons. First, we like to know when the analyst community has become overly optimistic on a stock as it often identifies that it has run its bullish course. The simple rule to follow here is that if everyone is bullish it's usually not a bad time to be locking in your profits.
Case-in-point, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL). With nearly 90% of the analysts covering the stock rating it a "buy" or "strong buy," it has turned into a stock with avalanche potential, i.e., a relatively small amount of sellers can cause it to cascade down to lower prices. It doesn't mean that the stock is necessarily bad, just that it has more selling potential due to the large crowd of investors holding it.
The reverse is also true in that a stock that is performing well with low analyst ranks has the potential to explode higher. Why, you ask? Simply put, Analysts aren't paid to be wrong on a stock, which means that a stock that outperforms the market should grab analysts' attention and drive upgrades. For this reason, we closely monitor a list of stocks that are outperforming the market with low analyst recommendations as these stocks are more likely to see upgrades and, thus, even higher prices.
The table below identifies 10 stocks that are beating the S&P 500 over the past three months, with 50-day moving averages that are trending higher (a simple measure of technical strength), and fewer than 30% "buy" recommendations from the analyst community. This serves as a great list of stocks that traders have the ability to buy ahead of potential upgrades from the analyst community.
Below we'll go into more depth on three stocks we like right now from the list.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)
Investors are deathly afraid of the "fiscal cliff" knocking the market and economy for a loop in 2013. From a logical standpoint (which could be a problem) the politicians in Washington are far better served by solving the situation before the Dec. 31 deadline, which would likely tack an easy 1,000 points onto the Dow and give companies like LMT a boost.
Analysts and traders are afraid to touch LMT now given its revenue from defense spending, which could catch the axe if we go over the cliff. We're betting that this doesn't happen and that this 5% yielder will attract not only traders, but also continue to get the attention of high-yield investors.
Recommended Trade Setup:
-- Buy LMT at the market price
-- Set stop-loss at $90
-- Set price target at $100 for a potential 8% gain by year-end
Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC)
We move into 2013 with the knowledge that "Obamacare" will continue to move toward full implementation. For the most part, the law is seen to put additional pressure on insurance providers while providing somewhat of a tailwind for health care providers like Tenet.
From a sheer technical perspective, this company is a dream as it has been a relative strength leader against the market and is breaking to new 52-week highs. Sentiment on THC remains negative, which suggests that robust upside potential exists as the bears could change posture and turn into buyers. We favor a target of $30 before year-end.
-- Buy THC at the market price
-- Set price target at $30 for a potential 6% gain by year-end
Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO)
Don't call it a comeback, they've been here for years (sorry for the LL Cool J reference). It's true, though, Yahoo has been around and had the tools for success; its lack of it appears to have been a personnel issue, which may now be on the mend.
Wall Street votes with its accounts, and YHOO shares are reflecting some trust in new management. We don't typically like stocks that are trading nearly 30% higher over a three-month period, but Yahoo is likely to march higher as traders and analysts improve their outlook for the shares.
Look for a price of around $21 by January, a return of almost 12%. Not bad for a company that was all but dead a few quarters ago.
-- Buy YHOO at the market price
-- Set stop-loss at $18.50
-- Set price target at $21 for a potential 12% gain by year-end
Eric Sprott: Market Insights (November 29, 2012)
Gold: Solution to the Banking Crisis
by Eric Sprott and David Baker, Sprott Asset Management
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision is an exclusive and somewhat mysterious entity that issues banking guidelines for the world’s largest financial institutions. It is part of the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) and is often referred to as the Central Banks’ central bank. Ever since the financial meltdown four years ago, the Basel Committee has been hard at work devising new international regulatory rules designed to minimize the potential for another large-scale financial meltdown. The Committee’s latest ‘framework’, as they call it, is referred to as “Basel III”, and involves tougher capital rules that will force all banks to more than triple the amount of core capital they hold from 2% to 7% in order to avoid future taxpayer bailouts. It doesn’t sound like much of an increase, and according to the Basel group’s own survey, the 100 largest global banks will only require approximately €370 billion in additional reserves to comply with the new regulations by 2019.1 Given that the Spanish banks alone are believed to need well over €100 billion today simply to keep their capital ratios in check, it is hard to believe €370 billion will be enough protect the world’s “too-big-to-fail” banks from future crises, but it is indeed a step in the right direction.2 (more)
Chinese Stocks Hit the Skids, Might Drop Further
Chinese stocks are tumbling, with the Shanghai Composite Index hitting a near-four-year low Wednesday, as traders stay away from the market.
The value of shares traded Monday totaled only 33.1 billion yuan ($5.3 billion), the lowest amount since Nov. 7, 2008, according to Bloomberg.
The Shanghai Index closed at 1,973.52 Wednesday, the lowest finish since Jan. 16, 2009 and below the psychologically important level of 2,000.
The Shanghai index first hit that mark at least 10 years ago, “and now we’re back at square one,” Hao Hong, managing director of research for Bank of Communications, told Bloomberg. “Now … people will be looking for the next support level, which could be 5 to 10 percent below here.”
Ironically, the decline comes despite recent signs of a rebound in the economy. For example, the government reported Tuesday that profit for industrial companies soared 20.5 percent in October. And both factory output and exports rose last month at the fastest pace since May.
"Confidence in the stock market appears to have reached a new low this year, with transaction volumes really thin now,” Deng Wenyuan, an analyst at Soochow Securities, told The Wall Street Journal.
“Investors are looking for policy signals ahead of the annual central economic work conference in December, but so far on the policy front, it seems muted."
He was referring to a meeting of China's senior leadership that gives an idea as to the next year’s economic policy and performance.
Editor's Note: Prophetic Economist Warns: “It’s Curtains for America.” See Evidence.
Read more: Chinese Stocks Hit the Skids, Might Drop Further
Important: Can you afford to Retire?
The Best Buying Opportunity the Market Has to Offer Right Now
On Tuesday, stocks opened lower due to weakness in Europe. But selling accelerated when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that “little progress” had been made in the fiscal cliff negotiations. Despite some positive economic reports, the comments by Reid created an immediate reaction from sellers as the Dow fell 75 points within minutes of his announcement.
At Tuesday’s close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was off 89 points at 12,878, the S&P 500 fell 7 points at 1,399, and the Nasdaq lost 9 points at 2,968. The NYSE traded 688 million shares and the Nasdaq crossed 406 million. On both exchanges, decliners were ahead of advancers by 1.3-to-1.
Despite the emotional reaction of the markets to the back-and-forth comments from politicians, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is still surprisingly apathetic. At a critical time when the major indices are backing away from their 200-day moving averages, the VIX should be in the mid-20s, while it sits near 16. Perhaps it is telling us that the politicians will get their act together before we all fall off the fiscal cliff.
Mississippi River Near Historical Lows
My previous articles have mentioned the drought scenarios that are affecting the Midwest and the Southern Plains U.S. and potentially impact the current winter wheat and corn & soybean planting next spring. We have also been monitoring that this same drought scenario could impact long-term transportation issues for U.S grain and other commodity supplies as well as consumer prices.
The Mississippi River is very close to historical lows between the cities of St. Louis and Cairo, Ill. Barge traffic is already mandated to have lighter loads than usual, and the middle of the river could be closed to barge traffic if the water level at St. Louis get under minus-5 feet. The record low in St. Louis was minus-6.1 feet in January 1940, according to the National Weather Service. The river was at minus-1.49 feet at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 26, and may drop to minus-5 or even minus-6 feet as measured by the river gauge in about two weeks if the weather doesn't change and the Army Corps of Engineers drawdown of the Missouri River takes place as planned, according to a spokesman at U.S. North Central River Forecast Center in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
According to the U.S. Climate Prediction Center, the worst U.S. drought since 1956, which affected farmland from Ohio to Nebraska, will possibly last through February in most areas. Mississippi River barges handle about 60 per cent of the nation's grain exports entering the Gulf of Mexico through New Orleans, as well as 22 per cent of its petroleum and 20 per cent of its coal. According to AEP River Operations spokesman, approximately 8 million tons of grain, coal, steel, petroleum and other goods travel each month between St. Louis and Cairo.
Several business organizations including the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the American Petroleum Institute in a letter yesterday to President Barack Obama urged him to declare an emergency in the region, calling for "immediate assistance in averting an economic catastrophe in the heartland" of the U.S.
The below chart shows a better depiction of how bad this scenario is.
This graph shows the river stage at Chester, IL, from January 2011 to present. The river was actually above flood stage for much of May-July 2011. It dropped from almost 40 feet during that time to 5 feet in November 2011. Then it fluctuated between 5 and 25 feet, until this summer when it dropped below 5 feet and into negative numbers in late September. The latest forecast from the NWS has the river stage reaching -2 feet by December 10, (more)
Turk – Current Financial System To Implode Within 24 Months
Today James Turk spoke with King World News about steps which are being taken by the LBMA and Western central planners to cover up the corruption and manipulation in the gold and silver markets. This is the third and final in a series of interviews with James Turk which reveals what is going on behind the scenes of the desperate Western central bank gold and silver price suppression scheme.
Eric King: “You talked earlier about the fact that they tried to dematerialize gold back in 1969 with the SDR. Then in 1980 we saw the change of rules on the COMEX and the silver price collapsed. Going forward, these are the first steps you see (LBMA actions and attacking Indian gold demand) as a Ponzi scheme is unwinding. We should expect to see more radical things from the central planners?”
Turk: “Yes. That 1969 change has significance to today. It came just before the system blew up. The SDR was created in ’69 and the system blew up shortly thereafter (and gold went up roughly six-fold by the end of ‘73).”
James Turk continues @ KingWorldNews.com
Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN)
Nordstrom, Inc., a fashion specialty retailer, offers apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories for women, men, and children in the United States. It operates in two segments, Retail and Credit. The Retail segment offers a selection of brand name and private label merchandise. This segment sells its products through various channels, including Nordstrom full-line stores, off-price Nordstrom Rack stores, Jeffrey' boutiques, philanthropic treasure & bond store, and Last Chance clearance stores; and its online store, nordstrom.com, as well as through catalog and online private sale subsidiary HauteLook. As of November 2, 2012, it operated 238 stores in 31 states, including 117 full-line stores, 117 Nordstrom Racks, 2 Jeffrey boutiques, 1treasure&bond store, and 1 clearance store. The Credit segment operates Nordstrom fsb, a federal savings bank, which provides a private label credit card, two Nordstrom VISA credit cards, and a debit card. Its credit and debit cards feature a shopping-based loyalty program. Nordstrom, Inc. was founded in 1901 and is based in Seattle, Washington.
To review Nordstrom's stock, please take a look at the 1-year chart of JWN (Nordstrom, Inc.) below with my added notations:
After a sever sell-off in May, JWN worked it's way back up to it's $58, 52-week high and has been consolidating within a rectangle ever since. Rectangle patterns form when a stock gets stuck bouncing between a horizontal support and resistance. A minimum of (2) successful tests of the support and (2) successful tests of the resistance will give you the pattern. For JWN, the rectangle pattern has formed a $58 resistance (red) and a $54 support (green). A break above $58 would also be a new 52-week high.
McAlvany Weekly Commentary
America: Reports of Death Greatly Exaggerated
Posted on 28 November 2012.
About this week’s show:
-Getting worse before it gets better
-Redistribution begins
-What is Republic?
Standard Podcast Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Read | Subscribe@iTunes
Alasdair Macleod: Custody arrangements reduce security for GLD and SLV shareholders
by Alasdair Macleod, GATA:
GLD, the New York Stock Exchange-listed gold exchange-traded fund, appears to have quietly removed key investor protection with the apparent agreement of United Kingdom regulators.
By imputation, the same change in regulation applies to the silver ETF SLV, though less obviously so.
A revision to GLD’s prospectus appears to have absolved its custodian and trustee from having to comply fully with the custody rules of the U.K. Financial Services Authority, a change that must have been undertaken with the agreement of the FSA and by implication the Bank of England, which oversees the London bullion market and is party to the London Code for Non-investment Products (the NIPS Code). This code now guides the actions of the management, trustees, and custodians of both ETFs.
SLV’s prospectus has not been materially altered in this respect (other than by the addition of New York as a custody location) because its wording is already consistent with NIPS Code guidelines. But GLD’s prospectus has changed.
Read More @ GATA,org
Chart of the Day - Unilever (UN)
The "Chart of the Day" is Unilever (UN), which showed up on Tuesday's Barchart "All-Time High" list. Unilever on Tuesday posted a new all-time high of 37.55 and closed +0.21%. Unilever closed near its daily low, which suggests that the stock market need to correct a bit lower before regaining some upside momentum. TrendSpotter just turned long on Tuesday. In recent news on the stock, UBS on Sep 14 upgraded Unilever to Buy from Neutral. Unilever, with a market cap of $105 billion, is one of the world's largest consumer products companies. They produce and market a wide range of foods, home, and personal care products.
A New Twist on an Old Theory is Signaling a 'Buy'
The Dow Theory is probably the first trading strategy ever described in detail. Charles Dow developed the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the Dow Jones Transportation Average (DJTA) to track economic trends and he soon realized these averages could be useful for timing stock market moves.
When both averages are moving up, the market is a buy, and sells are signaled when both averages are moving lower. Unfortunately, there are also times, like now, when no clear signal is being offered.
Up moves under Dow Theory are defined as new highs, and when an average reaches a new high, it is a buy. The chart below shows the DJIA signaled a new buy as it reached new highs in August. The DJTA failed to confirm that signal, and pure Dow Theory practitioners remain bearish based on a sell signal given in May when both averages fell to new lows. More recent market action has failed to deliver a strong buy signal and a divergence has formed where one indicator is bullish and the other is bearish.
While the Dow Theory looks solely at prices, the idea of using the industrials and transports can be applied in a number of different ways. Rather than waiting for Dow Theory signals, traders can apply indicators and develop trading strategies that take advantage of the trend with clear signals from indicators.
The chart below looks at the two indexes with a stochastics indicator. Here the trade signals are less ambiguous and, for now, a long trade in the transport sector seems like the best potential trading option.
The weekly chart shows that the DJTA signaled a buy in the stochastics indicator at the close of trading last week, while the industrials remain on a buy signaled a week earlier.
Among transportation stocks, railroads are the strongest sector and Genesee & Wyoming (NYSE: GWR) is the railroad company with the fastest growing long-term earnings. GWR operates railroads in the United States, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Belgium. This geographic diversification is rare in the railroad industry and should help GWR maintain steady profits in a regional economic slowdown. The company has averaged earnings growth of about 17% a year in the past five years and is expected to continue growing earnings at that rate for the next five years.
GWR is among the biggest winners in the stock market during the past six months with a gain of more than 50% in that time. This has pushed the stock toward the initial price target projected from a cup-and-handle pattern. The next target from that pattern, a Fibonacci extension of the depth of the pattern, is at $86, offering a potential gain of 17% from current levels.
Initially, a stop-loss below last week's low at $67.50 should allow traders to benefit from an up move without accepting too much risk. Longer term, it could pay to remember that GWR has been a big winner in the past. Rather than taking short-term profits in the stock, it could be best to use a trailing stop in order to benefit from the trend as long as it lasts. The 26-week moving average (MA) offers a way to do this. If GWR moves above the initial target of $77, traders should use the 26-week MA as a trailing stop and exit when GWR closes below that average.
This trading strategy uses the idea behind the Dow Theory that the industrials and transports should confirm each other. But it adds indicators to offer timelier trade signals, which could improve on the profitability of the basic strategy.
-- Buy GWR at the market price.
-- Set initial stop-loss at $67.50
-- Set initial price target at $77 for a potential 5% gain
-- If target is hit, then raise stop-loss to the 26-week MA to participate in the uptrend as long as possible
Agnico-Eagle Mines broke a triple-top as it made a new 52-week high
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (NYSE:AEM) — This Canada-based international gold producer has operations in most gold-producing countries.
The company reported Q3 earnings of $0.77, soundly beating estimates of $0.40. Production guidance for the year has been raised, and costs have fallen to the lower end of management’s estimates.
Technically, the stock has been in a four-month bull market, interrupted only by a round of profit-taking two weeks ago that ended with a buy signal from our proprietary Collins-Bollinger Reversal (CBR) indicator.
On Monday, AEM broke a triple-top as it made a new 52-week high. Near term, expect AEM to add another upward leg with a target of $65. Longer-term buyers could expect the stock to climb to $80 within 12 months.
A Biotech Stock Up 78% This Month; Will It Soar Come January?
With the weak third-quarter earnings season pretty much behind us, it’s time for penny stock investors to look for areas of growth. One sector that has been outpacing the overall markets has been the biotechnology sector, up 60.6% for the year and 46.0% year-to-date.
One penny stock biotech company that has been performing well since June and generating buzz is Celsion Corporation (NASDAQ/CLSN). Celsion is a development-stage penny stock whose lead product is “ThermoDox,” a heat-activated cancer therapy that combines a common oncology drug, doxorubicin, with a heat-activated liposome, which may help deliver and release the drug more accurately. The drug is being studied as a treatment for liver cancer and breast cancer.
The penny stock’s pivotal phase III trial (the “HEAT Study”) was designated as a priority trial for liver cancer by the National Institutes of Health and received fast track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and orphan drug designation in both the U.S. and Europe. Results from this trial are expected in January 2013.
Primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC, is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer. It is estimated that up to 90% of liver cancer patients will die within five years of diagnosis. Although the most effective treatment for liver cancer is surgical resection of the tumor, 80% to 90% of patients are ineligible for surgery due to the progression of their tumors. (Source: “Celsion’s lead indication is in Primary Liver Cancer,” Celsion Corporation web site, last accessed November 26, 2012.)
ThermoDox is also under phase II clinical trial for colorectal liver metastasis, and phase II clinical trial for treatment of recurrent chest wall breast cancer.
On November 12, Celsion announced its third-quarter results and a business update. The penny stock’s third-quarter loss improved to $6.0 million, or $0.18 per share, from a loss of $6.4 million, or $0.25 per share, in the same period last year. The penny stock’s year-to-date net loss came in at $18.3 million, or $0.55 per share, compared to $17.1 million, or $0.72 per share, in the same period of 2011. (Source: “Celsion Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Business Update,” Celsion Corporation press release, November 12, 2012.)
Chart courtesy of www.StockCharts.com
Celsion’s share price has been bullish since late June, on the heels of encouraging ThermoDox updates and speculation. In September, the penny stock broke through a three-year resistance level near $5.50, and currently remains bullish, trading above $7.50.
Since Celsion is in the development stage, it is not generating any revenues and won’t unless its flagship product gets FDA approval. That said, Celsion has $22.0 million in cash, which is more than enough to take it to January 2013, when data from the penny stock’s ThermoDox phase III study is released.
If the data are positive, Celsion should have no issues getting further financing. On the other hand, if the data are less than positive, the penny stock has enough resources to continue operations and look for additional funding.
In a November 9, 2012 update, company President and CEO Michael H. Tardugno said, “We enter this transformative period from a position of financial strength, having taken ThermoDox through to pivotal data while maintaining full worldwide rights outside of Japan, a minimal number of shares outstanding and a strong balance sheet.” (Source: “Celsion Announces Phase III HEAT Study of Thermodox,” Celsion Corporation press release, November 9, 2012.)
Tardugno added, “Consistent with our previous guidance, we have no plans to raise additional capital before disclosing top line data from the HEAT Study which, if positive, will vastly expand the company’s strategic and financing options.”
In conjunction with the penny stock’s third-quarter results, Tardugno noted, “With a positive outcome, ThermoDox will become the most important 1st line therapy for patients with non-resectable disease. The positive implications of this study, for patients and their families, the healthcare community, our investors and employees, cannot be overestimated.” (Source: “Celsion Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Business Update,” Celsion Corporation press release, November 12, 2012.)
While the company says it cannot comment on its phase III HEAT Study data, Celsion President and CEO Tardungo seems quite optimistic. Investors appear equally as hopeful—sending the stock to a three-year high. The next 60 to 90 days will be a very important period for Celsion. Newcomers can either take a wait-and-see approach or follow closely.
Leeb – Gold, Silver & Natural Gas Are Going To Soar
Today acclaimed money manager Stephen Leeb spoke with King World News about gold, silver and natural gas. Here is what Leeb had to say: “I noticed that natural gas is trading somewhere around $3.75. What’s significant is that the price of natural gas today is about what it has averaged over the past four years. The reason four years is important is because it marks the time when unconventional or fracking gas came into its own.
That’s when we started seeing this huge pickup in natural gas. We have had all of this talk about all of these additional gas supplies, and yet you still have natural gas sitting at $3.75. We also still have every dedicated fracker, whether you are talking oil or natural gas, basically losing money once you subtract out capital expenditures.”
Rare Trade Setup Could Deliver Blockbuster Returns From This Tiny Biotech
Wall Street legend, Peter Lynch, once said, "During the Gold Rush, most would-be miners lost money, but people who sold them picks, shovels, tents and blue-jeans (Levi Strauss) made a nice profit."
Today, I want to review a microcap company that could be a modern-day investment in this business model with a chart that presents a solid trading opportunity.
Companies that sell consumables, products that are completely used up and then need to be repurchased, can enjoy steady sales and earnings, even if some of their buyers go bust. Finding undervalued companies that supply critical inputs to an industry can be a way to identify trading candidates.
In the drug industry, biologics are among the best-selling drugs in the world. These drugs are made from living organisms and are more complex than chemically synthesized drugs, the more common type of pharmaceutical drugs. Biologics are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and several types of cancer. Research and development is under way to find other blockbuster biological drugs, but that process is expensive. According to one research report, it can cost $1.2 billion and take 10 to 15 years to get a drug through the regulatory process. (more)
It’s the Season to Own Utility Stocks
Over the past week I have been keeping my eye on several key sectors and stocks for potentially large end of year rallies to lock in more gains before 2013.
My recent calls have been RIMM (up 54%), AAPL (up 5%), FB (up 8%) so it’s been a great month thus far. That being said there are three other plays that look amazing and one of them is the utilities sector.
Looking back 30 years clearly utilities have a tendency to rally going into year end. What makes this setup so exciting is that the Obama tax for 2013 has caused many investors to lock in capital gains along with dividend gains so the utility sector has recently been beaten.
I always like to cheer for the underdogs because they can make large moves quickly and this season its utility stocks.
30 Year Seasonality – Utilities Stocks
Utility Sector ETFs:
In the graph below I show the main utility ETFs for trading. Simple analysis clearly shows the selling momentum is slowing and where price should go if it can breakout above the red dotted resistance line. Exchange traded funds XLU, FXU, IDU, and DBU are the funds I found to be setting up.
Utilities Sector Trading Conclusion:
While I feel utilities are about start moving higher it is important to mention that the broad market is setting up for a 1-3 day pullback. If the stock market does pullback this week then we should see utilities pullback also. What I am looking for is a minor pullback in XLU with price holding up above $34 while the stock market pulls back.
Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M)
Macy's, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates stores and Internet Websites in the United States. Its retail stores and Internet Web sites sell a range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories for men, women, and children; cosmetics; home furnishings; and other consumer goods. The company also operates Bloomingdale's Outlet stores that offer a range of apparel and accessories, including ready-to-wear, shoes, fashion accessories, jewelry, handbags, and intimate apparel products. As of January 28, 2012, it operated approximately 840 stores under the names of Macy's and Bloomingdale's; and 7 Bloomingdale's Outlet stores, as well as macys.com and bloomingdales.com. The company was formerly known as Federated Department Stores, Inc. and changed its name to Macy's, Inc. in June 2007. Macy's, Inc. was founded in 1820 and is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
To review Macy's stock, please take a look at the 1-year chart of M (Macy's, Inc.) below with my added notations:
M has created a couple of important price levels to watch. First, M has formed a clear resistance at $42 (navy), which would also be a 52-week high breakout if M could manage to break above it. In addition, the stock is climbing a short term, up-trending support level (red) over the last (2) months. Eventually, M will have to either break the support or the resistance.
Chart of the Day - Expedia (EXPE)
The "Chart of the Day" is Expedia (EXPE), which showed up on Monday's Barchart "All-Time High" list. Expedia on Monday posted a new all-time high of $61.48 and closed +0.58%. TrendSpotter has been long since last Tuesday at $59.29. In recent news on the stock, Barclays on Nov 20 upgraded Expedia to Equal Weight from Underweight and raised its target to $60 from $52 due to improving business fundamentals and strategy. Susquehanna on Oct 26 reiterated its Positive rating on Expedia and raised its target to $69 from $60 due to positive Q3 results and higher bookings. Cowen on Oct 26 reiterated its Outperform rating on Expedia. Lazard Capital on Oct 26 raised its rating to Buy from Neutral on Expedia and raised its target to $70. RBC Capital on Oct 26 reiterated its Outperform rating and raised its target to $70 from $59. Expedia (EXPE), with a market cap of $8 billion, is one of the world's leading travel services companies.
Source: Deutsche Bank Fulfilled Recent Gold Repatriation Request With Tungsten Salted Gold
from Silver Doctors:
*BREAKING
An Austrian banking source has reportedly claimed that Deutsche Bank ‘fulfilled’ one gold repatriation in recent years with the help of Tungsten and further claims that the tungsten salted gold bars have turned up in Asia.
In 2009, Rob Kirby first uncovered detailed information regarding a massive plot to replace 400 oz good delivery gold bars with highly sophisticated tungsten filled fakes- and even provided evidence that the bars had been swapped with the gold held at Fort Knox.
Widely scoffed at by the financial media in 2009, Kirby appears to have released a Pulitzer worthy story nearly half a decade ahead of its time, as if the Austrian source’s claims are true and Deutsche Bank has in fact fulfilled a recent gold repatriation request with gold plated tungsten, the ramifications are that not only is every single claim made by GATA regarding gold and silver manipulation are 100% accurate, but that real, physical metal is now in desperately short supply and the jig is nearly up for the bullion bank cartel.
Read More @ SilverDoctors.com
We Are About To Crush 15 Years Of Resistance In Gold & Silver
Today John Embry told King World News that we are about to crush 15 years of resistance in gold and silver. Here is what Embry, who is chief investment strategist at Sprott Asset Management, had to say: “Friday was a solid day, but I could have bet my life that we would see exactly what’s transpired today. There has been no follow through whatsoever and that’s become the norm. Essentially, they don’t want people to get excited about this sector, so when it pops up in price they make sure there is no follow through.
But you have to understand the extent to which the gain on Friday was fought. There were explosions in open interest on the COMEX. Open interest in gold contracts increased over 14,000 contracts. Open interest increased almost 4,000 contracts in silver.
These are big numbers…”
John Embry continues @ KingWorldNews.com
Arcos Dorados Holding Inc (NYSE: ARCO)
Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc. is an Argentina-based company engaged in the operation of McDonald's franchisees. The Company serves over 4 million customers through the operation of 1,840 McDonald's-branded restaurants in 20 Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Peru, Guadeloupe and Panama, among others.
To review Arcos' stock, please take a look at the below with my added notations:
ARCO had been in an overall sideways move since May. During that time, the stock had held a clear level of support at $12 (red). Even though the market has caused most stocks to move higher over most of the last 6 months, ARCO had not been able to follow along and has recently broken below $12. This breakdown is both a new 52-week low and a break of a clearly defined support level.
450,000 Businesses Shut Down in Italy; Non-Performing Loans Jump 15.3%, Write-Downs 21.6%
by Mike Shedlock, Global Economic Analysis:
Here are a couple of interesting economic links from Italy courtesy of reader Andrea. The translations from Italian are a bit choppy, but the gist of the articles is easily understandable.
450,000 Businesses Shut Down in Italy in Three Years
La Stampa reports 450,000 Businesses Shut Down in Italy in Three Years.
In just three years, from 2010 to 2012, about 450,000 companies closed with a loss of over 300,000 jobs, while the Italians caught up in terms of wear [usurious loans] increased to 600,000.
Read More @ GlobalEconomicAnalysis.blogspot.com
Chart of the Day - Delphi Automotive (DLPH)
The "Chart of the Day" is Delphi Automotive (DLPH), which showed up on Friday's Barchart "All-Time High" list. Delphi on Friday posted a new all-time high of $34.10 and closed +1.34%. TrendSpotter turned long on Nov 19 at $33.37. In recent news on the stock, RW Baird on Nov 2 said that Delphi continues to be a top idea due to strong cash flow and operational execution. Baird reiterated its Outperform rating and raised its target to $41 from $36. Deutsche Bank on Nov 2 reinstated research coverage on Delphi with a Buy and a target of $41. Delphi on Nov 1 reported Q3 EPS of 84 cents, well above the consensus of 73 cents. Delphi Automotive, with a market cap of $10 billion, is a vehicle components manufacturer and provides electrical and electronic, powertrain, safety and thermal technology solutions to the global automotive and commercial vehicle markets.
4 Charts – the US Dollar, Gasoline, Gold and Silver
I have four charts for you.
Look at a chart of the US dollar index …
Usually, when the value of the dollar goes lower, the value of precious metals goes higher.
Breakout in Chip Stock Could Land Traders Double-Digit Profits
My son-in-law, Andrew, is a techie. An electrical engineer and electronic hobbyist, he can rattle off information about nearly every kind of semiconductor on the market. Sometimes it's more detail than I want to know -- how the chip works, what it controls and how it's best used.
Andrew knows I follow the market closely, and in a burst of enthusiasm he recently said I should look at ARM Holdings (NASDAQ: ARMH). Their chips, he commented, currently "rule the market."
The trader in me needed no further encouragement. I checked the chart and saw an extremely bullish, low-risk technical pattern. And when I analyzed the fundamentals, I found a strong outlook.
ARM Holdings has quickly become the market leader in processors for mobile devices, cutting into Intel's (NASDAQ: INTC) lead in computer and server markets. In fact, ARMH has found its way into over 95% of all mobile phones, and over a quarter of all electronic devices worldwide.
The chip is so popular because it performs well on very low power, making it ideal for battery-operated electronics, like smartphones and tablets.
In addition to being a leading chipmaker, ARM Holdings is the world's largest holder of intellectual property (IP) on semiconductors. ARMH designs and licenses its technology to tech companies, like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) or Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). Each company pays a licensing and royalty fee for every ARMH chip used, adding up to big dollars for the company. (more)
Gold closing in on yen price record
Precious metals made strong gains on Friday, largely as a result of weak volume at the Comex futures market in New York. Thanksgiving last Thursday meant fewer participants in US futures trading on Friday, with traders taking the opportunity for a long weekend. Lack of liquidity in a market exacerbates any up or downside move; in this instance, it was the bulls’ lucky day.
Gold needs to hang above $1,740 and silver above $34 if this move is to have any lasting significance. Bulls will be encouraged by trading this morning though, with the metals holding above these levels despite more uncertainty about whether or not European finance ministers (meeting today) will agree to dispense more aid to Greece. The EURUSD, copper, the FTSE All-World equity index and US Treasury yields are down, yet gold and silver are still hanging in there – with silver in particular showing impressive resilience considering the pressure on growth assets.
Day-to-day price moves come and go, and there is often little logic to them. Last Friday was a case in point: bad news about EU budget talks coincided with a surge in the euro against the dollar, which is the opposite of what we’d normally expect. Long-term trends are however more identifiable, and one particularly interesting longer-term trend to look at right now is the Japanese yen’s performance against gold, as done in a chart courtesy of the GotGoldReport.
Gold has clearly broken out of a period of consolidation versus the yen, with Japanese politicians seemingly at last convincing the markets that they mean what they say when they state they want a much weaker yen. Priced in yen gold is now within a whisker of its all time high around ¥146,000 per ounce.
Another event that Western analysts may pay too little attention to is confirmation that Turkey has been using gold to pay for Iranian natural gas – thus neatly sidestepping US-led sanctions against Tehran. The idea of “gold as money” may be an alien concept in the modern West, but not in Asia.
The new podcast interview we are releasing today with Amphora Commodities’ John Butler – author of The Golden Revolution: How to Prepare for the Coming Global Gold Standard – may be worth listening to in this regard.
The Golden Nugget That Makes Traders Wealthy Trading AAPL, RIMM And Gold Stocks
I know most Apple enthusiasts will be rolling their eyes with my analysis and that's fine because the rest of us need people to buy our shares as we unload long positions or sell Apple short .
All joking aside, the charts below clearly show some very interesting information you cannot afford to overlook. At minimum, take a quick glance at the charts which tell the full story on their own.
The Four Stages of Stocks
Markets are cyclical in nature. There is a constant process of expansion and contraction, rally and
decline that continues as the market determines the theoretical fair value of a security. The sum
of these moves forms an unquestionable cyclical pattern consistent within all time frames.
During a cycle a stock enters different phases of support, from irrational exuberance typically
found before its peak, to periods of widespread discontent where its price is continually
punished. However there are never distinctly good or bad stocks.
Every "good" stock will eventually become a bad one and vice versa. There are however good
trades; trades that reward an investor who has correctly anticipated a move and positioned
himself accordingly.
It is important to note that this works with commodities like gold and silver which are trading at
a VERY interesting point in their life cycle. Looking at various time frames in GLD and SLV
you can see this. (more)
Rosen – This Move In Gold & Silver Is Going To Shock People
KWN has received tremendous interest in 54-year market veteran and analyst Ron Rosen’s charts and comments which were published exclusively on King World News. We followed up with Rosen to get his take on where gold and silver are headed longer-term, and Rosen did not disappoint. He gave an absolutely extraordinary interview.
Below is a chart and comments from 54-year market veteran and analyst Ron Rosen:
Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSK)
Comcast Corporation provides entertainment, information, and communications products and services in the United States and internationally. The company’s Cable Communications segment offers video, high-speed Internet, and voice services to residential and business customers. Its Cable Networks segment consists of national cable entertainment, national cable news and information, national cable sports, regional sports and news, and international cable networks. Its Filmed Entertainment segment consists of the operations of Universal Pictures, including Focus Features, which produces, acquires, markets, and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television, and other distribution platforms. This segment also develops, produces, and licenses stage plays. The company’s Theme Parks segment comprises theme parks; studios; and a dining, retail, and entertainment complex. The company offers its services directly to residential and business customers through call centers; door-to-door selling; direct mail, television, Internet, and local media advertising; and telemarketing and retail outlets.
Comcast’s stock is potentially forming a Head and Shoulders pattern. Please take a look at the 1-year chart of CMCSK (Comcast Corporation) below with my added notations:
CMCSK has been on a nonstop rally since last year. Over the last (3) months though, the stock has created a very important level at $34 (navy), which would also be the “neckline” support for CMCSK’s possible H&S pattern. Above the neckline you will notice the H&S pattern itself (red). Confirmation of the H&S would occur if the stock broke below its $34 support. If CMCSK breaks that level, the stock should move lower from there. A move above the $36 area would probably negate the potential H&S pattern.
Keep in mind that simple is usually better. Had I never pointed out this H&S pattern, one would still think this stock is moving lower simply if it broke below the $34 support level. In short, whether you noticed the pattern or not, the trade would still be the same: On the break below the key $34 level.
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The Golden Nugget That Makes Traders Wealthy Tradi...
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Read Next: Jeffrey Epstein Bail Decision Delayed, More Accusers Coming Forward
August 2, 2018 8:36AM PT
Ivanka Trump Says She Doesn’t Consider the Media the ‘Enemy of the People’
By Ted Johnson
Senior Editor @tedstew FOLLOW
Ted's Most Recent Stories
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CREDIT: REX/Shutterstock
WASHINGTON — Ivanka Trump, President Donald Trump’s daughter and White House adviser, said she does not consider the media the “enemy of the people,” a contract to her father’s routine rhetoric about journalists.
At an event on Thursday sponsored by Axios, co-founder and journalist Mike Allen asked her whether she agrees that the media is the enemy. President Trump has used that term multiple times to describe the “fake news media.”
Ivanka Trump responded saying, “No, I do not.”
She went on to explain that she has “certainly received my fair share of reporting on me personally, that I know not to be fully accurate, so I have some sensitivity around why people have concerns and gripe, especially when they sort of feel targeted. No, I do not consider the media the enemy of the people.”
President Trump’s attacks on the media have gotten more emotional in recent weeks, as he has claimed that the media has become “totally unhinged.”
He wrote on Twitter earlier this week that “in many ways, after witnessing first hand the damage they do to so many innocent and decent people, I enjoy watching. In 7 years, when I am no longer in office, their ratings will dry up and they will be gone!”
CNN’s Jim Acosta was the target of obscenities and shouts of “CNN sucks” from Trump supporters on Tuesday as he reported from a Trump rally in Tampa on Thursday. He later wrote, “I’m very worried that the hostility whipped up by Trump and some in conservative media will result in somebody getting hurt. We should not treat our fellow Americans this way. The press is not the enemy.” A number of other journalists have expressed concerns that the animosity directed at the media will lead to violence.
At the White House press briefing on Wednesday, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked whether the administration supports such yelling at members of the media as they cover events.
“While we certainly support freedom of the press, we also support freedom of speech, and we think that those things go hand in hand,” she said.
She argued that the media has a “high level of responsibility,” and said that the “media routinely reports on classified information and government secrets that put lives in danger and risk valuable national security tools.”
As an example, she claimed that because of reporting in the late 1990s on the United States’ ability to listen in on Osama bin Laden’s satellite phone, “he stopped using that phone and the country lost valuable intelligence.”
“Unfortunately, it’s now standard to abandon commonsense ethical practices,” she said.
The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler, the paper’s Fact Checker columnist, gave that claim about the media and Bin Laden “four Pinocchios” and noted that it was debunked back in 2005.
Jennifer Aniston and Tig Notaro Join Hollywood's Buttigieg Bandwagon
Pete Buttigieg has built a devoted following in Hollywood over the last few months, helping him lead the Democratic field in fundraising for the second quarter. In a filing released Monday night, Buttigieg disclosed contributions from a bunch of bold-faced names, including Jennifer Aniston, Tig Notaro and Larry David. Buttigieg held numerous fundraisers in the [...]
Cannabis Industry Tackles Justice Reform With 'Last Prisoner Project'
Jim Belushi is standing two feet away in the backyard of his spacious Brentwood home, honking a harp like he’s a Blues Brother back in sweet home Chicago accompanied by noted reggae band Rebelution’s Eric Rachmany and Kyle Ahern, who provide a 12-bar shuffle. There’s the sweet smell of skunk — and success — hanging [...]
Jeffrey Epstein won’t find out if he’s going to be released on bail until July 18, even as prosecutors argued that the multimillionaire businessman presents a flight risk and could endanger his accusers unless he remains in jail. At a hearing in Manhattan federal court on Monday, Epstein’s legal team said their client is willing [...]
FTC Approves $5 Billion Fine Against Facebook for Privacy Violations
The Federal Trade Commission voted to fine Facebook around $5 billion for violations of the FTC’s consumer-privacy rules, according to multiple media reports — the biggest privacy-related fine in the commission’s history. The $5 billion figure may be a record-breaker, but it represents less than Facebook reported in net profit ($5.43 billion) for the first [...]
Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta Resigning Amid Epstein Controversy
Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta has tendered his resignation to President Trump after facing criticism for a plea deal he struck with billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2008 after Epstein was charged with luring teenage girls to his mansion for sex. According to the Los Angeles Times, Trump made the announcement Friday, telling reporters that Acosta [...]
Donald Trump's Blocking of Critics on Twitter Again Ruled Unconstitutional
Donald Trump is violating the U.S. Constitution when he blocks specific users on Twitter, a federal appeals court ruled, upholding a lower court’s decision. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on Tuesday ruled that the First Amendment does not allow public officials who use social media in an official capacity to [...]
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Read Next: Beyoncé, Sara Bareilles Vie for First Emmys as Ramin Djawadi Looks to Reclaim Throne
October 29, 2018 4:59PM PT
SAG-AFTRA Responds to Sarah Scott Sexual Harassment Complaint
CREDIT: SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA has responded to Sarah Scott’s allegation that she was sexually harassed by Kip Pardue by advising its 160,000 members how to deal with such circumstances.
In a message posted on the SAG-AFTRA website on Monday, the union did not address Scott’s specific allegations, citing the confidentiality requirements of its procedures. Instead, SAG-AFTRA posted an extensive member advisory Monday about how those procedures work.
“Confidentiality protects members,” it said. “In certain cases, our members choose to initiate member-to-member disciplinary proceedings in response to an incident. Our mission is to support the member who is reaching out to us for help in responding to an incident, while also providing fairness and due process. In order to protect our members, we must protect their privacy and uphold confidentiality during the course of the proceedings. This means SAG-AFTRA not commenting publicly when asked about confidential investigative, disciplinary or trial processes.”
Scott told the Los Angeles Times that Pardue had masturbated in front of her on May 16 during the filming of a pilot titled “Mogulettes” and asserted that SAG-AFTRA had been slow to respond to her complaint.
The “True Blood” actress alleged Pardue became aroused while they were under a bedsheet waiting for a scene to begin, then allegedly put her hand on his groin, called her into his dressing room and masturbated in front of her.
“I literally froze. I said, ‘What are you doing?'” the actress told the Times. She alleged that Pardue told her: “This isn’t a #MeToo thing. I’m not your employer. It’s not like I can fire you.”
Pardue told the Times through his representative that he apologized to Scott for putting her hand on his groin. “I never intended to offend her in any way and deeply regret my actions and have learned from my behaviour,” he added.
Scott said she reported the incident to SAG-AFTRA in May and found that while union officials were sympathetic, they did not respond quickly. “Speaking out about this has been extraordinarily difficult for me, and now I understand why so many don’t,” she said.
SAG-AFTRA announced in February that it had adopted a Code of Conduct on Sexual Harassment that would set forth “clear expectations that SAG-AFTRA members will refrain from engaging in harassing conduct.”
See the full advisory below.
Member Advisory: Procedures Regarding Member-to-Member Complaints
SAG-AFTRA has established significantly expanded guidelines and processes regarding sexual harassment over the past year, as well as providing new and substantial support services uniquely for performers. In addition to those services and the other resources referred through SAG-AFTRA, some members also choose to make use of SAG-AFTRA’s member-to-member disciplinary complaint process to address incidents. Therefore, we believe it to be valuable to ensure that all members fully understand our process in member-to-member complaint situations:
· Our innovative services are being used every day. We are resolving members’ concerns and providing support to those in crisis every day. SAG-AFTRA has created an exclusive service to directly assist our members who experience sexual harassment on a set. Administered by The Actors Fund, this service is the only hotline serving the entertainment industry specifically providing immediate clinical and therapeutic assistance.
· Confidentiality protects members. In certain cases, our members choose to initiate member-to-member disciplinary proceedings in response to an incident. Our mission is to support the member who is reaching out to us for help in responding to an incident, while also providing fairness and due process. In order to protect our members, we must protect their privacy and uphold confidentiality during the course of the proceedings. This means SAG-AFTRA not commenting publicly when asked about confidential investigative, disciplinary or trial processes. You may have seen stories in the media about these matters, and that is why we are often unable to comment, in order to avoid divulging confidential information, even though the charging and charged members are free to comment publicly if they wish.
· Due process matters and takes time. We believe in and support due process because every person is entitled to fair and equal treatment. It is crucial that we especially strive to ensure fairness because our job is to protect our members. Whenever members are involved in a dispute we do our best to get to the truth of the situation and to a sustainable resolution. That is naturally and appropriately a thoughtful and deliberate process that results in the best outcomes. Bringing a case through a member probable cause review and all the way to a disciplinary trial within less than a year, and in many cases a few months, allows the time to provide appropriate due process and also compares very favorably to timing of any other legal, court, or litigation processes.
· Member input and oversight is essential to our process. We protect our members. It is important for people to know that at all stages of our member-to-member complaint process, we emphasize and facilitate member participation. We do this so that the process has oversight by your peers and all key decisions are made by members. We believe that this helps to ensure fairness and is one of our values as a member-led organization.
· We employ highly trained and skilled professionals whose focus is supporting members during a difficult process. Very often that requires an extraordinary degree of sensitivity as well as an ability to work in a highly confidential environment.
SAG-AFTRA
Beyoncé, Sara Bareilles Vie for First Emmys as Ramin Djawadi Looks to Reclaim Throne
Beyoncé and Sara Bareilles could add Emmy trophies to their awards shelves this year, having been nominated in key music categories Tuesday by the Television Academy. Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” special on Netflix was nominated in six categories, and four of those include a nod for the pop superstar herself. Only one of those is in a [...]
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3 used to be the magic number in Europe
Only a handful of clubs have won all three trophies
The Uefa Cup Winners Cup is still sorely missed to his day, and the blame has to be shared
by Chris Bardet
29 May 2017 00:25 Mon 29 May 2017 00:25:44 BST
Up until 1999 there were three European trophies up for grabs. The Champions League (formerly known as the European Cup), the Uefa Cup (later known as the Europa League), and the Uefa Cup Winners Cup.
It was decided that the 1998-98 season would be the last that we would see of the Cup Winners Cup. Due in part, largely, to the expansion of The Champions League that allowed for more than one team from the highest ranked associations.
The competition would then be merged with the Uefa Cup to become the Europa League. Judge for yourselves whether that has been a success or not!
Huge financial incentives for clubs, led to even more clubs being allowed in. England, Spain and Germany currently have up to four teams each season in Europe’s premier club competition. The irony of calling it the ‘Champions League’ is obviously lost on Uefa bosses.
Yet the Cup Winners Cup IS missed.
What Arsenal fan can ever forget the glorious night in Copenhagen in ‘94, where they withstood everything Italian side Parma could throw at them? And won it thanks to a goal from Alan Smith. Or Manchester United’s sole success in 1991? This was the first year that English clubs were allowed back in Europe following the Heysel ban. And yet the English side would triumph against Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona side in Rotterdam.
The premise was simple. If you won your country’s cup competition(s), you were in. Yet this didn’t dilute the calibre of clubs participating. Far from it. Only until the late 90s when the Champions League expanded did this become the case.
Until then, the clubs that triumphed ranged from Barcelona (the competition’s record winners by the way, with four triumphs) to Bayern Munich, and AC Milan to Juventus.
English teams were particularly successful, with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, West Ham and Manchester City all winners at some point.
As already discussed, the finances on offer to those in the Champions League, mean it probably won’t ever be decreased in size. But what about this for a suggestion on how the Premier League’s European slots could be allocated if the competition was to make a comeback?
The top qualify for the Champions League. The teams that finish 3rd, 4th and 5th qualify for the Uefa Cup. While the winners of the #FA Cup and League Cup qualifies for the Cup Winners Cup. With spaces allocated on league position if teams qualify through two separate routes (winning a cup and finishing 3rd for example).
Powerful Clubs
In 1999, ultimately, European football was changed forever with the Cup Winners Cup being abolished.
The Champions League became an even bigger monster - maybe too big. While the newly named Europa League still remains a bit of a joke competition, particularly in England.
Uefa had to interfere with a perfectly good format, largely due to the clubs becoming increasingly powerful and influential in how the game should be run. Which was a shame. The Cup Winners Cup was a tremendous competition, and one that is still missed to this day.
https://uk.blastingnews.com/sport/2017/05/europa-league-final-manchester-united-vs-ajax-predictions-and-preview-001717449.html
https://uk.blastingnews.com/sport/2017/02/who-will-win-the-champions-league-001507295.html
Chris Bardet
New to this writing business, but have BIG goals. Currently plodding along in accounts. Into football and films so that's pretty much what I'll be writing about! Not quite sure what to expect from this website but very impressed so far.
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Read more on the same topic from Chris Bardet:
Argentina- 25 Years of Waiting It's time for the Premier League to fight back in Europe Awesome Arsenal suggest next year COULD be different
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August 7, 2015 / 2:44 PM / 4 years ago
To save forests, Kenyan tea factory brews new way to dry tea
Anthony Langat
THIKA, Kenya, (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - (This version of the August 3 story was corrected to clarify the organisations backing project in paragraph eight, and removes reference to Taylors of Harrogate.)
The first thing that strikes you as you enter the Makomboki Tea Factory is the air. It’s clear, absent of the dark smoke that billows from the boilers of Kenya’s other tea factories.
Of the 66 tea factories under the management of the Kenya Tea Development Authority, Makomboki is the only one that doesn’t use firewood in the processing of its tea.
Instead, the factory has switched to a greener, cheaper fuel: briquettes made of biomass byproducts that would otherwise be treated as waste.
Deep in central Kenya’s hilly and fertile tea-growing Muranga county, Makomboki employees feed the factory’s boilers with briquettes of macadamia, cashew and rice husks mixed with sawdust.
“We have not used a single cubic meter of firewood in the last six months and we are excited about that,” said factory manager John Gitau.
In 2010, the International Trade Centre started a training project aimed at teaching Kenya’s tea producers climate change mitigation techniques.
Inspired by what they learned, Makomboki’s board of directors decided to shift their fuel source from firewood to briquettes. Since then, the factory has scaled up its use of alternative fuels and weaned itself of its dependence on firewood.
Makomboki makes its briquettes thanks to a project designed by Living Earth Foundation, a UK-based charity working to tackle the energy challenge facing Kenyan tea producers. Funding for the Makomboki briquette production plant was provided by the European Commission and British retailer Marks & Spencer, which buys tea from the factory.
The husks for the briquettes come from other factories within Muranga and Kiambu counties and the sawdust from mills near Makomboki.
“Saw millers actually have a problem finding ways to dispose of their sawdust,” said Gitau. “We are helping them get rid of their waste.”
According to Gitau, in the six months that it takes the factory to produce around 2.5 million kilograms (5.5 million pounds) of tea, their boilers used to consume up to 10,000 cubic meters of wood — the equivalent of 30,000 trees.
By swapping firewood for sawdust and briquettes, he said, Makomboki alone will have saved 60,000 trees in the course of a year.
“If the same practice is replicated by all the factories in Kenya, we will have saved a lot of trees and contributed to a better environment,” said Gitau.
BETTER FOR FACTORIES AND FARMERS
Mary Njenga, a post-doctoral fellow of bioenergy at the World Agroforestry Center, hails the use of sawdust in the making of fuel briquettes.
As long as the sawdust is a byproduct of a sustainable timber system — in which new trees are planted to replace those that are felled — burning sawdust in a factory is preferable to saw millers setting piles of it alight in the open.
“Many timber producing areas burn sawdust (to get rid of it) but tea factories will be able to turn the sawdust into a resource,” she said.
According to Njenga, burning sawdust in a boiler releases fewer carbon emissions than if it were burned in a field.
“The temperatures inside the boilers of tea factories are so high, they are able to more fully burn the particulate matter and the carbon dioxide so that little is released,” she said.
Makomboki manager Gitau says tea factories that continue to use firewood can’t ignore their own roles in the adverse effects of climate change. He points to an unusually long dry season that hit tea crops this year.
“During this year’s dry season, we are experiencing problems we have never before,” he said. “Tea bushes are drying up and farmers have to cut them and it could take up to three years before they are ready to be picked again.”
The move away from firewood also makes financial sense. Gitau says that swapping to fuel briquettes has reduced Makomboki’s energy costs by nearly half.
The factory used to spend 55 million shillings ($542,000) per year on firewood, but the introduction of briquettes has cut the energy bill to 30 million shillings ($295,600).
According to Gitau, word is spreading on the benefits of briquettes. Delegations from other factories have visited Makomboki to learn more about the alternative fuel, he said. And his hope is that they, too, will follow his factory’s lead.
“We want to run a sustainable business here,” said Gitau. “I want my son to be a factory manager some day, and if everyone conserves the environment, that will happen.”
Reporting by Anthony Langat; editing by Jumana Farouky and Laurie Goering :; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, women's rights, trafficking and corruption. Visit www.trust.org/climate
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Interview with @JoshuaTKent, author of “The Witch at Sparrow Creek”
Full disclosure. I know Josh. He is an awesome guy, a great friend, and a brilliant mind. He is not a witch, however. Not that I know of. Josh is a new author with an exciting entry into a nearly forgotten genre. I hope you take the time to read the interview and then buy the book. The Kindle Version is coming. The book is available at the publisher here.
Official Description:
As a boy, Jim Falk watched helplessly as Old Bendy’s Men dragged his father into the darkness. Now, Falk is lured by strange dreams to finish the incomplete work of his father, which was to rid the land of evil. He is hampered by his fears and addictions, but he leans on his father’s former archivist, Spencer Barnhouse, to help him secure ancient secrets and weapons for the fight. His dreams of a strange redhead and a dark figure lead him to the town of Sparrow, where he encounters a magician, a pack of wolves, and shadowy things lurking in the forest. When the local preacher tells him of a witch in the woods, his journey takes an even stranger turn.
Josh, tell us something about yourself:
The middle school I went to had a tiny children’s library in it. The first book that I became really engrossed with was called UFO’s and Other Strangeness or something like that. It was a yellow hardcover with a line drawing of what people would later call “gray” aliens on the front. It was a compilation of stories from bigfoot to the story of Betty and Barney Hill to the Loch Ness monster. I must have been about 10 years old. I was really into the fact that the stories involved eyewitness accounts of unexplained events.
Who are some of your literary mentors?
There are a lot! I grew up reading Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Brian Lumley, Robert McCammon, Tolkien, Lloyd Alexander and really loved those choose-your-own-adventure books. Later I read a lot of poetry – I like Roethke a lot and got into beat poets, Burroughs, and later Richard Brautigan. More recently has been GK Chesterton, Lord Dunsany, Robert E Howard – one of the best new books I read was Swamplandia! by Karen Russell
Tell us about your book:
It’s inspired by supernatural tales from Appalachia, but it is set in a mythic place – I wanted to recreate a space and set a new cast and landscape for a supernatural adventure series. Since I grew up running around in the woods and hills of Ohio, it was a place dear to my imagination and ripe with really frightening stories of hauntings and monsters.
What’s it like to live in that world?
It’s fun! I hope that readers will experience some of that excitement.
What’s the best part about writing fiction?
There are a lot of rewards. I would encourage anyone to try it because I think it helps to exercise and expand your imagination. That’s important for kids and for adults.
Tell us about your your publisher
Hippocampus has been around for a few decades, they are smaller, but they have a solid following – their specialty is Lovecraft and Lovecraftian or Weird Fiction. They got interested in my stuffbecause it’s weird and because it’s been said to bear some resemblance to the writings of Manly Wade Wellman (who I’d never heard of) (http://www.manlywadewellman.com/)
The main character of The Witch at Sparrow Creek, Jim Falk is meant for several more books, so I’ve already started on the sequel. In the meantime I am working on some short stories for competitions. I’ve also recently written a stage adaptation of John Campbell’s Who Goes There? which was the basis for John Carpenter’s The Thing. A theatre company in Cleveland is contemplating it for a fall performance this year.
Josh, thank you for your time and we wish you well on the book. Anything else you want to add?
Yes, visit my blog for updates and stuff http://mysterioussources.com/ also I am running a giveaway on Twitter right now for the novel if folks want to follow me @joshuatkent – thank you, Joel! It’s an honor and a privilege!
Joshua T. Kent
Previous Timeline of Galatians from St. Irenaeus to St. Jerome
Next Why we can’t have nice things in the #UMC…or the 8 points of Progressive Christianity part 2
Continuing Thoughts On The Only True God (3)
Review, @bakeracademic’s Scripture and Tradition: What the Bible Really Says
Review: Mimesis and Science: Empirical Research on Imitation and the Mimetic Theory of Culture and Religion
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Ether column, December 2006
Undoubtedly the highlight of this month’s concerts is a rare visit to Vienna by the British saxophonist Evan Parker, playing at Porgy & Bess as part of the Alexander von Schlippenbach Trio. Parker is a saxophonist like no other. Along with figures like Peter Brötzmann and the late Derek Bailey, he is one of the leading lights of European free improvisation – a movement that began in the mid-60s, taking the language of free jazz (as heard in the work of musicians such as Albert Ayler and Ornette Coleman), divesting it of its rhythmic origins and extending it into the realm of pure abstraction. No two concerts of free improv are ever alike – the performers are guided by the dynamics between them on the night, rarely lapsing into the easy formularity of melody, rhythm and harmony. The results can be challenging to the untrained ear, but can also be truly spectacular. Nowhere is this more so than in the playing of Parker, whose soloing on tenor and soprano sax is possessed of a unique, serpentine beauty. Parker is a virtuoso exponent of circular breathing, a fiendishly difficult technique that enables him to play long, continuous solos without ever pausing for breath. He issues torrents of dense, fluttering notes that hang in the air like a challenge. Happy in many different contexts, from stripped-down solo to large-scale electro-acoustic ensemble, Parker’s trio with Alex von Schlippenbach (piano) and Paul Lovens (drums) is one of his most enduring musical associations.
Later this month, Slovenian industrialists Laibach invade the inhospitable surroundings of Planet Music for your average evening of eastern European totalitarianism. As founding members of the Neue Slowenische Kunst art collective, Laibach have been making a nuisance of themselves since the early 80s with their stirring blend of neoclassical and martial music. Like other groups associated with the NSK, Laibach like to privilege the collective over the individual, issuing statements and manifestos and framing their concerts as quasi-political rallies.
Laibach’s use of uniforms and totalitarian aesthetics, allied to the Wagnerian overtones of the music, have led to frequent accusations of political extremism – charges that the band dismiss, pointing to the humorous impulse at work in their militaristic interpretations of cheesy pop songs such as “One Vision” and “The Final Countdown”. Laibach adopt the trappings and symbols of state power, exaggerating them to the point of parody and thereby offering satirical comment on them. While certainly open to misinterpretation, the ambivalence of their methods can be read as an invitation for listeners to examine their own beliefs and prejudices. Their new album, Volk, is a collection of songs inspired by national anthems, further embedding Laibach’s bold interrogation of the iconography of nationalism. And you can dance to it as well. Political music was never this much fun.
This entry was posted in Ether and tagged alex von schlippenbach, evan parker, free jazz, laibach, paul lovens, porgy and bess, schlippenbach trio by viennesewaltz. Bookmark the permalink.
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Indiana Ponciano Herrera M 2003 Democratic primary D 2006-03 Voter intimidation/coercion Absentee Ballot Fraud 8 4 Ponciano Herrera pleaded* guilty to misdemeanor charge of handling a forged absentee ballot, after being charged with eight felony counts of illegally manipulating absentee ballots and inducing voters to commit perjury in the May 2003 Democratic mayoral primary in East Chicago. Herrera convinced four of his neighbors, a deaf brother and sister and two mentally retarded people to sign their absentee ballots and turn them over to him without voting. Longtime East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick narrowly defeated challenger George Pabey in that primary, but the Indiana Supreme Court overturned Pastrick's victory due to widespread voter fraud and ordered a new election. *Plea deal: 90 days probation http://www.wbez.org/story/news/local/more-indictments-east-chicago-voter-fraud-c... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1601469/posts http://www.votelaw.com/blog/archives/003929.html http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/suspended-lake-policeman-guilty-of-vote-fraud...
Texas David Woodson M Voter intimidation/coercion David Woodsen was charged with official oppression and retaliation against a voter. No additional information available.
Florida James Webb Baker Jr. M 2012-10 General D Voter intimidation/coercion 2 0 James Webb Baker Jr. pleaded* guilty to one count of voter intimidation and one count of identification fraud after admitting to sending about 200 letters a month before the 2012 election to prominent Florida Republicans in an effort to intimidate them and interfere with their voting rights, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office plea agreement filed in Tampa’s U.S. District Court. The letters told recipients they would be unable to vote unless they could prove American citizenship. The Florida Division of Elections received reports from 28 counties about the letters that were mailed with a Seattle postmark dated Oct. 17. Baker admitted that he intended the letters to look as if they were written by county elections officials and that his purpose in sending the letters was to intimidate the recipients and interfere with their right to vote. *Plea deal: 3 years probation, 6 months home detention, 200 hours community service, $4,000 fine https://www.fbi.gov/tampa/press-releases/2014/seattle-man-pleads-guilty-to-voter... http://www.tbo.com/news/crime/no-prison-for-seattle-man-who-intimidated-gop-dono...
Maryland Julius Henson M 2010 2011 Voter intimidation/coercion 5 Political consultant to incumbent Republican Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich, accused of masterminding a misleading robocall to suppress the African-American vote in the 2010 election, which Ehrlich ultimately lost. Charged with 3 counts conspiracy to violate election laws, 1 count election fraud, and 1 count authority a line. Convicted of 1 count conspiracy to violate election laws. Acquitted of 1 count conspiracy, and the counts of election fraud and authority line violation. 1 count conspiracy dismissed. Convicted. 60 days in jail, 3 years supervised probation and he and his company were ordered to pay $1 million in damages. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/civil-penalty-adds-to-fallout-f... http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-06-16/news/bs-md-henson-indictment-2011061...
Maryland Paul Schurick M 2010 R 2011 Voter intimidation/coercion 6 Campaign manager to incumbent Republican Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich, accused of approving a misleading robocall to suppress the African-American vote in in the 2010 election, which Ehrlich ultimately lost. Charged with 3 counts conspiracy to violate election laws, 1 count election fraud, 1 count authority line violation, and 1 count obstruction of justice. Convicted of 1 count conspiracy to violate election laws, merged with other counts; convicted of 1 count election fraud and 1 count authority line violation. 1 count of conspiracy dismissed, as was obstruction of justice. 30 days home monitoring, 4 years supervised probation, and 500 hours community services. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/paul-schuricks-sentence-in-ehrl... http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-06-16/news/bs-md-henson-indictment-2011061...
Indiana Randall Blue Artis M 2003 Democratic primary D 2006-03 Voter intimidation/coercion 7 Randall Blue Artis was charged with seven felony counts including inducing an East Chicago woman to vote outside of her home precinct and commit other voting violations in connection with the May 2003 Democratic mayoral primary in East Chicago. Longtime Mayor Robert Pastrick narrowly defeated challenger George Pabey in that primary, but the Indiana Supreme Court overturned Pastrick's victory due to widespread voter fraud and ordered a new election. http://www.wbez.org/story/news/local/more-indictments-east-chicago-voter-fraud-c... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1601469/posts http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/artis-brothers-enter-guilty-pleas/article_8dd...
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CNN host tries to bait Border Patrol agent over ‘border crisis,’ but he’s having NONE of it
TOPICS:Border PatrolChris CabreraCNNfake crisisillegal immigrationmigrant children
Posted By: usafeaturesmedia June 20, 2018
(National Sentinel) Fake News: There are many reasons why there’s currently a “migrant child crisis” at the U.S.-Mexico border, and none of those reasons have anything to do with “crisis.” What’s happening today is no different than what has been happening along the U.S. border for years.
We’re only hearing that it’s a “crisis” now because CNN and the rest of the Pravda media have to change the subject to divert people’s attention away from POTUS Trump’s successes — massive job growth, record-low unemployment, most optimism in years — and Democratic failures — the damning DoJ IG report, Obama’s dismal record, Deep State corruption.
When you know that the establishment media’s No. 1 objective each and every day is to try to separate the president from his legions of supporters, it’s easy to see what’s going on here.
There is no “crisis” at the border. At least, nothing that’s a new crisis — and that comes from a rank-and-file Border Patrol agent who works along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas every day.
CNN‘s Brooke Baldwin had Chris Cabrera, a Border Patrol agent and spokesman for the National Border Patrol Council, on her program Tuesday in a shameless attempt to get him to concede to her Left-wing viewpoints regarding POTUS Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy for illegal border crossings: Everyone who does so breaks the law and will be dealt with accordingly. That necessarily requires separation from any children that adult migrant brings with him or her.
That’s the law. But it’s not a law that POTUS Trump signed; it’s a hand he was dealt. And the Pravda media is purposely inflaming the situation to take attention away from POTUS Trump’s accomplishments and Obama’s corruption.
After Baldwin played Cabrera carefully selected video of children at the border crying and calling for a parent, this exchange took place, per CNN (Transcript) (H/t The Gateway Pundit):
BALDWIN: Listen, I know you’re a father. I know you’re a father of four.
I know this is hard for you too. But when you hear that audio where one of these agents refers to the cries of children, he says (SPEAKING SPANISH) right? “We have an orchestra.”
CABRERA: Actually, this is the first I’m hearing.
I mean, I try and distance myself a lot of — from a lot of this. I think the real issue we need to get at here is, we need to solve this problem.
BALDWIN: But, Chris, hang on, hang on. I can’t let you off the hook. Hang on.
But if that is — that is the audio, even if you’re hearing it for the first time, and you hear this Border Patrol hearing saying — speaking about the cries of children, saying, “We have an orchestra,” and then the next one says, “Well, all we need is a conductor,” I need to have you respond to that.
CABRERA: Well, I mean, it’s probably — you know, like I said, I wasn’t there. I don’t know.
And, you know, it’s — they’re probably just making light of a bad situation. It is what it is, you know? You can’t change that.
BALDWIN: Hang on, hang on, hang on. (CROSSTALK)
CABRERA: You can’t change the fact that that is what it is.
BALDWIN: But, Chris — but making light of a bad situation, why should you ever make light of these children being ripped from their parents, period?
CABRERA: Well, you know, look at it this way.
I understand where you’re coming from. I don’t think everybody understands what’s actually happening down here. You have a lot of these kids that are coming down here and put through terrible, terrible situations by their parents.
They’re brought over in extremely dangerous conditions and in extremely dangerous terrain. And all this can be avoided if they just go through the port of entry. There would be no crime committed by them and they wouldn’t get separated.
Why don’t they do this is beyond me. But this problem is very easily solved, at least on the short-term basis, by going through the port of entry. If they choose to go through the river, they’re committing a crime. Just like anyone else, they’re subject to arrest.
And we all know, when you get arrested, you don’t get to stay with your family. It’s just the sad reality of life.
BALDWIN: So, a couple of things.
And I think you’re right to point out the port of entry — I think there’s so much being thrown at people who don’t know as much about immigration certainly as you do as a Border Patrol agent, right?
But there a couple of ways to come into this country. If you are an undocumented immigrant and you are in the Rio Grande River and you come out on the other side, that is illegal, right? If you are coming across from the…
CABRERA: Even if you’re a U.S. citizen and you do that, it’s illegal.
BALDWIN: It’s illegal. It’s illegal.
If you’re coming across the — let’s say the Matamoros, Mexico, bridge on over to Texas at — across that bridge at that port of entry and you’re seeking asylum, that is legal. I know you have to be inspected and the process needs to be — needs to happen to be appropriate.
But the problem is, even in some of those cases, those families — I talked to an NPR reporter yesterday — some of those families are being turned away. And it’s not just a day delay. It’s an indefinite delay.
CABRERA: Well, and therein lies the problem.
We have had this situation going on for four years now. And for some reason, we haven’t fixed it. I don’t think you can necessarily blame it on one administration or the other. It started under one, and it’s continuing under — under another. It hasn’t — it hasn’t been fixed and it needs to be fixed.
Right now, we have this beacon of we will leave the light on for you, you come across illegally, and we will let you into the country. And if you guys have seen some of the stuff that we have seen down here, you would understand just how important it is to have a tough stance, to divert people from coming here.
When you see a 12-year-old girl with a Plan B pill or with their — their parents put her on birth control because they know that getting violated as part of a journey, that’s just a terrible way to live.
BALDWIN: Oh.
CABRERA: When you see a 4-year-old girl traveling completely alone with just her parents’ phone number written across her shirt, I mean, come on now.
Something needs to be done. We had a 9-year-old boy last year have a heatstroke and die in front of us with no family around. And that’s because we’re allowing people to continue to take advantage of this system.
[15:15:05]
And let’s be honest here. If we want the law changed, then we need to do — that’s on Congress. That’s on nobody else but Congress. They need to come in there. They need to get to work and they need to change this law.
Until then, us, as Border Patrol agents, we have a duty to enforce these laws. And we will continue to do it, until they change this law. And, hopefully, they will.
BALDWIN: No.
And just — let me just underscore some of what you’re saying. Seeing a 9-year-old boy suffering heatstroke, seeing young girls come to you with Plan B or birth control pills because their parents provide them for them because they know the journey involve them being raped, this is what you are seeing. And I can’t even begin, Chris, to put myself in your shoes.
But keeping the focus on the kids, America is outraged by what is happening. And I want you, as a Border Patrol agent, can you assure everyone watching that you and your Border Patrol colleagues are treating these children humanely?
CABRERA: I can tell you with absolute certainty that they’re being treated humanely.
Most of our agents are parents. I have seen guys — and I have done it myself — you give your last bottle of water to a kid. You will take a toy out of your car to give to one of these kids because you know the situation they’re in.
BALDWIN: Yes.
CABRERA: Agents are very sympathetic. We’re human. We’re fathers. We have families. We do a lot for the communities here, whether or not a camera is involved.
Our agents are very involved. And nobody saves more lives along the southwestern border than the U.S. Border Patrol. And I can tell you for a fact one of the worst things that you would ever have to do is have to pull the body of a young kid out of the river because they were crossing and they just didn’t make it.
So, something needs to change, so we can avoid some of these tragedies that happen. Granted, having these kids in detention centers, obviously, it’s not ideal.
CABRERA: But it’s far better than the alternative, a lot of these kids not making it.
BALDWIN: Yes. Yes.
And I know you say ultimately it’s up to you. You’re doing your job. But I know you say it’s up Congress.
But, actually, it is up to President Trump. I mean, they don’t have to separate these children from their parents. That is what’s different from, say, under the Obama administration vs. now.
So, Chris, just straight up, do you think the president should right now end this policy of separating families?
CABRERA: I think — I think you’re wrong there. It is a law.
And the law needs to be enforced, regardless — if we don’t like the law, we can’t just decide which law we’re going…
BALDWIN: What is the law?
CABRERA: As far — if you come across that river illegally, you’re subject to arrest and to prosecution. And you will get arrested and you will get prosecuted.
BALDWIN: But this is the difference, Chris.
CABRERA: If you don’t like that option, then you can go through the port of entry.
BALDWIN: Listen, I absolutely hear you. And I respect that law.
CABRERA: Say again?
BALDWIN: I hear you. And I respect that law.
But there is no law on the books that says if a family comes over illegally, that the parents and the children need to be separated.
It’s a zero tolerance policy that the Trump administration put into place this spring. That’s the difference between now and a couple years ago.
CABRERA: OK.
Well, and the thing is, is, not every family is getting separated. Some are. Some aren’t. It depends on the circumstances, if you have a criminal history.
For instance, just a couple of days ago, we caught a guy coming across with his 5-year-old daughter. And we had to separate that family, reason being he had a criminal conviction and he was subject to prosecution. He had a criminal conviction for rape here in the United States.
So, I mean, obviously, we wouldn’t want that guy walking free. But we had to separate that family.
BALDWIN: No. Sure.
CABRERA: I don’t see anybody up in arms over that one.
BALDWIN: Sure. No. And I think that, yes, if you’re a criminal…
BALDWIN: Go ahead. Go ahead. What happens to the little girl?
CABRERA: Yes.
She’s going to get — she got — she gets placed in a center, until they can find some family that they can place her with, whether it’s here in the United States or back in her home country.
And another thing that we look at is we get all the time, daily, that people are claiming to be family units, and they’re not. And that’s very dangerous for these kids. If we don’t find those — I mean, what can come of those kids once this adult doesn’t have the need for this child anymore?
BALDWIN: Sure.
And I know some children are used as mules, are they not? Some children, Chris, are used — are used as mules. Some of this is nefarious. It’s not all just a family.
Can you still hear me?
CABRERA: Yes. You know, yes, it is. Some of these children are used like that. And it’s a shame. And I think the other thing that needs to be looked at here is, we do have a lot of unaccompanied children coming over.
And the fact remains is, the parents are already here in the United States. And they’re sending for these kids. And these kids are traveling solo across two or three countries. And, when they get here, they are reunited with your — the families.
And, to me, that is mind-blowing, because you can’t do that as a United States citizen. You can’t send your 5-year-old kid to ride on top of a train through three states, and when they get there, they’re coming back to you.
You would get prosecuted. Yet when it comes to illegal families, we put on the kid gloves with them and we don’t — we don’t look out for the best interest of this child. And that’s another thing that needs to be changed.
Chris Cabrera, as a Border Patrol agent, we just haven’t heard from as many of you all. And I appreciate you coming on live national TV to explain what your job is like and enforcing it, and also just what you see in being a father. I appreciate you. I appreciate your voice. Thank you.
CABRERA: All right, thank you for having me.
BALDWIN: Thank you.”
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Kindling Conversation: SAU students and alumni on being LGBTQ+ on a conservative campus
Posted on February 26, 2018 by saupulse01 Leave a comment
By Elise Emmert & Celeste Fendt
Caitlin Stout, class of 2017, grew up in Jackson and first learned about SAU through her church. The Spring Arbor University (SAU) students in her youth group were part of what convinced her to come to school here. Stout said the idea of having a Christian community on campus also drew her in.
During her four years here, Stout said she grew significantly in her faith and as a dedicated supporter of social justice.
“A lot of [my growth] has been a result of the fact that this has been a very difficult place to be a gay Christian,” Stout said.
For members of the LGBTQ+ community at SAU, finding support in the form of a leader or mentor can be challenging because of limits imposed by the student handbook and community guidelines.
Stout said what helped her through the difficult times was the realization that she was not alone, and the group of friends that was alongside her showing support.
“I always kind of joke that SAU has made me a better Christian but not in any of the ways they intended to,” Stout said. “The LGBT community, both on this campus and at large, has kind of been the group of people who have shown me what church should look like.”
The LGBT community, both on this campus and at large, has kind of been the group of people who have shown me what church should look like. – Caitlin Stout, class of 2017
According to senior W. Cody Pitts, the LGBTQ+ community works mostly underground. But this, he said, is not because of harassment from other students.
“A lot of people that I think go here who are in the (LGBTQ+) community love our community and love the people here,” Pitts said.
Pitts came to SAU wanting to be an activist for the LGBTQ+ community on campus, and spent his sophomore year questioning different things about himself and how he identified before coming out to a few close friends and family.
Later, after working as an RA his sophomore and junior years, Pitts left the job behind since he decided he could no longer continue to agree with everything the school stood for, a contract requirement for student leaders.
Since coming out publicly, Pitts came to be a type of leader to other students on campus who came to him with questions. He also said he has been “a lot happier” this year than he had been in the past.
Ben Coakley, an SAU class of 2017 alumnus, said most of the people he encountered while on campus were willing to have conversations with him concerning sexuality, even when they were non-affirming. Large-scale conversations, he said, probably did not happen as often because people were afraid of upsetting others with their ideas or opinions.
Coakley said he felt “different” growing up, but didn’t know anyone who identified as LGBTQ+ and didn’t have the language to describe what he was feeling. This kept him from being able to have a conversation with himself about sexuality until he met students his freshman year who identified as gay.
During his freshman year, Coakley thought he was the only student wondering about his sexuality because he did not have anyone to talk to. Meeting other LGBTQ+ students on campus gave him a support system of people to talk to with whom he felt more at ease.
“The thing that I hate most is any student feeling like they’re alone and feeling like they don’t have a support system, for whatever reason,” Coakley said. “That should be a concern for everyone, regardless of your theology.”
I just want people to have conversation with the understanding that (for) someone you’re talking to or for someone in the room, this is personal for them – Ben Coakley, class of 2017
LGBTQ+ students not only face feeling alone on campus, but also face being afraid of coming out because of handbook guidelines. Because the handbook prohibits the defense or advocacy of a homosexual lifestyle, even something as simple as identifying as LGBTQ+ could be seen as breaking school policies.
An anonymous member of the LGBTQ+ community at SAU said the student body has been their biggest support system on campus. Not every student, however, contributes to this support.
The student said most SAU students have validated and protected the LGBTQ+ students, but others dismiss them.
“When it’s something that you can’t change about you, it really hurts when people put that down and say that it doesn’t exist,” the student said.
Dreams for the Future
Despite the difficulties LGBTQ+ students face on campus, some do have a vision for the future of the community.
For Coakley, progress is best found in visibility and dialogue. This means both acknowledging there are LGBTQ+ students on campus and allowing conversation about differing viewpoints to take place publicly.
“I just want people to have conversation with the understanding that (for) someone you’re talking to or for someone in the room, this is personal for them,” Coakley said.
The anonymous student doesn’t expect SAU to become affirming of the LGBTQ+ community anytime soon. But they hope it will become more open about this crucial topic by hosting panel discussions and creating a more inviting atmosphere.
Pitts agrees with the emphasis on representation, and hopes the school would eventually allow the LGBTQ+ community to form a group or organization where they could publicly affirm what they believe. With this, he said students could approach the group, start conversations and come to their own conclusions.
The goal is not necessarily to make the school change its values or beliefs. The Free Methodist Church does not affirm homosexuality, but Pitts said part of living in a contemporary world is being able to engage with people who disagree with you. A place for students to be out publicly and support the LGBTQ+ community without fear would embody that.
“It’s not really about what you believe,” Pitts said. “It’s about showing people love.”
tagged with Alumni, featured, homosexuality, LGBT, LGBTQ+
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Well I Guess This is Growing Up
When I was in 5th grade, I liked mostly mainstream pop music. It was all the stuff you’d hear on local popular radio stations. I also liked a small amount of good music too thanks to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (Superman by Goldfinger anyone?!). Fortunately, on occasion, good music gets played on mainstream radio, which is what happened while I was in 5th grade. I totally fell for it. The song was “All the Small Things” and the band as you may already know was Blink-182.
Blink-182 was formed in the early to mid 90’s when guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Scott Raynor decided to play music together. The band was formed in Poway, California which is a city located in southern California just north of San Diego. The band was originally called Blink but changed their name to Blink-182 to avoid legal complications with an Irish band of the same name. Before releasing their first record Chesire Cat in 1995 under indie label Cargo Records, the band played at a variety of venues in the San Diego area. They garnered some local attention upon the release of their debut album as well as attention from other well known punk bands and their management. The guitarist of one of those bands, Fletcher Dragge of Pennywise, even convinced the founder of the Vans Warped Tour, Kevin Lyman, to sign Blink-182 for their 1996 festival. By 1996 major record labels began to notice the band, which resulted in a bidding war. Eventually Blink-182 signed with MCA.
Blink-182 released their sophomore album Dude Ranch on June 17, 1997. The album included the single “Dammit”, which earned them mainstream fame. They again spent another summer on Warped Tour and toured extensively afterwards, promoting their newest album. Tensions in the band began to fly in 1998 due to the long touring and issues involving heavy drinking with Scott Raynor causing his eventual departure. Raynor was replaced by drummer Travis Barker.
In 1999, Blink-182 released their third full length album, Enema of State. The album featured three singles, “All the Small Things”, “What’s My Age Again?”, and “Adam’s Song”, that garnered more mainstream radio and MTV airplay for the band. Enema of State gave the band multi-platinum success by January of 2000 and sold 4 times as fast as their previous album.
After gaining greater popularity and playing arenas throughout North America and Australia, the band got together to record a fourth album. Take Off Your Pants and Jacket was released in 2001 continuing the bands fame with mainstream singles “The Rock Show”, “Stay Together for the Kids”, and “First Date”. Between the release of Take Off Your Pants and Jacket and the band’s 2003 self-titled album, tensions again began building between bandmates fueled by DeLonge’s interest to pursue other music styles. The tensions lead to the hiatus of the band in 2005. During the hiatus, Hoppus and Barker continued to make music together in the band +44 and DeLonge began his new project Angels & Airwaves. It wasn’t until a traumatic plane crash involving Travis Barker and 5 others (4 were killed) that the band decided to regroup.
In 2009 the band announced their reunion on their website and joined Weezer and Fall Out Boy on tour that summer. The group recorded a sixth album, Neighborhoods, together that was released in 2011. Neighborhoods didn’t receive as much success as anticipated. In the following years, the band toured, released an EP, and again parted ways with Tom DeLonge, who yet again wasn’t focused on making music with Blink-182, in the midst of planning a seventh album.
Since then, Alkaline Trio frontman and guitarist, Matt Skiba joined the band in DeLonge’s place. The group released the band’s seventh album California a week ago. Blink-182 will begin a tour in support of their newest album on July 22nd.
Blink-182 was a punk rock band from the start. Through their success their music began to have a more pop-punk feel. Whether you call that selling out or developing their sound, the Blink-182 most people are familiar with plays pop-punk music. It’s upbeat, sometimes fast, and has that punk edge. Their roots are strictly punk though.
As I mentioned before I began paying attention to Blink-182 in 5th grade. By 9th grade, I was supposed to attend a Blink-182 concert with my best friend at the time but it fell through. I was bummed it didn’t happen for several reasons (TBS opened, seeing Blink would have been amazing, and I totally wanted to spend as much time as possible with this friend for…certain reasons *wink wink*). I might still be slightly bummed too. During high school, as my music interests developed I began to appreciate Blink-182 more, especially after I purchased their Greatest Hits album. I guess my knowledge of Blink-182 to a certain extent is their greatest hits, but I still know a few more beyond that. Throughout high school, college, and even after Blink-182’s music was a part of my life. They’ll always be a legendary band in my mind for that. “Dammit” will always be the number one coming of age/nostalgic song. “All the Small Things” will always be my first favorite Blink-182 song and “Going Away to College” will always be one of my favorite songs to play on guitar. As with many other bands, much of their music is a part of me and my life. It’s pretty incredible how music can do that.
Anyway, the reason I decided to write a post about Blink-182, besides being a legendary pop-punk/punk rock band, is to talk about the new album. I recently found out that Matt Skiba joined the band after listening to a few of the new tracks. As a former Alkaline Trio fan, I feel like this new version of Blink-182 combines the two bands musically. It’s epic! The new music has a classic Blink-182 sound but lacks DeLonge’s notable vocals. Instead there are elements of the new material that remind me of Alkaline Trio, especially with Skiba’s singing. Only time will tell how successful this record will be with the new Blink-182 lineup, but for anyone who grew up listening to both of these bands, it’s worth a listen. Here’s two lists. One contains all my old faves and the other contains songs off the brand new record you should listen to.
Kings of the Weekend
Going Away to College
What’s My Age Again?
M+M’s
Adam’s Song
Feeling This
The Rock Show
Posted in Music, Uncategorized and tagged +44, 90's pop-punk, 90's punk, 90's punk rock, Alkaline Trio, All the Small Things, Angels & Airwaves, Blink, Blink-182, Blink182, california, California album, Cargo Music, Cargo Records, Chesire Cat, Dammit, Dude Ranch, Enema of State, Fletcher Dragge, Geffen Records, Kevin Lyman, Mark Hoppus, Matt Skiba, MCA, MTV, Music, music tour, music tours, music videos, Neighborhoods, Neighborhoods album, new Blink-182 album, Pennywise, pop punk, pop punk music, punk, punk music, punk rock, punk rock music, San Diego bands, San Diego music, Scott Raynor, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, Tom DeLonge, touring, tours, Travis Barker, Travis Barker plane crash, vans warped tour, warped tour on July 7, 2016 by prostreetcross. Leave a comment
← On A Friday
Warped →
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For 7 years from age 16 to age 22, I attended the Vans Warped Tour every summer. I remember finding out about Warped Tour when I was 15 from a friend in high school. It was at the time when I first discovered alternative music. Every year Warped Tour also releases a compilation album containing one song from every artist on that year’s tour. I became super interested in a few songs on the 2003 compilation that my friend had. That’s when she explained to me what the Vans Warped Tour was. I decided to purchase the 2003 compilation for myself and I was stoked to get the 2004 album upon its release (this was in the spring of 2004). More importantly I was extremely interested in going to Warped Tour that summer. Much to my dismay though, the tour wasn’t coming to my hometown. The closest venue that hosted the tour was 1 hour and 40 minutes away. At age 15, without a driver’s license and a car, it just wasn’t happening for me that summer. When the 2005 dates were announced a few months after the 2004 tour finished, I was pumped. The Vans Warped Tour was coming to my local concert venue and there was no way I was missing it.
Warped Tour began in 1995 as a skate punk/ska festival. It was founded by Kevin Lyman. In 1996, the skate shoe manufacturer and clothing brand, Vans, became the tour’s main sponsor. The Vans Warped Tour is the longest running touring festival in North America and the largest touring festival in the United States. In the late 90’s, the tour even went overseas to play dates in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Europe. It returned overseas to play a date in London in 2012 and again in 2015. Through the years, Warped Tour expanded on its music genres to include pop-punk, hardcore, emo, screamo, metalcore, and even some hip-hop and pop bands and artists. Many bands like Fall Out Boy, Blink-182, and Paramore, got their start on the Warped Tour. There’s even one notable pop artist who got her start on Warped Tour, but I’ll tell you more about it as you read on. It’s been said that Warped Tour is an initiation of sorts for bands because its a non-stop, all day touring event with many other bands that goes across the country over the entire summer. It’s intense to say the least, but from what I hear, tons of fun too. From the perspective of an attendee, it’s also fun for the festival-goers.
I attended my first Warped Tour in 2005. I went with two friends and my mom because of course at age 16 I clearly wasn’t old enough to attend a music event with a chaperone (*sarcasm*). I also didn’t have my driver’s license by then so it worked out to have her as a ride. One thing different about Warped Tour compared to other music festivals is that you never know the lineup until the day of the festival. When you arrive you have to locate the giant board of set times and make a list of when and where your favorite bands are playing. It was always the craziest part of the day because everyone goes to that board upon entry. It gets so crowded on the way to there. At least I knew about the board in advance in 2005 despite being a Warped Tour rookie. That year I saw Fall Out Boy (only some of their set because Relient K overlapped), Relient K, The Offspring, and The Starting Line. I also planned to see Something Corporate, but they cancelled all their dates. It was the year their lead singer, Andrew McMahon (now of Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness and formerly of Jack’s Mannequin too), was diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. I still had the best time and knew from then on I would be making Warped Tour an annual event in my life.
I had some amazing times throughout 7 Warped Tours. I saw tons of my favorite bands play, sang my lungs out, skanked in skanking circles (ska music), considered crowd-surfing (although I never actually did), drank overpriced water and gatorade (hydration was always important), was involved in a torrential downpour, and even saw Katy Perry play. Yeah that’s right Katy Perry played Warped Tour in 2008! Told you I’d tell you more about that pop star who got her start on Warped Tour. Well, it was Katy Perry. It was while she had the “I Kissed a Girl” single out. My friends and I were resting and talking in the amphitheater a decent length away from the stage where a performance was happening and all of sudden I heard the “I Kissed a Girl” song. We realized we were relaxing during Katy Perry’s set. We watched the rest of the song, which happened to be her last one. Thinking back on it now, it’s kind of crazy to be able to say I saw Katy Perry play Warped Tour given the level of popularity she’s reached, but I did. It happened.
I could go on about Warped Tour. My memories of the festival are countless. I could tell you about the time I skipped The Bouncing Souls set for Four Year Strong and missed the first words to “Lean On Sheena” getting screamed in my friends’ faces (it was our song), or watching Hellogoodbye and all their friends parade around in costumes during their set, or skanking to my favorite Less Than Jake song in a giant skanking circle. One year a friend who I attended with asked me if I thought we would still attend Warped Tour as we got into our 20’s and 30’s like some of the older people we would see at the festival. My response was something along the lines of, “Hell yeah! Why wouldn’t we?” At the time, I never thought I’d stop liking Warped Tour style music or wanting to attend the festival. I guess I was wrong about that though.
I attended yearly through 2011. I almost went in 2012 as well but decided against it because I didn’t feel like getting rained on again in the festival like I did in 2008 (plus I would have been going alone). That ended my 7 year Warped Tour run and I haven’t been back since. The reason being is that I stopped listening to the type of bands that play Warped Tour. I grew and so did my music interests. The last year I attended I could tell it was already happening. There were less and less bands I was interested in seeing. My focus instead became attending festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, or Bonnaroo, ones that played the kind of music I was listening to. Warped Tour was my first festival though (“you never forget your first”). It was also my second, third, fourth, and so on. It prepped me for future festivals and gave me plenty of amazing music experiences a long the way. It also gave me many memories with friends who I attended with and met up with at the festival throughout my years of attending. It was the summer event to attend while I was in high school and college. For all those reasons, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you’re interested in attending Warped Tour this year or checking out some bands playing the festival, head to the Vans Warped Tour website. Since this isn’t one specific band that plays the Warped Tour and therefore I can’t leave you a list of songs to check out, here’s a few links to some of my favorite Warped Tour performances and some pictures I took during my years attending the event.
“Rooftops” by Mest, Warped Tour 2003 (Also one of my all-time favorite songs.)
“The Words ‘Best Friend’ Becomes Redefined” by Chiodos, Warped Tour 2009
“I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry, Warped Tour 2008
“Sugar We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy, Warped Tour 2005
“Bada Bing! Wit’ a Pipe!” by Four Year Strong, Warped Tour 2010
“Devotion and Desire” by Bayside, Warped Tour 2009
Hellogoodbye covering Blink-182, Warped Tour 2006
From First to Last, Warped Tour 2008
The Briggs, Warped Tour 2008
A giant skanking circle!
Reel Big Fish, Warped Tour 2010
Streetlight Manifesto, Warped Tour 2010
The giant board of set times!
Big D And The Kids Table, Warped Tour 2009
Alkaline Trio, Warped Tour 2010
Bayside, Warped Tour 2009
The Bouncing Souls, Warped Tour 2010
Motion City Soundtrack, Warped Tour 2010
Posted in Music, Uncategorized and tagged Alkaline Trio, andrew mcmahon, andrew mcmahon in the wilderness, bayside, big d and the kids table, Blink-182, chiodos, college music, emo, emo music, fall out boy, four year strong, from first to last, hardcore, hardcore dancing, hardcore music, Hellogoodbye, high school music, i kissed a girl, jack's mannequin, katy perry, katy perry vans warped tour, katy perry warped tour, kay perry warped tour 2008, Kevin Lyman, lean on sheena, less than jake, mest, metalcore, motion city soundtrack, Music, music festival, music festivals, paramore, pop punk, pop punk music, punk, punk music, punk rock, reel big fish, relient k, screamo, screamo music, ska, ska music, skanking, skanking circle, skate punk, something corporate, Streetlight Manifesto, the bouncing souls, the briggs, the offspring, the scene, the startling line, the Vans Warped Tour, third wave ska, vans warped tour, vans warped tour 2005, vans warped tour 2006, vans warped tour 2007, vans warped tour 2008, vans warped tour 2009, vans warped tour 2010, vans warped tour 2011, Warped, warped tour, warped tour 2005, warped tour 2006, warped tour 2007, warped tour 2008, warped tour 2009, warped tour 2010, warped tour 2011 on July 11, 2016 by prostreetcross. Leave a comment
Say That You’re Into Me
Yesterday while checking out the Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify, I made an amazing, mind blowing discovery. It was the coolest music discovery I’ve made in quite some time. For you to understand it though, I need to flashback to 9 years ago. *cue cloudy flashback transition*
It was the summer of 2006. I just finished my junior year of high school. I was into the punk rock, pop punk, emo, and alternative music genres. My favorite bands were Brand New, Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Something Corporate, and The Format. I attended my second Vans Warped Tour in August that summer. I saw Cartel, The Academy Is, Gym Class Heroes, Motion City Soundtrack, Less Than Jake, and Hellogoodbye play sets that day. All of those bands fit my style of music at the time too. My favorite set of the day was Hellogoodbye’s. They played all my favorite songs and had people run around the stage dressed in random costumes. It was absolute mayhem. Hellogoodbye even played a surprise Blink-182 cover set that day on a different stage which I also attended. It turned out to be a surprisingly great day despite the fact that I didn’t anticipate a great day. *cue transition to current day*
As I was looking at the Discover Weekly playlist, I noticed there was a song by Hellogoodbye listed. I was surprised because usually music on the Discover Weekly playlist isn’t the kind of pop punk, powerpop music that Hellogoodbye played when I listened to them. However, I didn’t recognize the title of the song. It was safe to say they had released some new music since I last listened to them. I was super curious to see what it sounded like so of course I hit play on the song. Out of the speakers on my iPad came the most mind blowing revelation. Hellogoodbye sounded like a band I would listen to now. They weren’t those same guys who got up on stage at Warped Tour dressed in random costumes. They were like current day hipsters playing music I would listen to on vinyl in my apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn while wearing my v-neck t-shirt. They progressed in their music style like I progressed in my music style. How freaking cool is that?! Usually I hate when bands change their sound because it seems like most of the time they get popular and try to fit the mold of popular bands. This wasn’t the case. They progressed alternatively.
Hellogoodbye hails from Huntington Beach, California and was formed in 2001 by front-man Forrest Kline. They were part of the Drive-Thru Records label from 2003-2010 which housed some of my favorite bands from high school like Dashboard Confessional, Something Corporate, New Found Glory, The Starting Line, Midtown, The Early November, and Senses Fail. They released their first full-length, Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!, in 2006 (I bought it at Warped Tour that summer). I knew of and listened to them before that though because of their self-titled EP. Between the release of their first and second album, Would It Kill You?, which was released in 2010, the single “Here (In Your Arms)” gained some major radio airplay. It reached the number 14 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 and went platinum in the U.S.
After the second album, the band went through a few transitions. Band members dropped out and were replaced. The band parted with Drive-Thru and signed with a new label. They also released an EP during that time and re-released their second album. It wasn’t until 2013 that they their third full-length album, Everything Is Debatable, came out after signing with another label, Old Friend Records. Following the release of the album, they toured and opened for Paramore. They probably should’ve been touring with a band like The Kooks or Generationals because their newest album gives off an entirely new indie pop sound. They really do sound like a mixture between those two bands with a hint of MGMT and Belle & Sebastian thrown in. There’s still a little bit of that old school Hellogoodbye essence heard in some songs as well. It’s incredible. If you can’t already tell, I was and am still amazed by it. As far as song recommendations go, it’s probably best to split it up between old Hellogoodbye and new Hellogoodbye, so here goes:
Song recommendations (Old):
**And remember these are definitely pop punk/powerpop style songs, so if you’re not into that, skip ahead**
Call & Return
Touchdown Turnaround
Bonnie Taylor Shakedown
Here (In Your Arms)
All of Your Love
Song recommendations (New):
(Everything Is) Debatable
Just Don’t Let Go Just Don’t
The Magic Hour Is Now
Swear You’re In Love
And Everything Becomes A Blur
Hellogoodbye performing at the Vans Warped Tour in 2006 during their Blink-182 cover set.
Posted in Music and tagged belle & sebastian, billboard hot 100, brand new, california bands, cartel, dashboard confessional, discover weekly playlist, discover weekly playlist spotify, discover weekly spotify, drive-thru, drive-thru records, generationals, gym class heroes, Hellogoodbye, here (in your arms), indie music, indie pop, indie pop music, less than jake, mgmt, midtown, motion city soundtrack, Music, music blog, new found glory, old friend records, paramore, pop punk, pop punk music, powerpop, powerpop music, senses fail, something corporate, spotify, synth pop, synth pop music, taking back sunday, the academy is, the early november, the format, the kooks, the starting line, vans warped tour, vans warped tour 2006, warped tour, warped tour 2006 on October 13, 2015 by prostreetcross. Leave a comment
The Biggest Night in Music…or Something Like That
If you watched the Grammy Awards last night, I’m sure the one question running through your mind is “Was there anything Sam Smith didn’t win?” The answer is surprisingly “Yes!” no matter how you look at it. Sure you can say he didn’t win a Grammy for every category, but he wasn’t nominated for every category. However, he also did not win in every category he was nominated for (Pharrell won with “Happy” for Best Pop Performance), although it sure seemed like he did.
Anyway, I originally had planned to do a Grammy Awards recap today but then right before the show started last night I realized I really didn’t care to watch it. Prior to this I saw three of the categories I cared about were already awarded. Best Rock Performance went to Jack White for “Lazaretto”, Best Rock Song went to Paramore for “Ain’t It Fun” and Best Alternative Album went to St. Vincent for her self-titled album (see you at Coachella Jack and Annie!). After that I only cared if The Black Keys won Best Rock Album or if Haim won Best New Artist. Neither did. So there wasn’t much else for me to see. The performances weren’t my cup of tea nor were the other categories. I might have been mildly interested to see if Taylor Swift won anything for “Shake It Off”. That song may be a guilty pleasure of mine but I will not confirm or deny that (she didn’t win at all). Still, that was something I could wait to find out later without watching the show.
So I barely watched the Grammys. Instead it got me thinking, “Why do people watch the Grammys? Why are they so special? Heck, why do people watch any award shows and what makes some more important or better than others?” So I did some research and decided to answer those questions here.
First “Why do people watch the Grammys?” and “Why are they so special?” Well to give an answer to both of these questions at once (sorta) is because the Grammys are the oldest and most prestigious awards in music. The show started in the late 50’s and has continued until this point. So that’s why they’re special and I think part of why people watch. Another reason I think people watch is because they want to see if their favorite artists receive a major achievement. I’m sure some people watch to see the performances and drama that occurs with a live award show. There’s probably people that watch just so they can feel included to talk about the show the next day at work or school. Then there’s the people who watch for the fashion. There’s probably other reasons too, but I think those are some of the big ones.
I guess the same can be said for why people watch any awards shows. They care about what the show celebrates whether it’s music, tv, movies, etc., or they care about fashion and pop culture, or they just watch it for pure entertainment. What makes some award shows better than others? Well I think like I said before is how old they are and how prestigious they are deemed by society.
That’s the thing though. The Grammy Awards (probably other award shows too) were criticized plenty of times for just being some big spectacle that celebrates the music industry, caters to people for entertainment, and is less about the actual music than they want you to believe. Like many things in our culture, award shows get blown out of proportion. It’s society that makes us believe that awards are important and certain awards are more important than others. That goes for anything. I guess it’s the case that people need to feel validated sometimes and awards help with that. But I think it’s important for those receiving awards to feel validated no matter what, like the people who make music purely to make music by expressing themselves and creating a beautiful compilation of sound. There’s validation in just being able to make music. One of my favorite Grammy moments of all time happened when Justin Vernon of Bon Iver won two Grammys in 2012 for Bon Iver, Bon Iver and Best New Artist (he wasn’t new at the time but we’ll let that slide). Through his acceptance speech he basically indicated that the awards meant so little compared to the music which was so much more important. I’ve always respected musicians like that who put the music first. It is what’s most important. Awards are just an added bonus.
So I think it’s important for those of us that actually care about what the awards are for to remember what is really important about them. Hell, even if you care about the fashion or the water cooler discussion the next day it’s important to know the real reason for having an award show. Music, television, movies, etc. are all forms of art. They’re beautiful creations of tremendous amounts of work that have been shared with us. That is what is so incredible about them. That is what is most important.
Posted in Entertainment, Music, Television and tagged art, award shows, bon iver, bon iver grammy, bon iver grammy win, grammy awards, grammys, jack white, justin vernon, Music, music is art, paramore, pharrell, pop culture, sam smith, society, st. vincent, taylor swift, the 57th annual grammy awards, the grammy awards, the grammys, tv specials on February 9, 2015 by prostreetcross. 1 Comment
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Blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824), are small sharks measuring up to 1.8 m with short, bluntly-rounded snouts, oval eyes, and narrow-cusped teeth. They have 2 dorsal fins and no interdorsal ridges. Juveniles (< 70 cm) are yellow-brown on their dorsal (upper) sides, white on their ventral (under) sides; adults are brownish-gray and white, respectively. All their fins have conspicuous black or dark brown tips, and posterior (rear) dark edges on their pectoral fins and their upper lobe of their caudal (tail) fins. The prominent black tips of their first dorsal fin contrasts with a light band below it; a conspicuous dark band on their flanks which extends to their pelvic fins. Maximum weight: 24 kg; frequents depth ranges from the surface to 75 m.
The Caribbean reef shark was originally described from off the coast of Cuba as Platypodon perezi by Poey in 1876. Bigelow and Schroeder later described the same species as Carcharhinus springeri in 1944 and the reef shark appears in much literature under this scientific name. The genus name Carcharhinus is derived from the Greek “karcharos” = sharpen and “rhinos” = nose. The currently accepted valid name is C. perezi (Poey 1876).
Measuring up to 3 m (9.8 ft) long, the Caribbean reef shark is one of the largest apex predators in the reef ecosystem, feeding on a variety of fishes and cephalopods. They have been documented resting motionless on the sea bottom or inside caves, unusual behavior for an active-swimming shark. If threatened, it may perform a threat display in which it frequently changes direction and dips its pectoral fins. Like other requiem sharks, it is viviparous with females giving birth to 4–6 young every other year. Caribbean reef sharks are of some importance to fisheries as a source of meat, leather, liver oil, and fishmeal, but recently they have become more valuable as an ecotourist attraction. In the Bahamas and elsewhere, bait is used to attract them to groups of divers in controversial "shark feedings". This species is responsible for a small number of attacks on humans. The shark attacks usually happen in spring and summer.
The Caribbean reef shark feeds on a wide variety of reef-dwelling bony fishes and cephalopods, as well as some elasmobranchs such as eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) and yellow stingrays (Urobatis jamaicensis).[1] It is attracted to low-frequency sounds, which are indicative of struggling fish.[4] In one observation of a 2 m (6.6 ft) long male Caribbean reef shark hunting a yellowtail snapper (Lutjanus crysurus), the shark languidly circled and made several seemingly "half-hearted" turns towards its prey, before suddenly accelerating and swinging its head sideways to capture the snapper at the corner of its jaws.[8] Young sharks feed on small fishes, shrimps, and crabs.[8] Caribbean reef sharks are capable of everting their stomachs, which likely serves to cleanse indigestible particles, parasites, and mucus from the stomach lining.[11]
A heavy-bodied shark with a "typical" streamlined shape, the Caribbean reef shark is difficult to distinguish from other large requiem shark species. It usually measures 2–2.5 m (6.6–8.2 ft) long; the maximum recorded length is 3 m (9.8 ft) and the maximum reported weight is 70 kg (150 lb).[5][6] The coloration is dark gray or gray-brown above and white or white-yellow below, with an inconspicuous white band on the flanks. The fins are not prominently marked, and the undersides of the paired fins, the anal fin, and the lower lobe of the caudal fin are dusky.[2][4]
Juvenile Caribbean reef sharks are preyed upon by larger sharks such as the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) and the bull shark (C. leucas). Few parasites are known for this species; one is a dark variegated leech often seen trailing from its first dorsal fin.[4] Off northern Brazil, juveniles seek out cleaning stations occupied by yellownose gobies (Elacatinus randalli), which clean the sharks of parasites while they lie still on the bottom.[10] Horse-eye jacks (Caranx latus) and bar jacks (Carangoides ruber) routinely school around Caribbean reef sharks.[11]
Tax-deductible donations made to Tetiaroa Society help fund critical conservation efforts, scientific research being conducted at our Ecostation, and education programs for the local schools. Your contribution also helps us advance what we are doing on Tetiaroa as a model for island/earth sustainability. We deeply appreciate your generosity and look forward to sharing our progress with you.
Grey reef sharks feed mainly on bony fishes, with cephalopods such as squid and octopus being the second-most important food group, and crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters making up the remainder. The larger sharks take a greater proportion of cephalopods.[20] These sharks hunt individually or in groups, and have been known to pin schools of fish against the outer walls of coral reefs for feeding.[14] Hunting groups of up to 700 grey reef sharks have been observed at Fakarava atoll in French Polynesia.[21][22] They excel at capturing fish swimming in the open, and they complement hunting whitetip reef sharks, which are more adept at capturing fish inside caves and crevices.[4] Their sense of smell is extremely acute, being capable of detecting one part tuna extract in 10 billion parts of sea water.[13] In the presence of a large quantity of food, grey reef sharks may be roused into a feeding frenzy; in one documented frenzy caused by an underwater explosion that killed several snappers, one of the sharks involved was attacked and consumed by the others.[23]
Influenced by the world around them, Reef™ strives to bring you authentic and innovative products meant to nurture an incredibly fortunate lifestyle that involves surf, sensuality and a life filled with happiness. Whether you are looking for Reef™ swimsuits, Reef™ clothing or Reef™ sandals you can be sure that function, comfort and fashion will mesh like a beach breeze and a good time.
Cyanobacteria do not have skeletons and individuals are microscopic. Cyanobacteria can encourage the precipitation or accumulation of calcium carbonate to produce distinct sediment bodies in composition that have relief on the seafloor. Cyanobacterial mounds were most abundant before the evolution of shelly macroscopic organisms, but they still exist today (stromatolites are microbial mounds with a laminated internal structure). Bryozoans and crinoids, common contributors to marine sediments during the Mississippian (for example), produced a very different kind of mound. Bryozoans are small and the skeletons of crinoids disintegrate. However, bryozoan and crinoid meadows can persist over time and produce compositionally distinct bodies of sediment with depositional relief.
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Based on morphological similarities, Jack Garrick in 1982 grouped this species with the bignose shark (C. altimus) and the sandbar shark (C. plumbeus), while Leonard Compagno in 1988 placed it as the sister species of the grey reef shark (C. amblyrhynchos). A phylogenetic analysis based on allozyme data, published by Gavin Naylor in 1992, indicated that the Caribbean reef shark is the sister taxon to a clade formed by the Galapagos shark (C. galapagensis), dusky shark (C. obscurus), oceanic whitetip shark (C. longimanus), and the blue shark (Prionace glauca). However, more work is required to fully resolve the interrelationships within Carcharhinus.[3]
^ Garla, R.C.; Chapman, D.D.; Shivji, M.S.; Wetherbee, B.M.; Amorim, A.F. (2006). "Habitat of juvenile Caribbean reef sharks, Carcharhinus perezi, at two oceanic insular marine protected areas in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean: Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Atol das Rocas, Brazil". Fisheries Research. 81 (2–3): 236–241. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2006.07.003.
The small shark is named for its distinct black-tipped fins. Not to be confused with the blacktip shark, a larger species with similar fin coloration, the blacktip reef shark can be found in shallow inshore waters throughout the Indo-Pacific, including coral reefs, reef flats and near drop offs. It may be seen in mangrove areas and even freshwater environments near to shore, moving in and out with the tide. The blacktip reef shark feeds primarily on fish, including many common reef fishes, but will also consume crustaceans, mollusks, and even snakes!
Socially, they are mostly loners unless living in a threatening ecosystem. These are the first and the only species of sharks that are known to “sleep” on the ocean floor or within reef caves. It is believed that these sharks are not actually sleeping but merely resting. These sharks have actually been given the nickname “sleeping sharks” because of their habit of lying motionless at the sea bottom. This is a somewhat unusual and unique behavior of these sharks.
Are there so few reef sharks because of human activities such as fishing and finning, or were there never very many to start with? To answer this question, a team of marine biologists (which did not include Friedlander) decided to count reef sharks at coral reefs close and far to human settlements to better understand how humans impact their populations.
This species is taken by commercial and artisanal longline and gillnet fisheries throughout its range. It is valued for meat, leather, liver oil and fishmeal. The Caribbean reef shark is the most common shark landed in Colombia (accounting for 39% of the longline catch by occurrence), where it is utilized for its fins, oil and jaws (sold for ornamental purposes). In Belize, this species is mainly caught as bycatch on hook-and-line intended for groupers and snappers; the fins are sold to the lucrative Asian market and the meat sold in Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala to make "panades", a tortilla-like confection. A dedicated shark fishery operated in Belize from the mid-1900s to the early 1990s, until catches of all species saw dramatic declines.[1] The flesh of this species may contain high levels of methylmercury and other heavy metals.[4]
This sturdy shark is abundant in the Caribbean, and because of its average features, is often confused with other requiem sharks. Usually growing 6.5 to 10 feet long, these are the apex predator of their food web. They have been found ‘sleeping’ in caves and on the ocean floor, behavior that is still unexplained. There has been concern over eating these sharks because of the build-up of toxins in their flesh, but now they are valued for tourism more than food, which brings its own safety issues.
The Caribbean reef shark has an interdorsal ridge from the rear of the first dorsal fin to the front of the second dorsal fin. The second dorsal fin has a very short free rear tip. The snout of C. perezi is moderately short and broadly rounded. It has poorly developed, low anterior nasal flaps and relatively large circular eyes. Caribbean reef sharks also have moderately long gill slits with the third gill slit lying above the origin of the pectoral fin. Comparison to similar sharks:
Although there are no active reef shark fisheries in the US Pacific, the reef sharks' disappearance could be caused by recreational fishing or illegal shark finning, which, combined, kill 26 million to 73 million sharks each year. Another possible explanation is that the reef sharks are starving. Their food sources, including coral reef fishes, are decreasing in number because of habitat destruction and human exploitation, and could be taking the sharks with them.
Although they only grow to about 1.6 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) in length, these sharks are the apex predators on the very delicate coral reefs. That means, around coral reefs, they are the top of the food chain. The significants of this goes largely unnoticed, but theWorld Wildlife Fund has classified the Reef Shark as one of the most important species on the entire planet!
Anchialine pool Archipelago Atoll Avulsion Ayre Barrier island Bay Baymouth bar Bight Bodden Brackish marsh Cape Channel Cliff Coast Coastal plain Coastal waterfall Continental margin Continental shelf Coral reef Cove Dune cliff-top Estuary Firth Fjard Fjord Förde Freshwater marsh Fundus Gat Geo Gulf Gut Headland Inlet Intertidal wetland Island Islet Isthmus Lagoon Machair Marine terrace Mega delta Mouth bar Mudflat Natural arch Peninsula Reef Regressive delta Ria River delta Salt marsh Shoal Shore Skerry Sound Spit Stack Strait Strand plain Submarine canyon Tidal island Tidal marsh Tide pool Tied island Tombolo Windwatt
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The Weekly Song
A 52 Week Challenge To Tame The Inner Critic and Create More Freely
Week 5 Challenge – Four Chords (I-V-vi-IV)
April 2, 2016 GaryLeave a comment
The Challenge this week is to write a song that uses the famous four chords of popular music – I – V- vi and IV! They do not have to be in that order though. These four chords have been played over and over in songs of so many various genres of popular music. Here is a very partial list of some songs that have made use of these progressions, taken from Wikipedia. Notice the many different years and artists that are represented:
“Down“[24] Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne 2009 IV–I–V–vi
“Heart Attack“[38] Demi Lovato 2013 IV–I–V–vi
“What’s My Age Again?“[109] Blink-182 1999 IV–I–V–vi; I–V–vi–IV
“Drive By“[25] Train 2012 IV–I–V–vi; vi–IV–I–V
“Home“[41] Phillip Phillips 2012 IV–I–V–vi; vi–IV–I–V
“Try“[103] P!nk 2012 IV–I–V–vi; vi–IV–I–V
“With Me“[115] Sum 41 2007 IV–I–V–vi; vi–IV–I–V
“All Too Well“[3] Taylor Swift 2012 I–V–vi–IV
“Always on My Mind“[4] Brenda Lee 1972 I–V–vi–IV
“Another Girl, Another Planet“[5] The Only Ones 1978 I–V–vi–IV
“Beast of Burden“[6] The Rolling Stones 1978 I–V–vi–IV
“Bullet“[10] Hollywood Undead 2011 I–V–vi–IV
“California King Bed“[11] Rihanna 2011 I–V–vi–IV
“Cruise“[15] Florida Georgia Line 2012 I–V–vi–IV
“Cryin’“[16] Aerosmith 1993 I–V–vi–IV
“Dammit“[6][17] Blink-182 1997 I–V–vi–IV
“Demons“[19] Imagine Dragons 2012 I–V–vi–IV
“Dirty Little Secret“[20] The All-American Rejects 2005 I–V–vi–IV
“Feeling This“[6][27] Blink-182 2003 I–V–vi–IV
“Fuckin’ Perfect“[30] P!nk 2010 I–V–vi–IV
“Glycerine“[32] Bush 1994 I–V–vi–IV
“Hair“[35] Lady Gaga 2011 I–V–vi–IV
“Happy Ending“[37] Mika 2007 I–V–vi–IV
“If We Ever Meet Again“[46] Timbaland feat. Katy Perry 2010 I–V–vi–IV
“Just Ace”[50] Grinspoon 1997 I–V–vi–IV
“No One“[58] Alicia Keys 2007 I–V–vi–IV
“Pork and Beans“[70] Weezer 2008 I–V–vi–IV
“Summer Paradise“ Simple Plan 2012 I–V–vi–IV
“Someone like You“[84] Adele 2011 I–V–vi–IV
“Take Me Home, Country Roads“[90] John Denver 1971 I–V–vi–IV
“The Edge of Glory“[92] Lady Gaga 2011 I–V–vi–IV
“To Know Him Is to Love Him“[100] The Teddy Bears 1958 I–V–vi–IV
“Tuesday’s Gone“[102] Lynyrd Skynyrd 1973 I–V–vi–IV
“Wagon Wheel“[105] Old Crow Medicine Show 2004 I–V–vi–IV
“Walking Disaster“[106] Sum 41 2007 I–V–vi–IV
“Walks Like Rihanna“[107] The Wanted 2013 I–V–vi–IV
“When I Come Around“[6][110] Green Day 1993 I–V–vi–IV
“What About Now“[111] Lonestar 2000 I–V–vi–IV
“Wherever You Will Go“[112] The Calling 2001 I–V–vi–IV
“With or Without You“[116] U2 1987 I–V–vi–IV
“Bridge of Light“[8] P!nk 2011 I–V–vi–IV; vi–IV–I–V
“Don’t You Wanna Stay“[23] Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson 2010 I–V–vi–IV; vi–IV–I–V
“For the First Time“[28] The Script 2010 I–V–vi–IV; vi–IV–I–V
“Four Chords“[29] The Axis of Awesome 2011 I–V–vi–IV; vi–IV–I–V
“Snow (Hey Oh)“[83] Red Hot Chili Peppers 2006 I–V–vi–IV; vi–IV–I–V
“The Rock Show“[97] Blink-182 2001 I–V–vi–IV; vi–IV–I–V
“Ciaccona”[12] Antonio Bertali 1662 I–V–vi–IV–V
“Africa“[1] Toto 1983 vi–IV–I–V
“Beautiful“[7] Akon feat. Colby O’Donis andKardinal Offishall 2009 vi–IV–I–V
“Brighter Than the Sun“[9] Colbie Caillat 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Come Over“[13] Kenny Chesney 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“De Música Ligera”[18] Soda Stereo 1990 vi–IV–I–V
“Don’t Forget Me“[21] Red Hot Chili Peppers 2002 vi–IV–I–V
“Don’t Trust Me“[22] 3OH!3 2008 vi–IV–I–V
“Electrical Storm“[26] U2 2002 vi–IV–I–V
“Give Me Everything“[31] Pitbull feat. Ne-yo, Afrojack, andNayer 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Good Life“[33] OneRepublic 2010 vi–IV–I–V
“Great Romances Of The 20th Century“[34] Taking Back Sunday 2002 vi–IV–I–V
“Hall of Fame“[36] The Script feat. will.i.am 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“Hello“[39] Adele 2015 vi–IV–I–V
“Hey Brother“[40] Avicii 2013 vi–IV–I–V
“Hot n Cold“[42] Katy Perry 2008 vi–IV–I–V
“I Just Had Sex“[43] The Lonely Island feat. Akon 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“I Was Here“[44] Beyoncé 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“If I Were a Boy“[45] Beyoncé 2008 vi–IV–I–V
“In This River“[48] Black Label Society 2005 vi–IV–I–V
“International Love“[49] Pitbull feat. Chris Brown 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Just a Dream“[51] Nelly 2010 vi–IV–I–V
“Kaze wa Fuiteiru“[52] AKB48 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Little Talks“[53] Of Monsters and Men 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Love Me“[54] Justin Bieber 2009 vi–IV–I–V
“Love the Way You Lie“[55] Eminem feat. Rihanna 2010 vi–IV–I–V
“Marilyn Monroe“[56] Nicki Minaj 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“Não Me Toca”[57] Anselmo Ralph 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“Nobody’s Perfect“[59] Miley Cyrus 2007 vi–IV–I–V
“Not Afraid“[60] Eminem 2010 vi–IV–I–V
“Numb“[61] Linkin Park 2003 vi–IV–I–V
“On the Floor“[62] Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“One of Us“[63][64] Joan Osborne 1995 vi–IV–I–V
“Otherside“[65] Red Hot Chili Peppers 2000 vi–IV–I–V
“Paradise“[66] Coldplay 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Peace of Mind“[67] Boston 1977 vi–IV–I–V
“Pieces“[68] Sum 41 2005 vi–IV–I–V
“Poker Face“[69] Lady Gaga 2008 vi–IV–I–V
“Ready or Not“[71] Bridgit Mendler 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“Replay“[72] Iyaz 2009 vi–IV–I–V
“Rise“[73] McClain Sisters 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“Save Tonight“[74] Eagle Eye Cherry 1997 vi–IV–I–V
“Say Something“[75] A Great Big World 2013 vi–IV–I–V
“Science & Faith“[76] The Script 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Self Esteem“[77][78] The Offspring 1994 vi–IV–I–V
“Silverflame“[80] Dizzy Mizz Lizzy 1994 vi–IV–I–V
“Six Degrees of Separation“[81] The Script 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“Skyscraper“[82] Demi Lovato 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“So Small“[85] Carrie Underwood 2007 vi–IV–I–V
“Soul To Squeeze“[86] Red Hot Chili Peppers 1993 vi–IV–I–V
“Sparks Fly“[87] Taylor Swift 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Stand“[88] Rascal Flatts 2007 vi–IV–I–V
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)“[89] Kelly Clarkson 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“Tears of the Dragon“[91] Bruce Dickinson 1994 vi–IV–I–V
“The Kids Aren’t Alright“[95] The Offspring 1999 vi–IV–I–V
“Think Twice”[98] Eve 6 2003 vi–IV–I–V
“This Is Me“[99] Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas 2008 vi–IV–I–V
“Too Cool“[101] Meaghan Jette Martin 2008 vi–IV–I–V
“U + Ur Hand“[104] P!nk 2006 vi–IV–I–V
“We Found Love“[108] Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“Whistle“[113] Flo Rida 2012 vi–IV–I–V
“Who You Are“[114] Jessie J 2011 vi–IV–I–V
“You’re Not Sorry“[117] Taylor Swift 2008 vi–IV–I–V
“Zombie“[118] The Cranberries 1994 vi–IV–I–V
“Confusion and Frustration in Modern Times“[14] Sum 41 2007 vi–IV–I–V; I–V–vi–IV
“The Light Behind Your Eyes“[96] My Chemical Romance 2012 vi–I–IV–V
“The Hell Song“[93] Sum 41 2002 vi–I–V–IV
“The Hero”[94] (Opening theme ofOne-Punch Man) JAM Project 2015 vi–I–V–IV
“All I Ever Wanted“[2] Basshunter 2008 vi–V–I–IV
“Shake It“[79] Metro Station 2008 V–vi–IV–I
That list doesn’t even include the 50s progression ( I-vi-IV-V). Here are some more:
“Baby, I’m an Anarchist!“ Against Me! 2002 I–vi–IV–V
“All I Have to Do Is Dream“ Everly Brothers 1960 I–vi–IV–V
“Baby Baby Baby” Aretha Franklin 1967 I–vi–ii–V
“Beyond the Sea“[1] Jack Lawrence and Charles Trenet 1946 I–vi–IV–V
“Blue Moon“ The Marcels 1961 I–vi–IV–V
“Bristol Stomp“ The Dovells 1961 I–vi–IV–V
“Chain Gang“[2] Sam Cooke 1960 I–vi–IV–V
“Crocodile Rock“[3] Elton John 1972 I–vi–IV–V
“Da Doo”, “Dentist” Little Shop of Horrors (musical)Original Broadway Cast 1982 I–vi–IV–V
“Donna“[4] Ritchie Valens 1958 I–vi–IV–V
“Don’t Dream It’s Over“[5] Crowded House 1986 IV–V–I–vi
“Duke of Earl“[6] Gene Chandler 1962 I–vi–IV–V
“D’yer Mak’er“ Led Zeppelin 1973 I–vi–IV–V
“Earth Angel“[4][7] The Penguins 1954 I–vi–IV–V
“Enola Gay“ Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark 1980 I–vi–IV–V
“Eternal Flame“[8] The Bangles 1989 I–vi–IV–V
“Every Breath You Take“ The Police 1983 I–vi–IV–V
“Eyes on Me Faye Wong 1999 I–vi–IV–V
“Flightless Bird, American Mouth“ Iron & Wine 2007 I–vi–IV–V
“Friday“[9] Rebecca Black 2011 I–vi–IV–V
“Give a Little Love“[10] Bay City Rollers 1975 I–vi–IV–V
Happiness Is a Warm Gun[6][11] The Beatles 1968 I–vi–IV–V
“Heart and Soul“[12] Larry Clinton feat. Bea Wain 1938 I–vi–IV–V
“In the Aeroplane Over the Sea“ Neutral Milk Hotel 1998 I–vi–IV–V
“In The Shape Of A Heart“ Jackson Browne 1986 I–vi–IV–V
“Jesus of Suburbia“[13][14] Green Day 2005 I–vi–IV–V
“Lollipop“[15] Ronald & Ruby 1958 I–vi–IV–V
“Lovable“[16][17] Sam Cooke 1956 I–vi–IV–V
“Mama I’m A Big Girl Now” Hairspray (musical) Original Broadway Cast 2002 I–vi–IV–V
“Mandy“ Barry Manilow 1974 I–vi–IV–V
“Oliver’s Army“[18] Elvis Costello 1979 I–vi–IV–V
“Pretty Little Angel Eyes“ Curtis Lee 1961 I–vi–IV–V
“Stand by Me“[19][20] Ben E. King 1961 I–vi–IV–V
“Telephone Line“ Electric Light Orchestra 1976 I–vi–IV–V
“The Man Comes Around“ Johnny Cash 2002 I–vi–IV–V
“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out“ The Smiths 1992 I–vi–IV–V
“This Magic Moment“[21] The Drifters 1960 I–vi–IV–V
“Those Magic Changes“[22] Sha Na Na 1978 I–vi–IV–V
“Mr. Bass Man“ Johnny Cymbal 1961 I–vi–IV–V
“True Blue“[23] Madonna 1986 I–vi–IV–V
“We Go Together“[24] John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John 1972 I–vi–IV–V
“You Are Not Alone“[25] Michael Jackson 1995 I–vi–ii–V
“I’m Not Edward Cullen” Hank Green 2009 I–vi–IV–V
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now“ Starship 1987 I–vi–IV–V
“No Hay Pedo” Banda Los Recoditos 2014 I–vi–IV–V
“Brave as a Noun” Andrew Jackson Jihad 2007 I–vi–IV–V
“Joey“ Concrete Blonde 1990 I–vi–IV–V
“Last Kiss“[26] Wayne Cochran 1961 I–vi–IV–V
“Dear Future Husband“ Meghan Trainor 2015 I–vi–IV–V
“Dance with Me Tonight“ Olly Murs 2011 I–vi–IV–V
“The Thin Ice“ Pink Floyd 1979 I–vi–IV–V
“Marvin Gaye“ Charlie Puth 2015 I–vi–IV–V
“Beautiful Girls“ Sean Kingston 2007 I–vi–IV–V
“Close Your Eyes” Meghan Trainor 2014 I–vi–IV–V
“Döner Skins” Landser 1997 I–vi–IV–V
“I Love You Too Much” The Book of Life (soundtrack) 2014 I-vi-IV-V
“Why Do Fools Fall in Love Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers 1956 I–vi–IV–V
“For Your Precious Love“[27] Jerry Butler 1958 I–vi–IV–V
“Please Mr. Postman“ The Marvelettes 1961 I–vi–IV–V
“Oh True Love” Everly Brothers 1960 I–vi–IV–V
“All I Want for Christmas Is You“ Mariah Carey 1994 I–vi–IV–V
A Night at CoSM with Alex and Allyson Grey
April 2, 2016 April 2, 2016 GaryLeave a comment
A Birthday Gift that Keeps On Giving
My girlfriend Arielle bought me tickets to go to the Vernal Equinox celebration at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. As a big fan of the work of Alex Grey, I was beyond excited. Here is a description of CoSM from their website:
“The mission of CoSM, Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is to build an enduring sanctuary of visionary art to inspire and evolve the creative spirit… CoSM is a church, a context for a community that honors and practices art as a spiritual path. CoSM offers a visionary cultural nexus to empower a global community.
To further the spiritual practice of art, CoSM offers workshops and cultural programs.”
In addition to that, the grounds house some of Alex’s most iconic work such as the Cosmic Christ:
The Vernal Equinox Celebration at COSM
Since attending Alex Grey and his wife Allyson’s Vernal Equinox celebration this past weekend, there remains an earthy after glow that lingers all around me. Alex and his wife lectured about the significance of the Vernal Equinox and how this is a time of rebirth – the tipping point where there becomes more light than darkness and new growth commences. Alex talked about how our bodies contain the same designs that are found in nature, mentioning for instance the bronchial tree in the lungs, and then Alyson urged us to focus on regrowth in our own lives at this time of year. It felt like New Years Eve all over again. I truly appreciate being given this deeper sense of a new beginning because I’m definitely behind with getting things started in 2016. Just look at the date of my first blog post! After the lecture, there was live artwork being made by Alex, Alyson and some other artists, electronic music and dancing, a giant outdoor fire with flame artists, a makeshift tent dome with experimental sound designers and strange visuals being projected onto the ceiling, and an all around great time.
Meeting Alex Grey and Receiving a Blessing
While there, I had the great fortune of meeting Alex and having him sign my copy of his book “Art Psalms”. His message was “To Gary, With Love and Blessings on your Creative Path! Alex Grey.” He also left me with some original art work! He drew a left hand with a flame in the palm of it and an all seeing eye pyramid with wings! I am still wondering if he observed that I was a lefty when I handed him the book. He seemed to struggle for a moment drawing the left hand when maybe he is accustomed to drawing the right, and he apologized for it being a little messy (such a humble guy). When he was done, he blew on his work to make sure the pen ink was dry before closing the book. His genuine warmth and graciousness and his kind inscription has left me with a stronger resolve than ever to walk straight ahead on this creative path. He handed me a bottle of inspiration that will sustain me for some time. I see the flame and the eye in the hand as a declaration of the power of self-directed creativity – to have a vision and make it a reality. Receiving these guiding symbols and encouraging words from a man who has championed visionary art and dedicated years of effort and continual refinement to bringing inner glimpses of spiritual and energetic truth into the outer physical world by way of his hands, means a lot. It is more than a physical gift. It truly is a blessing.
The Community at COSM
The Vernal Equinox lecture started at 7PM, but we arrived at the COSM grounds around 5. If you ever go to an event and want some time to view Alex’s work and the CoSM grounds, it is worth going early, where you are practically alone to view, reflect, and ponder. When we got there, the only people among us were the volunteers setting up for the event. I could tell though that they were all members of a special kind of community. As I walked toward the gift shop I saw that the volunteers were all eating in a back room before the festivities were to begin. As other volunteers arrived, hugs were shared and genuine words of kindness exchanged. It was someone’s birthday. It was also my birthday, and it was a gift from my girlfriend to be taken to the event, so I was there celebrating life. I told this kind lady across the room that we shared this special day and she came over and gave me a hug! I wanted to know more about the positive vibes among these people. I asked the sparkling blue eyed and long haired young man making my coffee at the CoSM Mushroom Cafe how long he has been volunteering. He told me about two years and I asked him what it was like. He said it was awesome and in addition to working the events, adults get to have a lot of childlike fun and do things like play laser tag in the woods after hours! They also get to stay in the volunteer dorms! Some of the jobs of the volunteers included setting up chairs and furniture, moving Alex’s artwork, working at the cafe, the gift shop, working the admission table, etc. Another volunteer, Eli, explained to me the process for applying to volunteer – you just fill out some forms on the CoSM website. This women was nice, friendly, but brought an element of strong leadership to this business operation that, as the night rolled on, was much needed. There were long lines for drinks and sandwiches, packed quarters, and she kept things in control. When I posted on Facebook where I was a friend told me that her friend Eli is there volunteering all the time and this was not the only connection I had here! I also ran into a volunteer named Tem that I had played on a couple of gigs with in NYC! Ironically, those gigs were put on by the brother of the friend who knew Eli, and both were unaware that their respective friends worked together!
Besides the volunteers, there were also the artists and entertainers. There were two painters amazingly talented painters in the room where Alex’s Cosmic Christ is housed and one was painting a striking coyote who was tangled in multi colored yarn. In another room their was an artist making a Mandala out of died sand and two other painters. In the back room where the dancing was taking place was another artist painting a baby in some sort of otherworldly cave filled with shards of gems. And then there was Alex painting a self portrait and Alyson painting symbols of some unknown language. Both of them kindly welcomed visitors to chat with while they worked (that is how I was able to meet Alex as well).
Trust and Openess
The amount of trust, acceptance and compassion that Alex and his Wife have for all the people that come to their home is staggering. Besides having a couple of security guards, anyone that buys a ticket can come in without having their bags or jackets checked, and roam freely throughout the first floor of the house. There are personal keepsakes on many of the shelves, books, a guitar and other instruments, along with the artwork on the walls. Many of the attendees might also be in frames of mind that could potentially lead to poor decision making. However, “drunk” is not one them, which is probably the state of mind that leads to the most crime. No alcohol is sold at COSM. Some people were definitely intoxicated, but seemingly on substances that do not typically lead to violence or crime – Marijuana, Psychedelics, MDMA. However, boundaries can becomes blurry in these states. When Alyson got up from the painting that she was working on, a girl say down on her chair just inches from the painting examining it thoroughly. I was afraid that she might touch it. People came up to here asking if she was the artist! Ultimately, I got the sense that Allyson and Alex are in acceptance of anything that might happen. In our modern civilized society, fear is hardly ever useful yet it most often rules our lives. I found it very telling that I was more afraid for Alex and Allyson’s possessions than they were.
Week 4 Creation – Rap or Speaking
March 29, 2016 March 29, 2016 GaryLeave a comment
The Creation:
This was HARD!!!! I’ve always admired rap as an art form and wished I was good at it, but I now have a new found level of respect for rappers, and I want to do this again! I used a Ghostface Killah instrumental called “Tones Rap” that I found on Spotify and added words, rap, and a hook to it! If you look, you’ll see I am a few days behind in posting this song. This took me completely outside of my comfort zone. It is the first time I’ve ever created a rap and there were a few different challenges that had to be overcome to make this happen.
The Challenges:
Finding a rapper voice! Rapping is rhythmic talking. You have to change your diction to make the phonetics of words flow more freely. Rs or no Rs, or over accentuated Rs? Do I need to open my mouth wider than usual? Man, I have to breath a lot! monotone? Vary the pitch? What kind of attitude or mood? I found myself imitating different rappers. There are so many expectations on who can or cannot rap. I’m an overeducated middle class white guy with a big vocabulary and a rather conservative demeanor. Will that work? I listened to other rappers who might have a similar background to myself. Aesop Rock grew up right down the road from me! Checked him out for a few hours. He kind of sounds like a Long Island Soccer Mom who was previously a man. I love it. I listened to Sage Francis – somewhere between a slam poet and rapper, and then I listened to early Eminem.
Finding the flow. Great rappers have a phrasing style that is simultaneously complicated, musically engaging, yet seemingly natural! To make it complex, engaging, and natural together is a quite the feat. Being I don’t have much of a rapper voice, I wanted to make sure that my flow was at least musical. I did about 45 takes with different rhythmic ideas for my phrases until I settled on something that felt as close to these three things combined as possible. I added and removed little words to make it work as I altered the phrasing.
Rhyming complexity. This is where I had the most fun! Making lines rhyme, and adding secondary rhymes within each line! This is where I felt the most artistic satisfaction:
Headlines attack, a fracking of the mind
Drilling Line after line, all is black in no time.
Drops of Pitter patter on the roof of my soul
soon a whole sea of mind control,
Leaks in through my peep hole
down the drain goes my daily mental pain.
Killing insiders with outsiders, (and) both insane
the same name, two sides but one game
Both die in this bout
vice versa inside out,
They bothy’ll curse ya in self doubt, they both coerce ya to be proud
They think their farmers but their cows,
Trapped below as I watch them bleed out
4. Check 1, 2! It seems like so many raps have intro talking and with the long intro on this track, I wanted to say something. I had some leftover lyrics with nothing to do with so at the last minute I just recited them as quick as possible as an intro! They fit the rest of the words perfectly, so contextually, it really worked for me.
Pride point figments of a hand me down imagination.
Celebrating fragments of a made up self’s fruition.
Checking off the boxes of the things we put our name on.
Disposing of the others things, new enemies to hate on
5. A sick beat! There are so many instrumental out there available for you to experiment with. Some of them you can even purchase the license for. Some artists purposefully put out instrumental albums to follow up their complete albums so that their fans can rap by themselves! Aesop Rock has two records like this. I chose the instrumental for Ghostface Killah’s “Tones Rap” that I found on Spotify.
Week 4 Challenge – Rap or Speaking
The Challenge for the 4th week is to write a song that incorporates either rap or speaking! It doesn’t have to be all rap or speaking. It can just be a sprinkling of it. I’m going to jump right into the Freestyle Freewrite activity that I talked about in the last blog post. This is where you put on a beat and give yourself 5 or 10 minutes to just dump out your ideas without second guessing them or stopping your pen or fingers from writing or typing. Then you go back and mine for gems!
I listened to an artist named Anderson Paak on the way home from work who teetered on the fence between a singer and a rapper during one of his tracks. It was super cool and inspiring! This is going to be fun!
Week 3 Creation – Protest Song
I know what you’re thinking. This isn’t a protest song! But…it is. I’m protesting the unbreakable ties between time and money, and the inability to get out of the struggle when you really need to. I didn’t say it had to be political!
Right after setting this challenge for myself I began thinking about Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders and violence on the news and ISIS and all of those kinds of things, but then I asked myself, “What is the bigger problem that lies at the root of all of life’s woes?” From my experiences, it is the disconnection between our truest selves and what the world wants us to be, and what we usually become. The revolution that we need is a personal one. It all starts with our own choices. We must find a personal freedom that exists independently, before any other kind of freedom can be of any significant consequence. Many protestors that I have met have been amazingly inspiring people. But many more of them seem to be unhappy people that don’t get along well with others, and aren’t a light unto themselves either. They are often lost in a blame game. Their actions may still be admirable, but they are missing the most important fight there is – the fight for a personal freedom that doesn’t depend on any specific circumstance. When one is at peace within, he or she doesn’t seek validation from others, and therefore is able to think and act with true purpose and fearlessly build the life that is in line with his or her values. My song is about discovering that I’m not living the life that I want to live and having trouble breaking out of a box that I’ve worked really hard to build for myself. It’s a strong and powerful box! There’s a lot of great things about it. Many people would love to live in my box! But..it’s a box.
I’m getting to know more about Logic! The drum part is from one of the built in drummers on demand, and I gave it a swing rhythm to match the bluesy reggae vibe. I played the bass using one of the bass patches and a midi controller. For the guitar parts I went through a Scarlett 2 channel interface.
Harmony and Pitch Correction
I had fun harmonizing on this one but wanted to save it for the second verse to build a little bit.
Writing Lyrics with Freestyle Freewrite
As a music teacher, one of the activities I would do with students was the “Freestyle Freewrite”. This is where you put on a beat and write for 5 minutes without stopping yourself to judge. You just spew it out and then look back to see if there were any good nuggets or little seeds that you could massage into something good! The first few lines were born of this activity and then I used those as a starting point for the rest of it.
Week 3 Challenge – A Protest Song
March 10, 2016 GaryLeave a comment
The challenge this week is to create a protest song! This is great timing with the election season really heating up!
What is a protest song?
According to Wikipedia: A protest song is a song that is associated with a movement for social change and hence part of the broader category of topical songs (or songs connected to current events). It may be folk, classical, or commercial in genre.
I’m going to disagree here and say that it can be of any genre. I recently heard a protest song without words by Jazz artist Kendrick Scott about “The overwhelming racism that a lot of brown, black and especially African American’s go through at the hands of the Police Department.” It is entitled “Ku Klux Police Department.” Go to about 21 minutes to hear the introduction.
Week 2 Creation – Poem Put to Music
March 7, 2016 March 14, 2016 GaryLeave a comment
This week was a lot of fun! The challenge was to take a poem and put it to song. I went to poetryfoundation.org to try to find some lyrical poets with a strong rhythmic meter and I discovered Maya Angelou. The poem that spoke to me most was “Caged Bird.” In this week’s time I was only able to put half of it to song, but I’m looking forward to returning to this one day. Let me share with you what I came up with and then I’ll talk some more about it:
The story and imagery inspired me to work with some new sounds so I finally got around to messing with Logic Pro X! I bought a Midi Controller to try out some of the different synth sounds. I spent more time getting to know this program and learning how to create tracks than working on the song, but tonight I managed to put some of it together. I took a guitar solo at the end using some cool reverse effect in Logic to try to emulate a “Caged Bird”.
Recording Latency
The hard thing about home recording when multi-tracking is hearing a delay when you are listening to yourself. I don’t know how to get around this yet. I had to record my vocals with no monitor in my headphones and it was throwing me off. I couldn’t really hear the tone of my voice as a result – only the resonance in my head. I’m looking forward to researching how to deal with this during the week.
Word Painting
The opening lines describe a descending bird so I went with some descending chords in a D minor and a descending melody to follow it. Then I went back up at the end of the first stanza for the word “Sky”. This is called word painting. I listened to examples of this in classical music back in my college days and this is the first time I’m actually using it!
It’s undeniable that this idea is very David Bowie influenced. It was not intentional but I’ve been listening to his new album Darkstar and have been reflecting on his life and music since his passing.
Phrasing and Harmony
I wanted to have the chords serve the melody instead of the other way around, so I tried to make the last note or word of each melodic phrase suggest a chord change, and then I found the right chord after! This is kind of a new thing for me too. I usually come up with some cool chords and then write something over them.
The phrasing on this one really challenged my singing. I have terrible breath control. Since starting this blog I started taking singing lessons and I’ve been sharing my ideas with my teacher. He gave me some tips on breathing with my diaphragm and I got that down, but I’m having trouble breathing through my nose between phrases. I automatically prefer to use my mouth. I managed to make it work by slowing the tempo and taking out a couple of words like “the”. Sorry Miss Angelou!
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Retiring Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez Paid Wife Over $430,000 With Campaign Funds
Mike Vance December 7, 2017
Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez, who just announced he will not seek reelection after 24 years in the House, paid his wife over $430,000 with campaign funds.
Soraida Gutierrez, Luis’s wife, has been paid more than $430,000 by Gutierrez for Congress, Luis’s campaign committee. She has been collecting the money since 2010. In the current year she is the campaign’s top expenditure.
Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez
Per Washington Free Beacon:
Soraida, who was a registered lobbyist in Illinois prior to appearing on the campaign’s payroll, has been listed as the campaign’s office manager, fundraiser, and treasurer for the past seven years.
Gutierrez’s campaign committee has reported $77,838.69 in operating expenditures from the beginning of January to the end of September. Soraida has received seven checks for $6,000 each—or $42,000 total—during this time, meaning that she has collected more than half of his campaign’s disbursements.
The second largest expenditure from Gutierrez’s campaign this year is a $22,000 donation to the Puerto Rican Relief Fund, which is not included in the committee’s operating expenditures total, but is rather marked under other disbursements.
Gutierrez has said he is leaving Washington to focus on the rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico, although some have speculated that the abrupt retirement raises questions about his motives and that he has made a “grand inside play,” Politico reported.
Despite Soraida being paid generously for fundraising services from the campaign, the committee has raised only $2,812.86 in total individual contributions this year. Other campaign committees have added $17,000 in donations to Gutierrez.
This is not the first time Soraida has been the top recipient of cash from her husband’s campaign.
When Soraida first joined the campaign in 2010, she was paid $44,000 from its war chest. In 2012, Soraida’s payments rose to $93,000. In 2014, Soraida pulled in $110,000. In 2016, she collected $125,856. Soraida was the top recipient of cash from Gutierrez for Congress every election cycle since first appearing on its payroll seven years ago.
Gutierrez also paid his two daughters a combined $5,000 for a fundraising project and bookkeeping between 2004 and 2009.
Yet another example of the left using politics as a scheme to get rich. These people are supposed to be public servants. Instead they use campaign donations to improve their lifestyle and amass wealth.
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With this, appearing in Google’s local pack is now more important than ever. In 2014, Mediative conducted an eye-tracking research studying where users look on Google’s SERP. The study showed that users often focus their attention near the top of the page, on the local search results, and the first organic search result. In addition to this, several studies have concluded that organic search listings receive more than 90% of the clicks, with users favoring local search results the most.
When Googlebot crawls a page, it should see the page the same way an average user does15. For optimal rendering and indexing, always allow Googlebot access to the JavaScript, CSS, and image files used by your website. If your site's robots.txt file disallows crawling of these assets, it directly harms how well our algorithms render and index your content. This can result in suboptimal rankings.
Consumer ratings are extra annotations that promote business ratings based on various customer surveys. This extension is only found in Google and is automatically populated. Google pulls these ratings from trusted sources and specifies that businesses must have at least 30 unique reviews in order to show. Consumer rating extensions are determined only for certain businesses and industries based on Google’s discretion.
For example, suppose you're a law firm targeting the phrase "divorce attorney" with a broad match ad. Your ad should appear on the results page for the search query "divorce attorney," but it could also show up for the phrases "reasons for divorce," "dui attorney" or "dealing with divorce for children." In these cases, you may be wasting money on irrelevant searches.
Looking at the count of Impressions will provide you the total number of instances where keywords triggered ads to be shown on a search engine results page (SERP). When a search is performed in Google for the phrase “Hawaiian vacation with kids”, the following advertisers (1-3) each increased their impression count by one (+1) because of the search.
Let’s start with what Google says. In a nutshell, it considers links to be like votes. In addition, it considers that some votes are more important than others. PageRank is Google’s system of counting link votes and determining which pages are most important based on them. These scores are then used along with many other things to determine if a page will rank well in a search.
“PageRank is not a measure of popularity of the sites. If you were to look at sites that were popular, well, for example porn sites are very popular. But people tend not to link to porn sites. On the other hand, if you take something like the Wisconsin Real Estate Board, probably not a ton of people go there, but quite a few people do link to government websites.
Google's strategy works well. By focusing on the links going to and from a Web page, the search engine can organize results in a useful way. While there are a few tricks webmasters can use to improve Google standings, the best way to get a top spot is to consistently provide top quality content, which gives other people the incentive to link back to their pages.
Instead of relying on a group of editors or solely on the frequency with which certain terms appear, Google ranks every web page using a breakthrough technique called PageRank™. PageRank evaluates all of the sites linking to a web page and assigns them a value, based in part on the sites linking to them. By analyzing the full structure of the web, Google is able to determine which sites have been “voted” the best sources of information by those
And if you really want to know what are the most important, relevant pages to get links from, forget PageRank. Think search rank. Search for the words you’d like to rank for. See what pages come up tops in Google. Those are the most important and relevant pages you want to seek links from. That’s because Google is explicitly telling you that on the topic you searched for, these are the best.
PageRank is a link analysis algorithm and it assigns a numerical weighting to each element of a hyperlinked set of documents, such as the World Wide Web, with the purpose of "measuring" its relative importance within the set. The algorithm may be applied to any collection of entities with reciprocal quotations and references. The numerical weight that it assigns to any given element E is referred to as the PageRank of E and denoted by {\displaystyle PR(E).} Other factors like Author Rank can contribute to the importance of an entity.
Totally agree — more does not always equal better. Google takes a sort of ‘Birds of a Feather’ approach when analyzing inbound links, so it’s really all about associating yourself (via inbound links) with websites Google deems high quality and trustworthy so that Google deems YOUR web page high quality and trustworthy. As you mentioned, trying to cut corners, buy links, do one-for-one trades, or otherwise game/manipulate the system never works. The algorithm is too smart.
Using keywords on the Display Network is called contextual targeting. These keywords match your ads to websites with the same themes. For instance, the Display keyword “shoes” will match to any website that Google deems is related to shoes. These keywords aren’t used as literally as Search keywords, and they’re all considered broad match. Keywords in an ad group act more like a theme. Display keywords can be used alone, or you can layer them with any other targeting method to decrease scope and increase quality.
Advertisers pay for each single click they receive, with the actual amount paid based on the amount of bid. It is common practice amongst auction hosts to charge a winning bidder just slightly more (e.g. one penny) than the next highest bidder or the actual amount bid, whichever is lower.[8] This avoids situations where bidders are constantly adjusting their bids by very small amounts to see if they can still win the auction while paying just a little bit less per click.
Despite this many people seem to get it wrong! In particular “Chris Ridings of www.searchenginesystems.net” has written a paper entitled “PageRank Explained: Everything you’ve always wanted to know about PageRank”, pointed to by many people, that contains a fundamental mistake early on in the explanation! Unfortunately this means some of the recommendations in the paper are not quite accurate.
1. The big picture. Before you get started with individual tricks and tactics, take a step back and learn about the “big picture” of SEO. The goal of SEO is to optimize your site so that it ranks higher in searches relevant to your industry; there are many ways to do this, but almost everything boils down to improving your relevance and authority. Your relevance is a measure of how appropriate your content is for an incoming query (and can be tweaked with keyword selection and content creation), and your authority is a measure of how trustworthy Google views your site to be (which can be improved with inbound links, brand mentions, high-quality content, and solid UI metrics).
Think about the words that a user might search for to find a piece of your content. Users who know a lot about the topic might use different keywords in their search queries than someone who is new to the topic. For example, a long-time football fan might search for [fifa], an acronym for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, while a new fan might use a more general query like [football playoffs]. Anticipating these differences in search behavior and accounting for them while writing your content (using a good mix of keyword phrases) could produce positive results. Google Ads provides a handy Keyword Planner34 that helps you discover new keyword variations and see the approximate search volume for each keyword. Also, Google Search Console provides you with the top search queries your site appears for and the ones that led the most users to your site in the Performance Report35.
For the examples, we are going to ignore that fact, mainly because other ‘Pagerank Explained’ type documents ignore it in the calculations, and it might be confusing when comparing documents. The calculator operates in two modes:- Simple and Real. In Simple mode, the calculations assume that all pages are in the Google index, whether or not any other pages link to them. In Real mode the calculations disregard unlinked-to pages. These examples show the results as calculated in Simple mode. pagerank, page rank
The problem is overcome by repeating the calculations many times. Each time produces slightly more accurate values. In fact, total accuracy can never be achieved because the calculations are always based on inaccurate values. 40 to 50 iterations are sufficient to reach a point where any further iterations wouldn’t produce enough of a change to the values to matter. This is precisiely what Google does at each update, and it’s the reason why the updates take so long.
To understand the importance of digital marketing to the future of marketing in any business, it’s helpful to think about what audience interactions we need to understand and manage. Digital marketing today is about many more types of audience interaction than website or email... It involves managing and harnessing these ‘5Ds of Digital’ that I have defined in the introduction to the latest update to my Digital Marketing: Strategy, Planning and Implementation book. The 5Ds define the opportunities for consumers to interact with brands and for businesses to reach and learn from their audiences in different ways:
On October 17, 2002, SearchKing filed suit in the United States District Court, Western District of Oklahoma, against the search engine Google. SearchKing's claim was that Google's tactics to prevent spamdexing constituted a tortious interference with contractual relations. On May 27, 2003, the court granted Google's motion to dismiss the complaint because SearchKing "failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted."[67][68]
“I have formed an invaluable marketing partnership with Brick Marketing. Nick Stamoulis and the rest of the Brick Marketing team are professional, timely, thorough and take time to, not only succeed at the tasks, but also educate myself and my team on the strategies in the process. Since my first encounter working with Brick, I’ve changed organizations and have taken them along with me…they are that good! In my experience in working with many outside agencies who over-promise and under-communicate, I can truly state that Brick Marketing is levels above all others and vested in our relationship. They are not just an SEO consultant, but an integral part of my team. I highly recommend Brick Marketing for any company looking to significantly increase search engine competitiveness and internet presence.”
A more intelligent surfer that probabilistically hops from page to page depending on the content of the pages and query terms the surfer that it is looking for. This model is based on a query-dependent PageRank score of a page which as the name suggests is also a function of query. When given a multiple-term query, Q={q1,q2,…}, the surfer selects a q according to some probability distribution, P(q) and uses that term to guide its behavior for a large number of steps. It then selects another term according to the distribution to determine its behavior, and so on. The resulting distribution over visited web pages is QD-PageRank.[39]
Remarketing: A platform like Google AdWords often allows you the ability to create audiences of users who have already visited your website. You can create and target these audiences with tailored ads, including image and video ads. If you want to get users who have visited but haven’t bought from you to come back and make a purchase, remarketing can be a cost-effective tactic to increase bottom line. If you’re not running remarketing as part of your digital marketing and PPC, chances are you’re leaving money on the table.
Basically Google uses a complex mathematical formula called an algorithm to give a score to every website and every search people to do in Google to figure out which website should rank best for what people are looking for. Think of the algorithm like a collection of empty buckets. One bucket gives you a score for the quality of your site, one bucket gives you a score for how many sites link to you, one bucket gives you a score for how people trust you. Your job is to fill up more buckets in the algorithm than any other website. You can affect your search engine ranking by having the highest score in terms of quality of your site, of having the highest score in terms of authority of your website, of having the highest score in terms of the most trusted store for that search that people are looking for. The good thing is that there are hundreds of buckets, and for every single one of these buckets these scores put together in the algorithm to figure out where you rank is an opportunity for you to fill it up and rank better. So optimizing your site for search results really means getting the highest score in as many of these points as you can.
You can focus on your targets so you can write targeted ad copy and bid/budget appropriately. You can do this based on categories, URLs, page titles, or page content. For example, you could set a target for all URLs with “purple-shoes” in the string. That would allow you to know all searches and ads will be about purple shoes, so you could write ad copy and bid accordingly.
There is one thing wrong with this model. The new pages are orphans. They wouldn’t get into Google’s index, so they wouldn’t add any PageRank to the site and they wouldn’t pass any PageRank to page A. They each need to be linked to from at least one other page. If page A is the important page, the best page to put the links on is, surprisingly, page A [view]. You can play around with the links but, from page A’s point of view, there isn’t a better place for them.
Companies that employ overly aggressive techniques can get their client websites banned from the search results. In 2005, the Wall Street Journal reported on a company, Traffic Power, which allegedly used high-risk techniques and failed to disclose those risks to its clients.[15] Wired magazine reported that the same company sued blogger and SEO Aaron Wall for writing about the ban.[16] Google's Matt Cutts later confirmed that Google did in fact ban Traffic Power and some of its clients.[17]
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Academy Remembers AAPSS Fellow, Civil Rights Leader Roger Wilkins
Home / AAPSS / Academy Remembers AAPSS Fellow, Civil Rights Leader Roger Wilkins
In AAPSS, Fellows, News
© 1997, Khue Bui / The Washington Post
Academy Fellow Roger Wilkins, whose decades long career traversed public service and academia, passed away on March 26, 2017, at the age of 85.
Wilkins began his career in public service during the Kennedy administration as an assistant to the head of USAID. In that administration, he played a role in the development and passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He went on to be the
point-person on urban and racial issues in the Johnson administration and became the Assistant Attorney General at the age of 33, at which point he was one of the highest ranking African Americans in the executive branch.
Upon leaving public service in 1969, Wilkins joined the Ford Foundation, where he oversaw funding for job training and drug rehabilitation programs and education grants. Following the Ford Foundation, he joined the Washington Post in 1972, where, in 1973, he earned a Pulitzer Prize. In 1974 he left the Post to write for the New York Times, where he later became one of its first black editorial board members. Wilkins often wrote about the burdens of being a black man in a position of power and influence. In his 1982 biography, he wrote that while experiencing little personal interaction with racial injustice growing up, he “was a man living in a never-never land somewhere far beyond the constraints my grandparents had known but far short of true freedom. … I knew no black people – young or old, rich or poor – who didn’t feel injured by the experience of being black in America.”
Wilkins was born on March 25, 1932, in Kansas City, MO, to Earl and Helen Jackson Wilkins. His father was a journalist and his mother was the first black national president of the YWCA. After his father’s death in 1941, the family moved to Michigan, where Wilkins later went on to attend the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate education and law degree.
Wilkins is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia King, a law professor at Georgetown, as well as three children and two grandchildren.
Richard Clarke Addresses Terrorism in the Era of TrumpAAPSS, News
Alan Krueger Delivers 2017 Moynihan LectureAAPSS, News, Press Releases, Videos
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What the Senate healthcare bill would mean for Utahns
Posted: Jun 23, 2017 / 07:50 PM UTC / Updated: Jun 24, 2017 / 01:40 AM UTC
Salt Lake City, Utah- (ABC4 Utah) – The Senate healthcare plan is stirring up a heated debate.
Utah Senator Orrin Hatch is a staunch defender. He says something has to be done.
“For the past seven years, Obamacare’s high costs and burdensome mandates have had devastating effects on the American economy. Small businesses, and middle class families trying to find affordable, quality care,” said Hatch, (R) Utah.
Hatch says the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 contains some crucial wins for Utah.
Including more options and lower premiums, coverage for Utahns with preexisting conditions, allowing children to stay on a parents plan until the age of 26, special coverage for children with disabilities and more state flexibility.
“I’ve met with patient groups, disabilities groups, providers and healthcare experts to gain a better understanding of our state’s unique healthcare needs,” Hatch said.
Jason Stevenson with Utah Health Policy Project has a different view of the proposal.
“There’s a lot of changes that could be coming with this plan, it does a lot more than even the House plan did. One of the first things it does is it changes the subsidies to only go up to 350% of poverty, instead of 400% of poverty,” said Stevenson.
He says that will increase the monthly burden on 8,000 Utahns. In addition, he says those on the exchange can expect to see deductibles and co-pays go up, because the bill resets the benchmark plan from Silver to Bronze.
And he says a change to the age rating would mean increased premiums for older Utahns, especially those 55 and up.
He says the impact doesn’t stop there.
“The Senate bill includes a waiver, so that states can get rid of essential health benefits. Things like maternity care, prescription drug benefits, mental healthcare,” Stevenson said.
The Senate could vote on the bill as early as next week, but leadership has some work to do, because right now they don’t have the votes.
More Top Stories Stories
by Rosie Nguyen, Jason Nguyen / Jul 17, 2019
SPRINGVILLE (ABC4 News) - A campfire is to blame for the Round Peak Fire, currently burning at 267 acres as of Tuesday afternoon at 5% containment. The fire came as close as one-tenth of a mile to structures and homes, according to firefighters.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the wildfire started around 9:30 p.m. Monday night east of Springville on the Spanish Fork Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Fire crews attacked the Round Peak Fire from both sides on the north and the south to keep residents in the nearby community safe.
BC-US--Supreme Court-Stevens-Obit,3rd Ld-Writethru
Jul 16, 2019 7:48PM (GMT 01:48) - 1350 words
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What does the cost principle mean for a company's income statement?
If a company has buildings, equipment and inventory, the cost principle will mean that the amount of depreciation expense and the cost of goods sold expense will be based on the costs when the assets were acquired. If these assets have increased in value, the depreciation and cost of goods sold reported on the income statement will be less than the value of the economic capacity being used up. As a result, the reported net income will be greater than the economic reality.
To illustrate this point let's assume that the cost of a bank building was $10 million and was fully depreciated during its first 30 years of use. The cost principle requires the depreciation expense on the bank's income statement for year 31 (and each year thereafter) to be $0 even if the bank building's market value has doubled. Similarly, a manufacturer using equipment that is fully depreciated will have lower manufacturing overhead and lower cost of goods sold because the current year's depreciation for the equipment is $0.
Generally, the cost principle requires that only the verifiable, historical costs recorded at the time of transactions will appear as expenses on the income statement. Unfortunately those recorded costs may not measure the economic reality that is occurring in the period of the income statement.
What are the accounting principles, assumptions, and concepts?
What are accounting principles?
What is the conservatism principle?
What is GAAP?
What is the matching principle?
What are operating expenses?
Income Statement Accounting Principles Accounting Basics
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Home / Unlabelled / World Bank halts $200m loan to Myanmar
World Bank halts $200m loan to Myanmar
Asma11sep 2:34 PM
More than half a million Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since August 25 |Syed Zakir Hossain
The global lender says it is deeply concerned by the violence, destruction and forced displacement of the Rohingya
The World Bank has held back a $200 million development policy loan to Myanmar due to the persecution of Rohingya in the Rakhine state.
“We also assessed the conditions of our recently approved development policy loan and concluded that further progress is needed for the loan to be made effective,” the World Bank said in a statement.
As an institution dedicated to the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, social inclusion and economic opportunity for all, the global lender said they were deeply concerned by the violence, destruction and forced displacement of the Rohingya.
“In the context of the crisis we have reviewed our engagement in the country to strengthen our focus on high-impact projects that support education, health services, electricity, rural roads and inclusion of all ethnic groups and religions, particularly in Rakhine state,” reads the statement seen by UNB.
The global lending agency said it is coordinating closely with the UN and the wider international community.
“Together we are encouraging the government to take urgent steps to deescalate the situation and support a broad and inclusive humanitarian response, including paving the way for the return of refugees and internally displaced populations,” the statement said.
Earlier, Bangladesh asked the World Bank for support to cope with hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees.
“We have said we are ready to move with a programme of support for the government, host communities and refugees,” the World Bank said
The source of article : Dhaka Tribune
How is China fooling everyone?
سر القلعة الحصينة في العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة
Do you ask about Dr Aafia Siddiqui ??!
Despite of war...
مقترح الصفقة (أعقد صفقة مع الأويغور)
Deal Proposal (Deal With Uyghurs)
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“Hybrid (The Evolution Trilogy)” by Vanessa Wester
“Hybrid (The Evolution Trilogy)” by Vanessa Wester is a very original paranormal novel with great romance and a unique story line. It starts off as a regular University romance story between Steven Thorn and Caitlin. They meet at her first day at a UK university and fall for each other. By allowing alternating viewpoints we get to feel for the characters and see the pure nature of their feelings for each other. Wester establishes also a few important side characters and gives enough time to the romance part before changing course and embarking on the paranormal part of the story. The latter is indeed quite unique and makes this book a welcome addition to the often predictable or repetitive helpings in the genre.
By openig the book with a mysterious prologue the author has already prepared us readers for some twists and the solid plot does not let us down.
Vanessa Wester
twitter username vanessa_wester
The Book on your Amazon site
Vanessa Wester is bilingual in English and Spanish, since she was born and raised in Gibraltar. She first moved to England to further her education and obtained a degree in Accounting and Law from the University of Southampton, in England, United Kingdom. Initially, she embarked on a career in Chartered Accountancy. After a couple of years it became obvious she was not cut out to work in an office.
A change in vocation led her to become a Secondary School Teacher of Mathematics, which she loved. For many years, she has been a stay at home mum and gives up a lot of her time towards voluntary organisations. She still teaches maths as a private tutor and has many hobbies which include swimming, walking, reading, singing and acting. She is also a qualified A.S.A. Swimming Teacher and volunteers on weekends at her local swimming club.
Writing is her passion. The day she decided to start writing was the day she found an outlet for her imagination. It is the best way she can think of to express herself and escape from everyday life.
She now lives on the Isle of Wight. Another island. It’s a small world.
Steven Thorn has no trouble settling in at University. Having grown up at boarding school, he is used to living away from home. He’s smart, so studying comes naturally. When it comes to making new friends, he’s cautious. Usually, he receives too much unwanted attention.
Caitlin Chance catches him off guard. She’s the first girl he has ever felt an instant attraction towards and the more he gets to know, the more he likes. However, the romance is cut short when Caitlin leaves University after a suspicious suicide.
Now Steven is alone, Ingrid gets her chance and it doesn’t take long for her to discover that Steven is a HYBRID. The wheels are set in motion for his radical upheaval. Now they know he exists, they will come to get him..
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©Facebook / EgyArmySpox
Unlawful Killings
Egypt: Video of extrajudicial executions offers glimpse of hidden abuses by military in North Sinai
21 April 2017, 19:15 UTC
Information gathered by Amnesty International confirms that members of Egyptian military are responsible for at least seven unlawful killings, including shooting dead at point blank range an unarmed man and a 17-year-old child.
The organization’s experts analysed leaked video footage of the killings and compared it with photographs and a Youtube video published by the Egyptian military, as well as interviewing Sinai-based sources and experts. The footage shows a member of the Egyptian military shooting the child dead alongside another man in military uniform, whose accent indicates that he is a Sinai local. The bodies of five other men who appear to have been killed earlier also appear in the video.
These killings amount to extrajudicial executions, crimes which Egypt has an obligation under international law to investigate, prosecute and punish
Najia Bounaim, Deputy Director for Campaigns at Amnesty International's Tunis regional office
“The ease with which the members of the Egyptian military forces participated in the killing of defenceless men in cold blood shows that they fear no oversight or accountability for their actions. These killings amount to extrajudicial executions, crimes which Egypt has an obligation under international law to investigate, prosecute and punish. They fit into a disturbing pattern of apparent such killings in North Sinai,” said Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International’s Campaigns director for North Africa.
In January, Amnesty International highlighted the extrajudicial execution of six men by members of the security forces in North Sinai. The men had been in state custody for one to three months at the time of their killing.
The leaked video broadcast on the Islamist-leaning TV station Mekameleen also shows members of the Egyptian military holding at least two unarmed men in US Humvee armoured vehicles before they were shot dead. The USA is Egypt’s main supplier of military equipment. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the USA has delivered over 1,000 Armoured Personnel Vehicles to Egypt since 2003, including 100 Humvees (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles).
“States including the USA have been transferring arms used by the military in North Sinai without ensuring any oversight or monitoring of the extent to which they may being used to commit or to facilitate the commission of serious human rights violations. All such transfers must be halted,” said Najia Bounaim.
States including the USA have been transferring arms used by the military in North Sinai without ensuring any oversigh
Amnesty International has confirmed that a Facebook statement by Egypt’s military spokesperson in December 2016 and YouTube video by the Ministry of Defence on 5 November 2016 showed images of at least two of the victims who are seen being killed in the leaked video. The spokesman said these were “terrorists” killed by the military during counter-terror operations in North Sinai. The leaked video however, shows that at least two of the men killed were unarmed at the time and analysis of the footage indicates that the arms were later planted by the military next to their bodies to make it appear as if they were fighters killed after an exchange of fire.
In analysing the video, Amnesty International experts also confirmed that this incident took place before 5 November 2016 given the video posted by the Ministry of Defence was posted on that date.
According to Sinai-based sources, this video was shot in a desert area that lies between south Sheikh Zowaid and Rafah in North Sinai. Online local news outlet Sinai 24 reported that two of the victims are brothers, named Abd el-Hady Sabry, aged 16 and Dawood Sabry aged 19. They both belong to a tribe called al-Awabda from Rafah town on the Egypt-Israel border. This is consistent with the video, which shows that prior to being shot dead the teenager said that he belonged to the al-Awabda tribe and was from Rafah.
The video clearly shows the man in uniform with a Sinai accent, believed to be a local bedouin recruit operating under military control, shooting an unarmed man with five bullets to the head. Over the past couple of years the military in Sinai has increasingly relied on some local Sinai families to assist them in intelligence gathering. An August 2016 Mada Masr article cites interviews with Sinai recruits who acted as auxiliaries to assist the military in conducting operations in areas where the military could otherwise not enter. Sinai observer, Mohannad Sabry, said that this had created much friction between Sinai tribes related to revenge and retaliation given these non-military armed members acted outside of the law on many occasions against Sinai residents.
“Whether or not he is a full member of the Egyptian military, this man was acting under military command and control. The Egyptian military is responsible for these cold blooded killings,” said Najia Bounaim.
“It is crucial that those responsible for these appalling killings do not go unpunished. A failure to prosecute and punish those responsible will further fuel the pervasive impunity for crimes committed by security forces and give a green light for an escalation of violations.”
Additional information: Analysis of photographic and video evidence
Analysis of a leaked video do not appear to show any signs of manipulation or staging. Photos published by the Army spokesperson on December 6 , 2016, show two bodies that are also visible in the leaked video.
The same bodies appear in a video released by the Ministry of Defense on November 5, 2016, the incident thus had to happened before that date.
There are several serious concerns that should be raised: Most importantly, a corpse of a person who was filmed being executed while in custody of armed forces appears to displays the same body posture (face up, right knee at an angle, right hand on crotch) and clothes (blue jeans, dark sweater) as a cropse visible in a video released by the ministry of Defense on November 5, 2016. In the video released by the MoD, a rifle is visible next to the body, which was not present when the person was executed.
Corpse after exection visbile in a leaked video at 3:05
Corpse displaying same body posture and clothes then the person being exectued while in custody of armed forces. Rifle is seen next to body, which was absent at the moment person was executed. Screenshot taken from MoD video at 1:44min.
A further question raises the following scence, where again a rifle was probably placed next to a corpse.
Photopraph published by army spokesperson on Facebook
2:37min in a leaked video published on April 20. Rifle visible in the photo released by the Army spokesperson appears to be missing
Finally, the first person being seen executed in the April 20 video is unarmed at the moment of the execution. 30 seconds later in the video, a rifle is being seen as nicely being placed on his body.
TUNISIA: WHERE RUNNING FROM POLICE CAN BE DEADLY
Philippines: UN resolution builds pressure on architects of deadly “war on drugs”
Egypt: Draft new NGO law retains repressive essence of old one
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BIOGRAPHY OF MRS THERESA MGBOYIBO CHUKWUMA NEE IFEABUNIKE,(1938-2019)
BIOGRAPHY OF MRS THERESA MGBOYIBO CHUKWUMA NEE IFEABUNIKE,
A loving and caring mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunty, mother in-law like no other, a mother to so many people, an astute Christian, a highly respected retiree teacher and a mentor.
Mrs. Theresa Mgboyibo Chukwuma (nee Ifeabunike) was born to late Mr. Edward and late Mrs. Alice Ifeabunike on 24th December 1938 at Okitipupa in the former Southwest region of Nigeria, where her father worked with the Prison Services and her mother, a trader.
She was the second born of six siblings. She was happily married to her beloved late Ben Chukwuma of blessed memory with whom she had seven children.
She was an intelligent, driven and hardworking young girl, who despite the loss of her father at a very young age of 12, persisted in her pursuit for attaining quality education.
Her quest for knowledge led her through St Charles Teachers’ Training College (TTC) Onitsha and eventually to the Anambra State University of Technology where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Education.
She retired from the
Anambra State Education Service in the year 2000.
Mrs. Chukwuma was an accomplished Educationist who believed that “Any Child was capable of learning”. During her active years as a teacher, she was reputed and highly sought after by parents for her pragmatic approach to inspiring school children to learn. No child was left out under Mrs. Chukwuma’s watch in the classroom.
Even after retirement from public service, she continued to inspire people to keep learning and never give up.
Today, there are countless accomplished Nigerians who attest to the great influential role she played in their lives as a teacher, a mentor, and a counselor.
She was a very active member of the Catholic faith and belonged to various Christian groups where her impact was greatly felt.
Mama-de-Mama, as she was so fondly called by many spent the rest of her years after retirement bonding with family. Her influential role in the Catholic community earned her the title of “NNEOMA”.
To her kindred, she was a wise adjudicator. To her immediate family, she was the undisputed mother, prayer warrior, and mentor.
She will be remembered for her numerous wise counsels, her dedication and a keen interest in the well-being of the family, friends of the family, in-laws, and her community. She was a woman of influence, strength, vision, and character.
She believed in the strength of family in unity. The many lessons of life and challenges gleaned from her past experiences continued to inspire her strong faith in God.
Her faith in God’s supernatural healing power influenced the resilience of her friends and family witnessed in her final years as she fought like a warrior to beat an illness. In the words of her doctor, he described mama as “a very strong woman”
On 24th May 2019, Mrs. Chukwuma went to be with the lord. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by seven Children, fourteen Grandchildren, in-laws, and numerous relatives. Mama-de-Mama
~ Forever in our hearts ~
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DY8 1DE
Freehold Retail, Workshop, Advertising Hoarding and Taxi Investment
Comprises two shops, seven studio workshops, taxi rank, advertising hoarding and garage
52/53 let to Mary Stevens Hospice Trading Limited (2019 option not exercised)
Asset management opportunity
VAT-free investment
On Behalf of an Oxford College
12 miles west of Birmingham city centre
9 miles south of Wolverhampton
A491, M5, M42
Stourbridge Junction
Birmingham International Airport
Stourbridge forms part of the West Midlands conurbation, located 12 miles west of Birmingham city centre, 9 miles south of Wolverhampton and 5 miles south-west of Dudley. The town is located on the A458 which provides access to Birmingham and the M5, 7 miles to the east. The property is situated in the town centre on the eastern side of High Street, close to its junction with Coventry Street. The property has frontage to St John's Road.
The property comprises two ground floor retail units with seven studio workshops to the rear. No. 52/53 High Street benefits from a first floor which oversails 54 High Street. The land at the rear comprises a taxi rank, advertising hoarding and a garage.
VAT is not applicable to this lot.
Available from the legal pack at acuitus.co.uk
Review/
(Reversion)
MARY STEVENS
HOSPICE TRADING
LIMITED (1) 6 years from
29/09/2016 (2) £32,500 29/09/2019
Ground Retail
CLOTHING 4 LIMITED
t/a School Shop (3) 6 years from
9/06/2017 (4) £12,000 2020
Ground Workshop
Studios 1-7
INDIVIDUALS Various Licences £7,800
Second Workshop
Ground Taxi Rank
t/a Falcon Taxis (5) 6 years from
25/12/2012 £9,000 Holding Over
PRIMESIGHT £800
Ground Garage
LIMITED Informal Licence £1,000
Total Commercial Area
1,410 sq m
(1) Operates from 20 shops in the West Midlands. Mary Stevens Hospice has been providing high quality care for people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses since 1991 (Source: www.marystevenshospice.co.uk).
(2) Tenant's option to determine in September 2019 not operated.
(3) Operates from 5 shops in West Midlands (Source: www.clothing4schools.com).
(4) Tenant's option to determine in 2020.
(5) www.falconstourbridge.co.uk.
Peter Mayo +44 (0)20 7034 4864 +44 (0)7833 459318Peter.mayo@acuitus.co.uk
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Judo Studios
Adam & Jenny
Hello! We are Adam Blotner & Jenny Pinzari, a married comedy duo. We met in college, and have been creating and performing comedy and music together ever since. Our videos have amassed over 14 million views, and our work has been featured by Huffington Post, Funny or Die, CAFE, Medium, Variety, and Broadway World. We developed our musical comedy act Pop Filter in 2010, and have appeared at The Groundlings Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, FringeNYC, LA Comedy Festival, NY Comedy Week, and comedy clubs across the country. Our debut Positive Feedback EP was recorded at Happy Madison Studios by Grammy-nominated producer/engineer John Potoker (Phil Collins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt).
TWIT - The Week In Trump
With Adam & Jenny hired as its primary content creators, this Facebook destination for political satire grew from 20K to over 200K followers. To keep up with a rapidly changing news cycle, many videos were delivered in less than 24 hours. Their TWIT videos have amassed over 14 million views and have been featured by Variety and Huffington Post.
A musical comedy act created by and starring Adam and Jenny. It's the most famous bands you've never heard of! Adam & Jenny transform into the lead singers of ten fictional bands, satirizing pop music with original songs and characters. Originating at the Groundlings Theatre, Pop Filter has performed in clubs and theaters in NY and LA, as well as having a series at 54 Below, a show in the New York International Fringe Festival, and most recently a month long run at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival. Their EP "Positive Feedback" was recorded at Happy Madison Studios.
A sampling of some of the other work by Adam and Jenny, including sketch comedy, satire, and musical comedy.
We are currently working on projects including a web series and a comedy album. We are available to hire for independent writing, live performance, or digital content (including commercial) production. Click the "CONTACT" above to reach us, and "JUDO STUDIOS" to find out more about our in-house production studio. We are seeking representation.
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Home News Charity Inter Anglian Cup 2015 +
Inter-Anglian Cup Raises £260 for Sport Relief
Anglian Home Improvements have held their second Inter-Anglian Cup, this year with four teams of Anglian employees taking part. The Inter-Anglian Cup saw 4 teams made up of employees in the Norwich area, forming teams with their departmental colleagues to raise money for Sport Relief.
This was no ordinary tournament though as the staff got to play at Colney, Norwich City’s training ground, in a full 90 minute match in the semi-finals, before going on to play the final and 3rd place final in a 50 minute match at Carrow Road.
The first semi-final saw the team made up of mostly Factory workers take on the Transport department. It was an entertaining game of football and saw some very good goals scored, with the Factory team coming out on top, winning 14-4.
The second semi-final was the Marketing/Call Centre team against the Finance/Procurement team. It was a close game and saw slick passing from both teams along with some incredible long range goals. The final score was Marketing/Call Centre 8-3 Finance and Procurement.
This set up the 3rd place final between Transport and Finance/Procurement, and the final between Marketing/Call Centre against the Factory team on the big stage that is Carrow Road.
The 3rd place final was played first and it was a tight game with really good build up play from both teams, but a couple of mistakes lead to goals for the Transport team. They managed to earn themselves a 4-1 win and finished 3rd.
The final was another close game with some superb goals scored, fantastic goalkeeping and both teams competing in great spirit. At full time neither team had managed to break the deadlock and it ended a 2-2 draw sending the game to sudden death penalties.
It was a high pressure situation at the Barclay End, but it was the Marketing/Call Centre team who were crowned champions in an exciting penalty shoot-out.
Thanks to everyone who got involved, it’s a great amount of money raised for Sport Relief and look forward to next year’s Inter-Anglian Cup.
To see all of the pictures from all four games, go to our Facebook page.
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Broker Tries to Sell Material from 'Cloth Covering the Holy Kaaba' for $2 Million
Published March 19th, 2018 - 09:27 GMT
Pilgrims walk counterclockwise around Islam's holiest shrine, the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia (AFP/File Photo)
A broker is asking for SR 8 million ($2,133,200) to sell a piece of cloth he claims comes from the Kiswah—the embroidered black and gold cloth covering the Kaaba.
The broker did not say who was selling the piece of cloth, but added that it was old and belonged to Al Sheebi, the family looking after the Kaaba since pre-Islam times.
He insisted that the rare item was authentic and that he had an official licence from the Emirate of Makkah Province to sell it.
However, Abdul Malik Al Sheebi, a senior caretaker of the Kaaba, denied the claim and said that his family did not own a piece of the Kiswah, the silk and cotton cloth, Saudi daily Makkah reported on Sunday.
“Many people claim they have an authentic piece of the Kiswah and use my family’s name to gain the trust and confidence of those willing to buy it,” he said. “However, the pieces they put out for sale are often imitations made in India or Egypt. The original Kiswah belongs to the state and is preserved in special stores.”
Sultan Al Dossari, a spokesperson for the Emirate of Makkah, said they did not grant licences or permits to sell any part of the Kiswah.
The daily said that the ad posted by the broker was deleted after reporters contacted him.
Mohammad Bajuda, the manager of the Kiswah factory in Makkah, said their task was to produce the new cloth draping the Kaaba and that they hand over the old Kiswah to the competent committee for safeguarding.
“Unfortunately, there is a surge in the number of ads offering pieces of cloth that are imitations of the Kiswah,” he said.
Imitations of the Kiswah could be found mainly in Egypt, Turkey, Britain and France, the daily added.
According to Bajuda, 210 people worked in the factory for eight months to produce the Kiswah annually.
Before the factory was opened in 1927, the Kiswah was made in Egypt and materials were bought from Sudan, India, Egypt and Iraq.
Today the 658-square-meter covering is made of 670 kg of high-quality silk imported from Italy and Switzerland and 120 kg of pure gold and silver.
The role of Al Sheebi family in looking after the Kaaba was confirmed by Prophet Mohammad, Peace Be Upon Him, who left the key to the Kaaba with the family and stressed that no-one had the right to take it away from them.
According to the family rules, the eldest member is in charge of keeping and safeguarding the key.
The Kaaba is locate din the Grand Mosque of Makkah—the holiest site in Islam.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
Tags:Makkah ProvinceAl SheebiAbdul Malik Al SheebiMohammad BajudaSultan Al Dossari
© Al Nisr Publishing LLC 2019. All rights reserved.
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Alert1 Aids Family During SuperStorm Sandy
Alert1 Medical Alert Systems provided assistance to many families during SuperStorm Sandy. In addition to helping people who needed to simply contact family or get local assistance, Alert1 was a lifeline for one family in particular, caught in the New Jersey flood waters.
Williamsport, PA (PRWEB) November 06, 2012
Alert1, a leading national provider of medical alert systems, provided comfort and assistance to many families during SuperStorm Sandy. In addition to helping people who needed to contact family or get local assistance, Alert1 was a lifeline for one family in particular, caught in the flood waters.
The Alert1 monitoring center knew SuperStorm Sandy would create a higher call volume than usual, but they never anticipated the importance of their role during the storm. The daughter of an Alert1 subscriber, Jackie Digangi, was calling from New Jersey that evening as the storm hit. “It was like a tidal wave, like a tsunami hit the house. We have a chain link fence and it literally bent it up. We were starting to flood. I started calling the police department, but they had their own problems and they weren’t answering the phone. I called 911 and no one answered there either. My mother, in a desperate attempt, pressed her life alert® and the operator that came on was just wonderful.”
The responder, Marissa, knew exactly what to do. “I answered the call and I could tell Jackie and her mother were very scared. Jackie said her mother’s house was flooding and they were trapped. In the mass confusion brought on by the storm, they were unable to get a hold of emergency help. That’s when her mother pushed the Alert1 button and they were connected to me.”
Marissa’s presence was what Jackie and her mother, Dolores, needed to make it through the storm. “She just kept talking to us through the box and she kept in contact with us. She let us know that she had our information and she was going to try very hard to pass it along. She put us on hold several times trying to reach emergency services. Every time she tried, she’d get back and she’d tell us ‘I tried. I tried and nothing. I will try again. I hope you are alright.’”
Through all of this, Marissa remained on the line comforting the women as the water rose. “I tried repeatedly to contact emergency services for Jackie and Dolores, but nobody was responding. I knew in that moment my only priority was to be their support system when they didn’t have anyone else. I wanted them to know that someone could hear them and cared about their safety.” Marissa was able to stay on the line for about two hours until flood waters went over the unit and cut off communications. At that point Jackie assisted Dolores to the safety of the second story where they waited until rescuers arrived.
Alert1 operators are trained to be a calm, reassuring presence in the event of a natural disaster such as this. “Marissa was wonderful to us. She really was. She was comforting. Just hearing another voice and she kept trying. We greatly appreciate what she did.”
“Alert1 is committed to providing our customers with confidence that they can get help quickly, in any emergency,” said Ritch Haselden, VP of Sales for Alert1. It’s extremely gratifying to provide our service to thousands around the nation and hear how our service truly makes a difference. Thanks to Marissa, Alert1 was able to play a small part in providing relief during this very stressful time.”
About Alert1
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Alert1 is committed to helping seniors live safely and independently in their own homes by providing affordable and reliable medical alert systems. The Alert1 service provides emergency response to seniors at the push of a button – 24 hours a day. Alert1 is a national provider of medical alarms and offers several different pricing plans to best serve the needs of its customers. Alert1 is a trusted partner to healthcare professionals and provides a dedicated support team for senior caregivers.
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Vinyl Log Siding in North Dakota
Home » North Dakota
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Vinyl Log Siding are available in North Dakota.
North Dakota, USA
Cities in North Dakota
Abercrombie, ND
Absaraka, ND
Adams, ND
Agate, ND
Alamo, ND
Alexander, ND
Almont, ND
Alsen, ND
Ambrose, ND
Amenia, ND
Amidon, ND
Anamoose, ND
Aneta, ND
Antler, ND
Ardoch, ND
Argusville, ND
Arnegard, ND
Arthur, ND
Arvilla, ND
Ashley, ND
Ayr, ND
Baldwin, ND
Balfour, ND
Balta, ND
Bantry, ND
Barney, ND
Bathgate, ND
Beach, ND
Belcourt, ND
Belfield, ND
Benedict, ND
Berlin, ND
Berthold, ND
Beulah, ND
Binford, ND
Bisbee, ND
Blanchard, ND
Bottineau, ND
Bowbells, ND
Bowdon, ND
Bowman, ND
Braddock, ND
Bremen, ND
Brinsmade, ND
Brocket, ND
Buchanan, ND
Buffalo, ND
Burlington, ND
Butte, ND
Buxton, ND
Caledonia, ND
Calvin, ND
Cando, ND
Cannon Ball, ND
Carpio, ND
Carrington, ND
Carson, ND
Cartwright, ND
Casselton, ND
Cathay, ND
Cavalier, ND
Cayuga, ND
Center, ND
Chaffee, ND
Chaseley, ND
Christine, ND
Churchs Ferry, ND
Cleveland, ND
Clifford, ND
Cogswell, ND
Coleharbor, ND
Colfax, ND
Columbus, ND
Cooperstown, ND
Courtenay, ND
Crary, ND
Crosby, ND
Crystal, ND
Cummings, ND
Dahlen, ND
Davenport, ND
Dawson, ND
Dazey, ND
Deering, ND
Denhoff, ND
Des Lacs, ND
Devils Lake, ND
Dickey, ND
Dickinson, ND
Dodge, ND
Donnybrook, ND
Douglas, ND
Drake, ND
Drayton, ND
Driscoll, ND
Dunn Center, ND
Dunseith, ND
Eckelson, ND
Edgeley, ND
Edinburg, ND
Edmore, ND
Egeland, ND
Elgin, ND
Ellendale, ND
Emerado, ND
Enderlin, ND
Epping, ND
Erie, ND
Esmond, ND
Fairdale, ND
Fairfield, ND
Fairmount, ND
Fessenden, ND
Fingal, ND
Finley, ND
Flasher, ND
Flaxton, ND
Forbes, ND
Fordville, ND
Forest River, ND
Forman, ND
Fort Ransom, ND
Fort Totten, ND
Fort Yates, ND
Fortuna, ND
Fredonia, ND
Fullerton, ND
Gackle, ND
Galesburg, ND
Gardner, ND
Garrison, ND
Gilby, ND
Gladstone, ND
Glasston, ND
Glen Ullin, ND
Glenburn, ND
Glenfield, ND
Golden Valley, ND
Golva, ND
Goodrich, ND
Grace City, ND
Grafton, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Grand Forks Afb, ND
Grandin, ND
Granville, ND
Grassy Butte, ND
Great Bend, ND
Grenora, ND
Gwinner, ND
Hague, ND
Halliday, ND
Hamberg, ND
Hamilton, ND
Hampden, ND
Hankinson, ND
Hannaford, ND
Hannah, ND
Hansboro, ND
Harvey, ND
Harwood, ND
Hatton, ND
Havana, ND
Hazelton, ND
Hazen, ND
Hebron, ND
Hensel, ND
Hettinger, ND
Hillsboro, ND
Hoople, ND
Hope, ND
Horace, ND
Hunter, ND
Hurdsfield, ND
Inkster, ND
Jessie, ND
Jud, ND
Karlsruhe, ND
Kathryn, ND
Keene, ND
Kenmare, ND
Kensal, ND
Kief, ND
Killdeer, ND
Kindred, ND
Kintyre, ND
Knox, ND
Kramer, ND
Kulm, ND
Lakota, ND
Lamoure, ND
Langdon, ND
Lankin, ND
Lansford, ND
Larimore, ND
Lawton, ND
Leeds, ND
Lefor, ND
Lehr, ND
Leonard, ND
Lidgerwood, ND
Lignite, ND
Linton, ND
Lisbon, ND
Litchville, ND
Luverne, ND
Maddock, ND
Maida, ND
Makoti, ND
Mandaree, ND
Manning, ND
Mantador, ND
Manvel, ND
Mapleton, ND
Marion, ND
Marmarth, ND
Marshall, ND
Martin, ND
Max, ND
Maxbass, ND
Mayville, ND
Mcclusky, ND
Mcgregor, ND
Mchenry, ND
Mckenzie, ND
Mcleod, ND
Mcville, ND
Medina, ND
Medora, ND
Mekinock, ND
Menoken, ND
Mercer, ND
Michigan, ND
Milnor, ND
Milton, ND
Minnewaukan, ND
Minot Afb, ND
Minto, ND
Moffit, ND
Mohall, ND
Montpelier, ND
Mooreton, ND
Mott, ND
Mountain, ND
Munich, ND
Mylo, ND
Napoleon, ND
Neche, ND
Nekoma, ND
New England, ND
New Leipzig, ND
New Rockford, ND
New Salem, ND
New Town, ND
Newburg, ND
Niagara, ND
Nome, ND
Noonan, ND
Northwood, ND
Norwich, ND
Oakes, ND
Oberon, ND
Oriska, ND
Orrin, ND
Osnabrock, ND
Page, ND
Palermo, ND
Park River, ND
Parshall, ND
Pekin, ND
Pembina, ND
Penn, ND
Perth, ND
Petersburg, ND
Pettibone, ND
Pillsbury, ND
Pingree, ND
Pisek, ND
Plaza, ND
Portal, ND
Portland, ND
Powers Lake, ND
Raleigh, ND
Ray, ND
Reeder, ND
Regan, ND
Regent, ND
Reynolds, ND
Rhame, ND
Richardton, ND
Riverdale, ND
Robinson, ND
Rocklake, ND
Rogers, ND
Rolette, ND
Rolla, ND
Roseglen, ND
Ross, ND
Rugby, ND
Ruso, ND
Rutland, ND
Ryder, ND
Saint Anthony, ND
Saint John, ND
Saint Michael, ND
Saint Thomas, ND
Sanborn, ND
Sarles, ND
Sawyer, ND
Scranton, ND
Selfridge, ND
Sentinel Butte, ND
Sharon, ND
Sheldon, ND
Sherwood, ND
Sheyenne, ND
Shields, ND
Solen, ND
Souris, ND
South Heart, ND
Spiritwood, ND
Stanley, ND
Stanton, ND
Starkweather, ND
Steele, ND
Sterling, ND
Stirum, ND
Strasburg, ND
Streeter, ND
Surrey, ND
Sutton, ND
Sykeston, ND
Tappen, ND
Taylor, ND
Thompson, ND
Tioga, ND
Tokio, ND
Tolley, ND
Tolna, ND
Tower City, ND
Towner, ND
Trenton, ND
Turtle Lake, ND
Tuttle, ND
Underwood, ND
Upham, ND
Valley City, ND
Velva, ND
Venturia, ND
Verona, ND
Voltaire, ND
Walcott, ND
Wales, ND
Walhalla, ND
Warwick, ND
Washburn, ND
Webster, ND
West Fargo, ND
Westhope, ND
Wheatland, ND
White Earth, ND
Wildrose, ND
Willow City, ND
Wilton, ND
Wimbledon, ND
Wing, ND
Wishek, ND
Wolford, ND
Woodworth, ND
Wyndmere, ND
York, ND
Ypsilanti, ND
Zahl, ND
Zap, ND
Counties in North Dakota
Adams County, ND
Barnes County, ND
Benson County, ND
Billings County, ND
Bottineau County, ND
Bowman County, ND
Burke County, ND
Burleigh County, ND
Cass County, ND
Cavalier County, ND
Dickey County, ND
Divide County, ND
Dunn County, ND
Eddy County, ND
Emmons County, ND
Foster County, ND
Golden Valley County, ND
Grand Forks County, ND
Grant County, ND
Griggs County, ND
Hettinger County, ND
Kidder County, ND
LaMoure County, ND
Logan County, ND
McHenry County, ND
McIntosh County, ND
McKenzie County, ND
McLean County, ND
Mercer County, ND
Morton County, ND
Mountrail County, ND
Nelson County, ND
Oliver County, ND
Pembina County, ND
Pierce County, ND
Ramsey County, ND
Ransom County, ND
Renville County, ND
Richland County, ND
Rolette County, ND
Sargent County, ND
Sheridan County, ND
Sioux County, ND
Slope County, ND
Stark County, ND
Steele County, ND
Stutsman County, ND
Towner County, ND
Traill County, ND
Walsh County, ND
Ward County, ND
Wells County, ND
Williams County, ND
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Zip Codes Near North Dakota
58104, 58438, 58497, 58274, 58705, 58251, 58843, 58507, 58472, 58571, 58384, 58109, 58103, 58553, 58048, 58356, 58424, 58009, 58763, 58405, 58641, 58439, 58844, 58007, 58642, 58318, 58734, 58772, 58343, 58746, 58458, 58445, 58265, 58015, 58535, 58440, 58744, 58329, 58045, 58722, 58558, 58573, 58769, 58335, 58413, 58365, 58428, 58532, 58639, 58781, 58630, 58238, 58068, 58018, 58081, 58704, 58059, 58258, 58770, 58108, 58778, 58631, 58357, 58212, 58254, 58653, 58716, 58464, 58030, 58222, 58505, 58785, 58771, 58033, 58718, 58569, 58106, 58723, 58566, 58035, 58454, 58502, 58042, 58053, 58755, 58273, 58432, 58249, 58773, 58634, 58650, 58776, 58317, 58579, 58240, 58256, 58549, 58348, 58576, 58016, 58236, 58316, 58078, 58625, 58831, 58528, 58377, 58008, 58833, 58107, 58544, 58109, 58216, 58505, 58503, 58733, 58224, 58346, 58580, 58545, 58451, 58645, 58654, 58783, 58463, 58830, 58244, 58013, 58067, 58351, 58792, 58266, 58061, 58560, 58204, 58762, 58325, 58369, 58123, 58208, 58731, 58046, 58355, 58503, 58552, 58208, 58577, 58443, 58352, 58760, 58570, 58012, 58713, 58277, 58561, 58072, 58310, 58756, 58386, 58524, 58761, 58504, 58636, 58105, 58105, 58017, 58214, 58275, 58206, 58074, 58702, 58853, 58802, 58210, 58562, 58368, 58787, 58243, 58452, 58257, 58757, 58801, 58542, 58541, 58239, 58623, 58496, 58338, 58125, 58727, 58474, 58425, 58204, 58276, 58311, 58750, 58107, 58038, 58768, 58554, 58281, 58060, 58568, 58559, 58324, 58405, 58794, 58054, 58207, 58123, 58071, 58367, 58368, 58707, 58213, 58218, 58779, 58795, 58423, 58108, 58040, 58703, 58106, 58237, 58005, 58627, 58538, 58740, 58077, 58006, 58646, 58448, 58479, 58363, 58649, 58655, 58036, 58079, 58260, 58521, 58725, 58201, 58704, 58444, 58426, 58049, 58721, 58121, 58540, 58122, 58361, 58382, 58788, 58051, 58002, 58626, 58456, 58455, 58572, 58401, 58057, 58752, 58228, 58341, 58703, 58422, 58430, 58014, 58124, 58758, 58442, 58203, 58482, 58703, 58710, 58027, 58638, 58052, 58847, 58475, 58122, 58046, 58267, 58476, 58506, 58429, 58255, 58575, 58103, 58484, 58478, 58380, 58062, 58602, 58031, 58205, 58565, 58529, 58261, 58065, 58480, 58494, 58241, 58789, 58227, 58849, 58320, 58460, 58854, 58235, 58332, 58835, 58058, 58523, 58074, 58319, 58466, 58381, 58317, 58711, 58640, 58228, 58029, 58337, 58531, 58313, 58032, 58270, 58219, 58489, 58488, 58231, 58852, 58069, 58278, 58504, 58418, 58379, 58104, 58765, 58436, 58433, 58651, 58530, 58621, 58483, 58784, 58421, 58481, 58735, 58229, 58643, 58262, 58039, 58487, 58755, 58102, 58041, 58501, 58782, 58563, 58492, 58021, 58353, 58431, 58495, 58647, 58339, 58126, 58064, 58502, 58047, 58533, 58747, 58345, 58701, 58223, 58203, 58043, 58416, 58467, 58327, 58081, 58269, 58001, 58601, 58477, 58370, 58321, 58250, 58272, 58121, 58225, 58402, 58344, 58507, 58461, 58712, 58652, 58362, 58076, 58220, 58366, 58230, 58124, 58632, 58759, 58359, 58331, 58748, 58741, 58576, 58301, 58271, 58202, 58259, 58490, 58415, 58233, 58856, 58330, 58004, 58620, 58622, 58564, 58656, 58420, 58202, 58075, 58736, 58520, 58282, 58374, 58056, 58385, 58125, 58793, 58644, 58737, 58441, 58838, 58486, 58775, 58372, 58063, 58011, 58790, 58845, 58730, 58323, 58702, 58206
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The Collecting Gene
Jacob Rothschild lets the Economist browse among his acquisitions:
The first artist he collected was an idiosyncratic Swiss-Italian sculptor, Giacometti. He has been collecting ever since, not just for the walls of his sitting rooms, but for Spencer House in St James’s, London, which he helped to restore (he lent a Panini and a Romney from his own collection), and for Waddesdon Manor, the vast pile in Buckinghamshire, which he inherited from an aunt.
Waddesdon was built in the 19th century by a French architect in the style of a French chateau. It belongs to the National Trust, which means it is open to the public. It is still run, however, by Lord Rothschild, and the pride he takes in it is evident from the acquisitions he regularly makes for Waddesdon on behalf of his family trusts. He purchased a fine painting of “A Boy Building a House of Cards”, by the distinguished 18th-century painter Chardin, to improve the quality of the collection of French paintings at Waddesdon—“an irresistible acquisition” he says. But he is best pleased by a pair of gorgeous, colourful, busy paintings by Panini of a ball and a concert given in Rome at the Palazzo Farnese, to celebrate the birth of the Dauphin’s eldest son in 1751. Lord Rothschild had coveted them for three years, but decided they were too expensive, at $10m each. Then the stockmarket faltered in the summer of 2007 and he made a low offer, which was accepted. He is thrilled: “They really ought to be in the Louvre or Versailles,” he says.
Other acquisitions for Waddesdon are Antoine Francois Callet’s portrait of Louis XVI, who gazes out on a silver service that belonged to George III. But the least expected new piece is in the garden, not far from the gilded, ornate aviary. Done by Sarah Lucas, a bold, young English artist, it is a life-sized model cast in bronze of a shire horse called Perceval pulling a cart loaded down with two vast marrows. There is no driver, no reins; the longer you look the more surreal it seems.
Inside the house are fine portraits by Reynolds, including the Garrick that hung in his office, and Thomas Gainsborough. Most surprising is a pair of unusually large, very striking views of Venice by Guardi, but perhaps the most valuable single painting at Waddesdon is a Lucian Freud portrait of Jacob Rothschild himself, looking down introspectively.
All in the Family (The Economist)
Elle Macpherson Has the Right Priorities
Sotheby’s London Old Master = £20m
Lost Tiepolo
Old Masters Succeed in Failure
Graff Spree
Melikian: Turner Sale a Disappointment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Collectors/Collecting, London, Old Master
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/ Modified mar 12, 2019 3:14 p.m.
2,200 Quarantined Over Mumps Outbreak at Immigration Centers
The outbreak has renewed long-held concerns over access to medical care at immigration facilities. by Astrid Galvan, Associated Press TWEET SHARE
Google Street View image of the entrance to the GEO Group's immigrant detention facility in Aurora, Colorado.
PHOENIX — Over 2,200 people exposed to the mumps virus in at least two immigration detention facilities have been quarantined, authorities said Tuesday.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say the 25-day quarantine began March 7 at facilities in Pine Prairie, Louisiana, and Aurora, Colorado.
The outbreak has renewed long-held concerns over access to medical care at immigration facilities, especially at a time when more immigrants who are crossing the border are being held and for longer periods of time. There are nearly 47,000 immigrants currently detained around the country, according to an ICE spokesman.
ICE says 236 detainees have had confirmed or probable cases of mumps in 51 facilities in the past year. There were no reported cases between 2016 and 2018 at any ICE facilities.
Mumps is extremely rare, and infections have dropped by 99 percent since vaccinations began in the late 1960s. It can spread quickly through coughing, sneezing or even talking.
Elizabeth Jordan of the Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center said screenings at immigration detention centers are inadequate. She said she doesn't have any current clients who are quarantined in Aurora, but regularly interviews detainees there and has had clients there in the past.
"Neglect, I think, is not really strong enough to describe what's happening in there," Jordan said. For example, there's only one physician on staff, Jordan said.
ICE spokeswoman Alethea Smock said there are 271 detainees quarantined in four pods in the Aurora facility. Over 1,200 detainees are currently housed there.
ICE officials said its quick reaction has led to a very low transmission rate and that it's monitoring detainees and employees for signs of illness at the facility, which has seen a spike in the number of detainees who came through the southern border. They say they have taken a number of measures to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, such as initial medical screening and a full medical check-up within 14 days.
But immigrant advocates have long said that medical care at immigration detention facilities is subpar, and they've filed several lawsuits.
Jordan said it's difficult for immigrants who are quarantined to access their attorneys. She had clients who were quarantined at a facility in California last year after a chicken pox outbreak that she couldn't reach to relay important information about their cases.
Jordan said the Aurora location has a call system attorneys can use to reach detainees. ICE has not answered questions about how detainees who are quarantined can reach their attorneys or what happens if they have a court hearing or are scheduled to be released.
MORE: Health & Medicine, Immigration, Law Enforcement, News
Border Patrol agent with long list of complaints heads to trial in Arizona Prosecutors in border agent trial trying to keep some testimony away from jury Mexican Federal Police officers upset with new National Guard
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Home Air Routes International Los Angeles Mactan-Cebu International Airport New Destination News Philippine Airlines Philippine Airlines Introduces Direct Cebu-Los Angeles Flights
Philippine Airlines Introduces Direct Cebu-Los Angeles Flights
Dirk Salcedo August 07, 2015 Air Routes, International, Los Angeles, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, New Destination, News, Philippine Airlines,
Aviation Updates Philippines - National flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, introduced non-stop flights between Cebu, Philippines and Los Angeles in the United States as part of its U.S. expansion plan.
Philippine Airlines Airbus A340-313 taking-off from Los Angeles. (PHOTO) Jorge L. Garcia - Airliners.net
According to the flag carrier, the launch of flights between Cebu and Los Angeles coincides with the airline's 75th founding anniversary on March 15, 2016. To recall, Philippine Airlines launched its direct Manila-London flights on the 74th founding anniversary on March 15, 2015.
“Our customers in the Visayas and Mindanao have long clamored for direct flights between Cebu and the US due to the travel convenience this will bring. One can simply take a short hop to Cebu from any point in the Visayas and Mindanao and connect to Los Angeles, instead of flying all the way to Manila,” Philippine Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer, Jaime J. Bautista said.
Flights between the two destinations depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Cebu. It will be operated by an Airbus A340-300 that is capable of handling up to 254 passengers with 36 lie-flat seats on business class and 218 seats on regular economy.
“Foreign tourists and our kababayans in the United States will benefit from the flexibility of choice in terms of flights to and from the Philippines," he added. Besides Cebu, Philippine Airlines currently operates 11 weekly flights out of Manila bound for Los Angeles, California.
Philippine Airlines flies 35 times weekly to the mainland USA and two US territories combined. The airline operates 11 weekly flights to Los Angeles, 10 weekly flights to San Francisco and 4 weekly flights to New York. It also has 5 weekly flights each to Guam and Honolulu. The new route will bring to 38 the number of weekly flights to the United States.
Currently, Philippine Airlines flies from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Manila, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo-Narita. Meanwhile, PAL Express operates domestic flights out of Cebu to Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Manila, and Tacloban.
Tags # Air Routes # International # Los Angeles # Mactan-Cebu International Airport # New Destination # News # Philippine Airlines
By Dirk Salcedo on August 07, 2015
Posted in Air Routes, International, Los Angeles, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, New Destination, News, Philippine Airlines
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Georg Auer
DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS CORP. - Choon Chon, 54, is corporate vice president and president of Delphi Asia-Pacific. He was general director of Delphi Interior Systems, Asia-Pacific and president of Delphi Korea. David Heilman, president of Delphi Packard Electric Systems Division and a corporate vice president, will retire January 1, after 36 years with the company. He was succeeded November 1 by James Spencer, 47, who will remain a corporate vice president. Spencer was president of Delphi's Asia-Pacific region in Tokyo. Delphi Automotive Systems of Troy, Michigan, supplies brake, chassis and engine components, and thermal, electrical and steering systems.
LAND ROVER JAPAN - Christopher Ellis is the new president and managing director of Land Rover Japan Ltd. Ellis, 40, was manager, Asia Pacific region, in Ford Motor Co's. Portfolio Brand Strategy Group. Ellis has worked for Ford since 1993, including two years as global brand strategy manager at Mazda Motor Corp., which is 33.4 percent owned by Ford. Ford bought Land Rover on May 24.
AUTO CHASSIS INTERNATIONAL - Bruno de Sainte Marie, 47, is vice president of sales and business development. A company spokesperson said his task would be to develop ACI into a global Tier 1 supplier. ACI is the chassis components subsidiary of Renault SA. Sainte Marie was director of marketing for Valeo Engine Cooling. Before that he held posts at Walbro and Renault.
COLLINS & AIKMAN CORP. - Kenneth Arens is business unit general manager for United Kingdom operations. He was divisional chief executive for worldwide manufacturing of automotive decorative trim and fluid handling components at McKechnie PLC. Nick Munster moves to Swedish operations business unit manager. He was general manager of the fuel delivery systems operations of TI Group Automotive Systems. Masimo Zagati is vice president of finance and business development for European operations. He was director of mergers and acquisitions for the European operations of Lear Corp.'s Automotive Components unit. Collins & Aikman of Troy, Michigan, supplies floor and acoustic systems, and automotive fabric, interior trim and convertible-top systems.
FIAT AUTO S.P.A. - Humberto Rodriguez, 46, is style director. The position coordinates all of the style and design activities of the three styling centers of Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. He is a native of Spain. Rodriguez replaces Ermanno Cressoni, who remains within the company as head of advanced design. Rodriguez worked for more than 25 years for the Volkswagen group (at Audi from 1972 to 1989 and at Seat from 1989 to 1998) in design and project engineering, then for Moduteck. With the arrival of Rodriguez, Fiat Auto strengthens the presence of foreigners at the top of its styling activities. Lancia Styling Center is run by the American Mike Robinson; Alfa Romeo's is run by the Greek Andreas Zapatinas.
GKN SINTER METALS INC. - Neil Geldard-Williams is manager of the Lichfield, England, plant. He was plant director for GKN Driveshafts Ltd. in the United Kingdom. GKN Sinter Metals of Auburn Hills, Michigan, supplies powder metal automotive components.
LEAR CORP. - Christopher Obey is vice president of international purchasing in Sulzbach, Germany. He was director of European purchasing. Lear is an automotive interiors and electronics supplier in Southfield, Michigan
PSA/PEUGEOT-CITROEN SA - Jean-Marc Nicolle, vice president for strategy, has the key job of group product planning. His predecessor, Luc Epron, 60, is retiring. Nicolle also joins PSA's executive committee, on which Epron was not a member. It is the key decision-making body of the French group. Nicolle, 50, joined Peugeot in 1973 and held positions in PSA purchasing and product planning divisions. As vice president in charge of strategy since 1998, he has planned the PSA-Ford venture in diesel engines.
VALEO INC. - Dea-Anne D'Amico is vice president, human resources and administrative affairs. She also is a member of the management committee. D'Amico, 40, a U.S. citizen, worked for Compaq as human resources director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, in charge of organizational development. Valeo, an independent industrial group, designs and produces automotive components, integrated systems and modules.
AKEBONO CORP. - Alan Swiech is director of administration. He was executive vice president of human resources for Cambridge Industries Inc. Akebono of Farmington Hills, Michigan, supplies original equipment and aftermarket brake components.
COLLINS & AIKMAN CORP. - Gregory Miller is senior director of design for the Global Product Development Division. He was design manager for the Truck Vehicle Center Color and Trim department of Ford Motor Co. Collins & Aikman of Troy, Michigan, supplies floor and acoustic systems, and automotive fabric, interior trim and convertible-top systems.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORP. - Nicholas Pishotti, 60, is vice president of global supply chain management. He was vice president of strategic technologies for Ingersoll-Rand Co. Federal-Mogul of Southfield, Michigan, supplies automotive chassis and engine components, pistons and sealing systems.
FORD MOTOR CO. - Sandy Ulsh is vice president and executive director of the Ford Motor Co. Fund. She was director of worldwide pub- lic policy.
GKN SINTER METALS INC. - Matthew Yow is North American manager for the company's Six Sigma unit, a new position. He was manager of GKN Sinter Metals' Conover, N.C., plant.
ROBERT BOSCH CORP. - Michael Fettinger is director of operations analysis for Bosch Braking Systems in the Americas. His territory covers the United States, Mexico and Brazil. He was plant controller for the company's Saint Joseph, Michigan, factory. Uwe Kirberg is vice president of program management for the Automotive Group's Chassis Division. He was director of engineering for the Chassis Division. Danny Hyman is vice president of manufacturing for the Automotive Group's Charleston, South Carolina, plant. He was vice president of manufacturing for the Bosch plant in Anderson, South Carolina. Mike Mansuetti is vice president of manufacturing for the Anderson plant. He was director of hybrid electronic control unit manufacturing. Robert Bosch Corp. of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is a unit of Robert Bosch GmbH of Stuttgart, Germany. Bosch designs and produces precision components for automotive gasoline and diesel injection systems, airbags, ABS and conventional brakes, small motors and electronic equipment.
ROLLS-ROYCE AND BENTLEY MOTOR CARS LTD. - Jim Campbell is marketing director. He was international business director and Jaguar global account team leader for the Impiric division of Young & Rubicam Inc.
SIEMENS AUTOMOTIVE CORP. - Michael Degen is vice president and general manager of the Engine Cooling Motor Drives unit in London, Ontario. He will keep his position as vice president and general manager of the company's worldwide heating, ventilation and air conditioning motor drives unit. He was manufacturing manager of the North American Motor Operations. Degen's predecessor, Mehran Rahbar, is vice president and general manager of Powertrain Fuel Components in Newport News, Va. Siemens Automotive of Auburn Hills, Michigan, supplies electrical and electronic systems and components.
SUBARU OF AMERICA INC. - Clint Wetty is vice president for the Penn-Jersey region. He was sales manager.
YAZAKI NORTH AMERICA INC. - William Wilson Junior is president of the Components Business Unit. He was vice president of operations for United Technologies Automotive. Yazaki North America of Canton, Michigan, supplies automotive electronics and advanced technology.
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Meet Wanfeng's star power: Ailian Chen
Lindsay Chappell
Wanfeng's Ailian Chen built a Chinese giant, now with holdings in North America.
When Meridian Lightweight Technologies' factory in Eaton Rapids, Mich., exploded into flames in May, the impact shook the industry.
In addition to injuring two employees, the fire halted production of Meridian's die-cast magnesium dash structures, a critical part in a slew of popular North American-made vehicles, including the Ford F-150, BMW X5, Chrysler Pacifica and various models from General Motors and Mercedes-Benz. Without it, vehicle assembly lines around the U.S. came to a halt, and purchasing managers began to search the world for alternate sources of the large lightweight part.
Unrecognized celebrities
Are China's big players veiled in privacy? Wanfeng shows how one company blends capitalist instincts with Communist rule in China's public eye.
The crisis played out for weeks. Missing the Meridian part, Ford temporarily laid off workers at its F-150 factories and took a second-quarter earnings hit.
But with all the attention focused on the crisis, scant mention was made of who owns Meridian — Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, of Shaoxing, China.
As a newcomer to the North American auto industry, Wanfeng remains little-known, and its executives even less so.
That's not the case in Wanfeng's home market, where its colorful chairwoman, Ailian Chen, is a national business celebrity.
In Chinese media reports and on the company's website, Chen, 60, is portrayed as a dynamic leader of a diversified company, one of the biggest in China, and she and her husband are one of China's wealthiest families. Public photos and news stories find Chen dressed in bright pinks, oranges and reds amid rooms full of men in drab blacks and grays.
Wanfeng's success reflects the intertwining of Chinese Communist rule and a new era of bold capitalism and private wealth.
In China, "Business is like a big, connected family," says Coco Kee, managing partner at Kee Global Advisors investment company in New York, who was born and educated in China.
"The government is the parent who grants permission to the business owner, the child. The government says, 'Would you like a piece of candy? Well, you need to follow these rules.' The candy might be a license, a low-interest loan, or subsidies on a land lease."
Wanfeng holdings
Selected operations of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, of Shaoxing, China:
Wanfeng Auto Wheel: Producer of aluminum alloy wheels
Meridian Lightweight Technologies: North American supplier of magnesium structural parts
Paslin Co.: Detroit-area manufacturer of automotive robotics
Diamond Aircraft Industries: Producer of small aircraft, with manufacturing operations in Canada
Under that scenario, Chen is playing by the rules and thriving. She drives a Rolls-Royce and buys companies she deems interesting, including an airplane manufacturer with operations in Canada. She has ordered the construction of a Versailles-like corporate headquarters in Shaoxing, with sumptuous gardens and fountains. At the same time, she is a representative of the Chinese Communist Party and has arranged for party operations to locate in Wanfeng's office building.
Wanfeng employs and trains its own company militia, a unit of hundreds of uniformed workers who can be called up by the government to battle forest fires, fight floods or deal with other national emergencies.
Chen's life is almost a fable of China's own miraculous climb to prosperity. Although references in Chinese press reports can be contradictory, Chen is described as having been a small-town truck driver or tractor driver who had the chutzpah to borrow a small amount of money from a local bank to begin manufacturing motorcycle wheels in 1994.
As chairwoman, she has regularly declared brave new directions for the company. She ordered a move into aluminum alloy auto wheels, and Wanfeng is now China's largest producer. In 2000, she directed a move into automaking. Wanfeng pursued that business, selling a total of about 100,000 vehicles, until pulling out in 2006. According to Dream Chaser, a biography about her published in China, she made the dramatic decision to exit automaking not because the venture was faring poorly, but because she learned of corruption in her management ranks.
What about Wu?
Largely missing in press pieces are clear references to her husband, Wu Liangding, and his role. Her biography does not mention his name. Wu, counted as one of the richest individuals in China, made his fortune in textile machinery and real estate and has a net worth of about $1.1 billion as of Oct. 24, according to Forbes. Some press reports state that it was Wu, not Chen, who founded Wanfeng. One report claims that Chen once worked for Wu's company, another that Wanfeng was spun off from Wu's textile machinery company, Zhongbao Holdings.
Clearly, though, Chen is acting chief of the company, which went public in 2016. A push that same year into robotics resulted in a second North American automotive acquisition: Paslin Co., of the Detroit suburb of Warren, for $302 million. Paslin got its start in 1937 stamping auto parts; today, it primarily supplies welding robots as a unit of Wanfeng Technology.
Chen more recently directed the company to enter the aviation business. Late last year, it acquired a 60 percent stake in Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc., a producer of small airplanes with operations in Canada.
Still, five years ago, when Wanfeng representatives walked into Meridian's North American corporate offices in Strathroy, Ontario, to discuss its acquisition, the local team knew of Wanfeng as a company, but not much else.
Serious about acquisition
As Meridian executives sat on one side of the conference table and Wanfeng on the other, it was not clear to Meridian which of Wanfeng's subsidiaries was proposing the deal, according to Chen's biography. Details of the meeting have been corroborated to Automotive News by Meridian's CEO at the time, Eric Showalter.
Showalter informed the Wanfeng visitors that they were not the first Chinese suitor to visit Meridian with an acquisition proposal, according to the book. The others who came to discuss buyouts, he told them, had left and never been heard from again.
But this visit was different. Chen had determined that it was time for Wanfeng to diversify into magnesium auto parts and to enter North American manufacturing.
Encouraging but cautious, Showalter nonetheless told the visitors that if they were truly serious, they would have to leave a nonrefundable $8 million deposit on the acquisition and also meet a short deadline for completing the deal.
Wanfeng met the requirements, and the deal went through in a matter of weeks for a final price of about $250 million. The purchase made Meridian, with sales of about $430 million a year, a wholly owned unit of the Chinese manufacturer.
It happened, Chen's biography makes plain, because she wished it to happen.
China's industry has arrived in America
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National Legislative Update for April 2019
by BioOhio | Apr 23, 2019
The Legislative Update is brought to us by Liz Powell, Esq., MPH, Founder of G2G. Liz is an attorney with 20 years government experience, including as Legislative Director on Capitol Hill. She leads a team of bipartisan professionals that has raised over $50M, run advocacy campaigns and shaped CMS reimbursement for clients.
We wanted to share with you an update on what is happening in Washington, D.C. While all the focus is on the Mueller report, there are many other interesting activities involving health, defense, STEM, economic development and funding. See below for details and please let us know any questions.
Throughout March, the House and Senate were actively focused on the budget and appropriations hearings for FY2020 as well as the start of work on the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Congress started recess April 11 and returns April 29. With the Justice Department releasing Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 448-page report (12% of which is redacted) on April 18 during this recess, lawmakers and staff are reading through and responding. Judiciary Committee Chairman Nadler (D-NY) issued a subpoena for an unredacted version. Meanwhile, the House and Senate have completed almost all of their budget hearings with secretaries of departments and several directors of agencies have testified explaining President Trump’s budget and stating priorities. Other issues on the horizon include a major transportation and infrastructure bill, immigration, cyber, health insurance and drug pricing, and a new bipartisan deal raising the current budget caps.
NIH Appropriations
Although the President’s FY2020 budget proposal would cut $4.5 billion from NIH to go from $38 billion to $33.5 billion, in both the House and Senate LHHS Appropriations hearings the Members of Congress clearly stated that NIH would not be cut. Markup of the appropriations bill for NIH, CDC and other health programs is expected to start in May in the House.
Both the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction held hearings calling on key pharmaceutical companies to explain their drug pricing practices and to tackle ways to bring them down. Witnesses included Cigna Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer Steve Miller; CVS Health Executive Vice President Derica Rice; Humana Health Care Services President William Fleming; OptumRx CEO John Prince; and Prime Therapeutics Interim President & CEO Mike Kolar. A common theme is the PBMs are collecting rebates and not passing on the savings, effectively requiring the drug companies to raise their prices. Senator Leahy (D-VT) and Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) took the lead in introducing the CREATES Act to promote competition in the market for drugs and biological products by facilitating the timely entry of lower-cost generic and biosimilar versions of those drugs and biological products. The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the CREATES Act unanimously. Also, House Ways and Means Chairman Neal (D-MA) introduced the Prescription Drug Sunshine, Transparency, Accountability and Reporting Act (STAR Act) and passed it unanimously before the recess to call manufacturers to account for dramatic increases in drug prices. Meanwhile the House Energy and Commerce Committee marked up even more bills, including:
BLOCKING Act: to stop generic drug companies from sitting on the 180-day exclusivity period awarded to the first generic manufacturer that challenges a brand-name company’s patent and keeping other competitors off the market. Has bipartisan support.
Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act: to prohibit “pay-for-delay” patent settlements, in which a brand name company pays the generic manufacturer to stay off the market for a certain period of time. This is led by Democrats with limited Republican support. Has bipartisan support.
Purple Book Continuity Act: to provide generic and biosimilar makers more information about the patents on branded products. Does not have bipartisan support and is led by Democrats.
Orange Book Transparency Act: to require FDA to disclose additional patent information when listing but not any patent claims on a device that is used for the delivery of the drug and to require patent holders to notify HHS if the Patent Trial and Appeals Board issues a decision that a listed drug patent is invalid. Does not have bipartisan support and is led by Democrats.
Payment Commission Data Act: to provide MedPAC and MACPAC with access to drug pricing and rebate data, to help Congress better understand the cost of prescription drugs. Has bipartisan support.
Drug Advertising
The self-imposed deadline for drug companies to voluntarily put cost information in their television has ads arrived, as the White House reviews a rule to make prices a mandatory element in TV drug ads. Back in October major drug companies including Eli Lilly, Novartis, Allergan, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen promised to provide some type of information about drug costs in their direct-to-consumer ads by April 15. The voluntary move was an effort to satisfy the desire of President Trump and Congress for more transparency about pharmaceutical prices and to head off regulations making list price disclosures in ads mandatory.
Since Trump has entered the White House, the uninsured rate has increased by 1.4 million people – uninsured Americans under age 65 rose from 27.5 million in 2016 to 28.9 million in 2018, according to the Congressional Budget Office. During this time, Republicans in Congress and the White House enacted changes to ACA that included allowing groups of small businesses to form health insurance plans for their employees, expanding short-term limited-duration insurance plans, and reducing to zero the penalty for individuals who lack health coverage. The Trump administration also allowed states to implement laws requiring Medicaid enrollees to work in exchange for benefits, leading to over 18,000 people being dropped from the Medicaid rolls in Arkansas in 2018, for example. Since 2013 when ACA began, more than 20 million people have gained insurance coverage, nearly 13 million of whom became covered as a result of the ACA’s Medicaid expansion, not exchanges.
President Trump is continuing to argue against ACA and is now pursuing its complete elimination. However, if repealed it would remove a key component regarding rising drug prices. The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act, which was included in the 900+ page ACA allows pharmaceutical companies to submit drug applications for products that mimic biologics without having to jump through all the costly hoops, i.e. clinical trials, associated with getting a novel medicine approved by the FDA. If ACA ends so does this program.
In Congress, ACA reform efforts are also underway. The House Energy and Commerce Committee considered six bills before the recess aiming to tackle ACA and health care costs. They mirror many of the House Democratic leadership plan to expand Obamacare’s benefits while reversing Trump administration policies, which means none are bipartisan:
State Allowance for a Variety of Exchanges Act (SAVE Act): to give states $200 million annually in federal funding to establish state-based marketplaces.
State Health Care Premium Reduction Act: to give states $10 billion each year for a reinsurance program, or to reduce out-of-pocket costs of individuals in qualified health plans.
Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance: to reverse the Trump administration’s expansion of short-term health plans.
Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act: to reverse Trump administration policies that weaken protections for patients with pre-existing conditions.
Marketing and Outreach Restoration to Empower Health Education Act (MORE Health Education Act: to restore ACA outreach and enrollment funding that was cut by the White House.
Expand Navigators’ Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity Act (ENROLL Act): to provide $100 million to the Federal-Facilitated Marketplace Navigator program and make other changes to navigator requirements.
American Cures Act and American Innovation Act
Senator Durbin (D-IL) and Reps. Foster (D-IL) and Underwood (D-IL) teamed up announce the introduction of the American Cures Act and the American Innovation Act, which would create a mandatory fund to provide steady, predictable funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies. This steady, long-term investment would allow the agencies to plan and manage strategic growth while maximizing efficiencies.
The American Cures Act would provide annual budget increases of five percent plus inflation at America’s top four biomedical research agencies: the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense Health Program, and the Veterans Medical and Prosthetics Research Program.
The American Innovation Act would provide annual budget increases of five percent for cutting edge research at five important federal research agencies: The National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy Office of Science, the Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientific and Technical Research, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Science Directorate.
Medicare Drug Spending
The cost for 22 drugs shot up more than 500 percent per dose from 2013 through 2017, according to a Bloomberg Law analysis of Medicare Part D data. The median increase among drugs offered through Medicare’s primary prescription plan was 28 percent from 2013 to 2017, but some medications went up in price more than others. The median is the midpoint of the spending-change distribution, meaning that the same number of drugs changed in price more and less than 28 percent. Overall, Medicare spent about $154.8 billion on 42.7 million Americans with Part D coverage in 2017. In March, CMS reported an average annual spending increase of 10.6 percent from 2013 through 2017.
NIH Funding Cliff
A funding cliff written into the 21st Century Cures Act that was enacted at the end of the Obama administration could hamper two major NIH projects: personalized medicine and new cancer therapies. The 2016 bipartisan law created a 10-year innovation fund to accelerate special projects in four areas, including precision medicine and President Barack Obama’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to double the rate of new cancer treatments and prevention therapies. Due to the challenge of paying for this new fund, which provided $4.8 billion to NIH and $500 million to FDA, through offsets and budget work-arounds, a funding cliff does loom ahead. One offset included a cap on Medicaid reimbursement for durable medical equipment at equivalent Medicare pay rates and a draw down from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve with funding staggered based on how the savings that offset the bill are implemented.
Rare Disease Drug Guidance
The FDA issued a new rare disease guidance on how to incorporate natural history studies, which follow how a disease progresses to understand how to treat it, into the development of rare disease drugs. This is welcomed by orphan drug companies aiming to treat rare conditions that affect just 200,000 or fewer people and can be extremely expensive to develop and market. The draft guidance describes the broad potential uses of a natural history study in all phases of drug development for rare diseases. It also examines the strengths and weaknesses of various types of natural history studies, data elements and research plans, and provides practical framework for the conduct of a natural history study.
SCIENCE & STEM
Science Budget Proposals
The House and Senate Appropriations Committees are ramping up the pace of their hearings on President Trump’s FY2020 budget request, which proposes across-the-board cuts to science programs, including:
NSF: Cut $1 billion, or 12 percent, compared to FY2019 under the proposal, with cuts spread relatively evenly across the agency’s research directorates.
DOE: Cut the Office of Science budget by 16 percent to just above FY2017 levels and slash funding for the department’s applied energy offices.
NOAA: Cut NOAA’s weather, climate, and oceans research programs by 40 percent to $335 million.
NASA: Cut NASA’s Science Mission Directorate by 9 percent with the cuts falling hardest on the Astrophysics and Earth Science Divisions.
NASA to the Moon
Since 1969, 12 men have walked on the moon’s surface, leaving boot prints in the fine slate dust. Since the last lunar mission in 1972, president after president has promised to put an American astronaut back on the moon. With the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing on the horizon, the Trump administration is in a frenzy to actually achieve that elusive goal. NASA has said that it wants to put a human back on the moon by 2028, and unlike the Apollo program, this won’t be an in-house effort. NASA has asked American aerospace companies to submit designs for transportation systems that could be launched and tested, without a crew, as early as 2024. Applications were due in late March, and the winners stand to receive contracts worth from $300,000 to $9 million. Potential participants include longtime NASA contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman; the quirky-billionaire-owned SpaceX and Blue Origin; and smaller, more obscure companies.
The VA could spend $10 billion in FY2020 to implement a new veterans’ health care program without it counting against a statutory budget cap under a key amendment to House Democrats’ spending plan offered by Rep. Lee (D-CA). It would allow a $10 billion cap adjustment in FY2020 and a $12 billion adjustment in FY2021 to fund the VA MISSION Act. House Budget Chairman Yarmuth (D-KY) supports the amendment. The VA MISSION Act, which President Trump signed into law in June 2018, helps improve veterans’ flexibility to seek care outside VA facilities and shifted the program’s funding from mandatory to the discretionary spending, where it would count against the spending limits created under the Budget Control Act. Lee’s amendment would free the VA MISSION funds from that constraint, up to the $10 billion and $12 billion limits.
Support Startup Jobs, Innovation and Small Businesses
Senators Murphy (D-CT) and Toomey (R-PA) announced the introduction of the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act, legislation that would support small businesses by removing burdensome restrictions from individuals who want to invest in startups and help create jobs. In order to secure capital to grow their businesses, entrepreneurs commonly attend “demo days” or conferences that allow them to showcase their business in front of angel investors and venture capitalists. It is estimated that angel investors provide 90 percent of outside equity to help grow these startups. Due to recent burdensome regulations, angel investors have been deterred from attending demo days, which harms economic growth. The HALOS Act would preserve important investor vetting processes without forcing startups to jump through unnecessary hoops to get the investments they need to grow and create new jobs.
G2G attended appropriations hearings in Congress, tracking the LHHS and DoD budget hearings in particular in the House and Senate. A range of issues were covered but it is clear that NIH Director Collins is very committed to increasing his budget and being able to make more NIH awards. He and several Members of Congress spoke about the importance of young investigators and building the pipeline of future research. While Director Collins stated the NIH does not develop drugs, it plays an essential role and through NCATS can partner with industry to accelerate development. Both he and Chairwoman DeLauro (D-CT) agreed that NIH must step in when the market won’t to address neglected diseases, such as rare cancers. Within the Defense hearings ranging from F-35s to Defense Health Agency, the DoD is equally forthcoming on the need for increased spending and has put a renewed focus on R&D to deploy modern technologies for the warfighter. All of this points to the need for a new budget caps agreement to avoid sequestration by year’s end.
Despite no new deal and a failed attempt to pass a budget raising the caps in the House, the House appropriators are forging ahead drafting appropriations bills during the recess, abiding the budget legislation that passed committee. House Budget Chairman John Yarmuth’s (D-KY) bill, H.R. 2021, passed committee along party lines and aims to increase the caps under the Budget Control Act for FY2020-21 by raising nondefense cap for FY2020 to $631 billion (+$34 billion or +5.7% over FY2019) and the defense cap for FY2020 to $664 billion (+$33 billion, or +2.6% over FY2019). Before the recess, the House adopted a rule to provide consideration of Chairman Yarmuth’s bill and establish a budget for FY2020, which automatically allowed House appropriators to allocate $1.3 trillion in base discretionary spending, without specifying for defense and nondefense programs. This allows appropriations bills to be drafted during the recess so we expect markups of the 12 appropriations bills to begin in May in the House.
President’s Budget Proposal
Space exploration, disease research and affordable housing programs are among dozens of suggested cuts in the President’s FY2020 budget request released in March. It calls for a 9 percent cut to non-defense discretionary spending, including:
NASA: Cut $198 million from NASA’s Space Launch System, funding Block 1 but deferring funding for the upgraded, more expensive Block 1B. Eliminate NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, cutting $110 million.
NIH: Cut $4.5 billion from NIH to go from $38 billion to $33.5 billion.
National Cancer Institute (NCI): Cut funding from $6.2 billion to $5.2 billion, but include a new $50 million per year pediatric cancer research program.
Foreign Aid: Eliminate funding for the State Department’s $3 billion Development Assistance account and the $760 million Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia account, which would be covered by a consolidated Economic Support and Development Fund.
UN Climate Efforts: Give $6.4 million to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change set up in 1992 to oversee talks toward a global climate accord and coordinate the global response to the issue, but zero funding for the Green Climate Fund, which was zeroed out during Trump’s first year in office.
Export-Import Bank: Cut the Export-Import Bank’s administrative budget from $110 million to $96 million.
Interior Department: Cut $178 million to five discretionary programs, including grants for abandoned mine reclamation and an Indian loans program.
FCC: Cut 1 percent to $335.7 million, although it would support agency efforts to expand internet access to underserved parts of the country, promote new technologies and services, protect consumers, and reform agency processes.
Defense Funding
Before the April recess, the House passed the rule for consideration of H.R. 2021, Chairman Yarmuth’s (D-KY) bill to raise the spending caps, but it has not passed the actual bill yet due to battles over levels of increased funding for defense and nondefense programs. However, the adoption of that rule has led to committees moving forward with $733 billion for defense spending and $639 billion for nondefense spending in FY2020. The House Armed Services Committee Chairman Smith (D-WA) said he will authorize $733 billion in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), following the lead of the Budget Committee. Meanwhile, in the Senate, Republicans may choose a higher defense figure. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Inhofe (R-OK) wants to use the $750 billion number instead. The Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) said he too favors the $750 billion requested by President Trump in his budget proposal.
Both the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction have held numerous hearings with Acting Secretary of Defense Shanahan, leadership from each of the services and the Defense Health Agency that is in the midst of taking over all healthcare and research for the military due to previous NDAA requirements. Chairman Inhofe (R-OK) and others have expressed concern about filling the Secretary of Defense position as well as others that have remained open for months. In addition, acquisition and procurement reform measures remain a top priority of Ranking Rep. Thornberry (R-CA) who lead initiatives in this area in last year’s NDAA when he was chairman. The HASC is expected to finish hearings in May and markup the NDAA in June and the Senate is close on their heels. Both chambers aim to complete the NDAA before the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
The Trump administration is asking for $592 million to fund U.S. Cyber Command in the next fiscal year—a decrease from the roughly $610 million Cyber Command and what NSA Chief Army Gen. Paul Nakasone previously testified the organization is expected to spend in FY2019. It is around 6 percent of $9.6 billion the administration wants for Pentagon cyber operations. Another $1.9 billion would go to support Cyber Command operations across four military locations in Georgia, Hawaii, Texas and Washington, D.C. Also, the Navy wants to add a new assistant secretary to shore up cybersecurity following an assessment last month that found widespread vulnerabilities throughout the service. Navy Secretary Richard Spencer said he is sending a legislative proposal to Congress asking lawmakers to add a fifth assistant secretary position. He also said other cybersecurity measures are in the pipeline, especially for contractors. Finally, the first established Democratic presidential candidate out of the gate is also the first candidate to offer a cybersecurity policy proposal. Former Maryland Congressman Delaney is proposing the creation of a Department of Cybersecurity to centralize all cyber activities. The idea of a Cabinet-level cybersecurity department has divided security experts. Some, such as former CIA Director David Petraeus, have embraced it, but others, such as former DHS cyber chief Suzanne Spaulding, have rejected it because it would set the U.S. government back on its cyber progress thus far.
Stay connected for more updates here on our blog, at G2G’s website and on twitter – @G2GConsulting and @BioOhio
G2G (Government to Growth Consulting), LLC is a consulting firm specializing in assisting businesses and non-profit organizations. G2G provides comprehensive consultation in the fields of government affairs, economic development, grant writing, public relations, and event planning. G2G also has extensive experience in the areas of lobbying, advocacy, fundraising and grassroots organizing.
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Event Rewind: An Amazing Open-House-Social at AtriCure
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Home / Interesting / Jaguar is Electrifying Classic Cars — Should BMW…
Jaguar is Electrifying Classic Cars — Should BMW Join In?
Interesting, News | September 8th, 2017 by Nico DeMattia 6
Just ahead of the famous Goodwood Revival, a three-day festival of incredible classic car racing, Jaguar recently unveiled an interesting take on a classic. The …
Just ahead of the famous Goodwood Revival, a three-day festival of incredible classic car racing, Jaguar recently unveiled an interesting take on a classic. The Jaguar E-Type is largely considered to be the most beautiful car ever made. Enzo Ferrari himself said so. Not only is it gorgeous, it’s a sensational car. The Series I E-Type’s straight-six engine made an incredible noise and made it even faster than many Ferraris, for a fraction of the cost. Its engine was its heart and soul. So it’s extra shocking when Jaguar swaps all of its mechanical powertrain components for an electric motor, battery and some wiring.
Apparently, this is something Jaguar could be doing now.
The famous British brand already has an impressive classic’s division that will make customers almost whatever they want. Now, though, Jag will be offering electrification for older classic cars, not just the E-Type. The idea is that customers will still like to drive something with classic, vintage style and beauty while also conforming to many of Europe’s city emissions restrictions. So Jaguar sees it as a way to keep classic-car ownership alive, even when city restrictions prohibit the burning of fossil fuels. “We know there’s an audience out there that is attracted to the style of a classic car, but doesn’t want the inconvenience that can sometimes come with it. We also understand it’s not for everyone, and the guys who crave originality might have issues with it. But we think this is a way of future-proofing classic car ownership. We’re showing it to some of our clients, and we’ll see what the market makes of the concept.” said JLR Classic director Tim Hannig.
It’s actually an interesting idea. On one hand, it’s brilliant, as it allows classic cars to basically be immortalized, even after the internal combustion engine dies. On the other hand, it sort of ruins the idea of a classic car because the whole point of driving one is to take yourself back to a different time. Half the charm of driving an old classic is having to use its quirky old-school mechanics.
So the question is, should BMW get involved in such classic-car electrification?
The Bavarians aren’t without their gorgeous classics either. The BMW 507 is one of the most beautiful roadsters ever made, the BMW M1 was a Giugiaro-designed supercar and the 3.0 CSL is a stunning coupe with great motorsport pedigree. All of which are classic BMWs that have style and beauty to last lifetimes. But if collectors who own these cars in London or Paris or Brussels want to drive their cars in the city that they live in, they’re going to have to think about converting them in the next 20 years or so.
Would it be too sacrilegious for BMW to electrify one of those cars? Imagine taking the brilliant, Paul Rosche-designed 3.5 liter I6 out of an M1 and put some batteries and an electric motor in its place? Would it ruin the drama of the 3.0 CSL to have only an electric whine coming from it, rather than the monstrous noise of its 3.0 liter I6? It’s an interesting concept and one that will likely cause considerably mixed reactions. And I’m sure you all have opinions on the matter. So let’s hear ’em.
[Source: Top Gear]
Electric Classic CarJaguar E-Type Electric
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9:20 a.m. Traffic accident report — 2000 block of Muren Boulevard.
9:45 a.m. Domestic incident — 500 block of South Jackson Street.
10:18 a.m. Harassment be telephone — 800 block of Union Avenue.
10:54 a.m. Violation of orders of protection — South Illinois Street at West Monroe Street.
10:55 a.m. Deceptive practices — 600 block of Carlyle Avenue.
11:18 a.m. Domestic incident — First block of Timothy Lane.
11:48 a.m. Identity theft — 1600 block of Shadow Ridge Court.
12:18 p.m. Identity theft — 800 block of Blue Ridge Drive.
12:27 p.m. Criminal damage to property — First block of Beykirch Drive.
12:30 p.m. Juvenile problems — Pathways High School, 2411 Pathways Crossing.
1:10 p.m. Identity theft — 100 block of Clearview Drive.
12:38 p.m. Domestic incident — 600 block of South 21st Street.
1:45 p.m. Identity theft — First block of Friendly Drive.
1:50 p.m. Traffic stop — East Main Street at North Florida Avenue.
2:25 p.m. Aggravated battery — 2400 block of Amann Drive.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY FELONIES
Shane Kitterman, 36, of homeless, Belleville, arrested on suspicion of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, subsequent on or about March 14 by Belleville police. Kitterman allegedly, a sex offender, knowingly failed to report to registering law enforcement agency, in accordance with the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration Act, with the Chief of Police of City of Belleville, on a weekly bases, as the defendant lacked a fixed residence at the time of this offense, and the defendant had been previously convicted of Failure to Report Change of Address in violation of the Illinois Compiled Statutes on July 19 ,2005.
William H Miles Jr., 42, of 10719 Rayhill Lane, Mascoutah, arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of methamphetamine on or about March 23 by St. Clair County sheriff. Miles allegedly, had in his possession less than 5 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.
Anthony Q. Parks Jr., 29, of 1235 McCasland Ave., Apt. 9D, East St. Louis, arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver cannabis on or about Feb. 23 by East St. Louis. Parks allegedly, possessed with the intent to deliver more than 10 grams but less than 30 grams of a substance containing cannabis.
Chelsie N. Horton, 24, of 404 Debra Drive, Albers, arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a controlled substance on or about March 24 by Fairview Heights police. Horton allegedly, had in her possession less than 15 grams of a substance containing heroin.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY SHERIFF
Arlester D. Dorris, 27, of Belleville, warrant arrest by Belleville police.
Ronnell G. Jackson, 39, of St. Louis, arrested on suspicion of no driver’s license, driver and passenger seat belt violation, two traffic violations and multiple warrant arrest by Illinois State Police.
Delas M. Carter, 24, of Centreville, arrested on suspicion of probation violations by St. Clair County sheriff.
Mark J. Dykgraaf, 30, of St. Louis, arrested on suspicion of forgery by St. Clair County sheriff.
Dayvon R. Whitfield, 22, of St. Louis, arrested on suspicion of fleeing or attempting to elude the police and warrant arrest by St. Clair County sheriff.
Edward Cook, 23, of Collinsville, warrant arrest by Collinsville police.
John C. Hardy, 49, of Springfield, arrested on suspicion of two counts of driving under the influence and two traffic violations by Illinois State Police.
Jamar McClain, 36, of St. Louis, multiple warrant arret by Brooklyn police.
Rossano A. Williams, 35, of East Alton, arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, illegal transportation, suspended or revoked driver’s license and traffic violation by Illinois State Police.
Brady A. Walker, 35, of St. Louis, arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to property by St. Clair County sheriff.
Eddie L. Adams, 23, of Cahokia, arrested on suspicion of probation violation by St. Clair County sheriff.
Theodore D. Dale, 48, of Belleville, arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence by St. Clair County sheriff.
Jacobi P. Armstrong, 19, of Washington Park, arrested on suspicion of residential burglary by St. Clair County sheriff.
Shane A. Kitterman, 36, of O’Fallon, arrested on suspicion of failure to register as a sex offender by Belleville police.
Chelsie N. Horton, 24, of Albers, arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance by Fairview Heights police.
Anthony D. Garner, 24, of Cahokia, arrested on suspicion of probation violation by Illinois State Police.
Local Arrests
Former Belleville city clerk candidate pleads guilty to perjury
By Mike Koziatek
A former Belleville city clerk candidate accused of improperly signing candidate petition forms has pleaded guilty to perjury.
MORE LOCAL ARRESTS
Belleville woman beaten by three men who stole her car, son says
Man robs Family Dollar in Belleville
Man pleads guilty to stealing $3.6K from Belleville Township
Crime Blotter July 20
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Jeffrey Adams of Boca Raton, Florida Attacked in Road Rage Incident
Jeffrey Adams of Boca Raton, Florida was allegedly attacked in a road rage incident on March 29 on Palmetto Park Road, sources indicate. The 22-year-old told the press that an unidentified man attacked him after he stopped at a yellow traffic light. Boca Raton police conducted an investigation into the allegations using a briefcase containing an identification card that Adams says he was able to recover fro the attacker’s car. The alleged attacker, whose name and age have not yet been released, has been apprehended on charges of aggravated battery, vandalism and auto burglary. It is not clear whether he has qualified for bail bond or retained a private criminal defense attorney.
According to Adam’s testimony, the incident occurred last Thursday at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the 1700 block of Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. Adams says that he was driving his 2002 Ford Taurus down the road, planning on turning onto Interstate 95, when he stopped at a yellow traffic light. He says that at that point, a man driving a 2002 Jaguar FX behind him got out of his car, started cursing, and walked towards the Taurus. Adams says that he leaned out of the open window of his car and flipped the man off, and that in retaliation the man approached further and spat in Adam’s face.
At that point, Adams says, he got out of his vehicle. The man allegedly put his hands around Adam’s neck, then shoved his thumbs into Adams’ eyes. “As soon as I get out of my vehicle, he grabs me by my neck … and starts choking me,” Adams told a reporter. “Then he grabs his thumbs and puts them in my eyes and tries to push my eyes in.”
Adams, who has mixed martial arts training, says that he punched the man in retaliation and that the man fell over twice. He reported that the man then ran back to the Jaguar, opened the trunk and grabbed something. “I thought he had a gun,” Adams told the press. However, instead of a gun, the man allegedly brought a wooden baseball bat over to Adam’s car, smashed a rear-view window, then attacked Adams.
Adams says that he was able to take the baseball bat away from the man, who allegedly ran back to his vehicle and drove off. Before he escaped, however, Adams says that he was able to grab the man’s briefcase from inside the vehicle. The briefcase, which contained the man’s identification, was paramount in helping the Boca Raton police department make the arrest. It is not clear whether any witnesses to the incident have come forward.
“Honestly, I’m not 100 percent sure why he was so mad,” Adams commented afterwards. He suffered only scratches and bruises and did not require medical treatment, although his Taurus’ rear-view mirror was smashed. However, the incident apparently shook him up enough to where he has been asking coworkers for rides. He told a reporter that when he does start driving again, “I’ll be driving like a little old lady.”
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The Sustainable Development Goals include a number of goals that require the intensive use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), notably in achieving universal identification, more efficient delivery of government services, financial inclusion and job creation. Underlying these goals is target 9c) to significantly increase access to ICTs and strive to provide universal and affordable access to internet in LDCs by 2020. While significant progress has been made in this regard, notably in Asia, there is a danger that in Africa, where most of the Least Developed Countries are located (some of them being by affected by Fragility, Conflict, and Violence), this target will be missed, on the dimensions of both access and affordability.
Africa cannot afford to think small nor act slowly. At the current, incremental pace of economic and social advancement, too many of today's youth will continue to be denied the opportunity to live up to their potential. African countries will not be able to create the huge number of new jobs needed to match the coming youth bulge, nor provide alternative livelihoods for farmers displaced by industrialization of agriculture and factory workers displaced by automation.
The rise of digital technologies and the digital economy offers a once in a generation chance to disrupt this trajectory – unlocking new pathways for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation and access to services across the territory which would have been unimaginable only a decade ago. However, the window of opportunity is short. The continent will need to act quickly and boldly, or risk being left behind. To become tomorrow's innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, Africa's youth need to be empowered with the digital skills and access to technology, ideas and markets that are essential to thrive in an increasingly digitized global economy. Governments need to find more nimble and effective means of delivering services and interacting with citizens. Businesses need to utilize digitally-centered business models to connect with the hundreds of millions of customers previously out of reach due to geography or low incomes.
To achieve the goal of universal affordable access to ICTs for All Africans will therefore require a sustained and committed effort on the part of governments, the private sector and development partners. In short, what is required is a “digital moonshot" where exceptional and coordinated efforts are made to achieve a seemingly impossible goal, namely to ensure that all Africans have universal and affordable access to ICTs by no later than 2030. To reach this goal and interim goal of doubling broadband connectivity is set by 2020. Universal connectivity is an important pillar of the digital economy moonshot but needs to be complemented by similar efforts on digital platforms, digital financial services, digital skills and entrepreneurship. This working group will only focus on the infrastructure pillar. Work on additional pillars could be engaged in subsequent working groups.
Membership
WG comprises the following members: (Pending)
Commissioners and External Experts
Broadband Commissioners:
Mr. Bocar BA, Samena Telecommunications Council
Dato'Ir.(Dr.)Yee Cheong Lee, ISTIC
Mr. Marcin Cichy, Poland
Dr. Carlos Manuel Jarque, America Movil
Mr. Adrian Lovett, Web Foundation
Mr. Patrick Masambu ,International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO)
Dr. Speranza Ndege, KenyattaUniversity, Kenya
Mr. Rupert Pearce, Inmarsat plc
Mr. Stephen Spengler, Intelsat
Mr. Rajeev Suri, Nokia
Ms. Fekitamoela Utoikamanu, UN-OHRLLS
Mr. Robert Kirckpatrick, UNGlobalPulse
Mr. Piotr Dmochowski-Lipski, EUTELSATIGO
Mr. Amir Dossal, GlobalPartnershipsForum
Mr. Mats Granryd, GSMA
Dr. Chang-Gyu Hwang, KoreaTelecom
Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, BDT, ITU
Ms. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO
Mr. Paul Mitchell, Microsoft
Mr. Kevin Martin, Facebook
Mr Achim Steiner, UNDP
Mr Andrus Ansip, European Commission
External Experts:
A4AI (Alliance for Affordable Internet)
Research ICT Africa.
Objectives
Under the leadership of the World Bank Group, and combined efforts of others: the African Union, the International Telecommunication Union, and other Commissioners the group was proposed and established under the name “Broadband for All: A Digital infrastructure Moonshot for Africa". The objective of the Working Group is to achieve universal and affordable access to ICTs for Africa.
The group was launched in September 2018 during the Broadband Commission's Annual Fall Meeting.
The Group held it's kick off call on December 11th 2018.
The final report will be launched in 2019.
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Archivo de números en español
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Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal
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Volume 6: No. 4, October 2009
Epidemiology, Public Health, and Public Policy
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• Role of Epidemiologic Science
• Why Public Health and Prevention?
• Social Justice
• Author Information
James S. Marks, MD, MPH
Suggested citation for this article: Marks JS. Epidemiology, public health, and public policy. Prev Chronic Dis 2009;6(4):A134. http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2009/
oct/09_0110.htm. Accessed [date].
I left the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 4 years ago to go to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). RWJF had gone through a time of substantial rethinking about its role in society and come to the conclusion that the focus should not be grantmaking; it should be creating social change for health. This could just as easily be said about public health — creating societal change to improve the health of the public.
At its core, public policy is the way a society frames what it wishes to become. Does it want all children immunized? Does it want to limit the use of tobacco? Policy doesn’t have to be federal legislation or regulation; it can be corporate or local or state. But an organization, a field, or groups that are about social change will find they are often about influencing public policy.
How does this fit with epidemiology and its history, and the history of CDC?
It is unlikely that John Snow would be revered in public health if he had merely studied cholera. His defining moment was when he removed the pump handle from the contaminated well that was the source of the epidemic. That intervention is honored with an award called the Pump Handle Award that is given by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Our heroes have been tied to action.
In 1983, giving the Wade Hampton Frost Lecture at the American Public Health Association meeting, Bill Foege, former CDC director, coined the term consequential epidemiology. Foege was taking sides in an active debate of the time by saying that epidemiology “is a tool to change the world, not merely to study the world” (unpublished material, 1983). The debate that Foege was speaking to was whether epidemiologists should engage in the political process. Should they advocate solutions about what should happen based on the science or merely do the science and let the advocates and policy makers use the science? Some people said that scientists would lose their objectivity if they took on this more activist role. This discussion has come back, quite strongly, in recent times in the context of the politicization of science. Politics and public policy can be tough business, especially recently.
Bill Foege was of a very different opinion. It was his conviction that public health was inherently political, inescapably political. Foege argued that public health work occurs in a political context and that, divorced from that context, our science is stillborn, a missed opportunity. To pretend otherwise is self-delusion and a failure of vision and responsibility.
The purpose of this essay is to reaffirm that connection to activism. I state this not despite recent concerns about politicization of science but because of them. We must embrace both 1) activism and commitment to social change as central to public health, and 2) the central purpose of epidemiologic science, which is to find, assess, and confirm truth, regardless of past findings or beliefs. These are different roles, and the space between them is where the real excitement is. Actions are being taken based on the science as it is known today, but the actions will change as the science advances.
We are entering a period of economic pressure that is likely to change the nature of America’s medical care, the largest industry in our nation. We now spend about twice as much as other developed countries per capita per year. Despite the importance of biological science as the basis for improvements in diagnosis and therapy, it is impossible to think of major changes in the medical care system that will not play out in public policy changes. The public’s health and the societal factors that affect health span a much greater proportion of our economy and our society than even medical care does. This means that public health will have to address issues that have political implications. Yet the science behind what can be done does not mean it will be done.
Our policy makers and the public have not been nearly as committed to the understanding that how our society is organized, what our policies foster or inhibit, what our communities encourage and our institutions support are fundamental causes of good or ill health, just like biological causes, and they warrant study and action. If societal forces are not in alignment, scientific advances stall, and the value realized is a meager fraction of its potential. Scientific understanding about any disease that is not widely applied to people in need is ultimately wasted. Similarly, widespread application of practices and policies that have no scientific evidence of effectiveness are just as futile. Scientific discovery and widespread application must never be separated.
This is a defining tension for all of public health. Scientists never feel they know enough to act. Practitioners and activists say the health problems are so significant we must act now; we can’t wait for the science to be finalized. Both are right. Organizations only responsible for research will worry less about whether the findings are widely applied or are feasible and practical. Organizations only responsible for programs will likely hold to outmoded ways that are ineffective if their staff and clients like the program. Managed well, the combined responsibilities make both science and program better.
Role of Epidemiologic Science
Most people think only about the biologic mechanisms as the fundamental causes of good or ill health, hence of medical care as the central intervention for health. What many people fail to realize is that the likelihood of initially developing a disease or being injured has little to do with access to the medical care system. This is especially true regarding population differences. Initially developing an illness or suffering an injury is more related to such things as whether people smoke, what and how much they eat, how active they are, what toxins or microbes they are exposed to, and whether their neighborhood or worksite is safe.
The Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text about how society operates, says that the leader should guide quietly and unobtrusively so that the decisions that are made are felt by the people to be ones they came to. If a leader aggressively pushes decisions, those will be met with strong opposition. Epidemiologists’ place in society can be very much like that of the Taoist leader: a position of tremendous power and influence, but only if it is guided carefully and not forced.
More than any other group in health, epidemiologists decide how to measure the health of the nation. They choose what questions are asked and analyzed, what differences are important, serious, and worthy of comment, even alarm. If you do not ask the questions, the only answer is silence.
It is a position of huge responsibility and equally large opportunity to profoundly affect the national debate about health. At its most powerful, epidemiology is about asking questions of the most fundamental but often hard to measure, aspects of health, wellness, and even happiness and life satisfaction that comprise the fullness of the World Health Organization definition of health. When framed in the context of disparity, it opens up how that vision of health ties to our nation’s highest ideals of equality of opportunity.
Also powerful is how the epidemiologist frames findings. Articles published during the early stages of the obesity epidemic got little attention, even though the upward trend was clear. In the late 1990s Ali Mokdad, a CDC scientist who was then running the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), had the idea to use maps, which have become well known in the field, to illustrate the change in obesity in the nation.
A series of color-coded maps showed changes in obesity rates over the years in each US state. The rapidity of the increases, coupled with geographic framing, was a visually powerful representation of the increase in prevalence. Those images, probably more than any other, caused the media and the public to take notice. That art to frame and energize debate often goes unrecognized, but it is another lever that epidemiologists have — the power of display and presentation and framing as leading without forcing.
Lastly, epidemiology plays a role in evaluating the effect of policies implemented. This study of policy is often a very tricky issue. Frequently, conducting a randomized trial is nearly impossible in public policy, where nonrandom natural experiments are sometimes the best possible evidence. Societal decisions often have to be made on the basis of evidence that is not as controllable as a randomized trial of medication effectiveness. The role of epidemiology is to be that honest broker of the science, regularly improving understanding and identifying problems and risks.
Public health practice and public policy are about applying what is known and possible. It is much like an oncologist may treat a cancer patient, knowing that the treatment has great limitations and that new science will come, but he must act now to help the patient using what is available. The public health practitioner must act on behalf of the people and must be prepared to change course as the science improves. This means that epidemiologists must be free to speak about their findings, and they must be true to what the data show. Public health and the rest of the public process, including policy, will use those findings, more or less within a societal and political context.
To return to the cholera story, it turns out that John Snow did not actually remove the pump handle from the well. Steven Johnson, in his excellent history of the cholera epidemic, The Ghost Map (1), writes that on September 7, 1854, John Snow presented his findings to the board of governors of St. James Parish. After much discussion, the board voted to close the Broad Street well, despite its reputation for clean water, because the evidence was so strong. Snow’s place of honor in our field is thus even more warranted as an early interplay between epidemiologic science, public policy, and health. At its best, epidemiology is persuasive.
Why Public Health and Prevention?
During the past decade we have added approximately $1 trillion annually to our medical care budget and lost ground in life expectancy and infant mortality relative to other countries of similar economic development. Simply put, they are getting healthier, faster than we are, despite our great increase in funds. Health care reform is essential, but as a nation we will have to embrace other ways to improve health and to rein in the rate of increase in the growth in medical care costs. Public health and prevention should be part of that solution.
Public health practitioners tend to think of health as the outcome that people want, so we talk about the importance of getting a flu shot or not smoking to prevent illness or death. But what do people really seek when they aspire to a healthier life? I believe that what people really want is a meaningful, satisfying life of doing things they value and enjoy.
Good health is not the end but the means to an end. Health is a crucial foundation on which people have their best chance to build an enjoyable and satisfying life for themselves and their families. The political will of our leaders is often built the same way, as are the priorities of business and industry. As political leaders think about major program or policy needs, they think about what is most important for their state or city. Usually that is about helping it become economically stronger, a better place for families to live, work, and play. For those leaders, recognizing that health is a means to these ends and a measure of how good a place is to raise a family helps connect it to the things they find valuable.
We need to work harder to achieve social justice. The philosophy of public health is social justice. Our responsibility is to do what we can to reduce or eliminate disparity.
In 1986 Bill Foege spoke against the backdrop of circumstances that were not all that different from our own: an economy just coming out of recession, ballooning deficits, and malfunctioning markets. He said:
. . . because of the way the market system works, our special clientele . . . will continue to be the poor, the homeless, the unimmunized, the hungry, the addicted, and those who simply find the system overwhelming. . . . Let me assure you, we will survive any crisis that involves funding, political support, popularity, or cyclic trends, but we can’t survive the internal crisis, if we become provincial, focus totally on the short term, or if we lose our philosophy of social justice (2).
My final challenge, a challenge that only our nation’s practicing public health epidemiologists can accept, is to report injustice and disparity regardless of your field of study. Public health’s overarching goal is to reduce or eliminate differences in health and, ultimately, what gets measured is what gets done. That means you must measure — justice.
This manuscript was adapted from the Alexander D. Langmuir Lecture given at the 2009 Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 22, 2009.
James S. Marks, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, PO Box 2316, Route 1 and College Rd E, Princeton, NJ 08543. Telephone: 609-627-5796. E-mail: jmarks@rwjf.org.
Johnson S. The ghost map. New York: Penguin Group; 2006.
Foege WH. Public health: moving from debt to legacy. Am J Public Health 1987;77(10):1276-8.
The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The impact of free trade on Africa’s economic development
Apr 25, 2019 | Featured Story, Thought Leadership | 0 comments
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement has the potential to shift Africa from being an aid-dependent continent to becoming an investment-dependent continent.
By Pedro Guerreiro, MD: Central Africa at SAP Africa
According to the Brookings Institute, African foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows accounted for only 2,9% of total global FDI inflows in 2017, compared to the 49.8% share for developed economies, and 10.6% for Latin America and the Caribbean.
A continental super bloc has the potential of creating an attractive value proposition for investors who are dealing with the fallout from Brexit, a US-China tariff war and a global economy that is falling short of projected growth targets.
For African governments, businesses and citizens, the prospect of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has prompted widespread excitement and optimism, especially among some of Africa’s leading business and political figures. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame said: “Speaking with one voice as a continent will emerge as perhaps the most important provision of all for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.”
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly stated that “this is a free trade area that has never been seen in the world. It’s going to be the largest integrated market on the African continent, which is a clear demonstration that indeed Africa is not only on the rise, but Africa is on the move.”
With 30% of the world’s remaining mineral resources, and 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa’s riches are significant to the future global economy and food security. Its youthful population could power the economies of developed nations who are facing ageing populations and declining birth rates. But challenges to unlock this immense latent potential remain.
Easing investment and industrial output
The World Economic Forum notes that manufacturing only accounts for 10% of total GDP in Africa, well below the figure in other developing regions. A continental free trade area has the potential to reduce this gap and accelerate job creation, especially among young people. By implementing exponential technologies such as AI, IoT and predictive analytics, Africa’s manufacturing sector can take a much-needed developmental leap to bring it more in line with global standards for competitiveness.
The continent’s reliance on agriculture – which according to some estimates accounts for 60% of all jobs – could also lead to greater regional coordination to ensure produce matches market demands. There is also the promise of greater efficiency brought by technology. Recent initiatives aimed at equipping farmers with greater access to the agricultural value chain, improved information regarding crops, market prices, weather conditions and farming best practice through a mobile application integrated to a digital core, have seen tremendous success.
In Nigeria, a public-private partnership between CBI Nigeria and SAP integrated 850 000 small maize producers into the agricultural value chain and equipped unemployed graduates with a technology platform that gives farmers access to farming inputs, telephone credit, banking services and more. Efforts are underway to expand the programme to other regions and elevate the continent’s 250 million smallholder farmers.
Overcoming legacy structures
Integrating the existing regional economic communities (RECs) into the AfCFTA is no small task. The African Union currently plays host to no less than eight recognised RECs (some of which have overlapping memberships) including the Arab Maghreb Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, the East African Community, the Economic Community of Central African States, the Economic Community of West African States, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the Southern African Development Community. Securing appropriate buy-in and commitment from each of these regional blocs will be vital in AfCFTA’s success.
Legacy infrastructure also poses a challenge, especially in terms of the effective movement of goods between countries that will form part of AfCFTA. Supply chains are the circulatory system of the global economy, but Africa’s legacy of underdevelopment has left its road, rail and ports infrastructure lacking. According to the African Development Bank, the continent’s infrastructure needs an amount of $130-billion to $170-billion per year. In 2016, only $62-billion was secured for infrastructure investment.
Ports infrastructure struggle to keep pace with global standards. While 90% of African imports and exports are driven by sea, PwC estimates that, of the 72% of global container throughput in developing nations, only 1% travels via African ports. Effective export trade from AfCFTA to other regions will require a rapid upgrade of the continent’s main trade ports. The World Bank’s recent note of appreciation regarding the progress with the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project in Tanzania is a positive sign. The port, which is set to become Africa’s biggest, is expected to start operating early 2020.
The African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network project, which forms part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aims to repair or construct 12 000km of missing linkages to create a rail system that can support AfCFTA by linking all corners of the continent via a fast and reliable rail network. At least 20% of the pilot phase of this project is due for completion by 2023.
Integrating talent and trade
It is of course not only Africa’s manufactured goods and agricultural output that should more easily flow across the continent when the AfCFTA is implemented. It is critical that its talent – a youthful population that is expected to more than double by 2055 according to UN estimates – can move freely to access work and apply their skills to solving the continent’s most pressing challenges.
However, many countries still hinder free movement through cumbersome visa requirements. The Africa Visa Openness Report 2017, published by the African Development Bank, McKinsey & Company, and the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Africa, found that Africans need visas to travel to more than half of the other countries on the continent, with only 22% requiring no visa. While the reasons behind the stringent visa regimes are understandable – revenue generation, control over illegal immigration, monitoring migration during pandemics – it is time the continent consider establishing visa-free regional blocs similar to the Schengen area in Europe.
Equipping the continent’s talent with the correct skills for the digital age is no mean feat. Africa’s education system has not kept pace with the demands of the global digital economy. Skills shortages have the potential to derail efforts to build a globally competitive digital workforce. Africa’s economic growth cannot be sustained without access to the correct 21st century skills.
The past few years have seen an acceleration in public-private partnerships driving youth skills development initiatives, with millions of youth trained in basic coding skills. By fostering greater regional and continental integration, efforts to equip Africa’s youthful population with appropriate and future-fit skills could be expanded. And by bringing in the private sector, who can lend training, technology and skills development support, in-country and pan-African initiatives aimed at upskilling Africa’s youth can be accelerated as we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Ramaphosa is right: Africa is on the rise and on the move. We are entering a new era of free movement, collaboration, and mutual success among all 50 African countries that will form part of AfCFTA. The question is: how do we, as technology providers, businesspeople, citizens, and policy makers, contribute to its success and build a bright future for all who call Africa home?
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Bundesliga Foundation chairman Stefan Kiefer (l.) with David Bernstein, chairman of the British Red Cross - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA
Bundesliga Foundation receives international prize for refugee efforts
The work done by the Bundesliga Foundation in aiding refugees has been recognised with the award of an internationally renowned prize in London.
'Welcome to football'
The Beyond Sport Foundation has acknowledged the Bundesliga and its Foundation for their assistance in integrating refugees with the ‘Humanitarian in Sport Award’. Previous winners of the prize include former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former Cote d’Ivoire international Didier Drogba.
The panel of judges’ decision was based on the work done by the integration programme of the ‘Welcome to football’ foundation, an initiative led by the German Children and Young People’s Foundation (DKJS). The DJKS is itself supported by the Bundesliga Foundation, from which it has received funding in the sum of 1.05 million Euros as part of the overall refugee initiative spearheaded by Aydan Özoguz, German member of parliament and Commissioner for Immigration, Refugees and Integration.
“We are delighted to receive this prize and gladly accept it on behalf of all the clubs, who continue to actively support refugees under the motto ‘Welcome to football’, said Bundesliga Foundation chairman Stefan Kiefer.
The Beyond Sport Foundation is a registered charity that works together with its partners Barclays bank, TIME magazine and children’s charity UNICEF in support of disadvantaged and excluded populations.
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Leonard Koscianski - Fire Eaters
Fire Eaters, 1991
Lithograph, 30 x 23.5 inches
Landfall Press
Leonard Koscianski was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952. A student of R. Buckminster Fuller and noted American painter Wayne Thiebaud, he received his bachelor's degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art, and his Master's Degree from the University of California, Davis. An inspired painter with a fantastical, looming vision, he has exhibited his much-acclaimed work throughout the United States and Europe. In stark contrast, the artist exhibits a softer, more naturalistic side using high key pastel colors and environmental subject matter. The diffusion of light juxtaposed against deft textural interest, creates an almost dreamscape quality.
His paintings are to be found in many public and private collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Chicago Art Institute. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Art News and Art Forum. He is a popular professor and speaker, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including The National Endowment for the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship, and The Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Fellowship. He lives and works in Annapolis, Maryland.
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Tennessee's governor just signed a bill that lets people take their guns to the park
Tim Ghianni,
Apr. 24, 2015, 8:25 PM
Steven Pettry and Kirstie Lovelady enjoy a summer day in Centennial Park at the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee June 19, 2013.
REUTERS/Harrison McClary
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Reuters) - Licensed handgun owners are allowed to carry their weapons in parks throughout Tennessee under a bill signed by Governor Bill Haslam on Friday, even if local governments would like to ban the practice.
Haslam, a Republican, said he had reservations about an early version of the bill, but signed the final measure that made it clear that guns are not allowed at school-related activities taking place in parks.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and other local leaders strongly opposed the bill.
"Public safety is always my greatest concern," Dean had said in a letter to the chairman of a House committee that studied the measure. "Therefore, most simply stated, I believe that allowing guns in Nashville's parks is a very bad idea."
Haslam said in a letter to legislative leaders he was concerned local leaders may find it difficult to manage their parks safely and effectively due to events not anticipated in drafting the law, and urged that they work together to assess its impact.
Supporters of the measure had hoped it would be approved before an annual National Rifle Association meeting brought 70,000 people to Nashville earlier in April.
(Editing by David Bailey and Mohammad Zargham)
SEE ALSO: America's obsession with guns in 9 slides
NOW WATCH: Here's what it takes to be President Obama's right-hand man
More: Gun Control Guns Tennessee Parks
Reuters US
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Kim Kardashian Supporting Planned Parenthood Matters Now More Than Ever
By Sabienna Bowman
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
There are so many ways for people in the spotlight to use their celebrity for good, and Kim Kardashian tweeting her support for Planned Parenthood is one of them. The reality star tends to stay quiet on political issues, but lately it's become clear just how much she cares about women's health care. Back in May, TMZ reported Kim, Khloé, and Kourtney took a trip to a Planned Parenthood for an upcoming episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and on Friday, Kim urged her followers to call their representatives. She tweeted,
"#IStandWithPP & am calling my senators today to protect health care access for millions. We can stop #Trumpcare"
Kim ended her tweet with a link to a video featuring her fellow celebs explaining how you can get in contact with your senator. In light of the American Health Care Act, which would defund Planned Parenthood and potentially leave many people without access to prenatal care, STD and cancer screenings, and other invaluable services, seeing the star take action is so important. This is not the time to stay silent, and Kim seems to understand that she could have a positive impact on her fans by speaking out. With more than 58 million followers on Twitter alone, her reach is impressive.
Celebrities sometimes get flack for sharing their political beliefs (or not sharing them). Ultimately, they don't have an obligation to reveal where they stand on the political spectrum. But that only makes Kim's Planned Parenthood advocacy so much more important. For years, she has largely stayed on brand by keeping the focus on her family and their fascinating lives. However, she seems to recognize she has an opportunity to make a difference by sharing information about the threat being posed to women's health care with her fans.
KUWTK's popularity crosses political lines, which means Kim could potentially educate fans who aren't fully aware of the range of services that Planned Parenthood provides. Her words are bound to help those who already support the program as well, especially if they aren't sure how to make their voices heard.
At this critical moment for women's health, every voice counts, and Kim deserves major kudos for choosing to stand with Planned Parenthood — and to share her stance with the world.
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Argentine literature
Find sources: "Argentine literature" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2007) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
This article is part of a series on the
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Argentine literature, i.e. the set of literary works produced by writers who originated from Argentina, is one of the most prolific, relevant and influential in the whole Spanish speaking world, with renowned writers such as Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, Leopoldo Lugones and Ernesto Sabato.
1.2 Cultural independence from Spain
1.3 Literatura Gauchesca
1.4 Generation of 1880
1.5 Modern
1.6 Generation of '37
1.7 Neohumanism, Existentialism and other influences
1.8 Dirty War
1.9 Current
As a matter of fact, the name of the country itself comes from a Latinism which first appeared in a literary source: Martin del Barco Centenera's epic poem La Argentina (1602); this composition runs 10.000 verses and describes the landscape as well as the conquest of the territory. The word was reintroduced in Argentina manuscrita, a prose chronicle by Ruy Díaz de Guzmán.
Argentine literature began around 1550 with the work of Matías Rojas de Oquendo and Pedro González de Prado (from Santiago del Estero, the first important urban settlement in Argentina), who wrote prose and poetry, they were partly inspired by oral aboriginal poetry—in particular, according to Carlos Abregú Virreyra, by the lules, juríes, diaguitas and tonocotés. A symbiosis emerged between the aboriginal and Spanish traditions, creating a distinct literature, geographically limited (well into the 18th century) to the Argentine north and central regions, with the province of Córdoba as its center, due to the foundation of the National University of Córdoba. Two names stand out from this period: Gaspar Juárez Baviano, and Antonia de la Paz y Figueroa, also known as "Beata Antula".
Gradually, with the economic prosperity of the port, the cultural axis moved eastward; the letters of the colonial age (Viceroyalty-neoclassicism, baroque and epic) grew under the protection of the independentist fervor: Vicente López y Planes, Pantaleón Rivarola and Esteban de Luca.
During the 17th century, Argentine baroque literature was poor in comparison with that from Europe and some other parts of the New World; the only remarkable poet of this period was fray José Luis de Tejeda who wrote Coronas líricas and El peregrino de Babilonia
Cultural independence from Spain[edit]
Main article: 1837 generation
The salon of the 1837 generation.
As in the rest of the continent, strong feelings of emancipation from Spain were present in Argentina. Before independence, some neoclassical authors such as Juan Cruz Varela produced numerous works related with this revolutionary spirit but still under the paradoxical Spanish domain.
Argentina's true break with Spanish tradition was manifested in literature through the adoption of French romanticism as a model, postulating the return to popular sources and to the medieval; this aesthetic and intellectual was brought by Esteban Echeverría who wrote the first local and realistic story, El Matadero ("The slaughterhouse"), as well as the nativist poem La Cautiva ("The Captive"), with the Pampas as its background. His barbed wit and opposition to powerful Buenos Aires governor Juan Manuel de Rosas forced him into exile.
In the middle of the 19th century José Mármol published the first Argentine novel, Amalia (1851–1852), a historical novel set during the dark year of 1840 which mixed fictional characters (Amalia, Daniel Bello, Eduardo Belgrano) with actual historical characters like Juan Manuel de Rosas.[1]
As Rosas' power increased, more literary works from the opposition were produced, such as Juan Bautista Alberdi's play El Gigante Amapolas, a good example of local sainete. In the genre of essay, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento published his Facundo, a particular (re)vision of Facundo Quiroga's life from a deterministic point of view. Sarmiento conveyed aspects of sociology and semiotics in this analysis.
Echeverría, Mármol and Sarmiento are among the group of writers known as Generación del 37, who are considered the first generation of local intellectuals.
Poetry lessened in combative spirit and turned towards the anecdotal and sentimental: Carlos Guido y Spano and Ricardo Gutiérrez, the chronicle writers of folk literature. Lucio V. Mansilla published in 1870 Una excursión a los indios ranqueles, a sort of chronicle of a voluntary expedition to sign a peace treaty with the Indians. His work (enrolled in a realistic aesthetic) anticipated Generación del '80, which would be deeply influenced by modernism. Juana Manuela Gorriti was one of the first popular female writers, mainly due to her melodramatic narrative works like the novel La hija del mazorquero and the foundation of La alborada, a cultural magazine.
Literatura Gauchesca[edit]
Cover of Martín Fierro by José Hernández, 1894 edition.
European-oriented, indeed Euro-centric, themes and styles would remain the norm in Argentine letters, especially from Buenos Aires, during this century; the (romantic) poetry as La cautiva or the latter Santos Vega by Rafael Obligado gave a lot of importance to the nature of the pampa,[2] sharing some elements with a picturesque, imitation-gaucho literature, purporting to use the language of the gauchos and to reflect their mentality. The first current is known as poesía nativista (nativist poetry) and became a literary tradition; the second (known as poesía gauchesca) developed in parallel as a part of that generation's understanding of national identity. Although it also is a product of literary authors, this writing takes the voice of the gaucho as protagonist from the beginning. Gauchesca is related to payador's singing, a payador being a modern equivalent of the illiterate medieval singers. A payador's work, in opposition to gauchesca, is sung spontaneously.[3]
The first gauchesco author was Bartolomé Hidalgo who wrote during the war of independence and therefore his works had a strong political ideology, his compositions were mainly cielitos (payadoresque songs but with provocative political messages) and diálogos patrióticos (conversations between two characters about current affairs).
In a second period, gauchesca was influenced by political-faction fights. Estanislao del Campo, and Hilario Ascasubi are the most representative writers of this period. Del Campo wrote 'Fausto', a poem which has been read both as a parody of gauchesca and an intelligent joke towards city people.[4] In the poem, Anastasio El Pollo meets a friend and tells him his impressions on particular event: he has seen the Devil. What El Pollo doesn't know (or pretends he doesn't) is that all he saw was actually an opera performance at Teatro Colón.[5]
The last author of gauchesca is José Hernández, the author of Martín Fierro. Gauchesca leaves its political influences and becomes social in the sense that gauchos are disappearing, mainly due to Sarmiento and the new economic model. Hernández is considered the responsible for consolidating the gauchesco style.
Generation of 1880[edit]
The generation of 1880 emphasized the European color and cultural supremacy of Buenos Aires; the migratory current of mixed ethnicity accentuated the change of the big village for the cosmopolitan metropolis. The poetry of this period is lyric: Leopoldo Díaz y Almafuerte; the latter usually depicts the worker's life in passionate attacks against the contradictions of contemporary society. Almafuerte (pseudonym of Pedro Bonifacio Palacios) was also a teacher and a journalist whose opinions and articles gave him a lot of problems.
Essay is a recent genre that developed in the late 19th century: José Manuel Estrada, Pedro Goyena and Joaquín V. González.
Narrative works oscillated between social issues and folk literature; the predominant tendency was Realism, best represented by Miguel Cané in his autobiographical novel Juvenilia. Other writers influenced by realism were Lucio V. Mansilla, Francisco Sicardi, Benito Lynch and Carlos María Ocantos. Naturalism was also an important tendency towards the end of the century. Argentine Naturalism was commanded by Eugenio Cambaceres in his novels Sin rumbo and Música sentimental, almost forgotten today. Cambaceres was inspired by Émile Zola's theory about the naturalistic approach to literary work, but its ideology suffered considerable alterations. Julián Martel and Antonio Argerich with ¿Inocentes o culpables? added a highly loaded moral touch to Argentine naturalism.
Modern[edit]
Adolfo Bioy Casares, Victoria Ocampo and Jorge Luis Borges in Mar del Plata, 1935.
Towards the end of the 19th century, led by the Nicaraguan Rubén Darío, modernism appears in Latin American literature. Preciosity of manner and a strong influence from Symbolism sum up the new genre, which inspires the clearest voice in poetry, Leopoldo Lugones, who was the author of the first Argentine science fiction story; the first truly modern generation in Argentine literature is the Martinfierristas (c. 1922). The movement contributes an intellectual doctrine in which a number of current trends come together: the trend represented by the Florida group, adscript to ultraísmo, with Oliverio Girondo, Jorge Luis Borges, Leopoldo Marechal and Macedonio Fernández; and the trend of Boedo, impressed by Russian realism, with Raúl González Tuñón, César Tiempo y Elías Catelnuovo. Ricardo Güiraldes, however, remains classical in style, giving a whole new freshness to gauchesca poetry and writing what is perhaps the novel, Don Segundo Sombra.
Benito Lynch (1885–1951), an eccentric short-story writer who, like Güiraldes, does not easily fit into any "generation", wrote his quirky tales in an enchanted neo-gauchoesque manner about this time. Between the end of this decade and the beginning of the following one emerged the Novísimos ("Newest"), a generation of poets (Arturo Cambours Ocampo, Carlos Carlino and José Portogalo), fiction writers (Arturo Cerretani, Roberto Arlt, Luis Maria Albamonte and Luis Horacio Velázquez) and playwrights (Roberto Valenti, Juan Oscar Ponferrada and Javier Villafañe); the group promoted philosophical reflection and a new essence for Argentinidad. Leopoldo Marechal's novel Adán Buenosayres, published in 1948 and praised by Julio Cortázar in 1949.
Also worthy of note is the literary work of Leonardo Castellani (1899–1981), a Jesuit priest who left a considerable bulk of essays, novels, tales and poetry. Expelled from the Company of Jesus, the outspoken Castellani was also widely ignored – like his contemporary Marechal – by the literary intelligentsia of his time due to his nationalist ideology.
Generation of '37[edit]
The Generation of 1937 centers on poetry, where it developed the descriptive, nostalgic and meditative in the work of Ricardo E. Molinari, Vicente Barbieri, Olga Orozco, León Benarós and Alfonso Sola Gonzáles. Fiction writers subscribed to idealism and magic realism, María Granata, Adolfo Bioy Casares, Julio Cortázar, Silvina Ocampo) or to a subtler form of realism Manuel Mujica Laínez, Ernesto L. Castro, Ernesto Sabato and Abelardo Arias) with some urban touches, as well as folk literature (Joaquín Gómez Bas and Roger Plá).
Essayists do not abound. Antonio Pagés Larraya, Emilio Carilla, Luis Soler Cañas are some of the few who stand out, although the greatest Argentine essayist after Sarmiento – Ezequiel Martínez Estrada – also belonged to the Generation of '37. Many of these writers and a number of European ones contributed extensively to Sur, a literary journal published by Victoria Ocampo, a noted commentator on the day's culture.
Neohumanism, Existentialism and other influences[edit]
Julio Cortázar in 1967, photograph by Sara Facio.
In 1950, another milestone arose: the New Humanism, a response to World War II and its aftermath. On one level are avant-gardists like Raúl Gustavo Aguirre, Edgar Bayley and Julio Llinás; on another, existentialists: José Isaacson, Julio Arístides and Miguel Ángel Viola. Further away are those who reconcile both tendencies with a regionalist tendency: Alfredo Veiravé, Jaime Dávalos and Alejandro Nicotra. Other fiction writers left a highly charged testimony of the times: Beatriz Guido, David Viñas, Marco Denevi and Silvina Bullrich. In a majority of the writers, a strong influence of Anglo-Saxon and Italian poetry can be perceived. Of particular interest are the poetic works of two of Marechal's disciples, the poets Rafael Squirru and Fernando Demaría.
A new trend started in 1960, continuing until about 1990, its influences are heterogeneous: Sartre, Camus, Eluard; some Spanish writers, like Camilo José Cela; and previous Argentine writers like Borges, Arlt, Cortázar and Marechal. Two trends were in evidence: the tracing of metaphysical time and historicity (Horacio Salas, Alejandra Pizarnik, Ramón Plaza) and the examination of urban and social disarray: (Abelardo Castillo, Marta Lynch, Manuel Puig, Alicia Steinberg).
Dirty War[edit]
The 1970s were a dark period for intellectual creation in Argentina; the epoch is characterised by the exile (Juan Gelman, Antonio Di Benedetto) or death (Roberto Santoro, Haroldo Conti, and Rodolfo Walsh) of major writers. The remaining literary journalists, like Liliana Heker, veiled their opinions in their work; some journalists (Rodolfo Walsh), poets (Agustín Tavitián and Antonio Aliberti), fiction writers (Osvaldo Soriano, Fernando Sorrentino), and essayists (Ricardo Herrera, María Rosa Lojo) stood out among the vicissitudes and renewed the field of ethical and aesthetic ideas.
The 1990s are marked by reunion among survivors of different generations, in an intellectual coalition for the review of values and texts as Argentina faced the end of the century; some examples are Alan Pauls, Mario Areca, Aníbal Cristobo, Ernesto de Sanctis, Marco Denevi, Edgar Brau and some more.
Book: Argentine literature
Latin American Boom
Latin American literature
Latin American poetry
Cultural movement
^ María Minellono. "Entre el folletín y la novela histórica; el problema del género en Amalia de José Mármol"
^ Eduardo Romano. El nativismo como ideología en "Santos Vega" de Rafael Obligado: Editorial Biblos
^ Wikipedia article ‹See Tfd›(in Spanish)
^ Enrique Anderson Imbert. Prólogo a Fausto. Buenos Aires: Editorial de Belgrano
^ Enrique Anderson Imbert. Análisis de Fausto. Buenos Aires: CEAL, 1968
‹See Tfd›(in Spanish) Arce, Emilia Isabel. "La institucionalización del rol materno durante gobiernos autoritarios: respuestas de escritoras argentinas y brasileñas a la construcción patriarcal de género y nación." (Archive) (PhD thesis). University of Texas at Austin, May 2009. (English abstract included)
Historia de la Literatura Argentina (Spanish)
Literatura Argentina (Spanish)
Generaciön del 37 (Spanish)
Biblioteca básica de literatura argentina
Scanner cultural
La inmigración en la Literatura Argentina (Spanish)
Orígenes de la Literatura Argentina (Spanish)
Dossier Juan L. Ortiz
Argentine Literature in Argentina.ar(English)
South American literature
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May Revolution
The May Revolution was a week-long series of events that took place from May 18 to 25, 1810, in Buenos Aires, capital of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. This Spanish colony included the territories of present-day Argentina, Paraguay and parts of Brazil; the result was the removal of Viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros and the establishment of a local government, the Primera Junta, on May 25. It was the first successful revolution in the South American Independence process; the May Revolution was a direct reaction to Spain's Peninsular War. In 1808, King Ferdinand VII of Spain abdicated in favor of Napoleon, who granted the throne to his brother, Joseph Bonaparte. A Supreme Central Junta led resistance to Joseph's government and the French occupation of Spain, but suffered a series of reversals that resulted in the Spanish loss of the northern half of the country. On February 1, 1810, French troops gained control of most of Andalusia; the Supreme Junta retreated to Cadiz and dissolved itself, the Council of Regency of Spain and the Indies replaced it.
News of these events arrived in Buenos Aires on May 18, brought by British ships. Viceroy Cisneros tried to maintain the political status quo, but a group of criollo lawyers and military officials organized an open cabildo on May 22 to decide the future of the Viceroyalty. Delegates denied recognition to the Council of Regency in Spain and established a junta to govern in place of Cisneros, since the government that had appointed him Viceroy no longer existed. To maintain a sense of continuity, Cisneros was appointed president of the Junta. However, this caused much popular unrest, so he resigned under pressure on May 25; the newly formed government, the Primera Junta, included only representatives from Buenos Aires and invited other cities of the Viceroyalty to send delegates to join them. This resulted in the outbreak of war between the regions that accepted the outcome of the events at Buenos Aires and those that did not; the May Revolution began the Argentine War of Independence, although no formal declaration of independence was issued at the time and the Primera Junta continued to govern in the name of the deposed king, Ferdinand VII.
As similar events occurred in many other cities of the continent, the May Revolution is considered one of the early events of the Spanish American wars of independence. Historians today debate whether the revolutionaries were loyal to the Spanish crown or whether the declaration of fidelity to the king was a necessary ruse to conceal the true objective—to achieve independence—from a population, not yet ready to accept such a radical change. A formal declaration of independence was issued at the Congress of Tucumán on July 9, 1816; the United States' declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776 led criollos to believe that revolution and independence from Spain were feasible. Between 1775 and 1783, the American patriots of the Thirteen Colonies waged the American Revolutionary War against both the local loyalists and the Kingdom of Great Britain establishing a popular government in the place of the British monarchy; the fact that Spain aided the colonies in their struggle against Britain weakened the idea that it would be a crime to end one's allegiance to the parent state.
The ideals of the French Revolution of 1789 spread across Europe and the Americas as well. The overthrow and execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette ended centuries of monarchy and removed the privileges of the nobility. Liberal ideals in the political and economic fields developed and spread through the Atlantic Revolutions across most of the Western world; the concept of the divine right of kings was questioned by the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, by the oft-quoted statement that "all men are created equal" in the United States Declaration of Independence and by the Spanish church. However, the spread of such ideas was forbidden in the Spanish territories, as was the sale of related books or their unauthorized possession. Spain instituted those bans when it declared war on France after the execution of Louis XVI and retained them after the peace treaty of 1796. News of the events of 1789 and copies of the publications of the French Revolution spread around Spain despite efforts to keep them at bay.
Many enlightened criollos came into contact with liberal authors and their works during their university studies, either in Europe or at the University of Chuquisaca. Books from the United States found their way into the Spanish colonies through Caracas, owing to the proximity of Venezuela to the United States and the West Indies; the Industrial Revolution started in Britain, with the use of plateways and steam power. This led to dramatic increases in the productive capabilities of Britain, created a need for new markets to sell its products; the Napoleonic Wars with France made this a difficult task, after Napoleon imposed the Continental System, which forbade his allies and conquests to trade with Britain. Thus Britain needed to be able to trade with the Spanish colonies, but could not do so because the colonies were restricted to trade only with their parent state. To achieve their economic objectives, Britain tried to invade Rio de la Plata and conquer key cities in Spanish America; when that failed, they chose to promote the Spanish-American aspirations of emancipation from Spain.
The mutiny of Aranjuez in 1808 led King Charles IV of Spain to abdicate in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII. Charles IV requested.
Argentine cuisine
Argentine cuisine is described as a cultural blending of Mediterranean influences with and small inflows, within the wide scope of agricultural products that are abundant in the country. Argentine annual consumption of beef has averaged 100 kg per capita, approaching 180 kg per capita during the 19th century. Beyond asado, no other dish more genuinely matches the national identity; the country's vast area, its cultural diversity, have led to a local cuisine of various dishes. The great immigratory waves imprinted a large influence in the Argentine cuisine, after all Argentina was the second country in the world with the most immigrants with 6.6 million, only second to the United States with 27 million, ahead of other immigratory receptor countries such as Canada, Australia, etc. Argentine people have a reputation for their love of eating. Social gatherings are centered on sharing a meal. Invitations to have dinner at home is viewed as a symbol of friendship and integration. Sunday family lunch is considered the most significant meal of the week, whose highlights include asado or pasta.
Another feature of Argentine cuisine is the preparation of homemade food such as french fries and pasta to celebrate a special occasion, to meet friends, or to honor someone. The tradition of locally preparing food is passed down from generation to generation. Homemade food is seen as a way to show affection. Argentine restaurants include a great variety of cuisines and flavors. Large cities tend to host everything from high-end international cuisine, to bodegones, less stylish restaurants, bars and canteens offering a range of dishes at affordable prices. Native Americans lived in Argentina thousands of years. Members of an Indian tribe in the southern part of Argentina were farmers who grew squash and sweet potatoes. Spanish settlers came to Argentina in 1536. Between 1853 and 1955, 6.6 million immigrants came to live in Argentina from diverse sources such as Europe, the Near and Middle East and Japan, contributing to the development of Argentine cuisine and making Argentina the second country with most immigrants only second to the United States.
Most of the immigrants were from Spain. The Italians introduced pizza, as well as a variety of pasta dishes, including spaghetti and lasagna. British, German and other immigrants settled in Argentina, all bringing their styles of cooking and favorite foods with them; the British brought tea. All of these cultures influenced the dishes of Argentina. Most regions of Argentina are known for their beef-oriented diet. Grilled meat from the asado is a staple, with steak and beef ribs common; the term asado. Popular items such as Chorizo, chinchulines and other parts of the animal are enjoyed. In Patagonia, however and chivito are eaten more than beef. Whole lambs and goats are traditionally cooked over an open fire in a technique known as asado a la estaca; the most common condiment for asado is Chimichurri, a sauce of herbs and vinegar. Unlike other preparations, Argentines do not include chili in their version of chimichurri. Breaded and fried meats — milanesas — are used as snacks, in sandwiches, or eaten warm with mashed potatoes — purée.
Empanadas — small pastries of meat, sweet corn, a hundred other fillings — are a common sight at parties and picnics, or as starters to a meal. A variation, the "empanada gallega", is a big, round meat pie made most with tuna and mackerel. Vegetables and salads are eaten by Argentines. Italian staples, such as pizza and pasta, are eaten as as beef. Fideos, tallarines, ñoquis and canelones can be bought freshly made in many establishments in the larger cities. Italian-style ice cream is served in large parlours and drive-through businesses. In Chubut, the Welsh community is known for its teahouses, offering scones and torta galesa, rather like torta negra. Sandwiches de miga are delicate sandwiches made with crustless buttered white bread thinly sliced cured meat and lettuce, they are purchased from entrepreneurial home cooks and may be eaten for a light evening meal. A sweet paste, dulce de leche is another treasured national food, used to fill cakes and pancakes, spread over toasted bread for breakfast, or served with ice cream.
Alfajores are shortbread cookies sandwiched together with chocolate and dulce de leche or a fruit paste. The "policeman's" or "truck driver's" sweet is cheese with dulce de membrillo. Dulce de batata is made of sweet potato/yam: this with cheese is the Martín Fierro's sweet. Apples, peaches, kiwifruits and plums are major exports. A traditional drink of Argentina is an infusion called mate; the name comes from the hollow gourd. The mate or other small cup is filled about three-quarters full with yerba mate, the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis; the drink, rather bitter, is sipped through a metal or cane straw called a bombilla. M
Immigration to Argentina
Immigration to Argentina began in several millennia BC with the arrival of cultures from Asia to the Americas through Beringia, according to the most accepted theories, were populating the continent. Upon arrival of the Spaniards, the inhabitants of Argentine territory were 300,000 people belonging to many civilizations and tribes. After the Spanish conquest, an abundant number of immigrants from all over the world arrived in the country; the history of immigration to Argentina can be divided into several major stages: Spanish colonization starting in the 16th century with the conquest of South America and following colonisation. European immigration in the 19th century, sponsored by the government; this immigration wave made Argentina the country with the second-largest number of immigrants, with 6.6 million, second only to the United States with 27 million. Urban immigration during the era of rapid growth in the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century and after World War I and after the Spanish Civil War.
In the last 20 years, large immigrant crowds have arrived in Argentina from a wide variety of countries. The Spanish migration flows which conquered and colonised the area, now Argentina were three: The one which came from the northwest — those Peruvian lands conquered by Diego de Almagro and Francisco Pizarro — being the cities of Lima and Potosí the scattering centres; the one which came from the west, from Chile, across the Andes. The one which came from the east, that used the Río de la Plata and its tributaries the Paraná River to settle on the banks thereof; this migration flow settled in Asunción, Paraguay where they colonised much of the region. The Spanish conquistadores and settlers were from Biscay, as well from Galicia and Portugal, founding cities and establishing estancias for supplies of agricultural and livestock products; the scale of operations was reduced focused on the domestic market and the provision of the crown. Since its unification as a country, Argentine rulers intended the country to welcome immigration.
Article 25 of the 1853 Constitution reads: The Federal Government will encourage European immigration, it will not restrict, limit or burden with any taxes the entrance into Argentine territory of foreigners who come with the goal of working the land, improving the industries and teach the sciences and the arts. The Preamble of the Constitution dictates a number of goals that apply "to all men in the world who wish to dwell on Argentine soil"; the Constitution incorporates, along with other influences, the thought of Juan Bautista Alberdi, who expressed his opinion on the matter in succinct terms: "to rule is to populate". The legal and organisational precedents of today's National Migrations Office can be found in 1825, when Rivadavia created an Immigration Commission. After the Commission was dissolved, the government of Rosas continued to allow immigration. Urquiza, under whose sponsorship the Constitution was drawn, encouraged the establishment of agricultural colonies in the Littoral; the first law dealing with immigration policies was Law 817 of Immigration and Colonization, of 1876.
The General Immigration Office was created in 1898, together with the Hotel de Inmigrantes, in Buenos Aires. The liberal rulers of the late 19th century saw immigration as the possibility of bringing people from more civilised, enlightened countries into a sparsely populated land, thus diminishing the influence of aboriginal elements and turning Argentina into a modern society with a dynamic economy. However, immigrants did not bring skills. In 1902, a Law of Residence was passed, mandating the expulsion of foreigners who "compromise national security or disturb public order", and, in 1910, a Law of Social Defence explicitly named ideologies deemed to have such effects; these laws were a reaction by the ruling elite against imported ideas such as labor unionism and other forms of popular organisation. The modern National Migrations Office was created by decree on 4 February, 1949, under the Technical Secretariat of the Presidency, in order to deal with the new post-war immigration scenario.
New regulations were added to the Office by Law 22439 of 1981 and a decree of 1994, but the current regulations are the Law 25871 of 2004 and the decree 616 of 2010. The majority of immigrants, since the 19th century, have come from Europe from Italy and Spain. Notable were Jewish immigrants escaping persecution, giving Argentina the highest Jewish population in Latin America, the 7th in all the world; the total population of Argentina rose from 4 million in 1895 to 7.9 million in 1914, to 15.8 million in 1947. Arrived were Poles, French and Austrians, Greeks, Croats, Irish, Swiss, Hungarians and people from other European and Middle Eastern countries, prominently Syria and Lebanon. Argentine immigration records mention immigrants from Australia, South Africa and the United States; these trends made Argentina the country with the second-largest number of immigrants, with 6.6 million, second only
Television in Argentina
Argentine television broadcasting began in 1951 with the inaugural of state-owned Canal 7, developed by Radio Belgrano executive Jaime Yankelevich. Color television broadcasting, was not available until after 1978, when the government launched Argentina Televisora Color, now Televisión Pública Argentina. Argentina is one of only five Latin American countries to use the PAL broadcast television system and is one of the only four Spanish-speaking countries to use PAL; the prevalence of cable television, increasing since the first CATV transmitter opened in the city of Junín in 1965, is now the third-widest in the world, reaching at least 78% of households. Argentina has adopted the Japanese standard ISDB-T, with modifications performed by Brazil. Argentina had selected ATSC standard in 1998, backed by Grupo Clarin over DVB-T promoted by the biggest incumbent telcos and European cellphone manufacturers like Nokia. There had been experimental ATSC broadcasts since 1999. There is an agreement between Brazil and Argentina, signed in the light of the Mercosur trade bloc, where both countries agree to share information and efforts to select the same Digital TV standard.
By August 27, 2009, the Argentine government announced that the Japanese standard was adopted, along with Chile and Perú at the same time. The goal behind this political decision is to achieve a wide, high quality regional TV. Major TV broadcasters, namely El Trece and Telefe had been showing off sample digital broadcasts at electronics and media sector shows like the CAPER exhibition, but Canal 13 still hasn't started to broadcast in the now official Argentine standard. HDTV-ready TV sales are increasing in Argentina, with the first TVs made available since 2005 by local firm Philips; the firm introduced back three HD-ready CRT TVs in 25, 29, 33-inch versions. These tvs were manufactured in Tierra del Fuego and included Pal-N/B and NTSC analogue tuners, plus HD component video inputs. Only a single model, the 25-inch, 16:9 one featured HDMI; as of 2008 the firm has switched to LCDs. In November 2008, local cable TV firm Cablevision, which merged with Multicanal, started offering its "Cablevision HD" service.
This rather expensive offering costs an additional $30 ARS over the standard Digital-TV service price. It uses ATSC and the firm makes mandatory the purchase of its "HD Tuner with DVR" at a cost of around $200 US dollars; as of late 2008 most LCDs advertised. As of December 2013, digital television has reached 80 percent of Argentina. Argentina will end all analogue broadcasts in 2019. Cable television had its origins in the 1960s, when a CATV service started to operate in Junín, Buenos Aires. Cable television is available in 5.5 million homes, the best ratio in Latin America and second in the world. In the 1980s cable operators started operations in the absence of local regulations; those earlier operators started a merged process which evolved toward the merge of Cablevision and Multicanal, the two biggest cable companies. The resultant company, named Cablevision, is owned by Grupo Clarin, the biggest newspaper in Argentina, the owner of LS85-TV TyC the owner of the monopoly of the soccer TV broadcast rights, thus turning into the dominant player.
Some small TV cable companies are operating, but the tendency now is that Cablevision will dominate this market in the future. Telecom Operator, Telefónica and Telecom, the monopoly in the fixed-cellular market is lobbying for opening the market towards the triple play; the Government is opening a window to allow the cable operators to enter in the telephony and extend internet coverage, before deregulating this market. In order to operate as a cable company in Argentina, a license from Comfer is required; this license is difficult to get. América Televisión Pública Argentina Canal 9 Telefe El Trece Viewing shares, October 2013: List of Latin American television channels
Jorge Francisco Isidoro Luis Borges Acevedo was an Argentine short-story writer, essayist and translator, a key figure in Spanish-language and universal literature. His best-known books, Ficciones and El Aleph, published in the 1940s, are compilations of short stories interconnected by common themes, including dreams, philosophy, mirrors, fictional writers, mythology. Borges' works have contributed to philosophical literature and the fantasy genre, have been considered by some critics to mark the beginning of the magic realist movement in 20th century Latin American literature, his late poems converse with such cultural figures as Spinoza, Camões, Virgil. Born in a suburb of Buenos Aires, Borges moved with his family to Switzerland in 1914, where he studied at the Collège de Genève; the family travelled in Europe, including Spain. On his return to Argentina in 1921, Borges began publishing his poems and essays in surrealist literary journals, he worked as a librarian and public lecturer. In 1955, he was appointed director of the National Public Library and professor of English Literature at the University of Buenos Aires.
He became blind by the age of 55. Scholars have suggested that his progressive blindness helped him to create innovative literary symbols through imagination. By the 1960s, his work was translated and published in the United States and Europe. Borges himself was fluent in several languages. In 1961, he came to international attention when he received the first Formentor prize, which he shared with Samuel Beckett. In 1971, he won the Jerusalem Prize, his international reputation was consolidated in the 1960s, aided by his works being available in English, by the Latin American Boom and by the success of García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude. He dedicated The Conspirators, to the city of Geneva, Switzerland. Writer and essayist J. M. Coetzee said of him: "He, more than anyone, renovated the language of fiction and thus opened the way to a remarkable generation of Spanish American novelists." Jorge Francisco Isidoro Luis Borges Acevedo was born into an educated middle-class family on 24 August 1899.
They were in comfortable circumstances but not wealthy enough to live in downtown Buenos Aires so the family resided in Palermo a poorer suburb. Borges's mother, Leonor Acevedo Suárez, came from a traditional Uruguayan family of criollo origin, her family had been much involved in the European settling of South America and the Argentine War of Independence, she spoke of their heroic actions. His 1929 book, Cuaderno San Martín, includes the poem "Isidoro Acevedo", commemorating his grandfather, Isidoro de Acevedo Laprida, a soldier of the Buenos Aires Army. A descendant of the Argentine lawyer and politician Francisco Narciso de Laprida, de Acevedo Laprida fought in the battles of Cepeda in 1859, Pavón in 1861, Los Corrales in 1880. De Acevedo Laprida died of pulmonary congestion in the house where his grandson Jorge Luis Borges was born. Borges's own father, Jorge Guillermo Borges Haslam was a lawyer, wrote a novel El caudillo in 1921. Borges Haslam was born in Entre Rios of Spanish and English descent, the son of Francisco Borges Lafinur, a colonel, Frances Ann Haslam, an Englishwoman.
Borges Haslam grew up speaking English at home. The family traveled to Europe. Borges Haslam wed Leonor Acevedo Suarez in 1898 and was father of the painter Norah Borges, sister of Jorge Luis Borges. At age nine, Jorge Luis Borges translated Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince into Spanish, it was published in a local journal. Borges Haslam was a psychology teacher who harboured literary aspirations. Borges said his father "tried to become a writer and failed in the attempt", despite the 1921 opus El caudillo. Jorge Luis Borges wrote, "as most of my people had been soldiers and I knew I would never be, I felt ashamed, quite early, to be a bookish kind of person and not a man of action."Jorge Luis Borges was taught at home until the age of 11, was bilingual in Spanish and English, reading Shakespeare in the latter at the age of twelve. The family lived in a large house with an English library of over one thousand volumes. In 1914, the family moved to Geneva and spent the next decade in Europe. Borges Haslam was treated by a Geneva eye specialist, while Jorge Luis and his sister Norah attended school.
He read Thomas Carlyle in English, he began to read philosophy in German. In 1917, when he was eighteen, he met writer Maurice Abramowicz and began a literary friendship that would last for the remainder of his life, he received his baccalauréat from the Collège de Genève in 1918. The Borges family decided that, due to political unrest in Argentina, they would remain in Switzerland during the war. After World War I, the family spent three years living in various cities: Lugano, Majorca and Madrid, they remained in Europe until 1921. At that time, Borges discovered the writings of Arthur Schopenhauer and Gustav Meyrink's The Golem which became influential to his work. In Spain, Borges fell in with and became a member of the avant-garde, anti-Modernismo Ultraist literary movement, inspired by Guillaume Apollinaire and Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, close to the Imagists, his first poem, "Hymn to the Sea," written in the style of Walt Whit
1837 generation
The 1837 generation was an Argentine intellectual movement named after the date a literary hall with most of its members was established. Influenced by the new romantic ideas, they rejected the cultural Spanish heritage of the country, they did not acknowledge any national roots in the indigenous peoples or the period of European colonization, focusing instead on the Revolution as the birth of the country, as it gave them freedom, the possibility to behave as free people. They considered themselves "sons of the May Revolution", they were born shortly after it, wrote some of the earliest Argentine literary works; the group established a literary hall in 1837 in Buenos Aires, hence the name. This Salón Literario closed six months after it was created because of the reiterated warnings from the government, they claimed to be neutral in the Argentine Civil Wars, they wrote works biased against the federal governor Juan Manuel de Rosas because Rosas was the Buenos Aires government of that time, but they were against the former Unitarian governments, with whom they didn't agree in their absolutist manners that were considered by them as a mere restoration of the manners of the Spanish colony.
Their efforts to install a full democratic Republic and guarantee civil rights by means of a peaceful propaganda were vain and shortly after that they ended up exiled or assassinated. After Rosas was overthrown in 1852, their writings inspired the first Argentine Constitution in 1853, their persons promoters of the Organización Nacional, the articulation and organization of the political divisions and institutions of the country, that in its final form didn't was federal nor unitarian but a balance of both, they were called "unitarians" by Rosas propaganda. Some notable members of this generation were Esteban Echeverría, Juan Bautista Alberdi, Juan María Gutiérrez, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, president between 1868 and 1874, Miguel Cané, Bartolomé Mitre, Andrés Lamas, Antonio Somellera, Vicente Fidel López, Carlos Tejedor, Juan Bautista Peña, Florencio Varela, Juan Cruz Varela, José Mármol, José Rivera Indarte, Quiroga Rosas, Antonino Aberastain, Santiago Cortínez, Benjamín Villafañe, Félix Frías, Francisco Álvarez, Paulino Paz, Enrique Rodríguez, Avelino Ferreyra, Ramón Ferreyra, Juan Thompson.
Esteban Echeverría, 1846. Dogma Socialista de la Asociación de Mayo, precedido de una ojeada retrospectiva sobre el movimiento intelectual en el Plata desde el año 1837. Https://web.archive.org/web/20160319135757/http://trapalanda.bn.gov.ar/jspui/bitstream/123456789/2810/1/008235.pdf
Indigenous peoples in Argentina
Argentina has 35 indigenous groups or Argentine Amerindians or Native Argentines, according to the Complementary Survey of the Indigenous Peoples of 2004, in the first attempt by the government in more than 100 years to recognize and classify the population according to ethnicity. In the survey, based on self-identification or self-ascription, around 600,000 Argentines declared to be Amerindian or first-generation descendants of Amerindians, that is, 1.49% of the population. The most populous of these were the Aonikenk, Qom, Wichí, Mocoví, Huarpe peoples and Guarani In the 2010 census, 955,032 Argentines declared to be Amerindian or first-generation descendants of Amerindians, that is, 2.38% of the population. Many Argentines claim at least one indigenous ancestor: in a recent genetic study conducted by the University of Buenos Aires, more than 56% of the 320 Argentines sampled were shown to have at least one indigenous ancestor in one parental lineage and about 11% had indigenous ancestors in both parental lineages.
Jujuy Province, in the Argentine Northwest, is home to the highest percentage of households with at least one indigenous person or a direct descendant of an indigenous people. The earliest evidence of indigenous peoples yet discovered in what today is Argentina is the Piedra Museo archaeological site in Santa Cruz Province, found to date from 11,000 BCE; the Cueva de las Manos, in the same province, is over 10,000 years old. Both are among the oldest evidence of indigenous culture in the Americas, have, with a number of ancient sites elsewhere in the hemisphere, challenged the "Clovis First" hypothesis on the settlement of the Americas. By the year 1500, many different indigenous communities lived in, they were not a unified group but many independent ones, with distinct languages and relations with each other. As a result, they did not face the arrival of the Spanish colonization as a single block and had varied reactions toward the Europeans; the Spanish people looked down on the indigenous population, to the point that they held in doubt whether they had souls, following the general thought in Europe.
For this reason, they kept little historical information about them. In the 19th century major population movements altered the original Patagonian demography. Between 1820 and 1850 the original Aonikenk people were conquered and expelled from their territories by invading Mapuche armies. By 1870 most of northern Patagonia and the south east Pampas were Araucanized. During the Generation of 1880, European immigration was encouraged as a way of occupying an empty territory, configuring the national population and, through their colonizing effort incorporating the nation into the world market; these changes were best summarized by the anthropological metaphor which states that “Argentines descend from ships.” The strength of the immigration and its contribution to the Argentine ethnography is evident by observing that Argentina became the second country in the world that received the most immigrants, with 6.6 millions, second only to the United States with 27 millions, ahead of countries such as Canada, Australia, etc.
The expansion of European immigrant communities and the railways westward into the Pampas and south into Patagonia was met with Malón raids by displaced tribes. This led to the Conquest of the Desert in the 1870s. Indigenous cultures in Argentina were affected by a process of invisibilization, promoted by the government during the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th; the extensive explorations and writing by Juan Bautista Ambrosetti and other ethnographers during the 20th century encouraged wider interest in indigenous people in Argentina, their contributions to the nation's culture were further underscored during the administration of President Juan Perón in the 1940s and 1950s as part of the rustic criollo culture and values exalted by Perón during that era. Discriminatory policies toward these people and other minorities ended, with the August 3, 1988, enactment of the Antidiscrimination Law by President Raúl Alfonsín, were countered further with the establishment of a government bureau, the National Institute Against Discrimination and Racism, in 1995.
Corrientes Province, in 2004, became the first in the nation to award an indigenous language with co-official status, all 35 native peoples were recognized by both the 2004 Indigenous Peoples Census and by their inclusion as self-descriptive categories in the 2010 census. In addition to the indigenous population in Argentina, most Argentines are descended from indigenous peoples or have some indigenous ancestry. Many genetic studies have shown that Argentina's genetic footprint is but not overwhelmingly European. In one of the most comprehensive genetic studies involving the population of Argentina, 441 Argentines from across the North East, North West and Central provinces of the country, it was observed that the Argentine population comprised on average of 65% European, followed by 31% Amerindian, 4% of African ancestry, it was found there were great differences in the ancestry amongst Argentines as one traveled across the country. For example, the population in the Nort
Culture of Argentina [videos]
The culture of Argentina is as varied as the country's geography and is composed of a mix of ethnic groups. Modern Argentine culture has been largely influenced by Italian, Spanish and other European immigration, although there are lesser elements of Amerindian and African influences, particularly …
Argentine literary figures: Julio Cortázar, Victoria Ocampo, Jorge Luis Borges and Adolfo Bioy Casares
The haystacks (1911) by Martín Malharro. He is considered the introducer of Impressionism in Argentina.
History of Argentina [videos]
The history of Argentina can be divided into four main parts: the pre-Columbian time or early history, the colonial period, the period of nation-building, and the history of modern Argentina. — Prehistory in the present …
Portrait of José de San Martín.
The changing state of Argentina. The light green area was allocated to indigenous peoples, the light pink area was the Liga Federal, the hatched areas are subject to change during the period.
Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas by Cayetano Descalzi around 1841
President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento.
Ethnic groups of Argentina [videos]
The ethnography of Argentina makes this country, along with other areas of relatively modern settlement like Canada, Brazil, Australia or New Zealand, a crisol de razas, or a melting pot of different peoples. In fact, immigration to Argentina was so strong that it eventually became …
Re-enactment of the arrival of immigrants to the Port of Buenos Aires, XVII Immigrant National Festival, Oberá
German Argentines from Crespo, Entre Ríos (Volga German descendants)
A chapel in Villa Nogués.
English-style houses on a residential street in Belgrano R.
Argentine cuisine [videos]
Argentine cuisine is described as a cultural blending of Mediterranean influences with and very small inflows, Indigenous, within the wide scope of agricultural products that are abundant in the country …
Typical Argentine Asado (grill).
Dulce de leche, a popular national spread used to fill cakes and pancakes, eaten over toast, and as an ice cream flavor.
Boxed Empanadas.
Café Tortoni, one of the many coffehouses in Buenos Aires. The consumption of coffee is very common (141 cups per capita, annually).
Religion in Argentina [videos]
Argentina, for much of its history and including the present day, has been an overwhelmingly Christian country. The largest Christian denomination in the country is Roman Catholicism. The historical background is very much due to the Spanish influence brought about through the newly conquered …
The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
King Fahd Islamic Cultural Center
Synagogue Or Torah in Buenos Aires.
President Cristina Kirchner receives Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio (2007)
Architecture of Argentina [videos]
The Architecture of Argentina can be said to start at the beginning of the Spanish colonisation, though it was in the 18th century that the cities of the country reached their splendour. Cities like Córdoba, Salta, Mendoza, and also Buenos Aires conserved most their historical Spanish colonial …
National Congress of Argentina built by Victor Meano.
Image: Jujuy Tilcara Pucara P3130012
Image: Cordoba derecho 1
Image: San Ignacio Miní
Music of Argentina [videos]
The music of Argentina includes a variety of traditional, classical and popular genres. One of the country's most significant cultural contributions — is the tango, which originated in Buenos Aires and its surroundings during the end of the 19th century and underwent profound changes throughout the …
Atahualpa Yupanqui, 1968
Ariel Ramírez (at piano), President of the Argentine Society of Authors and Composers, with eminent folklore vocalist Mercedes Sosa, 1972
Folk guitar virtuoso Eduardo Falú (right)
Folk music quartet Los Fronterizos, 1959
Sport in Argentina [videos]
The practice of sports in Argentina is varied due to the population's diverse European origins and the mostly mild climate. Association football is the most popular discipline and other sports played both professionally and recreatively athletics, auto racing, basketball, boxing, cycling, field …
Pato is the national sport in Argentina.
Argentina playing against Uruguay in 1927. The Clásico del Río de la Plata is one of the oldest derbies in the world.
Argentina and Uruguay national sides, playing in 1925
Argentina facing England at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
National symbols of Argentina [videos]
The National symbols of Argentina are the symbols used in Argentina and abroad to represent the nation and its people. The country has a number of national symbols, some of which are extensively defined by law. — List of symbols — References …
Image: Argentina 1828 8 Escudos
Image: Josedesanmartin
Image: Independencia Argentina
Image: Posta de San Luis
Flag of Argentina [videos]
The flag of Argentina is a triband, composed of three equally wide horizontal bands coloured light blue and white. There are multiple interpretations on the reasons for those colors. The flag was created by Manuel Belgrano, in line with the creation of the Cockade of Argentina, and was first raised …
Manuel Belgrano holding the flag.
The priest Juan Ignacio Gorriti blessing the flag.
The Argentine flag flying for the first time over a coastal battery on the shores of the Paraná, 27 February 1812
The flag at Plaza de Mayo, in front of the Casa Rosada.
Jorge Luis Borges [videos]
Jorge Francisco Isidoro Luis Borges Acevedo was an Argentine short-story writer, essayist, poet and translator, and a key figure in Spanish-language and universal literature. His best-known books, Ficciones and El Aleph (The …
Borges in 1921.
At L'Hôtel, Paris, 1968
María Kodama at the 2010 Frankfurt Book Fair
Borges' grave, Cimetière des Rois, Plainpalais, Geneva.
Julio Cortázar [videos]
Julio Cortázar, born Julio Florencio Cortázar American Spanish:; was an Argentine novelist, short story writer, and essayist. Known as one of the founders of the Latin American Boom, Cortázar influenced an entire generation of …
Cortázar in 1967, photo by Sara Facio
Cortázar in his youth
Cortázar photographed in Buenos Aires in December 1983, when he returned after 10 years of exile in France
Cortázar's grave in Montparnasse, Paris
Santiago del Estero [videos]
Santiago del Estero is the capital of Santiago del Estero Province in northern Argentina. It has a population of 252,192 inhabitants, making it the twelfth largest city in the country …
(From top to bottom; from left to right) Aerial view of the city; Santiago del Estero Cathedral; Plaza Libertad; Santiago del Estero Cultural Complex and Monument to Belgrano
Santiago del Estero Cathedral c.1970
Front of the General Belgrano Railway train station.
Poetry [videos]
Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language—such as phonaesthetics, sound symbolism, and metre—to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic ostensible meaning. — Poetry …
The Parnassus (1511) by Raphael: famous poets recite alongside the nine Muses atop Mount Parnassus.
An early Chinese poetics, the Kǒngzǐ Shīlùn (孔子詩論), discussing the Shijing (Classic of Poetry)
Indigenous peoples in Argentina [videos]
Argentina has 35 indigenous groups or Argentine Amerindians or Native Argentines, according to the Complementary Survey of the Indigenous Peoples of 2004, in the first attempt by the government in more than 100 years to recognize and classify the population according to ethnicity. In the survey …
Distribution of the Indigenous Peoples in Argentina.
Artifacts at the Pío Pablo Díaz Museum in Cachi, Salta Province. One of several in Argentina devoted to the ethnology of indigenous peoples
Tehuelche Cacique Casimiro Biguá, c. 1864
Proprietors of a roadside café in Salta Province
Symbiosis [videos]
Symbiosis is any type of a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms, be it mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic. The organisms, each termed a symbiont, may be of the …
In a cleaning symbiosis, the clownfish feeds on small invertebrates that otherwise have potential to harm the sea anemone, and the fecal matter from the clownfish provides nutrients to the sea anemone. The clownfish is protected from predators by the anemone's stinging cells, to which the clownfish is immune. The clownfish emits a high pitched sound that deters butterfly fish, which would otherwise eat the anemone, making the relationship appear mutualistic.
Alder tree root nodule houses endosymbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Male-male interference competition in red deer
Hermit crab, Calcinus laevimanus, with sea anemone.
Córdoba Province, Argentina [videos]
Córdoba is a province of Argentina, located in the center of the country. Neighboring provinces are: Santiago del Estero, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires, La Pampa, San Luis, La Rioja and Catamarca. Together with Santa Fe and Entre Ríos, the …
La Falda and the Córdoba Sierras foothills.
Tercero River Reservoir.
Known nationally for its rich agriculture and industries such as motor vehicles and food processing, Córdoba also enjoys a vigorous services sector.
Neoclassicism [videos]
Neoclassicism is the name given to Western movements in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture that draw inspiration from the "classical" art and …
Antonio Canova's Psyche Revived by Love's Kiss
Henry Fuseli, The artist moved to despair at the grandeur of antique fragments, 1778–79
Johann Joachim Winckelmann, often called "the father of archaeology"
Anton Raphael Mengs, Judgement of Paris, c. 1757, bought by Catherine the Great from the studio
Baroque [videos]
The Baroque is a highly ornate and often extravagant style of architecture, music, painting, sculpture and other arts that flourished in Europe from the early 17th until the mid-18th century. It followed the Renaissance style and preceded the Rococo (in the past often referred to as …
Quadratura or trompe-l'œil ceiling of the Church of the Jesu, Rome, by Giovanni Battista Gaulli (1669–1683)
Facade of St. Peter's Basilica (early 17th century)
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice (1631–1687)
The towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela by Fernando de Casas Novoa (1680 (center tower) and 1738–50)
May Revolution [videos]
The May Revolution was a week-long series of events that took place from May 18 to 25, 1810, in Buenos Aires, capital of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. This Spanish colony included roughly the territories of present-day Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay …
The rule of Joseph Bonaparte as King of Spain was resisted by Spaniards, and cast doubts on the legitimacy of the Spanish viceroys.
The US Declaration of Independence inspired similar movements in the Spanish colonies in South America.
William Carr Beresford surrenders to Santiago de Liniers during the British invasions of the Río de la Plata.
The coronation of Infanta Carlota Joaquina was considered an alternative to revolution.
Salon (gathering) [videos]
A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation. These gatherings often consciously followed Horace's definition of the aims of poetry, "either …
Réunion de dames, Abraham Bosse, 17th century
A Reading in the Salon of Mme Geoffrin, 1755
Mariquita Sánchez's salon in Buenos Aires
"Abbé Delille reciting his poem, La Conversation in the salon of Madame Geoffrin" from Jacques Delille, "La Conversation" (Paris, 1812)
Romanticism [videos]
Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century, and in most areas was at its peak in the approximate period from 1800 to 1850. Romanticism was characterized by its emphasis on …
Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, 1818
Eugène Delacroix, Death of Sardanapalus, 1827, taking its Orientalist subject from a play by Lord Byron
Philipp Otto Runge, The Morning, 1808
William Blake, The Little Girl Found, from Songs of Innocence and Experience, 1794
Middle Ages [videos]
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and merged into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. The Middle Ages is the middle period of the three traditional divisions of Western …
The Cross of Mathilde, a crux gemmata made for Mathilde, Abbess of Essen (973–1011), who is shown kneeling before the Virgin and Child in the enamel plaque. The figure of Christ is slightly later. Probably made in Cologne or Essen, the cross demonstrates several medieval techniques: cast figurative sculpture, filigree, enamelling, gem polishing and setting, and the reuse of Classical cameos and engraved gems.
A coin of the Ostrogothic leader Theoderic the Great, struck in Milan, Italy, circa AD 491–501
A mosaic showing Justinian with the bishop of Ravenna (Italy), bodyguards, and courtiers.
Reconstruction of an early medieval peasant village in Bavaria
Argentine painting [videos]
Argentine painting refers to all the pictorial production done in the territory of Argentina throughout the centuries. — Pre-Columbian painting — The Cueva de las Manos, one of the masterpieces of paleolithic painting, is located in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina. It has been declared a …
Ceiling frescoes in Galerías Pacífico of Buenos Aires created in by Lino Enea Spilimbergo, Demetrio Urruchúa, Antonio Berni, Juan Carlos Castagnino y Manuel Colmeiro Guimarás.
Image: Santa Cruz Cueva Manos P2210651b
Image: Gerrero felino Cultura La Aguada 650 950
Coat of arms of Argentina [videos]
The coat of arms of the Argentine Republic or Argentine shield was established in its current form in 1944, but has its origins in the seal of the General Constituent Assembly of 1813. It is supposed that it was chosen quickly because of the existence …
Seal of a French group in the National Assembly, around 1793.
Image: Chubut COA
Image: Esc mis
National University of Córdoba [videos]
The National University of Córdoba, founded in 1613, is the oldest university in Argentina, the fourth oldest in South America and the sixth oldest in Latin America. It is located in Córdoba, the capital of Córdoba Province. Since the early 20th …
The Argentina Pavilion
The Peru Pavilion
Immigration to Argentina [videos]
Immigration to Argentina began in several millennia BC with the arrival of cultures from Asia to the Americas through Beringia, according to the most accepted theories, and were slowly populating the continent. Upon arrival of the Spaniards, the inhabitants of Argentine territory were approximately …
Immigrants' Hotel, Buenos Aires. Built in 1906, it could accommodate up to 4,000.
Copy of a colonization contract in the history museum of San José, Entre Ríos
A statue honoring the immigrants, in Rosario
Argentine comics [videos]
Argentine comics are one of the most important comic traditions internationally, and the most important within Latin America, living its "Golden Age" between the 1940s and the 1960s. Soon after, in 1970, the theorist Oscar Masotta synthesized its contributions in the …
Front of Don Quijote magazine, circa 1890.
Image: El Eternauta
Image: Chicas de Divito
Radio in Argentina [videos]
Radio in Argentina is an important facet of the nation's media and culture. Radio, which was first broadcast in Argentina in 1920, has been widely enjoyed in Argentina since the 1930s. Radio broadcast stations totaled around 150 active AM stations, 1,150 FM stations, and 6 registered shortwave …
Installations at LR5 Radio Splendid in Monte Grande in 1933.
Legendary tango vocalist Carlos Gardel tunes in around 1930.
Football announcer Fioravanti, who helped maintain radio's dominance in sports broadcasting after the advent of television.
Cinema of Argentina [videos]
Cinema of Argentina refers to the film industry based in Argentina. The Argentine cinema comprises the art of film and creative movies made within the nation of Argentina or by Argentine filmmakers abroad. — The Argentine film industry has historically been one of the three most developed in Latin …
Iconic Argentine actresses in the 1961 Berlin International Film Festival: Isabel Sarli, Olga Zubarry, Tita Merello and Mirtha Legrand.
Golden Age of Argentine cinema. From top (left to right): Tita Merello, Libertad Lamarque, Luis Sandrini, Pepe Arias, Mirtha Legrand, Zully Moreno, Lolita Torres, Amelia Bence, Carlos Gardel, Olga Zubarry, Mecha Ortiz, José Gola, Hugo del Carril, Armando Bó and Niní Marshall.
President Cristina Fernández and the cast of The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) with the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Argentine National Anthem [videos]
The "Argentine National Anthem" is the national anthem of Argentina. Its lyrics were written by the Buenos Aires-born politician Vicente López y Planes and the music was composed by the Spanish musician Blas Parera. The work was adopted as the sole official song …
French transcription for piano by Luis Messemaeckers, published in 1822. This is the oldest sheet music found of the Argentine national anthem outside of Argentina.
Music sheet found in Santa Ana de Velasco, Bolivia, c. 1860.
Communications in Argentina [videos]
Communications in Argentina gives an overview of the postal, telephone, Internet, radio, television, and newspaper services available in Argentina. — Postal — The national postal service, Correo Argentino, was established in 1854, privatized in 1997, and partly re-nationalized in 2003. There are …
Argentines have access to over 5,000 post offices nationwide, Latin America's best ratio.
Radio Mitre at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair.
1837 generation [videos]
The 1837 generation was an Argentine intellectual movement named after the date a literary hall with most of its members was established. Influenced by the new romantic ideas, they rejected the cultural Spanish heritage of the country. They did not acknowledge any …
Meeting of the "Literary hall"
A statue in Buenos Aires honoring Esteban Echeverría remembers his words: "You Argentines fight for the May Democracy and your cause is not only legitimate but also holy in the eyes of God and the free nations of the world" (Vosotros argentinos lucháis por la democracia de Mayo y vuestra causa no sólo es legítima sino también santa ante los ojos de Dios y de los pueblos libres del mundo). On the other side it says "Slaves, or men subdue to an absolute power, don't have homeland, because homeland is not connected to the place of birth, but in the free exercise of the citizen rights." (Los esclavos, o los hombres sometidos al poder absoluto, no tienen patria, porque la patria no se vincula a la tierra natal, sino en el libre ejercicio de los derechos ciudadanos.)
Argentine humour [videos]
Argentine humour is exemplified by a number of humorous television programmes, film productions, comic strips and other types of media. Everyday humour includes jokes related to recurrent themes, such as xenophobic jokes at the expense of Galicians called chistes de gallegos (where they …
Television in Argentina [videos]
Argentine television broadcasting began in 1951 with the inaugural of then state-owned Canal 7, developed by Radio Belgrano executive Jaime Yankelevich. Color television broadcasting, however, was not widely available until after 1978, when the government launched Argentina Televisora Color …
Satellite transmitters at Channel 7, Buenos Aires.
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Homepage > Study by Topic > Crusades > What the Crusades Were Really Like by Thomas F. Madden
What the Crusades Were Really Like
Present-day tension between the West and Muslim countries has very little to do with the Crusades, says historian Thomas Madden, chair of the history department at St. Louis University. The Crusaders were not unprovoked aggressors, greedy marauders or medieval colonialists.
Thomas Madden, chair of St. Louis University's history department and author of A Concise History of the Crusades, contests that the Crusaders were a defensive force fighting defensive wars, not wars of conquest and that they did not profit from their ventures by either earthly riches or land.
Madden shared with ZENIT the most popular myths about the Crusades and the modern findings that prove them wrong.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about the Crusades? the Crusaders?
Madden: The following are some of the most common myths and why they are wrong.
Myth 1: The Crusades were wars of unprovoked aggression against a peaceful Muslim world.
This is as wrong as wrong can be. From the time of Mohammed, Muslims had sought to conquer the Christian world. They did a pretty good job of it, too. After a few centuries of steady conquests, Muslim armies had taken all of North Africa, the Middle East, Asia Minor and most of Spain.
In other words, by the end of the 11th century the forces of Islam had captured two-thirds of the Christian world. Palestine, the home of Jesus Christ; Egypt, the birthplace of Christian monasticism; Asia Minor, where St. Paul planted the seeds of the first Christian communities — these were not the periphery of Christianity but its very core.
And the Muslim empires were not finished yet. They continued to press westward toward Constantinople, ultimately passing it and entering Europe itself. As far as unprovoked aggression goes, it was all on the Muslim side. At some point what was left of the Christian world would have to defend itself or simply succumb to Islamic conquest.
Myth 2: The Crusaders wore crosses, but they were really only interested in capturing booty and land. Their pious platitudes were just a cover for rapacious greed.
Historians used to believe that a rise in Europe's population led to a crisis of too many noble "second sons," those who were trained in chivalric warfare but who had no feudal lands to inherit. The Crusades, therefore, were seen as a safety valve, sending these belligerent men far from Europe where they could carve out lands for themselves at someone else's expense.
Modern scholarship, assisted by the advent of computer databases, has exploded this myth. We now know that it was the "first sons" of Europe that answered the Pope's call in 1095, as well as in subsequent Crusades.
Crusading was an enormously expensive operation. Lords were forced to sell off or mortgage their lands to gather the necessary funds. Most were also not interested in an overseas kingdom. Much like a soldier today, the medieval Crusader was proud to do his duty but longed to return home.
After the spectacular successes of the First Crusade, with Jerusalem and much of Palestine in Crusader hands, virtually all of the Crusaders went home. Only a tiny handful remained behind to consolidate and govern the newly won territories.
Booty was also scarce. In fact, although Crusaders no doubt dreamed of vast wealth in opulent Eastern cities, virtually none of them ever even recouped their expenses. But money and land were not the reasons that they went on Crusade in the first place. They went to atone for their sins and to win salvation by doing good works in a faraway land.
They underwent such expense and hardship because they believed that by coming to the aid of their Christian brothers and sisters in the East they were storing up treasure where rust and moth cannot corrupt.
They were very mindful of Christ's exhortation that he who will not take up his cross is not worthy of Christ. They also remembered that "Greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends."
Myth 3: When the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099 they massacred every man, woman and child in the city until the streets ran ankle deep with the blood.
This is a favorite used to demonstrate the evil nature of the Crusades.
It is certainly true that many people in Jerusalem were killed after the Crusaders captured the city. But this must be understood in historical context.
The accepted moral standard in all pre-modern European and Asian civilizations was that a city that resisted capture and was taken by force belonged to the victorious forces. That included not just the buildings and goods, but the people as well. That is why every city or fortress had to weigh carefully whether it could hold out against besiegers. If not, it was wise to negotiate terms of surrender.
In the case of Jerusalem, the defenders had resisted right up to the end. They calculated that the formidable walls of the city would keep the Crusaders at bay until a relief force from Egypt could arrive. They were wrong. When the city fell, therefore, it was put to the sack. Many were killed, yet many others were ransomed or allowed to go free.
By modern standards this may seem brutal. Yet a medieval knight would point out that many more innocent men, women and children are killed in modern bombing warfare than could possibly be put to the sword in one or two days. It is worth noting that in those Muslim cities that surrendered to the Crusaders the people were left unmolested, retained their property and were allowed to worship freely.
As for those streets of blood, no historian accepts them as anything other than a literary convention. Jerusalem is a big town. The amount of blood necessary to fill the streets to a continuous and running three-inch depth would require many more people than lived in the region, let alone the city.
Myth 4: The Crusades were just medieval colonialism dressed up in religious finery.
It is important to remember that in the Middle Ages the West was not a powerful, dominant culture venturing into a primitive or backward region. It was the Muslim East that was powerful, wealthy and opulent. Europe was the Third World.
The Crusader States, founded in the wake of the First Crusade, were not new plantations of Catholics in a Muslim world akin to the British colonization of America. Catholic presence in the Crusader states was always tiny, easily less than 10% of the population. These were the rulers and magistrates, as well as Italian merchants and members of the military orders. The overwhelming majority of the population in the Crusader states was Muslim.
They were not colonies, therefore, in the sense of plantations or even factories, as in the case of India. They were outposts. The ultimate purpose of the Crusader states was to defend the holy places in Palestine, especially Jerusalem, and to provide a safe environment for Christian pilgrims to visit those places.
There was no mother country with which the Crusader states had an economic relationship, nor did Europeans economically benefit from them. Quite the contrary, the expense of Crusades to maintain the Latin East was a serious drain on European resources. As an outpost, the Crusader states kept a military focus.
While the Muslims warred against each other the Crusader states were safe, but once the Muslims united, they were able to dismantle the strongholds, capture the cities, and in 1291 expel the Christians completely.
Myth 5: The Crusades were also waged against the Jews.
No pope ever called a Crusade against Jews. During the First Crusade a large band of riffraff, not associated with the main army, descended on the towns of the Rhineland and decided to rob and kill the Jews they found there. In part this was pure greed. In part it also stemmed from the incorrect belief that the Jews, as the crucifiers of Christ, were legitimate targets of the war.
Pope Urban II and subsequent popes strongly condemned these attacks on Jews. Local bishops and other clergy and laity attempted to defend the Jews, although with limited success. Similarly, during the opening phase of the Second Crusade a group of renegades killed many Jews in Germany before St. Bernard was able to catch up to them and put a stop to it.
These misfires of the movement were an unfortunate byproduct of Crusade enthusiasm, but they were not the purpose of the Crusades. To use a modern analogy, during the Second World War some American soldiers committed crimes while overseas. They were arrested and punished for those crimes. But the purpose of the Second World War was not to commit crimes.
Q: Do you think the struggle between the West and the Muslim world is in any way a reaction to the Crusades?
Madden: No. That may seem a strange answer when you consider that Osama bin Laden and other Islamists often refer to Americans as "Crusaders."
It's important to remember, though, that during the Middle Ages — really up until the late 16th century — the superpower of the Western world was Islam. Muslim civilizations were wealthy, sophisticated and immensely powerful. The West was backward and relatively weak.
It is noteworthy that with the exception of the First Crusade virtually every other Crusade launched by the West — and there were hundreds — was unsuccessful.
The Crusades may have slowed Muslim expansionism, but they in no way stopped it. Muslim empires would continue to expand into Christian territories, conquering the Balkans, much of Eastern Europe and even the greatest Christian city in the world, Constantinople.
From the Muslim perspective the Crusades were not worth noticing. If you had asked someone in the Muslim world about the Crusades in the 18th century he or she would have known nothing about them. They were important to Europeans because they were massive efforts that failed.
However, during the 19th century, when Europeans began conquering and colonizing Middle Eastern countries, many historians — in particular nationalist or royalist French writers — began to cast the Crusades as Europe's first attempt to bring the fruits of Western civilization to the backward Muslim world. In other words, the Crusades were morphed into imperialist wars.
Those histories were taught in the colonial schools and became the accepted view in the Middle East and beyond. In the 20th century, imperialism was discredited. Islamists and some Arab nationalists then seized on the colonial construction of the Crusades, claiming that the West was responsible for their woes because they had preyed on Muslims ever since the Crusades.
It is often said that people in the Middle East have long memories; it is true. But in the case of the Crusades, they have a recovered memory: one that was manufactured for them by their European conquerors.
Q: Are there any similarities between the Crusades and the war against terror today?
Madden: Aside from the fact that soldiers in both wars want to serve something greater than themselves that they hold dear and long to return home when it is over, I see no other similarities between the medieval Crusades and the war against terror. Motivations in a post-Enlightenment secular society are very different from those in the medieval world.
Q: How are the Crusades different from Islam's jihad, or other wars of religion?
Madden: The fundamental purpose of jihad is to expand the Dar al-Islam — the Abode of Islam — into the Dar al-Harb — the Abode of War. In other words, jihad is expansionistic, seeking to conquer non-Muslims and place them under Muslim rule.
Those who are then conquered are given a simple choice. For those who are not People of the Book — in other words, those who are not Christians or Jews — the choice is convert to Islam or die. For those who are People of the Book, the choice is submit to Muslim rule and Islamic law or die. The expansion of Islam, therefore, was directly linked to the military successes of jihad.
The Crusades were something very different. From its beginnings Christianity has always forbidden coerced conversion of any kind. Conversion by the sword, therefore, was not possible for Christianity. Unlike jihad, the purpose of the Crusades was neither to expand the Christian world nor to expand Christianity through forced conversions.
Instead, the Crusades were a direct and belated response to centuries of Muslim conquests of Christian lands. The immediate event that sparked the First Crusade was the Turkish conquest of all of Asia Minor in the 1070s through 1090s.
The First Crusade was called by Pope Urban II in 1095 in response to an urgent plea for help from the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople. Urban called the knights of Christendom to come to the aid of their Eastern brethren.
Asia Minor was Christian. Part of the Byzantine Empire, it had been first evangelized by St. Paul. St. Peter had been the first bishop of Antioch. Paul had written his famous letter to the Christians of Ephesus. The creed of the Church was penned at Nicaea. All of these were in Asia Minor.
The Byzantine emperor begged the Christians of the West for aid in recapturing these lands and expelling the Turks. The Crusades were that aid. Their purpose, though, was not only to reconquer Asia Minor but also to recapture other formerly Christian lands that had been lost due to Islamic jihads. This included the Holy Land.
In a nutshell, therefore, the major difference between Crusade and jihad is that the former was a defense against the latter. The entire history of the Eastern Crusades is one of response to Muslim aggression.
Q: Did the Crusaders have any success at converting the Muslim world?
Madden: I would note that in the 13th century some Franciscans began a mission in the Middle East to seek to convert Muslims. It was not successful, largely because Islamic law makes conversion to another religion a capital offense.
This attempt, though, was separate from the Crusades, which had nothing at all to do with conversion. And it was by peaceful persuasion.
Q: How did Christendom rationalize its defeat in the Crusades? Were the Crusaders defeated?
Madden: The same way that the Jews of the Old Testament did. God withheld victory from his people because they were sinful. This led to a large-scale piety movement in Europe, whose aim was to purify Christian society in every way.
Q: Did Pope John Paul II in fact apologize for the Crusades? Has he actually condemned them?
Madden: This is an odd myth, given that the Pope was so roundly criticized for failing to apologize directly for the Crusades when he asked forgiveness from all those that Christians had unjustly harmed.
Our Holy Father did not condemn them, nor did he apologize for them. He apologized for the sins of Catholics. More recently it was widely reported that John Paul II apologized to the patriarch of Constantinople for the Crusader conquest of Constantinople in 1204.
In truth, though, the Pope only reiterated what his predecessor Pope Innocent III [1198-1216] said. That too was a tragic misfire that Innocent had done everything he could to avoid. He apologized for the sins of Catholics who took part in the Crusades. Yet he did not apologize for the Crusades themselves or even the outcome of the Crusades.
ZENIT is an International News Agency based in Rome whose mission is to provide objective and professional coverage of events, documents and issues emanating from or concerning the Catholic Church for a worldwide audience, especially the media.
Reprinted with permission from Zenit - News from Rome. All rights reserved.
Thomas F. Madden is associate professor and chair of the Department of History at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the author of Enrico Dandolo and the Rise of Venice, A Concise History of the Crusades, The Crusades: The Essential Readings, and coauthor of The Fourth Crusade.
Copyright © 2004 Zenit
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Computer History Museum Receives Major Grant From The Council on Library and Information Resources
Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives Grant Awarded to the Computer History Museum to Process Hidden Collections
December 19, 2014 — Mountain View, Ca
The Computer History Museum (CHM) announced today that it is a recipient of a 2014 Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives award from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). The Museum was awarded $274,560 to minimally process 26 of its most significant yet hidden collections, totaling 1,944 linear feet of material. Grant funds will be used to hire two full-time archivists for two years who will utilize the help of Museum volunteers to make this material publicly available as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Museum’s project was one of only 19 selected from a pool of 92 applications.
The Museum archive contains many important collections that scholars currently have no access to due to the lack of publicly available descriptive information. This processing project will process 45 percent of the current archive backlog, including four of the five largest unprocessed donations received to date. The project will be a giant leap forward in providing access to these collections by making them available via the Museum’s online catalog as well as consortial databases.
“The collections included in the funded project represent a deep and broad addition to the available documentation of the Information Age and its ongoing impact on society,” says Senior Archives Manager Sara Lott.
This will be the last group of projects supported by the Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives awards program. Created in 2008 and supported by ongoing funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program has awarded 129 grants totaling about $27.3 million. As of June 2014, the program had funded the creation of a reported 3,240 finding aids and collection-level records; the processing of a reported 46,596 linear feet of archival materials, plus processing for an additional 3,747 cubic feet of materials; the creation of 82,587 new MARC records; and the creation of item-level metadata for another 209,527 items.
The Museum brings computer history to life through large-scale exhibits, an acclaimed speaker series, a dynamic website, docent-led tours, and an award-winning education program. The Museum’s signature exhibition is “Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing,” described by USA Today as “the Valley’s answer to the Smithsonian.” Other current exhibits include “Charles Babbage's Difference Engine No. 2,” “IBM 1401 Demo Lab,” “PDP-1 Demo Lab,” and “Where To? A History of Autonomous Vehicles.”
About The Council on Library and Information Resources
The Council on Library and Information Resources is an independent, nonprofit organization that forges strategies to enhance research, teaching, and learning environments in collaboration with libraries, cultural institutions, and communities of higher learning.
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Home Civilian Review Boards
Civilian review boards (CRBs) are institutions set up by cities or police departments that employ civilian review of complaints against police officers. The purpose of these boards is usually to provide independent review of specific instances of police abuse or to determine whether the internal procedures used by police are legitimate. Since these boards are established locally, and their powers are determined by local politics, CRBs vary wildly in terms of powers, responsibilities, and actual success at supervising police. Nevertheless, existing scholarship tends to place CRBs within one of three categories, while acknowledging that these are not strict boundaries and that some CRBs feature elements of two or more categories.1 This primer will begin by first detailing each of the three categories and providing more examples of each type of review board. It will then identify some best practices when setting up a CRB.
Three Types of CRBs
For purposes of this primer, the term CRB will be used for any kind of local, independent oversight of the police force. However, such oversight can come in a number of different forms. There are three main types of CRB. The first model of CRB is the investigative model. Here the CRB is charged with investigating specific allegations of officer abuse and creating findings which are then submitted to the chief of police or mayor. The second type is the review model that reviews findings made by the police department’s own investigative process to determine whether the findings are fair or not. Depending on the type of board, they may address all complaint allegations of a specific type, or just those appealed by the complainants. The third type of CRB is the auditor model. This model does not focus on specific complaints, but instead audits the internal review process to ensure its fairness. Some CRBs combine elements of each of these types, and within each type there can be substantial variation in terms of authority and openness.
Investigative CRBs typically have the most independent authority to obtain information. They usually have subpoena power over the police, or some court mandated substitute, so they are able to obtain information without persuading police to cooperate voluntarily. Since they conduct their own investigation, they cannot rely on civilian volunteers and must hire professional investigators. This makes investigative CRBs generally more expensive than other types of CRBs. Independence allows investigative CRBs to avoid having to rely on the police department’s own investigation. But it also renders them vulnerable to becoming ineffective if not given adequate resources. The Office of Citizen Complaints in San Francisco, CA was criticized in 2007 for taking more than 9 months to investigate approximately half of the complaints it received.2 This was a serious problem given that the statute of limitations for officer abuse was 1 year, and complaints that took longer than 9 months to investigate would often not be prosecuted within that 1 year time limit.
Once the CRB has completed its own investigation, investigative CRBs tend to diverge with regards to their authority to make recommendations. For instance, the Police Review Commission in Berkeley, CA is only authorized to either recommend that the police chief sustain or not sustain an allegation of police abuse. They have no authority to even recommend punishment, and even their sustain/not sustain recommendation isn’t final since Berkeley’s internal affairs division conducts a concurrent investigation and presents its own findings. The New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, on the other hand, is able to recommend specific disciplinary actions when it sustains a complaint although these recommendations are often ignored by the Police Chief. It does not seem as though any have the power to directly impose discipline, although the (now defunct) Ombudsman’s Office of Flint, MI used to have the authority to publicly criticize the chief of police by releasing details of an investigation if it didn’t approve of the final action taken by the police chief or mayor.
Review CRBs do not possess independent investigative power. Rather, they are limited to reviewing the investigation that the internal affairs department (IA) has already conducted. The scope of review changes depending on the board. For instance, the Independent Police Review division of the Portland, OR police department reviews any investigation conducted by the Portland Internal Affairs division, but limits itself to merely ruling on whether or not the investigation was sufficiently thorough, and sending it back to IA if not. Portland also has a Citizens Review Committee (CRC) that can hear appeals from anyone dissatisfied with the disposition of the case. The CRC can send the complaint back for further investigation, accept the findings of the IA division, or, if it disagrees with IA, present the case before the City Council for final review. Before being struck down by the state courts in Florida,3 the Citizens Review Board of Orange County, FL reviewed all complaints involving excessive force or abuse of authority, and all incidents where an officer’s firearm was discharged regardless of whether a complaint was filed. It only had the authority to agree or disagree with the findings provided by the internal affairs division.
Because there is no independent investigation, these review boards are generally inexpensive. Usually the city needs only to pay for one or two administrative assistants to deal with the paperwork, since the civilians performing the actual review all do their jobs on a volunteer basis. This can be an advantage, if the city does not have a large budget. However, the obvious disadvantage is that the board is dependent on the investigations conducted by internal affairs. Thus, there are often concerns about the ability of these boards to produce actual independent oversight. Additionally, since the reviewing civilians generally have little knowledge of police procedure, they usually have to undergo training provided by the police department, which raises further concerns about independence.
The last form of CRB is the independent auditor. This is when an individual is appointed to review the internal affairs investigation itself, not the results of the investigation. Typically they are charged with reviewing all investigations into complaints of serious police misconduct, such as abuse of authority or excessive force, as well as a random sampling of other complaint investigations. Their task is usually not to make individualized determinations about the sufficiency of IA investigations, but rather to identify ways in which IA could improve investigations or the police department could change its policies in order to avoid abusive officer behavior in the future. In Tucson, AZ, for instance, the Independent Police Auditor reviews all cases involving excessive force, as well as a random sampling of other cases. He is directly responsible to the city manager, and provides monthly reports to the manager on the state of IA investigations. Los Angeles County, CA has a similar system, but the Special Counsel to the County Board of Supervisors has total access to all files in the LAPD’s possession.
The independent auditor is typically a professional, and typically handles the entire office himself. As with the other forms, this has positive and negative aspects. Because only one professional and a few support staff are required, this type of review costs less than an independent investigation office, but more than the review boards. Additionally, because the entire office is essentially vested in a single person, the effectiveness of that office is totally dependent on the office holder. Merrick Bobb, current president of the Police Assessment Resource Center, used to be the independent auditor in Los Angeles, and received high praise for recommending a number of important reforms to the LAPD’s use of force guidelines.4 However, the Tucson Independent Police Auditor was criticized for only asking the Tucson Police Department to review two out of the 372 cases it examined in 2007.5
There are some practices that are common to all types of CRB. Since the purpose of the CRB is to increase police accountability to the public, as well as increase the public’s view of the police force’s legitimacy, most CRBs have some kind of public outreach program. One of the most common outreach programs is a public forum, where civilians get a chance to lodge grievances they have with the police department, and either the police or the members of the CRB get a chance to respond in an attempt to mediate the civilian’s concerns. Other CRBs may hold investigatory or review hearings in public. At the very least, nearly all CRBs have to issue an annual or semi-annual report on the work the CRB has been doing. Most CRBs also have the authority to recommend, if not implement, policy changes that may improve relations between the community and the police. On a more specific level, most CRBs have the authority to arrange mediation between the complainant and the offending officer. They are also in a good position to offer a kind of “early-warning” system about officers who come before them repeatedly, and most CRBs have the authority to provide such notifications to their police departments.
There are also a number of powers that most CRBs do not have. CRBs rarely have the authority to identify defendant officers by name in public documents. The former Ombudsman’s Office in Flint, MI was a notable exception to this rule, but even that office had to notify all relevant departments at least two weeks before it published anything that identified specific officers. CRBs also rarely have the authority to actually impose discipline. Even if they have the ability to recommend it, final authority is usually with the police chief. Finally, CRBs are usually subordinate to police chiefs in terms of authority and in terms of who the CRB makes its reports to. That being said, this issue is the one with the most divergence, since many CRBs can go to the city council or mayor if ignored by the chief of police. Additionally, the Police Commission for the County of Hawai’i, HI is notable because, while it functions as a CRB, it also has the authority to hire and fire the police chief for the county.
There does not seem to be any kind of perfect or ideal CRB in existence today. Part of the reason for this is that CRBs can be established for a number of different reasons. Some review boards are established because the police force has lost legitimacy or accountability in the eyes of the citizens. Others are established because excessive force lawsuits have become prohibitively expensive, and the local city government is looking for new policies that will reduce the number of such claims in the future. Criteria for evaluation can be difficult to establish. If a CRB sustains a very low percentage of complaints, it can be difficult to know if that is because of a pro-police bias, or because the average sustain rate across the nation is 8%. Another reason for divergence in CRB structure is the divergence in local political circumstances. If the city does not have the budget for a large team of independent investigators, then that solution is eliminated right from the beginning. And if a city has enacted, or is located in a state that has enacted, a particularly rigorous “Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights,” there will be statutory limits to what sort of oversight the CRB can provide. Finally, even good CRBs can be shut down or have their authority stripped for reasons totally unrelated to their structure. The Citizens Review Board of Orange County, FL was struck down by Florida because a county sheriff is a position whose authority is laid out in the Florida constitution and cannot be amended by the county charter. And the Ombudsman’s office in Flint, MI was eliminated after the town went bankrupt and the state legislature of Michigan appointed an emergency supervisor to restructure the town’s government and reduce spending.6
That being said, there are some features that tend to distinguish better CRBs from worse ones. The first is independence. The more independent a board is, the more people tend to be satisfied with its findings, regardless of whether they were favorable or not. There are a number of ways of achieving actual or perceived independence, and a number of ways of losing it. Generally speaking, investigative CRBs are seen as more independent than review CRBs for the simple reason that review CRBs often have to take the police department’s own factual findings as given. Portland’s Independent Review Board was recently criticized because it only reviews those cases where Portland’s Internal Affairs division actually made an investigation, but IA only investigated 17% of the complaints it received. Thus Portland’s IRB actually provided little substantive review. This can be compared to Berkeley’s CRB, which conducts its own investigations concurrently with Berkeley’s IA division, thus allowing it to publish its own findings and whether it came to the same conclusion as the IA division.
Yet, it is not necessarily true that shifting to an investigative model is the best way of achieving independence. As stated above, investigative CRBs generally require large amounts of resources in order to be effective. Without those resources, the CRB can become backlogged and unable to generate factual findings before the statute of limitations precludes any sort of discipline for the officer. San Francisco’s Office of Citizen Complaints is a good example of this, as is New York City’s Citizen Complaint Review Board, which takes an average of 346 days to investigate a sustained complaint. These offices take a long time to investigate cases despite the fact that the two organizations already have budgets of $4.3 million and $9.3 million respectively. It is difficult to find an example of an investigative CRB that is able to investigate more quickly or efficiently, however. Berkeley’s Police Review Commission seems to resolve cases relatively quickly, but they typically handle only 15-20 complaints a year. Flint’s former Ombudsman’s office apparently used to resolve approximately 300-350 complaints a year, and was usually able to resolve a case within three weeks. However, it only sustained 2 to 4 percent of the complaints it received, which is far lower than the national average of 8% indicating it may not have been very thorough with its investigation.
A better way to achieve independence is probably through structural independence from the police. The less the CRB is beholden, or seen to be beholden, to the chief of police, the better. There is wide variation in structural independence among review boards. The former Flint Ombudsman’s Office is at the high-level-of-independence end of the spectrum. The Ombudsman was not appointed by the chief, or even the mayor who appoints the chief, but rather the city council. This meant he could act with less fear of reprisal from those offices. As a result, the office was very popular, and survived a number of voter referenda initiated by the city government in order to eliminate it. On the other end of that spectrum would probably be the recently-restructured CRB in Minneapolis. There, the investigation office is staffed by a group of seven police officers and two civilians, and the appeals board is made up of two civilians and two officers. People have complained that this structure will place most actual authority in the hands of police, eliminating the value of having civilian review in the first place. Similar complaints have been repeatedly lodged against the CRB in Rochester, NY, which is co-chaired by a civilian and the chief of police.
Even with structural independence, other concerns about police or city manipulation can arise. Since CRBs usually generate documentation about incidents that can lead to excessive force lawsuits against the city, there are often concerns about conflicts of interest. San Diego’s Review Board on Police Practices was criticized for just that reason. While reviewing cases, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office is responsible for providing interpretation of the legal rules to determine whether investigation is warranted, and whether a complaint should be sustained. A former board member said that the city attorney would always interpret the rules in a manner least-favorable to the complainant, thus reducing the number of sustained investigations. Similar criticism was launched against the restructuring of the Minneapolis CRB, since one of the main motivations was a string of lawsuits against the MPD, and since one of the changes to the structure was to give the chief of police veto power over any investigation.
One last important issue with regard to independence is fear of retaliation. Almost no CRB allows anonymous complaints, and few allow an investigation to go forward without continued cooperation from the complainant. While it is difficult to know how many people are actually dissuaded from complaining due to fear of retaliation, the NIJ study on CRBs indicated that many complainants did mention it as a concern. There are a number of steps that can be taken to at least reduce this fear. The first is to have independent citizen investigators, so that complainants do not actually have to talk to officers when giving their statements. But even having citizen investigators does not totally solve the problem. In Chicago, the police department employed citizen investigators, but their offices were located in the police department itself, which made many citizens nervous about being observed by police. Berkeley’s CRB statute actually forbids placing the CRB within the same building as the police department to avoid this problem, and a number of CRBs follow a similar practice.
Another important practice is openness. This can be achieved in a number of ways. The vast majority of CRBs publish annual or semi-annual reports on their activity. Some, like the DC Office of Police Complaints, go further and publish the facts and determination of the investigations they make. The Police Review Commission in Berkeley, CA holds public hearings for each investigation. The former Orange County CRB went further and deliberated about the determination in public. Other CRBs use openness to compensate for lack of independence. The Police Commissioner in New York City can refuse to prosecute sustained complaints, but must state his reasons for doing so in writing.
Outreach is another important factor for three reasons. First, CRBs are only effective to the extent that people know about them and use them. If the CRB is responsible for complaint intake, then people need to know to go to the CRB to file complaints. In some areas where IA is responsible for investigating complaints, people may have the option of getting a concurrent investigation by a CRB or having IA’s investigation reviewed by a CRB. However, they cannot exercise this right without knowledge of that right. Another reason why outreach is important is because most CRBs are allowed to recommend changes in police procedures and policies, and having open forums provides useful input for these policy recommendations. But, again, open forums are useless if people do not know about them. Finally, to the extent that CRBs are supposed to help restore greater trust between citizens and police, they will likely be ineffective at accomplishing this goal if they do not advertise whatever progress they have made at providing oversight.
As it turns out, most CRBs aren’t very good at outreach given the generally low levels of resources budgeted to them. However, some jurisdictions have useful policies. Berkeley has signs posted within the police department advertising citizens’ ability to seek CRB investigation and review of their complaints. San Francisco allows people to pick up and file complaint forms at any San Francisco city office. Some CRBs post notifications of meetings in local newspapers, and Portland even televises them on local-access cable television. However, resources at CRBs are usually limited, and while many CRBs use some of these methods, none use all.
The last big issue is data quality. Given how difficult it is to access whether a CRB is performing a useful service or not, and considering CRBs are often one of the first things that municipalities think of eliminating when it comes to cutting expenses, it’s important to have a good sense of what the CRB is actually doing in order to effectively evaluate it. Most CRB reports focus on the nature of the complaints and complainants handled in the previous year. Thus they have plenty of data on what sort of complaints have been made, the demographical information of the complainants, and the geographic location of the incidents. They also usually collect information on how the CRB disposed of the complaints it received. And to the extent that this information can be legally released to the public, the disciplinary results of the CRB’s actions or recommendations. The problem is that most of this information is useful for evaluating the police department, but little of it is useful when it comes to evaluating the CRB itself.
There are a number of metrics that can be useful for evaluating a CRB. For instance, CRBs should provide information on how long it takes for a complaint to get processed, in order to determine how efficient they are. Most cities do not provide this information, and those that do, like San Francisco and New York, provide it only after there has been some sort of public outcry about how long complaints take to process. Most CRBs do not provide any information about public satisfaction or even public awareness of the service. Some of this may be attributable to lack of resources for determining this information, but even large cities often fail to provide this information. And Portland’s CRB used to publish civilian satisfaction rates, but stopped after 2009 (when there was only 30% approval) with no formal explanation.
Additionally, the one measure that people usually look to for evaluating effectiveness, the rate at which complaints are sustained, isn’t really that useful. The average sustain rate for complaints is 8% nationwide, so one could argue that a CRB that falls below that figure is too deferent to the police, and that would certainly be a plausible explanation. But except in extreme cases like Chicago, where the sustain rate was less that 0.5% in 2004, it’s difficult to determine whether a low sustain rate was because of an ineffective CRB or a courteous police force. Additionally, sustain rates can be easily manipulated. Portland claimed a sustain rate of 22% in 2010, but ignored the fact that the IA division of the Portland police are able to dismiss claims without investigation. San Francisco claimed a sustain rate of 7% in 2011, but also noted that nearly 70% of sustained allegations involved “neglect of duty,” usually arising from failure of the police to fill out appropriate paperwork after stopping civilians. Ignoring that one class of offenses would have dropped the sustain rate much lower. That being said, it is difficult to know exactly what statistic would be more useful. The best practice would probably be simple honesty in not making the sustain rate appear to be something that it is not.
CRBs are typically created to provide independent review of specific incidents, or to independently evaluate investigative procedures used by a police department.
CRBs vary greatly with respect to their powers and responsibilities. In general, there are three types: (1) investigative CRBs; (2) review CRBs; and (3) auditor CRBs.
Best practices for CRBs include structural independence from the police department, openness, and serious outreach efforts to the community.
National Institute of Justice, Citizen Review of Police: Approaches & Implementation (2001), available at: https://www.ncjrs.go/pdffiles1/nij/184430.pdf.
Police Assessment Resource Center, Review of National Police Oversight Models (2005), available at: http://www.nacole.org/sites/default/files/Review%20of%20National%20Police%20Oversight%20Models%20%28Feb.%202002%29.pdf.
Merrick Bobb, Oversight of the Police in the United States (2002), available at http://www.parc.info/client_files/Articles/5%20-%20bOBB%20pRESENTATION%20(2002).pdf.
Stephen Clarke, Arrested Oversight: A Comparative Analysis and Case Study of How Civilian Oversight of the Police Should Function and How it Fails, Columbia Journal of Law and Societal Problems 43 (2009): 1
Prepared by Tim Lynch and Richard Stone.
1 Some useful surveys of CRBs include the National Institute of Justice’s Citizen Review of Police: Approaches & Implementation (2001), available at: https://www.ncjrs.go/pdffiles1/nij/184430.pdf; the Police Assessment Resource Center’s Review of National Police Oversight Models (2005), available at: http://www.nacole.org/sites/default/files/Review%20of%20National%20Police%20Oversight%20Models%20%28Feb.%202002%29.pdf; and Merrick Bobb’s Oversight of the Police in the United States (2002), available at http://www.parc.info/client_files/Articles/5%20-%20bOBB%20pRESENTATION%20(2002).pdf.
2 Jaxon Van Derbeken. “Audit rips police complaints office” San Francisco Chronicle (2007). Available at http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Audit-rips-police-complaints-2655009.php
3 Demings v. Orange County Citizens Review Board, 15 So.3d 604 (Fl. Dist. Ct. Ap. 2009). Available at http://caselaw.findlaw.com/fl-district-court-of-appeal/1256235.html
4 Stephen Clarke, Arrested Oversight: A Comparative Analysis and Case Study of How Civilian Oversight of the Police Should Function and How it Fails, 43 Colum. J.L. & Soc. Probs. 1, 18 (2009)
5 Dave Devine, “Expensive Oversight” Tucson Weekly (2008). Available at: http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/expensive-oversight/Content?oid=1091877
6 Kristin Longley, “More changes at Flint City Hall as emergency manager axes ombudsman’s office, civil service commission” Michigan Live (2011). Available at: http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/12/more_changes_at_flint_city_hal.html
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Opinion: Ky. pension plan further damages retirement system
We have a plan to fix Kentucky's broken retirement system that is faster, cheaper and far more legal than Gov. Matt Bevin's.
Opinion: Ky. pension plan further damages retirement system We have a plan to fix Kentucky's broken retirement system that is faster, cheaper and far more legal than Gov. Matt Bevin's. Check out this story on cincinnati.com: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/2019/07/12/opinion-ky-pension-plan-further-damages-retirement-system/1620697001/
Joe Graviss and Buddy Wheatley, Opinion contributors Published 9:27 a.m. ET July 12, 2019
Matt Bevin responds to media questions after his speech. Matt Bevin, Republican U.S. Senate candidate, delivers a policy speech at the Galt House Hotel on Thursday. January 9, 2014 (Photo: Michael Dossett/Special to The Courier-Journal)
With Governor Bevin expected to call a special legislative session soon to pass his public pension plan, we are reminded of Henry Ford, who famously said his customers could have cars painted "any color, so long as it’s black."
For weeks now, the debate has focused solely on the governor’s bill and a few tweaks he’s made. Legislators have been told that he wants an up-or-down vote on his bill, specifically, and that we would be free to make additional changes in 2020. But there are other, less bumpy routes leading to the same destination.
The two of us serve on the General Assembly’s Public Pension Oversight Board and have a thorough understanding of the damage the governor’s bill would do if enacted. We share the same goal of protecting our public health departments, rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, regional public universities and other quasi-governmental agencies from a crushing 68% increase in pension costs, starting in July. This bill, however, is not the way to do it.
Gov. Bevin’s bill offers these critical agencies and universities massive debts; costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars; harms the nation’s worst-funded public retirement system; and it would severely undermine retirement security for potentially thousands of career employees who have dedicated their lives to public service – not to mention it would face likely legal challenges which would put us all back to square one.
The governor’s plan freezes these agencies’ payments to Kentucky Retirement Systems (KRS) for a year, and we agree on that. It’s the long-term fix we differ on.
Dusti Moore, a teacher in the Bath County School system, participates in a protest Friday, March 9, 2018, at the state Capitol. The Kentucky Teachers Association is opposed to Senate Bill 1, which proposes changes for the state-funded pension system for teachers. (Photo: Timothy D. Easley/AP Photo)
Our recommendations – think of them as different colors on Henry Ford’s Model T – are faster, cheaper, and far more legal.
The first necessary change is slightly increasing the projected investment target that KRS uses for the fund that these quasi-governmental agencies and state government pay into.
The KRS Board of Trustees dropped the rate dramatically in 2017 to the lowest in the country, when that decrease should have been phased in over years. We propose moving it up slightly, where it still remains the lowest public retirement plan target in the country, but more closely aligns with KRS’s actual investment experience over the last decade.
Second, our plan recommends an annual payroll growth of 1%, versus the 0% KRS now uses. State government has already shrunk to levels not seen since the 1970s, but basing pension contributions on zero percent growth over the next 24 years is unrealistic and unfair, given a growing population and the need for employee raises to combat inflation.
A third hallmark of our plan is a five-year shift in excess payments from the retiree health insurance fund to the pension side of the ledger. All normal costs continue to be properly funded to maintain the health fund.
This will not put at risk current or future benefits – the fund would have all it needs during those five years and still be fully funded by the end of the amortization period – and we have already set aside much more money for retiree health insurance than most other states. Many retiree health systems, in fact, have no savings at all, choosing instead to pay for actual costs month to month.
Finally, we think it is prudent to freeze the employer contribution rates that the quasi-governmental agencies currently pay KRS. They are paying KRS almost 50% of their payroll now and can’t afford anything higher.
This is very reasonable because this retirement fund is seeing a positive cash flow. We can revisit this freeze in the future, if KRS investments ever suffer a sustained downturn. Using a 20-year investment horizon also helps smooth the peaks and valleys.
Protesters fill the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky. A pension reform bill quickly passed the House and Senate last week. (Photo: The Enquirer/Sam Greene)
Taken together, these proposals erase the long-term liabilities faster than the governor’s plan, and they do it without illegally reducing employee benefits or harming the quasi-governmental agencies that are already in a precarious financial position.
We did not get in this situation overnight, and it will not be solved overnight. Public employee retirement plans are similar to a 30-year home mortgage. While it would be great to have 360 monthly payments in the bank, the reality is that we don’t have it or need it all right now.
Our plan is much like restructuring the mortgage so that the bank does not take the home. By making modest adjustments to the terms of the loan to lower payments, we can still pay it off within a year of what the current law already calls for.
Unlike the governor’s bill, our recommendations maintain current services in a way that still meets the long-term goal of making KRS more solvent. Our plan won’t be tied up in court because of legally questionable actions; it won’t force some of our most critical agencies to close their doors; and it allows a quality workforce to continue serving you.
At the very least, members of both parties and stakeholders should be able to sit down and discuss this as a viable alternative. We stand ready and willing to work with any of our colleagues who are seeking to do the most good for the most people at the best price.
Kentucky taxpayers and those with a vested interest in the outcome deserve nothing less.
Kentucky state Rep. Joe Graviss lives in Versailles. State Rep. Buddy Wheatley lives in Covington.
Kentucky state Rep. Buddy Wheatley (Photo: Provided)
Kentucky state Rep. Joe Graviss (Photo: Provided)
Read or Share this story: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/2019/07/12/opinion-ky-pension-plan-further-damages-retirement-system/1620697001/
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Subscribe To The Willy Wonka Reboot Is Looking At 3 Very Different Actors For The Title Role Updates
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The Willy Wonka Reboot Is Looking At 3 Very Different Actors For The Title Role
By Adam Holmes
So far the Roald Dahl-created character Willy Wonka has been portrayed twice in film. Gene Wilder first breathed life into him in 1971, and then Johhny Depp gave us significantly different version of the candy mogul in 2005. Both of those actors played Willy Wonka in relatively straightforward adaptations of Dahl's original book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but for the character's third live action outing, we'll reportedly instead see a younger version of him as his origin story is explored. Today brings word that Warner Bros has three talented, though very different actors in mind for the role: Ryan Gosling, Donald Glover and Ezra Miller.
Ryan Gosling was first reported to being eyed for the Willy Wonka prequel back in July of 2017, with Gosling rumored to be interested in the part. Gosling has a good relationship established with Warner Bros thanks to starring in movies like Gangster Squad, The Nice Guys and Blade Runner 2049, and needless to say that he's one of the more well-known actors in Hollywood. Nevertheless, if this Collider report is accurate, then he's facing some formidable competition. Donald Glover's acting profile has risen in recent years thanks to Atlanta, The Martian, Spider-Man: Homecoming and Solo: A Star Wars Story, and next year he'll be heard voicing Simba in The Lion King. Then there's Ezra Miller, who also has a good rapport with Warner Bros by starring in Justice League and the Fantastic Beasts movies.
Of these three actors, Ezra Miller seems like he would be the best bet, as he's the youngest of the three and has proven himself in two Warner Bros franchises. But adding a third might be risky, and with the DC Extended Universe and the Wizarding World not ending anytime soon, the studio might not want to overwork him. Donald Glover would certainly be an interesting choice, and supposedly he's also been chasing the role. However, Glover is more popular than ever, so it's possible he might be courted to star in an even bigger movie. As for Ryan Gosling, he has another Warner Bros movie coming up, First Man, and he's not attached to any franchise. So in terms of being the "safe choice," Gosling seems like he would be the right candidate.
Other than being a prequel rather than another remake, no specific details have come out about the Willy Wonka movie. Paddington's Paul King will direct, and David Heyman of the Fantastic Beasts franchise is producing. Evidently Warner Bros is sparing no expense with attaching a well-known name to this project, so it will be interesting to see in the near future who is selected don the top hat and brightly-colored coat.
The Willy Wonka movie doesn't have an assigned release date yet, so be sure to check back with CinemaBlend for that information and more updates when they come in. For now, check out our 2018 release schedule so you can fill out your moviegoing calendar accordingly.
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The Lion King Live Action Movie: Here's What We Know
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Health/
Prevention & Recovery/
25 health myths exposed
By: Kristin Jenkins
Author: Canadian Living
Fact or fabrication? When it comes to health, there's a lot of "information" floating around on the grapevine, and not all of it is recognizable for what it is - which may be anything from truth to half-truth to nothing-like-the-truth. Which of these medical "facts" do you believe?
1. If you're pregnant and carrying a male fetus, it will "show high."
Here's another one: suspend a pregnant woman's wedding ring on a thread over her belly. If the ring swings in a circle, it's a girl; if it swings in a straight line, it's a boy. Or there's the belief that if you're having a lot of morning sickness during the first trimester, you're carrying a girl. These are all fun ways to guess the sex of the unborn baby but they're nothing more than games. How you carry your baby has nothing to do with gender. In fact, you may find that even in a family that is all girls or all boys, the babies all carried differently before they were born.
2. You're guaranteed to lose weight on a low-fat diet.
Although you're wise to cut your fat intake, low-fat is not necessarily low-calorie. Once upon a time, a low-fat diet was one that consisted of a lot of fruits, vegetables and fibre-rich foods. It was easy to lose weight then because these foods not only are low-calorie but also fill you up. However, things have changed and supermarket shelves are now flooded with low-fat products, such as cookies and muffins, that are often high in calories from sugar. Low-fat processed foods don't contain the nutrients and fibre found in low-fat whole foods. As a result, you may feel hungry soon after eating them. To lose weight, you need to cut calories and increase your physical activity as well as cut your fat intake.
3. Sitting too close to the TV will ruin your vision.
Being close to the TV won't ruin your eyesight, but sitting less than 1.5 metres from the set can tire the muscles that focus the lens of the eye, resulting in eyestrain and tired eyes that burn and water. Make sure you sit far enough from the TV set, have enough light in the room and give your eyes a break by refocusing your gaze during commercial breaks.
4. Herbs are harmless because they're natural.
While many herbs have been around for centuries, it's only recently that some of the problems associated with their use have come to light; for instance, kava popular for its ability to reduce anxiety has now been shown to be toxic to the liver. Ginkgo leaf extracts, promoted to improve mental clarity and treat dementia and peripheral vascular disease, are known to cause headaches, nausea and diarrhea. Echinacea, St. John's wort, German chamomile and ginkgo biloba have been reported to cause allergic reactions. It's a good idea to tell your family physician about any "natural" products or supplements you're taking or considering taking to find out whether they're compatible with your health needs and other medications you may already be taking.
5. Everyone should take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) every day to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
Yes, if you've already had a heart attack or stroke. Studies show that taking ASA daily can reduce the risk of having another heart attack by 25 per cent. As a result, ASA has become a standard treatment for many types of heart disease and stroke and is an important part of emergency treatment for a heart attack that's in progress. However, researchers have yet to determine whether ASA can prevent a first heart attack or stroke, and for people who are perfectly healthy, the risk of gastrointestinal upset even bleeding can be significant. Bottom line? Always check with your physician before embarking on any drug therapy, including taking ASA each day to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
6. The main reason to brush your teeth is to remove food debris.
Brushing is a great way to get the gunk out of your teeth after a meal. But the real benefit of brushing is to eliminate the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Bacterial plaque constantly forms on teeth and gums and is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Since plaque-building bacteria thrive on foods that contain sugars and starches, you need to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and floss once a day. If calcified plaque, known as tartar, starts to get under your gum line, it's time to head to the dentist for a professional cleaning, usually every six to nine months.
7. Once you've had a caesarean section, you'll always have to have one.
Not so. Fifty to 80 per cent of women who deliver by C-section because their labour failed to progress (known as dystocia) or their babies were in a breech position can successfully have vaginal deliveries for the next baby. This is known as vaginal birth after caesarean. There are, however, some circumstances under which a woman would always have to have another C-section; these include a vertical incision for the original C-section or extensive uterine surgery. Both can increase the risk of uterine rupture during a subsequent labour and delivery.
8. A heart attack is always accompanied by significant pain.
While men having heart attacks typically feel a crushing, squeezing pain in their chests, often accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath and light-headedness, women experiencing heart attacks are more likely to complain of vague chest discomfort and nausea. Since these symptoms can come and go, many women chalk them up to heartburn. When they do have significant chest pain, women are more likely than men to describe it as radiating from their chests up their necks, jaws or backs, whereas men describe it as just pain in their chests. Whatever the symptoms, if you're concerned that you may be having a heart attack, call 911 for an ambulance to the nearest emergency department and chew on ASA en route. Medical therapy for a heart attack is most beneficial during the first two hours, when risk of death is highest.
9. Starve a fever; feed a cold.
At some point in history, people may have believed that stuffing your face while you had a cold would get rid of it, but modern doctors say that's a lot of hooey. Colds are caused by viruses, and the only way to feel better is to rest and drink lots of fluids. These fluids replenish those used by the immune system to fight off the virus. If you have a fever that's higher than 38 C for more than 48 hours, then it's not about whether to eat; it's about consulting a doctor to find out what's causing the fever. If you feel that having something soothing, such as chicken soup, will comfort you, then go ahead. Hey, if it makes you feel better, why not? But it's not going to cure you.
10. Ulcers are caused by stress.
Doctors used to think that a peptic ulcer a sore on the lining of the stomach or the top part of the small intestine (known as the duodenum) was the result of too much stress or spicy food or both. However, research has pinned the blame on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a spiral-shaped bacterium that causes more than 90 per cent of ulcers by weakening the protective mucus coating of the stomach and duodenum, allowing acid to get through to the sensitive lining underneath. While it's not clear how people get infected with H. pylori, researchers suspect that it's from person-to-person contact, either through infected saliva, vomit or fecal matter that comes into contact with hands, food or water. Some people who have used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or ASA, for a long time are also prone to developing ulcers. In a few cases, ulcers are caused by cancerous tumours in the stomach or pancreas.
11. Breast cancer has reached epidemic proportions in young women.
Actually, this isn't true. While breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Canadian women, with the exception of nonmelanoma skin cancer, few of these cases involve young women. With an average of 407 Canadian women diagnosed with breast cancer each week and approximately 102 dying each week as a result it's no wonder that women of all ages, particularly young women, are concerned. The reality is, however, that breast cancer is much more common in older women. Only 22 per cent of cases occur in women under 50 and only five per cent in women under 40.
12. Vegetarians don't get adequate protein in their diets.
You don't necessarily have to eat meat to get adequate amounts of dietary protein. But to get enough protein, vegetarians do need to eat a wide variety of foods, including legumes, dried peas, beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds and soy products. Whether you're a lacto-ovo vegetarian (who eats dairy products and eggs), lacto vegetarian (who eats dairy products) or vegan (who eats no animal products), you may wish to consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for an eating plan that ensures you're also getting enough calcium, iron, vitamins B12 and D, and zinc.
13. It's impossible to drink too many fluids while exercising.
You may think it's safe to drink as much water as you want when you're sweating, but studies of athletes show that drinking more than 500 millilitres of water per hour can lead to hyponatremia, or water intoxication. This condition though rare can occur when blood becomes so diluted that it doesn't contain enough salt for adequate brain, heart and muscle function. In a worst-case scenario, water intoxication can result in coma and even death. Some people with water intoxication have no symptoms; others have symptoms similar to those of dehydration (apathy, confusion, nausea, fatigue). However, water intoxication is usually associated with long-distance running and cycling. It's important to drink a lot when you're exercising in the heat, but instead of drinking a lot of water all at once, drink smaller amounts say 125 to 175 millilitres at a time. And while sports drinks that contain sugar and calories are OK if you're exercising for four hours or more (such as in a marathon or cycling event) or working out in a hot environment, water is generally the best choice. Whether it's bottled or comes from a tap is up to you.
14. Cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis or big knuckles.
Cracking your knuckles occasionally may annoy those around you and make your joints sore, but there's no evidence that this directly causes arthritis, a disorder characterized by sore and swollen joints. If you crack your knuckles all the time, however, you could injure the cartilage and cause the joints to swell. Keep this up and eventually it may lead to degenerative joint disease, such as arthritis.
15. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always more nutritious than frozen or canned.
It depends. If fresh fruits and vegetables have been languishing in the fridge for a week, some of the vitamins may have been lost just as they can leach out into cooking water. In that case, fresh produce may not have the same nutritional value as canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. Similarly, if you leave cut-up fruits or vegetables on a kitchen counter for more than 20 minutes, exposure to air may rob them of some of their vitamins. Generally speaking, however, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are just as vitamin-rich as fresh.
16. Children with asthma shouldn't play sports.
Parents and doctors used to counsel children with asthma to stay away from all sports. Physical activity, the thinking went, increases breathing rate and could trigger asthma, a disease of the respiratory system characterized by coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. We now know that exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can actually improve the lung power of a person with asthma. Studies show that when people with asthma exercise, they have fewer attacks, use less medication and miss less time at school. For this reason, children whose asthma is well controlled by medication and avoidance of triggers should be encouraged to take part in most sports and other physical activities even if they have exercise-induced asthma (EIA). While activities that are more intense and sustained, such as long periods of running, should be avoided, there are many sports that are less likely to trigger EIA; they include walking, cycling, swimming and sports that require short bursts of energy, such as baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, football, wrestling, golf, gymnastics and short-distance track-and-field events.
17. Becoming a vegetarian will ensure that you'll lose weight and be healthier.
While a vegetarian diet can be nutritious, your food choices not whether you choose to eat meat will determine whether you'll lose weight. If you order the dressing-soaked Caesar salad and french fries rather than grilled chicken breast and a lightly dressed green salad at a fast-food restaurant, you could be eating a meal that's actually higher in fat and calories than a meat-based one. Also, if you don't know how to eat to stave off hunger on a vegetarian diet, you may end up actually eating more. It's all about balance.
18. Women are more likely to die from cancer especially breast cancer than from any other cause.
Wrong. Heart disease kills more women (and men) than all cancers combined. In 1999, the latest year for which statistics are available, cardiovascular disease accounted for 39,134 deaths of Canadian women and 37 per cent of all female deaths compared with 28,624 deaths for women from all cancers, 17 per cent of which were from breast cancer. Of the cancers, lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, even though more women are actually diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2002, for instance, 20,500 Canadian women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer; of this group, 25 per cent died. By comparison, only 8,800 women were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002, but the disease killed 87 per cent.
19. Gum that is swallowed takes seven years to digest.
If swallowed, the average piece of gum will be expelled in the stool just like any other food a few days later. Gum, which is not digested, takes slightly longer to be expelled than food that is digested and passes through the intestinal tract in about 24 hours. Only if a very small child swallows a huge wad of gum is there any danger of the gum causing an intestinal obstruction. In that case, it could take much longer to be expelled but nothing close to seven years. In severe cases, this could lead to distension of the intestines and severe abdominal cramps; it would require surgery to remove the obstruction.
20. Hyper people are more likely to have hypertension.
Even though a person who's in a rage can temporarily increase his blood pressure (witness the beet-red face), the reality is that a person's temperament doesn't cause high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In about 10 per cent of people with high blood pressure (greater than or equal to 140 mmhg systolic or greater than or equal to 90 mmhg diastolic pressure), the problem is caused by kidney disease, hormonal disorders or certain drugs. But in most cases of hypertension, the cause is unknown.
21. You can't get breast cancer if nobody in your family has it.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. It's true that women with a family history of breast cancer are more likely to develop it than women with no family history; for example, if your mother or sister had breast cancer prior to menopause, your risk increases by six times and by 10 times if your mother or sister had cancer in both breasts. Similarly, if your mother or sister carries the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene considered to be genetic markers for breast cancer your risk of breast cancer is markedly increased. However, many cases of breast cancer occur in women with no family history of the disease; in fact, 70 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors. Other factors that appear to increase your risk of developing breast cancer include:
• being 50 years of age or older;
• a family history of cervical, uterine, colorectal or ovarian cancers;
• previous breast disorders, such as benign breast cysts;
• having a first pregnancy after 30 or never being pregnant;
• early menstruation and a later-than-average menopause (a longer exposure to estrogen increases the risk); and
• living in a developed country (experts suspect this is due to high-fat diets and perhaps environmental pollution).
Research continues on the effects of diet, obesity, alcohol, hormone replacement therapy, smoking and level of physical activity on your risk of developing breast cancer.
22. Beef will raise your blood cholesterol level higher than poultry or seafood.
Not necessarily. It isn't just how much cholesterol a particular food contains but also the kind of fat the food contains and how this fat affects blood cholesterol levels when eaten. For instance, saturated fat has more of an impact on boosting blood cholesterol levels than the actual cholesterol content of foods, so if the beef is lean and well trimmed, it could contain less cholesterol-boosting saturated fat than a chicken drumstick (dark meat)
with the skin on it. And some seafood, such as shrimp, may be high in cholesterol but may also contain heart-healthy polyunsaturated fat, which can help lower blood fats.
23. All fibre helps prevent heart disease.
There are two types of dietary fibre, and one of them is thought to promote heart health: it's called soluble dietary fibre and it can be found in oat products, such as oat bran and oatmeal; legumes, such as dried beans, peas and lentils; and pectin-rich fruits, such as apples, strawberries and citrus fruits. Soluble fibre seems to help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower blood cholesterol, especially when it is high. On the other hand, insoluble fibre, found in wheat bran and wheat bran cereals, whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, hasn't been directly linked to boosting heart health by itself; however, it may help prevent certain cancers, including colon cancer.
24. All vegetable oils are heart healthy.
Some are, some aren't. Coconut, palm and palm kernel oils often used in cookies, crackers and cakes are sources of saturated fats, which can raise blood cholesterol levels and be detrimental to heart health. When vegetable oils are hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated (the kinds found in hard margarines, cookies, crackers and commercially baked products), they can raise blood cholesterol levels. Read the nutrition information on the label and look for "partially hydrogenated" to indicate the presence of unhealthy trans-fatty acids. Instead, choose extra-virgin olive, canola and peanut oils, which contain monounsaturated fats that can also help lower blood cholesterol. Similarly, safflower, sunflower and corn oils contain polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower blood cholesterol.
25. Eating after 8 p.m. causes weight gain.
It's probably wise to space your calories out throughout the day to coincide with your activity levels, but there's no magical moment weightwise that happens at eight o'clock at night. However, during the evening, you may be more apt to wind down in front of the TV, and if you sit eating high-calorie snacks like chips, you may pack on the pounds. Eating these snacks at night may be a sign that you haven't eaten enough during the day. If you eat several small and nutritionally balanced meals every three to four hours throughout the day, you won't get the munchies later on.
Experts consulted include Dr. Harold Dion, president of the Quebec College of Family Physicians; Dr. Anthony Graham, spokesperson for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and director of ambulatory care at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto; Dr. Robert Reid, a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Queens University in Kingston, Ont.; Rosie Schwartz, a nutritionist and registered dietitian; Dr. Joey Shulman, a nutritionist; and Dr. Barbara Whylie, executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society.
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Toned bodies: What intimidates Our gym goers
Posted by Canstar Blue 13/08/2015
Heading to the gym to develop a Body Beautiful? Be aware that it might just frighten some of your colleagues. A new Canstar Blue survey into Kiwis’ gym habits has revealed that 33% of Kiwis are threatened by all of the in-shape bodies at the gym.
The people most daunted by the bodies at the gym are those under the age of 30 – and those in Otago are the most likely of the regions to feel the pressure from the fit bodies around them with 50% feeling intimidated at the gym, while just 21% of those in the Bay of Plenty feel the same.
Gyms survey results
Fit friends don’t stop us from training
However it doesn’t seem to be stopping people from getting on with their workout as three quarters of New Zealanders say that their gym membership has helped them achieve their goals, whether they be fitness, muscle gain or weight loss.
Those aged over 70 are most likely to have achieved their goals with the help of the gym as 100% have attained the results they were after from the gym.
Best time of day to go to the gym
So, do you come here often?
Eleven per cent of Kiwis have dated someone they have met at the gym. Men are leading the dating game with 17% finding their partner in the midst of an exercise regime, compared to women at just 6%.
Despite the possibility of meeting a suitor in the weights room, 17% of New Zealanders would pay more for a single-sex gym. One gender gyms are most wanted by those in Otago (22%).
But it’s not just a dating game, for many Kiwis the gym is an important part of their social life (42%).
Buddy up in winter to stay on track
This year, I’m getting fit
Close to 30% of Kiwis start an exercise programme as part of a New Year’s resolution but fail within weeks.
This could be because more than half say that they don’t go to the gym as much as they thought they would! According to the survey, women feel especially guilty when they miss a session at the gym (71%) compared to men at 64%.
The number one barrier for people getting to the gym is lack of time (59%) followed by cost (14%) and intimidation and lack of enjoyment from exercising in front of other people (13%).
This year, City Fitness has knocked Les Mills from their top spot, scoring five stars for overall satisfaction with the gym.
City Fitness was the only gym to receive 5-stars for value for money which is the leading driver of satisfaction for consumers (30%), says George.
They also were the only brand to receive five stars for special offers, this is most likely due to the frequency of their special offers and the availability and readiness of their staff to assist when needed.
How to choose a gym
Gyms by region
Aucklanders are most likely to say that their gym membership has helped them achieve their goals (78%).
Those in the Waikato are most likely (equal with Bay of Plenty) to have dated someone they met at the gym (14%).
Wellingtonians are least likely to spend more money on designer gym clothes than they do on their gym membership (10%), least likely to say that the gym is an important part of their social life (34%) and least likely to pay more for a single sex gym (12%).
Cantabrians are least likely to have dated someone at the gym (9%), least likely to say that their gym membership has helped them achieve their goals (70%) and least likely to not go to the gym as much as they thought they would (49%).
Those in Otago are most likely to feel intimidated by all of the toned bodies at the gym (50%), most likely to often start an exercise programme as part of a new year’s resolution but fail within weeks (31%), most likely to feel guilty when they miss a session at the gym (84%), most likely to not go to the gym as much as they thought they would (66%), most likely to see the gym as an important part of their social life (53%) and most likely to pay more for a single sex gym (22%).
Those in the Bay of Plenty are most likely (equal with Waikato) to have dated someone at the gym (14%), least likely to feel intimidated by all of the toned bodies at the gym (21%), least likely to often start an exercise programme as part of a new year’s resolution but fail within weeks (18%), least likely to feel guilty when they miss a gym session (54%) and most likely to spend more money on designer gym clothes than they do on their gym membership (25%).
The outcomes reported here are the results from a survey of Kiwis who regularly visit a commercial gym that is part of a chain (i.e. has gyms in multiple locations), where they pay a membership/attendance fee (i.e. not a free gym). In this case there were 560 people surveyed.
How to avoid gaining weight in winter
Are personal trainers worth the money?
One simple tip for a healthier lifestyle
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National General Holdings Corp. Announces Closing of $200 Million Offering of Depositary Shares Representing Interests in Preferred Stock
Published Thu, Jul 7 2016 2:00 PM EDT
NEW YORK, July 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National General Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq:NGHC) (the "Company" or "National General") today announced that it has closed its previously announced underwritten public offering of its depositary shares (the "Depositary Shares"), each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C at a public offering price of $25 per Depositary Share, including the underwriters’ exercise in full of their over-allotment option with respect to 1 million Depositary Shares resulting in a total issuance of 8 million Depositary Shares for gross proceeds of $200 million.
Total net proceeds of the offering (including the exercise of the over-allotment option) will be approximately $193.5 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include strategic acquisitions and supporting its current and future policy writings.
The Company has applied to list the Depositary Shares for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "NGHCN." Trading of the Depositary Shares on NASDAQ is expected to commence within the 30-day period from the closing of the offering.
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor will there be any offer or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The offering of the Depositary Shares was made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. You may obtain a copy of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the underwriters may arrange to send you these documents if you request them by contacting Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014, or by email at prospectus@morganstanley.com; from UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019, Attention: Prospectus Specialist, (888) 827-7275 or from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., 787 Seventh Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10019, Attn: Capital Markets, (800) 966-1559.
About National General Holdings Corp.
National General Holdings Corp., headquartered in New York City, is a specialty personal lines insurance holding company. National General traces its roots to 1939, has a financial strength rating of A- (excellent) from A.M. Best, and provides personal and commercial automobile, homeowners, umbrella, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, supplemental health, and other niche insurance products.
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "may," "will," "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate" and "believe" or their variations or similar terminology. There can be no assurance that actual developments will be those anticipated by the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements as a result of significant risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, non-receipt of expected payments from insureds or reinsurers, changes in interest rates, a downgrade in the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, the effect of the performance of financial markets on our investment portfolio, our ability to accurately underwrite and price our products and to maintain and establish accurate loss reserves, estimates of the fair value of life settlement contracts, development of claims and the effect on loss reserves, accuracy in projecting loss reserves, the cost and availability of reinsurance coverage, the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues, changes in the demand for our products, our degree of success in integrating acquired businesses, the effect of general economic conditions, state and federal legislation, regulations and regulatory investigations into industry practices, risks associated with conducting business outside the United States, developments relating to existing agreements, disruptions to our business relationships with AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., ACP Re Ltd, Maiden Holdings, Ltd. or third party agencies, breaches in data security or other disruptions involving our technology, heightened competition, changes in pricing environments, and changes in asset valuations. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law. Additional information about these risks and uncertainties, as well as others that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investor Relations DepartmentPhone: 212-380-9462Email: Investors@ngic.com
Source:National General Holdings Corp.
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Early Termination of Commercial Leases; from a Tenant’s point of view
This article discusses brief summary of options available to a tenant to terminate a commercial lease before its end date.
A commercial lease is a legal contract and are generally granted for a fixed period of years known as a term. The tenant would usually remain bound to pay rent and comply with all other obligation in the lease until the end of lease term. If there is an existing lease in place, then what are the tenant’s options when looking to leave the property before end of lease term?
There are different methods by which a commercial tenant can terminate its commercial lease before its expiry, and they are as follows: –
Break clauses
One of the options for a tenant to terminate a commercial lease early is to have a break right in the lease. A break right is a provision in a lease which allows a tenant (and sometimes the landlord) to end the lease early. It may arise on one or more specified dates or at any time during the lease term, which is often called on a “rolling” basis. It is the best-case scenario for a commercial tenant to have a break right in favour of the tenant as it will give them an option to terminate the lease before the end of the contractual term.
However, there are certain requirements that must be followed to ensure that the exercise of the break right is valid. For example, the tenant must serve on the landlord a break notice on the relevant date, time and in accordance with a break provision in the lease otherwise the notice may be invalid, and the tenant will remain liable for rent and all other responsibilities in the lease.
In some cases, a break clause can be conditional upon giving vacant possession, or paying all rents due, or can only be exercised by the original tenant, which might not necessarily be the tenant in occupation of the property. If a break right is conditional, then the tenant needs to be careful as there is case law on the exercise of conditional break rights. For example, in the case of Riverside Park Limited v NHS Property Services Limited (2015) EWHC 1313 (Ch), the landlord successfully argued that the tenant had not provided vacant possession. In this case, the tenant failed to remove various alterations it had carried out including internal demountable partitioning when the tenant vacated the property.
It is therefore important for tenants looking to exercise a break right to be advised by their lawyer through the process to avoid an expensive mistake.
The tenant needs to remember that once a break notice is served, it cannot be withdrawn. If the tenant changes its plan once the notice has been served, then a new lease will have to be agreed with the landlord.
If an existing lease does not include a break right, then a tenant can negotiate with the landlord to terminate the lease early. This is known as a surrender. The surrender of a lease by a tenant to its landlord is a consensual arrangement between the landlord and the tenant. The surrender can either be documented in writing (called Deed of Surrender), or it can be inferred from the conduct of the landlord and the tenant which is known as by “operation of law”. If the landlord is willing to take the property back, then a surrender is a way to bring the lease to an end.
The landlord cannot be forced to take back possession of the property if he does not agree to a surrender. The lease will have to remain in place, if the landlord refuses to accept surrender of lease.
Assignment or sublet
If a tenant needs to terminate its lease and give up the possession of its property where there is no break right in the lease, and the landlord will not agree to a surrender, the tenant may still be able to assign the lease to a third party, or to sublet the property. This can be a way to limit the outgoings, but the tenant should seek advice on the requirements of the lease for assignment or subletting. Great care must be taken as many commercial leases do not allow the tenant to assign or sublet lease without prior landlord’s consent.
Holding over
Holding over occurs when a tenant remains in occupation of its leased property after the expiration of the original lease term.
Only a lease which has protection under section 24 to 28 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (LTA 1954) entitles the tenant to remain in its business property and hold-over when its lease expires.
If the tenant remains in occupation under section 24 to 28 of the LTA 1954 following expiry of the contractual term of the lease, then the tenant, in such circumstances, cannot just leave, but instead a notice under section 27 of the LTA 1954 must be served, giving at least three months’ notice to bring the lease to an end. Careful consideration should be given as to who is the legal landlord and how and when the notice should be served.
The other drastic option which might be available for an incorporated company tenant through voluntary arrangement (CVA) procedure. A CVA is an insolvency and rescue procedure under the UK Insolvency Act 1986, allowing a company in financial distress to make legally binding arrangements with its unsecured creditors. Generally, this involves rescheduling or reducing the company’s debts or even amending certain contractual terms. In appropriate circumstances, a CVA may allow a tenant to vacate a loss-making property without the need for a break right or negotiated surrender. However, CVA is a specific area and beyond scope of this article.
Nothing on this site constitutes to legal advice or gives rise to a solicitor/client relationship. Specialist legal advice should be taken in relation to specific circumstances.
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Home Center Well Amid new Big Branch revelations, spotlight also back on Colorado coal mine...
Center Well
Amid new Big Branch revelations, spotlight also back on Colorado coal mine safety
David O. Williams
Coal mining in Colorado is conducted about as quietly as any form of major extractive energy production can be. One might even say it’s somewhat of an underground industry.
But there’s a robust Colorado coal-mining industry – one that operates largely off the radar in far-flung locations like the North Fork of the Gunnison River and between Hayden and Oak Creek in Routt County.
West Virginia, on the other hand, with its mountaintop removal mining techniques and last year’s deadly Big Branch mine explosion, has a much higher profile as a coal-mining state. Unless they’re taking on the natural gas industry over the conversion of coal-fired power plants to gas, Colorado coal officials seemingly like to stay off the grid.
However, new revelations this week that Massey Energy kept two sets of books at Big Branch, failing to report major safety hazards to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), have put the media spotlight back on coal mine safety around the country.
The Big Branch explosion was the worst mine disaster in the United States in the last four decades, killing 29 miners and prompting the MSHA to launch surprise inspections – including at the Twentymile Mine in Colorado – and temporarily shut down several coal mines in Kentucky.
Massey’s CEO resigned, the company was sold and so far one Massey official – the former head of safety at Big Branch – has been indicted on criminal charges. Not to mention numerous civil lawsuits.
Colorado hasn’t experienced anything nearly as dramatic, but just last month a worker died in an accident at the West Elk Mine in the North Fork Valley. And the Twentymile Mine also has a history of racking up safety violations.
Overall, three major North Fork coal mines in Colorado — West Elk, Elk Creek, and Bowie – have been fined a collective $6.5 million in health and safety fines over the past decade, according to MSHA records. West Elk leads the way with $2.3 million in fines since 2000. Twentymile leads the state with $2.6 million in fines since 2000.
Since the Big Branch Mine resulted from a buildup of methane gas, the issue of whether to capture or flare that gas has been a contentious one in the industry. Some Colorado coal mining companies claim it’s too expensive and too dangerous. They prefer to simply vent the gas into the atmosphere, even though it’s 20 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Critics of the industry say the money being spent on safety violations could fund the safe capture and utilization of coal-mine methane.
“Given the rhetoric from the coal companies in the North Fork Valley over how expensive it is to capture methane or address other environmental concerns, it is noteworthy that they are squandering millions because of a seemingly chronic disrespect of health and safety violations,” said Jeremy Nichols, climate and energy program director for WildEarth Guardians.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has even started considering the impacts of coal mine methane in its review of Colorado coal mine expansion projects.
Big Branch Mine
methane gas
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Twentymile Mine
West Elk Mine
is an award-winning reporter who has covered energy, environmental and political issues for years. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Denver Post. He's founder of Real Vail and Real Aspen.
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Dewberry Hotel
(Redirected from Landmark Hotel)
The Dewberry Hotel
The Dewberry Hotel (unfinished), ca. 2014
201 East Water Street
Development Firm Dewberry Capital of Atlanta
Developer Contact John K. Dewberry
The Laramore (formerly known as The Dewberry Hotel, The Landmark Hotel, The Beacon-Charlottesville and Hotel Charlottesville) is an unfinished hotel on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall on a site previously occupied by Central Fidelity Bank. Located at 201 East Water Street, the reinforced concrete structure remains incomplete -- lacking windows, elevators, balcony railings and most basic services -- since 2009. Currently owned by John K. Dewberry, the list of previous owners of the project include Lee Danielson, Oliver Kuttner and Halsey Minor.[1]
The creation of entrepreneur Lee Danielson, The Landmark Hotel was envisioned as a nine-story, 100-room luxury boutique hotel. On March 11, 2008, a groundbreaking ceremony was held. At a cost of around $30 million, the initial plan was to have the hotel open by July 2009.[2] However, the project's financing was called into question as early as November 2008. That's when project lender Silverton Bank failed.[3]Minor fired developer Lee Danielson in December 2008. [4] Construction stopped in January of 2009. The pair went to court. In January 2011, a Georgia court awarded the project to Specialty Finance Group following a long legal dispute. [5] On June 18, 2012, three companies bid on the property.[6] Dewberry Capital, associated with Deerfield Square Associates, won the auction with a $6.25 million bid. [7] Dewberry Capital of Atlanta, a John K. Dewberry firm, won the building shell at auction in June 2012 with plans to complete the structure.[7] Planning was expected to continue on the site after a Dewberry hotel was opened in Charleston, South Carolina in the summer of 2016. [8][9]
The project remains in limbo as the tenth anniversary of the end of construction has passed.
In 2017, the newest owner, Dewberry Capital of Atlanta, submitted design plans to resume construction and expanding the number of rooms to 112.[10]
In 2019, Dewberry updated its website with new plans to turn the structure into a luxury apartment building called The Laramore.[11]
1 City Council Actions
1.1 Landmark Hotel performance agreement
1.2 City approvals
1.3 Initial troubles surface soon after groundbreaking
1.4 Court battle
1.5 Project taken from Minor
1.6 Auction
1.7 Spot blight
1.8 The Dewberry Charleston and other projects
1.9 Water Street Parking Garage lease
City Council Actions
The Charlottesville City Council directed staff in January 2016 to pursue legal action to either force construction or to force public acquisition through eminent domain. [12] [13]
In July of 2016, the Charleston’s Dewberry hotel opened.[14] The eight-story, 155-room property opened in a former federal office building in downtown Charleston, NC.[15]
The question remains whether Dewberry is still seeking to develop the building. In 2018, his planners were working with city officials on the design, which includes activating Second Street. [16] The project is dormant as of October 30, 2018. [17]
Landmark Hotel performance agreement
Essentially, with the City Council's approval of this agreement, the developer would promise to expedite construction and abide by several other terms and the city would give the developer more than $1 million in annual tax rebates over the course of 10 years.[18][19]
The project was expected to exceed $20 million dollars in capital investment and create approximately 100 jobs. Once completed and operational the hotel project was expected to generate $800,000–$950,000 in annual City tax revenue, this included real property taxes, personal property taxes, sales taxes, meals taxes, lodging taxes, BPOL and utility taxes.
After discussion and considerable negotiation, (by the end of 2016) City staff and Dewberry Capital were in basic agreement on components of the proposed agreement:
City would agree to lease 75 City owned parking spaces in the Water Street Parking Garage for an initial term of 5 years.
(At that time, the project was expected to exceed $20 million dollars in capital investment and create approximately 100 jobs. Once completed and operational the hotel project was expected to generate $800,000 –$950,000 in annual City tax revenue.)
The City would agree to provide a performance grant (initial estimated amount was $110,000) to the developer, based on the real estate tax generated by the project for ten years. Base value in 2017 was $6,642,500.
(In order to trigger the performance grant the project must receive a certificate of occupancy and generate in year one a minimum of $150,000 in lodging tax receipts. In year two the minimum is increased to $225,000 and in years three–ten to $300,000. The developer was also required make a minimum capital investment of $20 million in the construction of the project.)
On March 6, 2017, during the City Council's regular meeting, City Staff sought direction from council as to whether to pursue this performance agreement by proceeding to draft the necessary agreements and schedule future Council action.
City approvals
The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review approved construction plans on February 20, 2008[1]. BAR granted conditional permission to tear down the black granite façade in October 2008[20]. Because of a quirk in Virginia law these original 2008 approvals would remain in effect, and stay valid until 2017.[21]
(Since the city caps buildings at 101 feet, the height of the Wachovia Bank across the street, nine-stories was as tall as the developers could take the hotel by-right.)
Initial troubles surface soon after groundbreaking
Groundbreaking for the Landmark on March 11, 2008 and the opening was scheduled for July 2009. [22][2]
However, the project's financing was called into question as early as November 2008. That's when project lender Silverton Bank failed. [3]
Minor fired developer Lee Danielson in December 2008. [4] Construction stopped in January of 2009. The pair went to court.
The welter of lawsuits that followed the collapse of the project included a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") suit against Silverton Bank (which the FDIC was forced to take over and later dissolve), and another FDIC lawsuit against Minor for having defaulted on a $10.5 million Silverton loan.[23]
Court battle
Donald H. Kent of Richmond-based arbitration firm The McCammon Group ruled that Danielson misrepresented the construction costs–- including hiding the fact that the restaurant wasn't included in the budget.[24] The arbitrator awarded $4.2 million in damages, and attorney's fees of $2.24 million.
On September 1, 2010, Minor filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. [25] The filing stayed all pending lawsuits which by then included the suit between Danielson and Minor, the FDIC lawsuit against Minor, and lawsuits against Minor filed by Merrill Lynch, Sotheby's, and Christies.[26]
The Charlottesville government refused to provide financial assistance to complete the hotel, unlike the development assistance provided to the Omni Hotel in the 1970s. [27]
Project taken from Minor
In January 2011, a Georgia court awarded the project to Specialty Finance Group following a long legal dispute. [5]
On December 5, 2011, a Charlottesville Circuit Court judge ruled that the first debt that Minor must repay is more than $128,000 in back taxes to the city of Charlottesville. Next, Minor must pay Clancy & Theys Construction, other construction firms and then Specialty Finance Group. [28]
On June 18, 2012, three companies bid on the property. They were Deerfield Square Associates, J.B. McKimmon and TRT Holdings, Inc. [6] Each submitted an opening bid of at least $3 million and a $200,000 cash deposit.
Danielson submitted a bid but he was rejected because of an inability to guarantee to pay.
Dewberry Capital, associated with Deerfield Square Associates, won the auction with a $6.25 million bid. [7]
Spot blight
After nearly four years of being abandoned, Charlottesville officials served Dewberry in the fall of 2013 with a letter requesting he secure the property against vandalism and grafitti. Dewberry responded by saying he had done enough.[29]
Dewberry has stated he will complete the project after another hotel is completed in Charleston, South Carolina.[30] That project is redevelopment of the former L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building into a 155-room hotel. That is expected to be open between December 2015 and February 2016. [31] However, the project may not open until spring 2016. [32]
The Dewberry Charleston and other projects
The Dewberry Charleston hotel opened in June of 2016. Atlanta-based real estate developer and part-time Charleston resident John K. Dewberry, purchased the abandoned seven-story structure in early 2008. The city of Charleston approved renovation plans in early 2010. In November 2014 construction started on redevelopment of the former L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building that built in 1964 to house various government agencies. The building closed in 1999 after sustaining damage from Hurricane Floyd. [33]
In 2003, after several years of negotiations, the GSA and City of Charleston developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which that the city would construct a new building for GSA and, in exchange, the City of Charleston would take control of the Rives Building. The GSA building project was to proceed in the summer of 2003. The MOU was set to expire February 10, 2007 if the City of Charleston and the GSA could not reach an agreement. [34] In January 2008, Dewberry submitted the high bid for the vacant office property in an online auction for $15 million in a government auction. Dewberry's firm has developed the Dorchester Square retail center in North Charleston. It later bought Cross Creek Square at Folly Road and Maybank Highway on James Island and rebuilt the Bi-Lo shopping complex at Ben Sawyer Boulevard and Rifle Range Road in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. [35] [36]
On January 14, 2014, the Charlottesville Planning Commission voted 7-0 to require Dewberry to secure the property and to require a structural integrity report to be completed within ninety days.[30][37] In response, Dewberry secured the building with plywood barriers, installed a taller fence and blocked open stairwells-- but no progress on new construction is expected until at least 2016 or even later. [38]
In 2018, it was reported that the site has become a major source of rats on the Downtown Mall [39]
Water Street Parking Garage lease
On November 20, 2017, City Council voted 3-2 to approve a 40-year lease of 75 spaces on the top floor of the Water Street Parking Garage.[40][41] Rent was to be $40,000 for the first year, equivalent to under $45/space/month, then rise to $60,000 in the second year, $80,000 in years 3-5, with adjustments every 5 years thereafter. The lease was terminated by Dewberry on March 1, 2019.[11]
image:https://www.openstreetmap.org/note/new#map=19/38.03000/-78.48082&layers=N
November 15, 2007: Minor Family Hotels LLC and Hotel Charlottesville LLC enter into a development agreement
April 19-23, 2010: Parties hold arbitration meetings at which 8 witnesses testify and thousands of documents are introduced into the record[42]
August 25, 2010: Judge Hogshire signs the arbitration award
January 19, 2011: Fulton County State Court in Georgia awards assets of project to Specialty Finance Group [5]
June 18, 2012: Auction in U.S. District Court won by Dewberry Capital
January 14, 2014: Planning Commission votes 7-0 to require building to be secured, structural report
January 19, 2016: Council directs staff to prepare for legal action to either force construction or to force public acquisition through eminent domain.[43]
June 20, 2017: Dewberry's plans go before the Board of Architectural Review
September 2017: Dewberry estimated that his new five-star hotel, which he plans to name The Charlottesville Dewberry, will generate $13 million for the city over the course of 10 years.
November 20, 2017: City Council votes 3-2 to approve a 40-year lease of 75 spaces on the top floor of the Water Street Parking Garage.[40][41]
March 20, 2018: BAR grants approval of new massing and height [16]
March 1, 2019: Dewberry terminates its lease for spaces in the Water Street Parking Garage.
2018 digital exhibit artwork by Frameworx
Exterior view (summer 2018): 201 E. Water Street
↑ 1.0 1.1 ONARCHITECTURE- Bright idea: Danielson's Beacon's back in town, Dave McNair, The Hook, March 1, 2007, retrieved 26 Aug 2009.
↑ 2.0 2.1 Danielson, Minor break ground on ‘Landmark’ Dave McNair, The Hook, March 11 2008, retrieved 26 Aug 2009.
↑ 3.0 3.1 Landmark letdown: Hotel project’s lender folds, Lindsay Barnes, The Hook, May 1 2009, retrieved 26 Aug 2009.
↑ 4.0 4.1 Landmark Hotel developer fired Brian McNeill, Daily Progress, December 6, 2008, retrieved 26 Aug 2009.
↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Web. Minor: 'Travesty of justice' on Landmark ruling, Daily Progress, World Media Enterprises, January 21, 2011, retrieved January 24, 2011.
↑ 6.0 6.1 Web. Three bidders for Landmark Hotel emerge, Samantha Koon, Daily Progress, World Media Enterprises, June 14, 2012, retrieved June 15, 2012.
↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Web. Dewberry Capital Wins Landmark Hotel for $6.25 M, Matt Telhelm, NBC29 News, June 18, 2012, retrieved June 18, 2012.
↑ Web. Atlanta developer snaps up Landmark for $6.25 million, Graelyn Brashear, C-VILLE Weekly, Portico Publications, retrieved February 18, 2016.
↑ Web. Charleston’s Dewberry Hotel rolls out more rooms, Dave Munday, Charleston Post and Courier, September 4, 2016, retrieved September 5, 2016.
↑ Web. Dewberry plans for Landmark hotel to go before review panel, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, June 3, 2017, retrieved June 9, 2017.
↑ 11.0 11.1 Web. Website shows Dewberry planning luxury apartments, not hotel, on Downtown Mall, Nolan Stout, Daily Progress, World Media Enterprises, June 15, 2019, retrieved 2019-06-15.
↑ Web. cc51a.html Council requests action plan on Landmark from city manager, Chris Suarez, Daily Progress, World Media Enterprises, January 20, 2016, retrieved February 18, 2016.
↑ Web. City Council Passes Resolution Regarding Landmark Hotel Property, Press Release, City of Charlottesville, retrieved December 27, 2016.
↑ Web. The Dewberry: History
↑ https://www.postandcourier.com/business/charleston-s-dewberry-hotel-claims-m-losses-over-rooftop-rulings/article_c6202bcc-644b-11e8-a221-533cdc70c152.html
↑ 16.0 16.1 Web. Design panel approves additional height for Dewberry Hotel, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, March 23, 2018, retrieved April 4, 2018.
↑ Web. City faces limited options as Dewberry project progress stagnant, Nolan Stout, Daily Progress, World Media Enterprises, October 13, 2018, retrieved October 30, 2018.
↑ https://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/landmark-hotel-agreement-inches-closer-with-new-terms/article_98926f02-f39b-11e6-9f08-9381e5d8466a.html
↑ http://charlottesville.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=charlottesville_25227329d12297ed7b8a2103d6110fd5.pdf
↑ Landmark Hotel developer given permission to take down black granite facade, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, October 22, 2008, retreived 26 Aug. 2009
↑ In response to the 2008-09 recession when construction financing suddenly dried up, developers persuaded the Virginia legislature to extend all existing plat and plan approvals until 2017.
↑ New Details about New Luxury Hotel, Joanna Shrewsbury, NBC 29, March 11 2008, retrieved 26 Aug 2009.
↑ Web. FDIC sues bank that financed Landmark Hotel - C-VILLE WeeklyC-VILLE Weekly, Chiara Canzi, August 24, 2011, retrieved October 25, 2015.
↑ Template:Cite-Hook.
↑ {{cite-cville|author=Chianzi, Chiara|title=C-Ville: Development - Landmark Hotel Owner Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy|publishdate=10 July 2010|accessdate=October 5, 2016|url=http://www.readthehook.com/67187/danielson-trumped-minor-wins-landmark-hotel-arbitration}
↑ Web. Landmark showdown: Minor, Danielson begin court fight, Lindsay Barnes III, March 13, 21009, retrieved October 25, 2015.
↑ Web. Minor Asks City for Help with Landmark Hotel, Henry Graff, NBC29.com, Aug 12, 2011
↑ Web. http://www2.dailyprogress.com/business/2011/dec/07/judge-prioritizes-minors-landmark-debts-ar-1527954/, Samantha Koon, Daily Progress, World Media Enterprises, December 7, 2011, retrieved December 8, 2011.
↑ Web. Developer Dewberry fires back over city's demands to secure former Landmark siteC-VILLE Weekly, Graelyn Brashear, Ocotber 30, 2013, retrieved October 24, 2015.
↑ 30.0 30.1 Web. Charlottesville officials set Planning Commission date on Landmark, Staff reports, Daily Progress, World Media Enterprises, December 5, 2013, retrieved December 6, 2013.
↑ Web. The Fat Radish's Ben Towill will develop new hotel restaurant, Kinsey Gidick, Charleston City Paper, April 13, 2015, retrieved April 14, 2015.
↑ Web. Ryan Casey Joins The Dewberry and Other New Details on the Upcoming Hotel [Updated], Erin Perkins, November 13, 2015, retrieved November 16, 2015.
↑ Web. Dewberry more: Charleston, SC’s new hotel superstar, Christian Gollayan, News Article, New York Post, June 26, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018.
↑ Web. Status of the L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building Exchange, General Accounting Office, June 26, 2003, retrieved December 30, 2018.
↑ Web. Developer buys Mendel Rivers, John McDermott, News Article, Charleston Post and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, January 21, 2008, retrieved December 30, 2018.
↑ Web. The Dewberry Charleston by StudioDewberry/Reggie Gibson Architects, Beth Broome, News Article, Architectural Record, April 1, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018.
↑ Web. Landmark’s last stand? More security, structural reports called for, Graelyn Brashear, C-VILLE Weekly, Portico Publications, January 22, 2014, retrieved January 22, 2013. Print. January 22, 2014 .
↑ Web. Construction on Landmark Hotel might not resume till 2016 - The Daily Progress: Local, Chris Suarez, April 18, 2105, retrieved October 24, 2015.
↑ Web. Mall rats: Does the Downtown Mall have a rodent problem?
↑ 40.0 40.1 Web. Agenda for November 20, 2017 Charlottesville City Council, City of Charlottesville, November 20, 2017., retrieved 2019-06-15.
↑ 41.0 41.1 Web. Divided Council votes to subsidize parking spaces for Dewberry Hotel, Charlottesville Tomorrow, November 22, 2017, retrieved 2019-06-15.
↑ Shumener, Betty M., Henry H. Oh, and John D. Spurling. "Re: Minor Family Hotels, LLC vs Hotel Charlottesville." Letter to C. Connor Crook, Esquire, Boyle, Bain, Reback & Slayton. 28 June 2010. Charlottesville Tomorrow's Document Archive. Web. 2 July 2010. <http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/docs/ftp://cvilletomorrow@www.cvilletomorrow.org/httpdocs/docs/20100628-Landmark-Arbitration-Letter.pdf>
Landmark Hotel construction blog
Materials for the Charlottesville Planning Commission's hearing on Landmark Hotel spot blight at the January 14, 2014 meeting
Retrieved from "https://www.cvillepedia.org/index.php?title=Dewberry_Hotel&oldid=49369"
Articles containing potentially dated statements from October 2018
Charlottesville developments
Downtown Mall businesses
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Musical meeting of minds for Sarah Jane Morris and Antonio Forcione
Sarah Jane Morris Pic by Nicholas Gionotti
Sarah Jane Morris and Antonio Forcione are performing at The Old Market in Brighton on May 6 – a genuine meeting of musical minds.
“We had both been aware of each other for many years and we were both on the same circuit,” Sarah Jane says. “He was the Italian living in London but not very well known in Italy. I was the English person that had had big success in Italy and less success in England. We had had opposite careers!
“We were asked to do a benefit together. That was three years ago. We did it together and we talked about how we had always known of each other’s work. He came and played on one of my songs at the benefit. And then we were asked six months later by Sarah Gillespie to her Pizza Express launch. We both turned up early and we went off and had a drink together and just got chatting again.
“He played me his wonderful Sketches from Africa album. We were both on the same musical wavelength as each other. We just thought ‘Why don’t we do a project together?’ We thought perhaps we might do a group of cover versions and put together a set. We didn’t realise how easy it would be to work together. I turned up with a set of lyrics and by the end of two days we had written the album.”
Compared to What is the result.
“My lyrics were already quite like stories, and he asked me to read them to him and he understood straightaway what sort of musical soundscape they needed. He said it was like having a load of film scenarios given to him.
“I can’t explain why it worked so well together. It is just the chemistry. It was an instant thing. You just start and you realise that you are both moving in the right direction. Sometimes it doesn’t happen at all with someone, but sometimes it is just perfect, and we have been working together now for a couple of years. It really works, and we have perfected what we do together, and I have managed to help him establish himself more in Italy. It is amazing that they weren’t more aware of him over there, but he has been living in England for 30 years. But really he is just such an amazing musician to work with.
“We both have quite a similar background. We both come from the financial struggle of things not being straightforward. Politically we speak a similar language. Our considerations about humanity are similar, and when we work, we both want to make it as good as it could possibly be and not just throw something out there. It is just really satisfying.”
For other stories by Phil, see: https://www.chichester.co.uk/author/Phil.Hewitt2
https://www.chichester.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-and-comedy/chichester-mourns-a-key-man-in-some-of-our-finest-sitcoms-1-8481769
https://www.chichester.co.uk/whats-on/music/singer-imogen-ryall-in-chichester-1-8480115
https://www.chichester.co.uk/whats-on/arts/nic-on-the-emsworth-arts-trail-1-8480111
https://www.chichester.co.uk/whats-on/music/review-the-chichester-choirs-1-8480096
https://www.worthingherald.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-and-comedy/the-nature-of-forgetting-explored-in-worthing-1-8480109
https://www.worthingherald.co.uk/whats-on/arts/lancing-youngsters-show-their-art-skills-1-8480105
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Nick Hiscocks, Vicar Nick is married to Cecilia and they have four children – two girls and twin boys. Nick joined us in 2011 from Christ Church Bromley, where he served as curate and Associate Vicar for Mission, during which time he led a church plant for 4 years. Nick enjoys playing squash, cooking and watching war films.
Sam Dickinson, Assistant Minister
Born in Devon and raised in Wiltshire, Sam is delighted to be back in the West Country, joining the staff team in September 2016. He and his wife Emily have three young sons, and they are longing to help people in Westbourne meet Jesus. At the weekend you’ll find them on the beach or exploring the Isle of Purbeck. A newcomer to the area, Sam is on the hunt for local ale and a good curry; any tip-offs gratefully received!
Tom Winstone, Families, Youth and Children’s Minister
Tom is married to Isabelle and they have two daughters. Before coming to Christ Church Westbourne, Tom spent two years studying Children’s and Youth Ministry at Oak Hill Theological College. Tom enjoys teaching the Bible to children, young people and their families and equipping others to do the same. In his spare time, he enjoys football, motocross and photography.
Andy Nash, Community Minister
Andy is responsible for building our links with all who live and work in our local area, in order to help everyone understand the Christian faith. He is married to Abi (see below!) and became a Christian while a geology student at Aberystwyth University. He worked in the construction industry for several years before training for ministry at the Cornhill Training Course in London.
Abi Nash, Women’s Worker
Abi is married to Andy and, like him, trained at the Cornhill Training Course. Abi’s work includes Christian encouragement of women in the church. She became a Christian while she was at sixth-form college, and was a housing officer before working for the church.
Beren Miles, Ministry Apprentice
Beren is married to Stephanie and in his last year of study at College where he studies Applied Theology. Beren grew up near Christchurch and once he had married Stephanie they moved to Poole. Beren enjoys exploring the New Forest, watching films and drinking coffee.
Theo Irvine, Ministry Apprentice
Theo studied music at King’s College London and graduated in 2015. He then spent a year working for Nationwide Building Society in Bournemouth during which time he attended Christ Church. He enjoys playing the piano, cross country running and the odd game of football and tennis!
Kirsten Parker, Ministry Apprentice
Kirsten has been a member of Christ Church since 2013. Before starting work at Christ Church, Kirsten spent several years working in the customer support industry. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, climbing and cycling.
Barry and Shirley Windsor, Church Visitors
Barry and Shirley visit our church members who are in hospital or ill at home. Barry is a retired GP and Shirley a retired nurse.
Eddie Purse, Church Visitor
Eddie also visits our church members who are in hospital or ill at home. Eddie is married to Cynthia and is a retired Baptist pastor, who has served churches in Hertfordshire and Sussex.
JOB ADVERTISMENT- Church Planter
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Lot 91 | Property from a Private Collection, Colorado Read more
Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902)
Rocky Mountain Waterfall
USD 1,000,000 - USD 1,500,000
signed with conjoined initials and dated 'ABierstadt/98.' (lower right)
60 x 38 in. (152.4 x 96.5 cm.)
Private collection, New York.
M. Knoedler & Co., New York, Inc.
Anschutz Collection, Denver, Colorado, circa 1973.
Acquired by the present owner from the above.
Literature and exhibited
G. Hendricks, Albert Bierstadt, 1830-1902, exhibition catalogue, New York, 1972, p. 22, no. 23, frontispiece illustration.
United Bank of Denver, Western Legacy: Exhibition of Western Art, exhibition catalogue, Boulder, Colorado, 1972, p. 4, illustrated.
G. Schriever, American Masters in the West: Selections from the Anschutz Collection, Boise, Idaho, exhibition catalogue, 1974, p. 11, illustrated.
"Presidential Portraits on Freedom Train," The Railroad Yardmaster, vol. 57, 1975, p. 28.
"Wilderness and American Art," Sierra Club Bulletin, June-July 1975, p. 32.
Münchner Stadtmuseum, Painters of the American West: Selections from the Anschutz Collection, exhibition catalogue, Munich, Germany, 1982, pp. 18, 111, 134, fig. 18, illustrated.
E. Cunningham, G. Schriever, Masterpieces of the American West: Selections from the Anschutz Collection, exhibition catalogue, Denver, Colorado, 1983, pp. 19-20, 134, 166, no. 20, illustrated.
Tucson Museum of Art, "Masterpieces of the American West: Selections from the Anschutz Collection, February 16-April 21, 1985," Focus on TMA, January-March 1985, p. 4.
A. Poore, "Exhibit Rounds Up Romance, Legend of Old West," The Salt Lake Tribune, October 21, 1990, p. E1.
A. Axelrod, Art of the Golden West, New York, 1990, p. 90.
A.R. Hayakawa, "Artquake Gathers Celebration of the West," The Oregonian, September 9, 2009, p. F12.
Exhibited
New York, M. Knoedler & Co., Inc., Albert Bierstadt, 1830-1902, September 15-October 10, 1972, no. 23.
Denver, Colorado, United Bank of Denver, Western Legacy: Exhibition of Western Art, January 12-February 3, 1973.
Washington, D.C., National Archives of the United States, Indians and the American West: Paintings from the Collections of the Santa Fe Industries, Inc., October 26, 1973-January 21, 1974.
Boise, Idaho, Boise Gallery of Art, American Masters in the West: Selections from the Anschutz Collection, April 26-June 16, 1974, no. 11.
The American Freedom Train, The American Freedom Train: Bicentennial Exhibition, April 1, 1975-December 31, 1976.
Wichita Falls, Texas, The Wichita Falls Museum and Art Center, The Philip Anschutz Collection of Western Art, September 7, 1977-February 19, 1978, no. 3.
Helsinki, Finland, Helsingin Taidetalo, Great American Masters of the West, August 27-October 5, 1980.
Munich, Germany, Münchner Stadtmuseum, and elsewhere, Painters of the American West: Selections from the Anschutz Collection, January 26-February 28, 1982, no. 18.
Portland, Oregon, Portland Art Museum, and elsewhere, Masterpieces of the American West: Selections from the Anschutz Collection, September 9-November 6, 1983, no. 20.
Albert Bierstadt's majestic depictions of the American West comprise the artist's most highly regarded works and are among the greatest achievements in nineteenth-century American art. From 1859 through 1889, Bierstadt made multiple journeys from the East Coast to the far reaches of the Western frontier in search of a pure landscape untouched by human presence. Of all the diverse topography that he encountered and chose to depict, the Rocky Mountains ranked among his favorite. Indeed, these imposing peaks amazed him from his first venture as he wrote in the Crayon, "The mountains are very fine; as seen from the plains, they resemble very much the Bernese Alps, one of the finest ranges of mountains in Europe, if not in the world. They are of granite formation, the same as the Swiss mountains and their jagged summits, covered with snow and mingling with the clouds, present a scene which every lover of landscape would gaze upon with unqualified delight." (as quoted in G. Hendricks, Albert Bierstadt: Painter of the American West, New York, 1974, p. 70) Although Bierstadt spent his mature years traveling abroad, memories of the magnificent American mountain range continued to inspire him and he called upon sketches and photographs from his early trips to the West as the basis for dramatic large-scale paintings. Painted in 1898, Rocky Mountain Waterfall is a superb example of these grandiose compositions which serve as representations of the artist's nostalgia for the American West he adored.
Bierstadt was among the first of a group artists who journeyed to the Rocky Mountains to paint and sketch the wondrous natural and geological environment. The mountains were awe-inspiring to these pioneers who explored the wild territory summoning profound conflicting emotions of wonder and intimidation at their majestic stature. In the early twentieth century, art historian Sadakichi Hartmann defined this group of artists as "The Rocky Mountain School." "In [Hartmann's] History of American Art (1901) he linked the western-school painters with the Hudson River School, which had 'dealt wholly with externals' of nature, the subject alone, rather than 'nature itself, the poetry and mystery of its simpler moods.'" (P. Trenton, P.H. Hassrick, The Rocky Mountains: A Vision for Artists in the Nineteenth Century, Norman, Oklahoma, 1983, p. xv) Having been the first to travel out West, Bierstadt is considered the leader of the group. Although sketching in small format he chose canvases of great scale in order to appropriately summon the wonder of the West. In author Bayard Taylor's 1867 book, Colorado: A Summer Trip, he commented, "Ever since my arrival I have been studying the mountains. Their beauty and grandeur grow upon me with every hour of my stay. None of the illustrations accompanying the reports of exploration, and other Government documents, give any distinct idea of their variety and harmony of forms...You cannot cram this scenery into the compass of a block-book; it requires a large canvas, and the boldest and broadest handling. The eye is continually cheated, the actual being so much more than the apparent dimensions of all objects. Though so familiar with the effect of extraordinarily pure, thin air, and great clearness of outline, I am still frequently at fault. What one sees is small, is always small in the drawing. Even photographs here have the same dwarfed, diminished expression. I can now see how naturally Bierstadt was led to a large canvas." (as quoted in The Rocky Mountains: A Vision for Artists in the Nineteenth Century, p. 116)
Bierstadt made his first trip to the West in 1859, when he joined Colonel Frederick W. Lander's regiment on the authority of John B. Floyd, secretary of war, as they ventured from their post in St. Louis, Missouri to the Western coast. Bierstadt traveled with the group as far as the South Pass on the Continental Divide and returned back with fellow artist, Francis Shield Frost. During this expedition, Bierstadt diligently sketched, photographed and recorded the scenery--focusing both on the landscape and the settlements they encountered. The fully realized oils, which he finished once back in his studio, were lauded as they illustrated the breadth of western expanse. At the Annual Exhibition in 1860, Bierstadt selected one of these monumental oils, Base of Rocky Mountains, Laramie Peak (unlocated), and his submission was hailed "the piéce de resistance" of the landscapes on view. (as quoted in New York Tribune, 27 March 1860, n.p., N.K. Anderson, L. Ferber, Albert Bierstadt: Art & Enterprise, exhibition catalogue, New York, 1990, p. 146)
The great praise for his Rocky Mountain pictures resulted in commercial success for Bierstadt and he made a return trip in 1863 to travel further into the West, this time broadening his scope to California. The diversity of the natural elements inspired many successful large scale compositions. Indeed, upon his return in 1864, Bierstadt placed his monumental Rocky Mountains (1863, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) with the gallery Seitz and Noelle in New York, where one reviewer proclaimed: "Mr. Bierstadt's picture deserves to take rank among the highest existing productions of American landscape art." (March 1864 newspaper clipping, collection of Mrs. Orville DeForest Edwards, Dobbs Ferry, New York, as quoted in G. Hendricks, Albert Bierstadt: Painter of the American West, New York, 1974, p. 141)
In Rocky Mountain Waterfall, Bierstadt captures the craggy gorge and cascading falls in stunning detail, presenting the astonishing power of the Western mountain range. With careful detail he adeptly renders the soggy moss growing on the rocks and surrounding lush greenery. A subtle mist rises off of the falls, enriching the scene with an atmospheric effect that one could only draw from personal observation. Bierstadt employs evergreen trees to establish depth and frame the scene. A fallen tree, uprooted, in the left foreground extends outside of the composition's edge suggesting a bridge to another territory beyond the painting's scope. As with many of Bierstadt's large scale compositions, Rocky Mountain Waterfall does not relate to a specific location; rather, it draws from scenes which he had visited in his early trips out West. "He did not hesitate...to rearrange the scenery or introduce additional elements for pictorial effect. The theatrical light, turbulent skies and monumental granite cliffs were meant to impress the viewer with the grandeur of the western wilderness." (E. Cunningham, G. Schriever, Masterpieces of the American West: Selections from the Anschutz Collection, exhibition catalogue, Denver, Colorado, 1983, n.p.)
A romantic vision of the vigorous, untamed landscape, the present work pays homage to Bierstadt's cherished memories of his journeys in the western wilderness. As Gordon Hendricks writes, "In 1898 the artist was no longer given to scrambling among precipitous rocks in the pursuit of new vistas. Comfortable in the wealth of his new wife--the stepmother of Isabella Stewart Gardner and a millionairess--he spent sedate hours in his studio or, when he travelled, stayed at quiet resort hotels, such as those in Newport, Long Branch, New Jersey, or Switzerland. He was nostalgic for the 'wonderful old mountains' of his younger, Western days, and in this painting gives us a glimpse of the Lander's Peak profile of his great Rocky Mountains of 1863. Rocky Mountain Waterfall was evidently constructed from studies of earlier Western trips to the Sierras, Rockies and, perhaps, the Cascades." (Albert Bierstadt, 1830-1902, exhibition catalogue, New York, 1972, p. 22)
In Rocky Mountain Waterfall Bierstadt masterfully captures the splendor of the vigorous landscape while imbuing the canvas with a celestial light conveying the sublimity of the natural world. The rising mist from the stream adds an element of spirituality and a touch of sentimentality as the artist recalls with his brush the grandeur of the West. "Bierstadt's paintings characteristically transport their viewers vicariously to far-away locations where the geography is magnificent, the air thunderously tempestuous or perpetually pristine, or both, and the flora and fauna fecund...Certain of those places are, or are for the most part, topographically specific...Others, including some of the artist's favored compositions...are his own studio creations. At his best, Bierstadt was a skillful, compelling magician with palette and paintbrush." (G.L. Carr, "Albert Bierstadt: A Larger Perspective," Bierstadt's West, exhibition catalogue, New York, 1997, n.p.) Transformed by memory and imagination, Rocky Mountain Waterfall reflects Bierstadt's admiration for the heroic peaks of the West and longing for his days on the frontier.
Property from a Private Collection, Colorado
The Stieglitz Circle — icons of American Modernism
The artists who brought modernism to America, and whose works feature so prominently in The Michael Scharf Family Collection
The Wyeth dynasty of painters
The Wyeth name references a a dynasty of skilled painters who have collectively set the standard for American realism
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Letter from Bosnia: A Fraudulent “Spring”
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By:Srdja Trifkovic | February 17, 2014
There is more than meets the eye to the wave of ostensibly “non-ethnic” anti-corruption demonstrations in several majority-Muslim cities of Bosnia-Herzegovina, which started on February 6 and largely fizzled out a week later. The Nulandesque agenda became obvious within days, as protest leaders and various NGO activists, journalists and politicians all over “the international community” started blaming the 1995 Dayton Accords that ended the war for the lamentable social, political and economic situation in the Muslim-Croat Federation, one of the two federal entities established at Dayton. All of them asserted, in remarkable unison, that the existence of the other entity – the Bosnian Serb Republic (Republika Srpska) — was the primary cause of endemic corruption, nepotism, and institutional dysfunctionality in the Muslim-Croat half of the former Yugoslav republic.
“It’s spring at last in Bosnia-Herzegovina!” a Bosnian Muslim commentator told Al Jazeera immediately after the protests started. “Whatever little semblance of legitimacy the constitutional order. . . may have enjoyed at the beginning of this week went up in flames. . . The entire structure of the Dayton system… has all but collapsed in a single night.”
Former Croatian President Stjepan Mesic declared on February 8 that the protests indicate the necessity of revising the constitutional order established in Dayton and abolishing its “unnatural entities.”
On February 9 Christian Schwarz-Schilling, a former“international high representative” (de facto proconsul) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, suggested thatreforms “would necessitate involvement from the international community:“It’s just like with Ukraine. There, the international community woke up only after a critical situation arose. The same thing will happen in Bosnia.”
On February 10, Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn stated somewhat dramatically that“Bosnia is the biggest problem that European Union has in the Balkan region. We must defend the principle that Bosnia is one nation [sic!] and never to be partitioned into three or four entities.”
“The accord agreed at a U.S. air base in Dayton, Ohio, brought peace – and planted the seeds of a future crisis,” a Reuters report stated matter-of-factly on February 11. “The protesters realise that the country’s dire economic situation is not merely the result of corrupt officials, but rather of the constitutional order itself,” it quoted a Bosniak analyst as saying.
On February 12 Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davotuglu – a determined advocate of Bosnia’s centralization which would ensure the “Bosniak” plurality’s domination over the non-Muslim (Serb and Croat) majority – came to Sarajevo to urge “political reform.” “The Dayton peace agreement was of utmost importance for it helped end the war,” he asserted, but it is obvious that it now hampers the functioning of the country.” (This was rich, coming from a top official of the AKP government which forcefully repressed protests with violence and bloodshed last year, a corrupt government which hunts down intellectuals and independent journalists. Davutoglu should have been asked what his prime minister Erdogan meant by telling his Bosniak hosts on an earlier visit that “Sarajevo is ours and Anatolia yours.”)
On the same day, Lord Paddy Ashdown, another former“high representative”(2002-2006) told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour (a pro-“Bosniak” activist par excellence)that the EU needs to do more to help “Bosnians” build a functional state that can serve its citizens. He condemned Dayton Accord as “the wrong basis to build a sustainable state.” The good news, Ashdown asserted in blatant contrast to reality, is that the protests are “non-ethnic.”
“Part of the problem is the legacy of the Dayton peace deal that ended Bosnia’s war in 1995,” The Economist editorialist opined on February 13.
On February 14, a headline in The New York Times claimed that “roots of Bosnian protests lie in peace accords of 1995.”
Last Sunday the European Union’s Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle declared on the eve of his trip to Sarajevo that the EU is“fully committed to work to facilitate a consensus on getting out of the current stalemate — and help BiH finally move over the bridge from Dayton to the EU, which would then allow constitutional and other challenges to be tackled.”
“Time for another Dayton,” The Guardian declared on the same day. The protesters “want to see an end to Dayton and all its works,” the editorialist assessedwith inadvertent accuracy, and proceeded to the conclusion that an end to Bosnia’s “ethnically divided” government structures is needed: “the solution is to create a more integrated Bosnia.”
Last but not least, the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo issued a statement saying “the use of violence distracts attention from the fundamental message we see the vast majority of protesters trying to make — that reform is necessary now.” This was in marked contrast to the attitude of the Department of State to the organized violence of far greater ferocity seen in the streets of Kiev since January 17.
While suffering from the same social and economic woes that supposedly motivated the Muslim demonstrators, Bosnian and Herzegovinian Serbs and Croats refused to join the protests. They vehemently reject unitarization, and realize that any unrest in the Republika Srpska and in the Croat cantons of the Federation would play right into the hands of the Bosniak politicians and their foreign supporters who seek “a more integrated Bosnia.” For all their past disagreements, Orthodox and Catholic Christians – the majority of B-H population – find a common ground in rejecting the poisoned chalice offered from Sarajevo, Brussels, Washington, London, and other centers of the “international community.”
In spite of its numerous shortcomings, and in spite of many attempts to revise or reverse it, the Dayton agreement has provided a platform for peace for Bosniaks (Muslims), Serbs, and Croats alike. But this is not the first time that we are witnessing an orchestrated call for the abolition of the Republika Srpska and for Bosnia’s centralization. As Professor Stephen Mayer noted in 2009, the ink was hardly dry on the 1995 Dayton Accords when calls began to surface that a second “Dayton Conference” was needed to complete the transition of Bosnia from a dysfunctional war-torn ward of the “international community” to a vibrant, stable, multi-ethnic, free enterprise democracy:
The calls over the years for a “second Dayton” reflect the determination and self-defined responsibility of the “international community” (in reality, the U.S. and several European countries) to perpetuate the process of control and management of the social, political and economic process in Bosnia. This determination by a handful of powerful countries, which are euphemistically known as the “international community,” is founded on a traditional paradigm of how political community must be constructed. It is a paradigm built on firm conviction that only this handful of major powers—but, primarily the U.S.—hasthe knowledge, wisdom, power and wherewithal to determine how political communities must be established if they are to be successful and deemed legitimate. It is a paradigm that considers the interest of the great powers to be both very broadly understood and to be superior to the interests of the smaller powers they dominate.
The last sustained attempt was made five years ago, in the spring of 2009, by political forces in Washington intent on reneging on the delicate balance achieved at Dayton. Then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared she was committed to wrapping up what she called “the unfinished business in the Balkans.” A series of op-eds and public pronouncements by “experts” on Balkans affairs, papers by U.S. government-sponsored NGOs, and statements by Administration officials, invariably advocating Bosnia’s unitarization, were followed in May 2009 by a nonbinding resolution by the House of Representatives calling for President Obama to appoint an American special envoy for the Balkans. The underlying message from all quarters was the same: the U.S. needs to revise Dayton in the direction of greater centralization of Bosnia at the expense of the autonomy of the two entities – which in reality would adversely affect only one of them, the Bosnian Serb Republic.
The pressure escalated in the second half of 2009. When it was first announced that the Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg would be coming to Bosnia in October with a secret proposal for constitutional reform, the news was hyped in the Western media and in Sarajevo as the imminent remaking of Dayton. Even the location chosen for the talks — a NATO military base at Butmir near Sarajevo – echoed the events of November 1995, when the Bosnian war was ended at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base outside Dayton. On October 20-21 2009 the representatives of seven political parties in Bosnia from all three sides were presented with a set of centralizing reforms that were suggested, and failed miserably. The Serbs rejected these proposals because they would have stripped them of the remaining elements of self-rule that were first guaranteed by the Dayton agreement. The Bosniaks, on the other hand, complained that the proposed package did not go far enough in giving them control of Bosnia.
The failure of this attempt, one of many, to reduce the Republika Srpska to an empty shell devoid of self-rule was inevitable: it ran counter to the wishes of 1.5 million Serbs in B-H who were ready to fight a war in 1992-95 to prevent that same outcome. The putative “Butmir Process,” of which the State Department continued talking for months thereafter, was devoid of legality or legitimacy. In reality there was no “process” at all. It was simply another variant of the same made-in-Washington program to weaken and then dissolve the Republika Srpska in order to create a Muslim-dominated unitary state.
A reasonable observer might expect that the failure to abolish Dayton in 2009 would have finally convinced the “international community” that no arrangements can be good for Bosnia-Herzegovina as a whole unless it is good for all of its three constituent peoples. Yet the only way to make an impact on foreign meddlers who refuse to allow reality to blur their ideologically induced “vision” is to present them with another visible and tangible failure – the one that would be clearly registered as such both in Washington and in Brussels. The absence of protests in Banja Luka and Mostar speaks for itself.
The push for Bosnia’s “constitutional reform” will undoubtedly continue in the years to come, which is unfortunate. That push is a major obstacle to the lasting stabilization and to the necessary social, political and economic reform of the area known as Western Balkans in general, and of Bosnia-Herzegovina in particular. It is but a codeword for establishing what in effect what would be a Muslim-dominated unitary state – in a majority-Christian country! – and amounting to the end of the Bosnian-Serb Republic in fact if not in name. In addition to being certain to re-ignite old animosities that caused the war of 1992-1995, this scenario is incongruous with the trend towards devolution, self-rule, and decentralization in some of the world’s most stable democracies – from Quebec to the Basque Country to Scotland. Nobody in his right mind would suggest that the solution to Spain’s dire economic and social woes is the abolition of the Catalon autonomy, or the forceful stifling of its demands for independence.
Whatever the defects of Dayton, the essential fact is that for almost 19 years Bosnians and Herzegovinians of all denominations have not been killing each other. Nothing should be done that risks a new confrontation among Bosnia’s communities and possibly reigniting the horrors of the 1990s. With all that America has on its plate today, at home and abroad, it is ill advised to engineer an optional crisis. What is really impeding Bosnia’s progress is not “Dayton.” It is heavy-handed international bureaucracy and excessive foreign meddling in local affairs. Such meddling is detrimental to the internal agreement of its three constituent nations on the means of resolving their rampant social, economic and political problems. Going a step beyond and imposing centralization would be a gross violation of democracy, law, logic, and self-interest.
When it comes to the U.S. policy, it is vexing that the appetite for rekindling the Bosnian crisis after over 18 years of peace comes at a particularly dangerous period in world affairs: the return of asymmetrical multipolarity. Following a brief period of post-1991 full-spectrum dominance, the government of the United States is facing active resistance from several major powers – primarily China and Russia. The reactive powers’ refusal to accept the validity of Washington’s ideological assumptions or the legitimacy of its resulting geopolitical claims will not go away.
At the same time, far from reconsidering the hegemonsitic assumptions and claims of their predecessors, the key foreign policy players in the Obama Administration – such as Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Victoria Nuland (the one of the “F… the EU!” fame) are groomed on Albright’s hubris (“If we have to use force, it is because we are America. We are the indispensable nation. We stand tall. We see further into the future.”). The old premises of an imperial presidency – which in world affairs translates into the quest for dominance and justification for interventionism – remain sadly unchallenged.
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Kenneth Biggie
What bottom line explanation is there for the apparent tendency of US leaders to give preferential support to Muslim interests over those of Christians in these East European areas. Was that not the case in Kosovo/Serbia and the KLA back in the mid nineties? And now the Bosniaks in BH. What gives?
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Craig Middle School students prepare for year’s final concert
The Avengers' theme song slated to cap middle school performance
News | May 17, 2016
Craig Middle School sixth-grader Delilah Perez watches for cues from Band Director John Bolton as she and the other students prepare for a concert scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday in the high school auditorium.
Craig — When Craig Middle School students perform their spring concert on Thursday, they’ll no doubt play some traditional fare. But they also have something else in mind.
“I’ve had a few of my eighth-graders and a couple of my seventh-graders bugging me to play The Avengers‘ theme,” said Band Director John Bolton. “So, as I was stewing over this over Christmas break, I found an arrangement of the Avengers’ theme that middle schoolers could handle.”
Bolton said he plans to bring high school musicians back on stage — their concert was last week — to play The Avengers‘ theme song with the seventh and eighth-graders at the end of the middle school concert. The musicians will surround the auditorium.
“We’re going to get a little bit of pizzazz for our final concert,” he said.
The free concert begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the high school auditorium.
Bolton noted the importance of bringing middle school musicians and high school players together — something he’s never done in a concert before.
“I want the middle schoolers to know that they’re part of the bigger program,” Bolton said. “They’re not isolated.”
Bolton said the concert would start with music from the sixth-graders, and then move on up through the three middle-school grades.
Courtney Haskins, one of the veteran musicians in the band, plays the tuba.
“I like playing slow music,” said Courtney, an eighth-grader. “It’s more emotional. It gives more of a message to the audience.”
Courtney Smith, also an eighth-grader, plays percussion for the band. She said she’s played piano for about seven years, and she watched her brother play trombone in the band and wanted to play, too. Courtney said she didn’t play a wind instrument, but moving from piano to other percussion instruments seemed like a good plan.
“The marimba and the xylophone have the same notes, in the same order,” Courtney Smith said. “Instead of using your fingers, you mostly use your arms and your wrists.”
Both Courtney Haskins and Courtney Smith recall their earliest days of music — and the role their families played in those days.
“My sister plays the French horn, and I kind of wanted to be like her,” Courtney Haskins said. “My dad also played in the band. He played the trumpet, and a little bit of percussion, too.”
Courtney Smith remembers her grandmother teaching her songs on the piano, and she said her mother noticed her singing since she was extremely young.
“Ever since I could talk,” Courtney said with a chuckle. “Or so she said.”
Contact Michael Neary at 970-875-1794 or mneary@CraigDailyPress.com or follow him on Twitter @CDP_Education.
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On the record for Dec. 28: Phone scams on the rise in Craig
News | December 27, 2016
Craig Daily Press Staff Report
Craig Police Department
Craig — Thursday, Dec. 22
On the 1000 block of East Seventh Street, officers responded to a report of four tires slashed on a 2003 Mazda Protégé. No suspects have been named.
On the 600 block of Wickes Avenue, officers responded to a non-injury traffic accident between a Chevy pickup and a four-door red passenger car. Minor damage was caused.
At Samuelson’s, officers responded to a report of a male party harassing a female Sameulson’s employee. The man was evidently trying to contact the woman by phone, in person, through relatives and at work over a period of time. He was contacted by officers and arrested for stalking, harassment and driving under the influence.
At the Davis House apartment complex, officers conducted a welfare check on a female party. En route to the location, they saw a vehicle in which they believed she might be sitting. When the car was stopped, the female party was found inside and a male party was arrested for driving under the influence and driving with a revoked license.
On the 400 block of Tucker Street, officers responded to a report of a verbal disturbance between a mother and an adult daughter.
At the Clarion Inn & Suites, officers responded to a report of a suspicious person. A white male party was shining a flashlight into vehicles in the parking lot. He ended up being a juvenile out past curfew and was issued a city summons for curfew violation.
On the 2800 block of Pinon Circle, officers responded to a report of a suspicious incident. The reporting party said they could see tracks in the snow where someone went from mailbox to mailbox. Nothing was reported missing, but this type of behavior is not uncommon during the holiday season, an officer said.
On the 800 block of Bridger Circle, officers responded to a report of fraud. An older female party received a call stating that her grandchild was in jail and she would need to provide four $1,000 Walmart gift cards for bail. The woman had already sent $4,000 in gift cards before contacting officers. Scammers often gather personal details on Facebook or online before targeting victims, an officer said.
On the 700 block of Russell Street, officers responded to a report of child neglect. The report turned out to be unfounded because the supposed child in question was no longer technically a child.
On the 500 block of West Victory Way, officers responded to a report of shoplifting from City Market. A 28-year-old male party was cited for attempting to steal a half-dozen red roses.
On the 1500 block of West Victory Way, officers responded to a report of a burglary at a hair salon. Some cash and electronics were taken, and there were no signs of forced entry.
On the 2000 block of West Victory Way, officers responded to a report of a hit and run crash.
On the 700 block of East Seventh Street, officers responded to another report of fraud. Similarly, an older male party received a call claiming his grandson was in jail and he needed to send four $1,000 Walmart gift cards. He did submit some gift cards before contacting officers.
On the 600 block of Legion Street, officers responded to a report of a verbal domestic disturbance. The situation was resolved verbally.
On the 1900 block of Crockett Drive, officers responded to a report of fraud. A party called and offered to deposit a refund for a service into the reporting party’s account. The scammer then claimed to deposit too much money and asked for an account number in order to fix it. The person did not fall victim to the scam.
On the 600 block of Wickes Avenue, officers responded to a report of domestic violence. No evidence of a crime was found, but officers issued a verbal warning.
At mile post 88 on U.S. Highway 40, officers responded to a report of road rage. A pedestrian reported that she was almost hit by a truck. The vehicle was not contacted.
At Ridgeview, officers responded to a report of a possible domestic disturbance. Officers found it was just a loud conversation between parties involving lots of alcohol.
On the 400 block of Breeze Street, officers responded to a report of a possible utility hazard. An aluminum ladder had fallen against possible electrical wiring in someone’s backyard. Yampa Valley Electrical Association was called to look into the matter.
At the Clarion Inn & Suites, officers responded to a report of theft of narcotic prescription medications from a purse near the front lobby. The incident is still under investigation.
On the 300 block of East Sixth Street, officers responded to a single vehicle accident in which a vehicle struck a pole. A female party was arrested for driving under the influence.
At the Boys & Girls Club, officers responded to a report of possible child neglect. It turns out a grandparent had mistakenly dropped a child off when the club was closed. The grandparent was called to come pick the child up.
On the 900 block of West First Street, officers responded to a report of a threat. A female party complained of a relative of her ex-husband verbally harassing her and requested a restraining order.
On the 700 block of Russell Street, officers responded to a report of fraud involving an AT&T account and a cell phone.
Moffat County Jail
Jesus Javier Castanon-Zuniga, 20, of Eagle, was booked into Moffat County Jail on a courtesy hold for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Ivan Harrison-Diaz, 33, of Rock Springs, Wyo., was booked into Moffat County Jail on a courtesy hold for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jacob Cole Ungefug, 22, of Craig, was booked into Moffat County Jail on a warrant for failure to comply with probation requirements.
Jordan Constance Maneotis, 24, of Craig, was arrested on charges of alleged possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of illegal drugs, unlawful use of a controlled substance – heroin, and violation of bail bonds.
Mario Sanchez-Robles, 28, of Edwards, was booked into Moffat County Jail on a courtesy hold for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sean Jeffrey Hergenreter, 25, was arrested on charges of alleged stalking, harassment and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Jose Juan Thomas Juarez, 23, of Craig, was arrested on charges of alleged driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under restraint.
Nicholas Cabrera-Gurrola, 44, of Aurora, was booked into Moffat County Jail on a courtesy hold for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Stephen Phillip Cejka, 61, of Grand Junction, was arrested on charges of alleged driving under the influence of liquor.
Rosemary Coleman, 32, of Hayden, was booked into Moffat County Jail on a warrant for failure to comply.
Daniel Joseph Gottschall, 33, of Craig, was booked into Moffat County Jail to serve time for a previous offense.
Olivia Ann Potter, 24, of Craig, was arrested on charges of alleged careless driving, driving under the influence of liquor and failure to report accident.
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Trump peddles right-wing ‘prayer rug’ conspiracy
AirTV is essential for Sling TV subscribers 6 Months Ago
Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Trump is tweeting email forwards now.
In an apparent attempt to put pressure on Democrats to approve funding for his border wall, amid mounting pressure of the ongoing government shutdown, President Donald Trump pushed a claim that Muslim “prayer mats” had been found at the U.S.-Mexico border.
In a tweet published on Friday morning from his personal account, Trump quoted an article from right-wing newspaper the Washington Examiner in an apparent bid to harness Islamophobia to secure the $5.9 billion he wants to deliver his campaign promise of a border wall.
Border rancher: “We’ve found prayer rugs out here. It’s unreal.” Washington Examiner People coming across the Southern Border from many countries, some of which would be a big surprise.
The Washington Examiner article, which is based entirely on the testimony of an anonymous Arizona rancher, includes no evidence to substantiate that this is the case.
The rancher, who also said Czechoslovakians were crossing the border, reportedly withheld her identity for “fear of retaliation” by Mexican cartels.
Interestingly, however, the story is grounded in a recurring conspiracy theory narrative peddled by the far right. In 2014, the same story was pushed by right-wing publication Breitbart. The alleged “prayer rug” turned out to be an Adidas shirt.
According to the Daily Beast, the conspiracy stretches as far back as 2005 when conservatives tried to claim that Islamic terrorists were trying to infiltrate the country. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) even took to the floor in Congress at the time to push the claims that prayer mats and Arabic texts had been recovered from the border, providing no evidence.
Subsequent investigations into the matter by other outlets, speaking to Border Patrol officers, failed to turn up evidence of prayer mats being found.
It seems that, when it suits his needs, the president is happy to accept without question the credibility of stories which include unsubstantiated claims by unnamed sources.
David Gilmour is a reporter who specializes in national politics, internet culture, and technology. He previously covered civil liberties, crime, and politics for Vice.
Border Wlal Conspiracy Theory Donald Trump Immigration Twitter
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Strange and Familiar: Architecture on Fogo Island
When you watch the documentary Strange and Familiar: Architecture on Fogo Island (directed by Katherine Knight and Marcia Connolly), you start thinking differently about modernism as you get to witness the long way it has gone since the early International Style, as it was seminally called, to the 21st century when modernist architecture has become local, integrated, indigenous, and full of poetic contents. On Fogo Island, situated on the north coast of Newfoundland, Canada, architect Todd Saunders has created socially ambitious project, residency-based contemporary art venue for artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians, curators, designers, and thinkers from around the world. It is composed of modernist buildings, studios and an inn, all of which come to integrate architecture into nature and to provide a new, spiritual experience for creative minds while living in this magical, imposing landscape on the remote island of population of 2,700. In addition to the remote studios, Saunders built the Fogo Island Inn, a 29-room hotel and gallery (above and below), which like all other buildings, stands on the line between the Strange and the Familiar. All photos © Bent René Synnevåg
Sandra Gering link
This place looks magical, could you tell me more about it. Have you been, I would love to go....
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Legal Advocacy Group Files Case on Behalf of Iraqi War Hero
Edie Surtees
esurtees@drtx.org
SAN ANTONIO – Some military members return from war with wounds that aren’t easily seen, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic head injuries, and other “invisible” disabilities that may not be obvious to the naked eye. Fortunately, assistance from specially trained dogs – often known as “service animals” – can help these veterans in their daily lives.
Federal and state law generally allows veterans and other individuals with disabilities to use service animals in public. But in recent months, Disability Rights Texas (DRTx), the legal protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Texas, has noticed a rise in complaints from veterans with service dogs who are being refused entry to public facilities. Denying access in these situations amounts to illegal disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state law. DRTx is committed to enforcing these laws and helping veterans in these situations.
Adan Gallegos of San Antonio is one such person who has faced this illegal discrimination. A decorated veteran who returned from Iraq after serving more than three years in the U.S. Army, he came home at the age of 22 with life-altering disabilities, including depression and PTSD as a result of intense combat and exposure to an explosion.
In October of 2011, Gallegos and his service animal, Bootz, entered Billy Bob’s Beds on Tezel Road in San Antonio. Rather than allowing him to be in the store as others without disabilities, the owner yelled, swore and demanded that he and his service animal leave the store. The owner did these things even though Gallegos told the owner that Bootz is a service animal and even though Bootz was wearing an identifying service-dog vest at the time.
On October 17, 2012, DRTx filed a federal lawsuit on Mr. Gallegos’s behalf against the store.
“As veterans return, we’re seeing an increase in these violations,” said Denette Vaughn, an attorney with DRTx. “We want to help more people understand that some disabilities are not seen but are just as real, and people with these issues, including war veterans, have a legal right to use service dogs.”
Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. State law has similar requirements.
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with PTSD during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties.
In addition to guaranteeing equal access to public facilities, the ADA also limits the questions that can be asked about the service dog when it is not obvious what service the dog is providing. Individuals cannot be asked for details about their disabilities but can be asked whether they are using the service animal because of a disability and what work or task the service animal is trained to perform.
Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Texas. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society.
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Drew Peterson
"We've left the house pretty much like it was when Stacy left," Drew says. "If you look at all the pictures of Stacy, she looks like a different person in every one. Everybody says, ‘How can she hide being so well known?' Well, women can really change their appearance, so her hiding out isn't as farfetched as some people are trying to say."
Drew shows off the bathroom, which features foliage on the ceiling, and painted giraffes, tiger cubs and other wildlife on the walls. "Stacy did all of this. The bathroom's a jungle room, which I thought had a kind of a unique look to everything," he says.
"All her clothes in the bedroom are just like they were the day she left," he says switching on the light in a walk-in closet. "These are all her clothes, and basically nothing's been changed or moved around. I don't know if I can't bring myself to do it or haven't had the time. It's just like I'm kind of hesitant to move anything or change anything, and I can't figure out why. I'll leave everything the same as I can to give the kids their sense of normalcy.
"I really feel, after the state police came in here and did a search warrant, I really feel kind of like a rape victim would feel " dirty because they were in here violating my home," he continues. "I found out the other day there is, like, an 8 x 8-inch hole I found in the back of my mattress that they tried hiding."
Drew gestures to the floor board behind his bed. "I got a big chunk of rug cut out. We spilled red juice. I don't know if they thought it was blood or whatever they think it was," he says with a sarcastic laugh. "I have a little bit of a problem with a forensics expert coming in and can't tell the difference between blood and red juice.
"They took a Rug Doctor I used for cleaning up after the kids. They took cameras; they took my guns," Drew continues. "I think the house is totally wired and miked up, which is fine. I've got nothing to hide."
Piggybacking on Drew's last comment in his taped interview, Dr. Phil says, "So you think you're being listened to?"
"Sure," Drew replies.
"You think they're watching this interview with great interest?"
"Oh, without a doubt."
"At this point, do you believe that most people don't believe you?"
"Yes, I believe that," Drew says.
Dr. Phil acknowledges that his audience has maintained a sense of decorum for Drew. "But you realize that there is a significant portion of this group, right now, that thinks they're sitting here with either a murderer or a double murderer," he says.
"Right," he answers. "It's actually kind of scary. But realistically, I'm becoming very numb to it all."
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Outdoors Jul 13th 2019 - 7am
Searching for the blip on the radar
Dale Peters, Dorothy Graf now both Ecumen Meadows residents, 46 years after Brewster bank heist
WORTHINGTON -- Today, Dale Peters and Dorothy Graf are both residents of Ecumen Meadows. Nearly 46 years ago, they were both at the scene of the one of the most notable bank heists in regional history. Peters, now 87, became a resident at Ecumen ...
Written By: Ryan McGaughey | Aug 15th 2018 - 7pm.
Dorothy Graf and Dale Peters pose for a photo at Worthington's Ecumen Meadows. (Special to The Globe)
WORTHINGTON - Today, Dale Peters and Dorothy Graf are both residents of Ecumen Meadows.
Nearly 46 years ago, they were both at the scene of the one of the most notable bank heists in regional history.
Peters, now 87, became a resident at Ecumen Meadows on Sept. 5, 2017, and Graf moved in the latter part of the following month. She began meeting her neighbors, and the gentleman in the apartment two doors down brought an instant recollection.
“Jodi (Ecumen Meadows Marketing Director Bentele) had told me he was here, and when I saw him I knew him right away,” Graf said.
Peters remembered Graf, too. How could he not, given what transpired that day?
Peters, who became Nobles County Sheriff in 1966 and remained in that office for 28 years, recalled that he’d been in Mobridge, S.D., with his wife, Donna, on Dec. 20, 1972 picking up a prisoner - “it was a really bad icy, rainy day,” he recalled - and was on his way back to Worthington when he learned about the robbery over the radio.
He called into dispatch and requested a car be sent out to Diagonal Road and old Nobles County 16, in order to pick up the prisoner and Donna. After that transpired, he went on to Brewster.
“I got in to Brewster and came slowly up to the bank and pulled a shotgun out of the car and went on in,” Peters explained. “It was supposed to be closed at that time of the day. I got in there and saw a man laying on his stomach with what was supposed to be a bomb on his back. There were others employees were sitting around there in chairs... . I don't remember a lot because it all happened pretty fast.”
Three female bank employees - two tellers and Graf, the bookkeeper - had been tied up with clothesline rope with their mouths covered by tape, as had bank president Hal Ray. They’d been told not to move, as the robber had pretended to connect them to the apparent bomb. They had been told the bomb would detonate if they moved or at 6 p.m., whichever came first.
One of the tellers who had been tied up, Francis Harms, was able to wriggle and place the first call for help.
“Somehow Francis was kind of skinny and she squeezed out of the rope,” Graf said. “We were so happy when he (Peters) came to the bank. It seemed like we had been tied up there forever … and then he just let us free.”
Peters said the bank robber had already left the premises by the time he’d arrived, and that no one had seen the car or any other clues that would assist in apprehension. The robber had been around the bank for a couple of days, the former sheriff added, staking out the future scene of the crime.
Still, Peters believed he had to act quickly, given the situation.
“I just looked at them (tied-up employees) and then looked at the guy who had the bomb on his back,” Peters said. “I knew he wasn’t going to make it there very long.
“I looked closer and didn’t think it was a bomb. I grabbed it gently, went out the back door and placed it outside near a large tree back there. Then I took my patrol car and drove over it, so if it did go off, much of the force would be absorbed by the car.”
As the Worthington Globe later reported in its Dec. 21, 1972 edition: “Four tubes of newspaper from the Minneapolis Tribune were rolled up and wrapped in a reddish brown waxy paper almost the exact color of dynamite. Four “D” size flashlight batteries were connected into the package with multiple strands of wire, and the entire bundle was wrapped with black electrician’s tape and aluminum foil.”
Peters then went back in and freed the employees, and got whatever information he could those who had been inside. Even people outside failed to get a glimpse of the suspect, he added.
The interaction that day between Peters and Graf was far from their first. Both Graf and her husband, Gaylord - who died 20 years ago - were already acquainted with Peters and his wife.
“His wife told my daughters to swim, and she made a good impression,” related Graf, who has four daughters in all. “My daughter Carolyn, who’s 72 and lives in Portland, Ore., still swims every day.”
Incidentally, no one was ever apprehended in connection with the robbery. According to the Dec. 21, 1972 Globe, the cash loss at the bank was “nominal.”
“The only thing we found as a possible clue was a little card that come from Electric Park, it was called, down east of Spencer, Iowa,” Peters noted. “I went down there later on, and was just a park out in the country. Maybe he (robbery suspect) stayed there overnight; I don't know.”
Life at Ecumen Meadows
Peters became a resident at Ecumen Meadows soon after a fall at Canterbury Downs a few months before. He still enjoys going the horse races every so often - he owned and kept horses locally for years - but also finds plenty to keep himself occupied here in Worthington.
“I take in all the baseball games across the road - high school, VFW, Legion, all of them,” he said. “I like watching the Twins; I have all my life. My life has just been made easier for me here.”
While his wife died several years ago, Peters also has a foster daughter, Barbara Cook, who lives in Sioux Falls, S.D. and visits him regularly.
Graff, meanwhile, gets frequent visits from her daughter in Windom. She’ll celebrate her 95th birthday later this month.
“It was four and half miles north of Brewster where I used to live,” Graf said. “The last week in September (2017), I had a fall in my home. … the doctors then said I couldn’t live at home anymore.
“They’re all very kind, the people that work here,” she continued. “I exercise five times a week … and do lots of activities.”
“This is a wonderful place,” Peters added. “I just can’t believe how this has been here. They’ve taken awfully good care of me.”
ECUMEN MEADOWS
New Articles Jul 13th 2019 - 9am
Tiny glimpses are great rewards from God
Faith Jul 6th 2019 - 6am
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Political organisations in Europe • Politics of Europe 4th February 2018 at 10:31 am By electio No comments
The European Conservatives Group (EC) is a conservative group in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe . It was founded by the Group of Independent Representatives in 1970 by British and Scandinavian members of PACE, having about 35-40 members from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Turkey, Sweden and Switzerland. It was known as the European Democrat Group until its renaming in 2014.
It is affiliated to the Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists Europarty.
PACE (after the Socialist Group and the Christian Democrat Group ) was founded in 1977. On 6 July 1978, a proposal to rename the group was submitted, leading to the new name in September 1980.
For many years Vladimir Putin’s United Russia has been a member of the European Democrat Group.
As of 23 October 2014, the European Conservatives have the following members: [1]
Party name
Europarty
EU Parliament
armenia Prosperous Armenia 2 RCEA N / A None
armenia Republican Party of Armenia (part) [A] 1 None N / A None
azerbaijan New Azerbaijan Party 4 None N / A None
Czech Republic Civic Democratic Party 2 RCEA ECR UDI
denmark Danish People’s Party 1 None ECR None
greece Independent Greeks 1 None ECR None
iceland Independence Party 2 RCEA N / A UDI
norway Progress Party 2 None N / A None
poland Law and Justice 7 RCEA ECR None
poland United Poland 1 MELD No MEPs None
turkey Justice and Development Party (part) [B] 13 RCEA N / A None
turkey Nationalist Movement Party [C] 1 None N / A None
Ukraine Party of Regions (part) [D] 4 None N / A None
Ukraine Sovereign European Ukraine 1 None N / A None
United Kingdom Conservative Party 17 RCEA ECR UDI
United Kingdom Democratic Unionist Party 1 None Non-Registered None
^ One of the three members of the Republican Party of Armenia sit with the EC Group. The other two members sit with theEuropean People’s Party.
^ B Eleven of the thirteen members of the Justice and Development Party sit with the EC Group. One sits with theEuropean People’s Partyand one with theAlliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
^ C One of the two members of the Nationalist Movement Party sits with the EC Group. The other member sits with theSocialist Group.
^ D Four of the seven members of Party of Regions sit with the EC Group. Two sit with theSocialist Groupand one with theAlliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe .
Unaffiliated members: Ganira Pashayeva , Yuliya Ovochkina
European Democrats
Jump up^ “European Conservatives Group” . Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe . 23 October 2014.
< European Association of Political Consultants European Youth Parliament >
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Dennis Quaid's "Tears of Triumph"
By Lorraine Cwelich
Photo: Mario Perez for Film District
Among surfers, the term "soul surfer" refers to someone who surfs not for fun or profit but as a means to enlightenment—the type of zen surfer embodied by Patrick Swayze's Bodhi—and aspired to by Keanu Reeves' Johnny Utah—in Kathryn Bigelow's 1991 film, Point Break. A new surfing film, "Soul Surfer," opening today, is the true story of another kind of soul surfer—Bethany Hamilton, a champion surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack in Hawaii at age 13, and her subsequent return to pro surfing.
The film, which hit the top five at the box office on its opening weekend, stars Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt as Bethany's parents, AnnaSophia Robb (Bridge to Terabithia) as Bethany, and Lorraine Nicholson as her best friend, Alana Blanchard.
We caught up with Quaid, Robb and Nicholson at the Playwright Celtic Pub in New York's theater district to discuss the film. Quaid was drawn to the project by coincidence: "I was watching the Today show about two Christmases ago...Bethany just happened to be on. It was world news when it first hit. There's just something about her that hit me in the heart; I was a complete mess, welling up. I well up over things that are beautiful, like the Olympics, tears of triumph. About three days [later], my agent calls and says, `Look, I know everybody's on vacation but I'm getting these calls from people. Are you familiar with Bethany Hamilton? They want you to play her father.' I said, `Yes, I'll do it.' It's the only time I've ever said yes to anything without even reading a script because it was such a powerful story."
Nicholson said, "It shows us what we're all capable of and at the most basic level, it's a story of human resilience and I think everybody can learn from that."
"Movies are to entertain and not necessarily to teach, but this is something that is very life-affirming," said Quaid. "Besides the fact that it was two months in Hawaii and you're getting paid to be on a beach! I never had so many people visit me on the set: `where were you when I was in Belgrade?'" he laughed. "Nobody stayed in their trailer on this movie; all the families were hanging out on the beach together."
The real-life Hamilton family is both athletic and devout. "There was a lot of back-and-forth and hesitancy about this being a `faith-based' movie, which is really code for mentioning the name of Jesus twice, like `Jesus' is a five-letter word," said Quaid. "The Hamiltons were concerned about it and on the other side were the marketing people who were concerned how this was going to sell, how can we reach the broadest audience? But in the end, they made the right decision because you can't really tell the story of this family and what they went through and separate out their faith, because they live it and walk it and talk it; before the accident, during and after, too."
The "soul" in the film's title refers in large part to Bethany's spiritual journey following her accident and her efforts to inspire others. "She embraces opportunities as a public figure, channeling them into philanthropic efforts," said Nicholson.
Carrie Underwood, in her film debut, plays Bethany's youth-leader, Sarah Hill. "Bethany really turned to Sara, because she wanted to keep up a front for her family, to stay strong," said Robb. Quaid commends Underwood's performance. "I think it's an easier transition for a singer. You're a performer and when you're on stage singing, how emotional is that?"
Quaid's also a musician (he portrayed Jerry Lee Lewis in Great Balls of Fire!), who plays in a band ironically called The Sharks. "My son, who was 9 at the time, named us. Thank goodness he wasn't into dinosaurs! We play at the House of Blues in Houston a couple of weeks." He used to play barefoot "because it made me feel like I was in my living room. I wear shoes now because it's easier on the feet when I run into the crowd, with the cut feet from the glass!"
"That's why it was always great having Dennis around," said Nicholson, "because he was always singing and making great communal things happen!"
Part of Bethanny's recovery was her trip to Thailand to aid tsunami survivors. Quaid said that he related to that experience when his infant twins were overdosed with the blood thinner heparin through medical error in a hospital in 2007. "Because of what happened to them, I thought these kids were going to change the world and they did—hospitals changed the way they do procedures and really raised awareness and a lot of kids' lives have been changed as a result of what happened to them. Certainly as an actor, you draw on your real life in everything you come up against."
We asked Quaid, who earlier in his career, played romantic leads (The Big Easy with Ellen Barkin, Innerspace and D.O.A. with former wife Meg Ryan) or athletes (Everybody's All-American, Any Given Sunday, The Rookie) about the challenges of portraying a parent. "I'm at a certain point in my career now where I'm `the dad.' That's what I do. There's all different types of roles; they're different characters, really. I never try to put it into a genre or a type. I'm just playing the person. So in that way, they're all the same. But you do need more lip gloss if you're playing a romantic lead!"
He described working with onscreen spouse Helen Hunt as, "she doesn't give you any guff, there's no diva thing with her, you always get an honest answer; we've got each other's back. And she's a really good surfer, actually; she beat all of us!"
Bethany and her coach, Russell Lewis, gave 17-year-old Robb surfing lessons. Robb worked out for four hours a day to prepare for the film's physical challenges, including surf lessons, swimming and weight workouts.
"The love for surfing has to overcome the fear," said Robb, whose challenges included learning how to handle her character's physical limitations by "mainly just hanging out with Bethany. Opening water bottles can be really difficult. I really admire her because there are very few things that she cannot do. She never waits for anyone to do things for her; she just goes for it. Mainly it's trying to figure things out. She uses her legs and her knees a lot." Robb wore a green sleeve on her left arm during film (so that special computer effects remove Bethany's severed limb) but she had to do one-armed push-ups. "The trainer would yell: `Would Bethany give up? No!'"
Nicholson added, "It was very important to get in that physical mind-set if you're playing a professional athlete. Alana's just riding bikes all day and running around. I just want to sit and read a book!
Nicholson (the daughter of Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard) first appeared on film at age 12, in Something's Gotta Give, with her father and Diane Keaton. Soul Surfer is her sixth film, but the 20-year-old Brown University student is focusing on college for now, where she majors in Literary Arts. "To me, school is really important. I wanted to pursue academics and still am." When we asked her what advice her father has given her about acting, she said, "My grandma always told my father, `don't toot your own horn,' which in Nicholson-speak means be honest and let your achievements sort of speak for themselves."
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Michael (Mick) J. O'Brien
Michael (Mick) J. O'Brien FIAA, CFA, GAICD
Mick is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
He is a non-executive director of Templeton Global Growth Fund Limited.
Mick has broad wealth management experience in superannuation, investment management, insurance and advice, spanning over 30 years in both retail and institutional markets. Mick was formerly CEO and director of Invesco Australia Limited, director of Franklin Global Property Limited, director of Alliance Capital Management Australia and Chief Investment Officer of AXA Australia and New Zealand where he was also a director of AXA’s Responsible Entities and Regulated Superannuation Entities.
Philip Gentry
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Philip Gentry B.Sc, MBA
Philip Gentry has more than 25 years’ experience in leadership positions within financial services, property, agribusiness, international trade, commodities and logistics, arriving at the Company in January 2016 from Grocon, where he was CFO from 2013. Previously, Mr Gentry held positions including Managing Director of Agrium Asia Pacific, CFO of AWB and a number of leadership positions at ANZ Bank in the areas of corporate banking, international trade finance and investor relations. In addition to his other qualifications, Mr Gentry is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program.
Sharni Redenbach
Executive General Manager, Human Resources
Sharni Redenbach BAppSc (Psych), GradDip (AppPsych)
Sharni Redenbach has more than 14 years experience in the financial services industry, leading a team of HR, payroll and training specialists to deliver HR strategies that support the achievement of business objectives. Sharni commenced her career at Link Market Services. Prior to joining Equity Trustees, she led the HR function in Australia for Fiserv, a global FinTech company. Sharni is a HR generalist who operates across the full employee lifecycle, and has expertise in change management.
Harvey Kalman
Executive General Manager, Corporate Trustee Services & Global Head of Fund Services
Harvey Kalman BEc, Grad Dip App Fin & Inv, Grad Dip Acc, Advanced Management Program (Columbia)
Harvey Kalman has more than 25 years in the financial services sector and is charged with overall responsibility for the operational compliance of all Responsible Entity and Corporate Trustee relationships. Prior to joining the Company in 2000, Mr Kalman held senior roles at ANZ in funds management, the Australian Society of Corporate Treasurers (now the Finance and Treasury Association), as well as roles as a senior policy adviser, and at Ford Credit. He has significant experience in funds management and risk management.
Ian Westley
Executive General Manager, Private Clients
Ian Westley BAgrSc, DipFinServ
Ian Westley has more than 25 years' business development and sales experience in Australia and the United Kingdom, across a range of different industries. Ian is responsible for managing the Trustee and Wealth Services' private clients business. Ian holds a Bachelor of Agriculture Science degree from The University of Melbourne and a Diploma of Financial Services.
Head of Asset Management
Darren Thompson B. Ecco, DipFinServ, GradDipFinPlan
Darren is an entrepreneurial Investment Director and Portfolio Manager with 30 years’ experience. Committed to the development of robust investment methodologies, driving targeted investment return and business growth, Darren is a performance-focussed Australian equities leader who has delivered more than 11% p.a. portfolio return over the past 14 years. He arrives at Equity Trustees with broad general management skills and a proven success leading strategy, finance, operations and people management activities.
Carmen Lunderstedt
Carmen Lunderstedt BCom, GradCertFinPlan, FGIA, FCIS
Carmen is a Chartered Secretary with specialist expertise in the areas of governance, risk and compliance in financial services and ASX listed companies. Carmen is the company secretary of EQT Holdings Limited as well as all of its licensed subsidiaries.
In addition to being a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, Carmen holds a BCom (Corporate Administration and Management) and Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning.
Mark Blair
Executive General Manager,
Mark Blair BSc. Hons, FIA, FIAA
Mark has over 30 years' experience in the financial services industry in the UK and Australia, including advisory, strategy and business development roles. Mark leads the Trustee and Wealth Services superannuation business. Mark holds an honours degree in mathematics from Nottingham University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in Australia and the UK.
General Manager, Marketing and Communications
Alicia Kokocinski BA (English major), GradDip PR
Originally a journalist, Alicia is a senior manager with a proven track record in media, marketing, communications and market research - especially in complex and highly regulated environments. She has experience in the development and implementation of both traditional and social media campaigns, key message development and targetting (including qualitative and competitor research), as well as the development of practical and direct marketing and communications audits and plans.
Alicia heads up a small team of professionals, providing contemporary and credible marketing and communication direction and general leadership to position and develop the brand, and manage the reputation and profile of Equity Trustees.
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Caple: Rays fail to produce in ALCS opener
3932dJim Caple
Rays fail to take advantage of opportunities in ALCS opener
Jim CapleESPN Senior Writer
Author of "The Devil Wears Pinstripes" and winner of a Sports Emmy. Reported from 17 World Series, 9 Olympics, 6 continents.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The fans were here with their cowbells, their Mohawks and their official 2008 Tampa Bay Rays merchandise with the price tags still attached. And then the happy new residents of Greater Unincorporated Rays Municipality (unlike Red Sox fans, they have yet to qualify for full Nationhood status) watched their team lose in excruciating fashion in the first ALCS game in its history.
The Rays committed what manager Joe Maddon termed the "mortal sin'' of wasting a good pitching performance from starter James Shields. They didn't get a hit off Boston starter Daisuke Matsuzaka until the seventh inning. Even so, they left the bases loaded in the first inning. They somehow failed to score with Carl Crawford on third base and nobody out in the seventh inning. They went scoreless again in the eighth inning after the first two batters singled.
And when the last opportunity had been squandered and the 2-0 loss was finally over, the Rays left the stadium with the knowledge that they would have to beat Josh Beckett Saturday in Game 2 in order to avoid falling into a potentially fatal hole before the series heads to Boston.
Evan Longoria was hitless in four at-bats, including two strikeouts, in the Rays' 2-0 loss in the opener of the ALCS. Doug Benc/Getty Images
Not to put any pressure on them or anything.
"The thing is we don't spend any time analyzing the situation that way because that would do us no good,'' first baseman Carlos Pena said calmly. "All it would do is create baggage for us tomorrow. So our mentality right now is just to keep it simple. We lost today. It's over. We come back tomorrow as if nothing ever happened. And like nothing else existed but tomorrow's game.''
That's the proper attitude because the Rays weren't that far from winning Friday night. Boston scored the game's first run in the fifth inning thanks in large part to Mark Kotsay's check-swing double ("It was a good pitch down and away and I didn't want him to swing at it,'' Shields said) and scored an insurance run in the eighth when Kevin Youkilis' sinking liner to left just glanced off Crawford's glove. "I thought I had it,'' Crawford said. "I looked up and I was surprised I didn't have it.''
But if the Rays are to reverse their fortunes in Game 2, they will have to do all the little things they failed to do in Game 1.
For one thing, when you get Crawford, one of the game's fastest players, on third base with nobody out and you're trailing 1-0, it's a good idea if you score him.
"It's kind of frustrating. We knew we could get it done and we didn't,'' said catcher Dioner Navarro, whose fly out to left in the seventh was so shallow not even Crawford could score on it. "I was trying to put the ball in the air and I did, but I didn't hit it far enough. I didn't do my job. I've got to do better.''
There was a lot of that going around.
Since homering in his first two postseason at-bats and going 3-for-3 in his first postseason game, probable rookie of the year Evan Longoria has one hit in 16 at-bats. He went hitless in four at-bats Friday with two strikeouts and a rally-killing double-play grounder in the eighth. He looked overwhelmed the entire night.
Both Longoria and Pena swung at 3-0 pitches late in the game and had nothing to show for it. Swinging at 3-0 can be a tricky thing. On the one hand, if you're really struggling against a good pitcher (as the Rays were against Dice-K), then it makes sense to take the pitch and hope for ball four. On the other hand, if you're really struggling against a good pitcher (as the Rays were against Dice-K), it also makes sense to take a good swing when you know the pitcher has to give you a decent pitch.
James Shields was the hard-luck losing pitcher for the Rays; he allowed only two runs in 7 1/3 innings. Elsa/Getty Images
Of course, if you fly out, as both Pena and Longoria did, then everyone asks why you weren't more patient. But if you hit the ball off the wall, Longoria said, "we're having a completely different conversation.''
"I thought it was a pretty good gamble,'' Maddon said of giving Pena the green light. "Carlos said to me he thought it was ball four. I really couldn't tell from where I was standing, but I thought it was our best chance to get a three-run homer right there.''
That's the way the postseason is, as Rays fans learned Friday, if they didn't know already. Everything rides so much on each game and on each at-bat. Come through in a couple of situations and everyone will talk about how young and loose you are. Fail in those same situations and everyone will talk about your lack of postseason experience. The reality is you just need to play a little better.
"That's baseball,'' Rays designated hitter Cliff Floyd said. "If you don't capitalize against a team like that, they'll win.''
Jim Caple is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
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Etihad Airways delegation addresses Australia's leading bankers in Sydney
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has hosted its latest financial roadshow for Australian bankers in Sydney, following editions held earlier this year in London and New York.
Attracting 70 bankers from many of the world’s largest financial institutions, the roadshow offered an ideal opportunity to deepen the strong ties between the Abu Dhabi-based airline and Australia’s financial community.
The Etihad Airways delegation was led by James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, and included James Rigney, Chief Financial Officer, and Ricky Thirion, Vice President and Group Treasurer.
The delegation briefed bankers on the airline’s achievements in 2012 and outlined its strategy to achieve consistent, sustainable profitability, as well as updating them on the expansion of Etihad Airways’ equity alliance.
Mr Hogan said “Etihad Airways continues to expand its flight network, fleet of aircraft, and passengers carried, and the banking community around the world, and in Australia, play a key role in helping ensure this successful growth is maintained.
“The banking institutions view Etihad Airways as a financially sound company with a strong track record in safety and we are always eager to spend time with them to communicate the latest developments at the airline.”
In 2012, Etihad Airways earned total revenues of US$4.8 billion and had a net profit of US$42 million and this strong financial portfolio, built up during the previous six years, has allowed it to gain more than US$7.1 billion in funding from more than 60 financial institutions.
In addition to gaining the finance required for new aircraft and engines, Etihad Airways closely manages major financial market risks such as fuel, FX, interest rates and emissions.
This has enhanced the airline’s reputation for successful fiscal discipline and cost control.
Mr Hogan and his team discussed Etihad Airways renowned hedging strategy with the bankers in Sydney. The airline’s jet fuel is hedged at 81 per cent for the remainder of 2013, 62 per cent for 2014, 33 per cent for 2015, and nine per cent for 2016.
During the past 12 months Etihad Airways has continued to expand its three pillared strategy of organic growth, codeshare and interline partnerships, and equity alliance of minority stakes in other airlines.
The most recent to join the equity alliance of airberlin, Aer Lingus, Air Seychelles, and Virgin Australia is the Indian carrier, Jet Airways. Subject to Indian government approval, Etihad Airways will invest US$379 million for a 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways.
Following the Jet Airways announcement on 24 April 2013, Etihad Airways agreed an initial memorandum of understanding with the Government of Serbia to explore equity opportunities in its national carrier, JatAirways.
During the last 12 months Etihad Airways has also taken the first step in creating a global loyalty management platform. This began with the integration of Seychelles Plus, the Air Seychelles frequent flyer program, into the Etihad Guest loyalty program.
In December 2012 Etihad Airways took a 70 per cent stake in topbonus, airberlin’s loyalty program, and created a new company that will eventually include the Etihad Guest program and those of other airlines.
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Home> Regulation & Examinations> Laws & Regulations> FDIC Law, Regulations, Related Acts
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4000 - Advisory Opinions
Establishment of Collective Investment Pool
FDIC-83-20
Pamela E. F. LeCren, Senior Attorney
The following is in response to your request that the FDIC comment as to whether the overall plan by * * * to establish a collective investment pool is both acceptable to the FDIC and in accord with FDIC's regulations. According to your letter and its accompanying material, the bank is considering forming a collective investment pool that would operate substantially as follows. The bank would establish an investment trust with respect to which it would act as trustee. The investment trust would pool funds contributed thereto by individuals who execute a trust agreement with the bank specifying that the funds are transferred to the bank as trustee for investment in accordance with the trust agreement. The agreement indicates that the trustee intends to commingle funds from other "grantors" and to invest the commingled funds.
The fund's investments will be limited to (1) obligations of the United States or obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States, (2) student loans that are at least 80 percent insured and/or reinsured as to principal and interest by the United States, (3) obligations issued by Banks for Cooperatives, Federal Land banks, Federal Home Loan banks, The Federal Home Loan Bank Board, or a wholly-owned Government corporation, (4) obligations, participations, or other instruments of or issued by, or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the Federal National Mortgage Association, (5) mortgages, obligations, or other securities which are or have ever been sold by The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or (6) participation certificates evidencing beneficial interest in (or the right to receive interest and principal collections from) obligations which have been subjected by one or more Government agencies to a trust for which an executive department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States has been named a trustee.
Each grantor would receive an undivided interest in the pooled assets. The trustee is to distribute monthly to the individual grantors the total accrued income from the pool less the trustee's fees. The Bank intends to sell student loans to the collective investment fund that it is presently holding. The sale would be at par and on a nonrecourse basis. U.S. Treasury Bills and other United States obligations will be purchased from an unrelated broker/dealer. The trustee will receive a fee equalling 3 - 3.5 percent of the average total assets of the fund.
In addition to the above, the information forwarded to this office indicates that it is the Bank's counsel's opinion that neither the investment trust nor the interests therein will be required to be registered under the Federal Securities laws or the state's blue sky Laws. We also note in the material a letter from the * * * Banking Department indicating that the collective investment pool constitutes an underwriting function that will require the approval of the State Department of Banking and Finance.
While FDIC does not have any regulations that would prohibit the bank from entering into the proposed collective investment plan, we are concerned that the arrangement would involve the Bank in the sale, issuance, underwriting, or distributing of securities in violation of section 21 of the Glass-Steagall Act (12 U.S.C. 378). That provision of law prohibits any deposit taking institution from engaging in the above activities except to the extent permitted to a national bank under section 16 of the Glass-Steagall Act (12 U.S.C. 24(7th)). The Supreme Court in ICI v. Camp, 401 US 617 (1971) held that a collective investment fund operated by a national bank for managed agency accounts was in violation of sections 16 and 21 of the Glass-Steagall Act. Although the collective investment fund your bank is proposing would technically involve funds deposited with the bank in trust as opposed to managed agency accounts, the distinction is illusory in this instance as there would not appear to be any true trust relationship involved.
The Supreme Court did recognize that banks have traditionally invested funds held by them in trust and have managed common trust funds. The Court in doing so impliedly found that such activities do not constitute a violation of the Glass-Steagall Act. The pooled investment trust at issue here would not appear, however, to qualify as a common trust fund within the commonly accepted understanding of that term. The fund at issue would not be exempt from registration under the Securities Laws. The SEC has over the years maintained that the exemption from registration for common trust funds under 15 U.S.C. 77c(a)(2) is not available where monies commingled in the fund are not held for a true fiduciary purpose but are accepted and commingled as vehicles for direct investment by members of the public. Nor would the fund seem to qualify for the exemption from registration for collective investment funds found in 15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(11). That exemption applies to commingled funds made up of contributions to employee stock bonus, pension, or profit sharing trusts that meet certain qualifications under Title 26 of the U.S. Code.
Although we have commented on the possible need for registration of the fund and the interests therein, our opinion is not binding on the topic. The Bank would be best advised to direct such a question to the Securities and Exchange Commission. As to the Glass-Steagall Act issue, there is sufficient basis for the FDIC to preliminarily conclude that the operation of the collective investment pool as described may be a violation and that the bank should therefore not proceed or should be aware that if it does so, it proceeds at its own risk.
regs@fdic.gov
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Islam Book: Dispelling Myths and Answering Questions About the Religion of Peace
April 15, 2019 November 7, 2018 by Chrissy James
Islam is one of the largest, most influential religions in the world. Along with Christianity and Judaism, Islam is one of the three “Abrahamic” traditions, that is, religions that trace their roots back to the prophet Abraham. Islam considers itself the “religion of peace”, because of its desire for a constant state of peaceful coexistence with other nations who aren’t Muslim.
Our beliefs come from the Qur’an, a holy book written by the prophet Muhammad (peace be unto him). The Qur’an contains the direct words of Allah, the One True God, from whom all goodness stems. As Muslims, our job is to follow the path of righteousness as outlined in the Qur’an and emulate the benevolent life of the Prophet.
But over the past few decades, the prevalence of Islamic extremists and right-wing governments using the religion to propagate conservative values have contributed to the negative view people have of Islam. Coupled with mass media’s broad stroke portrayal of Muslims as evil, misogynistic terrorists, it’s no wonder that Islam gets a bad name.
The best way to understand Islam is to get to the root of the word. Islam, or الإسلام in Arabic, is a monotheistic religion that hails from the Arabian Peninsula. The word “islam” means “submission”, in this case, submission to the one God, or Allah. It is also the general attitude that adherents of Islam, called Muslim, meaning “one who submits to God”. By submitting yourself, your life, your ego, riches, and all earthly goods and desires to Allah, you can achieve inner peace and spread this peace to as many people as you can.
Where do Muslims Worship?
Christians go to church, Jews go to the Synagogue, so where do Muslims worships? Muslims worship in a Mosque. A mosque is a place of prayer and worship for Muslims, which means there are strict guidelines to follow in attendance and construction (much like in other places of worship). However, mosques aren’t just for religious services; a mosque is actually a large complex of buildings that function as both place of worship for Muslims, charity centers, an administrative office, a community center, among other things.
Muslims worship Allah by following certain tenets, notably the 5 Pillars of Islam. The 5 Pillars of Islam, or the arkān al-Islām, are a series of practices that are mandatory for every Muslim. These 5 acts are Shahada, ṣalāh, Zakāt, Sawm, and Hajj. Each of these practices are designed to help Muslims follow the path of righteousness and to have Allah as the center of their life.
The Shahada is a declaration of faith that is necessary for a person to become a Muslim. To practice this, one must say out loud: lā ʾilāha ʾillā-llāhu muḥammadun rasūlu-llāh (لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا الله مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله) “There is no god but God (and) Muhammad is the messenger of God”. By declaring this with all your heart, a person submits himself or herself to the will of Allah, thus becoming an instrument of goodness in the world.
To maintain a pure heart, a Muslim must also practice ṣalāh, or prayer. Every Muslim is required to pray 5 times a day while facing the direction of the holy city of Mecca. Prayer must be done in a clean environment, so Muslims must wash their hands and face prior to praying. Not only is this ritual cleanliness pleasing to Allah, but it also reminds Muslims that purity of space and soul are intertwined and must always be maintained.
Like all religions, Islam preaches caring for your fellow man. In Islam, this is exemplified in the practice of Zakāt, or alms-giving. Islam makes charity obligatory to all Muslims for two reasons: one, it is a reminder that all earthly goods belong to Allah, and two, it is a reminder that easing the economic hardship of those in need is a personal obligation to all Muslims. To practice Zakāt, a Muslim must spend a portion of his wealth for the benefit of the poor, and this must be done with a clean heart; Allah sees the intentions of all, and a Zakāt that is done because the person desires heavenly rewards is unacceptable.
Sawm is the practice of fasting and is an important ritual in Islam. Muslims fast for three reasons: as an obligatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan, as a sign of penance for sins, or as a form of asceticism. Fasting teaches Muslims to be closer to Allah and to be reminded of the plight of the needy. But fasting doesn’t just mean abstaining from food and drink, it is also an abstention from profane language, anger, violence, greed, envy, anger, lust, gossip, and other obscene acts and thoughts.
Finally, the Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims must do at least once in their lifetime. It is done during the Dhu al-Hijjah, the month of Pilgrimage. Pilgrims must travel to the holy city of Mecca, where the sacred site of the Kaaba is located. All pilgrims must circle the sacred mosque seven times, travel seven times between the holy hills of Safa and Marwa, and take part in symbolically stoning the devil in Mina. A Muslim who completes the Hajj is called a Hajji/Hajja and is usually honored by their community. However, the pilgrimage should not be done for social standing; the Hajj is designed to remind Muslims about the sacrifices of the Prophets and the goodness of Allah.
For Muslims, worship must be done for the love of God and not out of fear or punishment or for heavenly rewards. By practicing the 5 Pillars, a Muslim is trained to worship God with an eager heart and pure intentions.
How Come Muhammad is Portrayed Without a Face?
Muhammad (peace be upon his name) is the final prophet of Allah and it was to him that the message of Allah was given. These messages were revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years and were collected in a book that is now called the Koran, or Qu’ran. As a prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not worshipped, as the only one worthy of worship is Allah. It is this stringent belief in Allah’s sole worthiness of worship that led artists to obscure the face of Muhammad (peace be upon him) in every depiction. Early Islamic scholars believed that, by portraying Muhammad (peace be upon him) without a face, Muslims will not be tempted to worship the man and rather be more focused towards the word of Allah.
Does Islam Teach Muslims to Hate Other Religions?
Absolutely not. When the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) first started preaching the word of Allah, he and his followers suffered severe persecution, even being driven out of their hometown of Makkah. When Muhammad returned to Makkah to establish Islam, he forgave his enemies and protected them from being persecuted.
The recognition and respect of other religions is an important part of Islam. In fact, it is even in the Qu’ran:
Allah does not forbid you with regards to those who do not fight you for [your] faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for Allah loves those who are just.
(Qur’an, 60:8)
Because the words in the Qu’ran are the exact words of Allah, everything it says is holy. Therefore, if Allah himself says, tolerate and love those of other religions, then it is every Muslims duty to follow.
What is Jihad?
Jihad, or جهاد in Arabic, literally means to struggle. More specifically, it means to struggle for something that will please Allah. Allah loves good deeds, so a person who struggles in this world to do good deeds is going through a jihad. Unfortunately, while the literal and symbolic meaning of this word is beautiful, it is also one of the most misunderstood words in Islam, as it was misused by extremists who call themselves Muslim but do not practice the goodness and benevolence that Muhammad (peace be unto him) teaches us.
Jihad does NOT mean a “holy war”. This term was brought about by those seeking to use the name of Islam for selfish, even evil, means. Jihad describes the struggle of all people in constantly seeking goodness and purity in the world and the spiritual battle we all face against sin.
What is Sharia Law?
Muslims follow Sharia law, which is derived from two sources: the Qu’ran, and the Sunnah. The Sunnah is a book that describes the practices, rituals, and traditions of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Sharia law covers all aspects of a Muslims life and the community that he lives in. Because Sharia law is derived directly from Allah, it will always be righteous, just, and wise.
Sharia is usually interpreted by jurists, called Muftis. These muftis issue their legal opinions, called fatwas, and thus become the basis of law in Muslim communities.
As with all laws, Sharia is supposed to ensure peace, order, civility, and of course, putting Allah in the center of our lives.
Does Islam Promote Polygamy?
No. In Islam, anyone wishing to enter into a polygamous marriage must obtain permission from the Imam. Polygamy in Islam is not supposed to satisfy lust; rather, it is to ensure the welfare of widows and orphans of war. The Qur’an states that any man who has more than one wife MUST be able to treat all wives equally and fairly.
Does Islam Hate Women?
No. Unfortunately, a large number of Muslim men do oppress women, which is not only shameful to them as people, it is also shameful in the eyes of Allah. The Qur’an views women as being equal to men in all acts of piety, which is why Islam elevated the status of women to being equal to men long before the West did.
Islam also gave women various rights that the West denied to women for the longest time, such as a right to education, employment, autonomy in legal and financial matters, divorcing their husbands, and control of their family. These rights are secured by the Qur’an and are thus rightful and true.
However, in practice, many people are still ignorant of the beauty and life that women bring to the world, and they remain antagonistic towards women.
Islam is a wonderful religion that teaches peace, modestly, equality, justice, and love for the one True God. It’s a shame that it has been demonized for the longest time, but I hope that by educating people in certain aspects of it, Islam can once again be seen as the religion of peace.
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Choreographer, Ballerina, Business Owner: Lia Cirio Dances Through Life
By Wendy Taucher January 7, 2019 5 min read
Credit: Sabi Varga
Lia Cirio, co-founder of Cirio Collective
Lia Cirio was only 16 years old when she joined Boston Ballet II in 2003. A speedy promotion to the senior company’s corps de ballet followed for the teenage dancing phenom, and by 2007 she was a soloist. After a stint touring the world with contemporary choreographer Trey McIntyre, Lia returned to Boston Ballet, attaining her currently held rank of Principal Dancer in 2010.
Lia comes from a dancing family. Her brother Jeffery Cirio is currently Lead Principal at English National Ballet and was formerly a Principal Dancer at both Boston Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Together they founded the Cirio Collective, a dance company that operates in the summer, providing a platform for cutting-edge choreographers.
Exhale: How do you think ballet, this venerated old form, fits into contemporary society?
Lia Cirio:As a culture, we love classics in the arts and literature, in our songs and stories. Classical ballet is no different, bringing with it the pleasure of a shared experience, memories of favorite tales, comfort in the predictable or delight in the interpretation. Along with the choreography, the music, the story, the costumes and the sets, classic ballet brings an exciting level of technical feats. When executed well, the accumulated result brings an element of suspense, satisfaction and awe, not unlike a great play in sports. An underlying response for the public is its appreciation of the commitment it has taken for the dancers to achieve their supreme athleticism, especially as it’s combined with exquisite artistry. Honoring the classics doesn’t mean new innovations are not desirable. I don’t think we have to throw out the old to appreciate the new. The idea of maintaining classics while breaking into new territory is part of our contemporary society.
What do you find to be most fulfilling as a Principal Dancer at Boston Ballet?
I love being onstage. With each performance of each dance, I feel I’m growing in artistry. Our company’s repertory is so varied, there’s always something compelling to explore, whether I’m in the rehearsal studio or the theater. William Forsythe, who is one of the most innovative choreographers working in ballet today, is currently engaged in a five-year partnership with Boston Ballet. He says to us traditional ballet is still relevant. This doesn’t mean his ballets are derivative. On the contrary, they push boundaries in every direction. I’m fascinated by his understanding of ballet’s specific vocabulary and its rules. He stretches, bends, and breaks them, so we dancers, as we work in the studio, and the public when they view his work, never quite know what to expect. The variety of choreography we do makes our job complex, challenging and deeply satisfying.
Photo by Liza Voll/Courtesy of Boston Ballet
Balanchine’s Prodigal Son, featuring Boston Ballet’s Principal Lia Cirio.
You had great early training. What were the most important elements of your ballet instruction?
Among other schools and teachers, I was fortunate to study with Marcia Dale Weary, Founding Artistic Director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. The school has produced many professional dancers, working in major companies around the world. Notwithstanding its regional location, its success is in part based on discipline that was constant and rigorous. The school gave me a profoundly strong technique, cleanliness of line, strength, and a deep artistic commitment. This propelled me forward and gave me a solid base that underlines the way I move to this day. After I joined the Boston Ballet, I felt like sponge, soaking up everything around me. I learned from every angle, and I especially relished watching my colleagues, in the studio and onstage, including Lorna Feijóo, Sarah Lamb and Larissa Ponomarenko. I’m still learning.
What actions do you think female dance artists should take to ensure equity in pay, opportunity and creative expression?
I think awareness and communication are super important. It gives us the ability to discuss problems within the context of a group, not only as individuals, which is probably better for everyone. It’s true in ballet, there are more female dancers than male, yet the roles of choreographer and company director have a much higher percentage of males in those positions. I’ve been very lucky. I haven’t experienced any gender-based issues. I am half Filipino, and while I didn’t notice anything negative growing up, I do think race, as opposed to gender, may play a factor, at times, in my career. I am always surprised when people ask me, “What are you?” My answer, and what I simply believe, is always, “I’m a dancer.” The Boston Ballet has taken action on the gender issue, and it’s exciting to see. Mikko Nissinen, our Artistic Director and the Board, with patron support, have created a program to foster female choreographers, called ChoreograpHER. It demonstrates a clear response to the call for equalizing the balance for artistic opportunities.
What was the contributing factor to forming the Cirio Collective?
My brother Jeffrey, with whom I founded Cirio Collective, and I have danced many choreographers’ styles. To name a few, Marius Petipa, who created many of the famous story ballets we all love, to George Balanchine, to Mark Morris. Along with his performing, my brother started making his own dances. We both have friends who choreograph, as well. The Collective really came into being after Jeffery was included in a showing of new works. An audience member spoke with Jeffery, complimenting his choreography and offered to help. Working in our time-off from our respective principal companies, we help choreographers develop new work. I’ve always happily thought of myself as a dancer, but thanks in large part to Boston Ballet’s ChoreograpHER project, initiated under the guidance of Mikko, I’ve started choreographing myself. I don’t really know exactly where artistic desire comes from, but I know I dance it, and, now, I choreograph it.
Director and choreographer Wendy Taucher's work appears regularly in New York City, on tour, and annually on Martha's Vineyard, with fellowships from the NEA and Jacob's Pillow. She's also a textbook author for Pearson Education and an arts writer.
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[Sci-Fi Month] Flashy Visuals and Disappointing Villains | Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Directed by: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, et al.
Based on: characters by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Larry Lieber
Genre: Superhero/Action/Comedy
Released: November 3 2017 by Walt Disney Pictures
Running time: 130 mins (2 hours, 10 mins)
Cert: 12 (UK) PG-13 (US)
Rating: ★★✰✰✰
IMDb | View Trailer
Imprisoned, the almighty Thor finds himself in a lethal gladiatorial contest against the Hulk, his former ally. Thor must fight for survival and race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home and the Asgardian civilization.
Before I start this review, I feel like I should make it clear that I’m not reviewing this movie from the viewpoint of a comics fan because I don’t read Marvel comics. What I know about these characters comes only from the movies and nothing else. I’m not a Marvel fan but the Thor movies are my favourites in the franchise even though they’re not the best critically received. I loved the mythology of them and the Shakespearean aspects that are combined with a modern-day setting to make for an exciting story. Then Natalie Portman had a big falling out with Marvel Studios and left, so they decided to have a pseudo-reboot of the series and take the series in a different direction. That both excited me and made me concerned because the more comedic, brightly-coloured take did not feel like Thor to me, but I pushed that aside because I don’t think it’s fair to harshly judge something before you experience it. Also, Tom Hiddleston is my favourite actor and I’ll support any movie that he’s in so of course I would give it a go. Unfortunately, that concern turned out to be true for me. Prepare yourselves, friends. This may get a bit salty.
First, I would talk about the plot of this movie, but I barely remember it. It hasn’t been that long since I watched the movie but I can’t remember what happened because nothing really stood out to me. I have a terrible memory, I’ll admit that, but movie plots are something that never escape my mind. There are lots of parts of this movie that felt disjointed to me and also felt like they had nothing to do with the actual Ragnarok plot. Norse mythology? I don’t know her. From what I know, Ragnarok is supposed to be a giant deal because it’s basically the end of the world, but in this movie, I don’t think enough emphasis is put on this until about twenty minutes before the end of the movie. Most of the plot centres around the gladiator battles on the Grandmaster’s planet rather than the actual Ragnarok aspects with Hela. This next gripe might just be me but it doesn’t sit right with me that eighty percent of the movie’s dialogue is improvised. To some people, that’s a sign of artistry. To me, it’s a sign of an unfinished script. It may make more time for humour (which didn’t make me laugh) but the plot suffers from it. And you can’t just add in silly jokes to distract your audience from the fact that your plot is lacking. One more gripe that I have with the plot is actually down to me because I have not seen Doctor Strange. Why is he in this movie? He appears for five minutes and then never appears ever again. What was the actual point? And more importantly: why is Benedict Cumberbatch’s American accent so bad? Good grief.
On to the characters. Thor’s characterisation in this movie is something that kind of bugged me because of how drastically different he is. Thor was never the brightest of the Avengers, or even in his own family, but this movie turns him into a giant goofball who gets into a childish argument with a giant green man. Naturally, I’m not very impressed. I had a feeling that I would not like this characterisation of Thor as soon as the first lines are said. Chris Hemsworth is supposed to be ‘hilarious’ according to everyone he works with but I just didn’t see it. I don’t want a funny goofball Thor who tells jokes all the time, I want a Thor who is headstrong and stubborn but does learn from his mistakes, which he was in the first two movies. I just don’t care for the character since this is now the direction that he’s been taken in.
Loki is my favourite Marvel character. In fact, he’s the only character that I like, and I feel like this movie did him so badly. In previous movies, Loki poses as an actual threat. Here, he’s the comic relief which is a role that does not suit him at all. There was almost no point of him being involved in the movie at all after the first twenty minutes or so because he becomes somewhat irrelevant. To me, this is the biggest disappointment in the movie because Tom Hiddleston is easily the best actor in the MCU and his character deserves better. And also, I have to have one slight nit-pick. His makeup. It’s so cakey and it got on my nerves for the whole thing. Loki is supposed to be pale and look different to the rest of the Asgardians, but his skin looks like it’s caked in foundation. It’s not so obvious in promotional stills or on small screens, but on the big screen it bugged me. I don’t get why the MUAs felt it was necessary to put so much on him. Tom’s not a tanned guy and his skin is always perfect, there was no need to put so much foundation on him. But that’s my one nit-pick. If there is one aspect of Loki being in the movie that was a redeeming point for me is the relationship that he has with Thor. I do prefer them to be at odds with each other, but to see them work together the way they do here is quite nice.
I’m going to put it out there straight away: I do not like the Hulk. I think he’s boring and the only time I’m interested in him is when he isn’t the Hulk. I knew that he was going to appear in the movie but when he did my reaction was still “why”. Again, this is probably down to me having not seen Age of Ultron but I just did not understand why the Hulk was included in this story. Was it to remind people that these movies take place in a shared universe? Because I don’t need characters from other movies appearing for me to know that. But whatever. My main issue with the Hulk in this movie is that he is just the Hulk for about half of it and for that half I just didn’t care about him. They made him have childish arguments with Thor over being idiots and terrible friends which I didn’t find either funny or emotional. I didn’t start to care about him until he was Banner again who was the only character I ended up caring about him. Especially when he sees a video message from Black Widow and freaks out. This was important to me because for once someone’s emotional state isn’t treated as a joke and is given the seriousness that it requires.
While I am extremely grateful that Valkyrie is included in this movie, she also falls flat by having a sort of undefined character. She kicks a lot of ass but it doesn’t feel like it’s enough because that appears to be one of her only character traits. Her other character trait is one that really kind of boils my blood. Valkyrie is very obviously portrayed as an alcoholic. The first time we see her she’s so drunk that she can barely stand and she can finish a huge bottle of booze within two seconds. And it’s all for laughs. That doesn’t sit right with me at all and it’s a problem I have with other Marvel characters who are shown to have huge mental struggles like this. It’s either brushed off or played up as a joke, which is never going to be okay with me. It’s great that Marvel is taking steps to having a more diverse cast, but I would be more impressed if it were done better. If there’s one thing that I am happy about is that her being included didn’t mean that there would be any romance. I am all for there being no romance in movies these days.
The last character I’m going to talk about is Hela. I had been so hyped up to finally see a female villain in the MCU (anyone who claims she is the first female villain to ever appear in a superhero movie will have my entire dvd collection thrown at them) and this is another part where the movie severely let me down. Hela was boring. She shows up, does some things, disappears so that the plot can focus on the gladiator stuff, then does some more stuff, goes away again, and then is faced in the final battle. And that’s it. She did not interest me one bit. When she was supposed to be even vaguely threatening, it was ruined by some joke that was shoehorned in, which is actually a huge problem that I have with the MCU as a whole, and not just this movie. You do not need to make a joke or a snide remark every five seconds. It gets stale and predictable and ruins moments that have a lot of emotional weight to them. The fact that every single character has the same sense of humour really did not help.
On a more positive note, the visually, this movie is gorgeous. It is more colourful than previous Marvel movies that have a tendency to look kind of grey at times since they switched from film to digital so I’m glad that they fixed that issue because the colours look more vibrant. One concern that I had from watching the trailer and from seeing GIFs on Tumblr would be that the amount of colour used would be too much and would actually give me eye strain but thankfully it was the right amount and my eyes were saved. The CGI is very nice but does look a little off at times and because of the kind of movie this is, it gets a little CG heavy but it’s a sci-fi movie so I’ll be lenient. My only issue with the visuals is when it comes to practical effects like makeup. I’ve already addressed Loki’s cakey foundation but another thing that bugged me appears towards the end of the movie when Thor loses an eye in battle. I understand that this couldn’t be done too realistically to keep a mass market audience but you can really tell that Hemsworth is just holding his eye closed because it’s just painted over the top and doesn’t even look like a fresh wound.
It is highly unlikely that I will be watching this movie ever again because I feel like it’s ruined the Thor series for me. I miss Jane, Eric, and Darcy, I miss Sif and the Warriors Three. I miss the Shakespearean aspects and the mythology – as inaccurate as it is – and most of all, I miss there being an actual menacing, threatening Loki and a noble warrior Thor as opposed to the clowns that they became in this movie. This was basically Guardians of the Galaxy but with different characters and a different setting. And it just didn’t work for me. I want Kenneth Branagh back. Also, one more piece of salt: a shake weight joke? It’s 2017.
Have you seen Thor: Ragnarok? Did you enjoy it more than I did?
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[Sci-Fi Month] What’s on My Sci-Fi …
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I'm Louise. I'm a British bookworm who is currently hiding under a pile of blankets and books. I like dark nail polish, cold weather, cats, spooky things, vampires, magical girls, Spike Spiegel, and Pokémon.
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Billy Bob Thornton gives Bad Santa 2 update
“We all want it to happen”
While the majority of Christmas movies aim for chocolate-box sentiment, Terry Zwigoff’s Bad Santa was a refreshingly black-hearted antidote to the usual surfeit of festive cheer.
Understandable then that the prospect of a sequel has generated plenty of enthusiasm, although according to star Billy Bob Thornton, it may yet be some way from materialising.
“We all want it to happen,” says Thornton. “It’s all logistics. They’re still working on it. When they first said, ‘Hey, we’re gonna make a sequel to Bad Santa ,’ I said, ‘That’s nice. I loved playing that character.’”
“It’s become an iconic movie, and the public wants to see a sequel. I said, ‘I’ve never done a sequel, but it makes sense to me to do this sequel.’ It’s the kind of movie you do a sequel for, so I was all for it.”
“I think the mistake was that when they said they were gonna do it, we just said, ‘Yeah, we’re doing it.’ The fact of the matter is, we may be doing it. They are working on it. It could be the end of this coming year, or it could be next year, or never. That’s the real honest answer.”
We’ll be putting it on our Christmas list and hoping the answer isn’t “never”. If The Santa Clause can spawn a raft of sequels, Bad Santa deserves at least one…
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Gambit's leading lady to be Lea Seydoux in X-Men spin-off
X-Men spin-off Gambit looks to have found itself a leading lady, with Deadline revealing that Fox has made Lea Seydoux an offer to join the project. Should she sign on the dotted line, she’ll be playing love interest Belladonna Bourdreaux.
In the comic-books, Bourdreaux is not only Gambit’s squeeze, but also a member of the Assassins’ Guild, with powers of her own. Whether or not those character details will be ported over to the movie remains to be seen, but she looks set to be a significant player in any case.
Amazon Prime Day deals: see all the best Australian offers at TechRadar!
Channing Tatum will star in the title role as the Cajun mutant with the ability to charge inert objects with kinetic energy. Little is known about the plot, although the film is thought to be a straightforwardly standalone adventure. That said, we’d be surprised if there weren’t a cameo or two from some of his mutant brethren… Directed by Rupert Wyatt, Gambit will open in the UK and US on October 7, 2016.
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