Split (1)

train · 525k rows

pred_label stringclasses 2 values	pred_label_prob float64 0.5 1	wiki_prob float64 0.25 1	text stringlengths 134 989k	source stringlengths 39 45
__label__cc	0.744065	0.255935	Cryptocurrencies rally on in 2020, and 2021 could be even bigger Thursday 7 January 2021 08:28 CET \| Editor: Mirela Ciobanu \| Voice of the industry As crypto is gaining momentum, Marie Tatibouet, CMO at Gate.io, a global digital asset exchange, shares with The Paypers crypto 2020 trends and what’s next in 2021 From being an intriguing research topic widely scrutinised by everyone and understood only by a handful to technology with revolutionary potential, cryptocurrencies have come a long way. The digital asset industry is in a virtuous cycle of self-reinforcing feedback loops, where various impactful events start to feed on each other, witnessing world-changing trends; most promising ones around investor enthusiasm fuelling capital flow into top-tier crypto assets, world-class companies ramping up crypto-related tech investment, retail access expanding access to crypto payment, and more. Wondering how to comprehend what is happening in the crypto asset space as the trend starts gaining power and speed? Here are some significant events that occurred in 2020 and will go down in history. Crypto outperformed equities 2020 has been a strong year for Bitcoin as it continues to outperform financial stocks due to the increasing demand for BTC among institutional investors. Impactful Bitcoin Halving Bitcoin halving took place on May 12, 2020, slashing the reward from 12.5 Bitcoin to 6.5. The price of Bitcoin reaching its ATH shows the success of the event. Bitcoin soaring to new heights Yet another remarkable moment in Bitcoin's history; at the time of writing, Bitcoin crosses USD 22 K, marking the year-to-date return of 185%. Crypto Twitter calls it a ‘turning point’ and predicts USD 25 K as the next stop. Governments warming up to cryptocurrencies 2020 saw ground-breaking developments in crypto taxation. The US Internal Revenue Service sent a questionnaire to every American, asking about crypto holding, while the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development published special reports on the topic. Institutional investments pouring in We saw fintech acceleration, retail adoption, favourable macro factors, and corporate acceptance, all supporting crypto simultaneously. Not to forget that some big names entered the market - on December 10, MassMutual invested USD 100 million in Bitcoin, and WSJ calls it the ‘latest sign of mass adoption’. In November, PayPal announced that its users would be able to buy, sell, and hold four cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. MicroStrategy raised USD 650 million, and it's investing it all in Bitcoin. JP Morgan predicted Bitcoin's market value, saying it can reach USD 600 billion, which is quite a change from 2017 when they called it a fraud. Fidelity launched a Bitcoin-only fund for investors, and the business turned out to be successful as per the CEO. Square invested USD 50 million in Bitcoin to underscore the firm's purpose of economic development. China successfully piloted the CBDC The pilot witnessed 3.1 million digital yuan smooth transactions between April and August, making it the most widely used central bank digital currency (CBDC) ever. China's eastern city of Suzhou is next to roll out the second digital yuan pilot in December. What could this mean for 2021? Factors like growth in emerging global markets, increasing institutional adoption, and booming developer activities suggest that the crypto community is looking forward to a slew of developments soon. It appears safe to say that 2021 will mark additional gains — financial, technical, or otherwise — for the cryptocurrency space. Banks and financial institutions jumping on the bandwagon We should expect institutional investments in cryptocurrencies to accelerate in the coming year as many institutions begin to make their crypto plans public, further catalysing the entry of traditional buy-side firms that are not only more comfortable trading with such regulated intermediaries but, in many cases, are obliged by their own regulatory or investor restrictions. We should also keep an eye on the private banks. Some banks may disregard Bitcoin as not a serious asset. We will see some of the forward-looking private banks to adapt and see cryptocurrencies as a differentiator offering to engage and drive new revenue. More clarity on crypto taxes The ‘PWC Global Crypto Report’ revealed that an increasing number of tax authorities worldwide provide explicit crypto tax guidance on areas like capital gains on crypto or mining income. Expect the level of tax clarity to improve in 2021. On a practical level, many professional and retail traders made gains with the bull market in recent months, representing tax authorities' opportunity to take what they believe is due. Crypto will become more accessible to retail investors Buying cryptocurrencies has never been easier. Not only are there numerous regulated crypto exchanges in the world, but the number of accounts at such exchanges grew from a mere 5 million in 2016 to over 100 million in 2020. This year saw a record number of Bitcoin wallets, so we should not be surprised to see this trend continue in 2021. Of course, the elephant in the room will be big players like Square and PayPal that continue to make it easy for people to buy Bitcoin and other crypto assets. These firms alone are purchasing the equivalent of 100% of newly minted Bitcoin to cover US customers' demand. Think of what will happen when they open to international customers next year? The impact will be interesting to measure. DeFi space exhibit extraordinary growth Many times in 2020, trading volumes locked in DeFi surpassed USD 10 B in November 2020. In 2021, DeFi is likely to grow further. We saw a big boom over the summer, and although we've fallen, we continue to see an increase in interest and money invested. Facebook’s stablecoin, Diem (rebranded from Libra), is slated to launch in 2021. Once launched, Diem will be backed by the US dollar and may eventually add other fiat currencies. The project was announced in 2019 and has been subjected to regulatory hurdles since then. It will be interesting to see Diem’s actual dynamics, usage, and preparedness to strengthen its position against the likes of PayPal. Even though PayPal’s crypto services are different from Diem, the payment giant, along with Visa, Mastercard, and others, left the Diem ecosystem earlier. Crypto derivatives exchanges will grow up The crypto derivatives sector will be an area to watch in 2021. The current size of the derivatives market is still multiple times that of the crypto market. However, the changes in the space as open interest on Bitcoin futures on the CME have recently been at record highs. This will be a good barometer of investor appetite as we advance. The crypto derivative space still offers many opportunities for organisations that understand the institutional-grade requirements, from high-speed connectivity and counterparty risk mitigation to being regulated. This will provide a great opportunity to existing players and traditional institutions, and new entrants. This year was exciting for the crypto community, and 2021 shaping up to be even more exciting. In the coming year, it'll be interesting to see if this trend continues. Do you agree with the above predictions? Do share your opinion or critique ours! About Marie Tatibouet Marie is the CMO at Gate.io. She has lived and worked in America, Europe & Asia. Before joining Gate.io, she was the CEO at a Digital Marketing Agency in Hong Kong, working with clients in the blockchain technology sector. As a blockchain influencer, Marie is known for spreading the importance of blockchain technology to the masses, simplifying its technicalities for the everyday user, and indexing on the security and transparency aspects of Blockchain and Crypto evolution. About Gate.io Gate.io is a global, blockchain assets exchange platform. Established in 2013 and developed entirely in-house, Gate.io enables blockchain enthusiasts to trade and store assets in over 470 of the leading cryptocurrencies for over 3 million users from over 130 countries. Gate.io is a one-stop-shop for Spot, Margin trading, Futures, Perpetual contracts, Staking, C2C Loan, and Options Trading. Gate.io’s newly launched public blockchain, GateChain, is a next-generation public blockchain, focused on onchain asset safety and decentralised trading. Gate.io sets itself apart by prioritising security and user experience, providing quick, easy, and safe access to digital assets. Keywords: decentralised trading, trends, cryptocurrency, crypto trends, digital assets, DeFi, Marie Tatibouet, CBDC, Square, PayPal, Bitcoin, Diem Categories: Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies \| Cryptocurrencies Countries: World Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3534
__label__wiki	0.705191	0.705191	Home / European history / Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights Helen Lewis Format: Hardback, Paperback / softback Publisher: Vintage Publishing Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights quantity Categories: European history, Feminism & feminist theory, Feminism and feminist theory, Gender studies: women & girls, Gender studies: women and girls, Human rights, civil rights, Social discrimination & equal treatment, Social discrimination and equal treatment A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE TIMES, GUARDIAN, FINANCIAL TIMES AND DAILY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERBBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK’All the history you need to understand why you’re so furious, angry and still hopeful about being a woman now’ Caitlin MoranWell-behaved women don’t make history: difficult women do.Feminism’s success is down to complicated, contradictory, imperfect women, who fought each other as well as fighting for equal rights. Helen Lewis argues that too many of these pioneers have been whitewashed or forgotten in our modern search for feel-good, inspirational heroines. It’s time to reclaim the history of feminism as a history of difficult women.In this book, you’ll meet the working-class suffragettes who advocated bombings and arson; the princess who discovered why so many women were having bad sex; the ‘striker in a sari’ who terrified Margaret Thatcher; and the lesbian politician who outraged the country. Taking the story up to the present with the twenty-first-century campaign for abortion services, Helen Lewis reveals the unvarnished – and unfinished – history of women’s rights.Drawing on archival research and interviews, Difficult Women is a funny, fearless and sometimes shocking narrative history, which shows why the feminist movement has succeeded – and what it should do next. The battle is difficult, and we must be difficult too.’This is the antidote to saccharine you-go-girl fluff. Effortlessly erudite and funny’ Caroline Criado-Perez ‘Compulsive, rigorous, unforgettable, hilarious and devastating’ Hadley Freeman Last Witnesses: Unchildlike Stories Larissa Volokhonsky, Richard Pevear, Svetlana Alexievich Love of Country: A Hebridean Journey Madeleine Bunting Civilisations: How Do We Look / The Eye of Faith: As seen on TV To the Lake: A Balkan Journey of War and Peace Kapka Kassabova	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3536
__label__cc	0.597386	0.402614	Home / Other graphic or visual art forms / Street Art Africa Street Art Africa Cale Waddacor Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd The first ever survey of Africa’s diverse and visually dazzling street art. Street Art Africa quantity Categories: Other graphic art forms, Other graphic or visual art forms, Urban arts This visually rich survey – the first of its kind – showcases the work of over 200 artists and celebrates the explosion of street art in Africa over the last decade. Including twelve in-depth interviews with street artists active in Africa today as well as coverage of the continent’s major street art projects, collectives and festivals, it takes the reader on an introductory tour of the many African street art scenes, with a deeper focus on the most prominent players in Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. Topics and projects covered include the monumental project Murais da Leba in Angola, which saw 6,000 square metres of wall covered by local graffiti and visual artists in the Serra da Leba mountain range; the cultural influences and idiosyncrasies of individual street art scenes, and how they mesh with local communities; and eL Seed’s project ‘Perception’, a huge multi-part mural stretching across more than fifty buildings in Cairo’s Zaraeeb neighbourhood, revealing a message of hope to its marginalized community in the artist’s distinctive ‘calligraffiti’ style. Text commentaries elaborating on styles and processes, and social and cultural context, are peppered throughout the book, giving the reader further insight into a wealth of striking contemporary visual cultures – and helping make this a must-have for street art fans and practitioners. Rave Art: Flyers, invitations and membership cards Chelsea Louise Berlin Graphic Novel Sketch Book: Create Your Own Phenomenal Graphic Novels Kaye Nutman Write a Letter: Put Pen to Paper and Put a Smile on the Face of a Stranger, a Friend or Yourself Jodi Ann Bickley Visual Protest: The Art of Banksy Butterfly, David Chaumet, Demetrio Paparoni, Gianni Mercurio, Raf Valvola Scelsi	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3538
__label__cc	0.652941	0.347059	Share this Story: CRIMINAL CATERPILLAR: Thanatos And The Archangel (Independent) CRIMINAL CATERPILLAR: Thanatos And The Archangel (Independent) Nov 27, 2010 • November 27, 2010 • < 1 minute read Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links on this page. A concept album requires two things: A good story and an epic performance. Thanatos is based on science fiction and, despite its complexity, is plausible. Epic? A few great songs would have helped Criminal Caterpillar. But, as it is, the quartet has risen to the challenge of keeping the narrative moving forward, tending to inject harmony-laden calmer moments amid dense playing. It’s ambitious, lying somewhere between the pretentious crap of Yes’s Tales From Topographic Oceans and the much more obscure The Alchemist by Home. Thanatos is closer to The Alchemist, which is successful on its own limited terms. C plus TH CRIMINAL CATERPILLAR: Thanatos And The Archangel (Independent) Back to video	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3539
__label__cc	0.574739	0.425261	Home Dining Lucky Big-City Feel on Kirk Ave River and Rail Delightfully Achieving its Four Goals Web Exclusive: A Roanoker’s Guide to Frozen Yogurt Lucky Big-City Feel on Kirk Ave by Tony Barbour Sam Dean Buttermilk-fried Chicken Behold the Lucky's version of buttermilk-fried chicken. Eclectic Offerings Lucky's eclectic offerings have built a loyal following. Shana and Brandon Shana Baily and Brandon Blevins enjoy the Lucky fare and flair. Brittany Jones prepares a cocktail at Lucky. Lucky on Kirk Ave. Lucky is part of the liveliness of Kirk Avenue. Lucky Owners Lucky owners J.P. Powell and Hunter Johnson have built a menu based on "French/American Country Food." Hunter Johnson Lucky co-owner Hunter Johnson prepares a cocktail at Lucky's well stocked bar. How did I not know about this place? “Did you guys just open?” I asked the one of the bartenders. “No,” she replied, looking at me the way a schoolteacher would look at a simple child. “We’ve been here for over two years, now.” They’re smack in the middle of Downtown Roanoke, about a block from any number of restaurants I’ve been to before. They’re right next to one of the best music venues in town. They put tables out front and people sit at them and conspicuously eat food. They’ve won bartending awards from the magazine that I write for. And I write about restaurants in the town where it lives! How did I not know about Lucky on Kirk Avenue? Once I started asking around, a lot of my friends in the restaurant biz had enthusiastic things to say, and so I resolved to do two things: Pay them a visit and pay more attention. Arriving on a late-summer night that had just enough chill in the air to hint that the seasons would soon change, I walked past a trio of people at an outside table enjoying the evening and a couple of after-dinner drinks. It was after dark, but not quite late enough for me to be able to get a table without waiting around for awhile. So I sat at the bar. I’m going to resist the temptation to write a bunch of puns about the name of the place. But I will say that my biggest stroke of good fortune on my first visit was winding up seated at the bar, because co-owner Hunter Johnson was stationed behind it, and I can only say that this is his native habitat. I felt like Jane Goodall watching a chimp muddle fruit and measure booze. Home-made maraschino cherries, at least three different kinds of bitters, flaming bursts of lemon zest…and a beautiful can of Billy Beer on the back-bar shelf. I had been hoping to enjoy a selection from Lucky’s eclectic list of beers from around the world, but I couldn’t resist asking for a fruity cocktail. I went with an Old Fashioned. Now it’s not like he’s the kind of bartender who jumps up and dances on the bar while wearing a pair of Daisy Dukes and flipping bottles around. I’ve always felt that tricks like that are little more than a great way to find yourself cleaning broken glass and gin out of the ice bin on a busy Saturday night. But Johnson’s type of fancy bartending is much more satisfying. I normally consider an Old Fashioned to be a bit sweet and fruity for my tastes, but I can’t deny that this was a fantastic drink. Smoky, not too sweet, with a rich and full mouthfeel. Please don’t think, though, that the drinks eclipsed the food. Lucky bills itself online as “French/American Comfort Food.” And their menu lives up to this ethic. From the Chicken Pot Pie to the Late Summer Ratatouille, there are a lot of satisfying foods on display, and there’s nothing there that won’t make you feel better after a rotten day. I started off with a Blueberry & Bacon Salad. If you’re put off by the notion of pairing bacon with fruit, you’ve obviously forgotten the First Rule of Bacon: “Bacon is like a pair of green Chuck Taylors: it goes with everything.” And this salad proved the rule true. The sweet and tangy taste of the blueberry vinaigrette was a sharp and delightful counterpoint to the smoky heartiness of the bacon and crumbled blue cheese. And the fact that you could choose a small or large version was a nice touch, given the other hospitable offerings on the menu. Like the Duck Rillettes, a delicious combination of smoky, shredded duck, peach preserves, and crispy baguette rounds. As we moved on to the main course, my wife opted for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, a crispy and mild recipe that was delicious, but almost overpowered by the stronger flavors of the braised kale with bacon and rich mashed potatoes. I decided to have the Lamb Ragout, a hearty stew of lamb, mushrooms from Afton Mountain, juniper, and delicious duck-fat-fried herb spätzle. This dish was an amazing blend of flavors that was light and crisp, and at the same time really substantial and filling. After a few moments of gob-smacked chewing, I looked at my wife and said, “If I could make this, I’d never leave the house.” She lifted one eyebrow and said, “Let’s hope you don’t find the recipe.” When it was time to let my tasty ducky Virginian-German wonder go and think about dessert, I spent an alarmingly long time staring at the Foie Gras Crème Brulee on the menu. Though a delegation of staffers assured me that it was amazing, I just couldn’t pull the trigger. Bacon and blueberries I can handle, but somehow custard and fatty liver was a bridge too far for me. My wife enjoyed her Granny Smith Apple Tart with Apricot Glaze and I was more than satisfied with Bourbon Bread Pudding. Because nothing says comfort like bourbon and bread. Seriously. Oh, and it turns out I’m not the only one who’s impressed with the bar at Lucky. Roanoke residents Wayne and Stephanie DeHart found Lucky long before I did, and it’s one of his favorite local spots. Wayne calls Johnson a “meticulous” bartender, echoing the very word that had entered my head about that Old Fashioned I’d had. I asked him what else drew him to Lucky, and he told me, “Well, the craft beer selection is topnotch.” Just when I was beginning to wonder if this guy was on a liquid diet, he paused and said, “Lucky is a step out of Roanoke. One of the few restaurants around that has a true city feel.” And maybe that’s the best way to sum Lucky up. It’s comforting and homey, but still evokes the essence of a broader region of our country. It strikes a compelling balance between wearing your robe and slippers and getting dressed up for an Inner Harbor roof party. And I’m glad I finally stumbled across it. So, Roanokers, what else am I missing? Lucky, 18 Kirk Avenue in Downtown Roanoke Miss a Recent Issue? Check Our Digital Archives! Digital Edition Index Download Our iOS App! COVID-19 Notice: Area restaurants are currently being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this difficult time, we urge you to support these local small businesses by placing orders for delivery and pickup whenever possible. For more information, please visit Virginia's Blue Ridge's COVID-19 response page or visit the websites and social media pages of specific restaurants & locations. Thank you! Choose Your Lists: Deals & Giveaways from TheRoanoker.com This Month on TheRoanoker.com You can unsubscribe at any time. Emails serviced by Constant Contact. Do You Love Great Stories About The Roanoke Valley? We Do Too! And Help Us Keep Local Journalism Alive. Thank You!	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3542
__label__wiki	0.757705	0.757705	Tito Mboweni Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg Home/in Southern Africa/South Africa’s Ramaphosa reprimands finance minister over tweets on Zambia in Southern AfricaJust InZambia South Africa’s Ramaphosa reprimands finance minister over tweets on Zambia times reporterAugust 25, 2020 JOHANNESBURG (The Southern African Times) – South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has “strongly reprimanded” Finance Minister Tito Mboweni over comments he made on social media about the dismissal of Zambia’s central bank governor, the presidency said on Monday. Zambian President Edgar Lungu fired central bank governor Denny Kalyalya on Saturday without explanation. Mboweni, a former South African Reserve Bank governor, called on Lungu in now-deleted tweets to explain the dismissal. It is unusual for officials in one country to comment openly about appointments and dismissals in another country. “In one of his tweets, Minister Mboweni is promising to mobilise if not given reasons why the Central (bank) Governor has been fired by President Lungu,” the presidency statement read. “President Ramaphosa wishes to assure the government and people of the Republic of Zambia that the unfortunate remarks do not reflect the views of the South African Government and its people.” Mboweni said in another tweet on Sunday, which has also since been deleted, that he stood by his initial comments, adding “central bank independence is key. Not negotiable. Let all central bankers speak out!” Mboweni, who had also held positions in private companies and is a Ramaphosa ally, was appointed finance minister in 2018 and has taken steps to try to rein in the country’s budget deficit. Total and Mozambique sign security pact for $20 bln natural gas project Nigerian startup Nwanndo launches “Airbnb for Africa”	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3548
__label__wiki	0.500888	0.500888	Home/Eastern Africa/World bank approves $1 bln funding to Kenya for budget support: minister Eastern AfricaJust InKenya World bank approves $1 bln funding to Kenya for budget support: minister times reporterMay 20, 2020 NAIROBI (The Southern African Times) – The World Bank has approved a $1 billion loan for Kenya to support its budget, finance minister Ukur Yatani said on Wednesday. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the government’s budget deficit to swell to 8.2% of GDP in the financial year to the end of June, from an initial forecast of under 7%, mainly due to reduced tax collection and foregone revenue in the form of VAT and income tax cuts. The fact that WB (World Bank) does not provide budget support to countries with a weak macro framework is a testimony of the confidence levels of the bank in our new policy reforms,” Yatani said on his Twitter account. The World Bank expects growth to fall to 1.5% this year from 5.4% last year due to the pandemic, but the government has a higher forecast of 2.5-3%. The loan comes two weeks after the IMF approved $739 million in emergency financing to help Kenya respond to the economic shock caused by the pandemic, a move which has supported the shilling currency. Kenya has reported 963 cases of the novel coronavirus and 50 deaths. Lesotho PM Thomas Thabane resigns, soothing political crisis Polls open in Burundi amidst health and violence concerns	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3549
__label__wiki	0.764935	0.764935	Bangkok \| Bangkok IT mall fire sparks evacuation Bangkok IT mall fire sparks evacuation PHOTO: A fire in the basement filled the Fortune Town IT Mall yesterday with smoke - jas100radio A fire broke out at a Bangkok mall on Sunday, leading to the evacuation of the Fortune Town IT Mall building on Ratchadaphisek Road. No deaths or injuries were reported. Fortune Town is a popular shopping destination for IT and electronics enthusiasts, opposite Central World Plaza and located directly above the Rama 9 MRT station. Traffic Radio reported the fire at 4.25pm and Twitter posts showed firefighters inside the building battling the flames. Police say firefighters extinguished the blaze, but smoke remained in the building for many hours. Forensic police and investigators will enter the building to determine the cause of the fire when it’s safe to do so, according to a spokesman. Firefighter Songtham Chimwaree of the Huay Kwang station told a radio station that he saw fire at a grill restaurant located in the basement of the building, with flames shooting up into its chimney hood. Thai media quoted witnesses as saying they heard what sounded like the explosion of a cooking gas cylinder from a shop in the basement. SOURCE: The Bangkok Post News Categories:BangkokHot News Related Topics:Bangkok mall fireFortune TownMall fire Coronavirus spreads north and south in China – 139 new cases reported Police question suspect in Lop Buri gold shop shootings Read more headlines, reports & breaking news in Bangkok. Or catch up on your Thailand news. Air quality around Bangkok this morning is awful. Partly due to the lack of wind to blow the smog out of the area. To the south of Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon, the air quality is even worse with visibility on the ground cut to less than a kilometre. You would be well advised to reduce you activities outside on a day of high air pollution in the capital. The rating by airvisual.com is ‘unhealthy’. Readings around the inner city vary between 190 – 220. Areas to the east, including around Suvarnabhumi Airport, are higher. A lot of the smog and smoke is flowing down from the north and north east where plantation fires rage, mostly unenforced, this time of the year, from December to May. Farmers have been told, repeatedly, to avoid buying off the waste after harvests of corn, rice and sugar cane but officials have been disinclined to enforce the laws. Many of the farmers have long-term contracts with some of Thailand’s leading agri-business conglomerates. Bangkok and the central region can expect many more months, especially as the temperatures rise throughout February, March and April and the winds remain low as the north-easterly monsoon weakens. PHOTO: View across the Bangkok skyline from Sathorn this morning. Som-O PHOTO: Nation Thailand Last night, police raided a house in Nonthaburi and arrested 40 people for allegedly gambling. According to the deputy chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, 33 are Thais and 7 are migrant workers of the casino. The officials also confiscated decks of cards of the Dragon-Tiger game, plastic chips and some cash as evidence. During the raid, the migrant workers allegedly revealed that the gambling operations at the home had only been going on for 2 days and that the owner planned to move it to other locations. Police have been cracking down on gambling after the Covid-19 outbreak at a Rayong gambling den in line with the PM’s order made last week to shut down the illegal venues and tracking down “influential figures.” SOURCE: National Thailand PHOTO: Thai Tabloid With Covid-19 cases linked to some illegal gambling dens, causing a headache for health officials trying to track down elusive gamblers to contain the virus, the former Finance Minister floated the idea to legalise gambling. The former Finance Minister and current leader of the Kla Party, Korn Chaitkavanich, claims legalising gambling will help contain the spread of Covid-19. He also hinted that it will gain more tax revenue. If it’s legalised, gamblers will spend their money in legal casinos that pay taxes, drawing in more money the government can use for public improvements, he says. The Royal Thai Police spokesperson insists police are pursuing legal action against owners of the illegal gambling dens. Interior Minister Anuphong Paojinda has also told provincial governors to suppress illegal gambling dens and take responsibility if more gambling dens are found. SOURCE: Bangkok Post	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3552
__label__cc	0.66396	0.33604	Snow cover maps Research article 30 Apr 2020 Research article \| 30 Apr 2020 Towards a webcam-based snow cover monitoring network: methodology and evaluation Towards a webcam-based snow cover monitoring network: methodology and evaluation Towards a webcam-based snow cover monitoring network: methodology and evaluation Céline Portenier et al. Céline Portenier1, Fabia Hüsler2, Stefan Härer3, and Stefan Wunderle1 Céline Portenier et al. Céline Portenier1, Fabia Hüsler2, Stefan Härer3, and Stefan Wunderle1 1Institute of Geography and Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland 2Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Ittigen, Switzerland 3Professorship Ecoclimatology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany Correspondence: Céline Portenier (celine.portenier@giub.unibe.ch) Received: 10 Jun 2019 – Discussion started: 05 Jul 2019 – Revised: 25 Jan 2020 – Accepted: 25 Feb 2020 – Published: 30 Apr 2020 Snow cover variability has a significant impact on climate and the environment and is of great socioeconomic importance for the European Alps. Terrestrial photography offers a high potential to monitor snow cover variability, but its application is often limited to small catchment scales. Here, we present a semiautomatic procedure to derive snow cover maps from publicly available webcam images in the Swiss Alps and propose a procedure for the georectification and snow classification of such images. In order to avoid the effort of manually setting ground control points (GCPs) for each webcam, we implement a novel registration approach that automatically resolves camera parameters (camera orientation; principal point; field of view, FOV) by using an estimate of the webcams' positions and a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM). Furthermore, we propose an automatic image-to-image alignment to correct small changes in camera orientation and compare and analyze two recent snow classification methods. The resulting snow cover maps indicate whether a DEM grid is snow-covered, snow-free, or not visible from webcams' positions. GCPs are used to evaluate our novel automatic image registration approach. The evaluation reveals a root mean square error (RMSE) of 14.1 m for standard lens webcams (FOV<48∘) and a RMSE of 36.3 m for wide-angle lens webcams (FOV≥48∘). In addition, we discuss projection uncertainties caused by the mapping of low-resolution webcam images onto the high-resolution DEM. Overall, our results highlight the potential of our method to build up a webcam-based snow cover monitoring network. Portenier, C., Hüsler, F., Härer, S., and Wunderle, S.: Towards a webcam-based snow cover monitoring network: methodology and evaluation, The Cryosphere, 14, 1409–1423, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-1409-2020, 2020. Snow is an essential natural resource. Because snow has a much higher albedo compared to other natural land surfaces, its areal extent plays an important role in the Earth's energy balance. In alpine regions, snow plays a key role in the hydrologic cycle. It acts as water storage and accounts for a substantial portion of the total runoff. Information about spatial and temporal snow distribution is therefore essential for monitoring water resources and predicting runoff (Jonas et al., 2009), and it is of crucial importance for water supply and hydropower production. In addition, seasonal snow cover not only plays an important role for the development of ecosystems but has a high economic value for winter tourism as well. Most commonly used methods to monitor snow cover variability are based on in situ measurements and satellite remote sensing. In situ measurements, e.g., from ground-based monitoring networks, provide accurate and long time series of local snow sites and can be used, for example, for long-term trend analyses (e.g., Laternser and Schneebeli, 2003; Marty, 2008; Klein et al., 2016). These measurements, however, might not capture the spatial variability of snow cover. In contrast to in situ measurements, remote sensing data can provide spatially comprehensive information on snow cover extent. In particular, optical remote sensing is widely used to study snow cover variability (e.g., Foppa and Seiz, 2012; Hüsler et al., 2012; Metsämäki et al., 2012; Wunderle et al., 2016). The main limiting factor of optical remote sensing techniques is cloud coverage. According to Dumont and Gascoin (2016), the yearly average of pixels hidden by clouds is about 50 % in the Pyrenees and 60 % in the Austrian Alps. In addition, large uncertainties exist in shadowed or forested areas. Moreover, the sensor resolution (e.g., 250 m or 1.1 km resolution of the MODIS and AVHRR sensor respectively) may limit the capture of small-scale variability of snow cover, especially in complex, mountainous terrain. The emergence of new techniques based on airborne digital photogrammetry and terrestrial photography enables us to extract snow cover information with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Unmanned areal systems (UASs) enable the generation of high-resolution digital surface models that can be used to map the small-scale variability of snow depth (e.g., Bühler et al., 2016; De Michele et al., 2016). However, UASs are often associated with high costs, and their spatial coverage and temporal resolution is limited. In addition, weather constraints due to strong winds or precipitation can restrict the use of UASs, especially at high elevations. In this work, we suggest the use of publicly available webcam images and present a semiautomatic procedure to generate snow cover maps from such images. This work builds on and extends the master's thesis by Dizerens (2015). We focus on the Swiss Alps, where several thousands of public outdoor webcams are readily available online, resulting in a relatively dense sampling to study snow cover variability over a large area. Webcams are a cost-effective and efficient way to monitor snow cover variability in mountainous regions at high spatiotemporal scales. Most webcams offer images within a 1-hourly to 10 min interval. The spatial resolution depends on the image resolution, a webcam's field of view (FOV), the distance of the terrain to the webcam, and the slope and orientation of the terrain (see Sect. 5 for an in-depth discussion). Webcams may offer detailed analyses of snow cover on steep slopes due to their oblique view on the mountains. Moreover, webcams can provide snow cover information even under cloudy weather conditions as long as cloud cover and fog do not disturb the view on the ground. Therefore, webcams offer an unique potential to complement and evaluate satellite-derived snow information. For instance, Piazzi et al. (2019) have shown that webcam images can be leveraged to assess the consistency of Sentinel-2 snow cover information. However, the areal coverage of webcam-based snow cover information depends on the number of cameras used, their FOV, and their positioning in the field. In addition, public webcams provide images in the visible spectrum only and with varying image quality, which makes an accurate classification of snow cover challenging. Terrestrial photography is an increasingly used observation method in different research disciplines such as glaciology (e.g., Corripio, 2004; Dumont et al., 2011; Huss et al., 2013; Messerli and Grinsted, 2015) and snow cover studies (e.g., Schmidt et al., 2009; Farinotti et al., 2010; Härer et al., 2013, 2016; Pimentel et al., 2014; Liu et al., 2015; Fedorov et al., 2016; Revuelto et al., 2016; Arslan et al., 2017; Millet et al., 2018). However, most of these studies use single cameras and thus are limited in areal coverage. In particular, they either require known camera parameters (i.e., extrinsic and intrinsic camera parameters such as the camera orientation or the FOV of the camera) or require significant manual user input (e.g., ground control points, GCPs) to georectify terrestrial photography. Since camera parameters are not readily available for public webcams, and manually setting GCPs for a large number of cameras is time-consuming, these methods are of limited application for our purposes. Therefore, we implement a processing scheme that minimizes manual user input by automation. Our georectification approach registers a webcam image with a digital elevation model (DEM). This image-to-DEM registration automatically resolves the required webcam parameters, such as the camera's orientation and its FOV, by using an estimate of the webcam's position only. In literature, many different snow classification techniques exist to detect snow cover in terrestrial camera images. Some studies determine the snow-covered area using manual interpretation (Farinotti et al., 2010; Liu et al., 2015) or by manually selecting appropriate threshold values for each single image (Schmidt et al., 2009) or for a set of images (Floyd and Weiler, 2008). On the other hand, many automatic approaches exists as well, such as methods applying image clustering techniques (Pimentel et al., 2014; Millet et al., 2018; Rüfenacht et al., 2014), applying other statistical methods (e.g., Salvatori et al., 2011; Härer et al., 2016), or using supervised learning classifiers (Fedorov et al., 2016) to distinguish snow from snow-free areas. The main challenge of these methods is to detect snow cover in shadowing areas or to differentiate between dark, shadowed snow pixel, and other canopy pixels such as bright rock surfaces (Rüfenacht et al., 2014; Härer et al., 2016; Arslan et al., 2017; Manninen and Jääskeläinen, 2018). The study of Härer et al. (2016) tackles the problem of undetected snow cover in shadowing regions. Härer et al. (2016) propose applying the blue-band classification by Salvatori et al. (2011) and subsequently using principal component analysis (PCA) to separate shaded snow cover from sunlit rock surfaces. Recently, Fedorov et al. (2016) propose training machine learning models to classify snow cover in terrestrial camera images. While Fedorov et al. (2016) report superior performance to handcrafted methods on data that are sufficiently similar to the training data, such models do not generalize well to data that deviate significantly from the training data. Moreover, acquiring data suitable for training such models is expensive, since it requires us to label every single pixel in a set of training images by hand. In this study, we test and compare the snow classification approaches proposed by Salvatori et al. (2011) and Härer et al. (2016) within our framework. Combined with an automatic image-to-image alignment to correct small changes in the camera orientation, our procedure can be applied to webcam images to generate snow cover maps with a minimal effort. To assess the accuracy of our automatic snow cover mapping, we analyze and evaluate the components of the processing chain with a focus on automatic image-to-DEM registration. This work is organized as follows: in Sect. 2, the webcam data, DEM, and orthophoto used in this work are described. In Sect. 3, we present the proposed methods of our procedure. Qualitative examples of snow cover maps and a comparison of the applied snow classification methods are shown in Sect. 4, followed by a detailed evaluation of the mapping accuracy in Sect. 5. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of our procedure (Sect. 6), before concluding in Sect. 7. 2.1 Webcam images The website http://www.kaikowetter.ch/ (last access: 22 Apri l2020) offers a network of about 520 outdoor webcams observing the current snow conditions in and around Switzerland. Most of these webcams were installed by mountain railway operators, restaurants, hotels, and private citizens. Since November 2011, we have been archiving one image per day of each webcam from this website and have been extending our archive continuously with webcam images from other web sources. To apply our procedure to a given webcam, two requirements have to be fulfilled: the mountain silhouette has to be visible on the webcam image; i.e., it is not obscured by trees or buildings. About 70 % of all the webcams provided by http://www.kaikowetter.ch/ satisfy this requirement. The other approximately 30 % can not be used due to obstacles between silhouette and webcams or since no mountain silhouette is visible at all. In addition, the location of a webcam has to be known. Up to now, we have manually estimated the locations of 297 webcams in the Swiss Alps (see Fig. 1). They are located at elevations ranging from 800 m to 3900 m a.s.l. The pixel resolution of these webcam images ranges from 640 pixels × 480 pixels up to 1920 pixels × 1080 pixels (see Fig. 2). Figure 1Locations of 297 webcams (red points) in the Swiss Alps. Background data: SWISSIMAGE 25 and DHM25/200, © swisstopo. Figure 2Image pixel resolution of the selected webcams. 2.2 Swiss geodata We use the swissALTI3D DEM and the orthophoto SWISSIMAGE, produced by the Swiss Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo, 2013a, b). The DEM covers Switzerland and Liechtenstein and has a spatial resolution of 2 m. It was created using airborne laser scanning data (below 2000 m a.s.l.) or stereocorrelation of areal photographs (above 2000 m a.s.l.) and features an accuracy of 0.5 m and 1 to 3 m on average, respectively. The orthophoto SWISSIMAGE is composed of digital aerial orthophotographs of Switzerland, featuring a spatial resolution of 0.1 m in the Swiss lowlands and 0.25 m in the Swiss Alps. The proposed procedure consists of four major steps: preprocessing, automatic image-to-DEM registration, automatic image-to-image alignment, and automatic snow classification (see Fig. 3 for an overview). In the preprocessing step (Sect. 3.1), manual user input is required to estimate the webcam's location, to select a representative image for image-to-DEM registration (hereafter referred as master image), and to provide an image mask. Second, the selected master image is automatically registered with the DEM to derive the unknown camera parameters, such as orientation and FOV of the webcam (Sect. 3.2). Successful image-to-DEM registration results in a transformation matrix that relates each pixel of the master image to its 3D coordinates. Since an image series of a webcam is usually not perfectly aligned, we automatically align images to the selected master image (Sect. 3.3). This enables the use of the same transformation matrix for all webcam images. Finally, each image is automatically snow-classified (Sect. 3.4). Using the transformation matrix, a georeferenced snow cover map can be generated. Figure 3Overview of the proposed procedure. It consists of four major steps: preprocessing, automatic image-to-DEM registration, automatic image-to-image alignment, and automatic snow classification. Image-to-DEM registration results in a transformation matrix that is used to project the snow-classified pixels onto a map. 3.1 Preprocessing First, a webcam's location and its installation height above ground is estimated manually. This is achieved by considering the position of objects visible in the webcam image, the orthophoto SWISSIMAGE, and additional information provided by the webcam owner (e.g., the name of a restaurant where the webcam is mounted). In some cases, touristic photographs and images from Google Street View help to improve the location estimation. As mentioned in Sect. 2, we have estimated the locations of 297 webcams (see Fig. 1). Next, at least one master image per webcam is selected. This image has to be representative for all other images of the same webcam and should feature high contrast between the mountains and the sky for automatic image-to-DEM registration. Under clear-sky conditions, most webcam images are suited to serve as master image. Finally, a so-called input mask can be prepared to define image regions that should be ignored in the snow map generation procedure. Such regions can be trees, buildings, or other fixed infrastructure and are defined on the master image. 3.2 Automatic image-to-DEM registration The registration of an image with a DEM requires a common feature space. As in the study of Baboud et al. (2011) and Fedorov et al. (2016), we make use of mountain silhouettes, which are among the most salient structural features in mountainous natural environments. Gaussian filtering and Sobel edge detection are applied to the master image to reduce noise and extract the structural features from the images. Next, the mountain silhouette is automatically detected from the edge image (see Fig. 4). Our silhouette extraction is based on the assumption that the mountain silhouette is the uppermost edge line that spans the full width of the image. It starts at the top left pixel in the edge image and looks for the first edge pixel in the first column. Once a pixel is found, the algorithm iteratively searches in a 7 pixel × 7 pixel neighborhood for other edge pixels until a continuous line is found that spans the full width of the image. If no such edge line is found, the algorithm starts again at the next edge pixel in the first column of the image. Figure 4Three examples of automatic silhouette extraction. (a) Webcam images, (b) extracted edges using Sobel edge detection, (c) detected mountain silhouettes, and (d) mountain silhouettes (red) superimposed on grayscale webcam images. Webcam images (left to right): La Fouly (© Pays du St. Bernard, #lafouy, #mypsb), Tschentenalp (© Verein Trainingszentrum Adelboden, https://www.adelboden.ch/de/s/home, last access: 23 March 2020), and Axalp (© Sportbahnen Axalp Windegg AG, 3855 Axalp). To derive the unknown camera parameters, the extracted mountain silhouette is registered with mountain silhouettes extracted from virtually rendered DEM images. These DEM images are generated by projecting the DEM point cloud from its world coordinate system via a camera coordinate system to an image coordinate system (see Figs. 5 and 6) by using a pinhole camera model. To reduce the computational complexity, only DEM points that are visible from the point of view of the webcam are considered. For this purpose, the viewshed generation module of the Photo Rectification And ClassificaTIon SoftwarE (PRACTISE V.1.0; Härer et al., 2013) is used to generate a 360∘ visibility map from the point of view of the webcam. The projected DEM points p′ of the virtual DEM image are computed by multiplying the visible DEM points p by the inverse of a camera matrix C, a perspective projection matrix P, and a viewport matrix D: (1)p′=DPC-1p. Figure 5Sample rendering of the swissALTI3D digital elevation model (DEM) using a pinhole camera model. DEM data © swisstopo. Figure 6World, camera, and image coordinate systems and their transformations using camera matrix C, perspective projection matrix P, and viewport matrix D. The camera matrix C transforms from camera coordinates to world coordinates and is defined by extrinsic camera parameters, i.e., the camera's location and orientation with respect to the known world reference frame. It is given by (2)C=xcyczccop0001, where cop is the camera's location and xc, yc, and zc are the three vectors of the camera coordinate system that define its orientation, i.e., the roll, pitch, and yaw angle. The perspective projection matrix P transforms objects into canonic view volume (i.e., a cube) so that the image points are normalized view coordinates in the range [-1,1]×[-1,1]×[-1,1]. It is defined by intrinsic camera parameters and is given by (3)P=1a⋅tan(FOV/2)00001tan(FOV/2)0000near+farnear-far2⋅near⋅farnear-far00-10, where a is the image aspect ratio and “near” and “far” are the distances to a near and a far plane that limit the infinite viewing volume. To finally transform to pixel coordinates (xim,yim)∈[xo…x1]×[y0…y1], the viewport matrix, given by (4)D=(x1-x0)/200(x0-x1)/20(y1-y0)/20(y0-y1)/2001/21/20001, is applied. It scales the projected pixels to a certain image size and translates them such that the origin of the image coordinate system is at the upper left corner. Since we use homogeneous coordinates, we apply perspective division to obtain pixel coordinates. Using this camera model, virtual DEM images can be generated by sampling the unknown parameters (i.e., the three orientation vectors xc, yc, and zc of the camera and the FOV). To estimate the ground truth camera parameters, we propose a silhouette matching procedure. Similar to before, the mountain silhouettes are extracted from the rendered DEM images using the method described above. Given two silhouettes, i.e., the master image silhouette and a silhouette extracted from a sampled DEM rendering, we define a score function based on 2D cross correlation to quantify how well the two silhouettes match: (5)score=α⋅w1+(1-α)⋅w2, where w1 is the normalized maximum response of cross correlation, and w2 is the normalized image space offset defined by the distance between the pixel location of the maximum response and the image center. The final score is the weighted sum using a user-defined parameter α. To estimate the camera parameters, we seek for the parameters that maximize this score. To efficiently search for the best matching silhouette pair, silhouette matching is performed on multiple scales k. On each scale, the algorithm rotates the camera coordinate system horizontally and vertically (see Fig. 7) and searches for the highest score. On scale i, the estimated parameters of scale i−1 are used as initialization and the camera coordinate system is rotated nx times around the z coordinate of the world coordinate system and ny times around the x axis of the camera coordinate system. On scale k=0, the parameters are initialized randomly. The horizontal and vertical rotation steps are called strides sx and sy respectively. On scale k=0, we set an initial stride of sx=360∘∕nx (with nx=20) and sy=90∘∕ny (with ny=12). For all scales k>0, the horizontal and vertical strides are recursively defined by (6)sxi=3sxi-1nxandsyi=3syi-1ny. Figure 7Viewing directions (blue points) of a camera (asterisk) during image-to-DEM registration. The green dots indicate the viewing directions with the best score, and the orange dots indicate the best viewing directions of the previous scale. An example is shown for vertical and horizontal rotations from scale k=0 to k=3. To approximate the roll angle of the camera, we additionally rotate the x coordinate of the camera matrix on each scale m=5 times around the viewing direction once the image space offset w2 is smaller than 10 pixels. An initial stride of sm=3∘∕m is set and decreases each scale by (7)smk=3smk-1m. Instead of estimating the FOV manually, our procedure can also optimize the FOV of the webcam by first iterating the horizontal FOV of 30 by 5∘ to a FOV of 90∘ in scale k=0. The best matching silhouette pair defines the initial FOV estimate. Once the image space offset w2 is smaller than 20 pixels, the FOV can be estimated more accurately by evaluating different FOVs at each iteration: the FOV is iterated at each viewing direction f=5 times around the initial FOV with an initial stride sFOV=2∘, decreasing each scale by (8)sfk=3sfk-1f. The weighting parameter α (Eq. 5) is a function of scale k. On scale k=0, we set α=1, such that the final score is mainly determined by the maximum response of cross correlation w1. The normalized image space offset w2 is ignored, since it would mainly correspond to an offset of a wrongly matched silhouette pair. w2 becomes important for scales k>0, once the viewing direction estimate is reasonably accurate. The smaller the distance of the maximum response to the image center, the better the two silhouettes match. Therefore, α is set to a low value (0.1). Once the roll angle and FOV is resolved, both measures, w1 and w2, are set equally (α=0.5), since both the smallest offset and the highest response value have to be estimated. To find the best score efficiently, the virtual DEM images are rendered with a lower resolution in the first scales. Starting with a width of w=worig/8 and height of h=horig/8 in scale k=0, the width and height are doubled until the original image size is reached in scale k=3. Experiments have shown that image-to-DEM registration requires around 12 scales until the best matching silhouette pair with an image space offset of 0 is found. This best matching silhouette pair results in a transformation matrix that relates each pixel of the master image to its real 3D coordinates. 3.3 Automatic image-to-image alignment Most webcams are exposed to wind that may lead to small changes in the camera orientation. Moreover, for a few webcams, major variations in orientation can occur due to human interaction, intentionally or unintentionally. While small orientation changes may occur every day, we observe major camera movements rarely, at most monthly. Because image-to-DEM registration is computationally expensive and mountain silhouettes cannot be detected on each webcam image due to cloud cover or low contrast conditions, each webcam image is automatically aligned to its master image by solving for a homography H. A homography is a projective transformation between two images with the same camera position but different orientation and is used to relate the two images so that they can be aligned. We use the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT; Lowe, 2004) to detect structural features in a webcam image and its corresponding master image. It transforms an image into a collection of local feature vectors that consist of a SIFT keypoint (image location) and a SIFT descriptor that is highly distinctive and invariant to illumination, position, and scale. After the feature detection, the features are matched across the two images (see Fig. 8). The similarity between two feature vectors is given by their Euclidean distance. Since the number of potential matching features can be quite large, we approximate this distance using an algorithm called “best bin first” (see Lowe, 2004). We use the SIFT implementation from the open-source library VLFeat (Vedaldi and Fulkerson, 2010). Figure 8SIFT features of a master image and an input image and corresponding matches between all features. To simplify the illustration, we show a subset of 100 randomly selected SIFT features per image. Webcam images: Hahnenmoos, © Skiregion Adelboden-Lenk. A homography H is a 3×3 matrix. Since scale is arbitrary, H has eight unknown parameters. Therefore, at least four point correspondences (x∕y image coordinates) are needed to solve for H. Since not all matched pairs are correct, the homography is estimated using the best matching feature points. For this purpose, we use the robust fitting model RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC; Fischler and Bolles, 1981). RANSAC randomly selects four pairs of corresponding points to calculate the homography, transforms all points from one image to the other using the found homography, and searches for the solution that has the best agreement with all remaining matching pairs. This best agreement is found by calculating the mapping error between each transformed SIFT point of an input image and its corresponding SIFT point of the master image. To eliminate the bias towards any particular set of points, the best matching image-to-image alignment is achieved by recalculating the homography using all features with a small mapping error of the best homography found by RANSAC. Figure 9 shows an example of an image that is aligned to a corresponding master image. Figure 9Example of an arbitrary input image that is aligned to a corresponding master image. The mountain silhouette extracted from the master image is shown in red. Webcam images: Hahnenmoos, © Skiregion Adelboden-Lenk. 3.4 Automatic snow classification We perform snow classification experiments using the methods proposed by Salvatori et al. (2011) and Härer et al. (2016). The method by Salvatori et al. (2011) analyzes the blue-band digital number frequency histogram to set a snow threshold DNb. First, the frequency histogram is smoothed using a moving average window of 5. The snow threshold is then automatically selected at the histogram's first local minimum above or equal to the intensity value 127. If no local minimum is found, the snow threshold is set to the value 127. All pixel values equal or higher than this threshold value are classified as snow, whereas lower values are classified as snow-free. Figure 10Example of a webcam image that is masked for subsequent snow classification using an input mask and a sky mask derived from the extracted mountain silhouette (a). Snow classification is applied using the methods by Salvatori et al. (2011) and Härer et al. (2016). Detected snow is shown (b) in white in the binary output image (black: no snow or masked out) and (c) as a transparent green layer on the original webcam image (white transparent layer: masked region). Webcam image: Juf, © jufferien.ch. The second method is a snow classification routine included in PRACTISE V.2.1 (Härer et al., 2016). Since the method by Salvatori et al. (2011) only works reasonably well for nonshadowing areas (Härer et al., 2016; Arslan et al., 2017), this routine additionally detects snow in the shaded regions of an image. As a first step, the method of Härer et al. (2016) applies the blue-band classification proposed by Salvatori et al. (2011). In a second step, Härer et al. (2016) refine snow classification using PCA for separating shaded snow cover from sunlit rock surfaces. Standardized RGB values in PCA space (PC score matrix) are calculated by multiplying the standardized RGB values (mean of 0 and standard deviation of 1) with the principal component (PC) coefficient matrix (calculated using singular value decomposition). The PC score matrix is normalized by scaling its values between 0 and 1. The first PC explains the largest variance in the data, but its frequency histogram is essentially identical to the blue-band frequency histogram. Therefore, Härer et al. (2016) use the frequency histograms of the second and third PC (PC2 and PC3) for separating shaded snow cover from other surfaces. The pixels are classified as snow if the following two conditions are fulfilled: (9)PC3<PC2andDNb≥DNh≥63. DNh is an additional condition to exclude very dark pixel values in the blue-band channel (values<63) since Härer et al. (2016) identified them as prone to snow misclassification. Moreover, blue-band values with a higher value than DNb are not considered either since they have been already identified as snow cover by the blue-band classification in the first step. As a third and fourth step, the method additionally identifies sunny rocks and calculates snow probability values for all the pixels that were not classified as snow in the first three steps. We apply this snow classification by classifying all pixels detected in the first and second step as “snow” and the remaining pixel values as “no snow”. A snow classification example is shown in Fig. 10. The snow classification takes as input a webcam image, the corresponding input mask described in Sect. 3.1, and a sky mask where all sky pixels are automatically masked out using the mountain silhouette extracted from the master image (see Fig. 10a). The detected snow pixels by the method of Salvatori et al. (2011) and Härer et al. (2016) are shown in white (Fig. 10b) and as a green transparent layer (Fig. 10c). 4 Snow cover maps The transformation matrix found for each master image is used to generate a lookup table that relates all visible DEM grid cells to the associated image pixel. For each DEM grid cell in this lookup table, the associated classification result (i.e., “snow” or “no snow” of the classified webcam image pixels) is set, which results in a snow cover map of 2 m spatial resolution. Figure 11 shows three webcam images and resulting snow cover maps in the (a) Lenk, (b) Urnerboden, and (c) Furka Pass regions. Figure 11Example webcam images and resulting snow cover maps of three webcams: (a) Lenk Betelberg (© Skiregion Adelboden-Lenk), (b) Urnerboden (© Verkehrsverein Urnerboden, Seilbahngenossenschaft Urnerboden-Fisetengrat), and (c) Blauberg Furka Pass (© Armin Rist, Institute of Geography, University of Bern). Snow is classified using the method proposed by Salvatori et al. (2011). The white transparent layer on the webcam images shows the masked regions. The grayscale values of the snow cover maps show the swissALTI3D elevation values of the area that is not visible from the webcam's location (© swisstopo). Our procedure facilitates snow cover analyses using public webcams, as long as location of the camera can be estimated and a mountain silhouette is visible in the image. Figure 12 reveals the percentage of snow-covered area on a mountain hill in the Furka Pass region from 14 April to 28 August 2015 and three example images with applied classifications. Webcam images containing fog or adverse cloud cover that impede the view on the terrain were manually removed before processing. The differences caused by the two classification methods are discussed in Sect. 6. Figure 12Percentage of snow-covered area on a mountain hill in the Furka Pass region from 14 April to 28 August 2015 using the snow classification proposed by Salvatori et al. (2011) (blue line) and Härer et al. (2016) (red line). Webcam images: Blauberg Furka Pass, © Armin Rist, Institute of Geography, University of Bern. 5 Evaluation In total, we apply image-to-DEM registration on 50 webcams. Our silhouette extraction technique successfully detects all 50 silhouettes. For five webcams, automatic image-to-DEM registration fails to find the appropriate orientation of the camera. This failure is either caused by heavy lens distortions of the camera system or due to several excerpts of similar-looking mountain silhouettes that lead to a wrong orientation estimate on scale k=0. In this section we evaluate the precision of the mapping between webcam image pixel coordinates and DEM coordinates, which we call mapping accuracy. This accuracy depends on (1) uncertainties caused by the projection of low-resolution webcam images on a high-resolution DEM (projection uncertainty) and (2) the ability of the registration approach to find the correct silhouette pair (registration accuracy). 5.1 Projection uncertainty Depending on the distance of the terrain to the webcam, the slope and aspect of the terrain, and the webcam image resolution and its FOV, an image pixel is mapped onto one or several DEM grid cells. Therefore, image pixels are either upsampled or downsampled to the DEM's pixel resolution (2 m). An approximation of the projected image pixel resolution can be calculated as the root of the number of DEM grids an image pixel is mapped on times the resolution of the DEM (i.e., 2 m), assuming that an image pixel is mapped onto a rectangular region of DEM grids. Figure 13 shows the approximated projected pixel resolution of an example webcam image at Metschalp. The webcam image has an image resolution of 640 pixels × 480 pixels and a horizontal FOV of 47∘. In general, the projected pixel resolution close to the webcam is high and decreases with increasing distance to the webcam position. Moreover, the projected pixel resolution depends on the orientation of the slope with respect to the viewing direction. It is high for slopes orthogonal to the viewing direction and low at grazing angles near silhouettes. The mean projected pixel resolution found for 45 webcams is 4.5 m with a standard deviation of 4.4 m. If only DEM grids within a distance of 20 km to the webcam are considered, the mean projected pixel resolution increases to 2.9 m with a standard deviation of 1.5 m. Figure 13Example of projected pixel resolution for a webcam image at Metschalp (© elsigen-metsch.ch). Digital elevation model (DEM) data: swissALTI3D, © swisstopo. 5.2 Registration accuracy To evaluate the accuracy of our automatic image-to-DEM registration, we select 20 webcams that comprise different areal extents and lens characteristics. Depending on the presence of structural image content, we manually select 5 to 15 GCPs per webcam using the SWISSIMAGE orthophoto. For 142 GCPs in total, we compute relative pixel errors (image space distances) and the root mean square error (RMSE) of the distance between the real and projected GCPs in world coordinates (see Table 1). We differentiate between standard lens webcams (FOV<48∘) and wide-angle lens webcams (FOV≥48∘). The relative pixel error is calculated as the distance between the pixel coordinate of a GCP and its pixel coordinate predicted by the transformation matrix. We report this distance as percentage of image diagonal. It is a measure to calculate the accuracy of our automatic image-to-DEM registration. Results show that the relative pixel error is higher for GCPs of wide-angle webcams than for GCPs of standard lens webcams (1 % and 0.61 %, respectively). This difference is mainly caused by lens distortions, which increase with a larger FOV and therewith lead to a discrepancy of the silhouette matching, mainly at the outer part of the images. This discrepancy is even more prominent when considering the relative pixel error by comparing GCPs at the mountain silhouette, GCPs that are close to the image border (the outer 25 % of the total image width/height), and the remaining GCPs in the center region of the image (see Fig. 14). GCPs at the silhouette indicate how well the image-to-DEM registration matches the two silhouettes. The further away GCPs are from the silhouette and the central part of the image, the more they are affected by the camera model used for image-to-DEM registration. Therefore, GCPs close to the image border are affected the most by effects of lens distortions. The relative pixel error is notably higher for GCPs at the border of the images than the remaining GCPs, especially for wide-angle lens webcams. Not surprisingly, smallest errors are found for GCPs located at the mountain silhouette, since this silhouette is used for image-to-DEM registration. Table 1Projection error of ground control points (GCPs) in standard lens (FOV<48∘) and wide-angle lens (FOV≥48∘) webcam images. Figure 14Relative pixel error of ground control points (GCPs) of standard and wide-angle lens webcams. Results are grouped in GCPs located at the mountain silhouette, the center region of the image, and the border region of the image (the outer 25 % of the total image width and height). The root mean square error (RMSE) of the distance between the real and projected GCPs in world coordinates is shown in Table 1. We find again a significant difference in the registration accuracy between webcams equipped with standard lenses and wide-angle lenses. Registration accuracy reveals an overall RMSE of 23.7 m, with a RMSE of 14.1 m for standard lens webcams and 36.3 m for wide-angle lens webcams. We calculate the GCP error distance in world coordinates by projecting the registered pixels onto a map using the transformation matrix. In Fig. 15, box plots of the error distances between the real and projected GCPs are shown for standard and wide-angle lens webcams. Results are grouped into three categories of GCPs within 0–2, 2–6, and 6–30 km distance to the webcam. Since it is more difficult to set GCPs in low-resolution webcam images, we use large structural features such as mountain peaks to set GCPs far away from the webcams. This ensures that we can select the appropriate pixel where the given GCP is actually located. We use the transformation matrix to project this pixel to world coordinates, and, thus, we assume that this GCP is located in the center of the pixel. However, we have to take into account that this is not necessarily the real position of the GCP within the image pixel. As shown in Sect. 5.1, pixel values are mapped onto a certain area on a map. Therefore, we calculate the projection uncertainty of a GCP as ± the radius of the bounding volume of the DEM grids where the selected image pixel is projected on. We use the median to quantify the projection uncertainty of a group of GCPs. Median projection uncertainties are shown as red numbers on top of Fig. 15. It can be clearly seen that the largest error distances are caused by GCPs of wide-angle lens webcams that are located close to the webcam (0–2 km) and that the errors are generally lower further away from the webcams. For standard lens webcams, there is no considerable difference in the error distance between GPCs within 0–2, 2–6, and 6–30 km distance to the webcam. Even though projection uncertainties are higher for GCPs located further away from the webcams, for both standard lens and wide-angle lens webcams the mapping accuracy of GCPs that are more than 6 km away from the webcam (mean error distances of 8.6 and 10.2 m with uncertainties of ±6.4 and ±4.6 m, respectively) is comparable to the mapping accuracy found for GCPs within 0–6 km distance of normal lens webcams and GCPs within 2–6 km distance of wide-angle lens webcams. Figure 15Distance error of the real and projected ground control points (GCPs) for standard and wide-angle lens webcams. Results are grouped in GCPs within 0–2, 2–6, and 6–30 km distance to the webcam. Median projection uncertainties are shown as red numbers on top of the figure. 6 Discussion The performance of our automatic image-to-DEM registration procedure is promising. With marginal manual user input, we transform a webcam image into a georeferenced map. With an overall RMSE of about 23.7 m, our method is precise enough to validate or complement satellite-derived snow cover maps and offers snow cover analyses with a high spatiotemporal resolution over a large area. However, projection uncertainties have to be taken into account as well since they may highly differ depending on the selected webcam. We expect a lower performance of our image-to-DEM registration compared to approaches where camera parameters are available or GCPs are used to align an image to a DEM. However, having access to intrinsic and extrinsic camera parameters, or measuring these parameters using GCPs, is infeasible for a reasonably large-scale camera network. The large differences of RMSE between standard lens webcams and wide-angle lens webcams suggest a further improvement of our camera model to account for lens distortions. Given the large amount of webcams, we can also exclude webcams equipped with wide-angle lenses from analyses to notably reduce mapping errors (RMSE of 14.1 m found for 14 webcams equipped with standard lenses; see Table 1). Another solution is to use only the central part of an image if the FOV of the webcam is higher than a certain threshold. Our method relies on a precise estimation of the webcam location. Especially when a decreasing slope is visible in the near field of the webcam, significant mapping errors may occur. For example, a lower estimate of the installation height may cause a pixel in 10 m distance to be mapped onto the counter slope 2 km away. Therefore, we recommend masking out regions that are on the same slope as the webcam itself or areas close to edges with huge depth differences. Since we did not measure the ground truth location of the selected webcams, a direct evaluation of the estimated location accuracy is not possible. However, we roughly estimate an accuracy of about 5 m by leveraging the orthophoto SWISSIMAGE and prior knowledge about the approximate webcam location (for instance, mounted on a specific wall of a building). In general, we propose masking out regions that are close to the webcam to avoid large mapping errors as shown in Fig. 15 for webcams with wide-angle lenses. These large mapping errors may be caused by an imprecise location estimation. However, this effect was not observed for standard lens webcams. Hence, the large mapping errors close to the webcam can be attributed to the fact that close GCPs are generally more often located at the outer part of the image where lens distortions increase. In addition, areas closer to a webcam may generally have a larger mapping error as only the mountain silhouette is used for the image-to-DEM registration. Therefore, these areas are additionally affected by the selected camera model used for image-to-DEM registration. Additionally, we propose excluding regions that are far away from the webcam (i.e., >15 or 20 km) to avoid large projection uncertainties and to ensure a high spatial resolution. Moreover, it has to be taken into account that projection uncertainties may strongly increase if the slope and aspect of the DEM grid with respect to the viewing direction is high. For single image pixels, projection uncertainty can be extremely high if the pixel is mapped onto several nonadjacent DEM grids (e.g., if a pixel is projected onto DEM grids on a hill or peak as well as on the DEM grids behind the hill on the counter slope). For most webcams, an intentional, significant change in their orientation occurs only occasionally, and, therefore, a landscape can be analyzed over a long time period in the case of an available image archive. Our image-to-image alignment enables us to precisely correct small changes in orientation of webcam images and works generally well for images with similar image content. Alignment artifacts from, e.g., logos in the image are eliminated by using RANSAC. Since some errors may occur if the image content differs too much, we propose not to align snowy winter images to snow-free image scenes and vice versa. The snow classification method proposed by Salvatori et al. (2011) has been frequently used and discussed in recent studies. Many of these studies emphasize the problem of misclassification due to snow in shadowing regions (e.g., Härer et al., 2016; Arslan et al., 2017; Salzano et al., 2019). We have observed the same issue, especially for winter scenes with a low solar zenith angle. The comparison with the snow classification method proposed by Härer et al. (2016) reveals a similar pattern for all the processed webcams: the method by Salvatori et al. (2011) underestimates snow cover, mainly in shadowing areas (see Fig. 12 for an example). For snowy winter scenes, the PCA method by Härer et al. (2016) performs very well and is able to correctly classify snow cover in shadowing areas. However, once less than about 50 % of snow is present in an image, the method overestimates snow cover and classifies rock, trees, or grass as snow (see Fig. 12). This is often observed when no shaded snow cover is present or in the case of strong illumination conditions. As shadows from structural terrain decrease in spring, the method of Salvatori et al. (2011) often only weakly underestimates the snow cover. For rare cases of very low illumination conditions, both methods fail to correctly classify snow. In our framework, we use a combination of both methods to get the best possible snow classification result. However, there is a need for an improved snow classification method. This method should be able to classify snow under varying illumination conditions and ideally can distinguish between snow and clouds or fog. The differentiation between snow, clouds, and fog currently remains an unsolved problem for RGB images. Even though webcams are often located below the cloud cover, low clouds and fog in front of the landscape are manually removed to not falsify snow classification. Images containing fog and clouds on a substantial part of the image could be automatically removed by comparing the edges of a cloud-free image with edges of a potentially cloud covered image. However, clouds and fog that impede the view on a smaller part of the landscape are difficult to distinguish from snow. A possible method to remove such cloud cover is, for example, to aggregate all the images collected by a webcam in a day as proposed by Fedorov et al. (2016). However, the aggregated images may loose contrast and contain mixed pixel information, which in turn will affect snow classification. Moreover, long-lasting cloudy conditions may remain undetected by this approach, and the aggregation will lower the temporal resolution. Therefore, we consider investigating cloud and fog detection in webcam images for future work. Since our image-to-DEM registration requires a visible mountain silhouette, it is not suited for webcams that observe flat areas. Moreover, there are geographical limitations since webcams might not be installed in very remote areas. Generally, a large-scale coverage of a region might be only possible in countries with a well-developed infrastructure. Nevertheless, the high number of freely available webcams worldwide combined with our semiautomatic procedure offers a unique potential to complement and evaluate satellite-derived snow cover information. For example, our webcam snow cover maps may facilitate the gap-filling of partly cloud obscured satellite-based snow cover maps or improve snow classification in steep terrain or shadow-affected image scenes. We present a semiautomatic procedure to derive snow cover maps from freely available webcam images in the Swiss Alps. Our registration approach automatically estimates webcams' parameters, which allows us to relate pixels of a webcam image to their real-world coordinates. Additionally, we use a method for automatic image-to-image alignment and compare two recent snow classification methods. A detailed evaluation of the automatic georectification is carried out and reveals a RMSE of 23.7 m, with a RMSE of 14.1 m for webcams equipped with standard lenses and 36.3 m for webcams equipped with wide-angle lenses. To the best of our knowledge, no other method is able to offer this accuracy on such a high spatiotemporal resolution over a large area. Large accuracy differences between standard lens webcams and webcams equipped with wide-angle lenses suggest the improvement of our camera model to incorporate effects of lens distortions or the use of only the central part of an image to generate more accurate snow cover maps. However, an improvement of RGB snow classification is essential to automatically derive snow cover maps, i.e., to avoid the manual removal of cloudy scenes. Nevertheless, our approach offers snow cover analyses with a high spatiotemporal resolution over a large area with a minimum of manual user input. Our webcam-based snow cover monitoring network could not only serve as a reference for improved validation of satellite-based approaches, but also complement satellite-based snow cover retrieval. As an example, webcam-based snow cover information could be used to improve gap-filling methods to eliminate cloud cover in satellite-based snow cover products. Especially in spring during the snowmelt period, webcams could help to detect snow that may fall and melt within several days during cloudy conditions. In addition, our webcam-based snow cover product can be used to validate Sentinel-2 and Landsat-based snow cover products. We are therefore planning to extend our webcam archive with additional webcams located in the European Alps. Finally, our procedure, in particular the snow/cloud classification, could be improved to enable semioperational processing for a near-real-time service, which could support federal agencies (e.g., MeteoSwiss, WSL-SLF) for their weather forecast activities or avalanche warning. We downloaded webcam images from http://www.kaikowetter.ch/ (last access: 22 April 2020; Kaikowetter, 2020). Due to licensing reasons, we cannot provide our webcam data set. The swissALTI3D digital elevation model and SWISSIMAGE orthophoto are subject to copyright restrictions and are provided by swisstopo (http://www.swisstopo.ch, last access: 22 April 2020; swisstopo, 2020). Author contributions. CP developed the code and performed the data analysis with advice from FH and SW. SH provided the MATLAB code of the software PRACTISE. CP wrote the paper with contributions from all co-authors. The digital elevation model swissALTI3D and the orthophoto SWISSIMAGE were obtained from the Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo). The authors acknowledge Kai Kobler for providing updated webcam images on http://www.kaikowetter.ch/ (last access: 22 April 2020) and all webcam owners that provide their images online, in particular Armin Rist and Sara Fischer. Further, we gratefully acknowledge Simon Gascoin and Tiziano Portenier for their constructive comments on the paper. This paper was edited by Ketil Isaksen and reviewed by Yves Bühler and A. N. Arslan. Arslan, A. N., Tanis, C. M., Metsämäki, S., Aurela, M., Böttcher, K., Linkosalmi, M., and Peltoniemi, M.: Automated Webcam Monitoring of Fractional Snow Cover in Northern Boreal Conditions, Geosciences, 7, 55, https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences7030055, 2017. a, b, c, d Baboud, L., Čadík, M., Eisemann, E., and Seidel, H.: Automatic photo-to-terrain alignment for the annotation of mountain pictures, in: CVPR 2011, 41–48, https://doi.org/10.1109/CVPR.2011.5995727, 2011. a Bühler, Y., Adams, M. S., Bösch, R., and Stoffel, A.: Mapping snow depth in alpine terrain with unmanned aerial systems (UASs): potential and limitations, The Cryosphere, 10, 1075–1088, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-1075-2016, 2016. a Corripio, J. G.: Snow surface albedo estimation using terrestrial photography, Int. J. Remote Sens., 25, 5705–5729, https://doi.org/10.1080/01431160410001709002, 2004. a De Michele, C., Avanzi, F., Passoni, D., Barzaghi, R., Pinto, L., Dosso, P., Ghezzi, A., Gianatti, R., and Della Vedova, G.: Using a fixed-wing UAS to map snow depth distribution: an evaluation at peak accumulation, The Cryosphere, 10, 511–522, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-511-2016, 2016. a Dizerens, C.: Georectification and snow classification of webcam images: potential for complementing satellite-derrived snow maps over Switzerland, Master's thesis, Faculty of Science, University of Bern, Switzerland, 2015. a Dumont, M. and Gascoin, S.: 4 – Optical Remote Sensing of Snow Cover, in: Land Surface Remote Sensing in Continental Hydrology, edited by: Baghdadi, N. and Zribi, M., 115–137, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-78548-104-8.50004-8, 2016. a Dumont, M., Sirguey, P., Arnaud, Y., and Six, D.: Monitoring spatial and temporal variations of surface albedo on Saint Sorlin Glacier (French Alps) using terrestrial photography, The Cryosphere, 5, 759–771, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-5-759-2011, 2011. a Farinotti, D., Magnusson, J., Huss, M., and Bauder, A.: Snow accumulation distribution inferred from time-lapse photography and simple modelling, Hydrol. Process., 24, 2087–2097, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.7629, 2010. a, b Fedorov, R., Camerada, A., Fraternali, P., and Tagliasacchi, M.: Estimating Snow Cover From Publicly Available Images, IEEE T. Multimedia, 18, 1187–1200, https://doi.org/10.1109/TMM.2016.2535356, 2016. a, b, c, d, e, f Fischler, M. A. and Bolles, R. C.: Random Sample Consensus: A Paradigm for Model Fitting with Applications to Image Analysis and Automated Cartography, Commun. ACM, 24, 381–395, https://doi.org/10.1145/358669.358692, 1981. a Floyd, W. and Weiler, M.: Measuring snow accumulation and ablation dynamics during rain-on-snow events: innovative measurement techniques, Hydrol. Process., 22, 4805–4812, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.7142, 2008. a Foppa, N. and Seiz, G.: Inter-annual variations of snow days over Switzerland from 2000–2010 derived from MODIS satellite data, The Cryosphere, 6, 331–342, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-6-331-2012, 2012. a Härer, S., Bernhardt, M., Corripio, J. G., and Schulz, K.: PRACTISE – Photo Rectification And ClassificaTIon SoftwarE (V.1.0), Geosci. Model Dev., 6, 837–848, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-6-837-2013, 2013. a, b Härer, S., Bernhardt, M., and Schulz, K.: PRACTISE – Photo Rectification And ClassificaTIon SoftwarE (V.2.1), Geosci. Model Dev., 9, 307–321, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-9-307-2016, 2016. a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s Hüsler, F., Jonas, T., Wunderle, S., and Albrecht, S.: Validation of a modified snow cover retrieval algorithm from historical 1-km {AVHRR} data over the European Alps, Remote Sens. Environ., 121, 497–515, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2012.02.018, 2012. a Huss, M., Sold, L., Hoelzle, M., Stokvis, M., Salzmann, N., Farinotti, D., and Zemp, M.: Towards remote monitoring of sub-seasonal glacier mass balance, Ann. Glaciol., 54, 75–83, https://doi.org/10.3189/2013AoG63A427, 2013. a Jonas, T., Marty, C., and Magnusson, J.: Estimating the snow water equivalent from snow depth measurements in the Swiss Alps, J. Hydrol., 378, 161–167, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.09.021, 2009. a Kaikowetter: Information Wetterstation von Kai Kobler, Kaiko's Wetterpage, available at: http://www.kaikowetter.ch/, last access: 22 April 2020. a Klein, G., Vitasse, Y., Rixen, C., Marty, C., and Rebetez, M.: Shorter snow cover duration since 1970 in the Swiss Alps due to earlier snowmelt more than to later snow onset, Clim. Change, 139, 637–649, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-016-1806-y, 2016. a Laternser, M. and Schneebeli, M.: Long-term snow climate trends of the Swiss Alps (1931–99), Int. J. Climatol., 23, 733–750, https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.912, 2003. a Liu, J.-F., Chen, R.-S., and Wang, G.: Snowline and snow cover monitoring at high spatial resolution in a mountainous river basin based on a time-lapse camera at a daily scale, J. Mt. Sci., 12, 60–69, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-013-2842-y, 2015. a, b Lowe, D. G.: Distinctive Image Features from Scale-Invariant Keypoints, Int. J. Comput. Vis., 60, 91–110, https://doi.org/10.1023/B:VISI.0000029664.99615.94, 2004. a, b Manninen, T. and Jääskeläinen, E.: The Effect of Boreal Forest Canopy on Snow Covered Terrain Broadband Albedo, Geophysica, 53, 9–29, 2018. a Marty, C.: Regime shift of snow days in Switzerland, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, 12, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GL033998, 2008. a Messerli, A. and Grinsted, A.: Image georectification and feature tracking toolbox: ImGRAFT, Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 4, 23–34, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-4-23-2015, 2015. a Metsämäki, S., Mattila, O.-P., Pulliainen, J., Niemi, K., Luojus, K., and Böttcher, K.: An optical reflectance model-based method for fractional snow cover mapping applicable to continental scale, Remote Sens. Environ., 123, 508–521, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2012.04.010, 2012. a Millet, P., Huwald, H., and Weijs, S. V.: Extracting High Resolution Snow Distribution Information with Inexpensive Autonomous Cameras, in: HIC 2018. 13th Int. Conf. Hydroinformatics, edited by: Loggia, G. L., Freni, G., Puleo, V., and Marchis, M. D., Vol. 3 of EPiC Series in Engineering, 1397–1405, EasyChair, https://doi.org/10.29007/93gh, 2018. a, b Piazzi, G., Tanis, C. M., Kuter, S., Simsek, B., Puca, S., Toniazzo, A., Takala, M., Akyürek, Z., Gabellani, S., and Arslan, A. N.: Cross-Country Assessment of H-SAF Snow Products by Sentinel-2 Imagery Validated against In-Situ Observations and Webcam Photography, Geosciences, 9, 3, https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9030129, 2019. a Pimentel, R., Pérez-Palazón, M. J., Herrero, J., and Polo, M. J.: Monitoring Snow Cover Area In Semiarid Regions Using Terrestrial Photography, Int. Conf. Hydroinformatics, Paper 378, 2014. a, b Revuelto, J., Jonas, T., and López-Moreno, J.-I.: Backward snow depth reconstruction at high spatial resolution based on time-lapse photography, Hydrol. Process., 30, 2976–2990, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.10823, 2016. a Rüfenacht, D., Brown, M., Beutel, J., and Süsstrunk, S.: Temporally consistent snow cover estimation from noisy, irregularly sampled measurements, in: 2014 International Conference on Computer Vision Theory and Applications (VISAPP), Lisbon, Vol. 2, 275–283, available at: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=7294942&isnumber=7294881 (last access: 22 April 2020), 2014. a, b Salvatori, R., Plini, P., Giusto, M., Valt, M., Salzano, R., Montagnoli, M., Cagnati, A., Crepaz, G., and Sigismondi, D.: Snow cover monitoring with images from digital camera systems, Ital. J. Remote Sens., 43, 137–145, https://doi.org/10.5721/ItJRS201143211, 2011. a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n Salzano, R., Salvatori, R., Valt, M., Giuliani, G., Chatenoux, B., and Ioppi, L.: Automated Classification of Terrestrial Images: The Contribution to the Remote Sensing of Snow Cover, Geosciences, 9, 2, https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9020097, 2019. a Schmidt, S., Weber, B., and Winiger, M.: Analyses of seasonal snow disappearance in an alpine valley from micro- to meso-scale (Loetschental, Switzerland), Hydrol. Process., 23, 1041–1051, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.7205, 2009. a, b swisstopo: swissALTI3D, The high precision digital elevation model of Switzerland, available at: https://shop.swisstopo.admin.ch/en/products/height_models/alti3D (last access: 27 March 2019), 2013a. a swisstopo: SWISSIMAGE, The Digital Color Orthophotomosaic of Switzerland, available at: https://shop.swisstopo.admin.ch/en/products/images/ortho_images/SWISSIMAGE (last access: 27 March 2019), 2013b. a swisstopo: Federal Office of Topography swisstopo, available at: http://www.swisstopo.ch, last access: 22 April 2020. a Vedaldi, A. and Fulkerson, B.: Vlfeat: An Open and Portable Library of Computer Vision Algorithms, in: Proc. 18th ACM Int. Conf. Multimed., 1469–1472, ACM, New York, NY, USA, https://doi.org/10.1145/1873951.1874249, 2010. a Wunderle, S., Gross, T., and Hüsler, F.: Snow Extent Variability in Lesotho Derived from MODIS Data (2000–2014), Remote Sens., 8, 6, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8060448, 2016. a We present a method to derive snow cover maps from freely available webcam images in the Swiss Alps. With marginal manual user input, we can transform a webcam image into a georeferenced map and therewith perform snow cover analyses with a high spatiotemporal resolution over a large area. Our evaluation has shown that webcams could not only serve as a reference for improved validation of satellite-based approaches, but also complement satellite-based snow cover retrieval. We present a method to derive snow cover maps from freely available webcam images in the Swiss...	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3553
__label__cc	0.70789	0.29211	Category: Culinary October 22, 2019 October 23, 2019 Teachers On Fire Author, Boarding School, Culinary, Curriculum, Mastery, OH, Relationships, Secondary, USA Episode 105 – Tiffany Ott Meet Tiffany Ott TIFFANY OTT is a high school Math teacher at Western Reserve Academy of Ohio, a Director of Curriculum Development with the Teach Better Team, and the founder of #MasteryChat. She’s also a co-author of the recently published book Teach Better, and she’ll be playing a big role in the upcoming Teach Better Conference. Tiffany recalls a time early in her career when she was teaching middle school in North Carolina. She and her husband were broke, Tiffany was pregnant, and the couple was short on options. After moving back to Ohio, Tiffany found a long-term substitute position that showed good potential to convert into a permanent position. She was teaching an enrichment class for students designated as gifted, and she introduced her learners to a unit on brain science, psychology, and mental health. Unfortunately, some of the parents of these students were skeptical and suspicious of her motives and complained – loudly – to administration. As a result, the substitute position didn’t convert to a permanent one, an experience that opened Tiffany’s eyes to the importance of communication and actively seeking buy-in from the entire learning community. When developing those relationships with your students’ parents, Tiffany encourages, try video newsletters. People seek connection today, and Tiffany has found that parents really appreciate who you are and what you are trying to achieve with their children when they can actually see and hear you. Teach Better: The Book Tiffany describes the new Teach Better book from the Teach Better Team as part memoir, part inspiration, and part practical teaching strategies that educators can put into place immediately. The book includes a series of interwoven stories from four authors that detail their struggles, challenges, and victories in the classroom, accompanied by the realizations that they took away from those experiences. Teach Better is not about being perfect – it’s about being better than we were yesterday and better tomorrow than we were today. It’s about being constantly reflective, looking in the mirror and at our own practice, and asking “What is one thing I can do today to move my practice forward?” It’s grounded in the belief that every educator is capable of growth and improvement in their practice. “My heart and soul is in this book and I just hope people can find something that can help inspire them and push them forward,” Tiffany says. The book starts with “Get the hell out of my classroom!” – perhaps the lowest moment in Chad Ostrowski’s career, and you’ll be drawn in as you read his story. Tiffany is also passionate about chapters titled Expect Better and Complain Better, and she articulates how these mindset shifts can change the culture of buildings and make incredible impact in the growth and learning of students. #MasteryChat The weekly #MasteryChat on Twitter is Tiffany’s baby, and she’s as passionate about the conversations that happen there as she was when the chat first launched. Each week features a different guest moderator, and topics include everything under the sun of education. Like the Teach Better book, #MasteryChat is about incremental growth and improvement in educators, and Tiffany values the rich diversity of views and experiences that over 100 participants regularly bring to the conversation. This chat is not an echo chamber, she says – it includes robust discussion, occasional debate, and constructive pushback. Questions seek to go beyond buzzwords and cliches to actually stretch the thinking of educators and spark learning. What’s Setting Tiffany on 🔥 in Education Today Education is so exciting today because things have changed so much and continue to change so quickly. The opportunities for global connection, collaboration, and learning are greater than most educators have fully realized. Rather than be overwhelmed or intimidated by the pace of change, Tiffany says we should regard these movements of change as the fire that pushes us forward. Tiffany speaks highly of the way that her school tackles professional goal-setting for its teaching staff each year. Rather than one-and-done fill out this piece of paper and move on, each educator’s professional goals are embedded in professional activities throughout the school year, allowing frequent review and follow-up. One of Tiffany’s main professional goals for this year is to build deeper connections with her colleagues. Her training and experience comes from the middle school levels, where team approaches to planning and instruction are often emphasized. The same can’t always be said of high school environments, where teachers sometimes experience more isolation and division by departments, levels, course streams, and other factors. There’s a lot to be gained when we come together and connect the dots across all kinds of content, Tiffany says, which requires taking the time to have more small and large conversations with colleagues. When we make ourselves vulnerable, genuine, and available to support others, we build the social connections that translate into significant professional and instructional gains for learners. One of Tiffany’s other professional goals is to make her math instruction more relevant for learners. Rae Hughart, one of Tiffany’s partners on the Teach Better Team, talks often about the importance of integrating community partners and businesses into the math classroom to show learners the relevance and application of the curricular principles they’re learning. Personal Passions: Baking and Crocheting Educators neglect their personal passions and interests all too often, says Tiffany, and it comes at the expense of our learners. On the home front, Tiffany loves to cook and bake, activities that have formed great points of connection with her daughter. They watch The Great British Baking Show and other cooking shows together, and Tiffany takes great joy in hosting great meals and serving guests. She also enjoys art, sculpting, and crocheting – something that she is integrating in one of her math classes by asking students to crochet physical representations of hyperbolic planes. It’s a great example of a personal passion adding a dimension to the classroom learning environment. The Secret to Her Productivity The credit for her incredible productivity, says Tiffany, goes to her husband. Not only does he cover for her during times of peak work and deadlines, but he acts as a good accountability check in terms of her mental health. When the stress and strain of responsibilities starts to make her crack, he doesn’t hesitate to make her take a break, step away, take a nap, or do what she needs to do to recharge. The Teach Better Conference Tiffany is thrilled about the coming Teach Better Conference – now just a few weeks away. The hosting team has crafted some unique experiences that will help attendees reflect, integrate, and apply the things they learn in practical ways. She’s also hoping that the conference will go a long way toward building the kinds of new professional relationships that will push educators collectively to be better every day. Voices & Resources That Inspire Tiffany’s Thinking Over on Twitter, Tiffany recommends following Danny Steele @SteeleThoughts. Whenever she feels like she may be losing her fire, no one rekindles her motivation and passion for education like Danny Steele. Tiffany’s edtech tool of choice right now is Gimkit. Think Kahoot but with a gambling factor, Tiffany laughs. There are few better and more engaging means of collecting formative assessment from learners in real time. For a book pick, Tiffany points to a modern education classic – Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen. This title will open your eyes and widen your perspective on western history and its inherent biases. It’s no surprise, but Tiffany’s favorite education podcast is Teach Better Talk. She doesn’t point to this one because she has to, she says. Hosts Jeff Gargas and Rae Hughart keep her laughing and never fail to bring new insights and strategies that move her practice forward. Tiffany is no stranger to video communication, and on YouTube she suggests subscribing to Michael Matera’s channel. The author of Explore Like a Pirate, classroom teacher, and producer of the Well Played podcast is a very, very smart guy and a fantastic person, too. Finally, and just for fun, when Tiffany gets Netflix time it’s spent on The Great British Baking Show, which has been a great source of inspiration and a point of connection with her daughter. We sign off on this fun conversation, and Tiffany gives us the best ways to connect with her. See below for details! You can connect with Tiffany … On Twitter @TechieTeachOtt On Instagram @TiffanyOtt1 On Facebook @Teach Better Team At her book: https://amzn.to/2P7HSW7 At the Teach Better Team website: https://www.teachbetter.com/ On The Teachers on Fire Magazine March 3, 2019 March 3, 2019 Teachers On Fire Author, Blogger, Creativity, Culinary, EdTech, iPad, OR, USA Episode 72 – Tisha Richmond Meet Our Guest TISHA RICHMOND is a Technology Integration Specialist serving 19 schools in Medford, Oregon. She’s also a speaker and author of Make Learning Magical: Transform Your Teaching and Create Unforgettable Experiences in Your Classroom. From Misery to Magic In 2014, Tisha was at a real low point as an educator. She was frustrated, tired, and dreamed of becoming a barista. A sign in her classroom spoke as a silent reminder: “Above all, have a good time.” But the good times seemed elusive, and she found herself struggling to find joy in her work. When the culinary teachers in her district first adopted iPads, she was skeptical at first, but after attending iPadpalooza and seeing what educators were doing with technology, her imagination was captured. She went all in on iPad integration in her classroom, utilizing Google Classroom, iMovie, app smashing, green screens, and other strategies to allow students to demonstrate understanding and elevate their learning. Her passion for the profession was completely rekindled. The magic was back. The Heart of Make Learning Magical Make Learning Magical starts from the incredible transformation Tisha experienced in her own practice. She wants educators everywhere to know that no matter how long you’ve been in the classroom, magical learning experiences are still possible. In her book, Tisha makes MAGICAL an acronym for the factors that bring the magic to your practice: M – Meaningful Beginnings A – Authenticity and Agency G – Gamified Experiences I – Innovation C – Creativity and Collaboration A – Authentic Audience L – Legacy. To the last point on legacy, Tisha recounts some memories from a teacher that was instrumental in her own life and urges educators to create experiences that will cause students to want to continue learning long after they leave our classrooms. Breakout EDU, one of Tisha’s latest passions, involves games of logic and problem-solving that groups of students (or educators) can play together. Think of an escape room – but instead of trying to get out of a place, participants try to unlock special containers using provided clues. Tisha has been thoroughly impressed by the level of immersion she’s seen from students: they’re all in, enthusiastic, excited, collaborating, and relishing the productive struggle. Education Today & Professional Goals Tisha is thrilled by the opportunities that our learners have for authentic global collaboration today. She shares a recent joint effort between culinary and design classes who were able to team up on a project from different parts of the country. Tisha is keen on learning more about augmented and virtual reality, but when it comes to technology in education she is just hungry to learn wherever she can. She wants to serve the educators in her district well, and that means creating professional development opportunities that are personalized and meet the needs of every educator. She will continue to speak and write – two of her passions – and she’s recently been accepted into a class that will equip her to build her own BreakoutEDU games. Other Passions and Productivity Habits Outside of education, one of Tisha’s chief passions is design – especially interior design. Along the same theme, she really enjoys the creative process, including calligraphy, sketchnoting, hand lettering, and graphic design. Many years ago, she wouldn’t have considered herself a “creative,” but she’s really enjoyed getting in touch with this side of herself in recent years. Exercise and running are key in terms of clearing her head and improving her focus. These activities give her those opportunities to process, and they seem to lead to some of her best creative breakthroughs. Writing has also become a foundational habit in terms of reflecting and processing her thoughts. Voices & Resources That Inspire Tisha’s Professional Practice Looking to strengthen your PLN on Twitter? Tisha recommends following @TamaraLetter and @SixthIsGoal. The edtech tools Tisha sees being put to best use in the classroom these days include Canva, Pear Deck , and FlipGrid. Two books deserve the most credit for reviving Tisha’s practice and revolutionizing her perspectives on education. They are Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess and Explore Like a Pirate by Michael Matera. Follow these two awesome authors on Twitter at @BurgessDave and @MrMatera. In educational podcasts, Tisha’s tuned in to The Google Teacher Tribe Podcast with Kasey Bell and Matt Miller, Cult of Pedagogy with Jennifer Gonzales, and Well Played with Michael Matera. Over on YouTube, Tisha points to sketchnoter Carrie Baughcum. Follow Carrie on Twitter @HeckAwesome to see more of what she’s all about. Though she claims not to be able to sing herself, Tisha is digging a show called The Masked Singer in her free time. See More From Tisha We sign off on this magical conversation, and Tisha reminds us of the best ways to connect with her and learn together online. Get connected! On Twitter: @tishrich At her Blog: tisharichmond.com Her Book: https://amzn.to/2SFGBDV On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tishrich91/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishrichmond/ Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire podcast on your mobile device. iTunes \| Google Podcasts \| Spotify Follow the Teachers on Fire podcast on social media. On Medium: Teachers on Fire	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3557
__label__wiki	0.588032	0.588032	Stephen Jones: a blog Daoism—lives—language—performance. And jokes MUST READ! drôlerie Ways of portrayal A French letter Screenings to date The T-shirt Images: Li family Ritual paintings of Li Peisen God images old and new, 1 Local ritual Daoists of Shuozhou, Shanxi Daoists of Tianzhen, Shanxi Daoists of Guangling, Shanxi Daoists of Datong county, Shanxi More Daoists of Yanggao Ritual traditions of Zuoyun, Shanxi Daoists of Hunyuan, Shanxi Daoists of Xinzhou, Shanxi The Buddhists of Ekou, Shanxi Daoist ritual in southwest Shanxi The Houtu precious scroll The Houshan Daoists Ritual groups around Bazhou, Hebei Ritual groups of suburban Beijing Ritual groups of Xiongxian, Hebei Ritual groups around the Baiyangdian lake Ritual groups of Xushui Ritual groups of Jinghai Dharma-drumming associations of Tianjin Tianjin: a folk Buddhist group Ritual groups of Langfang Buddhist ritual of Chengde Funerals in Hebei Nuns of rural Hebei Ritual life around Xi’an Daoists of Changwu, Shaanxi Buddhist ritual in south Shaanxi Folk and temple ritual in Ningxia Ritual groups of Liaoning Buddhist ritual Debunking “living fossils” Unpacking “Daoist music” Rethinking Zhengyi and Quanzhen Rectifying names Dissolving boundaries Ritual paintings of north China Sects: Hebei Gaoluo South Gaoluo: a tribute to two ritual leaders Gaoluo: vocal liturgists Ritual images: Gaoluo Gaoluo: other ritual groups Gaoluo: New Year’s rituals South Gaoluo: the Catholics Shaanbei-ology Taruskin on early music What is serious music?! Playing with history: HIP Chant and beyond Bach—and Daoist ritual The right kind of spirituality? Tag Archives: Yang Yinliu Yang Yinliu: a conference Posted on 08/11/2019 by StephenJones.blog To commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of the incomparable Yang Yinliu 楊蔭瀏 (1899–1984), from 10th to 15th November a conference on his life and work is taking place at the Chinese Academy of Arts in Beijing (more details on WeChat, I trust). Yang was one of the great musicologists of the world; his research is central our understanding not only of music history but of traditional Chinese culture more generally. He excelled not only as a historian but as fieldworker and performer, steering the Music Research Institute through the choppy waters of Maoism. I’ve devoted a lengthy tribute to him; and do consult his tag in the sidebar—adducing his work on early history, folk and elite traditions (the latter embodied by the remarkable team of qin scholars at the MRI), Daoist and Buddhist ritual, and a range of regional instrumental and vocal genres, including his “discovery” of the music of the Zhihua temple in Beijing a major fieldtrip to Hunan in 1956 (also here). While I don’t much go on for conferences, I’m sorry I can’t attend this one, which also serves as a retrospective on the whole history of Chinese musicology, with contributions from leading scholars. There have also been celebrations in Yang’s home city of Wuxi. Zhihua temple 1954 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/02/23/a-slender-but-magical-clue/ Shifan c1962 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/02/26/a-tribute-to-yang-yinliu/ Posted in China, Daoism, fieldwork, ritual, Taoism, tributes / Tagged Yang Yinliu / Leave a comment Archive Chinese recordings One essential resource for studying—and teaching—Chinese culture is an excellent series from Wind Records 風潮公司 (Taipei), based on archive recordings of the Music Research Institute (MRI) in Beijing, many made amidst the constant campaigns of the first fifteen years of the PRC before the Cultural Revolution—the most authoritative overview of Chinese music on disc. Four 2-CD sets (with booklets in Chinese) are devoted in turn to folk-song, narrative-singing, opera, and instrumental music: Tudi yu ge 土地與歌 [English title Songs of the land in China: labor songs and love songs] (1996). Far from the kitsch arrangements that flood the market, these tracks—many recorded in the 1950s—are mostly unaccompanied, with work songs, songs of boatmen and foresters, love songs, wedding laments, passionate huar from Qinghai, and shan’ge from Shaanbei. Also featured are recordings from Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Shibaduan quyi 十八段曲藝 [Shuochang: the ultimate art of Chinese storytelling] (1998). This collection of early recordings of narrative-singing includes drum-singing from Beijing and Tianjin, tanci from Suzhou, and less well-known examples from Henan, Gansu, Qinghai, Hubei, and Guangxi. Jinye lai changxi 今夜來唱戲 [The beauty of Chinese opera] (1998). An overview of regional dramatic traditions, including not only Kunqu and Beijing opera (with Yu Zhenfei, Mei Lanfang, and others), but tracks from Hunan, Sichuan, northern “clapper” operas, as well as yangge opera and searing puppet drama from Shaanxi. Xianguan chuanqi 弦管傳奇 [Special collection of contemporary Chinese musicians] (1996). Complementing my 2-CD set on AIMP (also based on early MRI recordings), this set focuses on solo instruments, with some of the great masters from the 1950s. Apart from qin and zheng zithers (Zhao Yuzhai, Gao Zicheng, Luo Jiuxiang), pipa plucked lute, and various fiddles, there are also ensemble tracks led by dizi flute and suona shawm (from southwest Shandong), and guanzi oboe (Yang Yuanheng). The set ends with a drum section from the Shifan gu repertoire played in 1962 by the great Daoist master Zhu Qinfu. Yang Yinliu and Cao Anhe at the MRI, 1961. The series highlights the sterling work of the MRI under the great Yang Yinliu—to whom Wind Records also dedicated a 2-CD set. Of course audio recordings alone can’t encompass the complexities of changing social life, but basic familiarity with soundscape should be an essential aspect of our education in Chinese culture. For a further CD-set in the series, see here; for more discography, see my article in The Rough Guide to world music; for films on rural and ritual life in China, click here; and for precious recordings from 1901–2, here. Posted in Asia, China, fieldwork, world music / Tagged Shaanbei, south China, Yang Yinliu / 14 Comments The Confucian ritual in Hunan Source: Zhongguo minzu minjian qiyuequ jicheng, Hunan juan. One subject of Yang Yinliu‘s 1956 ambitious survey of the diverse performing genres in Hunan province was the large-scale Confucian ritual sacrifice of Liuyang, east of Changsha. Appendix 2 of his report, Kongfu dingji yinyue 孔府丁祭音乐 (1958, 78 pp.) was discreetly tucked away in a separate mimeograph; I haven’t yet tracked down the original, but its material is included in the 2011 reprint of Yang’s Hunan volume, and cited in the Anthology section. [1] There are all kinds of themes to unpack here. First, a confession: my own reluctance to study the topic is flawed. Cultures routinely exclude certain soundscapes from their concept of “music”, but ethnomusicology counsels a far more inclusive view. Indeed, for China I’m keen to include the songs of spirit mediums, work hollers, and vocal liturgy within our brief. I have no argument with studying elite culture, even if in most societies, including China (both historically and today), it only represents a tiny tip of the iceberg (for imperial culture, see here; and for similar reservations about the qin zither, here). I keep stressing that our focus shouldn’t be some reified concept of “music”, but expressive culture within society; and the topic of the Confucian rituals may lead all too easily to the glorification of some notional Golden Age of Ancient Sages. So I’m wary of “recreations” claiming to preserve or salvage such glories. Such a mindset may even distract us from other forms of musicking that are far more deeply embedded in social life. Still, like the performance of modern CCP propaganda, the Confucian sacrifice is a political subject, which of course we have to study. So it may be irrelevant that it seems to exclude most features that I (or the Chinese) can perceive as “musical”, and that (unlike folk ritual) it seems remote from the lives of ordinary people. Ritual often seems austere—we might adduce the hymns or the fast chanted scriptures of household Daoists like the Li family—but expertise, human energy, social interaction, are usually evident in performance. The origins of the Confucian sacrifices are in the numinous ancient music of Shao, whose wonders made Confucius himself oblivious to the taste of meat, if only for three months. But I’m going to start with the Tang—not because I wish to recreate its glories, but precisely because I don’t. Now I don’t applaud the xenophobia and moralistic snobbery of the Tang poets Bai Juyi and his friend Yuan Zhen, as society struggled to recover from the cataclysm of the An Lushan rebellion (see here, n.2). Bai’s poems like “The Standing Orchestra” and “Chime-stones from Huayuan” (which I might rename “Just Can’t Get the Staff, Nowadays”) rest on a flawed nostalgic idealization of the Wisdom of the Ancient Sages; but, with ethnographic candour, they also reveal the ineptitude of the yayue Confucian ceremonial performers of his day. Several studies have been made of these poems, but they were a theme that my teacher the great Tang scholar Denis Twitchett approached with relish (as you may see from our irreverent correspondence on the faqu, here and here; see also my own spoof Tang poems). So below I’ve adapted his (apparently unpublished) translations from a draft that he sent me, retaining the sometimes E.J. Thribb-like character of Bai Juyi’s original, and refraining from adding the Teutonic footnotes that every phrase invites (as parodied by Flann O’Brien’s commentaries on de Selby): The Standing Orchestra Drums and fifes of the Standing Orchestra blare out Dancers perform the two-bladed sword-dance, jugglers toss the seven balls Slender maidens walk the tightrope, quivering with long pole Among the orchestras of the Court of Sacrifices is a rigid hierarchy Those in the upper hall sit, those in the lower hall stand In the upper hall the mouth-organ songs of the Seated Orchestra are pure In the lower hall the drum and fife of the Standing Orchestra resound At the sound of a single note from the mouth-organ songs, everyone inclines their ears But if drum and fife were to play ten thousand pieces, no-one would listen The Standing Orchestra is base, the Seated Orchestra noble Once rejected, a member of the Seated Orchestra joins the Standing Orchestra Playing drum and mouth-organ to accompany circus acts But once a member of the Standing Orchestra is rejected, where can he find a job? First he is sent to the suspended bells and chimes to play the ritual music The ritual music has fallen so far out of fashion That incapable dolts like you are ordered to perform the gong and zhi modes When at the urban sacrifice we pray to the Earth Lord at the circular altar The claim takes this music to move the spirits of Heaven and Earth! Hoping to make the Phoenix come and the hundred beasts dance Is just like driving your carriage north, hoping to arrive in Chu!* The musicians are all incompetent fools—how can I adequately describe them? And you, the Three Ministers of the Court of Sacrifice, whatever sort of men are you? Chime-stones from Huayuan Chime-stones from Huayuan, chime-stones from Huayuan Men of old didn’t listen, but men of today listen Sonorous stones from the banks of the Si river, sonorous stones from the banks of the Si river Men of today don’t play them, but men of old played them How is it that men of old and men of today are so different? Which instruments are used and which rejected depends on the musicians Although the musicians have ears like a wall, if they’re unable to distinguish Pure from Muddy sounds then they might as well be deaf! When the pupils of the Pear Garden adjust the temperament They only know the new sounds, they are ignorant of the old Of old it was said of the fouqing chime-stones from the banks of the Si That their sound moved the listener to thoughts of those serving and risking their lives in distant places But when once the sound of the Huayuan chime-stones had been heard at the palace The prince’s heart straightaway forgot his subjects guarding the frontiers And sure enough, when the barbarian brigand rose up from Yan Few of the generals were willing to die in defence of the borders If once one understands how music and the state of government are intertwined How can one simply listen to the clashing and clanging of these instruments? “Xiang, the player of the stone-chimes, withdrew to his island in the sea”, leaving never to return And now kids from the Chang’an market-place have become Master Musicians! Who is there to truly understand the difference between Pure and Muddy sounds Between the chime-stones from Huayuan and the sonorous stones from the banks of the Si? So Bai Juyi is contrasting the expertise of the Seated Orchestra with the ineptitude of the ritual musicians, but “It’s Complicated”. The two genres serve entirely separate functions, with different demands. Technical virtuosity doesn’t correlate with efficacity: a lullaby serves its purpose perfectly, whereas the years of discipline that go into mastering a Paganini Caprice hardly go beyond mere technique. And some of the finest musicians in the world come from the “market-place”… Of course, recruiting practices may have changed from Tang to Ming, but I doubt if evidence is available to suggest that later ritual musicians were of a higher standard—they hardly needed to be. Bai Juyi’s argument doesn’t invalidate the performance, but it does rather, um, chime with my own reservations about studying it. “But that’s enough about me”. Yang Yinliu, with his historical erudition and concern for “literati music”, “palace music”, and indeed “feudal superstition” and the culture of the “exploiting classes”, was doubtless more interested in the Confucian ritual than I am. Whereas I can see the “value” of exploring the topic but prefer to focus elsewhere, for Yang and his colleagues it formed part of the rich topic of archaeology and early historical sources on which they also worked tirelessly. The wider context A useful introduction, for the Ming, is Joseph Lam, State sacrifices and music in Ming China: orthodoxy, creativity, and expressiveness (1998). He stresses those features, even if the latter two may seem rather remote from many people’s understanding of the topic. For dance, see also Nicolas Standaert, “Ritual dances and their visual representations in the Ming and the Qing” (2006) The stimulating article Sébastien Billioud and Joël Thoraval, “Lijiao: The return of ceremonies honouring Confucius in mainland China”, China perspectives 2009.4. mainly concerns Qufu in Shandong (birthplace of Confucius, and site of the most renowned rituals) and the rehabilitation of Confucius since the 1980s. Confucian sacrifices were performed widely throughout the empire until the collapse of the imperial system in 1911. They are not only documented in the national dynastic histories but also (at the expense of folk traditions!) often occupy an unreasonable amount of space in imperial county gazetteers, compiled according to a template. The topic, burdened by abstruse theory and false nostalgia, may seem largely to belong to the rarefied confines of early sinology. However, as always, it is no timeless “living fossil”, but was constantly remoulded and re-invented throughout the imperial era right down to today. Through the Republican era the rituals declined. After the 1949 Communist victory they were promoted by the Nationalist regime on Taiwan, but on the mainland they fell silent—apart from a few initiatives from cultural authorities. In late imperial times the rituals must have been common elsewhere in Hunan too (the Anthology mentions mid-19th-century accounts in the Yongzhou and Jiahe county gazetteers), but it is those of Liuyang that came to achieve national celebrity. So here I’d like to introduce the fortunes of the rituals there over their life-span of a century, from the 1840s to the 1940s. Liuyang [2] Confucian sacrifices may have been performed in Liuyang since ancient times, but we only find firm evidence from 1829, when the local jiansheng 監生 official Qiu Zhilu 邱之稑 (1781–1839) was commissioned to begin a lengthy investigation of how to perform the rituals, with funding to establish a Bureau for Rites and Music (Liyue ju 禮樂局). His research was based not only on early compendia (including Han sources and the Qing Lülü zhengyi) but also on a visit to Qufu. Qiu Zhilu then had to decide on the pitch standard (itself a thorny historical issue); choose the vast instrumentarium and repertoire (indeed, he is credited with incorporating folk elements, revising the system of one note per beat, and expanding the scale); and rehearse the singers, instrumentalists, and dancers. He documented the results of his research in a series of volumes. Though Qiu Zhilu died in 1839, the rituals he had designed were first performed in the early 1840s. Every three years over sixty youths over the age of 12 sui within the town—“from decent families” shenjia qingbai 身家清白, an assessment that would have been abruptly reversed after the 1949 Liberation!) [3]—were recruited, training for a month before the 2nd- and 8th-moon rituals. (An aside: I can’t help comparing this to the hereditary training of shawm-band musicians in Hunan and throughout China, who would begin playing percussion in the family band from around 6 sui, moving on to shawm in their early teens, and learning daily through constant participation in life-cycle and calendrical rituals. And that is where real creativity is to be found: for more on elite and folk cultures, with a detailed analysis of a qin piece and a shawm-band suite, see here. But as in the Tang, the efficacity of the Confucian ritual depended not on the performers but on the “arrangers”…) The Qing statesman Zeng Guofan (1811–72), himself a native of Hunan, sent envoys to Liuyang to attend the ritual, recommending it to the emperor. After the collapse of the imperial system in 1911, the Bureau was still maintained, though only the 8th-moon sacrifice was now held. Wannabe emperor Yuan Shikai (1859–1916) sent envoys, who reported it to be superior to the Qufu ritual; envoys from there and other regions of the country (including Heilongjiang, Yunnan, and Xinjiang) came to study. Apparently the genre even appeared in a feature film made in the early Republican era. These photos of the Liuyang performers appear quite widely online, but I can’t find dates—can anyone provide them? The first seems to date from before Liberation; I surmise that the second was taken when Yang Yinliu took them to record in Changsha in 1956. [4] As ever, I’m struck by both how much has survived and how much has been destroyed, and by the maxim “when the rites are lost, seek throughout the countryside”. The 8th-moon ritual was held in 1937 with an ever-dwindling personnel. After Liuyang was occupied by the Japanese, activity was interrupted in 1944. [5] After Japan was defeated, the temple grounds were taken over by the Nationalist administration and a local newspaper. By the time of an October 1945 performance in the temporary provincial capital Leiyang, following social upheavals, instruments had been damaged and the (recent) tradition much reduced. In 1946 the senior Liu Puxian 劉蒲仙 led a ritual with over a hundred performers, still only a pale reflection of the previous quorum. The last ritual performance took place on 28th September 1948. After the Communist victory, in 1951 the Liuyang Bureau of Culture retrieved the entire collection of over 350 instruments as well as the textual material, holding an exhibition; from 1953 they were stored in the Hunan provincial museum in Changsha, and some newly-reproduced instruments were made. Such was the backdrop to Yang Yinliu’s 1956 visit. He now assembled a dozen of the senior performers to go to Changsha, recording some of the main hymns with a motley assemblage of instruments whose pitches no longer matched (a topic that he explored eruditely in his monograph). The Anthology reprints Yang’s own transcriptions of these recordings. Zhaohe (Zhaoping) hymn to welcome the gods (opening), documented by Yang Yinliu. Source: Anthology. Hunan was hit by the famine that followed the Great Leap Backward, but in 1962, in a brief lull between campaigns, the Hunan cultural authorities organized another project on the ritual. The instruments were even briefly returned to Liuyang; new performers were trained, and further recordings made. Ever since then the instruments have been kept at the Changsha museum. Meanwhile similar research was ongoing in Qufu. From the 1980s, the resumption of research (now for the monumental Anthology) coincided with a progressive rehabilitation of Confucius and Confucianism. Indeed, Yang Yinliu’s 1956 work in Liuyang formed an important basis for the glitzy 1980s’ recreation of the most renowned Confucian ritual at Qufu, with which it had long-standing links. In recent years—inevitably—the Liuyang cult has been taken up by the Intangible Cultural Heritage (see here), although, as with many such projects, any tradition has long disappeared. The only remaining source was Qiu Shaoqiu 邱少求 (b. 1931), who had spent nearly ten years performing intermittently after training from the age of 9. Reconstructed diagram showing deployment of instruments. Source: Anthology. So once again, we have to unpack the thorny question “What is music?”. As Confucius himself observed, Music! Music! Is it nothing but the sound of bells and drums? Always remote from the lives of ordinary people, and performed only intermittently, the Liuyang ritual was a very minor aspect of musicking in Hunan; but it’s one that may attract sinological historians. To be sure, like folk musicking, it was in a constant process of change; and a certain creativity was involved—though far from the kind universal to most expressive culture in China and elsewhere. With Chinese and foreign scholars alike still keen to imagine “living fossils”, such as the ritual traditions of Beijing, Xi’an, and south Fujian, reification is a dangerous theme throughout traditional culture. Irrespective of my own ambivalence about the topic, Yang Yinliu’s work, even amidst pressure to downplay elite culture, shows his dedication to all aspects of performance and the historical background. At the same time, he wasn’t alone in studying the Liuyang ritual: the Hunan cultural authorities made efforts to document it throughout the first fifteen years after Liberation. * Satnav on the blink again—Ed. [1] Zhongguo minzu minjian qiyuequ jicheng, Hunan juan 中国民族民间器乐曲集成, 湖南卷, pp.2049–57, 2137, 2141, 2179–80, transcriptions 2060–85. See also Yang’s 1958 article “Kongmiao dingji yinyuede chubu yanjiu“, reprinted in Yang Yinliu yinyue lunwen xuanji 杨荫浏音乐论文选集 (1986), pp.276–97. [2] For Liuyang, online sources I have consulted include http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_95b86dd70102xhke.html http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_95b86dd70102xhqr.html http://www.feiyicheng.com/cms/index.php?act=article&op=article_detail&article_id=2186 http://www.hnmuseum.com/zh-hans/zuixintuijie/浏阳古乐编吕钟 http://www.lyyzedu.com/Item/6021.aspx In the Anthology, note the biography of Qiu Zhilu (p.2137) and the item on the Bureau of Rites and Music (p.2141). See also Yu Yizhi 喻意志 and Zhang Yu 章瑜, “Liuyang jikong yinyue chutan” 浏阳祭孔音乐初探, Tianjin yinyuexueyuan xuebao 2008.2. As ever, several details remain to be clarified. In English, an early mention of Yang Yinliu’s work on the Liuyang rituals is Rulan Chao Pian, Sonq dynasty musical sources and their interpretation (1967), pp.94–6. [3] Having observed that many of the CCP leaders came from Hunan, I note that Liuyang was the birthplace of Hu Yaobang (1915–89), who would not have made a suitable recruit… [4] This site, with 52 pages, contains a rich archive of visual images from Hunan, and leads to further sources showing the depth of both literati and popular culture there. [5] An instance of my problems interpreting the material: I surmise that it continued until then even under Japanese occupation. One would like more detail on the whole period from 1937 to 1949—but please, if you go to Hunan, do look beyond the Confucian ritual! Posted in China, fieldwork, ritual, south China / Tagged heritage, south China, Tang, Yang Yinliu / 20 Comments New tag: Yang Yinliu! I’ve just added a new tag in the sidebar for the great Yang Yinliu (1899–1984), whose encyclopedic work on Chinese music encompassed elite and folk traditions, historical sources and fieldwork. The starting point is this tribute, describing his early background in Kunqu, qin, and Daoist circles, and reflecting on his constant determination to document the whole heritage—notably ritual—despite the strictures of Maoism. It leads to further posts on his discovery of Beijing temple musics, his 1956 fieldwork in Hunan (here, and here), and much more. Posted in China, Daoism, fieldwork, ritual, Taoism, tributes / Tagged Yang Yinliu / 2 Comments Famine and expressive culture Glimpses of the early 1960s’ cultural revival in response to desperation Famine and expressive culture https://stephenjones.blog/2019/03/16/1960s-famine-and-expressive-culture/ Liu Shaoqi visits Hunan, 1961. The disastrous consequences of the Great Leap Backward have been documented by several scholars. But between 1961 and 1965, as the CCP retreated briefly from extreme policies in a brief lull before the Four Cleanups campaign, traditional (incuding ritual) culture revived significantly throughout the countryside. I’ve documented this fleeting revival for my main fieldsites in Hebei (Plucking the winds ch.5) and Shanxi (Daoist priests of the Li family, ch.5), and it often features in my accounts of local ritual—note also the Maoism tag. Apart from talking with people who can recall the period, documents by the provincial Bureaus of Culture from the late 1950s–early 1960s make an unlikely but fruitful source. While they are prescriptive decrees calling for further suppression of a gamut of “superstitious” activities, they thereby show how prevalent such practices were becoming—precisely in response to the desperation of the Leap. Here I’ll focus on the province of Hunan, to complement my post on Yang Yinliu’s 1956 survey. [1] Mao Zedong, Peng Dehuai, and Liu Shaoqi were all natives of Hunan. On 11th May 1959 Liu wrote to Chairman Mao after spending a month investigating the region of his birth: According to comrades from the provincial Party committee, 40% of all houses in Hunan have been destroyed. Besides this there is also a portion that has been appropriated by state organs, enterprises, communes, and brigades. On a visit to Mao’s home village in Shaoshan before the fateful Lushan conference of summer 1959, the Chairman himself had hinted at a partial retreat from the more radical policies of the Leap. Peng Dehuai went on to confront him at the fateful Lushan conference of summer 1959: When Peng had gone back to his home in Xiangtan, he found abuse and suffering everywhere, from farmers forced to practice close cropping to cadres tearing down houses in the iron and steel campaign. Visiting a retirement home and a kindergarten, he saw nothing but misery, the children in rags and the elderly crouched on bamboo mats in the freezing winter. Even after his visit he continued receiving letters from his home town about widespread starvation. Becker notes that in the anti-Peng hysteria that followed the conference, Hua Guofeng personally supervised the brutal persecution of Peng’s family who lived in the Xiangtan region. Provincial leader Zhou Xiaozhou, who had tried to blunt the impact of extreme leftist policies, was purged, and the madness only escalated. Dikötter observes: The number of people per room in Hunan doubled during the years of the Great Leap Forward, as entire families crowded into a single room the size of a wardrobe—despite the space created by the loss of several million to starvation. Ambitious yet misguided irrigation and land reclamation projects further depleted the environment. People were beaten to death in 82 out of 86 counties and cities. As investigating teams dispatched to the countryside reported: In Daoxian county many thousands perished in 1960, but only 90% of the deaths could be attributed to disease and starvation. […] Having reviewed all the evidence, the team concluded that 10% had been buried alive, clubbed to death or otherwise killed by Party members or militia. In Shimen county, some 13,500 died in 1960, of whom 12% were “beaten or driven to their deaths”. Dikötter cites reports from 1961: In Yuanling county, testicles were beaten, soles of feet were branded, and noses were stuffed with hot peppers. Ears were nailed against the wall. In the Liuyang region, iron wires were used to chain farmers. Liu Shaoqi returned to Hunan in 1961 in a widely-reported trip (online, see e.g. here): Determined to avoid the large retinue of bodyguards and local officials that inevitably came with every visit from a top dignitary, Liu set off on 2nd April 1961 from Changsha, travelling in two jeeps in the company of his wife and a few close assistants, bowl and chopsticks tucked away in light luggage, ready for a Spartan regime in the countryside. Soon the convoy came across a sign announcing a giant pig farm. On closer inspection, it turned out that the farm consisted of no more than a dozen scrawny hogs foraging in the mud. Liu decided to spend the night in the fodder store, and his assistants combed the place in vain for some rice straw to soften the plank beds. Liu noted that even the human excrement piled up for fertilizer consisted of nothing but rough fibre, another telltale sign of widespread want. Nearby a few children in rags were digging for wild herbs. Liu Shaoqi’s fears were confirmed over the following weeks, however difficult it was to get wary farmers to tell the truth. In one village where he stopped on his way home, he found that the number of deaths had been covered up by local leaders, while an official report drew a picture of everyday life which had nothing to do with the destitution Liu saw on the ground. He clashed with the local boss, who tried to steer the team away from speaking with villagers. He tracked down a cadre who had been dismissed as a rightist in 1959: Duan Shicheng spoke up, explaining how the brigade had earned a red flag during the Great Leap Forward. To protect their privileged status, Duan explained, local leaders had systematically persecuted anybody who dared to voice a dissenting view. In 1960 a meager crop of 360 tonnes of grain was talked up to 600 tonnes. After requisitions villagers were left with a paltry 180 kilos, out of which seed and fodder had to be taken, leaving a handful of rice a day. In his home village Tanzichong, friends and relatives were less reluctant to speak out. They denied that there had been a drought the year before, blaming cadres instead for the food shortages. “Man-made disasters are the main reason, not natural calamities.” In the canteen cooking utensils, dirty bowls and chopsticks were tossed in a pile on the floor. A few asparagus leaves were the only vegetable available, to be prepared without cooking oil. Liu was shaken by what he saw. A few days later, he apologized to his fellow villagers in a mass meeting: “I haven’t returned home for nearly forty years. I really wanted to come home for a visit. Now I have seen how bitter your lives are. We have not done our jobs well, and we beg for your pardon.” That very evening the canteen was dissolved on Liu’s orders. A committed party man, Liu Shaoqi was genuinely shocked by the disastrous state in which he found his home village. He had dedicated his every waking moment to the party, only to find that it had brought widespread abuse, destitution, and starvation to the people he was meant to serve. Becker also describes Liu Shaoqi’s visit to Hunan: In the Hengyang district “nearly an entire production team had died of hunger, and there was no one left with the strength to bury the bodies. These were still lying scattered about in the fields from which they had been trying to pull enough to stay alive.” Yet when Liu Shaoqi and his wife, Wang Guangmei, visited Hunan to see for themselves, local leaders went to extraordinary lengths to try and deceive them. Along the road leading to Liu’s home town of Ningxiang, starving peasants had torn the bark off the trees to eat, so officials plastered the tree trunks with mud and straw to conceal the scars. […] Liu only managed to discover the truth in the village where he had been born, Ku Mu Chong, when some villagers dared to tell him that twenty of their number had starved to death, including a nephew of Liu’s, and that a dozen more had fled. Expressive culture With all this in mind, it may seem almost perverse to turn our attention to expressive culture. Doubtless in some areas upon the 1949 Liberation, traditional culture was virtually stamped out, quite abruptly, only reviving after the collapse of the commune system from the late 1970s. Even where traditional genres survived relatively unscathed in the early 1950s (in 1956 Yang Yinliu’s team found rich material on his fine fieldtrip to Hunan, and his report contains no hint of the impending disaster), one might suppose that they would have declined further as collectivization intensified. We might doubt the ability of performance genres to survive through the famine following the 1958 Leap. Indeed, in many regions, irrespective of any official prohibitions, it may seem inconceivable that people could even have the strength to observe traditional cultural practices (see e.g. here, under “Religion and culture”). On the contrary, it seems that it was precisely the desperation of the times that prompted (on the economic front) a revival of folk performing groups and (in the sphere of belief) a renewed emphasis on traditional ritual. With no food or shelter in their home villages, people resorted to extreme measures. Migration was a traditional response to adversity; Hunan peasants often crossed the border into Hubei (cf. the flight of Yanggao dwellers to Inner Mongolia: Daoist priests of the Li family, pp.120–21). For the condition of folk performance activity in the early 1960s, apart from talking with people who recall the period, official documents in the Appendices of several of the provincial volumes of the monographs on opera and narrative-singing in the Anthology make an unlikely but revealing source, containing documents from imperial, Republican, and Maoist times, often relating to prohibitions (for all three periods!). [2] Often they inadvertently reveal “negative material” in discussing the desperate revival of folk and ritual groups from the late 1950s, reminding us that even through all the traumas of campaigns and collectivization, traditional genres “obstinately“, however tenuously, kept active. A series of detailed documents from the Hunan Bureau of Culture between 1957 and 1965 gives a remarkably frank impression of a far-from-stable socialist society. [3] A document from September 1961 innocuously prescribes a systematic project on the province’s rich heritage of local opera, specifically calling for impartial documentation irrespective of “feudal” and “superstitious” elements. Doubtless they benefitted from the model established by Yang Yinliu on his 1956 fieldwork. A lengthier document from March 1962 explicitly includes the diverse genres of narrative-singing in the project. By October the Bureau of Culture was discussing the registration of “folk professional scattered artists” (minjian zhiye lingsan yiren 民间职业零散艺人) that they had initiated in 1957. They note the recent growth of such performers along with state cutbacks and the arrival of migrant groups; some belonged to the “five black categories”, performing “unhealthy” items. With new campaigns for Socialist Education, the tide was turning: by April 1963, prompted by a central decree from Beijing, the Bureau of Culture issued a ban on the performance of “ghost operas”, which had grown “in the last couple of years”. For rural and urban Hunan they describe an increase of funeral elegies and rituals, offering incense and worshipping the Buddha, constructing temples, and inviting opera groups for rituals to invite the gods and redeem vows, [4] all encouraging the spread of anti-revolutionary elements and reactionary sects (fandong huidaomen). A draft discussion from 1964 elaborates further on how to register folk performers, mentioning over 12,000 rural scattered semi-professional artists (performing opera, shadow-puppetry, marionettes, and narrative-singing), some of whose groups “have become hiding places for class enemies, their programmes mostly spreading feudal superstition and capitalism.” Despite (or because of) the rising tide of political campaigns, a lengthy supplement from August 1965 reveals continuing issues: Under “Severe situation” (pp.622–3), problems are listed under five headings, all with detailed examples: Performing bad [feudalistic, superstitious, capitalistic] programmes, long prohibited but still rife, “poisoning people’s thinking”. This was a problem among the state troupes as well as folk groups: from the founding in November 1963 of the No.2 Marionette Troupe in Xinshao county to September 1964, 84 of their 103 performances were deemed “superstitious”. People abandoning production to take up itinerant performance. Of 96 shadow-puppet artists in one district, 21 took it up before Liberation, 17 from Liberation to 1958, but 58 since 1958—and those taking it up since Liberation were mostly strong young men, badly needed to help agriculture recover from the disasters of the years of hardship. In Lixian county, [5] the senior yugu performer Cheng Dengyun’s oldest son (33) was a production-team chief, his second son (28) team accountant, his third son a strong worker, but from 1961 they all took up yugu and abandoned production. Left: daoqing/yugu performers in Hengyang municipality, 1956. Right: yugu, undated photo from Zhongguo quyi zhi, Hunan juan. Yugu 渔鼓, related to daoqing 道情 and shadow-puppetry, is one of the most widespread genres of narrative-singing around Hunan and nearby provinces, using a distinctive drum made from a bamboo tube. The separate Anthology item on the genre introduces the early and later history of yugu, giving useful leads for the various regional styles. [6] But the 1964 document valuably supplements the largely official picture of yugu modernizing under the avuncular guidance of the Party. Online, besides more glossy official versions, you can find some excerpts from recent funerary performances, like this from Qidong county. Exorbitant charges. In a case from 1963, two shadow-puppeteers from a commune in Hengnan county performed an opera to redeem a vow; apart from a ticket price [??] of 6 yuan, they also demanded a dou of “holy rice” and 2 jin of oil; at the end they gave a commune cadre a statue of the deity Guanyin and demanded a further 2 yuan as a donation. Taking disciples, exploitative hiring practices—again showing the persistence of pre-revolutionary traditions. Harbouring bad elements and carrying out anti-revolutionary activities; examples are given of puppeteers performing anti-Communist propaganda. For local religious life over the Maoist era I haven’t yet sought documents from the Bureau of Religious Affairs, or indeed the archives of the Public Security Bureau, but one might expect revealing results there too. Having endured yet more traumas in the Cultural Revolution, such genres, mostly based on ritual practice, revived spectacularly after the collapse of the commune system in the late 1970s. But we can now see that the revival was not some miraculous atavistic re-imagining after three decades of silence: it took up a thread that had never been erased. Indeed, there was even a certain very limited activity through the Cultural Revolution decade. Equally, the wealth of research since the 1980s didn’t spring from a vacuum: it built on the brave work of scholars under Maoism. Studies of expressive culture under Maoism are often narrowly based on central policy towards “the arts”. Candid documents like those discussed here reveal not only regional policy but—more interestingly—the real situation on the ground, even if they were seeking to “correct” it. Thus the Party refutes its own simplistic narrative that “feudal superstition” was abruptly suppressed after Liberation—a claim that is rarely challenged even by scholars outside China . So the study of Maoism, expressive culture, and people’s lives should go hand in hand. For more recent social issues in rural Hunan, see here. [1] The material here is based on Jasper Becker, Hungry ghosts and Dikötter, Mao’s great famine, consulting the indexes under Hunan. The famine in some provinces, notably Henan, was considerably worse: I won’t attempt to summarize the abundant material here, but again it is described by Becker, Dikötter, et al. For refs. to Henan folk opera troupes begging during the famine, see Zhongguo quyi zhi, Henan juan, pp.735–40. For the great famines of Ukraine and China, see here. [2] Zhongguo xiqu zhi 中国戏曲志 and Zhongguo quyi zhi 中国曲艺志; cf. pp.329–30 of my “Reading between the lines: reflections on the massive Anthology of folk music of the Chinese peoples”, Ethnomusicology 47.3 (2003). For a recent discussion of sources on Maoism, see Sebastian Veg (ed.), Popular memories of the Mao era: from critical debate to reassessing history (2019). [3] For all the rich material on local household Daoist ritual in Hunan, I would love to read more accounts of their activities under Maoism. [4] Zhongguo quyi zhi, Hunan juan, pp.614–25. [5] Confession: in “Reading between the lines” I miswrote this place-name—I have no culture! [6] Zhongguo quyi zhi, Hunan juan, pp. 67–74; for its music, see pp.275–300, and Zhongguo quyi yinyue jicheng, Hunan juan. Posted in China, Daoism, fieldwork, north China, ritual, south China, Taoism / Tagged famine, Maoism, south China, Yang Yinliu / 20 Comments An American musician in 1920s’ China Henry Eichheim. Source: http://www.music.ucsb.edu/projects/eichheim/main.html The great Yang Yinliu (1899–1984) (whose work is essential for an understanding of Chinese culture!) was brought up in the city of Wuxi amidst an environment of Kunqu, qin, and Daoist ritual. In August 1921, the composer and violinist Henry Eichheim (爱希汉, 1870–1942), with his wife and daughter, made a journey to Wuxi to visit the great Wu Wanqing 吴畹卿 (1847–1927), leader of the prestigious Tianyun she 天韻社 Kunqu society, which dated back to the late Ming. Wu now arranged a series of seven private evening concerts for Eichheim. [1] Apart from the main programme of unstaged Kunqu, the hosts performed solos for qin and pipa, “silk-and-bamboo” ensemble pieces—and Shifan gu and Shifan luogu, staple instrumental components of the local Daoists’ ritual repertoire, which Yang Yinliu was later to document in two definitive monographs. (Note how I avoided the dangerous term “Daoist music” there!) [2] Shifan gu and Shifan luogu under the more monitored conditions of Maoism. The concerts ended with Eichheim himself playing a selection of WAM violin pieces accompanied by his wife on piano—I can’t find a list of items, but I like to imagine that they included Kreisler’s Tambourin chinois (1910). Yang Yinliu, undated early photo. Source: Yang Yinliu jinian wenji. Among the musicians that Wu Wanqing assembled was his pupil Yang Yinliu, still only 22. Already a pupil of the American missionary Louise Strong Hammond, he now served as translator for Eichheim. After trips to Japan, Korea, and India, Eichheim returned alone to a snowy Wuxi in December that year to hear more Shifan luogu. As Yang recalled, I asked why he wanted to hear shi-fan-luo-gu again. He said that in the intervening months he had travelled to many countries, but this is the music that impressed him the most. They played from 2 to 7.30pm, before Yang took Eichheim to the train station to rejoin his wife and daughter in India. Later he also made trips to Indonesia. He was among many composers inspired by the soundscape of the Mystic East, including Ravel and Colin McPhee (but not Berlioz…)—though the influence of gamelan in his works, such as his symphonic variations Bali (1931), is not always audible. Eichheim’s instrument collection is now housed at USCB. I wonder if any further records, such as photographs, survive of his visits to Wuxi. If only there were recordings! Perhaps it would be too much to expect Yang Yinliu to have taken him to film the rituals of the Daoists… For Eichheim in Japan, click here. [1] See my Folk music of China, p.248 (amidst an introduction to the Shifan genres, pp.252–69), and Peter Micic, “Gathering a nation’s music”, p.96, both based on Yang Yinliu, Shifan luogu (1980), pp.233–4. In my post on Yang I cited his earlier volume with Cao Anhe on Shifan gu. For the Tianyun she, see also Zhongguo xiqu zhi, Jiangsu juan 中国戏曲志, 江苏卷 p.726. Note also my lengthy review “Images of Abing”, British Journal of Ethnomusicology 6 (1997). For more on Eichheim, see Anthony Sheppard, Extreme exoticism: Japan in the American musical imagination (2019), ch.3. [2] Despite my aversion to the term “Daoist music”, two volumes by Qian Tieming 錢鐵明 et al., Wuxi daojiao keyi yinyue yanjiu 無錫道教科儀音樂研究 (Taipei: Xinwenfeng, 1999) are substantial. Still, there is a wealth of research on Daoist ritual around the Jiangnan region that doesn’t pluck soundscape out of its ritual context—notably in recent years from Tao Jin 陶金 in Suzhou, Shanghai, and so on: note Roundup of posts on south Jiangsu. Posted in Asia, China, composers, Daoism, fieldwork, ritual, south China, Taoism, WAM, world music / Tagged south China, Yang Yinliu / 6 Comments A 1956 fieldtrip to Hunan Wedding laments “seated in the song hall”, Jiahe county, Hunan 1956. Over seventy-four days in the summer of 1956, less than three years after the fieldtrip to Hequ in Shanxi, the great Yang Yinliu led a team of eighteen colleagues from the Chinese Music Research Institute to south China on an ambitious survey of the diverse performance genres throughout the Hunan countryside, aided by members of the provincial Bureau of Culture and its local branches. This resulted in the remarkable book Hunan yinyue pucha baogao 湖南音乐普查报告 [Report on a survey of the musics of Hunan] (Beijing: Yinyue chubanshe, 1960, 618 pp.). The original is none too easy to find—my own precious copy was presented by my splendid mentor Tian Qing. A 2011 reprint appears to be substantially re-edited, with some more recent material from the 1980s’ Anthology. Meanwhile the Music Research Institute was working on the Minzu yinyue gailun [Survey of Chinese music, published in 1964], establishing a classification of genres and sub-genres that has endured since, with minor variants. But despite some studies on individual topics, never before in Chinese history had the sheer variety of folk genres in a given region been documented; such projects laid the groundwork for the Anthology. If it’s impressive that the team undertook such fieldwork in 1956—even as collectivization was becoming ever more coercive, and on the eve of the 1957 rectification campaign—it’s just as remarkable that the volume was published in the desperate times of 1960, just as tens of million Chinese were starving to death. The chapters are each subdivided by Han Chinese and “brotherly” [sic] ethnic minorities (Miao, Yao, Dong, Tujia, and so on), somewhat diluting the coverage of the latter. Of course the volume bears the mark of its time; but “reading between the lines”, the material is precious. The collectors sometime mentions institutional changes since Liberation, but despite occasional outbursts of PC language, it’s abundantly clear that what they were seeking was traditional—and ritual—practice, and they always seek historical clues. Though they didn’t often coincide with folk performance events, they visited a wide range of groups, making audio recordings and providing a wealth of vocal texts and transcriptions. Indeed, the published volume is only a selection from the material collected. Yang Yinliu introduced the project and its methods in a 1957 article, reprinted in Yang Yinliu yinyue lunwen xuanji 杨荫浏音乐论文选集, pp.262–75. Even the texture of the paper evokes the character of the times! The chapter on song opens unpromisingly with revolutionary songs—an inevitable nod to the political context (for more, see Hequ 1953). More accurately, the theme here is not just the Communist revolution but earlier social disturbances, notably the Taiping rebellion which had devastated the whole region. As to the revolutionary songs, of course they were, and are, part of the soundscape, and need to be documented—sadly, it is now hard to do the same for the anti-revolutionary songs that were also part of the “heritage”. Children’s songs. Having paid lip-service to PC, the collectors go on to document “work songs“, “mountain songs”, “little ditties”, and the songs of women and children. Some of their precious recordings of work songs are included in the 2-CD set Tudi yu ge 土地与歌 [English title Songs of the land in China: labor songs and love songs], ed. Qiao Jianzhong (Taipei: Wind Records, 1996). Singing the god of the soil, Han Chinese performer in Dong minority region of Xinhuang, west Hunan. Customary (fengsu) musics are classified under calendrical and non-calendrical subheads. Many have ritual components: the former include songs to the god of the soil, pilgrimage songs, rain rituals, and 7th-moon rituals to the orphan souls. The non-calendrical items were mainly performed for weddings and funerals; texts of laments for both are provided—among the rich material here is extensive coverage of female ritual specialists “seated in the song hall” (zuo getang, see photo above), with dancing. Bamboo-horse, Yizhang county, south Hunan. The seemingly unpromising rubric of song-and-dance is again based in ritual, with local variants of “flower-drum” (huagu), “flower lantern” (huadeng), and “bamboo horse” (zhuma) groups. A brief item on the zanggu 藏鼓 of Cili county, already rare by the 1940s, opens a window on the redemption of vows in conjunction with spirit mediums. sixian, Wugang county, 1956 and 1980s. For narrative-singing, apart from various regional types of yugu, daoqing, tanci, pingshu, lianhualao, and sixian, the team also unearthed interesting genres like the widely-distributed public declamations of the Sacred Edict (sheng yu 聖諭: cf. here, under Gegezhuang; cf. Zhongguo quyi zhi, Hunan juan, p.101). The team could only provide a brief overview of the riches of regional opera, such as huagu xi (brief excerpts on CD2 of Jinye lai changxi [The beauty of Chinese opera], Taipei: Wind Records), marionettes and shadow-puppets, and nuoxi masked ritual drama. Under instrumental music, after an introduction to individual instruments, the main topics (as in most regions of China) are shawm bands (xiangfang 響房, gufang 鼓房) and percussion groups—again serving life-cycle and calendrical rituals. Though ritual pervades all the sections, in view of the political climate separate coverage of more explicitly religious and ritual music is relegated to appendices—with an obligatory defence on the “significance” of studying the topic. Here Yang Yinliu outlines Buddhist and Daoist temple and household groups (the latter under the heading of yingjiao 應教); the songs of spirit mediums (shijiao 師教, wujiao 巫教)—who, he notes, were ubiquitous; and folk Confucian practices. Zhou incantations sung by Yinlian. Under Buddhist temple music Yang considers the daily services and the major Flaming Mouth (yankou) and Water and Land (shuilu) rituals. For the latter, he already mimeographed a separate report after his return to Beijing in 1956. It’s based on the style of the Tianning si temple in Changzhou as learned by Yinlian 隱蓮 (then 52 sui)—a northern monk who after widespread “cloud roaming” was then working as a Chinese doctor in a lay Buddhist community in Shuangfeng county of Hunan. A second Appendix, on the Confucian sacrifice at Liuyang, was mimeographed separately, and I discuss it in another post. The whole volume attests to Yang Yinliu’s awareness of the importance of all kinds of ritual practice. As I’ve been writing this, I’ve updated my tribute to him, to reflect his studies of the ritual soundscape in a bit more detail. The 1980s: ambitious new projects Once political conditions allowed, a huge revival of traditional culture took place across Hunan, as throughout China, and fieldwork resumed uner the auspices of the monumental Anthology. Some of the genres uncovered by the 1956 fieldwork may have been unable to revive, but (as with all the provincial volumes) the editors could now elaborate on the genres that Yang and his colleagues had only been able to outline, with each broad genre (folk-song, narrative-singing, opera, instrumental music, dance) covering a couple of thousand pages. Apart from all the coverage of ritual genres under other volumes, in the instrumental music volumes the sections on “religious music” alone cover over 400 pages. Folk ritual groups, Hunan. In another post I’ve discussed the complementary tasks of making regional surveys and in-depth studies of a particular locale (for which, apart from my work on Gaoluo village and the Li family Daoists, see e.g. my reports under local ritual). Of course, all of the individual genres under these broad headings merit detailed studies—indeed, some of them have been the subject of monographs since the 1990s. Despite Yang Yinliu’s background studying with the Daoists of his home city Wuxi, at the time he could only devote very limited attention to Daoist ritual in Hunan. Only after the 1980s’ liberalizations did it become possible to initiate major projects on local household “altars” of Daoist ritual in Hunan and elsewhere in south China. Though they mainly stress “salvage” rather than the changing fortunes of local ritual life since the 1930s, they provide a level of detail that most Chinese musicologists can hardly imagine. Whereas the 1956 survey was partly documenting the riches of local culture on the eve of Liberation, the Anthology was seeking to record both the 1980s’ revival and earlier history, without quite spelling out the diachronic story. More recently, reification has only become more severe with the Intangible Cultural Heritage project. Traditional local cultures may have begun a long decline soon after Liberation—indeed, even before, in wartorn regions under CCP control. But even after collectivization intensified from 1956, ritual and other genres somehow kept active—I take the story onto the mid-60s here. It’s yet another reminder that “a starved camel is bigger than a fat horse”, to cite The dream of the red chamber. I can’t help thinking that under the CCP, for all that local traditions were attenuated and scholarship circumscribed, both somehow persisted more “obstinately” than in the Soviet bloc. Of course, surveys like the Hunan volume are far from the cultural ethnography of a changing society; still, the point is not to reify tradition but to read scholarship, of any period, within the context of its own time. Meanwhile Yang’s colleague Zha Fuxi was making a survey of qin zither players around the country—a tiny but much-studied elite. And in the winter of 1961–62 Li Quanmin led a similar trip to Fujian province. Beijing scholars embarked on many such trips in the fifteen years between Liberation and the Four Cleanups, laying the groundwork for more ambitious projects after the 1980s’ liberalizations. So to repeat my reminder: Chinese culture doesn’t reside merely in silent immobile old books in libraries… See also Social issues in rural Hunan. Posted in China, Daoism, fieldwork, gender, in China, ritual, south China / Tagged south China, Yang Yinliu / 21 Comments Hequ 1953: collecting folk-song The fieldwork team sets off into the Hequ countryside, 1953. After the Russian revolution, the work of ethnographers in the Soviet Union and their satellites was severely hampered right until the 1990s (see also here). So turning to China, I remain deeply impressed by the energy of fieldworkers documenting folk culture in the first fifteen years after the 1949 “Liberation”, for all its limitations. In autumn 1953, in one of the first major field projects of the Music Research Institute in Beijing, Yang Yinliu and Li Yuanqing dispatched a team to spend three months collecting folk-song in rural Hequ (“river bend”) county in Shanxi. On the banks of the Yellow River at the borders of Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi, this large isolated area in the far northwest corner of the province connects the Datong region and the much-studied Shaanbei (see also here). The results of the project were published in the 244-page Hequ minjian gequ 河曲民間歌曲 [Folk-songs in Hequ], ed. Zhongyang yinyuexueyuan Zhongguo yinyue yanjiusuo (Beijing: Yinyue chubanshe, 1956, reprinted 1962). The team of eight was led by Xiao Xing 晓星, and included Li Quanmin 李佺民 and Jian Qihua 简其华, who went on to do significant field research further afield. Meanwhile back in Beijing, a Czech couple were documenting narrative-singing, while Yang Yinliu and Zha Fuxi were discovering the shengguan wind ensemble of the Zhihua temple. Whereas the study of temple music was rather bold, folk-song—the creation of the labouring masses—seemed to make an acceptable topic. But despite the experience gained in the Yan’an base area in the 1940s, where collecting folk-song was already a pillar of CCP cultural policy (as shown in the 1984 film Yellow earth; see also here), the editors reveal a certain resistance among local cadres to the idea, and go to some lengths to justify it. With the social changes upon Liberation, they hint that it was already to some extent a salvage project: “people don’t sing shanqu nearly as much as before”. Here one can hardly expect candid ethnographic coverage of the Japanese occupation, civil war, and the early years of Liberation (cf. Hinton‘s detailed, but also ideologically-driven, accounts for the land reform and later campaigns in a village in southeast Shanxi). And sadly, the volume includes only a few very brief biographical accounts of the singers. This 1953 photo of Guan Ermao was reproduced in the Anthology. As in Shaanbei, the repertoires are dominated by “mountain songs” (shanqu), “Walking the Western Pass” (zou xikou), and errentai genres. Through the zou xikou songs the collectors paid attention to seasonal migration, and songs about love and marriage prompted them to explore the lowly status of women—in the “old society”. They documented work hollers (including those of boatmen), and the songs of miners. Apart from lyrics and transcriptions, the introduction (5–41), and the substantial report (107–224) are inevitably pervaded with the language of the day—”feudalism”, “working masses”, and so on; the authors’ attempt to explore the relation of the songs with people’s lives is constrained by ideology. Still, there’s rich material here. For a definitive 2-CD set with archive recordings of Chinese folk-song, note Tudi yu ge 土地与歌 [English title Songs of the land in China: labor songs and love songs], ed. Qiao Jianzhong (Taipei: Wind Records, 1996). Field sites in Hequ county, 1953. The bleak Hequ landscape later formed the backdrop for Chen Kaige’s 1991 film Life on a string. By the way, I’m curious to learn of any household Daoist activity in this little-studied region. After the Cultural Revolution disrupted research, and lives, the collapse of the rigid commune system from the late 1970s soon allowed the task of documenting expressive culture to resume—now with the monumental Anthology project. The folk-song volume for Shanxi Zhongguo minjian gequ jicheng, Shanxi juan 中國民間歌曲集成, 山西卷 (942 pp.) was published in 1990. For Hequ, indeed, it includes some transcriptions from the 1956 volume. I touched on folk-song collecting in “Reading between the lines: reflections on the massive Anthology of folk music of the Chinese peoples”, Ethnomusicology 47.3 (2003), pp.287–337. Clearly, as William Noll also observes, we always have to interpret texts in the context of their time; learning to read between the lines is a basic task in studying both early and modern Chinese scholarship. Yang Yinliu and others had to learn to use the rhetorical language of communism to handle ideological pressure. However obligatory his language of class struggle, he documented both folk and élite traditions with great insight. Still, explicit or implicit ideological frameworks will inevitably affect the work of collection and presentation. An obvious case is the former Maoist highlighting of “revolutionary songs”. It is a tribute to the advances of Chinese musicology since the 1980s that Yang Mu’s comments (“Academic ignorance or political taboo? Some issues in China’s study of its folk song culture”, Ethnomusicology 38.2 [1994]), based mainly on his experiences in China in the 1980s, now look dated. Yang caustically describes the limitations of Chinese folk-song collection, questioning the “authenticity, representativeness, and reliability” of the early Anthology folk-song volumes. He observes the narrowly political nature of fieldwork in China: that “the arts must serve proletarian politics”, and that collection often served as material for new composition. Yet this criticism again seems to fail to distinguish slogans from genuine intent or actions. Yang Mu reasonably finds such collections misleading, with revolutionary songs being given space far above love songs. Yang points out that revolutionary songs are not representative of actual folk-song activity, as they were not popular, being performed only for government-sponsored events—at least by the 1980s, and quite probably through the Maoist era too, I might add. Such songs may be academically significant as reflections of the Party’s artistic policies, but as Yang Mu says, after asking the local singers to sing all types of their local folk songs, and having listened to them singing for many hours, I never heard a single song that could be considered “revolutionary”. Singers may know a few such songs, but they are not part of their customary repertory. Yang Mu claims the scholars arguing against political control lost the battle, but revolutionary songs take a more modest place in most of the published volumes, so quickly has Chinese thinking shaken off Maoism. Whereas until the 1980s revolutionary songs compulsorily opened most collections, in the Anthology they take their chance along with other songs. in the Anthology the list of themes at the end of each volume (with minor variations), however subjective, is as useful as any rough-and-ready system. Political songs are included under the headings “social struggle” and sometimes also “revolutionary struggle”, both with sub-categories; a category called suku, “speaking bitterness” or lamenting hardship, may be included under either heading. In many volumes these songs occupy around 10% of the total, which one may still find “unrepresentative”, though by no means as dominant as Yang Mu suggests. I gave a couple of examples: Yang Mu also criticizes the excessive selection of “texts describing or complaining about the bitter life, suffering, and distress of the laboring class people before they were liberated by the CCP”. But such songs are not always clearly about the old days, and even if they are (such as deploring a cruel landlord), songs lamenting the bitter life of olden times are rather common in many societies, and motivations for singing them may be quite complex; they may embody a kind of historical memory, and might even be seen as a subtle criticism or expiation of current woes. Many songs I have consulted in this category seem, like the blues, to be simply lamenting hardship or separation, with no clear time-frame. So I would be less keen to assume political bias here. Still, if songs praising the CCP are no longer dominant, songs criticizing it are entirely absent, which may or may not reflect reality! Songs with “negative” (e.g., feudal, religious, or sexual) texts may have been censored, both by singers and collectors. In the Anthology love songs and work songs are in a majority. The ritual and religious soundscape has been allowed a certain presence throughout; but if the collectors and editors have significantly reversed any revolutionary bias, a secular bias may remain. How may one assess their relative importance? Short of fly-on-the-wall recording of folk-song life over a long period, singers may indeed censor songs they see fit to sing for outsiders, long before collectors and then editors make their own selections. By contrast with Yang Mu’s criticisms, I’ve already discussed the choice of one local cultural cadre collecting the repertoires of blind itinerant male bards in 1980s’ Shaanbei (see here, under “Research and images”): “When I recorded them, I chose anything about Heaven, Earth and Man, and rejected everything about the Party, Chairman Mao, and Socialism!” For more on folk-song collection, see here. For Shanxi, neither in the 1956 report nor in the Anthology folk-song volume do the collectors give revolutionary songs pride of place; but they hardly fulfil their aspiration to evoke people’s lives. And while the 1980s’ Anthology fieldwork now looks impressive by comparison with the later superficial reifications of the Intangible Cultural Heritage project, it too falls short in ethnographic detail. All the same, I’m full of admiration for the team that spent those months “among the people” in 1953. And how one wants detailed accounts of the fortunes of their peasant hosts as collectivization and campaigns got under way. Posted in China, fieldwork, north China, ritual / Tagged Maoism, Shaanbei, Shanxi (other), Yang Yinliu / 8 Comments The folk–conservatoire gulf Yang Yinliu, 1950. I just remembered a wise quote from the great Yang Yinliu. First, some useful background (“Typical!”). Further to my post on Different values, the gap that has opened up between the sound ideals of traditional and conservatoire musicians is a regular theme of this blog (see e.g. many posts under heritage). Indeed, I already discussed it in chapter 3 of my first book Folk music of China (1995/1998). It may be a spectrum, but it often seems like a chasm. In the Republican era, in the face of the apparently wholesale victory of Western civilisation and technology over the “backward” Chinese heritage, along with the influx of a range of Western genres patriotic Chinese sought with modernizing zeal to create an “improved” “national music”, learning from the West while searching for valuable elements in their own tradition. This, of course, was a common reaction in many cultures around the world, as explored by Bruno Nettl. Some rejected the old “feudal” culture completely; another response was a self-conscious musical antiquarianism, with educated Chinese establishing patriotic groups for the preservation of the “classical” heritage. This not only perpetuated the abstractions of early Confucian music theorists, but also left a legacy that has now been enshrined in the romantic staged reifications of the Intangible Cultural Heritage project. Indeed, in the Chinese and foreign media this has come to stand for traditional music, despite the continuing vigour of a vast wealth of rural genres. Early uses of the term “national music” (guoyue) were found among the literati of what were still regional groups, as in Chaozhou and Hakka groups and around Shanghai. What became a “conservatoire style” was based to a large extent on the Shanghai style. Meanwhile inland in Shaanbei at the CCP base of wartime Yan’an, a debate was also waged between “foreign” and “indigenous” (yang 洋 and tu 土) approaches; the latter was always going to dominate, but Communist cadres often found the raw folk material that confronted them “feudal and superstitious”. I noted the dilemma of cultural cadres in “managing” poor blind bards there under Maoism; and for gender perspectives on “superstition”, see here. The ambiguity, not to say confusion, of the Party line on traditional culture was expressed by Wang Chun, mentor of the author Zhao Shuli. He criticized both opera and narrative-singing, lamenting the close links between folk music and “superstition”. This established a tendency to treat music as autonomous, divorced from context. Of course, all this was based on social conditions. At local level, despite the assaults on former patrons, the expressive culture of many rural societies remained based in ritual, whose values were little influenced by the secularizing trends of the cities. As you can see from my post on Festivals, what developed was a range of performance along a continuum. North Shanxi Arts Work Troupe, 1959. Li Qing front row, far right. His four years there (1958–62) were a brief interlude within a lifetime of ritual practice. The new state-funded institutions (opera troupes, arts-work troupes, conservatoires, and so on) didn’t replace the traditional groups (like ritual associations, shawm bands, amateur clubs), but supplemented them. Musicians from folk backgrounds recruited to the official troupes found themselves having to compromise (see e.g. my Daoist priests of the Li family, pp.113–18). Some adapted more than others. Regional characteristics were gradually diluted in an attempt to forge a “national” synthesis. Daoist Shifan gu, c1962. Right, here’s what I was going to offer you: The great Yang Yinliu, whose encyclopedic erudition on Chinese music history was enriched by being brought up among traditional musicians (Kunqu, Daoist ritual, the qin zither), was well aware of the stylistic conflict. In an article on instrumental music, first published in Renmin yinyue in 1953—not long after Liberation, and just as he was studying the shengguan music of the Zhihua temple—he touched on several sensitive topics including “temple music” and “palace music”, already under criticism from rigid ideologues on simplistic class grounds—carefully couching his defence in the new politicized language. He went on to observe tellingly (cited in my Folk music of China, p.51): Once in Wuxi there was a technically brilliant and enthusiastic comrade directing a group of twelve folk artists who were thoroughly versed in performing the local wind-and-percussion music. He announced his opinions to them about the “improvement” [of the music] considering the peasants’ music too long (around half an hour), and that it would only be right if the pieces were abbreviated so that the whole suite lasted about five minutes; further, the peasants’ percussion music was too complex, with too many decorations; the workers only liked simple pieces, and they should eliminate all the decorations on the drum and other percussion instruments. The result was that the folk musicians began to feel doubtful, and their interest dwindled. They felt that after abbreviating the pieces, not only would it be difficult for them to make the transitions, but the transmission of the pieces would be endangered if the greater part of them were cut; and completely to eliminate all the decorations was simply to make them regress to the stage of beginners. In such official contexts at least, uncomprehending apparatchiks wielded power over helpless folk musicians. I went on to comment: As Yang wisely points out, “these opinions of the folk musicians cannot be neglected”, but the same patronizing attitude towards folk musicians and audiences alike remains endemic today. Again, this relates partly to context: the apparatchiks were seeking to adapt folk music for short breezy staged performances, whereas in ritual life, musicking unfolds gradually over events lasting a couple of days. Still, irrespective of the new institutions and the platitudes of Party pundits, folk activity persisted, resistant to Party ideology. And Yang, with his able colleagues at the Music Research Institute, just kept on researching living genres (both folk and elite), and their imperial history, right until the Four Cleanups campaign of 1964. But the sound ideals of folk and conservatoire musicians continued to diverge starkly, as we found with the 1980s’ recreations of the “suite plucking” of old Beijing. More than Bartók, Yang Yinliu was also concerned with documenting the changing society in which music functions. As suggested in my post on him (such as his account of Daoism in Wuxi and his 1956 report from Hunan), he was attuned to issues that were soon to become basic to ethnomusicology—even if such study was still limited under Maoism, and (with honorable exceptions) remains so today under stultifying heritage propaganda. Posted in China, conflict, ritual / Tagged heritage, Maoism, south China, Yang Yinliu / 12 Comments Musicking at the Qing court 1: suite plucking On the folk–art continuum in culture “Musiciens Chinois. légation a Pékin”, Paul Champion, 1865/1866, with sanxian plucked lute, xiao end-blown flute, yangqin dulcimer, and sihu fiddle. Inspired in 2017 by Stephan Feuchtwang’s 80th birthday to essay a fantasia on Bach at the court of the Qianlong emperor, I’ve been meaning to give a little introduction to the court music of the Qing dynasty (for another vignette, see here). First we need to unpack the wafty term “court music”, subsuming all kinds of activities (for an early study from the Forbidden City, see e.g. Wan Yi and Huang Haitao, Qingdai gongting yinyue, 1985; see also the succinct introduction in Yang Yinliu, Zhongguo gudai yinyue shi gao, pp.1005–1009). It includes the large-scale yayue, ceremonial groups of both Inner and Outer courts, Daoist, Buddhist, and shamanistic observances, various genres of opera—and recreational chamber ensembles for life-cycle celebrations. Most of the groups that I study in rural China serve the ritual needs of their local communities—whether occupational or (as in the case of sectarian associations) devotional. Amateur musicking for recreation or entertainment is less common. Even vocal genres like opera and narrative-singing are often occupational, largely serving ritual; but we do find some recreational groups, mainly in urban areas. And even here, the ceremonial–entertainment dichotomy is not clear-cut: recreational genres too were often performed for life-cycle and calendrical ceremonies. Suite plucking After Liberation, cultural cadres gave misleading names to many folk genres (cf. here, and for the “songs-for-winds”, here). The recreational chamber repertoire known since the 1950s as the “thirteen suites for strings” (xiansuo shisan tao 弦索十三套) was simply known as “suite plucking” (tantao 彈套). [1] Often valorized by a narrow association with the Manchu court elite, it turns out to belong to a wider circle of folk activity (and here we may detect echoes of the hype surrounding the Zhihua temple). Indeed, it’s not useful to draw a clear line between folk and elite musical cultures in China—for a detailed instance, see this comparison of a qin piece and a shawm suite. The social and cultural life of the late Qing is a rich topic, little explored in relation to these suites. I learn much from a 2013 article by Zhang Weidong 张卫东, stalwart of the amateur narrative-singing clubs around Beijing. Among many sources, he cites Jin Shoushen 金受申, Lao Beijingde shenghuo 老北京的生活—just the fascinating kind of social detail also found in the work of Chang Renchun on the customary and ritual life of old Beijing. As part of his broad cultural education Aisin Gioro Yuhuan 爱新觉罗毓峘 (1930–2003), descendant of the Qing imperial family, learned the sanxian plucked lute from the age of 8 in Japanese-occupied Beijing with the former palace eunuch Luo Defu 羅德福, and later with blind musicians Wang Xianchen 王宪臣 and Zhang Songshan 张松山. He expanded on this background in several interviews, including articles in Renmin yinyue 1988.9 and 1990.6. For my visit to him, see here. Like most musicking in China and worldwide, the genre wasn’t dependent on notation: indeed, it was largely an oral tradition. And again it illustrates the continuum between folk and art musics: it now tends to be associated with the Manchu–Mongolian nobility, but they learned this repertoire as patrons of lowly blind itinerant street performers (menxianr 門先 or gumu 瞽目) whom they invited to their mansions. Blind musicians are important in local social life, such as shawm players and bards (and, further afield, in Ukraine—formerly), and the menxianr were major players in the Beijing narrative-singing scene. Illustration from the “72 trades of old Beijing”. In the mid-19th century [2] a blind sanxian player called Zhao Debi 趙德壁 was renowned for his rendition of the suites. His pupil Yue Fengting 岳鳳亭 was an influential transmitter of the repertoire. And Wang Xianchen, a protegé of the empress Cixi, served the inner court. Instruments included the plucked lutes sanxian and pipa; a bowed lute tiqin or sihu; and the zheng zither—which, despite its rippling ubiquity in the conservatoires, is rarely used in folk ensembles in north or even south China. A xiao end-blown flute, dizi transverse flute, or small sheng mouth-organ might also take part, but were already less often used by the early 20th century. In the early 19th century the Mongolian nobleman Rong Zhai (Ming Yi 明誼) learned the repertoire along with four other princes (gong 公), and in 1814 he compiled a gongche score in his Xiansuo beikao 弦索備考. By the 1940s, this and several related scores kept in private hands had reached Beijing music scholars (cf. this post), Later Cao Anhe thickened the plot with a discussion of these versions, including forgeries, showing the importance of textual research: Cao Anhe, “Xiansuo shisan tao paishengchulaide jizhong wei yuepu” 弦索十三套派生出来的几种伪乐谱, Wenyi yanjiu 1981.4. This resulted in yet another project from the brilliant Music Research Institute (MRI) in Beijing under the aegis of Yang Yinliu, largely consisting of transnotations. It was first published in three slim volumes in 1955 and 1962, and then reprinted in 1985: Cao Anhe 曹安和 and Jian Qihua 简其华 (eds.), Xiansuo shisan tao 弦索十三套. Yet again I marvel at the energy and discrimination of the Beijing scholars before and after Liberation, also including Wang Shixiang, the great painter and qin player Pu Xuezhai 溥雪齋 (1893–1966, another scion of the Aixin Gioro imperial family—see below), and Ling Qizhen 凌其阵. [3] In 1963 Aisin Gioro Yuhuan was invited to teach at the Beijing conservatoires, but this was soon interrupted by the outbreak of the Cultural Revolution (cf. Daoist drum master Zhu Qinfu: my Folk music of China, pp.255–6). By 1985 he had hardly played sanxian for over thirty years, but he now worked closely with Tan Longjian to recreate the style of the Xiansuo beikao suites. She went on to publish separately the results of their work on the sanxian parts: Tan Longjian 谈龙建, Qing gu gongwangfu yinyue: Aisin Gioro Yuhuan sanxian chuanpu 清故恭王府音乐: 爱新觉罗·毓峘三弦传谱 (1988), with a useful introduction by Yuan Jingfang 袁静芳. Rong Zhai had given individual parts for each instrument, spelling out their heterophony. By contrast, when melodies of instrumental ensembles were notated, it was invariably in a single gongche skeletal outline, with the realizations on particular instruments left to the taste and experience of the musicians. This was evidently so for these suites too: the score was an isolated instance of documentation in what remained an oral tradition. In one case Rong Zhai even gave a “full score” with all the parts aligned—perhaps a unique instance in traditional notation: Xiansuo beikao, opening of Shiliuban. From Zhongguo yinyueshi cankao tupian, vol.4 (1955). Still, as in all traditions of musicking around the world, performance requires practical experience of learning with a master; and this applies even when notation is available. The suites consist of sequences of melodies, though titles within the suites are not always given. The repertoire overlaps with that of shengguan ritual wind ensembles such as Haiqing 海青 and Pu’an zhou 普安咒, widely performed both in the temples of old Beijing and among amateur ritual associations in the countryside nearby and further afield. It was on these rural groups, still active, that I came to focus; and here too, I learned that one’s field of study must be far broader than “instrumental music“. Changing society As I often note for ritual studies too, scholars tend to favour reified documents, at the expense of changing social context. Well before the Communist revolution of 1949, the social system had been changing along with the demise of the imperial system in 1911. But when musicologists began transnotating the suites in the early 1950s, there were still some musicians who recalled playing them—like Aisin Gioro Yuhuan, indeed. How I wish Yang Yinliu and his colleagues had managed to record them then, like their 1953 Zhihua temple recordings (playlist #14, with commentary here). According to Cao Anhe (1981) the MRI did indeed record four or five suites played by the great blind sanxian player Wang Xianchen (for whom, see again Zhang Weidong’s article). By 1950 Wang must have been at least 80 years old, but alas these recordings appear to have been lost. I’ll save another surviving recording for further below. What did persist in Beijing, both before and since the Cultural Revolution, was the amateur narrative-singing scene—a must for any aficionados of The dream of the red chamber, by the way. Some instrumental pieces are still played there as preludes or interludes, but the suite repertoire didn’t survive. Anyway, it’s another of the pleasures of Beijing musical life, less well publicized than the indie/punk scene there. In the 1990s, between fieldtrips in Hebei, I enjoyed visits to a little hutong in Xinjiekou for the weekly gatherings at the house of the late great Qian Yadong 钱亚东 (right, in 1995—then aged 85!). Sihu, pipa and sanxian players (the latter blind—long rare at such gatherings) at Qian Yadong’s house, 1995. For the narrative-singing scene in early 1950s’ Beijing, the vicissitudes of Czech and Chinese scholars and artists, and the 1980s’ Anthology, see here. Belated recordings With the renewed vigour of the 1980s, the Central Conservatoire in Beijing organized students to perform the suites on the basis of the 1950s’ transnotations, consulting Aisin Gioro Yuhuan and Cao Anhe. I’ve given some instances of the aesthetic gulf between folk and conservatoire, and here’s another. While well-intentioned, these reified conservatoire recordings can hardly capture the more traditional mood of the earlier masters. Of course, young conservatoire students were not only learning from prescriptive modern notation, but belonged to another aesthetic world to that of the itinerant blind performers and the Qing nobility—and even to that of their own conservatoire teachers, many of whom (including masters like Yang Yinliu, Cao Anhe, Yang Dajun, Cao Zheng) had been brought up in a traditional aesthetic. Even the instruments, and their strings, would have been different. You can find the conservatoire recordings in a YouTube playlist from David Badagnani (note also the Chinese documentary to which he refers): So just like my own humble rendition of Bach on the erhu, After intensive research on Qing-dynasty performance practice, I can now say with some certainty that… it wouldn’t have sounded like this. We can get more of a flavour of a convincing style for “suite plucking” from early recordings of narrative-singing in old Beijing. And thanks to Yuan Jingfang I learn of a 1950s’ recording of (a variant of) the “plucking suites” piece Hehuan ling 合歡令 on sanxian by none other than Pu Xuezhai (see above)! Indeed, whereas Pu quite Correctly regarded the qin as merely part of the whole “qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting” amateur literati culture, he seems to have been more adept as a sanxian player. Gratifyingly, the recording has been reissued: Such genres in China, largely performed by amateurs for entertainment, are commonly grouped under the umbrella term of “silk-and-bamboo” (sizhu). Some are mainly for instrumental ensemble (as in Shanghai or Chaozhou); in others (such as the nanyin of south Fujian) the ensemble mainly accompanies a solo singer, and genres may be classified under narrative-singing. They are often linked to a literate elite background, later becoming popular among ordinary people. These groups have survived well along the southeastern coast. Nanyin continues to enjoy wide popularity, not just in the main urban centres like Quanzhou and Xiamen but throughout the surrounding countryside. Some genres are nationally renowned, and a common topic of music scholars; but my reading of the fine ethnographic reports around the region suggests that they are only a minor part of expressive culture there—with Daoists and mediums, opera troupes and puppeteers, shawm bands and percussion ensembles dominating the rich ritual culture of the area. Many more genres, little-known outside their catchment area, can be found in the instrumental and narrative-singing volumes, by province, of the Anthology (see e.g. the “silk-strings” of Wugang in Hunan, mentioned in my “Reading between the lines”, pp.327–8, and also recently the object of heritagification). In the north, most string ensembles with substantial separate repertoires seem to have declined since the 1950s, suffering from a decline in both recreational activities and patronage. As for the south, I introduced some groups briefly in my Folk music of China, and again you can pursue them further in the Anthology—such as in Chengde northeast of Beijing; various types of Shifan 十番 ensemble; Henan bantou 板頭 and Shandong peng baban 碰八板 repertoires. See also my post on the “little pieces” of Yulin city—amateur groups that survived Maoism but became moribund since the reforms, with the kiss of death bestowed by the reforming zeal of cultural officials. The question remains, why amateur folk activity in those chamber genres along the southeastern coast has remained strong through the Maoist and reform eras, with a spectrum of traditional and official styles, whereas in the north most amateur string ensembles seem to have become musical casualties of the revolution. So while a narrow musicological approach tends to encourage reification, the study of “suite plucking” should lead us to the cultures of late imperial Beijing, both folk and elite; and to the voluminous sources on the whole history of vocal music. What such research doesn’t spell out is that entertainment has moved on: the social milieu in which the plucking suites were performed before 1911 has long ceased to exist. The current Beijing elites no longer play along with itinerant blind musicians! Of course, the 1980s’ project on the suites was not seeking to reinvigorate them as a form of social life; they came to form part of the nostalgic re-imagining of the imperial past, quite removed from society. So this yet again confirms my reservations about recreating early music for genres whose performing traditions have been lost. As with any musicking worldwide (including WAM, such as Bach or Haydn), we need to study changing performance practice in social context, and reception history. Ritual activity, however, persists in China. The rosy reification of imperial culture may distract us from the ethnography of groups that have remained active through the tribulations of the 20th century, and from the enduring importance of living soundscapes as part of changing social activity. Lastly, even where we can distinguish between folk and elite cultures, there is nothing “superior” about the latter, either in China or elsewhere! [1] Here I’ve expanded modestly on my brief introduction in Folk music of China, pp.208–12. For rich material on vocal and instrumental groups in the late imperial period, note Yang Yinliu, Zhongguo gudai yinyue shi gao, vol.2. [2] Cao Anhe and Jian Qihua give Qianlong–Jiaqing eras, but Zhang Weidong’s later dates of Daoguang–Xianfeng (1820–61) seem more reliable. [3] Ling Qizhen (1911–84) was a qin player, originally from Shanghai, later professor at the Shenyang Conservatoire, where he founded the Liaoning qin research association. For his useful 1958 article on “Buddhist music” in Shenyang, see here. Posted in Asia, China, fieldwork, world music / Tagged art, Beijing, fiction, fiddles, qin, south China, Yang Yinliu / 19 Comments Cheremis, Chuvash—and Tibetans Photo: Cheremis “pagan” ritual singer H.H. Musztafa (then 69), June 1975. Along with from the many Hungaroton LP box-sets of the musics of east Europe, another impressive 3-disc set that I brought back from Budapest is Folk music of Finno-Ugrian & Turkic peoples (1984), [1] collected and published by László Vikár (1929–2017) and linguist Gábor Bereczki. The set documents musical traditions of peoples in the “autonomous” republics around the eastern perimeter of the European part of the USSR, the central Volga and Urals—peoples about whom I know nothing, but feel we should know: Mordvinians, Votyaks (Udmurt), Cheremis (Mari), and the Turkic-speaking Chuvash, Tatars, and Bashkirs. Source: reddit.com. Between 1958 and 1979 Vikár and Bereczki made four long summer fieldtrips to some 286 villages, accompanied by local scholars. With sound engineer Pál Sztanó they recorded life-cycle and calendrical items, both vocal and instrumental, including bridal dirges, funeral laments, dance tunes, and historical epics. The recordings on this box set are part of a much larger archive. Some tracks appear on YouTube, such as Note also this channel. The 43-page booklet contains detailed notes, as well as maps, translations, photos, and some transcriptions. A page from the booklet, on Mari singing. Bartók, Kodály, and Bence Szabolcsi had already shown an interest in these groups, mainly as part of their comparative musical paleography, classifying melodic types; Vikár was building on this tradition. [2] Such early recordings were made on request, not—as ethnographers later also sought—while documenting the social events of which they are the core. So we meet the typical issue that often crops up in Chinese collections: were they performing items then still in use, or recalling them from an earlier social practice? And of course these projects could barely hint at the painful recent histories of such peoples (cf. The whisperers). Music is never autonomous, but gives us a window into the study of changing local societies. Indeed, it’s worth recalling what else was happening in those years. Notwithstanding the interest of early east European music scholars in “archaic layers”, these are not timeless idyllic communities; though by the 1970s they had weathered the worst of the years of repression under Stalin, they had been constantly starved, deported, subject to political whims, suffering under collectivization and the Great Purge (cf. Blind minstrels of Ukraine, under “Other minorities”). This too is a rich field of research—see e.g. Andrej Kotljarchuk and Olle Sundström (eds.), Ethnic and religious minorities in Stalin’s Soviet Union: new dimensions of research (2017), in particular ch.6 by Eva Toulouze, “A long great ethnic terror in the Volga region: a war before the war”. See also The Kazakh famine. The task of modern ethnographers—just as for China—is to integrate socio-political histories with expressive cultures. In 1975 the moment had still not come to record the memoirs of “pagan” Mr Musztafa—and now it’s too late. In addition to the Garland encyclopedia of world music, for more on early collecting, see under Margarita Mazo, “Russia, the USSR and the Baltic states”, in Ethnomusicology: historical and regional studies (The New Grove handbooks in music, 1993), pp.197–211, and in the same volume, Theodore Levin, “Western central Asia and the Caucasus”, pp.300–305. In the early years after the crushing of the 1956 Budapest uprising, one might wonder how smooth was the collaboration between Hungarian and Soviet scholars—only of course the latter too would have suffered under the policies of their own regime. Left to right: Yang Yinliu, Bence Szabolcsi, Li Yuanqing, Beijing 1955. Meanwhile in China, scholars were also documenting local traditions, for both the Han majority and the many ethnic groups—under testing conditions, and with a similar caution in broaching socio-political issues. By the 1950s, with a growing interest in early connections between Hungarian and Chinese musics, China was open to Hungarian musicology; Bence Szabolcsi visited the great Yang Yinliu in Beijing in 1955, on the eve of the Budapest uprising. And Yang Yinliu visited the USSR in 1957, just after his remarkable fieldtrip to Hunan—just before the Anti-Rightist campaign and Great Leap Backward led to untold suffering. Yang Yinliu (seated, right) on a visit to the USSR, 1957. For Czech–Chinese exchanges over the period, see here. Kodály’s Folk music of Hungary, dating from 1935, was published in 1964 in a Chinese translation from the 1956 German edition—just as a brief lull after the Leap was destroyed by the Four Cleanups and Cultural Revolution. In east Europe, the USSR, and Maoist China, the enthusiasm of ethnographic collectors of the day is admirable—even as their leaders were imprisoning them and manipulating the peoples they were studying. As William Noll observes, such studies need both to be intepreted in their historical framework and updated constantly, both by augmenting the earlier material and by documenting more recent change. Also in that post, note Noll’s comment that ethnographers of one cultural heritage commonly conduct fieldwork among peoples of a different cultural heritage—even if both groups live within the political boundaries of one state. Left: Tibetan monks lay down their arms, 1959 (AFP/Getty.). Right: Norbulingka, Lhasa 1966 (from Forbidden memory—essential reading). A flagrant instance of circumspection is fieldwork by Chinese musicologists in Tibet in the 1950s, rosily portraying the region (like Xinjiang) as a happy land of singing and dancing—even in 1956 Lhasa, just as mass rebellions were breaking out all over Tibet against Chinese occupation. Two of the most distinguished, and well-meaning, Chinese scholars resumed their fieldwork upon the 1980s’ reforms, encouraging their Tibetan pupils; but the whole social-political backdrop remained taboo (see Labrang 1). Expressive culture is an illuminating window on society. How little we know about the world… [1] The term Finno-Ugric seems somewhat dated, but see here for a more extensive list of peoples. [2] An early curiosity among the ouevre of the great Bruno Nettl is his slim tome Cheremis musical styles (1960), part of a Cheremis project at Indiana. The Preface by Thomas Sebeok has a useful summary of interest among Hungarian and other scholars. But written from a distance, the monograph could still only be narrowly musical—free of ethnomusicology’s later concern for society and culture, in which Nettl has played such a major role; and the material that he assembles consists largely of transcriptions rather than recordings. For Chuvash and Mordvins, note also the 1996 Auvidis CD Chants de la Volga: musique traditionnelle de Tchouvachie et Mordovie. Posted in MUST READ!, Asia, China, elsewhere, Europe, fieldwork, general, language, ritual, world music / Tagged Iron Curtain, Maoism, Tibet, Yang Yinliu / 18 Comments Three baldies and a mouth-organ UPDATED with links to posts on the Zhihua temple and related topics! Early in 1986, only a couple of days after my first arrival in Beijing, hearing the former monks of the Zhihua temple on a cold but beautifully sunny winter’s day was an experience that changed my life—and their ritual soundscape still entrances me: Musicologist He Changlin astutely took me to a Buddhist temple to ask a group of elderly former monks to play their shengguan music for us. That sound will always stay with me. The soulful guanzi, the darting dizi, the sturdy sheng, the halo of the yunluo piercing the bright Beijing sky above the green-and-yellow roof-tiles of the temple. […] It was only hearing the temple musicians that directed me irresistibly to living traditions. I began to neglect ancient history… [adapted from my Plucking the winds, p.185] While I go to great lengths to stress that the Zhihua temple is only the tip of the iceberg—for ritual life both within Beijing and all over north China—the soundscape of its shengguan remains a classic source. There are no “living fossils”, and the temple itself has long ceased to function as a ritual site; but the present group performs with majestic authority, led by Hu Qingxue, about whom I must write in more detail—he’s not only an amazing guanzi player, but a fine vocal liturgist, and he’s just as hooked on exploring ritual groups in the countryside as I am. In the photo above, the reason our demeanour is somewhat less solemn than that of the transcendent arhat is because Hu Qingxue had just suggested the caption which forms the title of this post—and, incidentally, of my latest Hollywood blockbuster. The old sheng mouth-organ was my gift to him: it had been a gift to me in the early 1990s from a village ritual association that no longer used it, and since he’s an avid hoarder and repairer of sheng, it surely belongs in his fantastic collection. There’s always so much to learn from Hu Qingxue. It was delightful to present the group at the British Museum again on Monday. In our pre-concert discussion (with subtle prompting from Jessica Harrison-Hall, curator of the BM’s Chinese collection) I was glad to introduce the social background and wider ritual context, as well as research by a succession of fine Chinese scholars; and with the musicians, to illustrate how the skeletal notes of the gongche solfeggio score are progressively ornamented, first by singing the score in unison and then by taking up the instruments to further decorate that version in heterophony. For someone who was brought up in a poor Hebei village, Hu Qingxue has learned to recopy the temple’s old scores rather finely: Qingjiang yin, copied by Hu Qingxue. Having learned from my tours with the Li family Daoists, I’ve now worked out a much-improved programme with the Zhihua temple too. While the shengguan ensemble is always most captivating for audiences, we now include all three elements in the ritual soundscape, chui-da-nian—in reverse order of importance: wind ensemble, percussion, and vocal liturgy. Thus the programme began with Cymbals to Open the Altar (Kaitan bo 開壇鈸), featuring the hocketing alternation of the nao and bo large cymbals that you can explore in my film on Li Manshan. It continues with the vocal hymn Yangzhi jingshui 楊枝淨水 in praise of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, also used near the beginning of a ritual—here accompanied by the melodic instruments. Then they demonstrate the process of ornamenting the skeletal notes of the score with the melody Qingjiang yin 清江引 (see photo above). After the captivating suite Jin–Wu–Shan (Jinzi jing 金字經—Wusheng fo 五聲佛—Gandongshan 感動山!) and Haiqing na tian’e 海青拿天鵝, the programme ends by reminding us of the primacy of vocal liturgy, with the a cappella hymn Qingjing fashen fo 清靜法身佛, accompanied only by the percussion. As I am wont to observe, the blend of timbres of the shengguan instrumentation is the most perfect combo ever, alongside the jazz quintet… And the free-tempo alap-like introductions are just magical. This overlaps with my blogposts, but here’s the full version of my programme notes: Music of the Zhihua temple A world away from the modern conservatoire style that now dominates the media, this music belongs as a kind of aural filigree interlaced within the vocal liturgy and percussion of lengthy rituals for funerals and temple fairs among local communities. To experience it in the concert hall or museum is a compromise, of course. It is one of many genres still performed today in a continuous tradition since the Ming – several types of regional opera, the nanguan ballads of Fujian, the music of the ubiquitous rural shawm bands, the elite qin zither. The Zhihua temple has become a byword for the melodic instrumental music used until the 1950s as part of rituals in Beijing—mainly funerals, notably the nocturnal yankou ritual to feed the hungry ghosts. The monks of many minor temples in the hutong alleys of north and east Beijing, both Buddhist and Daoist, were available to come together to perform this music. Built as the private temple of the court eunuch Wang Zhen in 1443, the Zhihua temple is one of the only wooden structures from the Ming dynasty to remain intact in Beijing. After Wang Zhen was executed in 1449, the monks became part of the ritual life of the wider community, with twenty-six generations down to the 1940s. Since then the tradition has struggled to survive. After 1949 the monks were laicised, so by 1953 when the Zhihua temple music first gained its reputation among music scholars, with influential studies from the qin zither master Zha Fuxi and the great musicologist Yang Yinliu, the monks were no longer performing rituals. Through the 1980s, as ritual life was restoring throughout the countryside, and even in cities like Shanghai, scholars like Ling Haicheng and Yuan Jingfang began attempts to revive the Beijing style, collecting the surviving former monks together. Though the style remains the most exquisite rendition of a widespread repertoire, it is now mainly further afield that we can hear it in its ritual context – in the countryside south of the capital among amateur associations that learnt from temple monks, and among household ritual groups all over north China. The present performers hail from the poor village of Qujiaying, whose ritual association was first discovered in 1986. They were recruited while in their teens to study in the Zhihua temple with the elderly former monks, notably Benxing (1923–2009). But worthy attempts by cultural cadres have proved unable to maintain the classic Beijing style without the firm ritual base of local community support that remains common elsewhere in China. While the more elite temple rituals use only vocal liturgy accompanied by ritual percussion, melodic instrumental music has long been commonly added for rituals among the folk. Throughout north China this takes the form of the exquisite shengguan chamber ensemble, which coalesced around the Ming. The instruments play in heterophony, each decorating the bare bones of the nuclear melody differently; the plaintive guanzi oboe leads, the sheng mouth-organ maintaining a continuous wall of sound, decorated by the halo of the yunluo (ten pitched gongs mounted in a frame) and darting ornaments from the dizi flute. The repertoire of classic labeled melodies, combined in strict sequences in lengthy suites, was also coming together in the Ming. Since then, a kind of solfeggio called gongche has been commonly used to notate the outlines of the melodies of instrumental ensembles. Scores from several Beijing temples, of which the earliest now preserved is the 1694 score of the Zhihua temple, use a rare antique script that resembles those known from Tang and Song sources. But the bare bones of the score give few clues to the magic of performance; having learnt to sing in unison an already highly ornamented version of the nuclear melody, the performers then further decorate it in mesmerizing heterophony on the instruments. The style is exceptionally slow and solemn, the free-tempo preludes especially magical. But we have to imagine it as a decoration within the whole liturgy of the complex rituals that are still common elsewhere in China. Stephen Jones, Folk music of China: living instrumental traditions, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1995 (paperback edition with CD, 1998). Stephen Jones, Plucking the winds: lives of village musicians in old and new China, Leiden: CHIME Foundation, 2004 (with CD). Stephen Jones, In search of the folk Daoists of north China, Aldershot: Ashgate, 2010 (Appendix 1). Yuan Jingfang, Zhongguo fojiao jing yinyue yanjiu [The Buddhist capital music of China], Beijing: Zongjiao wenhua chubanshe, 2012. Chang Renchun, Hongbai xishi: jiujing hunsang lisu [Wedding and funeral customs of old Beijing], Beijing: Beijing Yanshan chubanshe, 1993. Articles on this blog: A slender but magical clue Ritual life of Beijing temples A precious recording A transcendent arhat And for conceptual backgound, The notation of ritual sound On the Qujiaying connection: Obituary of a determined village leader and this sequel, which leads onto the Hebei village associations and further afield (under Local ritual, including Ritual groups of suburban Beijing and Tianjin: a folk Buddhist group). See also Ritual artisans in 1950s’ Beijing. The Zhihua temple events were part of a fine ongoing series at the British Museum (see also here) that also includes flamenco (cf. my series starting here), Indian music, Japanese gagaku, Stockhausen, Ligeti, Cage, and the overwhelming Metamorphosen. And what should await me on my return home than a live broadcast of Mahler 10 with S-Simon Rattle. Without this lying xenophobic government, London could be wonderful. Cf. the alternative title for my film on Li Manshan: Four funerals and a funeral. Posted in China, fieldwork, north China, ritual, WAM, world music / Tagged Beijing, Buddhism, Hebei, Yang Yinliu / 37 Comments A tribute to Li Wenru Li Wenru (1924–2016). Many of us are nostalgic for the old days of the Music Research Institute (MRI) in Beijing, in the days when it was still at its original home in Dongzhimenwai—bare dingy corridors, peeling plaster and all. As I pore over the substantial collection of ritual manuals and gongche scores that we found among village ritual associations in Hebei, I’m reminded of yet another MRI luminary. Through the 1950s, while a stellar team of great scholars like Yang Yinliu, Cao Anhe, Zha Fuxi, and Yuan Quanyou were dedicating themselves to ground-breaking research, the MRI’s remarkable archive was maintained, indeed developed, by the kindly and unassuming Li Wenru 李文如. [1] Li Wenru spent his youth helping his father in antiquarian bookshops in Liulichang. After the Communist Liberation, the MRI recruited him from 1953 to seek out and buy old musical scores—including precious early manuscripts for the qin zither—and to preserve, bind, and reproduce them. The treasures of the MRI archive owe much to his careful work. Ever reliable, he was much respected by the scholars there, and he remained loyal to them in periods when they were under a political cloud (for a 1965 photo, see here). Over more than four decades he also edited many catalogues and articles on Chinese music periodicals, notably his comprehensive Ershi shiji Zhongguo yinyue qikan bianmu huibian 二十世纪中国音乐期刊篇目汇编 (2005). From 1986, as I visited my mentors at the MRI—Qiao Jianzhong, Tian Qing, Xue Yibing, Zhang Zhentao, all then still living in very modest circumstances—we would explore the library’s treasury of material on early and traditional music from all over China, in search of leads to local folk musical cultures. Even in the early 1990s the MRI was still poor, retaining the leisurely old-world atmosphere of the commune system. Far from our modern equipment that allows us to take and store infinite photos, in my early years of fieldwork in rural China I had to bring several dozen films for my camera (not to mention all the audio and video tapes). On our project in Hebei, where possible I photographed ritual manuals and scores complete, but occasionally when we found lengthy fragile volumes that clearly deserved careful copying, we asked the association leaders if we could take them back to Beijing to photocopy. They were sometimes anxious about this—quite rightly, since several local cultural cadres had “borrowed” scores and never returned them. Such texts, copied at various stages since the late 19th century, were often in precarious condition. Though by then nearly 70, Li Wenru relished the tasks we gave him of preserving the Hebei manuscripts, painstakingly handling the damaged pages from his little room behind the library. Finally he would bind three copies—one for the MRI, one for me, and an extra copy for the home village when we returned the original to them. Just a few of the Hebei ritual manuals and scores bound by Li Wenru. By 1993 the MRI had basic computers, so Li shifu could add a succinct printed preface by Zhang Zhentao or Xue Yibing. Zhang Zhentao’s preface to the Gaoqiao score. From my partial photos of the Gaoqiao score. Many of the gongche scores in the major recent anthology Zhongguo gongchepu jicheng 中国工尺谱集成 passed through Li Wenru’s expert hands—the Hebei scores that we consigned to him appear in the three weighty volumes for that province. With his modest and industrious demeanour, Li Wenru (like performer-turned-cadre Li Jin in Yanggao) was one of those unsung generous workers who managed to contribute to the new society despite the futile interruptions of Maoist campaigns. Quite separately from official slogans, such integrity was always much valued: local moral values endured. [1] See e.g. http://www.zgysyjy.org.cn/204/32044.html, http://news.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2014_03/27/35175677_0.shtml, and http://chuansong.me/n/1391306852337 Posted in China, fieldwork, tributes / Tagged art, Beijing, Hebei, Maoism, Yang Yinliu / 5 Comments Spiritual and marvellous mysteries I recall with deep admiration the unsung scholar Yuan Quanyou 袁荃猷 (1920–2003). While a student in Beijing she studied with her future husband, the great Ming scholar Wang Shixiang 王世襄 (1914–2009) (see wise and affectionate tributes by Craig Clunas [1] —another great Ming scholar—and now here). After Yuan Quanyou graduated in 1943, they married in 1945. Wedding of Yuan Quanyou and Wang Shixiang, 1945—after the defeat of the Japanese, on the eve of civil war. Yuan Quanyou had studied the qin zither with Wang Mengshu 汪孟舒 from the age of 14 sui. Through the 1940s she took part keenly in the activities of the Beiping qin society, among a dazzling array of illustrious qin masters. She later became a disciple and colleague of the great Guan Pinghu. Wang Shixiang soon found that his wife’s skills focused on the traditional literati accomplishments of “qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting”, to the exclusion of more mundane activities like cooking. So it was he who became a fine chef; and he considered himself her “qin servant” 琴奴. Several online pages about the couple describe their lifelong rapport by the term zhiyin 知音 “kindred spirits”, a bond whose etymology derives from music. Complementing Wang Shixiang’s refined literati tastes, through his enthusiasm for falconry, badger-hunting, cricket rearing, and pigeon fancying he had gained what Craig Clunas calls “a raffish reputation” (as you do…). I also learn that he loved football, “as anyone who has tried to make conversation while he is watching soccer on the television can confirm”—cool by me. He retained a rare passion for both elite and popular culture. From the early 1950s Yuan Quanyou worked tirelessly in the archives of the Music Research Institute (MRI) in Beijing, alongside the great Yang Yinliu and Cao Anhe, as well as a whole host of qin masters like Guan Pinghu and Zha Fuxi, and their students—including Xu Jian 许健, and the fine female qin player and scholar Wang Di 王迪 (1926–2005). [2] 60th-birthday photo of Guan Pinghu with his students, 1957: (left to right) front row Xu Jian, Guan Pinghu, Zheng Minzhong; back row Wang Di, Shen You, Yuan Quanyou. By 1957, while her husband was also busy publishing ground-breaking research, Yuan Quanyou’s close collaboration with Yang Yinliu resulted in the publication of the fine iconographical series Zhongguo yinyueshi cankao tupian 中国音乐史参考图片 [Reference illustrations for Chinese music history] (see also here). Some treasured volumes in my library. All this activity took place under extremely trying conditions. As Craig notes: The published curricula vitae of Chinese scholars often give a false idea of the continuity of their employment, and conceal the long periods of frustrating idleness caused by periodic political campaigning. After the 1949 “Liberation”, Wang Shixiang was employed at the Palace Museum, but he was wrongly jailed for ten months and expelled from the museum in 1953. In 1957, he was branded a “rightist,” a stigma he bore for twenty-one years. Craig’s account of the couple’s enforced inactivity during the Cultural Revolution is also worth citing. Despite Wang’s undoubted sufferings after being sent down to a “Cadre school” in Hubei province, he could “make the experience sound positively bucolic”. While callow young Red Guards were duped into destroying as much of the heritage as they could find, the exiled Wang wrote poetry in the classical style (“much of it on his work as a swineherd and cowherd, which draws on deep-rooted traditions of verse by those who were out of office and out of favour at court”), and even managed to cook gourmet delicacies. But the mental pressure cannot but have been considerable, since no term was set to the period of banishment, and little or no news was available as to the fate of family or friends. Old portrait photos are all the moving when we consider the troubled stories behind people’s lives (intellectuals, urban and rural dwellers alike) under Maoism, as evoked by films like The blue kite and To live (see also my tribute to Li Jin). Craig’s aperçu about Wang Shixiang’s renewed energy in the 1980s, “as if making up for lost time”, also resounds in both Chinese music studies and folk culture. Meanwhile, a discreet amnesia took over. (For the concurrent tribulations of Czechoslovak scholars and artists, see here.) From 1986 I used to visit Yuan Quanyou in her office at the dilapidated yet numinous MRI compound at Dongzhimenwai, her beaming face greeting me between high stacks of ancient documents. There, with unassuming industry she was still producing further volumes in the MRI’s wonderful annotated series of iconographical collections on Chinese music history, such as the 1988 Zhongguo yinyueshi tujian 中国音乐史图鉴 [Illustrated history of Chinese music]. Even as my interests were moving from Tang history to the modern transmission of folk culture, I relished her detailed article on the medieval konghou harp. Remarkably, after the end of the Cultural Revolution Wang Shixiang had managed to reclaim much of their precious collection of Ming and Qing furniture and artefacts. By the 1990s he and his wife began the process of bequeathing it to the Shanghai Museum, where it now forms a major and prestigious exhibit. With her calm acuity and beautiful accent, Yuan Quanyou exemplified the refined virtues of old Beijing. She was closely involved in the remarkable work documenting the history and changing performance practice of the qin zither—including research on the 1425 Handbook of spiritual and marvellous mysteries (Shenqi mipu, aka Wondrous and secret notation), most numinous of all tablatures for the qin, compiled by the Emaciated Immortal (as the early Ming prince Zhu Quan styled himself). Now, this may hardly atone for my recent challenge to the mystique of the qin, but I treasure the precious copy of the 1956 reprint of the 1425 score that Yuan Quanyou inscribed to me in her elegant calligraphy in 1987, for me to “study and practise”. BTW, having chosen that lower page rather casually (mainly for the numinous Daoist title “Zhuangzi dreams he is a butterfly”), I now find myself moved by Zhu Quan’s wisdom—in utter contrast to the “living fossils” flummery of recent years, culminating in the befuddled Intangible Cultural Heritage. The opening of his introduction reads: The Emaciated Immortal says: “The ancient version of this piece has long since been lost.” These days it’s all “The ancient version of this piece has been transmitted continuously for 2,000 years.” [Expletives deleted—Ed.]. Jinfeixibi 今非昔比 (“Things ain’t what they used to be”), as Li Manshan reflects at the end of our film. [1] See https://www.academia.edu/34156645/The_Apollo_Portrait_Wang_Shixiang_Apollo_127_November_1987_pp._350-1, and https://www.academia.edu/34156683/_Wang_Shixiang_Spiritual_Resonance_and_the_Ten_Thousand_Things_in_Fariba_de_Bruin-Derakhshani_and_Barbara_Murray_eds._The_2003_Prince_Claus_Fund_Awards_The_Hague_2003_pp._17-23. Among many other reports, see e.g. http://www.china.org.cn/english/NM-e/170145.htm, https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2580161, and this tribute from Yuan’s granddaughter: https://kknews.cc/culture/2ao24jz.html, with further lovely old photos. Among several biographies and collections is Chen Zhou 晨舟 Wang Shixiang 王世襄(2002). [2] For an English introduction to the (pre-ICH) Beijing Guqin Research Association, successor to the Beiping qin society, see Cheng Yu, “The precarious state of the qin in contemporary China”, CHIME 10–11 (1997). Zhang Zhentao 张振涛 has written fine tributes to Guang Pinghu and Wang Di: “Xian’gen: Guan Pinghu yu Zhongguo yinyue yanjiusuo” 弦根——管平湖与中国音乐研究所, Zhongguo yinyuexue 2016.3; and “Daihuo jiaotong yun ben bei: qinjia Wang Di xiansheng” 带火焦桐韵本悲——琴家王迪先生 Mingjia 名家 49 (2015) (on several online sites e.g. here). Posted in MUST READ!, China, gender, in China, tributes / Tagged Beijing, Maoism, qin, Yang Yinliu / 22 Comments A tribute to Yang Yinliu Since I mentioned Yang Yinliu’s groundbreaking work on the Zhihua temple, he too richly deserves a tribute. Indeed, since soundscape is such a basic aspect of Chinese culture, his work should form a basic training for us all. Yang Yinliu 楊蔭瀏 / 杨荫浏 (1899–1984) is often described in mediaspeak as “the Chinese Bartók”, but Bartók should rather be described as “the Hungarian Yang Yinliu”. A fine musician and fieldworker, erudite historian, and incidentally a Protestant, Yang’s whole oeuvre was remarkable. Brought up in the final years of the Qing dynasty in the milieu of the Daoist instrumental music and the refined Kunqu vocal dramas of the Wuxi area near Shanghai, Yang was a fine exponent of qin zither, pipa and sanxian plucked lutes, and the ethereal falsetto singing of Kunqu (I haven’t yet found my copy of the precious recording from the 1920s found recently in Berlin). He learned instruments from Daoist priests (including Abing) from the age of six, joining the elite Tianyun she society. In Wuxi, under the tuition of the American missionary Louise Strong Hammond, he studied English and Western music theory. He also became an active Christian. He went on to gain a cosmopolitan education in Shanghai, attending St John’s University from 1923. After returning to Wuxi in 1926, he was married in 1928, becoming a professor at Yenching University in Beijing in 1936. Offered a job in the USA heading a Chinese music institute there, he commented, “I can do nothing if I leave Chinese soil, where Chinese music lives.” After the Japanese occupation in 1937, and through the troubled 1940s, not inclined to join the Communist base area in Yan’an, Yang moved from Nanjing to posts in Kunming and Chongqing, always continuing his research. The Wuxi Daoists Yang and his cousin Cao Anhe returned regularly to Wuxi, where they were engaged in a long-term project studying the music of the local Daoists. Of their two major books on the theme, their work on Shifan gu was first published in 1957, Yang’s on Shifan luogu not until 1980. In some respects Yang seems like a traditional historical musicologist rather than an ethnographer; but he was well aware of complex social issues. This passage on the position of Daoists in Wuxi society illustrates his sophisticated interest in ethnography and ritual practice, besides his more traditional “musicological” concerns: [1] In the past [?!], Buddhists in south Jiangsu divided into two types, Chan school (chanmen) and Auxiliary school (fumen). Those of the Chan school were completely vegetarian, and didn’t have families. They only used percussion like woodblock, bowl, nao and bo cymbals, and tonggu drum to punctuate their vocal liturgy; they didn’t play any melodic instrumental pieces. They never took part in production, living in their temples, some of which had large estates. The Auxiliary school ate meat and had families. Few in number, they lived scattered in the villages, taking part in agriculture and only reciting the scriptures and litanies as an auxiliary occupation. Among the Buddhists, they are the only ones who play the fanyin [melodic instrumental repertoire] and [separate] percussion items. Among the Daoists, the Complete Perfection (Quanzhen) school (belonging to the Qingchengshan style of Sichuan) were similar to the Buddhist Chan school, not using separate percussion items or silk-and-bamboo instruments. Those who played the fanyin and separate percussion items mostly belonged to the Zhang Heavenly Masters school of Longhushan in Jiangxi. Among the latter group, there was a further clear class distinction. A minority of abbots possessed ritual titles of the Zhang Heavenly Masters, like “Master who Guard the Way” (daoweishi) or “Ritual Master” (fashi), and mostly owned land. They didn’t take part in production. They interacted with landlords and the bourgeoisie in the cities and villages, taking ritual work and contacting and hiring the common village Daoists to take part in major rituals (daochang fashi). These common Daoists mostly took part in agricultural production, being hired ad hoc: performing for rituals was an auxiliary occupation for them. In both agriculture and Daoism, they were an exploited class. These common Daoists—even the indispensable drummers and flute players, with their excellent musical technique—only got a tiny wage for a whole day’s work. Conversely, the “Masters who Guard the Way” and “Ritual Masters”, having only taken responsibility for quite brief ritual segments of a few hours like Issuing the Talismans (fafu), Reporting the Memorial (zoubiao), and Flaming Mouth (yankou), claimed a reward many times higher than that of the others. Those who played music were mostly the common semi-peasant Daoists; very few of the “Masters who Guard the Way” and “Ritual Masters” could do so. This shows that in the past it was agricultural life that produced and developed music. Never mind the diplomatic PC spin (for “reading between the lines”, see my article cited under Hunan below), Yang had already observed the important distinctions common to local ritual cultures all over China, long before the major projects on local Daoist ritual since the 1980s. [2] Shifan gu and Shifan luogu, c1962. Nearby, the Daoist rituals of Suzhou were also thoroughly documented in an amazing 1956 project. Following such early work, major studies of the Daoist rituals of Suzhou, Wuxi, and Shanghai have been made since the 1990s. [3] The Music Research Institute After the 1949 “Liberation” Yang’s erudition was much needed. Managing to adapt to the new Communist regime, he arrived in Beijing to become director of the newly-formed National Music Research Institute of the Central Conservatory of Music (predecessor of the Music Research Institute [MRI] of the Chinese Academy of Arts), beginning a golden age for research there. Under his committed guidance they accumulated a large archive of field recordings and traditional notations. A qin player himself, he was closely involved with all his eminent colleagues’ research on qin. The golden age of the MRI, 1954; right to left Guan Pinghu, Yang Yinliu, Pu Xuezhai, Zha Fuxi, Li Yuanqing. The MRI was given a new building (typically, soon dilapidated) in Dongzhimenwai in the northeast of the city. Even in the 1980s, when it became my home base between field trips, its bare dingy corridors were animated by the spirits of the old masters. The new compound, further out in Huixinxijie, is less characterful. Both before and after Liberation, until the early 1960s, in collaboration with other fine scholars—notably his cousin and lifelong companion Cao Anhe (1905-2004)—Yang managed both to perform remarkable research on a range of living traditions and to compile major collections and transcriptions of traditional notation. Just as important was his monumental history, first in draft from 1944, covering with unique erudition the whole of Chinese music history, and elite as well as folk genres, albeit couched in the language of its time. His most renowned recording—on another trip home to Wuxi in summer 1950—of pipa and erhu solos by the blind beggar Abing, is perhaps his least interesting. Abing was once among the Daoists whose company Yang kept in his youth, but the 1950 recording was a casual event, on a day off from working with the Daoists who were his main focus. His work on the Zhihua temple followed on from his 1952 monograph (with Cao Anhe) of the “Songs for Winds” band from Ziwei village in Hebei during their 1950 visit to Tianjin—a band still active when Xue Yibing and I visited them from 1989. In summer 1953 Yang made an important visit to Xi’an to investigate the music (and scores) of local ritual groups; and he drew attention to the ritual music of Shanxi, notably the Buddhist mountains of Wutaishan—also later to become major scholarly themes in China. [4] With Cao Anhe and Jian Qihua he also took part in a project to transnotate a rare score of the “suite plucking” repertoire of old Beijing. For more evidence of his good taste, see here. Hunan, 1956 Along with his historical research, Yang Yinliu did all kinds of fieldwork. Just as remarkable as his studies with the Wuxi Daoists was a major fieldwork trip he led to Hunan province in 1956, amidst escalating collectivisation. There Yang Yinliu headed a team documenting all kinds of ceremonial music-making, notably ritual and customary musics. Despite the politically correct language of the published volume, they seem to have taken what they found. The resulting “Report on a survey of the musics of Hunan” (Hunan yinyue pucha baogao, 1960) has 618 pages, besides separate mimeographs on Confucian and Buddhist ritual. I’ve written about it at greater length here. This, the first general survey of all the genres of a given area, was an influential blueprint for later regional surveys from the 1980s, notably the Anthology of folk music of the Chinese peoples, on which see my The energy of those times at the MRI, in the midst of increasing political control, was remarkable. Also wide-ranging was an early fieldtrip to Fujian for two and a half months in the winter of 1961–62, led by Li Quanmin, and published in 1963. [5] In 1962 Yang Yinliu published a masterly overview of Chinese notation in his Gongchepu qianshuo 工尺谱浅说. All this extraordinary work was carried out under the most taxing conditions. Worse was to come: academics and peasants alike, as representatives of the “Four Olds”, suffered grievously after the Four Cleanups campaigns began in 1963. In May 1965—after the end of the campaigns, when over thirty MRI employees had undergone Socialist Education in Chang’an county, Shaanxi—they celebrated their temporary freedom with a visit to Huashan: In the row behind, fifth from left is the trusty Li Wenru (for whom, see here). Source: Yang Yinliu jinian wenji. As the Cultural Revolution broke out, even in the Hebei village camp where Yang and others were sent for “re-education” he furtively continued research, including studies (along with Huang Xiangpeng, another distinguished colleague) of the 1972 excavation of the Han tombs at Mawangdui (see e.g. Micic, p.104). During this period Yang’s colleagues members of the elite qin fraternity were also given permission to continue their studies. “How to assess religious music” Within the confines of the day, Yang Yinliu paid just as much attention to “literati” and “religious” culture as to more popular genres (pace Joseph Lam). Indeed, Yang was perhaps predisposed to studying early music history; and it wasn’t so much post-Liberation ideology that drew him to popular living genres, but his own training in performance (Kunqu, Daoists and so on). In the useful article Tian Qing 田青, “Yang Yinliu yu Zhongguo zongjiao yinyue” 杨荫浏与中国宗教音乐, Yinyue yanjiu 2000.1 he discusses Yang’s own article “Ruhe duidai woguode zongjiao yinyue” 如何对待我国的宗教音乐 [How to treat religious music], Wenhui bao 1961.3 (also reproduced in the 2013 Yang Yinliu jinian wenji), written just as a very brief lull in extreme leftist policies followed the climb-down after the terrible famine. Meanwhile scholars had been discussing the classification of genres; their framework was enshrined in the 1964 Minzu yinyue gailun [Survey of Chinese music]. Despite the separate and subsidiary place of “religious music”, they were aware that ritual practice pervaded all genres of rural performance. Indeed, Yang seems to have been the first to use the term “ritual music” (yishi yinyue ) in China. [1] From 1959 he also spent many years revising his masterwork Zhongguo gudai yinyue shi gao [Draft history of Chinese music], which was finally published in 1981. Covering literati, palace, folk, and religious traditions required him to take great care over how to couch his language. So in his 1961 article he was subtly, and boldly, justifying the very need to study ritual traditions, using the language of class struggle while attempting to refine it. It will hardly satisfy modern anthropologists of religion; indeed, it makes a rather severe test of our ability to interpret writings of the time. Of course, in the 1950s the tenets of ethnomusicology were still far from common even in the West. Yang’s use of language shows the hoops that scholars had to jump through in order to get on with documenting the diverse genres. After the downfall of the Gang of Four in 1976 and the demise of the commune system, Yang Yinliu finally saw his great history formally published, and cultural and academic life restored. Though he lived long enough to witness the revival of tradition, he could hardly have imagined how widespread it would become, and how important the study of ritual and its soundscape was to be. How he would have delighted in the renewed energy of the Anthology and later fieldwork projects! His interests may have been more directed towards the “salvage” of genres common in his own youth and throughout imperial history, but I think he would have understood the value of documenting their fortunes since Liberation, even if that was still to remain a sensitive subject. The Protestant hymns of Yang Yinliu Unlike Bartók, Yang wasn’t also a composer. Except… As a coda to this little tribute, the 2-CD set from Wind Records ends with a touching hymn that Yang wrote in 1934, a simple harmonization of the qin piece Yangguan sandie: I was most moved to hear the Beijing Protestant Church Choir sing it at a memorial concert for Yang in November 1999. His Christian background has long been recognized, but only with the liberalizations since his death did it become possible in China to admit, sotto voce, that he remained a Christian all his life. This makes his hymns all the more moving, especially bearing in mind all the silent tribulations since the 1940s of Chinese Christians, along with artists, intellectuals, and peasants. Along with my Chinese friends, some of whom were his pupils, I can’t help feeling a deep nostalgia for the golden days of the MRI. Yang Yinliu’s combination of encyclopedic knowledge and musicianship are likely to remain unmatched. If only my other great mentor, Laurence Picken, had been able to confer with him! Like many ethnomusicologists, I no longer want to be limited by the narrow association with “music”, but while Yang Yinliu’s writings are wide-ranging as well as profound, his focus on “music” was also admirable. Finally, two suitable quotes from a junior colleague of Yang (see Peter Micic’s second comment below), and a pupil, [6] who were also to become my mentors: Yang Yinliu was a large tree full of lush leaves and branches reaching high into the sky. I can only caress each branch and leaf with my hands.Yang was a bridge between the ancient and the modern, Chinese and foreign. I’m still walking along that bridge that Yang built. —Huang Xiangpeng (for whom, see Peter Micic’s comment below) Through him, Chinese music history was freed from the shackles of the text, allowing the music and the musicians to take centre stage. —Qiao Jianzhong With two distinguished successors of Yang Yinliu at the MRI, 1989: Huang Xiangpeng (left) and Qiao Jianzhong. Alas, I arrived in Beijing in 1986 a couple of years too late to pay homage to Yang Yinliu in person. But his spirit animates us all. Selected resources Zhongguo gudai yinyue shi gao [Draft history of ancient Chinese music] (Beijing, 1981) Yang Yinliu yinyue lunwen xuanji [Selected articles by Yang Yinliu on music] (Shanghai, 1986) Qiao Jianzhong and Mao Jizeng, eds.: Zhongguo yinyuexue yidai zongshi Yang Yinliu (jinian ji) [Yang Yinliu, master of Chinese musicology, commemorative collection] (Taipei, 1992) Chuancheng: Yang Yinliu bainian danchen jinian zhuanji/Heritage: in memory of a Chinese music master Yang Yinliu (2-CD set, Wind Records, 2000) [with detailed booklet] Yang Yinliu quanji [Complete works of Yang Yinliu] (13 vols, Jiangsu wenyi chubanshe, 2009) Yang Yinliu jinian wenji [Collected articles commemorating Yang Yinliu] (Beijing, 2013) Han Kuo-huang, “Three Chinese musicologists: Yang Yinliu, Yin Falu, Li Chunyi”, Ethnomusicology 24.3 (1980), pp.483–529 Stephen Jones, “Yang Yinliu”, in The new Grove dictionary of music and musicians (2001) Peter Micic, “Gathering a nation’s music: a life of Yang Yinliu”, in Lives in Chinese music, ed. Helen Rees (University of Illinois Press, 2009), pp.91–116. Note also references. [1] Sunan chuidaqu, 1957 edition, pp.11–12. This passage was cut from the 1982 edition. There may be a story to tell here: perhaps such material was still more sensitive when they revised the text around 1980 than it had been even in 1957. [2] See also Meng Fanyu 孟凡玉, “Lun Yang Yinliude yishi yinyue yanjiu” 论杨荫浏的仪式音乐研究, Yinyue yishu 2017.6. [3] For a simple introduction to the musical and ritual culture of south Jiangsu, see my Folk music of China, pp.246–8. [4] Ibid., pp.195–202 and 213–45. [5] Cf. ibid. pp.286–321. [6] Cited in Micic, “Gathering a nation’s music”, pp.105–106. Posted in MUST READ!, China, Daoism, fieldwork, gender, language, ritual, Taoism, tributes / Tagged Beijing, Buddhism, Hebei, Shanxi (other), south China, Yang Yinliu / 62 Comments Former monks of Beijing, September 1954. The whole topic of amateur ritual associations on the Beijing plain, and indeed north Chinese ritual, was first suggested by a 1953 monograph, slim yet astounding, by the great musicologists (and musicians) Yang Yinliu and Zha Fuxi on the shengguan music of recently-laicized Buddhist monks throughout the north and east of Beijing city, commonly associated with the famous Zhihua temple—just at a time when they found themselves in difficult circumstances after the radical social transformations around Liberation, suddenly deprived of their ritual livelihood. [1] You can hear a haunting track from Yang’s 1953 recordings in the playlist in the sidebar, #14 (commentary here). For a roundup of posts on the Zhihua temple and related ritual activity, see here. One of the most moving sections of the monograph [2] is a remarkably frank and perceptive letter that Zha Fuxi wrote to the former monks, dated 30/12/1952. As a qin master and scholar, his aesthetic world was remote from theirs, but he deeply valued their music, and quite understood how disgruntled they were. While I realize that you are trying to pursue your livelihood on the basis of your knowledge of the new society, you will try to consign your repertoire to the cultural sphere… […] But you bitterly regret that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your youth of studying this music to the point of damaging your health and wasting your opportunities to study culture [sic]. You are particularly resentful that because you are uncultured [sic] you can’t express how these heritages of your elders in the temple—its two great arts of intangible music and material architecture—are worth preserving. Zha goes on to itemize all the respects in which their music was such a valuable resource for musicology, partly seeking to bolster their self-esteem. He concludes by recognizing how very tough their learning process was, and suggests patience, in the hope that even if some people in the old society despised you, their moral character has been raised in the new society and they will gradually recognize you. But of course he was unable to suggest how their position in the new society might be practically ameliorated; the ritual business of their youth would never be restored. Under Maoism both the monks and the scholars would suffer in various ways (for ritual artisans at the time, see here). Fast-forward to the reform era since the 1980s. For two decades, whenever I returned to Beijing from the countryside, I would go and visit the former monks, notably the late lamented Benxing, and by the 1990s they were training a new generation—a group of teenage boys from Qujiaying village. But they continued to feel resentful, despite social liberalizations and the ongoing efforts of well-meaning scholars and cultural officials to reinstate the prestige of their music, with frequent conferences and TV appearances, propaganda for the whole “living fossil” “cultural heritage” shtick. Media publicity was one thing, the reduction of their busy ritual “rice-bowl” since 1949 quite another. Today the new recruits are rather good; led by the bright Hu Qingxue, they even manage to do folk rituals as well as obligatory tourist “performances” of the shengguan music at the temple. Former monks performing a funerary yankou ritual, Beijing suburbs 1993 This film features cameos from Hu Qingxue and our revered master Benxing, but also illustrates the current media style of presenting such culture… Anyway, I digress. The 1953 monograph soon attained an iconic status in Chinese musicology, as indeed did Yang and Zha themselves. [3] But Beijing and the Zhihua temple are only the tip of the iceberg. In his monograph Yang Yinliu mentioned a hereditary sheng-repairer (dianshengde 點笙的) called Qi Youzhi, who used to mend and tune the instruments of the Zhihua temple. Thoughtfully, he even provided Qi’s address: South of the capital, Baxian county east, Xin’an town, Zhongyong street. Thirty-six years later in 1989, with my brilliant fieldwork companion Xue Yibing I began a survey of ritual associations on the plain south of Beijing. Baxian county was to be on our route, so I copied the page—just on the off-chance that anyone there might still remember him. Arriving in Xin’an town, as soon as we mentioned Qi Youzhi, the members of the ritual association exclaimed, “Sure! We’ll go and get him for you!” He was still only 70 sui, a mere youngster by the standards of many ritual specialists we were now finding everywhere. Our chats with him yielded some interesting material on the transmission of shengguan music throughout the area. Qi Youzhi (right) with Xue Yibing, Xin’an 1989. The Qi family was among many lineages of sheng-repairers active around Beijing and the countryside just south. According to Yang Yinliu, Qi Youzhi was the sixth or seventh generation of sheng-repairers in his lineage—though he told us he was the fourth. His grandfather Qi Baoshan had worked for the imperial palace lamas in Beijing. Before the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911, Qi Youzhi’s father Qi Lanpu used to play sheng in the Tianqiao district of Beijing. Later, through contacts with palace eunuchs, he learnt to repair sheng, building a reputation with temple musicians. His older brother Qi Lanting and his oldest son Qi Youcai also took up the business, and they also repaired sheng in Tianjin. Qi Youzhi, Qi Lanpu’s second son, [4] was born in 1920. In 1929 he began to play sheng in the Shifan association in Xin’an town, and from 1931 until the Japanese invasion in 1937 he helped his older brother with his sheng business in Tianjin and Beijing. There he learned to make and repair sheng; they also made guanzi oboes, dizi flutes, and shawms (laba). They used to go out to find work repairing sheng, making the rounds of all the Buddhist and Daoist temples. At the North Great Gate of Tianjin, Qi Youzhi recalled, the Buddhist monks at the “Buddhist temple” and the Daoist priests at the Chenghuang miao had many sheng. We asked him if nuns (called “juvenile monks”, youseng!) also played shengguan music; indeed, the Qi family used to tune sheng for the Taishan miao nunnery and the one in Xiaomalu (“Small road”). They used to go to tune sheng not only for the Tianjin and Beijing temples, but also throughout the villages, tuning and mending sheng for both types of ritual association, “northern” and “southern”—the latter also known by the fine terms qie 怯 (“rustic”) and kua 侉 (“with an outsider’s accent” or “bumpkin”), as well as for shawm bands. But after the Japanese invasion in 1937 their activities were highly restricted. Based in Xin’an in the mid-1940s the family resumed its work, apparently even through the 1946–7 civil war. Twice a year Qi Youzhi used to go on a long trek by foot to Beijing with his uncle, staying in villages on the way and tuning sheng wherever there was work. In Beijing, he recalled that temples like the Guandi miao in Sitiao, and the Guangji an at Chaoyangmenwai dongdaqiao, used the classic “capital” (“northern”) shengguan music. But the Baita si, Huguo si, and Longfu si temples seem to have been “rustic” or “southern” in style, since they included small shawms (laba) in their shengguan ensemble. The gradual destruction of this whole landscape of old Beijing has been bulldozed most radically since the 1990s. After the 1949 Liberation, Qi Youzhi could no longer find work in Beijing, since priests were returning to lay life and temples were now largely inactive—but significantly there was still plenty of work repairing sheng for the village ritual associations. Indeed, this work continued until the Four Cleanups in 1964. By 1980 Qi Youzhi was 61 sui, and, despite the revival, seems to have been much less active. We went to see him again in 1993, between visits to two amazing village ritual associations near Xin’an, Gaoqiao (Buddhist—another sheng-making/repairing lineage; audio playlist track 8, and commentary) and Zhangzhuang (Daoist). By then our team was joined by Zhang Zhentao, who has since published detailed work on the sheng and its history. Meanwhile Yuan Jingfang made detailed studies of the Zhihua temple style, further adding to the list of its clerical exponents. Everywhere we went on the Hebei plain, we made a point of seeking out sheng-repairers—often they were themselves members of a ritual association, but anyway they always knew precisely where other groups were active in the area. We also valued sheng players, always most knowledgeable about scales and pitch systems—in Hebei, Shanxi, and throughout north China. I still marvel at that miraculous thread which linked us so vividly to Yang Yinliu’s time with the Zhihua temple monks, and further back to the world of palace eunuchs and the ritual life of the Qing dynasty. [1] Yang Yinliu (1953) Zhihuasi jing yinyue caifang jilu [Record of visits to the capital music of the Zhihua temple], 3 parts, Beijing: Zhongyang yinyuexueyuan Zhongguo gudai yinyue yanjiushi, mim., now available in his complete works. This post is based on my In search of the folk Daoists of north China, p.146. For Buddhist and Daoist ritual life in Beijing and Tianjin, see ibid., Appendix 1, whose citations include Vincent Goossaert’s splendid 2007 book The Taoists of Peking, 1800–1949. As I note in the Appendix (p.222), only five of the nineteen former monks assembled came from the Zhihua temple. On ritual life in old Beijing I must also mention the works of Chang Renchun 常人春. [2] Part 2, pp.40–45, signed with his other name Zha Yiping. [3] Cf. Tian Qing, “Shijimo huimou: Zhihua si yinyue yu Zhongguo yinyuexue” [A fin-de-siecle retrospective: the music of the Zhihua temple and Chinese musicology], Zhongyang yinyuexueyuan xuebao 1998/2: 38–45. [4] As you see from the page from Yang Yinliu’s notes, he had learned that Qi Youzhi was adopted son of Qi Fu, another distinguished sheng-repairer. We didn’t clarify this—such family relations can be hard to elicit on a brief acquaintance. [5] See In search of the folk Daoists, pp.145–55. Posted in China, Daoism, fieldwork, ritual, Taoism, tributes / Tagged Beijing, Buddhism, Hebei, heritage, Maoism, qin, Yang Yinliu / 32 Comments Tibet: the Golden Age Tone of voice, and audiences The first snooker commentary Some meals with Li Manshan Follow @Stevejonesblog Follow Stephen Jones: a blog on WordPress.com Airplane art Bach Bailey Barley Beatles Beijing Bennett Billie Boulez Buddhism Carson China Daily Chinese jokes Christie conducting Country Cunk Czech dance Dud'n'Pete famine fiction fiddles film Fox French Gaoluo gender German Gibbons headlines Hebei heritage Iberia Indian Irish Iron Curtain Italy Japan jazz Lee Mahler Maoism Marx brothers Messiaen Mozart Myles pop Proms punk Python qin Ravel Ronnie Sedaris Shaanbei Shanxi (other) south China sport stammering Stravinsky Tang Tibet trumpet Tweety Uyghur Yang Yinliu Zhihua temple, Xiao Huayan 1953 Li family Daoists, Invitation Li family Daoists, Sandai zhou 2001 Li family Daoists, Sandai zhou, Paris 2018 Li family Daoists, Zouma Hua band, Shuilongyin (meihuadiao) Liu band, Liaoyang, Batiaolong Gaoluo, Houtu precious scroll Gaoqiao village, Jintang yue Gaoluo, Ma yulang sung Gaoluo, Ma yulang played Hua band, Da Yanluo (fanzidiao) Xi'an suite opening Feuchtwang variations Longchui 1961 Li Manshan doing paperwork for Hoisting the Pennant ritual, 2003 https://stephenjones.blog/the-film/ Daoist priests of the Li family https://stephenjones.blog/the-book/ Li Qing copying ritual document, 1991 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/10/beauty-of-mouth-organ/ Ritual painting (detail), Artisan the Sixth, early 1980s https://stephenjones.blog/god-images-old-and-new-1/ Ritual painting of Li Peisen https://stephenjones.blog/li-peisen-paintings/ Ten Kings detail https://stephenjones.blog/2018/04/04/god-images-old-and-new-1/ Elder Hu https://stephenjones.blog/2018/04/20/elder-hu/ Li Qing’s widow https://stephenjones.blog/2017/06/13/women-of-yanggao-13-daoist-families/ Duilian couplet at entrance to scripture hall https://stephenjones.blog/documents/ Courtyard in snow https://stephenjones.blog/2018/04/16/home-with-master-daoist/ Fetching Water, Pansi village 2011 https://stephenjones.blog/photos/ The Pardon, 1991 https://stephenjones.blog/the-film/ Pardon manual, Li Peisen https://stephenjones.blog/documents/ The Li band in Italy https://stephenjones.blog/2017/08/25/venetian-greetings/ The Li band in France https://stephenjones.blog/2017/05/27/the-li-band-in-france-notes/ Funeral procession, Yanggao https://stephenjones.blog/yanggao-other/ Shuozhou Daoists https://stephenjones.blog/shuozhou-daoists/ Temple mural https://stephenjones.blog/2017/08/24/temple-murals/ Statuette, Tianzhen https://stephenjones.blog/tianzhen-daoists/ Shanxi sect https://stephenjones.blog/2017/06/14/women-of-yanggao-23-sectarians-and-mediums/ Hunyuan Daoists 1992 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/05/shanxi-summer-1992/ Hunyuan yankou https://stephenjones.blog/hunyuan-daoists/ Xi’an village festival, 1950s: https://stephenjones.blog/ritual-life-around-xian/ Yang Yinliu 1950 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/02/26/a-tribute-to-yang-yinliu/ Zhihua temple at BM https://stephenjones.blog/2018/04/25/baldies-mouth-organ/ Jiangnan ritual https://stephenjones.blog/2019/07/20/south-jiangsu-roundup/ N. Xinzhuang 1959 https://stephenjones.blog/sects-hebei/ 1930 donors’ list, South Gaoluo https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/01/two-local-cultural-workers/ Women of Gaoluo https://stephenjones.blog/2017/11/20/gaoluo-women/ Gaoluo 1989 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/02/20/more-on-hebei-2/ Pantheon, Gaoluo https://stephenjones.blog/ritual-images-gaoluo/ Houtu scroll https://stephenjones.blog/houtu-scroll/ Gaoluo 1993 https://stephenjones.blog/south-gaoluo-a-tribute-to-two-ritual-leaders/ Plucking the winds https://stephenjones.blog/other-publications/ A village elder https://stephenjones.blog/2019/07/11/village-elder/ Seniors,S. Gaoluo 1995 https://stephenjones.blog/south-gaoluo-a-tribute-to-two-ritual-leaders/ Gaoluo vocal liturgists Pantheon, Liujing 1995 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/01/two-local-cultural-workers/ Ritual painting, N. Qiaotou https://stephenjones.blog/houshan-daoists/ Medium and disciples, Houshan 1993 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/01/two-local-cultural-workers/ Renqiu nun https://stephenjones.blog/hebei-nuns/ Tianjin Buddhists Langfang https://stephenjones.blog/langfang-ritual/ Xushui 1959 https://stephenjones.blog/xushui-ritual/ Baiyangdian lake https://stephenjones.blog/baiyangdian-ritual/ Hanzhuang score https://stephenjones.blog/xiongxian-ritual/ Ritual in fiction https://stephenjones.blog/2018/02/03/hongloumeng/ Guanzi player, Bazhou https://stephenjones.blog/bazhou-ritual/ Funeral, N. Xinzhuang https://stephenjones.blog/suburban-beijing-ritual/ Fan Huilai 1993 https://stephenjones.blog/2018/03/01/sheng-repairers/ N. Shakou https://stephenjones.blog/xiongxian-ritual/ Baiyunshan pilgrims 2001 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/02/01/a-great-daoist-priest/ Wutai pantheon https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/05/shanxi-summer-1992/ Intriguing shopfront https://stephenjones.blog/2017/09/10/shabi/ Daoist football https://stephenjones.blog/2017/09/28/daoist-football/ Twin Peaks https://stephenjones.blog/2018/10/17/twin-peaks/ The great Philomena Cunk https://stephenjones.blog/2017/11/08/cunk/ The tribulations of fieldwork https://stephenjones.blog/2017/10/27/one-belt-one-road/ Noh drama https://stephenjones.blog/2019/11/26/noh/ Dressing modestly https://stephenjones.blog/2017/10/30/dressing-modestly/ Hermit https://stephenjones.blog/2018/05/27/on-visiting-a-hermit/ Chet Baker https://stephenjones.blog/2017/10/28/chet/ qin and erhu https://stephenjones.blog/2018/09/21/qin-erhu/ Van Gulik https://stephenjones.blog/2018/09/29/gulik/ Love, Nina https://stephenjones.blog/2017/12/19/love-nina/ Cantonese https://stephenjones.blog/2020/04/21/dou-wun/ Mazu procession https://stephenjones.blog/2019/04/16/fujian-1961/ Female mediums https://stephenjones.blog/2018/10/06/lives-of-female-mediums/ Gansu Daoists https://stephenjones.blog/2018/09/15/mao-worship/ Ningxia ritual https://stephenjones.blog/ningxia-ritual/ Rain rituals https://stephenjones.blog/2018/08/08/rain-rituals/ Coronavirus https://stephenjones.blog/2020/02/15/coronavirus/ Bards of Shaanbei https://stephenjones.blog/2018/06/23/bards-of-shaanbei/ Guo Yuhua https://stephenjones.blog/2018/06/19/guo-yuhua/ Yangjiagou funeral 1999 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/14/walking-shrill-shawm-bands-in-china/ Learning with the Hua band, 2001 https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/14/walking-shrill-shawm-bands-in-china/ An unsung local hero https://stephenjones.blog/2016/12/27/an-unsung-local-hero/ Fieldwork https://stephenjones.blog/2017/09/01/fieldworkers/ SOAS shawms https://stephenjones.blog/2017/03/14/walking-shrill-shawm-bands-in-china/ Wind band https://stephenjones.blog/2017/11/05/wind/ Confucian ritual in Hunan https://stephenjones.blog/2019/03/28/hunan-confucian-ritual/ A 1956 fieldtrip to Hunan https://stephenjones.blog/2019/03/11/hunan-1956/ Wang Mingming https://stephenjones.blog/2018/06/13/notes-from-beijing-2/ Ethnographers of Beishida https://stephenjones.blog/2018/05/08/notes-from-beijing-1/ Beijing punk https://stephenjones.blog/2018/10/19/new-musics-beijing/ Berlioz https://stephenjones.blog/2018/11/12/berlioz/ Mahler and the mouth-organ https://stephenjones.blog/2018/11/16/mahler-and-mouth-organ/ Country https://stephenjones.blog/2019/12/26/more-country/ Replies from the Capmlaints dept Un homme et une femme https://stephenjones.blog/2018/11/18/un-homme-et-une-femme/ Moon river https://stephenjones.blog/2018/11/28/moon-river/ Performance https://stephenjones.blog/2018/11/22/performance/ The conformist https://stephenjones.blog/2018/11/08/the-conformist/ flamenco: gender and politics https://stephenjones.blog/2018/06/25/flamenco-2/ Flamenco https://stephenjones.blog/2018/06/17/flamenco-1/ Sardinian chronicles https://stephenjones.blog/2018/07/25/sardinian-chronicles/ Irish music https://stephenjones.blog/2016/11/07/oirish/ Morocco https://stephenjones.blog/2019/07/26/paul-bowles-morocco/ Women of Herat https://stephenjones.blog/2018/10/29/women-of-herat/ Ohashi https://stephenjones.blog/2019/01/27/tzar-spangled-banner/ Hélène Grimaud https://stephenjones.blog/2019/11/12/grimaud/ Let me tell you https://stephenjones.blog/2019/01/13/nordic-noir/ Gepopo https://stephenjones.blog/2018/09/13/gepopo/ Beatles https://stephenjones.blog/2020/07/18/beatles-roundup/ Yesterday https://stephenjones.blog/2016/12/29/yesterday/ Musicking https://stephenjones.blog/2018/07/30/musicking/ Popular culture in early modern Europe https://stephenjones.blog/2019/05/03/popular-culture-europe/ https://stephenjones.blog/2020/03/12/neuman/ Dhrupad Forbidden memory https://stephenjones.blog/2020/07/04/forbidden-memory/ Labrang 1 https://stephenjones.blog/2020/07/16/labrang-1/ Tibet https://stephenjones.blog/2019/02/25/cultural-revolution-tibet/ How not to describe 1956 Tibet Tibet: folk ritual Ghost dance https://stephenjones.blog/2020/07/06/ghost-dance/ Uyghur culture in crisis https://stephenjones.blog/2019/10/23/uyghur-culture-crisis/ Lisbon 1939 https://stephenjones.blog/2018/05/14/lisbon-2/ Music and the potato Italy: folk musicking https://stephenjones.blog/2019/04/29/italy-folk-musicking/ Hašek’s adventures in Soviet Tatarstan Kolyma tales The first gulag https://stephenjones.blog/2020/01/13/the-first-gulag/ Kulaks exiled, 1930s https://stephenjones.blog/2019/05/13/lives-in-stalins-russia/ Kazakh famine https://stephenjones.blog/2020/02/01/the-kazakh-famine/ Commemorating trauma in China https://stephenjones.blog/2018/05/18/china-trauma/ Bloodlands https://stephenjones.blog/2018/12/02/bloodlands/ Musics of Crete Blind minstrels of Ukraine https://stephenjones.blog/2018/10/13/blind-minstrels-ukraine/ Blind musicians Black Madonna Poland: folk traditions Czech couple with Qi Baishi https://stephenjones.blog/2019/02/15/czechs-in-tianqiao/ https://stephenjones.blog/2020/02/17/jackson-fieldwork/ Denis Twitchett and An Lushan https://stephenjones.blog/2019/04/03/twitchett-tang/ Picken https://stephenjones.blog/2017/02/10/laurence-picken/ Paul Kratochvil https://stephenjones.blog/2016/12/19/paul-kratochvil/ Nazi legacy https://stephenjones.blog/2018/05/16/nazi-legacy/ GDR 2 https://stephenjones.blog/2018/05/02/gdr-2/ Sachsenhausen https://stephenjones.blog/2018/04/27/sachsenhausen/ Boulanger pupils https://stephenjones.blog/2020/06/25/boulanger-pupils/ Les Parisiennes https://stephenjones.blog/2018/07/18/parisiennes/ Normal people https://stephenjones.blog/2020/06/18/normal-people/ Noor Inayat Khan https://stephenjones.blog/2020/05/15/noor-inayat-khan/ Esperance https://stephenjones.blog/2019/04/08/morris/ Empirical language acquisition https://stephenjones.blog/2017/02/05/language-acquisition/ Ravensbruck https://stephenjones.blog/2017/07/24/bearing-witness-if-this-is-a-woman/ Bach https://stephenjones.blog/2020/04/11/matthew-passion-staged/ Mahler 10 https://stephenjones.blog/2018/04/29/mahler-10/ Mahler 4 Celi https://stephenjones.blog/2020/04/17/celibidache/ Hildi with Bach https://stephenjones.blog/2018/02/17/echoes-of-the-past-2/ Alap https://stephenjones.blog/2017/01/17/bach-alap-and-driving-in-birmingham/ 1945 refugees https://stephenjones.blog/2018/02/16/echoes-of-the-past-1/ Bach party https://stephenjones.blog/2017/11/24/feuchtwang-variations/ Bach letter https://stephenjones.blog/2017/12/26/bach-patronage/ Proof-reading https://stephenjones.blog/2016/12/07/proof-reading/ Great works missing the crucial element https://stephenjones.blog/2019/04/14/missing-crucial-element/ Windsors https://stephenjones.blog/2020/03/22/windsors/ Stammering songs https://stephenjones.blog/2019/01/21/more-stammering-songs/ Saint Bill The wise AOC Laowai and CR https://stephenjones.blog/2017/11/14/laowai-and-cr/ Natasha https://stephenjones.blog/2017/07/16/in-memory-of-natasha/ Juggling https://stephenjones.blog/2019/11/28/juggling/ Lin Youren https://stephenjones.blog/2017/01/13/remembering-an-old-friend-憶故人/ Granddad https://stephenjones.blog/2017/01/19/wisdom-of-the-elders/	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3567
__label__cc	0.579277	0.420723	Discovering upcoming influencers on a daily base. Jonathan Shea Terry (@jonathan.shea.terry) theupcomingco Uncategorized July 27, 2020 3 Minutes Ideas, vision, plan, knowledge of market signals and gaps, perception of marketing tactics, and a unique selling point from competitors charismatically blend to cook up an entrepreneur but the most important ingredient, when it comes to a successful entrepreneur, is determination and diligence. Filled to the brim with all these elements, Mr. Jonathan Shea Terry, currently, a resident of League City, Texas, has unequivocally assisted numerous companies and entrepreneurs, in the United States of America and beyond, to rise and stay competitive and innovative in this ever-advancing era of technology. Jonathan Shea Terry was born in the city of Baytown, Texas, and studied at Sterling High School. He completed his graduation from San Jacinto College and gathered miscellaneous and functional commercial experience from different industries after his college. He worked as a carpenter at Marathon Petroleum Corporation, one of the largest petroleum refiners, marketers and transporters in the United States. Moreover, he served as a Utility Technician at Ports America, Inc. Also had the pleasure of being a Financial Service Representative (FSR) at National Service Associates, an Insurance Broker service firm of the United States. Since a young age, Jonathan dreamt of being an entrepreneur and to apply his expertise to being his boss rather than working for someone. Soon his self-discipline, persistence, and quality work in the least time led him into climbing ultimate steps of success and Jonathan laid the foundations of his own business; Terry Tech Co.LLC. The company aims to provide cost-effective field solutions for leading corporations regarding any untimely problems in everyday business or any technical or managerial glitches in ongoing or upcoming projects of firms. Terry Tech Company addresses a diverse range of complications and specifications either it’s a rollout involving thousands of locations or a service ticket for a single property. Streamlining other companies’ operations and keeping them updated with innovative models in the technical field, Terry Tech company ensures timely completion of work with irreproachable, faultless workmanship that keeps its vast and extensive customer base satisfied. With its impeccable performance and methodical services and installation of tech products, Terry Tech has effectively executed over 200,000 site visits at more than 68,000 unique locations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Canada strengthening the company’s profile in diverse operations. One of the most interesting experiences Jonathan had the pleasure of, being the President of Terry Tech, was availing the golden chance to program and station ATMs in the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston where they had the opportunity to be acquainted with famous American Football players. Apart from greasing the wheels of the business world Jonathan also got an eye for music. Being a producer in the music industry Jonathan is blessed as the CEO of Prime Conflict, composing and launching music in manifold genres, collaborating with countless musicians and Houston musical artists. Spreading joy and ecstasy between people by playing the strings of his music Jonathan marked his footsteps on a musical journey picking those precious pebbles of memories that he won’t even trade for the whole world. Honouring his passion in music together with testing his capabilities in the commercial sphere Jonathan doubtlessly dedicated his life to hard work and commitment in a dream to look back on his life from the future and take pride in his adventures and risk-taking ability that boosted him to the status where he is standing today. Jonathan’s zealousness for his business and an ambition to prove himself are undoubtedly priceless. He wants his followers to stay tuned as his venture further plans on establishing two more companies expanding his business ring. Master of precise business acumen and the entrepreneurial ability to bounce back, Jonathan fastened his seatbelt on a ride to loads of accomplishments, touring innumerable cities and states including Chicago, Washington DC, Norfolk, Maryland, New Orleans, Colorado, Las Vegas, Boston, Florida, Knoxville, The Bahamas, and many others. In harmony with his lively personality, these journeys allowed him to run into new people and cultures, explore several party spots with friends around the world, give a shot to distinct cuisines, and have a whale of a time in lavish hotels. To know more about his adventures and Terry Tech services you can follow him on Instagram @jonathan.shea.terry or @terrytechco or Twitter @Sheasworld. Moreover, you can visit his Facebook ID @SheaTheIncredible. Previous Post Interview with Trav White (@nbh.co) Next Post Interview with Jonathan Shea Terry (@jonathan.shea.terry)	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3571
__label__cc	0.684013	0.315987	Is the “great commission” a mandate for “Bible Preaching”? What Bible teaching example did Jesus set? Mandate for world ev… on Is the “great commission” a ma… Teaching Elders The Whole Logos the revealed plan of God, from Creation to Consummation — the whole logos. September 22, 2013 kingdomfarmteaching elders 1 Comment Many consider it no less than that, and many consider it much much more. To them, that “great commission” (Mt 28:19-20) establishes once and for all time, for all men, a Divine command for the continual and perpetual preaching of a single inerrant, infallible, inspired Holy Book, and nothing else (except a little Piper. Keller, or Chan as needed…). The seminarian adds for good measure the Romans 10:14 and Ephesians 4:11 “booster” passages. These are asserted as proof of followup Pauline mandates for carrying out that Bible preaching commission into all christendom, in perpetuity. We offer that that position is much more from repeated tradition, than revealed truth; sustained more by cultural conditioning than compelling context. It quickly leads to the Bible itself as the thing that must be taught. More content than concepts. And it’s a short hop from there to the use of the canon as a weapon against all ancient and newly emerging forms of ungodliness (cf. “the Sword of the Spirit” Eph 6:17b). We submit rather, that these venerated texts should be more tool than weapon, wielded less with canonical authority, and more with contextual analysis. A flashlight, not a flagellum. So let look carefully at Matthew’s account. Matthew’s record makes clear the historical and geographical context. It was issued by the resurrected Christ, to His eleven surviving disciples, on a mountain in Galilee, between the resurrection and the ascension. The disciples were there in Galilee, within 40 days of the resurrection, because Christ had told them beforehand to meet them there, through a divine messenger at the tomb on resurrection day. “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” Matt 28:7 There’s also significant literary context here, and accounting for it reveals the specific content, extent, and intent of the event. Christ verbally issued instructions to his closest disciples, and one of them, Matthew, included the event in his apostolic teachings. Then either Matthew himself, or one of his own disciples, put a brief transcript of it in print. We refer to that transcript as “the Great Commission” (Matt 28:18-20) and we can read it in the Greek in which it was likely written, but not the Aramaic in which it was likely spoken. Somehow despite neither the words “great” nor “commission” in the text, we have emphatically ascribed that title to that encounter. And with unintended consequences. As if unable or unwilling to recognize the highly specific context of the event, there are those who use it specifically and exclusively to buttress a particularly aggressive and narrow evangelistic doctrine. They latch onto that account as though it launched an eternal evangelistic crusade. Is that what was intended? Absolutely! That is, if by “eternal” we mean, “continual” and by “evangelistic” we mean “good news” and by “crusade” we mean “ministry of instruction”. Otherwise, maybe not. Truth is, we weren’t there to hear it, but eleven specific men were. If we can understand what they took this “commission” to mean, then we might more clearly recognize its imprint across Kingdom space and time since. If we will study the ruins and remnants and relics and residuals of their proclamations of the Good News, we can understand what they reveal about the Kingdom they were exposing to the next, and ultimately all subsequent, generations of disciples. But if we focus on what they said instead of what they revealed, we can easily miss it. And instead find (and found) just a new religion. Are we too late? No. But we’ll need to choose to recalibrate our Biblical optics. So let’s continue. What exactly did the master-teacher instruct the eleven? On that mountain In Galilee, Christ issued those men instructions for further and future… instruction. There he said to the imminent apostles, to make their own students (mathetes, G3101) and teach them to observe the things He had commanded them. Evangelical church tradition has majored on the commanded part of this, preferred obey over observe (tereo, G5083) and given short shrift to the disciple making and teaching part. The observable product of commandment-minded, obedience-driven teaching is rigid and rigorous and reinforced religion, short on context and compassion. Consider instead that the event on that mount in Galilee is best understood as the master-teacher Christ inaugurating the apostolic ministry of Bridal preparation. He knew it would result in the baptism of many into His Body. In effect, the Bridegroom was chartering the groomsmen to prepare the Bride! Key Point: the apostles were to commence preparation of the Bride by instruction in Kingdom matters — the whole logos of God, following on with the message and the method of the Master. Did they take their commission as a directive to “preach the Bible”? No, and for many reasons, not the least of which was there was no “Bible” between the resurrection and the ascension when this event took place. It was what they actually did teach that ended up being recorded in the documents later canonized as the New Testament. So let’s look at what the apostles actually ended up teaching. Luke records their first foray into Kingdom instruction at Pentecost. Pentecost: does it set a standard for “Bible Preaching”? Plot spoiler: the answer is “if only that were so”… With a Galilean commission in hand, what did the new apostles teach their new disciples? Well, Luke, Paul’s companion, scribe, and supporter, records much of this for us in the orderly and thoroughly researched accounts of the Acts of the Apostles. In 1:16-20, Luke records that Peter first centered and grounded their apostolic ministry in the Kingdom context they found in their scriptures. He interpreted the words of their shepherd-King David as foretelling that the Lord’s betrayer, whom they recognized as Judas Iscariot, was rightly “blotted out of the book of Life” (Ps 69:28), and that he was to be replaced in the ministry of the good news (“Let another take his office” Ps 109:8). Hence the appointing of Matthias. Luke also records (Acts 2:16-40) that in the context of the multi-lingual proclamations prompted by the falling of the Spirit at Pentecost, Peter interpreted their scriptures to orient the crowds to the correct heading in Kingdom space-time — as it was being revealed in real time! He pointed out that what they were seeing was the fulfillment of what the Creator’s prophet Joel (2:28-32) had foretold. That was, that the time would come when God would pour out His spirit for His purposes. He used the Divine opportunity to underscore the certainty and the significance of the Christ who had lived among them. In a sense, he as best man, announced the long-standing wedding plans of the Father, and reintroduced the Bridegroom, His Son who had lately dwelt among them. Luke records further what happened after the Jews began to catch on to a fresh understanding of their times. They appealed for some instruction in what to do about it! To which Peter said, “repent” (get a new mind) (2:38) and “be saved from this perverse generation” (2:40). Some call that good old fashioned Gospel preaching! But recall Peter quoted Joel, not John 3:16. In sad point of fact, “old fashioned gospel preaching” (aka “Bible thumping”), is not that old. “Cannon-as-cudgel” preaching is a hallmark of the modern Western protestant evangelical Christian denominations. And it is a poor substitute for “Kingdom instruction”. As we’re endeavoring to show, this is not the teaching mode modeled by the master-teacher, or demonstrated by His apostles when revealing Kingdom truths to the Bride of Christ. The apostles’ teaching was in content, proclaiming what they had heard and seen from the Christ, now that they themselves understood it correctly. Their master-teacher had employed contextualized interpretation of their scriptures, such that they could not miss the Kingdom significance of their times. But the “perverse generation” did miss it. Who was that “perverse generation”? The greek word for them is “skolias” — twisted ones (G4646), who had “twisted” the good news of the Kingdom of God into … a religion. Yes, perverse is the name for a generation which taught, enforced, and reinforced a religion — all the way to Calvary, to Damascus, and wherever that Damascan convert went attempting to redeem that religion in the decades to follow. And in doing so, the perverse ones were misleading God’s sheep away from the true pasture. What’s that? The eternal marriage to the Bridegroom Christ, in the new heavens and the new earth. So if that’s what the “perverted” ones taught (or failed to teach), what did the apostles teach? September 20, 2013 kingdomfarm Leave a comment Christ was a peripatetic (walk and talk) teacher. But more than that, he was “kurios” (master) — Master-Teacher, Rabboni (John 20:16, Mark 10:46-52). He is the archetype of the church age Bible teacher — depending, that is, on the definition you use for “Bible”, and what you mean by “teach”. Plot spoiler: yes, we have to take this approach to apprehend and appreciate the earthly message of the heavenly messenger. To develop this important thesis, we must rely on contextualized and clarified terminology. Over the many generations of Bible teaching (in English), a hyper-spiritualized glazing has been applied to the words in our original texts. The result is a refraction of the true Light of the logos of the Creator; it blurs our Biblical optics of the message the words convey. As a result, we no longer teach what The Lord taught, we teach what He taught. The difference? The message vs. the words themselves. This will become clear in what follows. So, let’s proceed.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3572
__label__wiki	0.729936	0.729936	TWJ Home Tags United Nations Women division United Nations Women division Manushi Chhillar Join Hands With UN To Empower Women TWJ Team - January 2, 2021 0 Violence against females is one of the most pressing and important issues the world is facing. Regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion young girls... Physician-Entrepreneur Using Her Platform Wisely To Empower Women TWJ Team - January 16, 2021 0 Dr. Aaliya Yaqub, MD is a Board-certified physician, skincare, and wellness expert and runs her own healthcare startup. She attended the David Geffen School... Saudi Arabia Soon To Have Female Judges In Court In recent years the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been bringing a series of social reforms. Recently, the decision to appoint female judges in... Fans Go Berserk As Selena Gomez Releases Spanish Single “De Una Vez” Selena Gomez recently took to her Instagram to announce that she is preparing to release her new single in Spanish called “De Una Vez”... Entrepreneur Tera Carissa Hodges Walking In Beyoncé’s Footsteps Of Success Tera Carissa Hodges, a women’s empowerment coach, and faith-based speaker who appears to perfectly fit into every possible role a female can play giving... Friends Turned Business Partners Will Tell You How To Spend Quality Time Outdoor Amid Pandemic Two female entrepreneurs Shwetha Gupta and Bhawna Rao hailing from the city of Bengaluru are bringing their own spin to picnics thanks to their... Actress Tanya Roberts Passes Away At The Age Of 65 Hollywood mourns the loss of Tanya Roberts who died on Christmas Eve while walking her dogs due to unknown reasons. Soon after news of... Angel Lama To Become First Transwoman To Make It To Nepal’s Beauty Pageant Final TWJ Team - December 30, 2020 0 Angel Lama sashays is all set to write history as she becomes the first transwoman to catwalk her way to the Miss Universe Nepal... Halsey Apologizes For Sharing Triggering Photo On Instagram American singer and globally acclaimed artist, Halsey recently took to Twitter to apologize to her fans for posting a photo over a sensitive issue... Female Entrepreneurs Honored For Their Dedication To Serve Mankind During COVID19 A trio of female entrepreneurs is being acknowledged for their multi-faceted and inspiring accomplishments during these tumultuous and pandemic stricken times. Liz Drury, Ruchita Green,... This Ph.D. Turned Entrepreneur Will Teach You How To Build A Brand Reputation Starting one’s own business can be tricky and be laced with an immense number of challenges. It can prove to be quite an achievement... Black Woman Opt Unique Way To Celebrate The First Anniversary Of Her Business “Low Heel No Heel” is an online shoe boutique that offers comfortable footwear at affordable prices. The business was started by Shannon Ashmore McMath... Ayesha Siddiqua Challenges Bangladeshi High Court to Fulfill Her Dream Of Becoming Kazi Since she was little Ayesha always wanted to break stereotypes and open new doors that empower women in her country. However, her passion to... Pakistani Official Gul Nisa Proudly Extending Peacekeeping Services In Sudan Born and raised in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lady police officer Gul Nisa from the Tank Division was chosen by the United Nation... Meet These Women Who Are Honored For Their Inspiring Efforts Towards Humanity New Year Honours have acknowledged the noble efforts of Sarah Hope and Emma Jones who have dedicated their time towards helping society. 48-years old Emma... Germany Passes Law For Companies To Have At Least 1 Female Board Member According to a bill passed by the Parliament German companies are required to appoint women as part of their board and have a voice... Alex Padilla Will Take Kamala Harris’s Seat In U.S Senate Governor of California Gavin Newsom has picked Alex Padilla to replace Kamala Harris’s place in the US Senate and be shouldered with the responsibility... Pakistani Activist Karima Baloch Found Dead In Canada Originally from Pakistan, reformer Karima Baloch was found dead in the city of Toronto after a missing case had been filed on the eve... Jill Biden Strongly Reacts To A Demeaning Op-Ed Page Jill Biden is all for women’s rights and in a recent answer to a degrading column in an opposite of the editorial page section... Here’s How Tulsi Gabbard’s New Bill Fueling Attacks On Trans Youth On Tuesday, Tulsi Gabbard announced a bill in the US Representatives House. This bill includes the protection of women athletes based on their biological... Lily Garcia Fights To Become Secretary Of Education TWJ Team - December 9, 2020 0 Former chief of National Education Association Lily Eskelsen Garcia has recently retired from the largest teachers union in the country in September. She has received... One More Sporting Event Postponed Due To COVID Pandemic Just like other events, this year, the Women’s Six Nations has been postponed in light of the coronavirus pandemic and current scenario. The games... England Women’s Cricket Team Soon Visit Pakistan The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) collectively told the press on Thursday that England Women be touring Pakistan... Helen Ward Plans To Retire From Non-Elite Football Welsh athlete Helen Ward has made up her mind to retire from non-elite football. The decision comes after the UK faces a tremendous rise... Duke University Postpones All Female Basketball Games The season came to end a lot sooner than anticipated for Duke’s women’s basketball team. In light of the given COVID-19 situation, all matches... Here’s How This 16-Year Old Girl Is Empowering Women 16-year-old Ananya Kamboj is set on a mission to empower women through sports. She has been actively participating in the campaign “Football for Friendship”...	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3573
__label__wiki	0.605318	0.605318	Films For Food: NATIONAL BIRD 09 May - 09 May 2018 Films For Food returns with a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary ‘National Bird’ + short film ‘The Unknown’. Instead of paying for a ticket for this event just bring a full bag of non-perishable food for entry and the food will go to First Love Foundation Food Bank in East London. This documentary follows the dramatic journey of three whistleblowers who are determined to break the silence around one of the most controversial current affairs issues of our time: the secret U.S. drone war. At the center of the film are three U.S. military veterans. Plagued by guilt over participating in the killing of faceless people in foreign countries, they decide to speak out publicly, despite the possible consequences. ‘If we can eliminate enemy threats without placing boots on a battlefield, then why not do so? That’s one of the unspoken questions raised by this elegantly unsettling documentary’. Jeannette Catsoulis The NYTimes ‘Making her feature debut as a documentary director, investigative journalist Sonia Kennebeck focuses on three former operatives in the U.S. military’s controversial drone warfare program’. Michael O’Sullivan Washington Post About Films for Food Between 2014 – 2017, there has been a 51% increase in people using food banks across the UK. In response, Rainbow Collective set up Films For Food, a scheme that addresses the fact that there are now over 1 million people using food banks. Films for Food gives film lovers the opportunity to watch brilliant films and do good for our communities. Each month at Hub67 we screen another leading film, often followed by a Q&A with the directors, and ask people to bring along a bag of non-perishable food for entry. Food is donated to First Love Foundation in Tower Hamlets. What food to bring? Items needed this month: Tinned Salmon Tinned Ham Tinned Corned Beef Tinned Potatoes Tinned Carrots Tinned Rice Pudding Instant Rice packets Olive oil/cooking oil Items NOT needed at the moment: Tampons/Sanitary Towels Shampoo/Shower Gel WORK AT THE YARD THE YARD THEATRE LTD Registered Office Unit 2a, Queen’s Yard White Post Lane London E9 5EN Registered Number: 7664276 Registered Charity: 1144028 VAT Reg: 202970724	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3574
__label__wiki	0.77723	0.77723	Wells Fargo reveals new risk management structure Posted on May 29, 2020 Comments Off on Wells Fargo reveals new risk management structure (Reuters) – Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N) on Friday appointed Kevin Reen as chief risk officer (CRO) for its consumer lending arm and Bill Juliano to lead its operational risk management team as it revealed a new organizational structure to provide risk oversight. The company said it would also search for CROs for its commercial, consumer and small business, and investment banking arms and also for its wealth management unit. Since taking over the scandal-plagued bank late last year, Chief Executive Charlie Scharf has shaken up its leadership and overhauled the bank’s business lines. The bank has had to contend with a federal investigation, a dozen consent orders and an unprecedented Federal Reserve cap on its balance sheet growth as the fallout of a 2016 sales practices scandal. The San Francisco-based bank said on Friday the new risk model will have five line-of-business CROs and other teams aligned by risk type, each reporting to Wells Fargo CRO Mandy Norton. Reen will join Wells Fargo in August. He most recently served as CRO for JPMorgan Chase & Co’s (JPM.N) card services business. Juliano, who most recently served as consumer and business banking CRO and U.S. chief operational risk officer at Santander Bank, will join Wells Fargo in July. Tagged Banking S, FARGO, MOVES, US, WELLS DP World, Canadian fund to invest further $4.5 billion in port terminals (Reuters) – Global port operator DP World and Canadian pension fund Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec announced Thursday a $4.5 billion (C$ 5.89 billion) investment in their global portfolio of ports and terminals. The investment will be used to expand in existing and new regions, such as Europe and Asia Pacific, and in […] Carlyle closes $95 million funding for moving-and-storage firm Zippy Shell FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Carlyle Group is displayed at the company’s office in Tokyo, Japan October 17, 2018. REUTERS/Issei Kato(Reuters) – Private equity firm Carlyle Group Inc CG.O said on Thursday it has completed a $95 million financing package for Zippy Shell Inc, one of the largest moving-and-storage service providers in the United […] Bristol Myers to buy heart drug developer MyoKardia for about $13 billion (Reuters) – Bristol Myers Squibb Co BMY.N said on Monday it would buy MyoKardia Inc MYOK.O for about $13 billion to bolster its portfolio of heart disease treatments, as it seeks to reduce some of its dependence on cancer drugs.The logo of U.S. drugmaker Bristol Myers Squibb. via REUTERS The deal follows Bristol Myers’ $74 […] Riot police defend home of ex-cop accused of killing George Floyd France's Louvre museum to reopen July 6, Versailles June 6 Mustapha Adib all-but set to be Lebanon PM-designate Mexico economy shrinks in October, making rocky start to 4th quarter DBS cuts again interest rates on flagship Multiplier savings account More investors sue Danske Bank for alleged money laundering Nintendo CEO says no plans to launch new Switch model in 2020 Airbnb burned through $1.2 billion ahead of IPO: The Information Cheniere Energy drops lawsuit against Tellurian chairman, vice chairman This is another News Portal > World News > Cheniere Energy drops lawsuit against Tellurian chairman, vice chairman	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3579
__label__cc	0.550016	0.449984	Ego Sum Thoth The Proto Civilization There have been many theories as to which civilization was the first and often these theories stand at odds with each other. From language, archaeological digs, mythology, we do in fact have a wealth of artefacts both memetic and physical left behind by our ancestors for us to piece the puzzle together. One ubiquitous theme in nearly all ancient texts, religious books and mythologies is that of the deluge, or as it was come to be known as the flood of noah in the bible. Few people indeed are aware that the flood did in fact happen and that there is a fairly simple explanation as to why and when it happened. While the Biblical record seems to suggest that the flood took place some 6000 years ago, the truth is more like 11,000. So what did the earth look like 11,000 years ago? We were at the end of the last ice age and indeed that inhospitable climate extend to some 70,000 before the climate shifted again. Nearly all of the northern hemisphere was blanketed by a thick sheet of ice, at some section more than 12km thick. Owing to the fact that the ice covering these vast expanses of land, much of the earths fresh water was frozen solid in this volumous mass. As a consequence, the southern hemisphere was arid, extremely hot, and negated the possibility of a civilisation flourishing or indeed even surviving. On the face of the planet there remained two ideal zones, by nature of a micro climate being able to develop owing to tectonic and geological conditions. These two areas were the Carpthian and Turanian basins. The reason for these two naturally formed basins developing a micro climate is owing to the thickness of the crust at the bottom of the basin. In most parts of the world, the thickness of the crust separating the surface world with the magma below our feet is considerably thicker than that what we find at the bottom of the two basins mentioned. Indeed the crust in the Carpthian basin is at points so thin comparatively that it could be said it almost sits directly atop the magma. It naturally explains why in Hungary, the land of the Huns, Avars, Scithians, and most importantly the Magyar people, there are several hundred thermal springs by virtue of the underground heat sources owing to the proximity to the magma. While this post will not seek to introduce ancient civilisations pre-ice age, it can be stated that the exsistence of speaking, advanced civilisations existed, before the ice age radically transformed the surface of the planet. Those that could survive, sought a suitable climate to settle and the two basins mentioned served as the ideal homes of these once advanced, now climate-enforced nomadic people. These wanderers that settled in the Carpthian and Turanian basin were the Aryan race, or as called in Hungary the Magyars. It is believed that the Sumerians were the first civilisation to develop, and that their language and culture developed in the fertile crescent was humanity's first step into a civilised society with the writings and inscriptions produced by the Sumerians being dated back to roughly 6500 years or 4000 years BC. In 1770, the worlds first female historian, Torma Zsófia, from transylvania, conducted an archaeological dig and found a slew of amulets enscribed with Székely-Magyar Rovasiras, the Old runic writing of the Hungarian people. There's amulets were dated back some 8500 years and pre date the Sumerians tablets by some two thousand years. Indeed Hungarians today have over 3000 Sumerians words in our everyday usage, and so from the climatic opportunities presented at the end of the ice, coupled with archeological and etymological findings it can be deduced that the Magyars pre-dated the Sumerians and indeed were the precursor to their language. Some evidence to support this is in the naming of certain towns in the Fertile crescent, now modern day Syria and Iraq. When American, British, German and French archaeologists (not Hungarian) were performing digs in the area, they named the ancient towns based on their phonetic equivalents pertaining to what they found. Indeed there is a town called Kutya, which to this day means Dog in Hungarian. Interestingly the archeologists found the buried remains of hundreds of Hungarian Kuvasz dogs that had been bread there for their saliva for antiseptic uses. While this extremely short post only introduces a very short overview of the proto civilisation, in further posts we will track the journey and study the remnants of the mythological, archeological, technogolical and historicsl legacy of the Magyar people, and also where they came from. We will also look at when the ice age came to an end, and the fresh water was freed up from the ice, and how the flood of noah and the planet again once transformed. published with write.as	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3580
__label__wiki	0.828234	0.828234	UBE - Uniform Bar Exam MBE - Multistate Bar Exam MPRE FYLSE - Baby Bar MBE Question Bank MPRE Questions Essay Grading Public Interest Scholarship Home Bar Review The Bar Exam Beacon Opinion Analysi... Opinion Analysis: Freeing More Political Money \| Bar Exam Blog \| BarMax Review By Mehran Ebadolahi By Lyle Denniston, Opinion analysis: Freeing more political money The Supreme Court pressed ahead on Wednesday with the majority's constitutional view that more money flowing into politics is a good thing - even if much of it comes from rich donors. By a five-to-four vote, the Court struck down the two-year ceilings that Congress has imposed on donations to presidential and congressional candidates, parties and some 'but not all' political action groups. The main opinion delivered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., said confidently that corruption in politics will be kept in check by caps 'left intact' on how much each single donation can be. Removing the ceilings on the total amounts that may given in each election cycle will not undermine those limits, Roberts predicted. The decision was not as sweeping as the Court's ruling four years ago, removing all restrictions on what corporations and labor unions can spend of their own money in federal campaigns (Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission), which has led to billions of dollars spent on politics through financing that is supposed to be independent of candidates or parties. The new ruling leaves that option open if a donor does not want to directly support a candidate or a party committee and stay within the per-donation caps. Even so, the practical result of the new ruling is almost sure to be that wealthy individuals favoring specific candidates or party positions will be able to spread their money around among more candidates and political groups. Donors will get into legal trouble, the ruling emphasized, only if they demand a specific favor in policy or legislation in a direct exchange for the money they give. That is the only kind of corruption that the First Amendment will allow the government to attack, the decision stressed. The Chief Justice's opinion said that other recent changes in campaign finance law will work to reduce the risks of abuse, and it offered several other ideas for new limits that it implied might be constitutional. Whether the votes are there in Congress to pass any of those suggestions is problematic. Although the Roberts opinion spoke only for himself and three other Justices, Justice Clarence Thomas said he agreed with the result, making a majority for eliminating the two-year ceilings. Thomas said he would have gone even further to free up even more donations in federal campaigns. He would have overruled a 1976 decision (Buckley v. Valeo) that gives contributions less constitutional protection than spending during campaigns. He added, though, that the Roberts opinion 'continues to chip away' at the 1976 decision's foundations. The Roberts opinion was supported in full by Justices Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Anthony M. Kennedy, and Antonin Scalia. Justice Stephen G. Breyer wrote for the dissenters, and orally announced the dissenters' reasoning in a presentation that ran longer than the Chief Justice's announcement of the ruling. Breyer's opinion was joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor. The ruling will go into effect, formally, in 25 days unless the Court were to take the rare step of agreeing to reconsider it. Thus, it seems sure to operate through the months remaining in this year's congressional campaigns, and for the presidential campaign in 2016, likely to begin in 2015 if not before. The ruling only applies to federal elections, because all that was at issue was a federal law. The per-donation limits now in effect that the Court did not disturb are $2,600 per election to a candidate (with primary and general elections treated separately), $32,400 per year to a national party committee, $10,000 per year to a state or local party committee, and $5,000 per year to a regular political action committee (but that cap does not apply to the new 'Super PACs' that only spend independently and do not give money to candidates). What the Court struck down were these two-year ceilings that would have been operating during 2013 and 2014: $48,600 to federal candidates, and $74,600 to political committees. Of that $74,600, no more than $48,600 can be donated to state and local party committees and PACs. These so-called 'aggregate limits,' Chief Justice Roberts remarked, "have the effect of restricting how many candidates or committees the donor may support, to the extent permitted by the base limits." The ruling came in the case of an Alabama businessman, Shaun McCutcheon, who sued (along with the Republican National Committee) because the two-year limits stopped him from giving anything to added candidates or political panels once his donations had reached the ceilings. He said he had no objection to keeping each specific donation within the so-called 'base limits.' Curbing the number of candidates he could support, he and the GOP argued, infringed on his right to engage in political expression. The Court majority agreed. The main opinion summed up: "An aggregate limit on how many candidates and committees an individual may support through contributions is not a modest restraint at all. The government may no more restrict how many candidates or causes a donor may support than it may tell a newspaper how many candidates it may endorse." Although the Court did not concede that it was creating constitutional donating opportunities only for the wealthy, the two-year caps as a practical reality probably would never apply to those with more limited financial means. In fact, the main opinion impliedly referred to big-money donors by remarking that "the government may not penalize an individual for robustly exercising his First Amendment rights" - and cited for that notion a ruling it had made six years ago striking down a limit on millionaire candidates who used their own money to pay for their own campaigns for Congress. Need Help Passing the Bar? Get a free MPRE course and study guide! Sometimes Less is More \| MPRE Review by BarMax Uber Trouble? \| Bar Exam Blog \| BarMax Review What Is The Bar Exam and How to Pass It? Contracts MBE Sample Questions Intro Civil Procedure MBE Sample Questions Intro Torts MBE Sample Questions Intro Constitutional Law MBE Sample Questions Intro Evidence MBE Sample Questions Intro What Is Bankruptcy Law? What Is Biotechnology Law? What Is Business Organizations Law? What Is A Class Action Suit? BarMax is a leading comprehensive bar exam review course with the highest overall pass rates – all for just $2495. Bar Review Courses Uniform Bar Exam Multistate Bar Exam LSATMax LSAT Prep © 2021 TestMax Inc.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3583
__label__wiki	0.742461	0.742461	Stop Support To Terror: India, UAE Tell All Countries Published on 13 February, 2016 at 2:10 pm By Jahanvi India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have “strongly condemned” extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations. Expanding their co-operation in extremism and terrorism, India and the United Arab Emirates have pointed out that it is the responsibility of all states to control the activities of the “non-state actors” and curb all support to terrorists on their soil. In a joint statement issued by India and UAE, after the three-day visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both the countries have taken a strong stand against state-sponsored terrorism. Top Most Characters of Mahabharata “They (the two leaders-PM Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi) reiterated their condemnation for efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries, or to use terrorism as instrument of state policy,” the statement said. It further went on to say: “They deplored efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to political issues and pointed out the responsibility of all states to control the activities of the so called ‘non-state actors’, and to cut all support to terrorists operating and perpetrating terrorism from their territories against other states.” PM Narendra Modi with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Through this statement, India hinted at Pakistan and UAE at Iran’s activities. It also comes in the aftermath of the Pathankot terrorist attack that India has said was carried out from Pakistani territory. The UAE was among the countries that came out in India’s support within hours of the attack. Officials say that this can be taken as a rebuke to Pakistan for not taking action against international terrorists as per United Nations Security Council resolutions. The two countries have also decided to have annual policy dialogue to discuss peace and security in the region. They have also agreed to work together towards the adoption of India’s proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations. Islamic State terrorists PM Modi and Sheikh Mohamed also talked about growing phenomenon of religious intolerance and radicalisation, which has been witnessed worldwide. The statement said: “The two leaders commended each other on their efforts to build pluralistic societies based on universal values of humanity and peaceful co-existence among different faiths and communities.” Pakistani Christians protest against the suicide bombing in All Saints church in Peshawar On the economic front, UAE has expressed its interest to invest in India’s infrastructure development. “The two sides agreed to further business-to-business cooperation in information technology (IT), information technology-enabled services (ITeS), and electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM),” the statement said. Hint at Pakistan AK vs AK Leaked And Available For Download on Tamilrockers & Other Piracy Websites World’s First Finger Printing Bureau Was Established In This Indian City 14 Questions Of An Indian To Which The Answer Is Zero If US Moved Its Embassy In Israel From Tel Aviv To Jerusalem, Then Palestine Envoy Warns Of ‘Holy War’ 6 Tips To Be As Smart As Dr. House Top 10 best Agatha Christie books Gorgeous Simple Mehndi Design Ideas For Any Occasion 20 Evergreen Kishore Kumar Songs For Your Every Mood Ashish Chanchlani: 10 Facts About The Comedian Who Can Make You Laugh Even During Your Gloomiest Moments 16 Hollywood Adult Movies That You Should Definitely Watch With Your Partner Remember This Child Artist In ‘Sooryavansham’? This Is How He Looks Like Now! This Is How Sanjay Dutt Met Manyata Dutt, The Love Of His Life! 10 Surprising Facts About Love Bites (Hickey) We Bet You Didn’t Know 19 Powerful Self Respect Quotes To Motivate And Love Yourself 10 Winning Quotes That Will Inspire You To Do Your Best In Life 15 Powerful Quotes By Swami Vivekananda That Will Change The Way You Look At Life Top 10 movies of Amitabh Bachchan 15 Quotes By Lord Krishna That Will Change Your Perspective Towards Life Best Bollywood Romantic Songs To Express Your Unsaid Feelings Top 10 Hollywood Romantic Movies To Watch With Your Girlfriend The Last Letter Of Sanjay Dutt’s First Wife Richa Sharma Will Leave You In Tears. Read On 19 Best Comedy Movies Of Bollywood You Can Watch With Your Gang Naxal ‘Court’ Allegedly Issues Death Warrant Against Four People For Speaking Against Leftists 10 Funniest Photos Of Politicians From Around The World Rakhi Sawant Wears A Dress With Narendra Modi Imprinted On It And Becomes The Butt Of Jokes, Literally Who Has Been The Best Chief Minister Of Jammu and Kashmir? Yogi Adityanath Waved From His Plane During An Aerial Survey, And Twitterati Know Exactly Why He Did That Israeli PM Cancelled Dinner Plans At Restaurant Because Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif Was There Digvijaya Singh Praised Zakir Naik In 2012; Says Arrest Him If Got Any Evidence Rahul Gandhi Hugs And Winks At PM Modi, Twitterati Had A Field Day With Hilarious Memes Popular on The Web	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3590
__label__cc	0.699613	0.300387	The Travelin' Librarian "You Two! We're at the end of the universe, eh. Right at the edge of knowledge itself. And you're busy… blogging!" — The Doctor, Utopia Also by… Posted on January 27, 2004 by Michael Sauers Bitching about cover songs Today on Library Underground a conversation started in which many started bitching about bad cover songs. Rod Stewart’s cover of Tom Waits’ Downtown Train being one of the many examples. Trouble is, all of the examples were from the rock genre; which got me thinking — Is bitching about bad cover songs, limited to Rock? (There’s a country version of Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love which totally sucks, but the original is still a rock song.) (The following point has been made without actually verifying the facts agains my CD collection.) What about American standards? I swear I must have at least a dozen different version of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” in my collection and each as their own flavor depending of the singer; Sinatra, Bennett, Ella, Diana Krall (someone very current) just to name a few. Why don’t people ever complain that Bennett’s version of a song sucks while, ol’ blue eyes’ was spectacular? Posted in 1Tagged 1 Published by Michael Sauers Michael Sauers is currently the Director of Technology for Do Space in Omaha, NE. Michael has been training librarians in technology for the past twenty years and has also been a public library trustee, a bookstore manager for a library friends group, a reference librarian, serials cataloger, technology consultant, and bookseller since earning his MLS in 1995 from the University at Albany’s School of Information Science and Policy. Michael has also written dozens of articles for various journals and magazines and his fourteenth book, Emerging Technologies: A Primer for Librarians (w/ Jennifer Koerber) was published in May 2015 and more books are on the way. In his spare time he blogs at travelinlibrarian.info, runs The Collector’s Guide to Dean Koontz Web site, takes many, many photos, and typically reads more than 100 books a year. View all posts by Michael Sauers Prev Previous Post Next Next Post How to share an external USB hard drive from Ubuntu to a Windows network A Map of 3D Printers in Libraries Questions about noisy libraries Rebus Generator Friday Reads: Season of the Witch by Jean Marie Stine (writing as Hank Stine), Postscript by Harlan Ellison © Copyright 2021 – The Travelin' Librarian	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3595
__label__cc	0.679061	0.320939	margaret reynolds ravi zacharias Reynolds married her husband, Ravi Zacharias, from May 1972 until his death on May 19, 2020. I can never repay you, Margie. Margaret Reynolds was Ravi Zacharias’ wife of 48 years. This was after doctors discovered a malignant tumor on Zacharias’s sacrum as he underwent back surgery. This comes two months after he announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer. My name is Ravi Zacharias, and I was born on March 26, 1946 in Chennai, India, formerly known Madras, India. This is a challenging time, and there is still a long way to go before he will be able to pick up his itinerary. The couple met in the youth group of the Zachary Church. The couple met in the youth group of the Zachary Church. In November 2019, a few months after his last visit to Angola, Zacharias stepped down as President of RZIM to focus on his worldwide speaking commitments and writing projects. He suffered from cancer, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries said. Moreover, Ravi has recently passed away on May 19, 2020. Sarah Zacharias Davis, Zacharias’ daughter and CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) announced Zacharias would be returning to his home in Atlanta, Georgia for “whatever time the Lord gives us.”. I thank God for great medical expertise and look forward to a speedy recovery and being on the road again. At 73, Zacharias intends to focus on the three things he loves most: Speaking, writing and spending time with family. It is being reported that Ravi died on Tuesday, May 19th, two months after he announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. in the category “theology and doctrine” and Christian bestsellers Light in the Shadow of Jihad and The Grand Weaver. Zacharias also wrote that prior to the couple’s wedding, there had been a sanitation worker strike in Toronto that had last weeks. They had three children, Sarah, Nathan, and Naomi. ❤️ #HappyAnniversary, A post shared by Ravi Zacharias (1946-2020) (@ravizacharias) on May 6, 2020 at 3:21am PDT. Margaret Reynolds was Ravi Zacharias' wife of 48 years. Ravi Zacharias was born Frederick Antony Ravi Kumar Zacharias on March 26, 1946, in Madras, India. I will keep you posted from time to time. Zacharias was well known among Christian Apologists, where he defended Christian doctrines against objections. ” eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'celebswiki_info-box-4','ezslot_4',107,'0','0'])); “It simply came to our notice then. The love and kindness he had known in and through Jesus Christ was the same love he wanted to share with everything he had known. Today is a sad day for me…This man thought me everything I know about Christian Apologetics…At a time when I almost gave up my Christian faith, I listened to him and my mind changed forever… #thankyouravi #RIPRavi @RaviZacharias @RZIMhq pic.twitter.com/JODb74V4Gg, — Class Captain #EndSARS (@therealkaykerry) May 19, 2020. He lived in Atlanta, Georgia. Ravi reportedly died on Tuesday, May 19, two months after announcing that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Zacharias died on May 19, 2020, at his Atlanta home. Zacharias passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at the age of 74, after losing his battle with cancer. Ravi is progressing in his healing, but at a much slower pace than he had expected based on his past experience (perhaps since he is 18 years older now than when he had his previous back surgery, the healing takes more time). I love you with my whole heart. They had three children, Sarah, Nathan and Naomi. The couple lived in Atlanta, Georgia. Zacharias was diagnosed with a sarcoma, rare cancer that affects the bone and soft tissue. This information will be updated as soon as it is available. The only area of the city that did not have garbage bags piled high was the airport. They had three children, Sarah, Nathan, and Naomi. The Lord has never forsaken me and He is by my side. Details about Reynolds’ date of birth and age are unknown. In May 1972, Zacharias married Margaret “Margie” Reynolds, whom he met at his church’s youth group. Thus, the date of her birthday is unknown. Margaret Reynolds is the wife of the late Christian apologist, Ravi Zacharias. The couples met at his church’ youth group. This follows two months after he announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. Those who knew him well will remember him first for his kindness, gentleness, and generosity of spirit. Margaret Reynolds (Ravi Zacharias’ Wife) Bio, Age, Husband(Dead) and Children, Grady Judd (Sheriff) Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Salary, and Education, William 'Roddie' Bryan (Ahmaud Arbery Videographer, Bio, Age, Arrested, Jordan Kristine Seamon Bio, Age, Height, Boyfriend, Net Worth, Movies, Songs, Elizabeth Ludlow Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Kids, Net Worth, Movies, Karin Jinsui Bio, Age, Height, Boyfriend, Body, Net Worth, Brittany Picolo-Ramos (Selling the Big Easy) Bio, Age, Husband, Net Worth, Taylor Simone Ledward (Chadwick Boseman’s Wife) Bio, Age, Kids, Husband Death, Kate Welshofer Bio,Age, Height, Husband,Salary, Net Worth, WGRZ, J Jump Wiki/Bio, Age, Music, Family, Work, Career, Photos, Leanza Cornett Wiki, Age, Instagram, Height, Weight, Net Worth, Sean Connery Bio – Age, Childhood, Wife, Death, Net Worth, Movies [James Bond actor]. Margaret got married to her husband Zacharia on May 7, 1972. Speaking specifically about how the family celebrated Christmas, Reynolds said: At Christmas, we incorporated a custom we first saw practiced in Jordan and used it to teach the children our oneness not just as a family but as part of God’s family because He had sent his son to earth. Reynolds stands at an approximated height of 5’4 (1.62 m). His pain continues to be severe, especially during the night, which makes the nights very long and difficult. Zacharias did accept responsibility for being “a willing participant in any extended communication with a woman, not my wife.” Zacharias also said that he “failed to exercise wise caution and to protect [himself] from even the appearance of impropriety,” reported Christianity Today in 2017. This is what you need to know about Margaret Reynolds well known for being the wife of Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. We offer Web Design and App Development Services. Get in touch with us, info@globintel.com, © Glob Intel 2020, All Rights Reserved - - - Partner Site, Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker, Who is Margaret Reynolds? Margaret Reynolds is well known for being the wife of Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. She is an astounding lady and a cherished blessing from God.”, In late 2017, Zacharias was blamed for sexting and requesting sexual material by means of email from a Canadian service specialist named Lori Anne Thompson. Margaret Reynolds Wife Reynolds married her husband, Ravi Zacharias, from May 1972 until his death on May 19, 2020. Despite her old age, Margeret is quite healthy. ❤️ #HappyAnniversary’, 48 years ago she gave me her hand in marriage. Ravi was also a published author and had published over 30 books on Christianity. Margaret Reynolds is best known for being the wife of Ravi Zacharias, an Indian-born Canadian-American Christian apologist.It is being reported that Ravi died on Tuesday, May 19th, two months after he announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. Nike Nfl Jersey Size Chart Compared To Reebok, Euro Train Simulator 2 Pc, Nhl Relocation Rumors 2020, Savage 755 Vs 775, Guy Laurence Chelsea Salary, Roxanne Slang Meaning, Pearl Krabs Quotes, Goose Creek News, Cotswold Wildlife Park Discount, General Dialogue Prompts, Eastham Unit Texas, Irrational Numbers Definition And Examples, Xia Pi Dried Shrimp, Lucas Bryant Family, Lego 4729 Parts List, Bunny Hat With Moving Ears, Kathy Lee Brynner, Cake Decorating Classes Waco, Tx, Elk Play On Words, Bryan Abasolo Bio, Mame Rom List Xml, Kenn Whitaker In Life Movie, Nba 2k12 Settings, Hotel Trivago Meme Meaning, Sharbani Mukherjee Married, Cynthia Net Worth 2020, How Much Rock Salt To Kill A Tree, Malcolm Freberg So Kim, Carl Spitz Cause Of Death, Female Parakeet Cere, 2007 Saturn Vue Crankshaft Position Sensor Location, Psu Tier List, Bacteria In Guadalupe River 2019, Bbq Pit Boys Spg, Brooke Wexler Instagram, Gameboy Color Logo Font, Eldritch Terrors Lore, Christopher Backus Mira Sorvino Age Difference, Chandela Dynasty Innovations, Animal Crossing: New Horizons Flag Codes, Real Gdp Will Increase When Prices Increase Or Output Increases, Susan Roberts News Anchor Eye, Waymo Interview Questions, Supermarket Sweep Contestants Where Are They Now, Boldy James Giant Slide Lyrics, Yellow House Quotes, Hector Bellerin Top Speed, Jackdaw Lifespan Captivity, Urano En Casa 5, Vk Goes Wild Videos, Lucas Bryant Family, Death Announcements Cumbria, Portable Air Conditioner Smells, Kanye Smh Gif, Ryan Friedlinghaus Height, Roti Bom Recipe, Nokia 8110 Spring Loaded Mod, Which Biome Is The Driest, Toy Story Design, 9th Gen Civic Si Body Kit, Spanish Volleyball Team Names, Letter To Principal For Improvement In School, Mouse Jokes Dirty, margaret reynolds ravi zacharias 2020	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3599
__label__wiki	0.688707	0.688707	July 4, 2020 10:53 pm July 5, 2020 3:22 am OPINION: Student organizing gave us the power and platform to oust Sodexo By Drop Sodexo 1900 Views Drop Sodexo, Protests, Scripps College, Sodexo, Student Organizing Student protestors hold up signs to protest against Sodexo, Scripps College’s dining services provider, at a rally on March 8, 2019. (Courtesy: Drop Sodexo) Four years ago, four Scripps College students and I were sitting in the Student Union talking about how to get rid of Sodexo. We knew there had been efforts to oust Sodexo — Scripps’ dining hall and facilities management provider at the time — before. Just the previous year, Students Of Color United for Liberation (SOUL) organizers had demanded that Scripps drop Sodexo because of its complicity with the global prison-industrial complex. The overwhelming profits that Sodexo has accumulated as the world’s 18th largest corporation are primarily derived from horrific human rights abuses — namely the underpaid or unpaid labor from private prisons, profits made from military contracts and consistent labor and civil rights violations. Sitting in that small back room, talking in hushed voices, I don’t think we understood our own power yet, nor did we really comprehend the magnitude of what we and others would build in the coming years. Somewhere along the way, as we prepared for a rally, made signs, planned boycotts and stayed up late to make flyers, something changed in us, in me. At the start of our campaign, we weren’t sure if ending Scripps’ contract with Sodexo was even possible. Eventually, we knew it would be. Our will would become a reality. With May’s announcement that Sodexo is gone from Scripps, our student team is celebrating not just having achieved our goal; we’re celebrating having exercised our power. Looking back, I see how our losses made our victories magical and real. I remember our first meeting with President Lara Tiedens in 2016. She was “happy to continue in discussions” with us, but agreed to nothing; in a later email she praised us for the “professional” and “personable way” in which we presented ourselves, but consistently diverted back to affordability when the time came for commitment. I remember how I, a sophomore at the time, felt defeated afterwards, standing in the courtyard outside her office and discussing how she hadn’t agreed to any of our asks, having instead used the meeting to placate us. We might as well have been attendees at a presentation. I also remember the fire I felt that afternoon, determined to shift that power dynamic. We all felt it; it never left. Of course, we understood that the administration had more initial decision-making power than we did. That structural power imbalance meant that when President Tiedens conveyed to us that we should wait and be patient, we knew what she really meant was, “I don’t have to listen to you.” In retrospect, I know the initial powerlessness we felt made us even less willing to wait — even though the administration had power over the dining services contract, it didn’t mean we couldn’t change that. After that first meeting, we began to take our lack of institutional power seriously. Our campaign entered a new phase. We decided to go hard and go public. Our first general community meeting in 2016 packed the Student Union. I still remember walking into that room, feeling the electricity from seeing the dozens of faces who wanted what we did: that Scripps drop Sodexo for good. During the rest of that year, we built our above-ground campaign and held our first rally outside of Malott Dining Commons. We organized a consortium-wide lunchtime boycott of the dining hall that sent a clear and mighty message to the College. I remember an Italian language professor pulling me aside and asking if the faculty could cook a meal alternative next time; she insisted the Italian department would cook something delicious. Many of us still chuckle thinking about the small moments of love that resulted from our efforts. Those moments kept us going. Professors from Africana Studies, Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Politics, English and so many others showed up to support and urge our work forward during the entirety of the campaign. After that action, the administration knew we were serious and could hit where it hurt. We started making dropping Sodexo a political issue across our campus and began thinking about how to build relationships with dining hall workers to, in part, clarify our campaign work as against Sodexo, not Malott. Drop Sodexo became a 5C effort as organizers from other colleges joined the campaign and consortium-wide awareness grew. We did much of this while dealing with the crushing loss of Tatissa Zunguze SC ’18 — a fellow student organizer who led SOUL’s 2015 fight — to suicide in March 2017. Tatissa was our friend and our comrade, and she spent her time at Scripps fighting for the treatment and resources that she and her fellow students of color deserved — and still have not won. Grief over her death and our administration’s negligent response stopped most of our original organizers in their tracks. In 2018, younger organizers stepped into leadership and began to rebuild momentum. They ensured that Tatissa’s death did not end our campaign — that our grief simply strengthened our resolve to carry on organizing in her memory. This win is, in part, because of her presence at Scripps. As we regrouped, Scripps quietly dropped its facilities and maintenance management contract with Sodexo. This stepping stone strengthened our resolve even more. As we canvassed at family weekend in spring 2019, gathered over 1,000 signatures as part of a community-wide petition to drop Sodexo — signed by parents, faculty, staff and students — and delivered them to President Tiedens’ office, Sophie Peters SC ’20, Alex Hammond SC ’19, Griffin Cloud PZ ’19 and the rest of our campaign organizers’ continued resolve become apparent to the entire community. Seniors in the Scripps College Class of 2019 wore caps with Drop Sodexo stickers at their graduation ceremony. (Courtesy: Drop Sodexo) We made sure administrators got to know us and spent more time talking about Sodexo than they wanted to or could have imagined. By the time Scripps Associated Students elections rolled around, every single candidate was advertising their support of our campaign. Over half of graduating seniors and faculty wore Drop Sodexo stickers at graduation, sending a message up until the very end. When Sodexo came to campus this past February to present why they thought they should be hired again, our campaign showed up in full force. We had developed, with other groups, a 5C Leftist Coalition that had our backs. Organized support packed the auditorium, all carrying Drop Sodexo signs. We had alumni who knew about our work urging us forward from afar. This final action was our strongest — emblematic of the narrative, personal and people power we had built over the years since that day in the courtyard when I felt so damn powerless against the structural barrier we faced. We had grown, just as our campaign had, into organizers that asked: “How will we make this happen?” instead of: “Is this even a possibility?” Our Drop Sodexo camp dominated the Q&A portion of the presentation, armed with detailed research about Sodexo and cogent, biting questions. Our youngest organizer, Maddie Moore SC ’22, set the tone. Her power exemplified the entire Q&A, contrasting the values of Scripps and the practices of Sodexo. More importantly, she made it clear to everyone in the room that students had the power here, and were absolutely going to assert it. A professor in the audience later told us: “That was the moment I knew it was over — the moment I knew your campaign was going to win.” Scripps dropping Sodexo is a victory not just for our campaign, but for the College and our community at large. It is a win for prison abolition, labor rights and food justice. But beyond that, it is a win for student power. The organizers of Drop Sodexo, including those who came before me and those who will follow — we celebrate a victory that taught us how to build power and win a multi-million dollar divestment campaign. Dropping Sodexo helped us break through an ideological barrier we didn’t even know existed. It’s not every day that you decide to build a campaign to force an administration to drop a multi-million dollar contract with a billion-dollar corporate global behemoth, and then make it happen. Through our organizing, we made Scripps drop Sodexo, necessitating that social justice values be applied to major financial decisions in the process. And yet, if there’s one thing I will take with me from this fight, it’s that when you collectively organize people into power, you can make your will manifest in the world. So… What’s next for Scripps and 5C student campaigns? In-house dining services? A Drop Sodexo campaign at Harvey Mudd College? A 5C effort to defund Campus Safety and Claremont Police? Free comprehensive healthcare for all Scripps students? Five years ago, I’m not sure I would have thought that last one was possible. After the events of the past four years I know that, if future student organizers at the colleges decide to make it so, then it sure as hell can be. In solidarity and with power, Drop Sodexo Alicia Goode-Allen SC ’19 was a Drop Sodexo organizer. She currently works with JusticeLA and other abolitionist organizations to decarcerate nationally and is working on becoming an acupuncturist. Sophie Peters SC ’20 contributed to this piece. She was one of Drop Sodexo’s core organizers who brought the campaign to a close, and is currently planning her next steps post-graduation. Rebecca Millberg SC ’17 contributed to this piece. She was a founding organizer of Drop Sodexo and is a current tenant organizer in East Harlem, New York City. New Harvey Mudd professor brings abundance of insights on BLM protests and racial attitudes Art for aid: how Black 5Cs artists are using their work to promote and fund social change	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3603
__label__cc	0.539511	0.460489	The Unvegan Pat LaFrieda: Unvegan Hero Liam Hemsworth: Unvegan Hero Vikings: Unvegan Heroes Casey Casasanta: Unvegan Hero Strange Eats 12/23/2013 Heroes and Villains Gloria Gaynor: Unvegan Hero She will survive Steak steak steak. Steak steak. Steak. Survival. As far as I’m concerned, these are the thoughts that run through Gloria Gaynor’s head constantly. Why do I think this? Well first off, we should cover the “survivor” aspect. It may be obvious to some, but Gloria Gaynor sang “I Will Survive,” which almost everyone everywhere knows. So she survives. And I’m guessing she thinks about it often. The steak, though, is a little less well-known. Fortunately, though, a recent Huffington Post article revealed Gaynor’s love of steak to the world. In the article, Gaynor reveals the history of her love for steak, which began with filet mignon, but evolved to rib eye, which means the two of us have something in common. Rib eye is certainly my favorite steak, and it is good to know that I am in good company. Interestingly, her favorite steak comes from Ruth’s Chris, which I have not yet had the opportunity to try. Obviously, I’m going to need to, because Gaynor has tried steak all over the country and the world. She claims even Argentina can’t beat Ruth’s Chris. So for doing whatever it takes to survive and devouring steaks like a pro, Gloria Gaynor, you are a true Unvegan Hero! (via The Huffington Post) Gloria Gaynor Heroes and Villains Steak People for the Ethical Eatment of Animals The Unvegan © 2008-2021 \| Subscribe via RSS \| Unvegan on Twitter & Facebook Designed by Danny Cohen \| Powered by WordPress	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3611
__label__wiki	0.667253	0.667253	The Lonely Londoners Sam Selvon (Author) FORMAT <div class="flex flex-wrap space-x-1"><span>Paperback</span><span class='line-through ml-2 text-primary'>£8.99</span><b>£8.36</b><span>(English)</span></div> <div class="flex flex-wrap space-x-1"><span>Hardback</span><span class='line-through ml-2 text-primary'>£16.98</span><b>£15.79</b><span>(English)</span></div> Both devastating and funny, The Lonely Londoners is an unforgettable account of immigrant experience - and one of the great twentieth-century London novels. This Penguin Modern Classics edition includes an introduction by Susheila Nasta. At Waterloo Station, hopeful new arrivals from the West Indies step off the boat train, ready to start afresh in 1950s London. There, homesick Moses Aloetta, who has already lived in the city for years, meets Henry 'Sir Galahad' Oliver and shows him the ropes. In this strange, cold and foggy city where the natives can be less than friendly at the sight of a black face, has Galahad met his Waterloo? But the irrepressible newcomer cannot be cast down. He and all the other lonely new Londoners - from shiftless Cap to Tolroy, whose family has descended on him from Jamaica - must try to create a new life for themselves. As pessimistic 'old veteran' Moses watches their attempts, they gradually learn to survive and come to love the heady excitements of London. Sam Selvon (b. 1923) was born in San Fernando, Trinidad. In 1950 Selvon left Trinidad for the UK where after hard times of survival he established himself as a writer with A Brighter Sun (1952), An Island is a World (1955), The Lonely Londoners (1956), Ways of Sunlight (1957), Turn Again Tiger (1958), I Hear Thunder (1963), The Housing Lark (1965), The Plains of Caroni (1970), Moses Ascending (1975) and Moses Migrating (1983). If you enjoyed The Lonely Londoners, you might like Jean Rhys's Voyage in the Dark or Shiva Naipaul's Fireflies, also available in Penguin Modern Classics. 'His Lonely Londoners has acquired a classics status since it appeared in 1956 as the definitive novel about London's West Indians' 'The unforgettable picaresque ... a vernacular comedy of pathos' Mother London, Father Thames VIEW LIST (17 BOOKS)	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3612
__label__wiki	0.964142	0.964142	Sandra Halliday Instagram was UK's top social media platform in lockdown, key for shopping Instagram is the most popular social media platform for UK consumers with 46% of them saying it's the app via which they consumed the most content during the Covid-19 pandemic. Instagram was the favourite social media platform for Britons during lockdown That's according to a survey of more than 3,000 consumers by Bazaarvoice’s Influenster, which also said it has unearthed a shift in consumer behaviour. Some 82% of consumers have increased their social media consumption since the outset of the pandemic. In fact, during lockdown, 67% of consumers expanded their use of Instagram. But importantly too, 47% increased their use of TikTok with the entertainment app becoming the most used platform for 21% of consumers. It's no surprise that Britons consumed social media content in greater numbers during the pandemic as lockdowns and furloughs meant that many had more time on their hands and fewer ways of filling that time with shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues being closed. As well as the consumers who increased their use of Instagram and TikTok, 35% also used YouTube more often and 30% upped their usage of Facebook. And it's particularly interesting, given that shopping seems to have been a low priority for many people during lockdown, that it was a high priority for a large number using social media. During the pandemic, the most popular forms of social media content were influencer content (46%) and shopping content (39%). And 25% of consumers said they actually prefer shopping on social media, with 92% of those shopping from Instagram and 39% from Facebook. Meanwhile, 22% shopped from YouTube and 20% from TikTok. Suzin Wold, Bazaarvoice’s SVP of marketing, said: “This data reveals that social media is playing an increasingly important role in brand engagement and consumers’ purchase decisions. With 82% of UK consumers using social platforms more since the pandemic started, it’s vital for retailers to respond to this behaviour shift and ensure their social media presence meets consumer expectations. “The rising popularity of Instagram, as consumers search for influencer and shopping content, coupled with the increased use of new platforms like TikTok, present a key opportunity for retailers to use consumer-generated content. By focusing on their community, retail brands can provide relevant, high-quality content that engages consumers on the platforms that matter to them most. This empathetic approach is also crucial for retailers to build trust.” WhatsApp faces first legal challenge in India over privacy Salvo Nicosia promoted to communications chief of Alberta Ferretti and Pollini Bottega Veneta vanishes from social media Jennifer Lopez launches JLo Beauty Alexander Wang releases response to sexual assault claims via Instagram Klarna rapped by watchdog for Instagram campaign Browns SS21 trends: casual is key but expect glamour injection too Facebook to test relaunched Instagram Lite in India L’Oréal, Makeup Museum launch inclusive beauty book Facebook to move UK users to California terms, avoiding EU privacy rules Ming Xi, the Instagram star model presents her collaboration with The Kooples	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3613
__label__cc	0.63262	0.36738	We work to ensure the numbers add up to inform and improve policy recommendations Reliable statistical information – statistics and indicators used in the analysis of international trade, investment and development – is indispensable for the formulation of sound economic policies and recommendations. This, in turn, is essential to fostering social and economic development. UNCTAD compiles, validates and processes a wide range of data collected from national and international sources. Most time-series data cover extended periods of time, with some dating back to 1948, for almost all the economies of the world. This allows the analysis of emerging and urgent issues within a framework of long-lasting tendencies and wide geographical scope. In case of missing data or a break in series, UNCTAD applies its expertise and methodology to make estimates. Such continuity together with accurateness and timeliness are the pillars of UNCTAD’s statistics. Our statistics are grounded in continuity, accuracy and timeliness. UNCTAD’s statistical work also conforms to the United Nations principles governing international statistical activities, formulated with significant contributions from us. It is supported by the UNCTAD Statistics Quality Assurance Framework. UNCTAD produces more than 150 indicators and statistical time series essential for the analysis of international trade, economic trends, foreign direct investment, external financial resources, population and labour force, commodities, the information economy and maritime transport. UN agencies finalize a framework to measure illicit financial flows Pilot projects are using the new framework to calculate the costs of illicit trade and business practices in Afghanistan, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama and Peru. COVID-19 drives large international trade declines in 2020 Services sector remains hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, dropping to levels last seen in the 1990s, nowcasts from UNCTAD's 2020 Handbook of Statistics show. Improving statistics to foster gender equality in trade UNCTAD and its partners embark on a project to harness data and statistics for gender-responsive trade policy. Export under invoicing in Africa concentrated in high-value, low-weight commodities, study shows Gold accounts for 77% of the $40 billion worth of under invoiced extractive commodity exports from Africa, according to UNCTAD research. Diamonds represent 12% and platinum 6%. Statistics and the SDGs The purpose of the SDG Pulse is to highlight recent trends in sustainable development and UNCTAD’s work to support the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Development and globalization: facts and figures Development and Globalization: Facts and Figures 2016 is dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals that were adopted by the United Nations in September 2015 (2030 Agenda Declaration). Classic PDF version Quick links: 2016 \| 2012 \| 2008 \| 2004 DGFF 2016 website http://stats.unctad.org/Dgff2016 Explore UNCTAD statistics in our data centre, compare key indicators from countries all over the world in our Country Profiles and discover a selection of key facts in our infrographic library. Handbook of Statistics The UNCTAD Handbook of Statistics provides users with access to internationally comparable sets of data, in addition to facilitating the work of the UNCTAD secretariat. The Handbook also presents a summary overview of the statistical time series available from UNCTADstat. eHandbook website http://stats.unctad.org/handbook Programme on Statistics and Data Data and statistics for more gender-responsive trade policies in Africa, the Caucasus and Central Asia UEMOA - Strengthening Statistics on International Trade-in-Services Africa illicit financial flows statistics UNDAP II - Tanzania: Inclusive Growth E-learning Tools on Statistics These bulletins are designed to provide regular (monthly, quarterly, annual) overview of the evolution for a selection of topics and indicators. Commodity Price Bulletin Commodity Price Bulletin (Series) Commodity Price Bulletin (Methodological note) Trade in Services Bulletin Trade in Services Bulletin (Quarterly Bulletin) Global Merchandise Trade Nowcast Bulletin Global Merchandise Trade Nowcast Bulletin (Series) Nowcast workshop (Presentation) Other statistical publications Key statistics and trends in trade policy Quick links: 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 Key statistics and trends in international trade These fact sheets are designed to provide a short summary overview for a selection of topics or an introduction to a selection of indicators. The topic factsheets are typically taken from the Handbook of Statistics where accompanying tables can be found. International merchandise trade #1: Total merchandise trade #2: Merchandise trade by partner #3: Merchandise trade by product #4: Trade indicators International trade in services #5: Total trade in services #6: Trade in services by category #7: Gross domestic product #8: Current account #9: Foreign direct investment #10: Prices #11: Total and urban population #12: Age structure Maritime transport #13: World seaborne trade #14: Merchant fleet #15: Maritime transport indicators Inter-agency initiatives In cooperation with UN agencies and other partners organizations, UNCTAD works to coordinate a wide variety of capacity development initiatives, helping national statistical offices and systems to improve their data collection, and statistical production and dissemination, and also to develop the international statistical system. Conceptual framework for the statistical measurement of illicit financial flows This publication is a joint initiative by UNODC and UNCTAD. This groundbreaking framework sets out for the first time the scope or boundaries of illicit financial flows for statistical purposes. This is central to measuring SDG indicator 16.4.1 - Total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows (in current United States dollars). How Covid-19 is changing the world: a statistical perspective The report is the product of cooperation between 36 international organizations, under the aegis of the Committee of the Coordination of Statistical Activities (CCSA). Gender and Trade "Assessing the Impact of Trade Agreements on Gender Equality: Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement" A new study by UNCTAD, UN Women, the European Union and ILO examines the impact of trade agreements on gender equality and women's economic empowerment. SDG Trade Monitor Description: Track down the progress made in the area of international trade toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals with this free analytical portal. Webinar Illicit financial flows in Africa: Can we track them for better policy? Webinar UNODC/UNCTAD on illicit financial flows from illegal activities: first estimates from Latin America Webinar UNCTAD/UNECE on gender, entrepreneurship and trade: Focus on Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia Webinar ESCAP/UNODC/UNCTAD on estimating the size of illicit financial flows: Strengthening national capacity to monitor SDG target 16.4 Statistical methodology to estimate BEPS-related financial flows or tax-related illicit financial flows channelled via phantom trade UNCTAD/SER.RP/2020/16 - 23 Dec 2020 UNCTAD/UNODC/2020 - 18 Dec 2020 Global merchandise trade nowcast - December 2020 UNCTAD/GDS/DSI/MISC/2020/8 - 11 Dec 2020 Handbook of Statistics 2020 TD/STAT. 45 - 09 Dec 2020	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3615
__label__wiki	0.956775	0.956775	‘Harley Quinn’ Gets Renewed for Season 3 on HBO Max TV Show Renewals Harley Quinn Gets Renewed for Season 3 on HBO Max Harley Quinn is getting a third season on HBO Max with the DC Universe series set to permanently move to the new streaming service. Jeremy Dick We're getting more of the animated insanity that is the Harley Quinn cartoon series, as HBO Max has officially put in the order for a third season. Initially, Harley Quinn debuted on the DC Universe streaming service where it streamed for two crazy seasons. These episodes have since been introduced to new audiences on HBO Max. Now, along with the news that the series will be permanently moving to the new streamer, it has also been revealed that Harley Quinn has been officially renewed for Season 3. Series showrunners Patrick Schumacker and Justin Halpern confirmed the show's upcoming return, which will come with mostly the same cast and crew. RELATED: Harley Quinn Showrunner Teases Doctor Psycho's New Role in Season 3 "We have to fill out the writing staff. Fortunately, quite a few of the writers that were with us for Seasons 1 and 2 are available still, possibly to their chagrin," Schumacker explains. "But we are going to be looking for new voices for this season because we will have holes to fill, and new points of view that we will be looking for specifically moving forward. I think that's the immediate step is solidifying who our staff is going to be moving forward." All of the main cast members featured in the prior scenes will also be returning. This includes Kaley Cuoco in the lead role of Harley Quinn. The cast also features Lake Bell (Poison Ivy), Alan Tudyk (Joker, Clayface), Tony Hale (Doctor Psycho), Ron Funches (King Shark), Jason Alexander (Sy Borgman), Diedrich Bader (Batman), Christopher Meloni (James Gordon), and J. B. Smoove (Frank the Plant). You never know who might also show up as a guest star. Previously, we've seen Frankie Muniz, Howie Mandel, and George Lopez playing animated versions of themselves on the show. Harley Quinn has also picked up some celebrity fans since making its way to HBO Max. The Suicide Squad director James Gunn was among many calling for Harley Quinn to get renewed for a third season. Of course, the filmmaker had his own experience working with a different take on the character with Margot Robbie reprising the live-action role in the upcoming movie. Still, he carries a clear appreciation for the small screen Harley as well. "Everyone watch Harley Quinn on @hbomax and help get them a well-deserved season three!" Gunn tweeted earlier this month. Filled with dark comedy and over-the-top violence, Harley Quinn picks up with the famous supervillain finally kicking the abusive Joker to the curb. Unable to join the Legion of Doom to prove herself capable without the help of Mistah J, Harley forms her own group of supervillains: Poison Ivy, Clayface, Doctor Psycho, King Shark, and Sy Borgman. The second season delves more into the relationship between Harley and Ivy. The first two seasons of Harley Quinn are currently streaming on DC Universe and HBO Max. There's no official word yet on when the new episodes for Season 3 will be available, but the hope for the production team is that the series will be back by the end of 2021. Fortunately, there will be many, many other exciting projects coming to the big and small screens next year as well that should hopefully hold fans over. This news comes to us from ComicBook.com. Topics: Harley Quinn Harley Quinn Showrunner Teases Doctor Psycho's New Role in Season 3 Kaley Cuoco Celebrates Harley Quinn Season 3 Renewal, Showrunners Tease Romance Details Giancarlo Esposito Talks Updating Lex Luthor for Harley Quinn and DC Harley Quinn Season 3 Plans Teased and Harlivy Evolution Explained Harley Quinn Season 1 Is Coming to Syfy This May	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3620
__label__wiki	0.740846	0.740846	REVIEW: Stirring The Planet – A Lament (PROTOTYPE Festival) NEWS: Hennepin Theatre Trust’s New 2021-2022 Season NEWS: Crooners to Reopen Jan. 28 INTERVIEW: MCA Executive Director Sheila Smith & the Road Ahead NEWS: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres to Resume Concerts & Comedy Jan. 15 Twin Cities Arts Reader Arts and lifestyles. Incisive. Insightful. Exciting. Exquisite. Reviewing & Coverage Policies The Curmudgeon Home > Arts > REVIEW: Lush <em>Diana’s Garden</em> (Minnesota Opera) REVIEW: Lush Diana’s Garden (Minnesota Opera) by Lydia Lunning - January 24, 2017 March 11, 2017 After a season with the opulence and drama of Romeo and Juliet and the epic scale of Das Rheingold, Minnesota Opera rang in 2017 with more delicate garden fare. L’arbore di Diana, or Diana’s Garden as it is billed in English, is a late 18th century comedic opera with music by Vicente Martín y Soler and a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte. With Michael Christie conducting and Peter Rothstein directing, this production of Diana’s Garden serves as a nice palate cleanser for the January blues as well as a showcase for both engaging and virtuosic performances from the cast. Martin y Soler was a contemporary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – a Spanish composer trained in Bologna, Italy and transplanted to Vienna in 1786, just as Mozart was making his own return to composing opera. Martin y Soler, Mozart, and Salieri had more than a few things in common – all three teamed up with the same librettist, Lorenzo da Ponte, for example. da Ponte, never one to turn down good business, worked on the libretto for Don Giovanni at the same time as his libretto for Diana’s Garden. Diana’s Garden was a great hit in its day, but – like Salieri’s operas – vanished from the stage after the composer’s death, and did not find its way back into regular performances until the 1970s. Rothstein’s production creates a sense of excitement at rediscovery, while at the same time making the characters and their struggles immediate and real for the audience. Diana, in this case, is the Roman goddess Diana (sung by Leah Partridge), and her garden is on a sequestered isle where her nymphs (Alexandra Razskazoff, Gina Perregrino, and Nadia Fayad) must forswear love under pain of death. With some meddling from the mischievous Amore (better known as Cupid, sung by Adriana Zabala), three mortal men (Craig Colclough, Alek Shrader, and David Walton) find themselves caught in the middle as Amore tries to get the chaste goddess to give in to the power of love. Guess what happens—yup, that. But what fun getting there. Photo by Dan Norman. To begin with, Minnesota Opera’s Diana’s Garden is not on a mythic island populated with gods and demigods; Paul Whitaker’s set recalls museum storage or the attics and closed off rooms in an old mansion, decorated with neoclassical murals and paintings, crumbling bricks, and old furniture, and Alice Fredrickson’s costumes place us somewhere in the 1950s. The resulting transparency effect of one era bleeding through into the others offers a clever visual backdrop for the action. Partridge’s Diana is an icy Hitchcock blonde, entering in a crisp blue suit with an elegant afghan hound, looking every inch like Grace Kelly. (Well, a more animated and emotive Grace Kelly, that is.) The nymphs, on the other hand, are sexually frustrated school girls, sneaking off to a back room to share a cigarette and rag on their mistress. As mere mortals, the men start off the grubbiest in their jeans and work shirts, and Amore gets to shapeshift into as many versions of the same red rosy print and the audience can take. The cast are each impressive in their own right, each making the most of their moments to shine. As the shepherd Endimione, Shrader provides a luscious and clear tenor, fit for a matinee idol. As Doristo, Colclough’s sonorous bass-baritone easily fills the theater, and his surprising and expressive interpretation brings about more than a few of the night’s real laughs. The unquestionable high point of the evening had to be Partridge’s first act aria, complete with vocal pyrotechnics, martini mixing, and gun cleaning. (Who doesn’t want a good belt of gin before the final coloratura, eh?) As Amore, though, Zabala steals every scene she is in, embodying both the vocal artistry and physicality that marks this production. Men have been known to get tied up in the presence of goddesses. Photo by Dan Norman. It is this physicality, physical comedy, really, that moves Diana’s Garden from what could merely be a droll and tepid revival of a not-really-funny-but-we-know-it-used-to-be opera with a pretty predictable plot to a show that evokes real surprise and delight as it goes along. Whether it is singing while crab-walking, bike riding, tying oneself to a chair, or numerous other small details in each performance, by the evening’s end, the cast will have you utterly charmed. Lydia Lunning Lydia Lunning is a Staff Reviewer at the Twin Cities Arts Reader. A singer, dancer, and staff member at Walden University, she previously worked as a freelance editor and was on the editorial staff of the Cricket Magazine Group. She holds an MA in English literature from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s from Oberlin College. Latest posts by Lydia Lunning (see all) REVIEW: Lush Diana’s Garden (Minnesota Opera) - January 24, 2017 REVIEW: Reproduction Little Shop of Horrors (Artistry) - January 24, 2017 REVIEW: The Bodyguard Wins Hearts (Broadway Tour/HTT) - January 23, 2017 Tagged Minnesota Opera REVIEW: Reproduction Little Shop of Horrors (Artistry) REVIEW: Patti LaBelle Still Has It (State Theatre) © 2021 Twin Cities Arts Reader	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3621
__label__wiki	0.500707	0.500707	Daily Domestic Gross Mon, Jul. 23 2012 Mon, Jul. 23 2012 1 The Dark Knight Rises $19,389,129 -52% 4,404 -- $4,403 $180,276,424 1 Warner Bros. 2 Ice Age: Continental Drift $2,885,030 -51% 3,886 5 $742 $91,725,314 2 Fox 3 The Amazing Spider-Man $1,550,349 -51% 3,753 -565 $413 $230,161,774 3 Sony / Columbia 4 Ted (2012) $1,430,230 -50% 3,214 -89 $445 $181,861,655 4 Universal 5 Brave $974,233 -46% 2,899 -493 $336 $209,748,406 5 Disney 6 Magic Mike $666,461 -37% 2,606 -484 $256 $102,632,920 4 Warner Bros. 7 Savages $502,055 -54% 2,336 -299 $215 $40,557,130 3 Universal 8 Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection $274,955 -53% 1,540 -464 $179 $60,564,577 4 Lionsgate 9 Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D $236,417 -29% 1,123 -1609 $211 $22,849,123 3 Paramount 10 Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted $220,850 -43% 1,261 -1024 $175 $207,847,051 7 Paramount / DreamWorks 1 Moonrise Kingdom $263,474 -50% 895 -29 $294 $36,351,433 9 Focus 2 Beasts of the Southern Wild $103,929 -55% 129 48 $806 $2,959,071 4 Fox Searchlight 3 Dark Shadows $103,693 -59% 412 173 $252 $78,724,667 11 Warner Bros. 4 Marvel's The Avengers $98,364 -44% 495 -252 $199 $615,156,789 12 Disney 5 Snow White and the Huntsman $67,485 -44% 409 -268 $165 $152,656,800 8 Universal 6 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel $63,861 -49% 288 -54 $222 $43,916,632 12 Fox Searchlight 7 Prometheus $48,374 -49% 312 -247 $155 $125,161,863 7 Fox 8 Rock of Ages $38,384 -45% 322 67 $119 $38,004,819 6 Warner Bros. / New Line 9 The Hunger Games $31,550 -42% 190 -22 $166 $405,259,261 18 Lionsgate 10 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter $30,535 -47% 266 -389 $115 $36,515,926 5 Fox 11 Safety Not Guaranteed $21,375 -55% 124 -58 $172 $2,962,064 7 FilmDistrict 12 Battleship $18,920 -52% 172 -56 $110 $65,015,095 10 Universal 13 What to Expect When You're Expecting $18,346 -41% 192 -29 $96 $40,972,504 10 Lionsgate 14 Dr. Seuss' The Lorax $15,030 -36% 167 -1 $90 $213,964,535 21 Universal 15 The Dictator $8,032 -50% 105 -56 $76 $59,625,100 10 Paramount 1 To the Arctic 3D $52,993 2% 52 0 $1,019 $6,021,739 14 Warner Bros. / IMAX 2 The Intouchables $37,786 -60% 91 8 $415 $7,110,488 9 Weinstein Company 3 Born to Be Wild 3D $15,129 13% 33 0 $458 $20,095,291 68 Warner Bros. / IMAX 4 The Three Stooges $5,067 -62% 53 -19 $96 $44,165,379 15 Fox 5 Mirror Mirror $4,759 -34% 59 -32 $81 $64,834,396 17 Relativity Media 6 For Greater Glory $3,298 -62% 33 -9 $100 $5,561,022 8 ARC Entertainment 7 Easy Money (2012) $2,550 -43% 2 0 $1,275 $54,601 2 Weinstein Company 8 The Imposter $1,331 -- 1 -- $1,331 $43,074 2 Indomina Releasing 9 A Cat In Paris $1,275 -73% 18 0 $71 $232,556 8 GKIDS	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3622
__label__cc	0.671574	0.328426	Call Now to Talk with a Licensed Investigator Text API to 797979 for an Immediate Response 10 All-Time Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Fails Turkey Day is almost here, which means that all across America, La-Z-Boys will soon be dragged in front of TVs and channels will be changed to NBC, because the annual viewing of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is upon us. One way to get hyped for this year’s festivities is to remember some of the most epic fails of years past. From the infamous Uncle Sam and Spider-Man incident of 2012 to the numerous bystanders injured when balloons collided with street lamps, here are 11 of the most unforgettable — and uncomfortable — moments in the parade’s history. Cat in the Hat Balloon Hits Lamp Post, Injures Woman In 1997, the “Cat in the Hat” balloon hit and broke a lamp post. A rogue piece of the metal fixture flew and hit a woman in the head, fracturing her skull, the New York Post reported at the time. She spent a month in a coma, and later sued Macy’s for $395 million in damages. Popeye Dumps Water on Crowd In 1957, Popeye the Sailor Man’s hat collected so much rainwater that it filled up and, well, it had to go somewhere… so it dumped onto unsuspecting parade-goers beneath it. The Uncle Sam and Spider-Man Incident of 2012 Who could forget this hilariously awkward and NSFC mishap from 2012? The night before the parade — that’s when they inflate the balloons and get them ready for the next day’s festivities — these two balloon pals shimmied together somehow, and Spider-Man’s face accidentally got up close and personal with Uncle Sam’s butt. It wasn’t what it looked like — but it did look like that. Kermit the Frog Deflates This one gives new meaning to the phrase “It’s not easy being green.” Hovering six stories high and 24-feet wide at his best, in 1985, the Kermit balloon suffered a rip in his belly region and began to deflate, causing him to sink down dangerously to the ground — and the people holding onto his strings. Superman’s Arm Rips Off Also in 1985, the Superman balloon suffered a loss of limb. One of the balloon’s arms ripped off, causing the remainder of the severed appendage to dangle loosely, its frayed edges blowing in the wind. Sonic the Hedgehog Injures Off Duty Cop According to the New York Times, in 1993, the Sonic the Hedgehog balloon hit a lamp post at West 58th St. and Broadway. A piece of the lamp post fell and landed on off-duty Suffolk County police captain, Joseph D. Kistinger, breaking his shoulder. Rex the Dinosaur Pops In 1993, Rex the Dinosaur’s nose caught a traffic light and ripped right open. But in case you were wondering, no, this is not Rex the Dinosaur from “Toy Story” — he didn’t make his Macy’s parade debut for another two years. This Rex, who is reddish-orange color rather than green, is from the 1993 animated film “We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story.” Barney’s Side Rips Yet another dinosaur in trouble. This time, it was in 1994, when Barney suffered a critical hit from a lamp post, tearing his side and deflating him. Another one bites the dust. M&M Balloon Collides With Street Light, Injures Two Sisters In 2005, yet another collision occurred, this time with a street light and an M&M balloon. Parts of the street light broke and fell, injuring two sisters, according to the New York Times. SpongeBob Gets Punctured In 2006, lamp posts once again had the last laugh when one came face-to-face with Nickelodeon’s beloved under-sea dweller, SpongeBob. Though he is porous in theory, his balloon-form is sadly not immune to being punctured. Source: the wrap feed Let our experienced Private Investigators review your case at no cost. Select Desired ServiceAccident ReconstructionArson/FireAsset Search: BasicAsset Search: ExtensiveAsset Search: Insurance SubrogationBackground ChecksBackground Checks: BusinessBackground Checks: Criminal HistoryBackground Checks: EmployeeBackground Checks: NannyBackground Checks: Pre-EmploymentBackground Checks: Pre-Marital/DatingCell Phone RecordsChild Custody SurveillanceCivil InvestigationsComputer Forensics/CybercrimeCorporate InvestigationsCrime Scene InvestigationsCriminal InvestigationsDeposition Officer ServicesDue DiligenceElectronic Data DiscoveryElectronic SurveillanceFinancial InvestigationsExecutive ProtectionForensic InvestigationsIdentity TheftFraud InvestigationsInfidelity InvestigationsInsurance Fraud InvestigationsInternational InvestigationsJudgment RecoveryMarital/Domestic SurveillanceMissing PersonsMobile Document PhotocopyMystery ShopperPeople Locate/Skip TracePolygraph/Lie DetectorProcess ServiceProcess Service: InternationalProperty InspectionsPublic Records RetrievalRepossessionsSocial Media InvestigationsStatements and InterviewsSubpoenasSubpoenas: Out-of-State and ForeignSurveillance/Activity ChecksTrademark ProtectionTrial PreparationTSCM / ECMVideo Surveillance/Photo SurveillanceWorkers' Compensation FraudUndercover OperationsWrits and EWOsOther Budget$100 - $200$200 - $350$350 - $500$500 - $1,000$1,000+ Referrer Form* By signing or submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy of this website. © 2021 by Excell Investigation. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy \| Terms of Use \| Contact Us \| Sitemap owned and operated by Excell Investigation lic 188485 The accuracy of data submitted by the requestor will directly determine the accuracy of results obtained. While the information we furnish is from reliable sources, its accuracy is not guaranteed. Use of available data may be affected by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA"), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Graham-Leach-Bliley Act, and/or federal and state privacy laws. Our investigative reports are prepared by California Private Investigators, at the specific instance and request of our clients. Clients agree by accepting our reports that reports and information received from California Private Investigators, are strictly confidential, and are intended solely for our client's sole private, exclusive use. Any other use, communication, publication or reproduction of our reports, or any portion thereof, without the written consent of California Private Investigators, is strictly forbidden. By ordering and accepting delivery of this report, our client agrees to indemnify California Private Investigators, against any damages or claims resulting from any such unauthorized use. Our reports are not a recommendation, endorsement or approval of any kind, with respect to any specific transaction, decision or evaluation, and should not be relied on as such under any circumstances. All information contained in our reports is confidential and proprietary, i.e., our work product, hence our property as provider of our reports. No warranty or guarantee of a particular outcome, result or recovery of information is promised or implied by California Private Investigators, or by the materials presented on Thecalpi.com. California Private Investigators agrees to work to achieve the goals of any client work or engagement with aggressive, professional methods, within the bounds of the law.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3623
__label__wiki	0.901607	0.901607	Culture + Society Academic rigour, journalistic flair Articles Contributors Links Articles on UN Security Council Displaying 1 - 20 of 103 articles South African president Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the G20 recently. GCIS How values, interests and power must shape South Africa’s foreign policy Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria While South Africa should pay careful attention to all its existing trade and economic relations, particular attention should go to its intra-African economic relations. Mike Pompeo: on his own on Iran. Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock US left isolated at UN after bid to reimpose sanctions on Iran – why did it even try? Scott Lucas, University of Birmingham The US bid to impose so-called 'snapback' sanctions on Iran was roundly rejected by the UN security council. Welcoming Senegal’s President Macky Sall at Sochi International Airport before the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit. Photo by Dmitry Feoktistov\TASS via Getty Images The foreign aid game is changing: these are the opportunities for Africa Dan Banik, University of Oslo and Nikolai Hegertun, University of Oslo A more explicit emphasis on the national interest may encourage donor countries to play ‘the long game’ in Africa. Eventually: members of the UN Security Council pass a resolution calling for a global cesefire on July 1. UN Web TV Coronavirus: UN security council finally calls for global ceasefire after US and China delay talks Jess Gifkins, University of Manchester and Benedict Docherty, University of Sheffield António Guterres, the UN secretary general, called for a global ceasefire in late March. Three months later, the UN security council has only just agreed to back it. The number of Canadian peacekeeping forces deployed around the world is at an all-time low. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg UN Security Council: Actually, the world doesn’t need more Canada David Webster, Bishop's University Canada sees itself as a peacekeeper and an independent voice in global affairs. The recent vote for a seat on the UN Security Council shows the world doesn't agree with that image. The Security Council meets at the United Nations headquarters in New York to discuss the situation in Syria in 2019. On this issue, as with many others, the Council’s paralysis had tragic consequences. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) The UN Security Council isn’t working. Will it ever be completely reformed? Jean-François Thibault, Université de Moncton Canada's recent failure to gain a seat on the UN Security Council indicates the country still has work to do but also highlights the need to reform the powerful body. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses reporters after the Munich Security Conference where he was seeking support for Canada’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Getting that seat will not be easy. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick Canada’s efforts to get on the UN Security Council will likely end in failure Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has campaigned hard to get Canada a seat at the UN Security Council but a variety of factors may thwart him. The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. UN/Isaac Billy UN peacekeeping is stymied by serious contradictions. They need to be resolved Alexandra Novosseloff, Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas Unless member states try to solve the contradictions in expectations, UN peacekeeping will not be fit for purpose in the future. Rwandan soldiers line up to receive their UN peacekeeping medals for their work in Juba, South Sudan in 2019. Flickr How the UN’s more nimble approach can contribute to peace and security The number of personnel deployed in UN peacekeeping has slowly been decreasing. Peacekeeper with the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC MONUSCO/Sylvain Liechti Is the Democratic Republic of Congo ready for peacekeepers to leave by 2022? Mats Berdal, King's College London The independent strategic review, now before the Security Council, recognises many of the challenges ahead. But it appears overly sanguine about what can be achieved within a three-year period. ohingyas refugees gather near the fence at the ‘no man’s land’ zone between the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The Gambia has announced it’ll take a case against Myanmar to the ICJ. EPA/Nyein Chan Naing Myanmar might finally be held accountable for genocide, but the court case must recognise sexual violence Susan Hutchinson, Australian National University The sheer volume of pregnant women in the refugee camps was an early indicator of the extent sexual violence was used against Rohingya women and girls. A UN Security Council session in New York. Kenya wants a seat at the table. Bryan R Smith/EPA-EFE What Kenya has going for it in bid for Security Council seat Gary Wilson, Liverpool John Moores University The country has not had a seat at the Security Council table for 24 years. Trump addresses the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters, Sept. 24, 2019. AP Photo/Mary Altaffer Trump scorns United Nations as tensions with Iran flare over Saudi oil attacks Shelley Inglis, University of Dayton The US has historically asked for international support when brewing conflicts in the Middle East boiled over. The government of President Paul Biya is accused of committing atrocities against opponents. EPA-EFE What it would take to break the impasse in Cameroon’s deadly crisis Cheryl Hendricks, Human Sciences Research Council and Gabriel Ngah Kiven, University of Johannesburg Cameroon's English speaking people suffer gross marginalisation and are treated as second-class citizens by the Francophone government. Tarcisio Schnaider / shutterstock Jair Bolsonaro wants to deforest the Amazon – what powers does the UN have to stop him? Ash Murphy, Keele University Brazil's deforestation rate is back up. The UN Security Council has three main options. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres. GCIS Disrupted world order brings urgency to South Africa’s seat on the Security Council Sithembile Mbete, University of Pretoria Election to the Security Council is prestigious for member states because it gives them a seat at the highest table of global decision-making. The International Criminal Court has renewed calls for the arrest of former Sudan leader Omar al-Bashir. Shutterstock Al-Bashir and the ICC: is it worth getting your man, if you jeopardise your mission? Kerstin Bree Carlson, University of Southern Denmark Cooperation with the Sudanese government to try al-Bashir could amount to legitimising those who themselves have been implicated in genocide Janvier 22, 2019, in Aix-La-Chapelle, France. Ludovic Marin/AFP The UN Security Council in a post-Brexit world: France and Germany take the lead Eglantine Staunton, University of Leeds As of March 1, the UN Security Council has been presided by two countries, France and Germany. It could be one of the few positive consequences of Brexit for the EU. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters, New York. EPA-EFE/Angela Weiss South Africa returns to UN Security Council: here’s the role it should play James Hamill, University of Leicester President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed South Africa to prioritising human rights and democracy. But, there's little evidence of this. In 2014, this boy was affected by what activists say was a gas attack on the Syrian town of Telminnes; the most recent chemical attack was reported in late November, 2018 REUTERS/Amer Alfaj Syria may be using chemical weapons against its citizens again – here’s how international law has changed to help countries intervene Michael Scharf, Case Western Reserve University For decades, international law did not allow one country to attack another that was using chemical weapons on its own people without UN approval. That’s changed, which means trouble for Syria. 1 2 3 4 5 Last Susan Harris Rimmer Professor and Director of the Policy Innovation Hub, Griffith Business School, Griffith University Jeremy Farrall ARC Linkage Fellow, Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy & ANU Centre for International Governance and Justice, Australian National University Rosa Freedman Professor of Law, Conflict and Global Development, University of Reading Susan Hutchinson PhD Candidate, Australian National University Anthony Billingsley Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, UNSW Katrina Lee-Koo Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Monash University Anthony Burke Professor of International & Political Studies, UNSW Jeni Whalan Senior research fellow, The University of Queensland Laura J. Shepherd Associate Professor of International Relations, University of Sydney Marie-Eve Loiselle Research Officer Centre for International Governance & Justice (CIGJ), Australian National University Amy Maguire Associate Professor in Human Rights and International Law, University of Newcastle Scott Lucas Professor of International Politics, University of Birmingham Aidan Hehir Reader in International Relations, University of Westminster Danny Bradlow SARCHI Professor of International Development Law and African Economic Relations, University of Pretoria John J Stremlau Honorary Professor of International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand Follow topic Copyright © 2010–2021, Academic Journalism Society	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3625
__label__wiki	0.849976	0.849976	franco manca franchise by \| Nov 14, 2020 \| Uncategorized This three year franchise agreement will add to Fulham Shore's exposure to, and knowledge of, the exciting and thriving London restaurant market,” Page said. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business. So far, so achievable. stream The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium. Get the latest news & analysis from the UK hospitality sector straight to your inbox! Franco Manca Franco Manca started life in Brixton Market in 2008, and specialises in Neapolitan sourdough pizza baked in a 450C oven. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. Bukowski sells great breakfasts, burgers, ribs and steak accompanied by delicious beer and wine. vOut +=', '; Franco Manca also has a franchised pizzeria on the island of Salina in Italy. Check the board in your local Franco Manca for our daily specials using freshly made dough. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. Free newsletter to provide good value for money: currently all Franco Manca pizzas are priced at less than £8. Subscribe, 05-Dec-2013 British pizza chain Franco Manca to open restaurant in Italy, Franco Pepe's recipe for the perfect pizza margherita from scratch, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rue’s contract ends in July. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. David Page, chairman of The Fulham Shore, which owns Franco Manca said Mr Mascoli came up with the idea. It already owns the lease for the site and expects to have it fitted-out and ready for business by early next year. The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. 4 0 obj Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. We see more properties coming to the market at ever lower rents as a result of the current conditions in the property, retail and dining out sectors. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. var vOut=""; “We believe this is a sector-wide trading pattern and not unique to our brands.”. British sourdough pizza chain Franco Manca has announced an ambitious plan to open a restaurant in Italy. Follow us for breaking news and latest updates: This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The group saw revenues grow 7% to £68.6m for the year ending March 20. A further restaurant in South Kensington will open in the first half of next year, with one on Broadway Market in Hackney also on the cards. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Create a commenting name to join the debate, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? So far in the 2018 financial year, which started in April, the company has opened seven Franco Manca restaurants in the UK, one franchise in Italy and three The Real Greek restaurants. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? The Aim-listed company, which snapped up sourdough pizza company Franco Manca earlier this year, said it has entered a franchise agreement with Bukowski’s owner to … vOut = vOut.toLowerCase(); if(i!=(aTags.length-1)) { Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers, NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Cambridge, Bath, Oxford, Bristol and Exeter). Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks, Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks, Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. which snapped up sourdough pizza company Franco Manca earlier this year. It serves up ribs and burgers cooked on a charcoal grill looks with adventurous toppings including Morbier cheese and chilli-pickled Brussels sprouts. The owner of Franco Manca says high costs are putting pressure on the company, Franco Manca owner sees shares slump after warning on tough market, Domino’s profits boosted by chocolate pizza and new stores, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. Copyright - Unless otherwise stated all contents of this web site are © 2020 - William Reed Business Media Ltd - All Rights Reserved - Full details for the use of materials on this site can be found in the Terms & Conditions, Related topics: dataLayerNews = {}; Franco Manca is a sourdough Neapolitan pizza business operating around 50 pizzeria in the UK and Italy. Our pizzas start from just £5, and our menu changes seasonally. %PDF-1.5 Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. %�� City restaurateur David Page’s leisure vehicle Fulham Shore has become the latest company to cash in on the “posh burger” craze after striking a deal to expand American-style barbecue joint Bukowski Grill. “We are thrilled to be opening a Bukowski in Soho. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. Venues, Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Under the terms of the deal, Fulham Shore will pay Bukowski an upfront franchise fee of £8,500 and an ongoing franchise royalty of five per cent of the franchise restaurant's revenue. The whole group now has a portfolio of 56 sites, of which 40 are Franco Manca restaurants. “We already have very strong links with the country,” Mr Page said. Shares in the owner of popular pizza chain Franco Manca slumped by more than a fifth on Wednesday morning after the company said that it was battling challenging market conditions. ��\��u�� Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. xڕ[�r� }�W��N�ɰ/s{��&qR�z�IFÑ��̡5��ק�t�PrB�VY˹� �/o��w��->]�1�M��,j��}��ԋO��si�6˲��E��f��]�\|�k�2k� He plans to use the new restaurant on the island of Salina, north of Sicily, to train up expert Italian pizza-makers with the aim of bringing them to work at branches in the UK. return vOut; Since first opening in Brixton, South London, nine years ago, Franco Manca has expanded rapidly and now has 33 restaurants, mostly in London. } Create a commenting name to join the debate, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts. But higher costs are exerting some pressure on performance and the company said that, as a result of this, top-line earnings for the full financial year would likely be “less than current market expectations”. /Length 5 0 R << These openings will take Fulham Shore's restaurant portfolio to 72 restaurants in the UK, as well as our summer Franco Manca franchise in Italy. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold. dataLayer.push(dataLayerNews); var reg = new RegExp('\\W+', "g"); Mr Page, who made his fortune backing Pizza Express and Gourmet Burger Kitchen among other restaurants, said Franco Manca’s expansion will not be at the expense of quality. Texas Sky Quotes, Philadelphia Lime Cheesecake, Canon Sx260 Hs, Courts Office Chair, Sarathkumar Wife Chaya, Wildwood Beach Cam, Best Air Fryer Canada, Gerund Phrase Worksheet, Acoustic Guitar Building Kits, Record Label Contract Template Uk, Hard Rock Guitar Hotel At Night, Patchwork Quilts Patterns, Reebok Workout Plus Review, 70 Inch Sleeper Sofa, Dill Flowers Uses, Ritz-carlton Complaints Email, 75 Miles Per Hour To Kilometers Per Second, Refractive Index Of Methanol, Philosophers Names A-z, Jade Meaning In Tamil, Vasant Kunj Zone, Artist Management Contract Termination Letter, Summer Tomato Tart, Blueberry Loaf Cake With Crumb Topping, Edison Nj Property Tax Assessor, Egg Business For Sale, Haber Verb In English, Mates, Dates And Inflatable Bras Summary, Three P’s To Consider for Gifting Photo Books How Printed Laptop Bags Represent a Business How to Maximize Clientele with Limited Advertising Budget How Custom Printed Caps Make a Difference What We Are? TheCorporateGiveAways is a project of Print Cosmo designed to provide a detailed store for all kinds of corporate giveaways. We are known to provide the customized products tailored according to your needs. TheCorporate-Giveaway’s-Blog info@thecorporategiveaways.com Postal Address: 9119 Hwy 6, Suite 230# 360 Missouri City, Texas 77459, United States Designed & Powered by Printcosmo	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3626
__label__cc	0.509536	0.490464	A definition is a form of argument, which once successful, becomes a predicate assumption. And like an argument, a definition may be evaluated for its basis, quality, and outcome. These are handy guidelines which the ethical skeptic may employ to keep a close watch on his definitions, so as to improve the overall value and clarity of his delivery. Altering of definitions is a subtle but oft used tactic of those seeking to obscure information and control thought. Such flawed definitions can be called Irish Pennants. They highlight the difference between a well vetted versus a casually worn science, logic or philosophy. When standing at attention during Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy (the grueling summer of initiation before commencement of your Freshman year), one quickly learns the difference between a uniform which is immaculate, and one which has received ‘gigs.’ Being gigged for uniform violations can result in a number of demerits of varying magnitude. Instances such as when your shirt and trouser lines are not aligned with your belt buckle edge (gig line), or your cover has smiles in it, or you have tiny threads hanging from the sewn seams of your pants or shirt, these things can get a Midshipman in hot water until he or she earns off the associated demerits. Of a particularly frustrating nature is the violation wherein one misses tiny little threads of material hanging from the seams in one’s uniform. These threads are known as ‘Irish Pennants.’ Nail clippers are useful in resolving these seam flaws. Moreover, if one is farsighted it is best to scour your uniform well with your glasses on, prior to any uniformed inspection. Irish Pennants are one of the telltale little indicators which reveal the difference between a well vetted and a casually worn uniform. The casual wearing of science, logic and philosophy can be detected through a similar manner of silent diligent inspection. Such diligence and discipline applies to the crafting of a logical calculus as well. It makes sense to keep watch over the means of persuasion, locution and argument one is making – but do we often carry such diligence into the definition coherence of our underlying terms? Social Skeptics appreciate a condition where the uniform of the recipient of authorized one-liner wisdom, is not vetted to the point where the listener can tell when they have been played by means of terminology. The making of an argument is a set of propositions expressed with the intent of persuading through reasoning. In an argument, a subset of propositions, called premises, constraints and predicates, provides support for some other proposition called the conclusion. One of the predicates to an argument is the definition basis for the terms which are employed in its locution. Failure to keep watch over your definitions can result in confusion or a whole host of even worse faulty portrayals of science, logic and philosophy. A definition is an ‘argument which has been brought to concurrence.’ A definition allows two parties to rely upon a stable foundation of understanding and agreement, which allows knowledge development to continue (see Wittgenstein Error and Its Faithful Participants). A definition is a agreement among parties that the context, position, role, logical critical path and enlightening nature of the term has been revealed effectively in discussion. Social skeptics will willingly abrogate such tacit agreement, presuming that they are so smart that they are exempted from this level of integrity requirement. They will game lexicon, amphibology, equivocation and meaning in order to win an argument. This is the psychology of an arguer who has been taught that they must win at all costs. Ethical skepticism demands that one watch for the characteristic traits which can improve or weaken an argument’s underpinning lexicon. This can be seen through the oft used analogy of a puzzle. When solving a classic die-cut puzzle, one is not solving one problem, rather three problems simultaneously. Three challenges which do not allow for coherence unless all three problem solutions agree independently on the final state of coherence, per below: A puzzle (sans an available reference picture) consists of three layers of logic: First, resolving the interlocking lexicon (fit) of piece shapes which one is trying to employ, Second, ascertaining the overall single integral form (shape) that the pieces assemble into and Third, realizing the argument or picture depicted on the puzzle pieces (image) which one is trying to bring into coherence. Puzzle Pitfalls A. If one does not care about the integrity of the first and second solution layers in a puzzle, then the third solution (the image) can be pretty much be a matter of arranging the puzzle pieces in any fashion we (or someone else) chooses, in order to depict any answer we desire. B. If one is given a solution image in advance, then regardless of whether or not the advance-knowledge image is indeed correct or incorrect, the puzzle solver will tweak the interlocking portion of the puzzle pieces: definitions, persuasions, locutions and arguments, so as to effect that picture and no other (see The Appeal to Skepticism Fallacy). Unless we can as an ethical skeptic, envision the disarray in the underlying structure of words and meaning and how to resolve such disarray, we may fall prey to the picture we have been given or have been trained to see. An example of just such a terminology misemployment in order to deceive, is shown below, in Irish Pennants 1a – 4e. Arguments are built and are sustained on just such a platform of established coherence. Therefore, in order to corrupt the processes of science, without manifestly tampering with data, research freedom or the scientific method itself, all one has to undertake is a means by which one corrupts the shape or interlocking fit of the puzzle pieces which are used to assemble the image; that is to say the terminology which underpins the argument, the means by which a threatening or disfavored idea can be brought into coherence. By tampering with terminology fit, one can render an argument obtuse, and thereby preempt disliked realizations. This is enacted inside what is called a Descriptive Wittgenstein Error. Wittgenstein Error (Descriptive) Describable: I cannot observe it because I refuse to describe it. Corruptible: Science cannot observe it because I have crafted language and definition so as to preclude its description. /philosophy : knowledge development : symbolism and language/ – the contention or assumption that science has no evidence for or ability to measure a proposition or contention, when in fact it is only a flawed crafting of language and definition, limitation of language itself or lack of a cogent question or (willful) ignorance on the part of the participants which has limited science and not in reality science’s domain of observability. “Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.” ~Wittgenstein However, there is another approach to pseudo-scientific control of thought, and that is the case where an agenda carrying agent realizes that a definition placeholder is mandatory and simply conducting Wittgenstein Descriptive blocking will not be seen as ethical or acceptable. In this case, the agenda carrying agent will attempt to isolate a threatening term as a neologism. Alternatively, if they cannot accomplish this, they will preemptively assign a false, correct-ish sounding version of the definition in advance of its term’s common employment. This is called an Irish Pennant error. It is a term which does not seem to fit the logic, structure or context of all the terms with which it is intended to interplay. Such a term is a pathway to equivocation and ambiguity – useful tools in the process of assembling propaganda. In order to avoid an Irish Pennant error – to thwart obfuscation by means of terminology tampering – the ethical skeptic must examine the employment of a definition in terms of its integrity, along four characteristics of its effective employment: Context framed, Isolate in nature, Critical Path in role, and effective in Reducing complicated-ness. Irish Pennant /philosophy : knowledge development : symbolism and language/ – a term, language or definition which is non sequitur with, fails to reduce complicated-ness of, is equivocal in meaning inside or otherwise lacks integrity with either the philosophy or remaining set of definitions inside its contended context. A tattered, overlapping or incomplete definition which has been altered through the lens of an agenda, rendering it at least partly incoherent with broader philosophy, or leaving gaps in the Wittgenstein (Descriptive) sufficient understanding of a subject. Keys to Avoiding an Irish Pennant Error¹ Example: The current pop-skeptic definition of the term “Pseudoscience” 1. Terminology Definition Context a. Is its articulation in a colloquial or precise expression? Colloquial b. Is it constrained to an accurate context to the discussion, observation or problem? True c. Does it possess coherence inside the presented context? False d. Is its non-applicability readily identified/identifiable? False 2. Terminology Definition Isolate Nature a. Is it framed in objectively based terminology? False b. Is it framed in employment by a knowledgeable but neutral party? False c. Is it consistent with established understandings of equivalent context definitions? True d. Does it fit as a puzzle piece inside a cohesive lexicon? Featuring: i. a minimum of overlap with other terms. False ii. a minimum of multiple contexts of application. False iii. fulfills a role in philosophy, logic or science which is otherwise vacant. True 3. Terminology Definition Critical Path a. Does it have integrity with its co-contended philosophy? False b. Is it salient to the argument contended? Relevant but not Salient c. Does it complete a logical calculus which underpins an argument? False d. Does it allow others then to understand sufficiently so as to be equipped to replicate this logical calculus? False 4. Terminology Definition Reductive Nature a. Does the term help frame a more clear argument? False b. Does the term help improve the nature of a scientific observation? False c. Does the term help improve the effectiveness and salience of a scientific question? False d. Does its framing and employment improve understanding, or only seek to leverage control of a discussion? Seeks Control e. Does its framing reduce an alternative set or complicated-ness of a scientific, logical or philosophical question? False It behooves the ethical skeptic to constantly be on guard for employment of terms which can be used to deceive. People love easy reads. But easy reads can be used as a tool of propaganda. Be cognizant of Irish Pennant terms, plied inside of easy or ‘simple’ answers, and be alerted when this is used to excess. Question context, isolate nature, critical path of employment and the reductive effectiveness of each and every instance where a social skeptic has selected an imprecise term or weapon word in the process of condemning a subject they do not like. Ignore the anger of the social skeptics. Integrity in your words, will lend to integrity in your method, which will end with integrity in your soul. ¹ These characteristics/features regarding definition stem from combining the input from a variety of resources too numerous to list and too convoluted to assign credit to one single source. The features are modified so that they all mutually reinforce each other, provide clarity and a commonality of language inside the contended definition framework. As such, these definitions are the work of The Ethical Skeptic, however may contain phrases common to similar definitions provided by other authors or resources. Therefore, as definitions in the public domain and in common use and understanding – they are not required to be reference sourced. January 13, 2016 Posted by The Ethical Skeptic \| Argument Fallacies, Ethical Skepticism \| lexicon, nature of argument, terminology, wittgenstein error \| Leave a comment An argument may be evaluated for its basis, quality, type, and outcome. These are handy guidelines which the ethical skeptic may employ to keep a close watch on his propositions, so as to improve the overall value and clarity of his delivery. The making of an argument is a set of propositions expressed with the intent of persuading through reasoning. In an argument, a subset of propositions, called premises, constraints and predicates, provides support for some other proposition called the conclusion. Ethical skepticism demands that one watch for the characteristic traits which can improve or weaken an argument. In bold in the graphic below, are the hallmark traits inside an argument which hint to me, the brilliance in its offing. Proposition – statement that is either true or false, but not both. For example, tungsten has a larger atomic mass than does lithium. Premise – a proposition that provides support to an argument’s conclusion. An argument may have one or more premises. Primer – a review of past valid or strong arguments, or a summary of tenets, predicates or propositions which prepare and add clarity to the outlay of a successive argument or story. Constraint – a predicate based parameter or assumption which serves to improve the quality of an argument or improve the value or clarity of an experiment. Predicate – a datum, experiment or element of philosophy or logic which is established as true, and provides deductive support for a successive proposition. Almost exclusively predictive in its employment, a predicate may itself have been derived through falsification. A postulate or corollary relate to laws, but are sometimes used synonymous to predicate. Salience – the nature of predicate, constraint or premise wherein it adds value, clarity or quality to an argument. Relevance – the nature of a proposition such that it is consistent with an argument or adds to its value, clarity or quality. Expertise – immediate, significant, research based, relevant and salient experience in the subject field inside which an argument pertains. This includes the impacted stakeholders in a decision or action. Inexpertise – conditions of general familiarity with, political or agenda motivations toward or solely skepticism and/or experience in the making of arguments in the subject field inside which an argument pertains. Not all a negative, it is the adept recognition of personal, participant or industry lack of expertise in a particular subject or field which is the essence of skepticism. Quality (Logical Calculus) Order – the structure and locution of an argument formulated in such a way as to provide a parsimonious deduction or induction critical path, which allows it to be followed or replicated by another party. Clarity – the structure and locution of an argument formulated in such a way as to provide a relational path, which allows it to be followed or understood more easily by another party. Completeness – the structure and locution of an argument formulated in such a way as to provide a parsimonious deduction or induction critical path, which precludes alternative deduction or induction critical paths along the same line of predicates and premises. Consilience – this is the nature or characteristic of an argument wherein its underpinning premises or predicates provide for independent but mutual reinforcement of its conclusion. This is usually regarded as important in an argument which cannot be easily tested for falsification. Consistency – this is the nature or characteristic of an argument wherein its conclusion or structure is in parallel with well-established premises or predicates. Also the instance where all portions of compound argument leverage to support each other. Validity – an inductive argument is valid if its conclusion logically follows from its premises, and in parallel a deductive argument is valid if its predicates support its conclusions. Otherwise, an argument is said to be invalid. The descriptors valid and invalid apply only to arguments and not to propositions; which can be false, true or undetermined. Structure – the logical formulation and relational structure of elements employed to array premises or predicates into a contention or extrapolation which is contended to be valid or sound. Reducibility – the ability of an argument (as as the case in mathematics) to reduce the complexity of a question and focus in on the core argument instead – eliminating all irrelevant, dependent, unresolvable, unsolvable and incoherent ideas competing for resolution. Deducibility – the effectiveness of an argument’s completeness in such a manner as to falsify, or through effective consilience in absence of possible falsification, render at least one other hypothesis along a critical path set as false or more highly unlikely and therefore no longer relevant. Cogency – an inductive argument is cogent if it is high in quality and its premises provide swift consilience –that is, they all possess a common concordance with well-established truths and logic. Otherwise, it is said to be uncogent. Key inside such relation of consilience or alternately, deductive argument, is how efficiently it can be conveyed. Falsifiability – an attribute of a proposition or argument that allows it to be refuted, or disproved, through observation or experiment. For example, the proposition, All crows are black, may be refuted by pointing to a crow that is not black. Falsifiability is a sign of an argument’s strength, rather than of its weakness. Soundness – a deductive argument is sound if it is valid and its premises and predicates are true. If either of those conditions does not hold, then the argument is unsound. Truth is determined by looking at whether the argument’s premises, predicates and conclusions are in accordance with facts and logic in the real world. Strength – an inductive argument is strong if in the case that its premises are true, then it is highly probable that its conclusion is also true or testable. Otherwise, if it is improbable or unknown/unknowable that its conclusion is true, then it is said to be weak. Inductive arguments are not truth-preserving; it is never the case that a true conclusion must follow from true premises. Elegance – the effectiveness of an argument’s quality such that it accomplishes an outcome or multiple outcomes in the most propitious manner. Deductive Argument – an argument which uses premises and logic to eliminate all reasonable alternative considerations, or sets of possible contribution/consideration, through comparison to the strength of its primary assertions. The conclusion is contended to follow with logical necessity from the premises and reductions. Reductions can exist as either elimination of alternatives by hypothesis falsification research, or simply by set constrainment. For example the syllogism, All men are mortal. Plato is a man. Therefore, Plato is mortal. Inductive Argument – an argument in which if the predicates are true and the relative quality or structure of logic is sound, then it is more probable that the conclusion will also be true. The conclusion therefore does not follow with logical necessity from the predicates, but rather with an increase in likelihood, hopefully converging to certainty. For example, every time we measure the speed of light in various media, it asymptotes to 3 × 108 m/s. Therefore, the speed of light in a medium-less vacuum is 3 × 108 m/s. Inductive arguments usually proceed from specific instances to the more general. In science, one usually proceeds inductively from data to laws to theories, hence induction is the foundation of much of science. Induction is typically taken to mean testing a proposition on a sample, or testing an idea on an established predicate, either because it would be impractical or impossible to do otherwise. Logical Fallacy – an error in reasoning that results in an invalid argument. Errors are strictly to do with the reasoning used to transition from one proposition to the next, rather than with the facts. Put differently, an invalid argument for an issue does not necessarily mean that the issue is unreasonable. Logical fallacies are violations of one or more of the principles that make a good argument or deduction such as good structure, consistency, clarity, order, relevance and completeness. Formal Fallacy – a violation of any rule of formal inference —called also paralogism. Any common flaw in the sequitur nature of premise to conclusion, logical or predicate structure which could be cited as the fatal basis of a refutation regarding a given proposition or argument. The proposition that is formally fallacious is always considered wrong. However, the question in view is not whether its conclusion is true or false, but whether the form of the proposition supporting its conclusion is valid or invalid, and if its premises provide for logical connection into the argument (i.e. sequitur context, and not the validity per se of the premises themselves, which pertains to salience and soundness). The argument may agree in its conclusion with an eventual truth only by accident. What gives unity to different fallacies inside this view is not their characteristic dialogue structure, rather the nature of integrity inside the concepts of deduction and (non-inductive) proof upon which the proposition is critically founded. Informal Fallacy – flaws in the expression, features, intent or dialogue structure of a proposition or series of propositions. Any criticism of an argument by means of other than structure (formal) flaws; most often when the contents of an argument’s stated premises fail to adequately support its proposed conclusion (soundness), or serious errors in foundational facts are presented. Problem of Induction – a variety of forms of argument which either suffer from Popper’s problem of induction, demarcation or in some way imply or claim scientific completion or consensus, when such a standard has either not been attained in fact, or only exhibited inductive consilience as opposed to scientific deduction. Provisional Argument – a construct or a framework explanation not presented yet as true, rather which is contending for plurality based on salient and relevant evidence which does not yet complete a fully deductive or inductive chain of reason, or has not been fully confirmed by empirical observation. Often presented to lay claim to credit for an idea for further research before others craft similar thought, much as with a provisional patent. Construct – a provisional argument which is not yet mature enough to be called a hypothesis; yet which has some suggestive evidence or ideas behind it. Plausible Deniability – a provisional argument which is foisted solely for its outcome in blocking the introduction of an opposing explanation or theory. In practice this is often done with little or no suggestive evidence behind it and is validated or declared true simply based upon its plausibility rather than quality, structure or basis. per hoc aditum – according to this approach. The ethical skepticism version of provisional or stacked arguments, which allow for the examination of a postulate, construct or theory in an unbiased pathway of consideration; often as one of a plural set of explanatory approaches. The ability to hold more than one explanatory pathway in mind and fairly consider the strengths, shortfalls and ramifications of each without a priori based beliefs or prejudices unduly influencing the ability to discern the core argument/application at hand. Syllogism – A syllogism is a structured form of deductive reasoning, through constraint of an argument by means of two sequitur, major and minor contentions, bounding an argument towards a single conclusion – by deductive elimination of all other potentialities. In the instance where either major or minor argument are not truly deductive or have not eliminated every variant of condition, the syllogism is not a sound basis for inference. Rhetorical Argument – an argument which begins with an answer and seeks to target a victim person or idea through a process of opportunistic persuasion and locution, tactics applied to support the answer in arrears. It is the opposite of argument. May simply be executed to express a point, in which case the rhetorical argument is only regarded as a an alternative postulate. Antonesque Rhetoric – a form of persuasion in which the arguer appears to be supporting one position; however in the same argument through locution tactics or eventually through escalating sarcasm, reveals a logical calculus or means of persuasion which implicitly yields or encourages the opposite position. From Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’, Caesar’s funeral speech by Marc Antony: “Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest– For Brutus is an honourable man; So are they all, all honourable men– Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral.” It is an ironic permissive. The art of rhetorical persuasion. Explanatory Argument – an argument which in which its postulates attempt to explain, provide analogy or try to show why or how something is or will be. May be confused with rhetoric due to its similar structure. Poetry – an argument expressed inside the purity of art. The opposite of rhetoric. A passion which seeks alleviation of suffering and not the targeting of an opponent. Value – the quality and relevancy of an argument such that it provides for improvement in clarity, understanding, agreement, focuses or constrains an experiment, reduces a hypothesis set, counters misinformation, or alleviates suffering or ignorance. Relevancy –The quality of an argument such that it contains social value. Reduction – a method of science wherein the process of induction or deduction is employed to falsify, or through consilience, render a hypothesis as false or more highly unlikely and therefore no longer salient or relevant. Critical Path – the sequence of most highly effective argument tests which serve to falsify, eliminate, reduce or provide best consilience inside a set of plausible arguments. Clarity – the ability of an argument to lend quality and locution capability to future critical path logic, and/or which allows such to be followed, replicated or understood more easily by another party. Qualified Argument – a level of clarity and agreement which allows for a least set of differences, when full agreement is not achieved between expertise bearing parties. Agreement – when two expertise bearing parties subsequent to an argument, agree on its basis, quality and outcomes. Explanitude – the condition where a theory has been pushed so hard as authority, or is developed upon the basis of pseudoscience such as class struggle theory or psychology of sex, that it begins to become the explanation for, or possesses an accommodation for every condition which is observed or that the theory domain addresses. A theory which seems to be able to explain everything, likely explains nothing. Notice that there are two forms of invalid outcome 1. an argument which lacks value and clarity in explaining nothing, and 2. an argument which lacks value and clarity in that it can explain everything. Both of these arguments are really invalid, the former being wrong, and the latter being non-sense. Only nonsense can explain everything. ¹ These characteristics/definitions regarding argument stem from combining the input from a variety of resources too numerous to list and too convoluted to assign credit to one single source. The definitions are modified so that they all mutually reinforce each other, provide clarity and a commonality of language inside the contended definition framework. As such, these definitions are the work of The Ethical Skeptic, however may contain phrases common to similar definitions provided by other authors or resources. Therefore, as definitions in the public domain and in common use and understanding – they are not required to be reference sourced. ² Please note that the outcomes of Ethical Skepticism are value and clarity (see Ethical Skepticism – Part II) January 5, 2016 Posted by The Ethical Skeptic \| Ethical Skepticism \| nature of argument \| Leave a comment	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3629
__label__cc	0.70926	0.29074	The Flash Today \|\| Erath County News & Sports - Free & Local Ranger College News Tarleton State News HomeRodeoHAPPY REUNION: Back with Chicken, Yates grabs lead in tie-down roping HAPPY REUNION: Back with Chicken, Yates grabs lead in tie-down roping September 25, 2015 Brad Keith Rodeo 0 By BRAD KEITH TheFlashToday.com STEPHENVILLE (September 25, 2015) — In tie-down roping, there is nothing typical about a 7.5-second run at Lone Star Arena. And there sure isn’t anything typical about the way Marty Yates pulled off his 7.5 to grab the lead after slack at the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo Friday morning. The performances are 7 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Marty Yates leads the tie-down roping at the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo after racing to a time of 7.5 seconds Friday morning when he reunited with Chicken, the 2014 reserve grand champion quarter horse of the year. \|\| Photo courtesy Dudley Barker/DudleyDoRight.com How atypical was the performance by Yates? Consider these fun facts. Yates competed in Omaha and Kansas City earlier this week and was under the impression he would have to turn out in Stephenville. That would have meant no hometown rodeo for the second straight year for the 2013 Huckabay graduate who entered this week No. 3 in the world after reaching his first National Finals Rodeo and finishing sixth in the world in 2014. *Watch Yates and Chicken grab the lead in 7.5 seconds Friday morning with the link below: tie-down video But Yates, with the help of family, made it happen. His mother, Angie Yates, and grandmother, Barbara Hampton, made the trip to Kansas City Thursday, retrieving their young superstar and transporting him back to Stephenville overnight. “It was awesome because I didn’t think I was going to get to rope here,” Yates said. “Mom and Grandma drove all night and we got here at 8:15 and roped right after 8:30.” And then there’s the reunion with his horse. The unflappable Chicken, the 2014 reserve grand champion quarter horse of the year. Yates had not competed aboard Chicken since the Houston Rodeo in March, when Chicken was injured. “Me and him just have such a great bond that’s been a long time building. We’ve been through a lot and this year without him wasn’t very fun. I don’t like leaving him at home,” Yates said. “But the biggest part of the season is the NFR, and it’s right around the corner. Chicken is in really good shape now and ready to go.” Catfish Brown won the tie-down roping last year at Stephenville in 7.7 seconds, two-tenths slower than Yates and Chicken Friday morning. Though there are several world class ropers ahead in the weekend performances, Yates is confident his 7.5 will bode well. “Seven and five is a really good run here. I hope it wins,” Yates said. “If nothing else, it will be in the top few. That’s why I’m so proud of Chicken that we did that on our first run back together.” He’s also proud to have done it at home. “It’s always nice to rope in your hometown. Everywhere we go all year you see guys who are hometown favorites here or there, and it was nice to have that work in my favor today,” Yates said. “It’s always good to rope where everyone knows you and pulls for you.” Par for the course with a serious contender in rodeo, Yates is already headed out of town once again. Angie Yates is delivering Marty to the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo in Amarillo tonight, then Marty will fly back to Kansas City while Angie and Chicken return home. Marty will take his “other rig” from Kansas City to Omaha for the finals of the Justin Boots Championships. Yates is currently third in the opening round there with a 7.9. The busy finishing push is all in an effort to be in the best possible position entering the NFR in December. The most recently updated world standings on prorodeo.com show Yates third with $94,715.88 in PRCA earnings this season. Timber Moore, also in the running at Omaha, is second with $104,823.18. Reigning world champ Tuf Cooper is first with $122,979.46. “It’s nice to be winning somewhere in the last week of the season. Last week was my only dry week since I came back from the summer rush, and that kind of ticked me off,” Yates said. “Placing in Omaha (Thursday) night, then having the great run today, it’s good to finish strong. I’m hoping to be second in the world heading into the NFR.” And first when the NFR is complete. “That’s what it’s all about right now is that world championship buckle,” said Yates. “That’s what we’re all out here chasing after and trying to win.” https://theflashtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Easter-Air.mp4 cowboy capital of the world prca rodeo erath county Marty Yates tie-down roping The Fabulous 50s at Good Tree First Financial Flash Football Update Lee Elliott tabbed as new interim Director of Planning and Building Services August 11, 2015 Brad Keith News 0 By RUSSELL HUFFMAN TheFlashToday.com The city of Stephenville’s new interim Director of Planning and Building [Click for more] Disney trip rewarding for Stilwell, Honeybees September 4, 2016 Brad Keith Sports, zAS-Stephenville HS, zAS-Top 0 By BRAD KEITH TheFlashToday.com (September 4, 2016) — Stephenville won four of seven matches over [Click for more] TexAnns earn first win by 16 strokes April 6, 2015 Brad Keith Sports 0 Special to the Flash Tarleton Athletic Communications GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The TexAnn golf team won [Click for more] Latest on The Flash Flash Today Archives Flash Today Archives Select Month January 2021 (52) December 2020 (133) November 2020 (87) October 2020 (110) September 2020 (98) August 2020 (102) July 2020 (80) June 2020 (75) May 2020 (90) April 2020 (79) March 2020 (97) February 2020 (150) January 2020 (107) December 2019 (104) November 2019 (113) October 2019 (127) September 2019 (114) August 2019 (93) July 2019 (79) June 2019 (99) May 2019 (140) April 2019 (184) March 2019 (156) February 2019 (160) January 2019 (156) December 2018 (151) November 2018 (145) October 2018 (180) September 2018 (154) August 2018 (131) July 2018 (107) June 2018 (139) May 2018 (162) April 2018 (170) March 2018 (176) February 2018 (157) January 2018 (167) December 2017 (181) November 2017 (207) October 2017 (245) September 2017 (230) August 2017 (164) July 2017 (152) June 2017 (190) May 2017 (184) April 2017 (212) March 2017 (259) February 2017 (243) January 2017 (240) December 2016 (209) November 2016 (238) October 2016 (258) September 2016 (229) August 2016 (245) July 2016 (189) June 2016 (174) May 2016 (188) April 2016 (234) March 2016 (243) February 2016 (278) January 2016 (237) December 2015 (197) November 2015 (195) October 2015 (229) September 2015 (228) August 2015 (186) July 2015 (201) June 2015 (222) May 2015 (195) April 2015 (240) March 2015 (231) February 2015 (226) January 2015 (230) December 2014 (175) November 2014 (108) October 2014 (3) The Flash Today \|\| Flash Rock Media, LLC © 2020	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3631
__label__cc	0.637935	0.362065	$5-Million Bugatti Divo, Nicknamed “Ladybug”, Gets Unboxed By Jackson Chung January 11, 2021 Photo credit: The Stradman Limited to 40-units worldwide, the Bugatti Divo is one of the rarest and priciest hypercars in the world. James Neese, better known as The Stradman online, recently witnessed an unboxing, courtesy of a close friend who was fortunate enough to acquire one. This particular example has a custom black and red paint job, making the “Ladybug” nickname a perfect fit. Power still comes from the ultra impressive quad-turbocharged 8.0L W16 engine making 1,479 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to hit 60 mph in a mere 2.4 seconds, while topping out at 236 mph. Patent Reveals Apple May be Developing a MacBook with Integrated Wireless Charging Pads Photo credit: Sarang Sheth Apple recently received approval for two US patents that includes sketches of a MacBook with integrated reverse-charging coils capable of wirelessly charging an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. These charging coils are located beneath the trackpad and palm rest areas. Apparently, there are coils in the top lid for charging purposes when the laptop is closed in clamshell mode. Similar to how the iPhone 12 has built-in magnets on the back, these special areas on the MacBook will have them as well. Lenovo L24i-30 and L27e-30 Monitors Come with a Built-in Smartphone Stand Always wanted to keep an eye on your smartphone notifications while using the computer without having to turn up the notification volume? If so, then look no further than the Lenovo 23.8″ L24i-30 and 27″ L27e-30 (above) monitors. Both use premium In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels that deliver crisp, clean images at wide-viewing angles, making them perfect for distance as well as hybrid learning or video conferencing purposes. Premium Bandai Unveils Gengar Sleeping Companion Plush with a Tongue You Can Sleep on Gengar first appeared in Pokémon Red and Blue before showing up in subsequent sequels, spin-off games, related merchandise, and animated as well as print versions of the franchise. Most of the merchandise is your standard action figure or plush, but Premium Bandai’s Gengar “Sleeping Companion” plush actually has a tongue large enough for you to sleep on. In the game, Gengar can lick victims with its tongue and paralyze them, although that ability won’t quite work with this plush.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3632
__label__cc	0.506678	0.493322	Uriel Epshtein " I understand the appeal of sticking with one's own tribe," says RDI's Uriel Epshtein, "but I fear that if we're unwilling to experience the discomfort of engaging those with whom we disagree, we may become increasingly willing to sacrifice the principles underpinning our republic to avoid doing so." Meet the reformer: Uriel Epshtein, combating American authoritarian impulses Uriel Epshtein is executive director of the Renew Democracy Initiative, created three years ago by former world chess champion Garry Kasparov to combat populism, promote core constitutional values and offer a home to political centrists. He came to the job after stints at the Boston Consulting Group, DoorDash and Uber. As a Yale undergraduate, he founded and continues to chair the Peace & Dialogue Leadership Initiative, which promotes campus college dialogues on policy in the Middle East. That experience had a profound influence on him, he says, as he began to see increasing similarity between polarized partisan U.S. politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His answers have been edited for clarity and length. What's the tweet-length description of your organization? RDI produces content with the goal of empowering the American public to understand and prioritize core constitutional principles. Describe your very first civic engagement. In high school I founded the Pascack Hills Political Club and eventually ended up chairing the New Jersey Teenage Republicans. Politics was my version of a team sport. I was confident my team was right and all we had to do was "defeat" the other guys. It's incredible to think how much has changed since then. I keep wondering what percentage of that change is external and what has come from shifts in my own perspective. What was your biggest professional triumph? Transitioning RDI from a one-man team to a more established start-up with a recognizable voice on democratic issues. Now we have published a book, put on two significant conferences and started multiple creative projects — all with the goal of empowering the public to prioritize core American values. And your most disappointing setback? We are in a moment of profound national uncertainty, and sometimes I allow myself to get caught up in that when I should simply focus on the task at hand. How does your identity influence the way you go about your work? My parents were raised in the former Soviet Union. My dad was an anti-communist, Zionist dissident born under Joseph Stalin in 1936 and my mom was born at a time of overwhelming anti-Semitism in Kiev. Their experiences living in a totalitarian society, dominated by group-think and without freedom to so much as utter a dissenting thought, has made me forever skeptical of ideologies that allow for no disagreement or debate. Today, as each American political side becomes increasingly inflexible, branding anybody willing to compromise as a traitor, I'm beginning to hear echoes of parts of my family's experience. This is what our work at RDI seeks to address. I understand the appeal of sticking with one's own tribe, but I fear that if we're unwilling to experience the discomfort of engaging those with whom we disagree, we may become increasingly willing to sacrifice the principles underpinning our republic to avoid doing so. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Something my rabbi said to me in college, which I really started to understand only in the last few years: We should not necessarily identify with our emotions. We never know when a crisis might turn out to be a blessing in disguise or, if we find ourselves at a low point, we have no way of knowing what's waiting around the corner. We just have to keep pushing through. Create a new flavor for Ben & Jerry's. Fondue Democracy: Red, white and blue sprinkles swirled together with chocolate fondant. What's your favorite political movie or TV show? "The Americans" on FX was a terrific and nuanced show. I was particularly impressed that they hired actual Russian speakers to play the Russian characters. What's the last thing you do on your phone at night? Check the news — although I'm trying to break the habit. I have a pretty debilitating fear of spiders. At one point, I was with friends wandering through a children's section at the zoo. We sat down for a few minutes and, while flipping through a National Geographic magazine, I stumbled across a full-page image of a tarantula. I fell out of my seat. What a new civics course for kids can teach adults about bettering ... › How politicians need to recalibrate the civic tone - The Fulcrum › In our TV reruns, an amalgam of a more civil society - The Fulcrum › Pew Research study: The partisan divide is getting worse - The ... › 'Fresh thinking' needed to renew democracy - Democracy Digest › Opinion \| Breaking Norms Will Renew Democracy, Not Ruin It - The ... › Renew Democracy Initiative › civil discourse	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3633
__label__wiki	0.578106	0.578106	March 31, 2019 April 6, 2019 thejoedown1 Comment on The JOE-DOWN Reviews ‘The Wrestler’ The JOE-DOWN Reviews ‘The Wrestler’ Welcome to the JOE-DOWN, a back-and-forth movie review blog by two snarky newspapermen named Joe from Minnesota, Joe Froemming and Joe Brown. We will take turns selecting a movie — any movie we want — and review it here. For this installment, Brown picked “The Wrestler.” The Movie: “The Wrestler” Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood Plot Summary: (From IMDB) A faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle. Brown: With Wrestlemania a week away, it was time the JOE-DOWN donned a pair of tights and entered the squared circle. Pro wrestling is something we’ve delved into a few times. There was the woeful “Wrestlemaniac,” the utterly insane “No Holds Barred” and a Guantanamo-level bit of torture that was “Ready to Rumble.” So this time, we went with a good wrestling movie. Like, one of the most revered movies of the 2000s. Much like how last week’s movie, “Die Hard” is one of the best movies ever. I will admit, the first time I saw “The Wrestler,” I didn’t like it. Some of the directing aspects confused me and it is a real dour story. Now, I think I’ve seen it four times and the movie really does get better after each viewing. Maybe that’s what happens when you start to age and get a picture of what Randy “The Ram” Robinson is doing with his life. While the movie is still very much a downer, it’s still fun to see the ‘80s wrestling legend ascend the top rope for the RAM JAM! The RAM JAM is like the band SLAYER where you have to use capital letters to really get the effect across. So before we start partying like firemen, what’s your initial take, Froemming? Froemming: My initial intake? Two words: RAM JAM! I saw this in college, I think around the same time as you, and I loved it. I like depressing stories and Darren Aronofsky has yet to fail in providing that in his films. This movie sets up two people who are in the same boat in a sense: Randy our flawed but good-hearted hero and Pam, the stripper who Randy befriends/stalks in life. Both exploit their bodies for a living and both are kinda past their prime in their respective fields. Both are struggling in life, but where Pam has a plan on moving on, Randy tries but is eaten alive like the potato salad he munches on while working the deli counter. There is a lot to unpack, so let me crank up “Metal Health” by Quiet Riot as you kick this off, Brown. Brown: I think from this point forward, we need to refer to each other as brother, like any self-respecting wrestler. Froemming: Like when Forum sports reporter Chris Murphy calls me “brother,” I will not respond to that. Also, racist Hulk Hogan saying “brother” really bothers me these days. Brown: Opening the movie to a collage of old fight cards (which I’m always a sucker for), we eventually see Randy “The Ram” Robinson enter the fray getting ready to compete in an independent show in New Jersey. In this universe, “The Ram” is pretty much Hulk Hogan as the biggest wrestling star of the ‘80s who, like Hogan, made his living winning over stereotypes and brown people, like his chief rival “The Ayotollah.” Seriously, the clues about Hogan were right in front of us. Anywho, this is far from the glitz and glamour of wrestling in 20,000-seat arenas in his prime. “The Ram” is wrestling in a rec center in the twilight of his career. You know, the point where his skin looks like a worn leather couch and his bleach-blonde hair is a tragedy. Froemming: Mickey Rourke’s plastic surgery disasters over the years also came in handy for looking like his face has been smashed to hamburger for more than three decades. Brown: I think you’ll agree with me that whoever cast Mickey Rourke in this movie should have been given millions of dollars. He is PERFECT for this kind of role. Especially when you consider that Nicolas FRIGGIN’ Cage was originally cast for that role. To be fair, I kind of want to see that movie. Froemming: Would have been Cameron Poe with blond hair. I don’t see anything wrong with that. Brown: Also, you’d expect the ‘80s top wrestling star to be living comfortably. Nope. He’s living in a trailer park where he can’t pay his rent and he’s working at a grocery store on weekdays to, as many real-life wrestlers proclaim, support his wrestling habit. While “The Ram” is an extreme example, this is kind of the life cycle of the old wrestler: Wrestle until your body says no, work conventions and hope your heart gets you past your 50s after years of drug and alcohol abuse. See: Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Rick Rude. While Randy is portrayed like Hulk Hogan, I see him more like ECW star Sabu, who is still going at 54 years old and in dire need of a hip. You can see what I mean by watching this clip in a short doc on independent wrestler “Bad Boy” Joey Janela. Froemming: Speaking of Roddy Piper, we can’t leave out his infamous satire of The Ram in “It’s Always Sunny.” I was keeping a keen eye out for a bucket of chestnuts in Randy’s van. So Randy wrestles in the amateur league or whatever it is called. Brown: Independents. Froemming: Shut up. And we see backstage that all these youngsters have a lot of admiration for this legend of the field. We see these folks going over their plans for what to do in the ring, because if wrestling was real fights, all these men would be dead. They beat the hell out of their bodies, and even though a lot of it is staged and practiced, I still have a lot of respect for the art of this profession. Granted, you can tell the years I watched wrestling based on my favorite wrestlers: IRS and Rey Mysterio. It is interesting seeing the camaraderie between these guys backstage as opposed to what you see in the ring. Though Tommy Rotten deserved that RAM JAM for the stupid anarchy symbol tattooed on his back. RAM JAM! Brown: Well, when you have two guys sacrificing their well-being in order to put on a show, you NEED that camaraderie. And to this movie’s credit, stuff like that is extremely accurate. So to complete more of the ‘80s washout stereotypes, Randy loves going to the strip club. His favorite: Cassidy (Tomei), who is the oldest stripper at the club by a country mile. Still a very attractive lady, though. Froemming: This was the weirdest MCU origin movie for Aunt May. Brown: Look man, times were tough before Uncle Ben entered the fray. A woman’s gotta make a living. Cassidy’s living involves grinding against “The Ram” as he recounts his heyday working Madison Square Garden. Let’s say that this wasn’t a business transaction, how long would a woman stick around “The Ram” before being bored and walking away with his 25-year-old stories? At times, it’s like listening to Grandpa Simpson talking about wearing an onion on his belt (which was the style at the time). Froemming: And not the white ones, but the big yellow ones, because of the war. Brown: Also, we see a glimpse of Randy’s butt because he’s taking steroids. And it won’t be the last time we see Mickey Rourke’s butt. In trying to make a living in the ring, we see the before-and-after for “The Ram” when he competes in a death match against former real-life death match wrestler Necro Butcher, whom I remember in a podcast he allegedly is a member of Mensa. Among the things they do to each other: Use a staple gun on flesh, throw each other into plates of glass wrapped in barbed wire and use a fan’s prosthetic leg as a weapon. Before this, we get a level of comedy with a visit to the dollar store to buy weapons. Then, this brings a little of the heavy. But hey, people pay to watch this (REDACTED). Mostly in the Philadelphia area, which makes sense when you watch “Always Sunny.” They’re passionate fans, dude. Froemming: Passionate fans hopped up on FIGHT MILK and RIOT PUNCH! Now, an aside. After I saw this I went to an Independent wrestling show in St. Cloud and they had a hardcore match similar to this, and the headliner was The Honky Tonk Man, who was roaming around in the back of the building looking just as sad as Randy does in this. This movie sort of knocked the wind out of the fantasy of wrestling for me at that moment. This is a cool scene though. We see the after before we see the match: Backstage with doctors yanking staples out of Randy’s body and these two bloody as all hell. This really shows us that even though a lot of this is staged, oh (REDACTED) they put themselves through hell for the audience. Randy’s outer appearance is beat up, but that is nothing compared to what the drugs and exertion he has put on his heart, which decides to up and try to give up while he is backstage. Our hero has a heart attack. He also vomits, which was more gross and disheartening to me. I hate seeing people vomit, that’s why “Stand By Me” is such a tough movie for me to watch. Brown: He pretty much lands in the vomit, too. Not great. So Randy is taken to the hospital where we find out A. His last name is Ramzinski, which is a surname NO ONE has ever had. And B. He had a triple bypass and the doctor heavily advises him to end his wrestling career. That’s tough because Randy doesn’t strike you as the kind of guy who has any tangible skills outside of hip tosses and RAM JAMS! Froemming: I dunno, he looks like those guys moving boxes around on the docks in every episode of “Law & Order.” He could do that. Randy is on the road to recovery, by calling promoters and saying he is done, by asking for a full-time job at the grocery store (I love that Todd Barry is his boss in this, and Randy catches him watching porn at work), and by laying his health information on a stripper he makes listen to his glory days stories, which I mean, I guess she earns her pay with that. Brown: Well, in the case of his heart attack, he asks Cassidy to talk to him outside. See, Randy thinks there’s a connection there when there really isn’t. I get it, Randy. I’ve made my relationships with women bigger than they actually are. Granted, I don’t pay them for lap dances but I get the idea. One of the things Cassidy suggests is that Randy reach out to his daughter. Problem is their relationship is just a tad bit strained. If you’re like the wrestlers of old like Ric Flair where you’re on the road 300-plus days a year and often with a new woman in bed for much of those days, doesn’t really make you much of a family man. So, Randy does eventually come to his daughter Stephanie (Wood) and she… wants nothing to do with him. This is a constant for “The Ram:” You feel bad because he’s getting (REDACTED) on, but with his (assumed) past behavior, he kind of has it coming. Froemming: His life is his work, so yeah, he burned bridges with his daughter over the years. But she was pretty rude to her old man when he came by. This leads to Randy and Cassidy/Pam to go shopping for a gift for his daughter. This is another moment that takes out of the swamps of sorrow that is The Ram’s life. He likes this gaudy green jacket thing because it has an “S” on it, you know, his daughter’s name is Stephanie. It makes sense to Randy, because aside from the heart condition, he probably has an undiagnosed case of CTE from all those folding chairs to the head for three decades. Brown: Plus, his finishing move, the RAM JAM, is a flying headbutt. Know who else used a flying headbutt? Chris Benoit. I just made this review even more sad. Froemming: Pam suggests a peacoat. Then Randy suggests grabbing a beer. You can tell she is not comfortable with this, what he being a customer while also looking like Vince Neil after a severe boxing match. Now comes the best part of the movie: Crapping all over Kurt Cobain. Pam and Randy are connecting over crappy ‘80s metal while saying the mopey nonsense of Nirvana ruined music in the 1990s. They are not wrong. Then Randy swings for the fences and ups and kisses Pam like he is Harvey Weinstein or something. Brown: The idea that Pam and Randy are (REDACTED) on Cobain and the 90s and missing the days when songs were about partying and having fun in one of the most depressing movies I’ve seen… that irony is not lost on me. This scene also features the most awkward singalong moment I think I’ve seen in a movie when Randy and Pam are singing Ratt’s “Round and Round.” It’s sooooo bad. I’d also like to think that in Randy’s CTE-ravaged brain that the only thing he remembers is the word Brother and ‘80s hair metal lyrics. I mean, this is a guy we see later in the movie comes to the strip club to get a cup of coffee. Maybe he has coffee creamers at hand at all times like “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Froemming: “Nothing means nothing?” Man, Macho Man could have been Trump’s lawyer with legal wisdom like that. Brown: “NOTHING MEANS NOTHING! NO COLLUSION! TRUMP’S THE CREAM OF THE CROP! YEAH!” Froemming: Now I want a Slim Jim. Randy meets with his daughter again and gives her two gifts: A gag gift which is the ugly green thing he loved and the peacoat, which she likes. They take a walk down to the boardwalk and reminisce about their older, happier days before Randy abandoned his child out of fear. They truly have a heart-to-heart here where Stephanie realizes her father is flawed, but was never evil in his intentions and didn’t want to hurt her like he did. He is human, a broken human with gross bleached hair and the skin of a battered hotdog, but a human nonetheless. They make plans to have dinner on Saturday night. Things are looking up for old Randy. This and the fact he likes his job at the deli counter because he uses his charisma from the ring at the store to delight the customers. Brown: The deli was a good use of improv for Rourke. He really does deserve the praise he got for this movie. So Randy’s job is good, relationship with his daughter is on the mend and he made out with a hot stripper. Nothing will bring Randy down. Until Pam reminds Randy that she doesn’t mingle with customers. Then we get the downward spiral. Turning down his advances once again, Randy gets belligerent and gets booted from the club. And instead of sleeping it off and letting cooler heads prevail, he goes to a nearby indy wrestling show to hang with the boys and feel the love from the locker room. Going out for drinks afterwards, Randy continues the good time with a little cocaine and coitus with a fireman-loving girl who had a brother who idolized “The Ram.” I mean, I get why this scene happens, but it feels really out of nowhere. There’s a few times where this movie has scenes like this, I think, to add some levity but it feels a little shoehorned. Just a personal nitpick. Froemming: Yeah, it is basically a plot device for him to sleep off the coke hangover and miss dinner with his daughter. Which leads to him going to her house and having his daughter decides to cut all ties with him and say she wants nothing to do with him ever again. Which, I guess she is in luck, because this is the last time she will see her father alive. Choose your words carefully, people. Because I imagine this will haunt Stephanie for the rest of her life. Brown: Dunno if those words will haunt her as much as that gaudy “S” jacket in her closet. Froemming: If she didn’t toss that in the trash 10 minutes after her father left, that is on her. Brown: She kept it. She’s in college. She’d need a jacket like that for some hipster ‘80s party where they’d drink Bartles & Jaymes and listen to Kraftwerk. Froemming: What do you have against Kraftwerk? They are awesome. Down in life now, Randy breaks at the deli counter after a woman makes him add and subtract from a tub of potato salad and some dude recognizes him from his wrestling days. Now, we often use the Scarface clip when people quit their jobs in movies, but I think we need to use Randy’s quitting clip, because he smashes his fist into a deli slicer, cutting up his hand and storms out elbow smashing boxes of cereal. It is quite the exit for old Randy. Brown: Randy’s quitting scene is what Tommy Wiseau wishes his freakout over Lisa looked like. Froemming: If things had worked out better, would Pam have been Randy’s future wife? Brown: I mean, I hope she had better taste in pizza than Lisa. Seriously, half Canadian bacon/pineapple, half artichoke with pesto, light on the cheese? Lisa a war criminal. Pam is a mom trying to make ends meet. So, with Randy’s new life all but over, he decides to go back to the only place where he feels love: The wrestling ring. So he calls up a promoter who pitched him a dream match at the start of the movie: “The Ram” vs. “The Ayatollah” Part II. Despite Randy’s bum ticker, he’s back in the match. So, back to working out. Back to the fake tan. Back to bleaching his hair and back to shaving off his body hair all in his gross trailer. If you’re gonna die, leave a good-looking corpse, I suppose. Froemming: Decades too late for that. Brown: For “The Ram” or for Mickey Rourke? Froemming: It can be two things. Well, as he is packing up the old van for one last ride, Pam has a change of heart and visits him at the trailer park. But he is in a hurry to reclaim the glory of his past, while ignoring the potential future that just arrived at his door. This movie and “Seinfeld” has given me hope that I too could one day date Marisa Tomei. He hands her a flyer and she realizes “wait, I thought he isn’t supposed to wrestle” by then, Randy is long gone. Brown: I mean, is she really going to stop him? We all run into those moments in time where we’re looking for validation, looking for love, regardless of the detriment it does to ourselves. Nothing is going to replace that void in Randy’s being without wrestling. It’s why so many real-life wrestlers hang on for WAYYYY too long. So Randy arrives at the show and we meet “The Ayatollah,” who was played by real-life former wrestler Ernest “The Cat” Miller. His wrestling career started as being like Billy Blanks (yeah, the Tai-Bo) guy and ended in WWE with him acting like James Brown. Froemming: I love that in this, he retired and became a huge success in car sales in Arizona. He is the flip side of the coin, here. The Ayatollah, whose real name is Bob here, doesn’t want to go over the match with Randy. He’s there for fun, he doesn’t need this in life, he is just there for a good time and to BS about the old days. Randy, this is his life, so we see these two points of view toward the match, which is interesting. Now we come to the main event, and Pam rushes all the way to this match to stop Randy’s suicide mission. She catches him right before the match, and he says what is the most heartbreaking thing in this whole movie: Out in the ring, he can’t be hurt. The only thing that can hurt him is outside the ring (his daughter, Pam, the real world). Which is a dirty lie of course, because the ring has hurt him plenty. Sure, I know what he is getting at, but Pam, his daughter or Todd Barry do not kill him, this match does. Brown: It’s like the line from “The Replacements:” Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever. I hate that I just quoted that movie. Anywho, the show must go on, so “The Ram” heads to the ring with Guns ‘n Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine.” Personally, I think the song needed more reggae. Froemming: Or maybe something from “Chinese Democracy,” an album we reviewed together more than a decade ago? Brown: And much like real-life wrestlers, Randy and Bob have worked together so much they can do this match in their sleep. And they’re not being too labor intensive since this match is more spectacle than sport. Well, tell that to Randy’s heart, which is causing him trouble throughout the match. Look, wrestling promoters by in large are scummy people, but I would think they’d call off a match when Randy takes off his shirt and he has a large, fresh bypass scar on his chest. No athletic commission would let him compete but because wrestling is considered “sports entertainment,” they aren’t usually beholden to sports commission. Seriously, read up on pro wrestling sometime. It’s some shady ass stuff. Bob calls for the match to end early, but Randy’s dead set on going out his way. So he ascends the top rope for the RAM JAM! With tears in his eyes, knowing his fate, he takes the leap and we cut to black. Normally, ambiguous endings frustrate me, but I like it in this case. Froemming: To be fair, it isn’t that ambiguous. I see the cut to black as his death. Brown: You’re right. It’s not like “The Sopranos.” The RAM JAM sealed his demise. Even if he didn’t die at that very moment, he can’t get out of the life so eventually, he’s going to die in the ring. Randy sealed his fate. Froemming: Actually, your take on that is exactly how “The Sopranos” ending is how I interpreted it. Brown: I still hate “The Sopranos” ending. Froemming: You’ve never watched the show. Brown: Yep. Saw that one episode. Got so mad at the ending that I never felt the need to watch the entire series. Froemming: Anyway, why don’t hop in our crusty vans and drive down to recommendations? Brown: Absolutely. There’s a few things I still give pause to in this movie but like I said at the intro, it gets better every time I watch it. Froemming: Oh yeah, this is a fantastic movie. Categories Arts & Entertainment, The Joe-DownTags Darren Aronofsky, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler, The Wrestler review 1 thought on “The JOE-DOWN Reviews ‘The Wrestler’” Pingback: The JOE-DOWN Reviews ‘Deliverance’ – The JOE-DOWN Previous The JOE-DOWN Reviews ‘Die Hard’ Next The JOE-DOWN Reviews ‘Deliverance’	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3636
__label__wiki	0.909794	0.909794	SoundCloud - Play Music, Audio & New Songs 2018.08.07-release by SoundCloud Appvn > SoundCloud - Play Music, Audio & New Songs > 2018.08.07-release Version: 2018.08.07-release Req: 5.0 and up Mô tả SoundCloud - Play Music, Audio & New Songs ???? What’s next in music is first on SoundCloud ???? SoundCloud is more than a streaming service, it’s an open global community for anyone to upload any sound for immediate discovery. Be the first to hear new tracks, connect directly with fellow fans and your favorite artists in real... xem thêm ???? What’s next in music is first on SoundCloud ???? SoundCloud is more than a streaming service, it’s an open global community for anyone to upload any sound for immediate discovery. Be the first to hear new tracks, connect directly with fellow fans and your favorite artists in real time, and support the future of music with every play, like, repost and comment. Get SoundCloud FREE: - Access the most diverse catalog of content - Discover millions of emerging and established artists, DJs and podcasters - Listen to music that exists nowhere else - Get suggested tracks based on your listening habits - Explore SoundCloud Charts for the best music or podcasts in each genre - Connect directly with artists and fellow listeners - Create playlists for any occasion - Find new music faster with curated playlists Listen to the biggest hits and discover what’s next in music SoundCloud is the world's largest music and audio streaming platform with more than 200 million tracks and a global community of 20 million-plus artists from every creative corner of the world. On SoundCloud you can discover music that exists nowhere else – DJ sets, hand-curated playlists, remixes and freestyles – right next to chart-topping albums and mainstream releases. Our massive catalog has the biggest hits in pop, hip-hop, rap, electronic, rock, techno, classical, jazz and podcasts, but also the sub-genres and songs within these communities that you’ll be hearing about next year. Find and connect with your community SoundCloud is the only place where artists and fans and curators collide to push music culture forward together. You can connect to emerging artists and today’s superstars directly and in real time, and hear their new songs within seconds of them being shared. Or follow our curator’s community profiles (our take on genres), so the trending tracks and playlists our plugged-in music experts are posting will land in your stream. Support the artists you love Fuel the success of emerging and established artists. Every like, play, comment, and repost resonates and establishes a creator’s reputation, provides motivation, and amplifies their reach. Every listen and subscription purchased on SoundCloud puts more money in artist’s pockets, empowering and enabling them to continue to create and push music culture forward. Subscribe to SoundCloud Go+ for premium listening With SoundCloud Go+, you can get access to every track on SoundCloud, from the biggest hits what’s next in music. With offline listening, you can take your music with you wherever you go, and with no ads, nothing stands between you and your favorite tracks. You can get even closer to a creator’s intended sound and vision with high quality audio. SOUNDCLOUD GO: - Save unlimited tracks for offline listening - Ad-free listening - Your subscription helps financially support the millions of creators who are starting and growing their careers on SoundCloud - Try 30 days free, then $5.99/month* SOUNDCLOUD GO+: - Access full catalog, no previews - Get ad-free listening - High quality audio - Try 30 days free, then $9.99/month** SoundCloud Blog: http://blog.soundcloud.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/soundcloud Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/soundcloud Tumblr: http://soundcloud.tumblr.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/soundcloud The more you tell us, the better SoundCloud gets. http://help.soundcloud.com https://twitter.com/SCsupport SoundCloud is available in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish. Privacy Policy: https://soundcloud.com/pages/privacy Terms of Use: https://soundcloud.com/terms-of-use Phiên bản SoundCloud - Play Music, Audio & New Songs khác 2020.08.05-release SoundCloud - Play Music, Audio & New Songs 2019.02.19-beta 2019.02.19-beta SoundCloud - Play Music, Audio & New Songs 2018.12.18	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3639
__label__wiki	0.965621	0.965621	Updates on World COVID vaccines: China approves Sinopharm, UK authorizes AstraZeneca Valerie Mai December 31, 2020 \| 16:46 Valerie Mai Chinese regulators have approved the country's first homegrown coronavirus vaccine, developed by state-owned pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm, while Health officials in the U.K. authorized the AstraZeneca-Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday. Vietnam reaches full recovering of pre-pandemic levels, said Nikkei China CDC study finds coronavirus case in Wuhan nearly 10 times the recorded tally COVID-19 stops 14 million foreigners from visiting Vietnam in 2020 China approves its first homegrown coronavirus vaccine, developed by Sinopharm. (Photo: Global Times) China approves its first homegrown coronavirus vaccine, developed by Sinopharm Chinese regulators have approved the country's first homegrown coronavirus vaccine, developed by state-owned pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm, officials announced Thursday. The approval comes a day after Sinopharm said its vaccine is 79.34% effective, citing an interim analysis of Phase 3 clinical trials. China has drastically scaled up its vaccine emergency use program in recent weeks. Since December 15, it has administered more than 3 million vaccine doses on "key groups" in the population, Zeng Yixin, vice-minister of China's National Health Commission, said at a news conference Thursday. That's on top of the 1.5 million doses administered on "high-risk groups" by the end of November, Zeng added. Of those inoculated, fewer than 0.1% of recipients developed a light fever, and about 0.2% developed "relative serious adverse reactions" such as allergies, according to Zeng. Coronavirus vaccines developed by Sinopharm have already been administered to hundreds of thousands of people under a controversial emergency use program approved by the Chinese government. By November, nearly 1 million people had received a Sinopharm vaccine, according to the company's chairman, though he didn't specify which of the company's two vaccines they had received, said CNN. UK approves AstraZeneca-Oxford coronavirus vaccine. (Photo: Getty) UK approves AstraZeneca-Oxford coronavirus vaccine Health officials in the U.K. authorized the AstraZeneca-Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, giving the nation a second option for inoculation against the coronavirus. The government will begin rolling out the inexpensive and easy-to-store vaccine beginning Monday. It has ordered 100 million doses — enough to vaccinate 50 million residents or three-quarters of the country's population. Approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine comes as the U.K. battles another deadly wave of the virus. Millions of residents are expected to be placed under strict new lockdown measures after a new variant of the coronavirus spread across England. So far, the new strain, which contains 17 variants from the SARS-CoV-2 virus first identified a year ago, appears to be more transmissible and harder to control. England reported a new single-day record of new COVID-19 cases, reaching more than 53,000 on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The AstraZeneca vaccine, like the Pfizer option, requires two doses to be given to patients. The second is required to be given 12 weeks after the first. Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca's CEO, said in a statement that the vaccine "has been shown to be effective, well-tolerated, simple to administer and is supplied by AstraZeneca at no profit", as quoted by NPR. EU starts effort to vaccinate 450 million. (Photo: NY Times) EU starts effort to vaccinate 450 million From nursing homes in France to hospitals in Poland, older Europeans and the workers who care for them rolled up their sleeves on Sunday to receive coronavirus vaccine shots in a campaign to inoculate more than 450 million people across the European Union. The inoculations offered a rare respite as the continent struggles with one of its most precarious moments since the pandemic began. “Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year,” Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president wrote on Twitter. “The #COVID19 vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries”, according to NY Times. All E.U. member nations now have a supply of vaccine on hand to distribute. Early Sunday, dozens of minivans carrying coolers filled with dry ice to keep the doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from rising above minus 70 degrees Celsius fanned out to nursing homes across the German capital. The rollout comes as Europe’s largest nation is confronting its deadliest period since the start of the pandemic. All of the member states have national health care systems, so people will be vaccinated free of charge. But just as hospitals in poorer member states like Bulgaria and Romania were overwhelmed by the latest wave of the virus, the networks in those countries will face challenges in distributing vaccines. While each nation is determining how to carry out its campaign, in general, the first phase will focus on people most at risk of exposure and those most likely to have serious health conditions — health care workers and the oldest citizens. Most member states have said they expect the vaccine to reach the general public by spring. A study conducted by China's public health authorities shows that the scale of Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan may have been nearly 10 times the recorded ... World Vision's COVID-19 Response and Recovery Program benefits Dien Bien World Vision Vietnam’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Program has helped households with vulnerable children improve their nutritional status and health through improved access and better ... World COVID-19 updates (Dec 29): Thailand reports 1st death in 2 months, Indonesia bans int'l visitors Bangkok betting businesses will be shut, while bars and nightclubs will be forced to close at midnight until 4 January after reporting 1st death in ... Tags: COVID-19 COVID-19 combat US’ Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine distributed to hospitals for human injection from December 14 COVID-19 treatment updates: Antiviral drug Molnupiravir can block COVID-19 transmission within 24 hours Lastest COVID-19 vaccine updates, global experts are optimistic about vaccine development First group of elderly volunteers injected with Sputnik V vaccine Oxford COVID-19 vaccine data may go to regulators this year	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3641
__label__wiki	0.632682	0.632682	Ruth Miguel Franco Sub Titulis Misi, in Libros Diuisi: Braulio of Zaragoza and His Arrangement of Materials[1] (pdf) Between ad 649 and 651, Bishop Braulio of Zaragoza († 651) and King Recceswinth (r. 649-672) exchanged four letters about a manuscript which was sent to the bishop, amended, and returned to the king. In the letters, the title of the work is not explicitly stated and no information is provided that would allow the text’s accurate identification. However, the letters do describe the deplorable condition of the manuscript. Braulio explains the work he carried out on the text, correcting and organizing it based on a particular pattern: the division of the work in tituli and its edition using tables of contents (aeras). The aim of this essay is to analyze the organization and edition of this manuscript by Braulio, based on the thesis that it is a copy of the Liber Iudiciorum presented by Recceswinth at the VIII Council of Toledo in 653 and promulgated shortly afterwards. First, I will summarize the arguments supporting the idea that the manuscript sent by Recceswinth is, in fact, a copy of the Liber, in order to underscore Braulio’s participation and responsibility in the king’s law-making activity. Furthermore, I will focus on the process of organization of the Liber’s contents, particularly on Braulio’s planning and description of this process. In so doing, I will compare Braulio’s activity on the Liber with similar efforts undertaken by the bishop to organize both his own work (mainly his Epistolae and Renotatio) and that of different authors (e.g. Isidore of Seville’s Etymologies). The results will be combined with studies on the Liber’s manuscript tradition, focused on both its external (paratextual elements such as the aforementioned tituli and aeras) and internal (changes or additions in the content’s distribution) organization. By studying Braulio’s activity on the organization of several texts, this essay analyzes a key aspect of Braulio’s contribution to the formal elaboration of the Liber Iudiciorum promulgated by Recceswinth. Braulio of Zaragoza and his Role in Recceswinth’s Liber Iudiciorum In ad 654 King Recceswinth (r. 649-672) issued a legal code, known as the Liber Iudiciorum (LI), after its approval at the Eighth Council of Toledo (VIII Toledo) at the end of 653.[2] During the years before, between 649 and 651, Recceswinth and Braulio (Bishop of Zaragoza, 631-651) had exchanged a series of letters (Ep. 29, 30, 31 and 32[3]) concerning the sending and editing of a certain manuscript. In his letters, Braulio explains the amount of work that he devotes to the text, including correcting mistakes and organizing it into tituli according to tables of contents (aeras). Traditionally, the referenced manuscript sent by Braulio to the king has been thought to be a copy of the LI and a way for Braulio to participate in Recceswinth’s legislative power. An essential obstacle to confirming this is that the codex’s name is neither mentioned in the letter, nor are its content or characteristics explained. In addition, the extent and consequences of Braulio’s work on the LI are uncertain.2 The aim of this essay is to examine, from several perspectives, the extant data regarding Braulio’s literary and cultural activity, and to connect that with his potential contribution to Recceswinth’s legal compilation. In contrast to the argument supporting the mentioned manuscript as the LI is the claim that Recceswinth summoned VIII Toledo in order to revise the new legal text, which would not have been necessary if Braulio’s edition had effectively been carried out.[4] However, the council’s purpose seems to have been to ratify the content of the law and its adequacy to Christian doctrine and justice, whereas Braulio explicitly references a formal revision of the text. Its presentation before the bishops has been seen as a mere formality, as can be gleamed from the royal letters attached to the documents. Recceswinth’s letter is similar to those presented with their respective later revisions of the LI, by King Erwig at XII Toledo (681) and by King Egica at XVI Toledo (693): each has a series of formulas referring more to the sense of the text than to its form, and that, undoubtedly, were presented to ask for the code’s approval by the council or synod assembly. In this way, the bishops did not revise the text word by word, but rather ensured that the laws were consistent with the ruling principles. That is, a series of legal regulations was presented before the council to be read and used, and able to be returned to their sees by the prelates and duces after the council, not a text to be edited.[5] Apart from its identification, it is also argued whether Braulio corrected the whole text or whether he left his work incomplete. Remember, the bishop died in 651, three years before the issuing of the LI, and already had been weak and ill while working on the king’s assignment: “so often I despaired to correct it and so many times I left whenever my several illnesses waylaid me.”[6] Nevertheless, in his last letter Braulio presents his work as finished and Recceswinth thanks him “the errors hidden in this book […] have been shown clearly enough, not in vain we praise your work […] you wisely focused on its usefulness in such a way that it is ready to be used.”[7] Recceswinth uses simple-perfect, past-tense verbs (exercuisti, collegisti) that convey that the action is finished. This is not an obstacle to thinking that, between Braulio’s death and VIII Toledo other people could have adjusted the text; however, although the LI could have been subsequently modified, the version Recceswinth assigned to Braulio was able to be considered finished before his death.[8] Leaving aside hypotheses that claim the text mentioned by Recceswinth and Braulio was not the Liber Iudiciorum, or that Braulio’s edition had not been corrected as planned, one wonders what the work was truly about. Most of the content of the quoted letters can be summarized in the following phrase, which Braulio uses to describe the text sent by Recceswinth: “Actually, it is so corrupted by scribal neglect that hardly can be found a phrase not able to be modified and, then, it would have taken less time to write it again than to correct it.”[9] The terms emendare and emendatio, belonging to the copy’s technical lexicon and to the book’s editing, appear several times in the letters between Braulio and Recceswinth: they reference a text with errors able to be easily corrected through a scholarly linguistic revision.[10] In addition, the king asked Braulio to arrange the text in sections and to endow it with a practical and manageable structure. The bishop describes this task in his last letter: “I arranged in titles the text of this codex, as you ordered […]. If by chance what I compiled seems not clear enough to any of our people, he will not have to hesitate in resorting to the tables of indexes upon which the text’s editing is based.”[11] Thus, it is likely that Braulio had engaged with the LI. As such, the next task in the argument is to determine the process for the LI’s revision and arrangement into chapters. The following sections will elaborate these issues and demonstrate how Braulio’s life and work further indicate his association with the construction of the LI. Method and Organization in Braulio of Zaragoza’s work Conditioning a text by endowing it with a new frame was as much a common praxis in late antique and medieval writing as in today’s postmodern aesthetics. The task is accomplished either by re-setting materials into a group in which it did not originally belong, by adding prologues or epilogues, or by other means. The structure and arrangement of the elements provide cohesion and a global sense to the text, enabling the reader to correlate the individual elements. Braulio used this method in several works that, in one way or another, show his signature. The main extant work of Braulio is his Epistolario. This set of letters has been passed down through a codex unicus, the important Leon manuscript Archivo Capitular 22, from the ninth century.[12] Its first editor, Father Risco (1775) analyzed the letters chronologically and edited them following such a method. However, in the manuscript, the letters are arranged in a quite sophisticated way, combining the chronological and the thematic aspects, reflecting, undoubtedly, Braulio’s work. The Epistolario is cut in two by the central letter, Ep. 16, which was written by Braulio and sent by his fellow bishops at VI Toledo (638) to Pope Honorius I (625-638). The letter establishes an imagined boundary in Braulio’s biography: the culmination of his fame both as a writer and in religious and cultural influence. The letter is placed exactly in the middle and, if the set is folded with Ep. 16 as a base the image of the structure is as follows:[13] 1 A (Ep. 1 – 6) A (Ep. 34 – 37) 2 B (Ep. 7) B (Ep. 33) C (Ep. 8) C (Ep. 29 – 32) Transition between 2C & 2C (Ep. 28) D (Ep. 9) D (Ep. 23 – 27) E (Ep. 10 – 12) E (Ep. 20 – 22) F (Ep. 13 – 15) F (Ep. 17 – 19) The first and second parts maintain a mirrored-like correspondence. A’s letters, in both halves, are addressed to religious men (among them is Tajo, in both groups) and deal with topics such as relics or the comprehension of certain passages of the scriptures. B’s letters are consolatory ones, for a widowed woman, in the first part, and for a widowed man, in the second. The discourse between Ep. 8 and Ep. 29 – 32 (C groups) and Ep. 9, on the one hand, and Ep. 23 – 27, on the other (D groups), are those in focus here. In them, Braulio discusses with King Chindaswinth (r. 642-649/653), Reccesswinth’s father and royal successor, the episcopal ordination of Eugenius II and later, in another letter, Braulio and Recceswinth speak about the preparation of the LI manuscript. These two groups are separated by Ep. 28: in it Braulio writes in the name of a collective author to ask for Recceswinth’s affiliation to the throne by Chindaswinth. Then, there is another group of consolatory letters, 1st E and 2nd E, and, finally, the F group, letters to other clergy on varied topics related to religion, for example, the interchange of books or the calculation of Easter dates. In brief, Braulio carried out a careful selection of his letters, chose the most interesting ones and arranged them in opposite groups following a thematic plan so that the links made between the letters direct alternative meanings to the whole series. In addition, it is worth mentioning a text Braulio did not write but that in some way belongs to him: the Etymologiae. Braulio arranged and edited the contents of the Isidorian text, to what extent is unknown. Isidore, Bishop of Seville (c. 600-636), shortly after his death in 636, sent Braulio ad emendandum a codex from the Etymologiae that he defined as inemendatum prae ualitudine, that is, lacking revision and correction. However, Braulio, in his Renotatio librorum domini Isidori, where he describes the Sevillan’s works, colors this claim by defining the book as imperfectum, and attributes to himself the division into the books and tituli that Isidore had imposed.[14] The nature of this intervention and the resulting number of books remain a point of discussion by scholars. The oldest manuscripts, which could contain features prior to Braulio’s intervention, show a tripartite division into ten books.[15] The text of the Renotatio suggests fifteen books, but most of the Etymologiae tradition says twenty, excepting some cases with different divisions.[16] What is certain is that Braulio’s intervention happened: there was a before and an after in the organization of the Etymologiae, a product of Braulio’s editing. Apart from this, he added elements to the encyclopedia: he inserted his letters with Isidore at the beginning of the work, as a prologue, and suggests to the reader that he himself was responsible for the ultimate correction of the volume.[17] It is in keeping with Braulio’s style and his dynamic conception about the literary collection: to arrange a written work was an essential part of his creation, as was the desire to endow it with a frame convenient for the type of subsequent reception he imagined. Braulio and the Liber Iudiciorum Edition Revealing Braulio’s specific work on the LI is not an easy task. Recceswinth’s laws later underwent several revisions, mainly in Erwig’s edition (681) and Egica’s (693), with other additions by Wittiza at the turn of the eighth century.[18] The different editions overlap in the tradition, and the contaminatio remaining in the preserved copies makes it difficult to determine the key features of Recceswinth’s LI and to separate them from latter editions.[19] Primarily, apart from the division into tituli and aeras, mentioned in Braulio’s letters, it has been argued that the first book of the LI (LI I) could be the work of Zaragoza, as the book has evident Isidorian traces.[20] In studies about the LI’s transmission, questions about its formation and structure occupy a large space. In the most widely extant form, the LI opens with tituli and an index within certain circles repeated in several manuscripts: each book begins in a similar way, with its name and number in the series; in a book, each title is followed by eras, a table with chapters of the laws.[21] The particularities of some testimonies (due to the contaminatio in numerous cases) have made some scholars think that neither LI I nor the division into tituli can be linked for sure to Recceswinth’s edition.[22] Nevertheless, more recent studies of the LI’s copies seem to confirm that both features are connected with Recceswinth’s edition and, therefore, with Braulio’s work.[23] Apart from this succinct analysis of the manuscript tradition, the issues of Recceswinth’s assignment to Braulio of the editorship could be settled by placing it in the general context of his intellectual work, as described above. Braulio mastered composition techniques and combined the aesthetic with the practical – a unique feat in his setting – as seen in the Epistolario and the Etymologiae. The LI’s arrangement was not only related to the practical aspect of its being written down, but it was also aligned with the great cultural works being constructed in the period. For instance, the LI’s division into twelve books is reminiscent of the Codex Iustinianus and therefore suggests an ideological association with imperial authority;[24] and, the number 12 is linked to VIII Toledo’s documents.[25] An external feature, such as the number of books in a work, allows it to be read within the framework of others using the same symbolic associations. In addition, it is worth remembering that the first book of the LI is attributed to Braulio, and by the divisions he established the legislative contents needed to fit within eleven books. The act of interpretation relies on an awareness – conscious or not – of textual structure, of which literary aesthetics are a central component. The LI is a literary codification through its division into tituli, as are other contemporary texts produced by Braulio who, by this, is a conspicuous figure in this setting. Liber Iudiciorum I The first book of the Liber Iudiciorum has been attributed to Braulio and is of crucial importance for understanding the work. The LI, apart from being a compilation of laws, can be read as an ideological historical text through which Recceswinth legitimized his kingship and ancestry by means of textual mechanisms. In this respect, the contents of LI I, containing strong Isidorian roots, frames the legal set and its reading.[26] In addition to its redaction and contents, LI I is noticeable for its particular formal features. Initially it appears as the rest of the code: divided into two tituli, the first consisting of an eight-law aera and the second, a seven. However, the text is quite unique from the rest of the books: it seems to be a continuous redaction written according to the flow and format of the law.[27] In the constitutions of LI I there are several textual mechanisms supporting the cohesion of a unitary text, such as textual marks (I.1.3 tunc primo; I.1.4 consequenter; I.1.9 tunc deinde; I.2.1 item) or anaphoras (I.1.4 to I.1.8, describing the legislator, beginning by erit). This does not happen in the rest of the book: the other laws have closed redactions that do not belong to a unified textual unit and, when coinciding in the beginning of their redaction, do so through frequent constructions in the legislative language like conditional sentences (Si; si quid). It appears, then, that LI I was written as a self-contained text intended as a prologue and then was adapted to the divisions of the rest of the volume. This analysis provides the significance of the structure in this written work and of Braulio’s task through his method: a non-strictly-legal text fragment, which, by arrangement in tituli and leges and insertion into a pre-existing written work, becomes other, changing its genre to be considered as belonging to a legislative corpus. Likewise, when Braulio added his letter correspondence with Isidore at the beginning of the Etymologiae, he framed it so as to propose a reading of the two texts as a unit, for them to have significance as a set. LI I’s structure can be compared to texts such as the Epistolario, which has been given a double codification. A text, like a letter or a preamble for a collection of laws, is written according to a determined genre’s rules and is conferred a first codification making it fit within the genre. This enables the message to meet the communicative functions as planned from the beginning. The text is also able to receive a second codification that can be seen in its internal logic and its embedding into a meta-structure. At this point, a letter becomes part of a series or is added to a written work as a prologue; it is no longer a self-contained text functioning as part of the meta-structure. Also, ties should be created among the pieces conveying cohesion for the whole text, for instance, with a similar visual format such as the division of the first book into tituli and aeras. Braulio’s written works are given this double codification: the LI and its first book, a prefatory text gaining a legal appearance, fit perfectly into Braulio’s composition techniques. References to the LI in Braulio’s Oeuvre As shown above, Braulio’s Epistolario hides a detailed structure collating similar pieces and directing them towards one another in a mirror-like fashion. If one is to elaborate on this reading it is possible then to realize that Braulio used such topical architecture in order to elicit subtle allusions to his relationship with the monarchy and his work on the LI. Throughout the second part of his text, a series of letters between Braulio and kings Chindaswinth and Recceswinth are found. What I referred to above as the 2C block is constituted by Ep. 23 and 24, those letters interchanged between Braulio and his disciple Eugenius II de Toledo (646), and of Ep. 25 – 27 between Braulio and Chindaswinth about Eugenius’s episcopal ordination. In them, the king and the bishop confronted one another, as Braulio appealed to the former not to take his dear disciple Eugenius to Toledo, a request ignored by Chindaswinth. The disagreement was deeper than what is expressed in the letters, in which the correspondents’ tone is formal and amiable.[28] For instance, the last letter from Braulio to Chindaswinth begins with a citation from Augustine of Hippo’s Enarraciones in psalmos (138.26, 11.16-19); a person who had mastered Augustine’s works would have identified the passage, where the inflati iustitiae nomine kings, “arrogant in the name of justice,” are criticized. This follows Ep. 28, where Braulio and other people ask for Recceswinth’s affiliation to the throne (649). This piece of writing serves as a transition between two blocks of correspondence dedicated to Chindaswinth (C) and Recceswinth (D). The D group is composed of the letters in which Braulio apologizes for his tardiness with editing the codex, which eventually is sent, and the king thanks him for the finished task. As noted by different scholars, besides its practical role the LI was a political instrument meant to legitimize and create history. Throughout its varied composite layers are damnatio memoriae. For example, there are no references to non-Catholic legislators, that is, the laws prior to King Reccared’s (r. 586-601) conversion to Catholicism are anonymous, although they are not removed.[29] Moreover, the Liber had a retroactive effect and could have been applied to soothe the consequences of Chindaswinth’s repression against the aristocratic groups who had contested his rise to power.[30] Braulio was related to or kept relationships with members of these groups.[31] After his affiliation to the throne in 649, as requested in Ep. 29, and his father’s death, Recceswinth positioned himself as restorer of a just monarchical order: the LI is part of an ideological campaign to delegitimize his father in order to legitimize him. Throughout Braulio’s Epistolario his views on both Chindaswinth’s and Recceswinth’s legislative actions are evident. For example, following my proposed plan for the correspondences, section 2C would be consistent with Ep. 9 in the first half. The structure makes sense: in this letter Braulio apologizes to Bishop Wiligildus for having made one of his diocese’s monks take priestly holy orders without due authorization. This is the same case as Eugenius II, whose priestly ordination Chindaswinth performed against his will and that of Braulio. The Epistilario’s table of relationships on the LI’s editing, demonstrated in Ep. 28 to 32, can be matched, in the first part, to Ep. 8. Traditionally it has been included among the consolatory pieces, but, although being addressed to Apicella, a recent widow, it has none of the genre’s tropes, which Braulio systematically repeats in the rest of the consolatory writing.[32] In this letter, the bishop explains: “Although this codex had been copied for another person, nevertheless, as we could not disregard your request, we have sent it to you. I think, by the way, that this happens by divine will: that, having been intended for a different person, it is given to you instead.”[33] That is, in his scriptorium a thematic series of selected biblical texts was being prepared, among which were Judith’s book and Tobias’s history. This manuscript had, primarily, a planned addressee who never received it, as Apicella’s request interposed. This note is remarkable for its brevity and anodyne nature of its wording and contents; neither due to the developed topics nor to its register does it conform with the setting. Therefore, its falling into the set can be ascribed to its crucial role as a conditioning piece for the meaning of its subset (which I call 2D). This coincidence can be connected to Chindaswinth’s legislative action prior to Braulio’s collaborative work with Recceswinth. The judicial reforms carried out during the son’s reign had begun already during the father’s; Chindaswinth was responsible for the first legal reform after Leovigild. Although Chindaswinth probably did not get around to issuing a legal compilation able to be considered as a first edition of the LI,[34] he could have given birth to a greater part of the elements that later would make up the Liber Iudiciorum.[35] From internal references between Chindaswinth’s law one can perceive new divisions in Recceswinth’s revision overlapping a preexisting structure; therefore, an organized volume containing the seeds of LI had to have existed.[36] Remember, the letters talk about a codex and so one should not imagine loose sheets or compilations of heterogeneous elements, since they had to be already copied into a volume of some sort. With the subtle connection between Ep. 1C and 2C, Braulio might have been indicating that the LI’s compilation and revision had not begun with Recceswinth, but that, essentially, the king’s codex “had been copied for another person”: out of the closeness between the king’s letters and their gathering into a block it is conceivable to see them as a reference to the legal reforms started by Chindaswinth. Probably, Recceswinth made use of available elements as a base for his legislation; these elements, perhaps inherited from his father, had not been through a detailed revision or arranged by an expert. No connection among written pieces within Braulio’s Epistolario appears placed at random; matchings between the letters suggest that, in a way, Braulio wanted to convey a prior purpose for the manuscript that he sent to Recceswinth after revision. Because of this, the continuity of the legislative action and the discontinuity of the two reigns are highlighted in the Epistolario, which also contains Braulio’s opinions on the monarchs. The task supposed to be carried out by Braulio in the Liber Iudiciorum corresponds to the composite techniques evident throughout his works: he arranged a series of pre-existing elements according to a culturally determined structure, corrected their formal aspects and added elements that forced a particular interpretation of the materials. The LI’s arrangement and LI I’s inclusion transcend a mere formal revision, since the place of the contents in the code represents a crucial role not only in directing their judicial use, but also in their adequacy within a series of patterns dictating the code’s reception. Finally, remember that the LI, and other legal texts at that time, are works with an eye to the practical, but they are also effective literarily and aesthetically: as in Braulio’s Epistolario, historical narrative and ideological expression are united.[37] [1] This article has been translated from the original Spanish by Patricia Di Gialleonardo, Buenos Aires University, Humanities College. [2] About the different names of this legal compilation, see a recent summary in Céline Martin, “Le Liber Iudiciorum et ses différentes versions,” Mélanges de la Casa Velázquez 41.2 (2011): 18; Michael J. Kelly, Writing History, Narrating Fulfillment: the ‘Isidore-Moment’ and the Struggle for the ‘Before Now’ in Late Antique and Early Medieval Hispania (PhD Thesis, University of Leeds, 2014): 223-24. [3] The letters’ numeration is cited according to its arrangement in Ruth Miguel Franco, Epístolas: Braulio de Zaragoza (Madrid: Akal, 2015), 77-166; also, the epistolary text cited will be according to this edition. For a structural explanation, ibid., 38-59. In the prior editions, as Luis Riesco’s, Epistolario de Braulio de Zaragoza. Introducción, edición crítica y traducción (Sevilla: Universidad de Sevilla, 1975), 150-53, the letters are given the following numeration: 29 = 38, 30 = 39; 31= 40; 32 = 41. This is the numbering that has been used traditionally by historians, but is inconsistent with the Epistolario’s textual tradition. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations in this essay are from Braulio and, therefore, only the letter’s number will be indicated. [4] Francisco J. Lomas, “VIII Concilio de Toledo (653): la Biblia en el Tomo Regio y en el debate sobre la legislación de Chindasvinto,” Excerpta Philologica 10-12 (2000) supports this idea. Thomas Deswarte, “Le code du roi Réceswinthe (654) a-t-il abrogé les droits antérieurs?,” in Traditio iuris. Permanence et/ou discontinuité du droit romain durant le Moyen Âge, ed. Alain Dubreucq. Cahiers du Centre d’Histoire Médiévale 3 (2005), 57-58, refers to Recceswinth’s order for the council to revise the text. [5] Yolanda García López, Estudios críticos de la “Lex Wisigothorum” (Alcalá: UAH, 1996), 24-25; Ruth Miguel Franco, “Braulio de Zaragoza y la corrección del Fuero Juzgo,” Helmántica 58 (2007): 79-85. [6] “Quotiens de emendation eius (cf. libri) disperauerim quotiensque aegritudnibus diuresis obuiantibu cessauerim.” Ep. 29. [7] “Denudatam ignauam quae erat occulta in hoc libro […] manifiesta est […] non inmerito laudamos opus quod exercuisti […] eius (cf. libri) efficaciam in procinctu sapienter collegisti.” Ep. 32. [8] The later corrections could have been made by Tajo of Zaragoza or Eugenius II of Toledo: see, Kelly, Writing History, 33-35. [9] “Nam tantis obrutus est neglegentiis scribarum uix repperiatur sentential quae emendari non debeat, ac sic compendiosius fuerat demum scribe quam possit scriptus emendari.” Ep. 29. [10] Carmen Codoñer. Introducción al libro X de las Etymologiae: su lugar dentro de esta obra, su valor como diccionario (Logroño: Fundación San Millán, 2002), 17-19. [11] “Huius quidem codicis textum, ut praecipistis, sub titulis misi […] Sicubi forte minus absoluta alicui seruorum uestrorum quae college uidentur, ad eras, de quibus edita sunt, recurrere non dedignetur.” Ep. 31. [12] José C. Martín, Scripta de uita Isidori Hispalensis episcopi (Turnhout: Brepols, 2006), 104. [13] For a more detailed version of this table and further explanation of the letters’ order see Miguel Franco, Epístolas: Braulio de Zaragoza, 38-44. Leon’s manuscript poses some textual problems due to an error in the copy, but it is possible to reconstruct this order by following the copyist’s indications. [14] José C. Martín, Scripta de uita Isidori, 73-89. [15] Carmen Codoñer, “Etymologiae,” in Carmen Codoñer, M. Adelaida Andrés, José C. Martín, “Isidorus Hispalensis ep.,” in La trasmissione dei testi latini del Medioevo, Paolo Chiesa and Lucia Castaldi (Florencia: SISMEL, 2005), 292-96. [16] Martín, Scripta de uita Isidori, 167-70. For exemplars with different divisions into chapters see Veronika von Büren, “La place du manuscrit Ambr. L 99 sup. dans la transmission des Etymologies d’Isidore de Séville,” in Nuove ricerche su codici in scrittura latina dell’Ambrosiana, ed. Mirella Ferrara and Marco Navoni (Milano: Vita e Pensiero, 2007). [17] Ruth Miguel Franco, “Los tópicos de los prólogos en las cartas introductorias a las Etymologiae de Isidoro de Sevilla,” Acme 1 (2014): 109-32. [18] It is not my aim here to analyze the LI’s complex tradition, but only to relate some of the characteristics manifested through the Braulian context. Karl Zeumer, from the various versions of the LI developed a tripartite division of the exemplars that has been refuted by Manuel C. Díaz y Díaz, “La Lex Visigothorum y sus manuscritos. Un ensayo de reinterpretación,” Anuario de Historia del Derecho Español 46 (1976): 164-71; García López, Estudios críticos, 19-26. For a recent approach see: Martin, “Le Liber Iudiciorum,” 19-20. [19] Céline Martin, “La réforme wisigothique de la justice: les années Recceswinth,” in Derecho y justicia: el poder en la Europa medieval, ed. Nilda Guglielmi y Adeline Rucquoi (Buenos Aires: Conicet, 2008): 20; García López, Estudios críticos, 25-26. [20] This theory has been put forward by previous scholars such as Charles Lynch, San Braulio de Zaragoza (631-651): Su vida y sus obras (Madrid: Instituto Enrique Flórez, 1950), 159-64, among others. For a more recent approach, see Thomas Deswarte, “Le concile de Tolède VIII (653) et le code de Réceswinthe (654): limitation au pouvoir monarchique et suppression de la peine de mort dans l’Espagne wisigothique,” in Compilations et codifications juridiques. Vol. 1: De l’Antiquité à la période moderne, ed. David Derousin and Florence Garnier (Paris: Le Manuscrit, 2008), 167-68; Kelly, Writing History, 235-39; Martin, “La réforme wisigothique,” 48-51. [21] García López, Estudios críticos, 36-37. [22] Díaz y Díaz, “La Lex Visigothorum y sus manuscritos,” 204-209. [23] Deswarte, “Le code du roi Récéswinthe,” 71-72. [24] Deswarte, “Le concile de Tolède,” 153. [25] Kelly, Writing History, 65, n. 149;239. [26] Martin, “La réforme visigothique”, 45-49; Kelly, Writing History, 235-39. [27] Martin, “La réforme wisigothique,” 45-46 [28] For a complete analysis of these letters see Ruth Miguel Franco, “Braulio de Zaragoza, el rey Chindasvinto y Eugenio de Toledo: imagen y opinión en el Epistularium de Braulio de Zaragoza,” Emerita 79, no. 1 (2011). Martin, “La réforme wisigothique,” 52-54. [29] Martin, “Le Liber Iudiciorum,”19-20. [30] Deswarte, “Le code du roi Réceswinthe,” 66-70. [31] Santiago Castellanos, La hagiografía visigoda. Dominio social y proyección cultural (Logroño: Fundación San Millán de la Cogolla, 2004), 264-82; Kelly, Writing History, 38-40; Miguel Franco, Epístolas. Braulio de Zaragoza, 27-29. [32] Ruth Miguel Franco, “Las epístolas consolatorias de Braulio de Zaragoza,” in La Carta en su Entorno, ed. Nathanaël Nimmegeers (Madrid: Casa Velázquez, in press). [33] “Siquidem alii fuerat hic codex conscriptus, tamen, quia petitionem uestram offendere non potuimus, uobis eum misimus. Credo enim superno nutu hoc contigisse ut, alii praeparatus, uobis esse conlatus.” Ep. 8. [34] Deswarte, “Le code du roi Réceswinthe,” 64-65 refutes this idea supported by several scholars, e.g. Paul D. King, Law and Society in the Visigothic Kingdom (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1972), 18-24. [35] Martin, “La réforme witigothique de la justice,” 42-43. [36] García López, Estudios críticos, 10- 11. [37] Kelly, Writing History, 235-36. Liber Iudiciorum: Leges Visigothorum antiquiores, MGH Legum. Edited by Karl Zeumer, 21-313 and 33-456. Hanover and Leipzig, 1894 and 1902. Castellanos, Santiago. La hagiografía visigoda. Dominio social y proyección cultural. Logroño: Fundación San Millán de la Cogolla, 2004. Codoñer, Carmen. Introducción al libro X de las Etymologiae: su lugar dentro de esta obra, su valor como diccionario. Logroño: Fundación San Millán, 2002. Codoñer, Carmen. “Etymologiae.” In Carmen Codoñer, M. Adelaida Andrés, José C. Martín, “Isidorus Hispalensis ep.” In La trasmissione dei testi latini del Medioevo, edited by Paolo Chiesa and Lucia Castaldi, 292-96. Florencia: SISMEL, 2005. Deswarte, Thomas. “Le code du roi Réceswinthe (654) a-t-il abrogé les droits antérieurs?” In Traditio iuris. Permanence et/ou discontinuité du droit romain durant le Moyen Âge. Cahiers du Centre d’Histoire Médiévale 3, edited by Alain Dubreucq, 57-76. Lyon: Université Jean Moulin, 2005). Deswarte, Thomas. “Le concile de Tolède VIII (653) et le code de Réceswinthe (654): limitation au pouvoir monarchique et suppression de la peine de mort dans l’Espagne wisigothique.” In Compilations et codifications juridiques. Vol. 1: De l’Antiquité à la période moderne, by David Derousin and Florence Garnier, 153-84. Paris: Le Manuscrit, 2008. Díaz y Díaz, Manuel C. “La Lex Visigothorum y sus manuscritos. Un ensayo de reinterpretación.” Anuario de Historia del Derecho Español 46 (1976): 163-224. García López, Yolanda. Estudios críticos y literarios de la Lex Visigothorum. Alcalá de Henares: UAH, 1996. Kelly, Michael J. Writing History, Narrating Fulfillment: the ‘Isidore-moment’ and the Struggle for the ‘Before Now’ in Late Antique and Early Medieval Hispania. Ph.D. Thesis: University of Leeds, 2014. King, P.D. Law and Society in the Visigothic kingdom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1972. Lomas Salmonte, Francisco J. “VIII Concilio de Toledo (653): la Biblia en el Tomo Regio y en el debate sobre la legislación de Chindasvinto.” Excerpta Philologica 10-12 (2000): 517-32. Lynch, Charles H. San Braulio de Zaragoza (631-651). Su vida y sus obras, edited, annotated and translated by P. Galindo. Madrid: Instituto Enrique Flórez, 1950. Martin, Céline. “La réforme wisigothique de la justice: les années Recceswinth.” In Derecho y justicia: el poder en la Europa medieval, edited by Nilda Guglielmi and Adeline Rucquoi, 37-57. Buenos Aires: CONICET, 2008. Martin, Céline. “Le Liber Iudiciorum et ses differentes versions.” Nouvelle series 41 (2011): 17-34. Martín, José C. Scripta de uita Isidori Hispalensis episcopi. Turnhout: Brepols, 2006 (CCSL 113B). Miguel Franco, Ruth. “Braulio de Zaragoza y la corrección del Fuero Juzgo.” Helmantica 57 (2006): 67-89. Miguel Franco, Ruth. “Braulio de Zaragoza, el rey Chindasvinto y Eugenio de Toledo: imagen y opinión en el Epistularium de Braulio de Zaragoza.” Emerita, Revista de Lingüística y Filología Clásica 79 (2011): 155-76. Miguel Franco, Ruth. “Los tópicos de los prólogos en las cartas introductorias a las Etymologiae de Isidoro de Sevilla.” Acme 1 (2014): 109-32. Miguel Franco, Ruth. Epístolas. Braulio de Zaragoza. Madrid: Akal, 2015. Miguel Franco, Ruth. “Las epístolas consolatorias de Braulio de Zaragoza.” In La carta en su entorno, edited by Nathanaël Nimmegeers. Madrid: Casa Velázquez (in press). Riesco, Luis. Epistolario de Braulio de Zaragoza. Introducción, edición crítica y traducción. Sevilla: Universidad de Sevilla, 1975. Von Büren, Veronika. “La place du manuscrit Ambr. L 99 sup. dans la transmission des Etymologies d’Isidore de Séville.” In Nuove ricerche su codici in scrittura latina dell’Ambrosiana, edited by Mirella Ferrara and Marco Navoni, 25-46. Milano: Vita e Pensiero, 2007.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3644
__label__wiki	0.616146	0.616146	Police in Langford issue ticket to driver of vehicle with taped-on door Published Wednesday, November 25, 2020 3:53PM PST The 22-year-old driver did not have a valid driver’s licence, police said in a statement Wednesday. (RCMP) VICTORIA -- Police in Langford have issued a violation ticket after pulling over a vehicle whose passenger door was reportedly strapped and taped in place. A West Shore RCMP officer spotted the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee with extensive passenger-side damage travelling on Veterans Memorial Parkway on Monday afternoon. The Mountie pulled the Jeep over and discovered the passenger side doors could not be opened and the vehicle frame was likely bent, according to police. The 22-year-old driver did not have a valid driver’s licence, police said in a statement Wednesday. She reportedly told police her vehicle had been T-boned a few days prior but police say the incident was not reported. The Langford woman was handed a ticket for not having a licence and police ordered an inspection on the vehicle, which was towed away due to traffic safety concerns. “This vehicle posed a risk for not only the passengers in it but also to other motorists on the road,” said West Shore RCMP spokesperson Const. Nancy Saggar. “If you were the other vehicle involved in this collision please report it to police.” RCMP called after Langford woman, child attacked by dog	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3647
__label__cc	0.64963	0.35037	Library » Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa) » Canto 1: Creation The Pāṇḍavas Retire Timely Text 1: Sūta Gosvāmī said: Arjuna, the celebrated friend of Lord Kṛṣṇa, was griefstricken because of his strong feeling of separation from Kṛṣṇa, over and above all Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira’s speculative inquiries. Due to grief, Arjuna’s mouth and lotuslike heart had dried up. Therefore his body lost all luster. Now, remembering the Supreme Lord, he could hardly utter a word in reply. With great difficulty he checked the tears of grief that smeared his eyes. He was very distressed because Lord Kṛṣṇa was out of his sight, and he increasingly felt affection for Him. Remembering Lord Kṛṣṇa and His well wishes, benefactions, intimate familial relations and His chariot driving, Arjuna, overwhelmed and breathing very heavily, began to speak. Arjuna said: O King! The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, who treated me exactly like an intimate friend, has left me alone. Thus my astounding power, which astonished even the demigods, is no longer with me. I have just lost Him whose separation for a moment would render all the universes unfavorable and void, like bodies without life. Only by His merciful strength was I able to vanquish all the lusty princes assembled at the palace of King Drupada for the selection of the bridegroom. With my bow and arrow I could pierce the fish target and thereby gain the hand of Draupadī. Because He was near me, it was possible for me to conquer with great dexterity the powerful King of heaven, Indradeva, along with his demigod associates and thus enable the fire-god to devastate the Khāṇḍava Forest. And only by His grace was the demon named Maya saved from the blazing Khāṇḍava Forest, and thus we could build our assembly house of wonderful architectural workmanship, where all the princes assembled during the performance of Rājasūya-yajña and paid you tributes. Your respectable younger brother, who possesses the strength of ten thousand elephants, killed, by His grace, Jarāsandha, whose feet were worshiped by many kings. These kings had been brought for sacrifice in Jarāsandha’s Mahābhairava-yajña, but they were thus released. Later they paid tribute to Your Majesty. Text 10: It was He only who loosened the hair of all the wives of the miscreants who dared open the cluster of your Queen’s hair, which had been nicely dressed and sanctified for the great Rājasūya sacrificial ceremony. At that time she fell down at the feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa with tears in her eyes. During our exile, Durvāsā Muni, who eats with his ten thousand disciples, intrigued with our enemies to put us in dangerous trouble. At that time He [Lord Kṛṣṇa], simply by accepting the remnants of food, saved us. By His accepting food thus, the assembly of munis, while bathing in the river, felt sumptuously fed. And all the three worlds were also satisfied. It was by His influence only that in a fight I was able to astonish the personality of god Lord Śiva and his wife, the daughter of Mount Himālaya. Thus he [Lord Śiva] became pleased with me and awarded me his own weapon. Other demigods also delivered their respective weapons to me, and in addition I was able to reach the heavenly planets in this present body and was allowed a half-elevated seat. When I stayed for some days as a guest in the heavenly planets, all the heavenly demigods, including King Indradeva, took shelter of my arms, which were marked with the Gāṇḍīva bow, to kill the demon named Nivātakavaca. O King, descendant of Ajamīḍha, at the present moment I am bereft of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, by whose influence I was so powerful. The military strength of the Kauravas was like an ocean in which there dwelled many invincible existences, and thus it was insurmountable. But because of His friendship, I, seated on the chariot, was able to cross over it. And only by His grace was I able to regain the cows and also collect by force many helmets of the kings, which were bedecked with jewels that were sources of all brilliance. It was He only who withdrew the duration of life from everyone and who, in the battlefield, withdrew the speculative power and strength of enthusiasm from the great military phalanx made by the Kauravas, headed by Bhīṣma, Karṇa, Droṇa, Śalya, etc. Their arrangement was expert and more than adequate, but He [Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa], while going forward, did all this. Great generals like Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Karṇa, Bhūriśravā, Suśarmā, Śalya, Jayadratha and Bāhlika all directed their invincible weapons against me. But by His [Lord Kṛṣṇa’s] grace they could not even touch a hair on my head. Similarly, Prahlāda Mahārāja, the supreme devotee of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, was unaffected by the weapons the demons used against him. It was by His mercy only that my enemies neglected to kill me when I descended from my chariot to get water for my thirsty horses. And it was due to my lack of esteem for my Lord that I dared engage Him as my chariot driver, for He is worshiped and offered services by the best men to attain salvation. O King! His jokings and frank talks were pleasing and beautifully decorated with smiles. His addresses unto me as “O son of Pṛthā, O friend, O son of the Kuru dynasty,” and all such heartiness are now remembered by me, and thus I am overwhelmed. Generally both of us used to live together and sleep, sit and loiter together. And at the time of advertising oneself for acts of chivalry, sometimes, if there were any irregularity, I used to reproach Him by saying, “My friend, You are very truthful.” Even in those hours when His value was minimized, He, being the Supreme Soul, used to tolerate all those utterings of mine, excusing me exactly as a true friend excuses his true friend, or a father excuses his son. O Emperor, now I am separated from my friend and dearmost well-wisher, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and therefore my heart appears to be void of everything. In His absence I have been defeated by a number of infidel cowherd men while I was guarding the bodies of all the wives of Kṛṣṇa. I have the very same Gāṇḍīva bow, the same arrows, the same chariot drawn by the same horses, and I use them as the same Arjuna to whom all the kings offered their due respects. But in the absence of Lord Kṛṣṇa, all of them, at a moment’s notice, have become null and void. It is exactly like offering clarified butter on ashes, accumulating money with a magic wand or sowing seeds on barren land. Texts 22-23: O King, since you have asked me about our friends and relatives in the city of Dvārakā, I will inform you that all of them were cursed by the brāhmaṇas, and as a result they all became intoxicated with wine made of putrefied rice and fought among themselves with sticks, not even recognizing one another. Now all but four or five of them are dead and gone. Factually this is all due to the supreme will of the Lord, the Personality of Godhead. Sometimes people kill one another, and at other times they protect one another. O King, as in the ocean the bigger and stronger aquatics swallow up the smaller and weaker ones, so also the Supreme Personality of Godhead, to lighten the burden of the earth, has engaged the stronger Yadu to kill the weaker, and the bigger Yadu to kill the smaller. Now I am attracted to those instructions imparted to me by the Personality of Godhead [Govinda] because they are impregnated with instructions for relieving the burning heart in all circumstances of time and space. Sūta Gosvāmī said: Thus being deeply absorbed in thinking of the instructions of the Lord, which were imparted in the great intimacy of friendship, and in thinking of His lotus feet, Arjuna’s mind became pacified and free from all material contamination. Arjuna’s constant remembrance of the lotus feet of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa rapidly increased his devotion, and as a result all the trash in his thoughts subsided. Because of the Lord’s pastimes and activities and because of His absence, it appeared that Arjuna forgot the instructions left by the Personality of Godhead. But factually this was not the case, and again he became lord of his senses. Because of his possessing spiritual assets, the doubts of duality were completely cut off. Thus he was freed from the three modes of material nature and placed in transcendence. There was no longer any chance of his becoming entangled in birth and death, for he was freed from material form. Upon hearing of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s returning to His abode, and upon understanding the end of the Yadu dynasty’s earthly manifestation, Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira decided to go back home, back to Godhead. Kuntī, after overhearing Arjuna’s telling of the end of the Yadu dynasty and disappearance of Lord Kṛṣṇa, engaged in the devotional service of the transcendental Personality of Godhead with full attention and thus gained release from the course of material existence. The supreme unborn, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, caused the members of the Yadu dynasty to relinquish their bodies, and thus He relieved the burden of the world. This action was like picking out a thorn with a thorn, though both are the same to the controller. The Supreme Lord relinquished the body which He manifested to diminish the burden of the earth. Just like a magician, He relinquishes one body to accept different ones, like the fish incarnation and others. When the Personality of Godhead, Lord Kṛṣṇa, left this earthly planet in His selfsame form, from that very day Kali, who had already partially appeared, became fully manifest to create inauspicious conditions for those who are endowed with a poor fund of knowledge. Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was intelligent enough to understand the influence of the Age of Kali, characterized by increasing avarice, falsehood, cheating and violence throughout the capital, state, home and among individuals. So he wisely prepared himself to leave home, and he dressed accordingly. Thereafter, in the capital of Hastināpura, he enthroned his grandson, who was trained and equally qualified, as the emperor and master of all land bordered by the seas. Then he posted Vajra, the son of Aniruddha [grandson of Lord Kṛṣṇa], at Mathurā as the King of Śūrasena. Afterwards Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira performed a Prājāpatya sacrifice and placed in himself the fire for quitting household life. Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira at once relinquished all his garments, belt and ornaments of the royal order and became completely disinterested and unattached to everything. Then he amalgamated all the sense organs into the mind, then the mind into life, life into breathing, his total existence into the embodiment of the five elements, and his body into death. Then, as pure self, he became free from the material conception of life. Thus annihilating the gross body of five elements into the three qualitative modes of material nature, he merged them in one nescience and then absorbed that nescience in the self, Brahman, which is inexhaustible in all circumstances. After that, Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira dressed himself in torn clothing, gave up eating all solid foods, voluntarily became dumb and let his hair hang loose. All this combined to make him look like an urchin or madman with no occupation. He did not depend on his brothers for anything. And, just like a deaf man, he heard nothing. He then started towards the north, treading the path accepted by his forefathers and great men, to devote himself completely to the thought of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And he lived in that way wherever he went. The younger brothers of Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira observed that the Age of Kali had already arrived throughout the world and that the citizens of the kingdom were already affected by irreligious practice. Therefore they decided to follow in the footsteps of their elder brother. They all had performed all the principles of religion and as a result rightly decided that the lotus feet of the Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa are the supreme goal of all. Therefore they meditated upon His feet without interruption. Thus by pure consciousness due to constant devotional remembrance, they attained the spiritual sky, which is ruled over by the Supreme Nārāyaṇa, Lord Kṛṣṇa. This is attained only by those who meditate upon the one Supreme Lord without deviation. This abode of the Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, known as Goloka Vṛndāvana, cannot be attained by persons who are absorbed in the material conception of life. But the Pāṇḍavas, being completely washed of all material contamination, attained that abode in their very same bodies. Vidura, while on pilgrimage, left his body at Prabhāsa. Because he was absorbed in thought of Kṛṣṇa, he was received by the denizens of the Pitṛloka planet, where he returned to his original post. Draupadī also saw that her husbands, without caring for her, were leaving home. She knew well about Lord Vāsudeva, Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead. Both she and Subhadrā became absorbed in thoughts of Kṛṣṇa and attained the same results as their husbands. The subject of the departure of the sons of Pāṇḍu for the ultimate goal of life, back to Godhead, is fully auspicious and is perfectly pure. Therefore anyone who hears this narration with devotional faith certainly gains the devotional service of the Lord, the highest perfection of life.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3650
__label__cc	0.63348	0.36652	Jamey Chadwell Has Put Coastal Carolina On The Map by Trey Daubert1 month ago Jamey Chadwell has put the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on the map. Chadwell’s offensive scheme is as innovative as it gets. (Josh Bell jbell@thesunnews.com) Coastal Carolina is the Cinderella of the 2020 college football season. The Chanticleers remain undefeated after a 22-17 victory over number 13 BYU. It’s time to take the Coastal Carolina football team seriously. Head coach Jamey Chadwell has put this program on the map. Coastal Carolina was picked to finish in last place in the East division of the Sun Belt Conference. You don’t get picked to finish in last place if you have a bunch of highly rated recruits walking through the door. Coastal’s success has Chadwell’s fingerprints all over this. There’s an interesting parallel building with Chadwell and his success. Mike Leach is known as the Air Raid god. Leach is a mad scientist and changed the way Big 12 football is played forever. Let’s spread everything out and let it rip. Leach’s best disciple is a man by the name of Lincoln Riley. Maybe you heard of him? The current Oklahoma Sooners coach got his feet wet by working for Leach as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech. Riley later moved on to become the offensive coordinator at East Carolina. It didn’t take long to realize something special was brewing. Riley had me convinced that Shane Carden was a draftable quarterback. Riley had taken the Air Raid system and tweaked it into his own. Riley created his own system and has since dominated the conference after joining the Sooners. It’s a nice story but we’re not here to talk about Riley. It just feels the same with Chadwell. The triple-option has been part of college football for a long time. We’ve seen many forms of the option in college football including Rich Rodriguez with West Virginia and Paul Johnson at Georgia Tech. Hell, Army still runs the triple option. Chadwell has taken a college football staple and tweaked it into his own version. The only difference is, Chadwell is proving you can win on a large stage with his model. Instead of having the quarterback under center with multiple backs behind him, Chadwell has his QB in a pistol formation with an extra receiver on the field. The goal of the option is to find holes in the defense. Depending on how the defense is aligned can dictate which side of the ball you want to run. However, it’s become a bit predictable and defenses can adjust. Defenses have played Cover zero 67% of the time against the service academy schools this year. Safeties play low in the box prepared to stop the run because the threat of the pass simply isn’t there. Well… Chadwell’s version of the option provides a real passing threat. Stacking the box is no longer an option. On the season, Coastal quarterback Grayson McCall has 1,832 yards passing with a TD to INT ratio of 20-1. That’s not a stat line of an option quarterback. The threat of the pass has now become a viable alternative in the option. Uh Oh! This doesn’t work without a smart and instinctive trigger man. Did I mention McCall is just a freshman? McCall has the ability to make those quick decisions on who to pitch the ball to in the option game and make quick strikes down the field in the passing game. I’m not sure any of this works without him. McCall has proven he’s an accurate thrower of the football. Sure, he doesn’t have Josh Allen juice on his fastball, but the ball is on point and on time. That’s the most important quality because often times Chadwell has schemed wide open throws in this unique offense. McCall has an uncatchable pass rate of 19.8% on all throws beyond the line of scrimmage. That’s the 10th best mark in the FBS on all quarterbacks with at least 100 drop backs. A quarterback with McCall’s ability ordinarily would never be asked to run the option. An accurate quarterback isn’t required in the option system. Chadwell has been so creative running his own version. All of the throws available in the spread offense are there with his option attack. Defenses are constantly off balance because you can no longer stack the box and play Cover 0. Look at the way the safeties are playing. They’re scared shitless of the pass. No longer are teams able to just keep everyone in the box. The second Chadwell’s offense sees this alignment from BYU, the running game is in full effect. Look at how many receivers are on the field in the latter half of the gif! How are you supposed to stop this ground attack with the field so wide open? If the safeties aren’t going to be in the box and the linebackers are this far off the line of scrimmage, the run attack will be there all day. McCall has been a great trigger man. Especially limiting turnovers in a system that requires you to think fast. However, CJ Marable is proving he just might be an NFL back himself. On the season, Marable has 724 yards rushing on 142 attempts (5.1 yards per attempt). Yes, a lot of his runs have been schemed open but Marable has proven he’s talented. Marable has made his own fair share of nice runs. He’s also a proven pass catcher out of the backfield with plus speed, good size, and the ability to create yards after contact. CJ Marable did it all on this drive for the Coastal Carolina 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jbaeUuXsUV — ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 15, 2020 If you have a running back and quarterback that can execute a system like this, you’re going to be very successful. Coastal also has a defensive end Tarron Jackson who’s secured a Senior Bowl invite. Add it all up and you get the beast that Jamey Chadwell has his fingerprints all over. The Chanticleers deserve a hell of a lot more respect than they have been given. Coastal Carolina is 13 in the polls moving up from 18 after beating BYU. It’s still not high enough. Coastal beat the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns 30-27. Louisiana beat Iowa State 31-14 earlier in the season. Iowa State is ranked number 7 in the polls. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE! Are We Sure Justin Fields Isn’t Better Than Trevor Lawrence? Jamey Chadwell is building a winner with Coastal Carolina and should be recognized as one of the young bright stars in the college football landscape. The spread option could be the next big thing in college football. Notre Dame Isn’t Bad; The State of College Football Might Be January 13, 2021 The Miami Dolphins should draft DeVonta Smith over Ja’Marr Chase January 12, 2021 2021 NFL Draft Stock Report: National Championship January 12, 2021 Was the 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide the Best Team Nick Saban Ever Coached? January 11, 2021 Previous Previous post: Mets Expected To Land James McCann NextNext post: Vendetta WCW; Rachael Ostovich 12.9.20	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3652
__label__cc	0.716862	0.283138	Amazon Shipping Expired Food To Customers: Report By Bill Galluccio Oct 21, 2019 Opening of Amazon distribution centre in Erfurt If you order food on Amazon, you might want to check the expiration date before eating it. According to a report from CNBC, Amazon Marketplace has a major issue with third-party vendors shipping food that is long past its sell-by date. An analysis of the top 100 food products sold on Amazon found that 40% of sellers had more than five customer complaints about receiving food that was spoiled or stale. The issue is widespread and impacts a variety of foods, including baby formula, beef jerky, hot sauce, and potato chips. In one instance, Angie Atkinson purchased a case of Land O' Lakes Half & Half creamers and was disgusted when she opened them and found they were curdled. "It didn't occur to me that you could even sell something that was expired," Atkinson said in an interview. "If I had bought it the first time and it was like that, I never would have bought it at all." Amazon has a policy that requires all third-party sellers that sell perishable food to report the expiration date and certify the food has a shelf-life of at least 90 days. Amazon told CNBC that they have taken corrective action to deal with sellers who are shipping expired food items and explained the incidents were isolated. "We work hard to make sure customers receive high-quality products when they order from our store," an Amazon spokesperson said. "We have robust processes in place to ensure customers receive products with sufficient shelf life. If customers have concerns about items they've purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service directly and work with us so we can investigate and take appropriate action."	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3657
__label__cc	0.603628	0.396372	‘Let’s Make Miracles’ Radiothon 2020: The Mack Family courtesy of Hurley Children's Hospital Can't think of a better name than 'Miracle' for this gorgeous little girl! Chambria Mack is an interviewer and data collector for the Flint Registry, a program that helps those affected by the Flint water crisis. She's a mother of two - Brielle and Miracle. Miracle was born at just 22 weeks and weighed less than one pound; she had less than a 2% chance of survival. She spent four-and-a-half months in the NICU and was able to go home when she weighed about four pounds and six ounces; however, she went home on eight different medications and oxygen. Ever since then, Chambria has been a devoted advocate of Hurley Children's Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network. “Long story short, she’s 6 now and the child that had a two percent chance, she’s reading at a second-grade level, she’s very active, she’s very smart and she has no health issues…I always tell people, ‘she named herself,'" she said in an piece for flintregistry.org. Both Miracle and her sister Brielle love My Little Pony and Kidz Bop music. Miracle's favorite foods are cheesy and the cheesy roll-ups from Taco Bell. Can you help out moms like Chambria and babies like Miracle? Become a miracle maker for just $10, which comes out to just 30 cents per day. You can donate by texting HURLEY to 51555 or calling 877-719-KIDS (5437). Thank you so much to Chambria, Miracle and Brielle for sharing their story with us! We've heard so many amazing miracle stories in the last 12 hours. Categories: Family, Flint News, Health	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3664
__label__wiki	0.767638	0.767638	Au-dessus des nuages Genre: Drama, TV Movie Director: Jérôme Cornuau Actors: Aïssa Maïga, Alice Taglioni, Cassie Makoumbo Fowe, Cyril Gueï, Fanny Cottençon, Lannick Gautry, Margaux Châtelier, Sam Karmann, Tracy Gotoas Keywords:123movies 9movies Au-dessus des nuages Online Free gomovies gostream losmovie movie4k movietv primewire putlockers putlockertv seehd seehd.info shockshare sitename solarmovie Watch Au-dessus des nuages watch32 yesmovie In an attempt to flee Nazi-occupied France, Georg assumes the identity of a dead author but soon finds himself stuck in Marseilles, where he falls in love with Maria, a… Country: Germany, France Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1971. Carlos Robledo Puch is a 19-year-old boy with an angelic face, but a vocational thief as well, who acts ruthlessly, without remorse. When he meets Ramón,… Country: Argentina, Spain In the California desert, the adventures of a telepathic killer-tire, mysteriously attracted by a very pretty girl, as witnessed by incredulous onlookers. Country: France, Angola, USA Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery Isabelle, Parisian artist, divorced mother, is looking for love, true love, at last. A twice-divorced mother of three who sees an injustice, takes on the bad guy and wins — with a little help from her push-up bra. Erin goes to work for… It is approaching an election in the UK when the leader of the Labour party, John Smith, suffers another in a line of heart attacks and dies. With the leadership… Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Thriller A young woman named Clara is captured by a serial killer named Leonard who records his “life story” by keeping a scrapbook of his many victims. In addition to adhering… Genre: Drama, Horror Mouse desperately wants to join The Midnight Clique, the infamous Baltimore dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader, Blax, takes 14-year-old Mouse under his wing, Mouse… Last Life in the Universe An obsessive-compulsive Japanese librarian living in Bangkok spends most of his days contemplating suicide in his lifeless apartment. His life changes when he witnesses the death of Nid, seconds before… Country: Thailand, Japan, Netherlands El día que me perdí Xochil is a woman who must immerse in her past to find herself, opening the doors to a world that she thought was long forgotten. Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memories Doll Adaptation of the Violet Evergarden Gaiden spin-off novel. Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy When the Lights Went Out Yorkshire, 1974, the Maynard family moves into their dream house. It’s a dream that quickly descends into a panic stricken nightmare as the family discovers a horrifying truth, a truth… Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3670
__label__wiki	0.886826	0.886826	Home / News / Bay Area's ICE arrests fall amid cities' sanctuary policies, feds' border efforts Bay Area's ICE arrests fall amid cities' sanctuary policies, feds' border efforts Tatiana Sanchez and Alejandro Serrano SAN FRANCISCO — Federal immigration officials in the greater Bay Area deported about 1,000 fewer people in fiscal 2019 than in the previous year, in tune with a national decline officials largely attribute to the reallocation of resources to the U.S- Mexico border. Authorities this year deported 5,057 people and arrested 5,098 in the San Francisco region, which includes the area from Sacramento to Fresno and Bakersfield, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told The Chronicle. Last fiscal year, officials removed 6,113 people and arrested 6,210.That’s a 17% decrease in deportations and an 18% decrease in arrests. Some of the arrestees were ultimately deported, meaning there is overlap in the data provided, said ICE spokeswoman Paige Hughes, though she could not say how many people were both arrested and deported. A majority of those apprehended had a previous criminal record, she said. An estimated 8,500 of the 2019 deported or arrested individuals were convicted criminals, compared with nearly 10,000 in fiscal 2018, according to ICE. Hughes credited the local decreases to sanctuary policies as well as the shift of ICE resources to the border. She declined to specify what and how many resources were redistributed. California in 2018 implemented its sanctuary law, SB 54, which largely prohibits police from cooperating with ICE unless an individual commits a serious crime. One local ICE official said sanctuary policies will not deter the agency’s enforcement efforts. “Refusing to cooperate with our officers will not result in a decrease in local immigration enforcement,” said David Jennings, field office director for ICE’s San Francisco office, in a statement. San Francisco officials have refused to transfer any immigrants to ICE custody, an issue that reached a boiling point with the killing of Kate Steinle, who was shot to death on Pier 14 in 2015 by a homeless undocumented immigrant who had a criminal record and had been deported several times. Jose Inez Garcia Zarate was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges in 2017. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in June declined to change a sanctuary policy that drew criticism after the killing of 59-year-old San Jose resident Bambi Larson. Critics said the policy allowed the county last February to release a violent felon, an undocumented immigrant, who was accused of then breaking into Larson’s home and killing her. Carlos Arevalo Carranza remains in the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose without bond. Jennings said sanctuary policies do not protect those who follow the law. “They have proven — time and again — to protect criminals and, actually, result in many preventable crimes of violence taking place in our communities because violent criminal aliens are released and free to re-offend,” Jennings said.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3676
__label__cc	0.562746	0.437254	Phage typing or CRISPR typing for epidemiological surveillance of Salmonella Typhimurium? Mohammed, M. 2017. Phage typing or CRISPR typing for epidemiological surveillance of Salmonella Typhimurium? BMC Research Notes. 10, p. 578 578. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-017-2878-0 Mohammed, M. Salmonella Typhimurium is the most dominant Salmonella serovar around the world. It is associated with foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks but has recently been associated with invasive illness and deaths. Characterization of S. Typhimurium is therefore very crucial for epidemiological surveillance. Phage typing has been used for decades for subtyping of S. Typhimurium to determine the epidemiological relation among isolates. Recent studies however have suggested that high throughput clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) typing has the potential to replace phage typing. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of highthroughput CRISPR typing over conventional phage typing in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation of S. Typhimurium. In silico analysis of whole genome sequences (WGS) of well-documented phage types of S. Typhimurium reveals the presence of different CRISPR type among strains belong to the same phage type. Furthermore, different phage types of S. Typhimurium share identical CRISPR type. Interestingly, identical spacers were detected among outbreak and non-outbreak associated DT8 strains of S. Typhimurium. Therefore, CRISPR typing is not useful for the epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation of S. Typhimurium and phage typing, until it is replaced by WGS, is still the gold standard method for epidemiological surveillance of S. Typhimurium. Journal citation 10, p. 578 s13104-017-2878-0.pdf Dr Manal Mohammed for The Independent on handwashing and hand-sanitisers Mohammed, M. Forthcoming. Dr Manal Mohammed for The Independent on handwashing and hand-sanitisers. The Conversation. Sputnik Radio in Edinburgh: UK Effort to Secure Pfizer Vaccine is Good News but Will Not Give Immediate Protection, Says Expert Dr Manal Mohammed Mohammed, M. 2020. Sputnik Radio in Edinburgh: UK Effort to Secure Pfizer Vaccine is Good News but Will Not Give Immediate Protection, Says Expert Dr Manal Mohammed. Sputnik Radio in Edinburgh with Craig Johnstone. Dr Manal Mohammed for The Conversation about the Pfizer vaccine and what to expect next Mohammed, M. 2020. Dr Manal Mohammed for The Conversation about the Pfizer vaccine and what to expect next. The Conversation. Dr Manal Mohammed for The Conversation on three major scientific controversies about coronavirus Mohammed, M. 2020. Dr Manal Mohammed for The Conversation on three major scientific controversies about coronavirus. The Conversation. Evaluation of WGS-subtyping methods for epidemiological surveillance of foodborne salmonellosis Mohammed, M. and Thapa, S. 2020. Evaluation of WGS-subtyping methods for epidemiological surveillance of foodborne salmonellosis. One Health Outlook. 2 13 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42522-020-00016-5 Dr Manal Mohammed holds public lecture about superbugs at Westminster’s Difference Festival (27 February 2020) Mohammed, M. 2020. Dr Manal Mohammed holds public lecture about superbugs at Westminster’s Difference Festival (27 February 2020). Dr Manal Mohammed for The Conversation about which kinds of sanitisers are most effective against coronavirus Mohammed, M. 2020. Dr Manal Mohammed for The Conversation about which kinds of sanitisers are most effective against coronavirus. The Conversation. Dr Manal Mohammed for the Daily Mail about whether face masks can help stop the spread of viruses (11 Feburary 2020) Mohammed, M. 2020. Dr Manal Mohammed for the Daily Mail about whether face masks can help stop the spread of viruses (11 Feburary 2020). The Conversation (Manal Mohammed & Andrew Millard): Antibiotic resistance: Scientists are reengineering viruses to cure bacterial infections Mohammed, M. and Millard, A. 2020. The Conversation (Manal Mohammed & Andrew Millard): Antibiotic resistance: Scientists are reengineering viruses to cure bacterial infections. The Conversation. BBC Radio: Manal Mohammed for BBC Radio London on getting the flu at Christmas (17 December 2019). Mohammed, M. 2019. BBC Radio: Manal Mohammed for BBC Radio London on getting the flu at Christmas (17 December 2019). The Conversation: Kombucha, kimchi and yogurt: how fermented foods could be harmful to your health. Mohammed, M. 2019. The Conversation: Kombucha, kimchi and yogurt: how fermented foods could be harmful to your health. The Conversation. The War between Bacteria and Bacteriophages Orzechowska, B. and Mohammed, M. 2019. The War between Bacteria and Bacteriophages. in: Growing and Handling of Bacterial Cultures [Working Title] InTech Publishing. The Conversation: Can surgical masks protect you from getting the flu? Mohammed, M. 2019. The Conversation: Can surgical masks protect you from getting the flu? The Conversation. Breaking the wall of Salmonella outbreaks investigation (1/10/2019) Thapa, S. and Mohammed, M. 2019. Breaking the wall of Salmonella outbreaks investigation (1/10/2019). Falling Walls Lab. London 01 - 01 Oct 2019 BBC Radio London: Dr Manal Mohammed discusses children’s personal hygiene as children go back to school (2 September 2019) Mohammed, M. 2019. BBC Radio London: Dr Manal Mohammed discusses children’s personal hygiene as children go back to school (2 September 2019). ITV News: Dr Manal Mohammed discusses bacteria that are resistant to drugs Mohammed, M. 2019. ITV News: Dr Manal Mohammed discusses bacteria that are resistant to drugs. Plasma non-termal: teknologi baru yang dapat membunuh 99,9% kuman mematikan di udara Mohammed, M. 2019. Plasma non-termal: teknologi baru yang dapat membunuh 99,9% kuman mematikan di udara. The Conversation: Non-thermal plasma: new technology could kill 99.9% of the deadly germs in the air. Mohammed, M. 2019. The Conversation: Non-thermal plasma: new technology could kill 99.9% of the deadly germs in the air. The Conversation. The Invasome of Salmonella Dublin as Revealed by Whole Genome Sequencing Mohammed, M., Le Hello, S., Leekitcharoenphon, P. and Hendriksen, R. 2019. The Invasome of Salmonella Dublin as Revealed by Whole Genome Sequencing. in: Top 5 Contributions in Infectious Diseases Avid Science. Characterization of the Mobilome of Invasive Non-typhoidal Salmonella Dublin Mohammed, M. 2019. Characterization of the Mobilome of Invasive Non-typhoidal Salmonella Dublin. The Microbiology Society. ICC Belfast, UK 08 - 11 Apr 2019 Characterisation of Prophages in Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 Thapa, S. and Mohammed, M. 2019. Characterisation of Prophages in Salmonella Typhimurium DT8. The Microbiology Society. ICC Belfast, UK 08 - 11 Apr 2019 Novel Approaches for Treatment and Prevention of Invasive Non-typhoidal Salmonella Mohammed, M. 2019. Novel Approaches for Treatment and Prevention of Invasive Non-typhoidal Salmonella. Research & Innovation ELRIG . Cambridge 02 - 03 Apr 2019 Daily Mail: The perils of sharing popcorn (and earphones, lip salve and even the sofa)! How bacteria, fungi and viruses can give you a very nasty surprise Mohammed, M. 2019. Daily Mail: The perils of sharing popcorn (and earphones, lip salve and even the sofa)! How bacteria, fungi and viruses can give you a very nasty surprise. Whole genome sequences of two Salmonella Dublin strains harbour viaA, viaB and ompB loci of the Vi antigen Mohammed, M., Vignaud, M.-L. and Cadel-Six, S. 2019. Whole genome sequences of two Salmonella Dublin strains harbour viaA, viaB and ompB loci of the Vi antigen . Microbiology Resource Announcements. 8 (14), pp. e00028-19 e00028-19. https://doi.org/10.1128/MRA.00028-19 BBC News: Victoria Derbyshire: Dr Manal Mohammed Comments on Superbugs and Antibiotic Resistance Mohammed, M. 2019. BBC News: Victoria Derbyshire: Dr Manal Mohammed Comments on Superbugs and Antibiotic Resistance. Draft Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Dublin Strains from St. Nectaire and Morbier Cheeses Characterized by Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Profiles Associated with Two Fatal Outbreaks in France Six, S.C., Vignaud, M.L. and Mohammed, M. 2019. Draft Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Dublin Strains from St. Nectaire and Morbier Cheeses Characterized by Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Profiles Associated with Two Fatal Outbreaks in France. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 8 (1), pp. e01361-18 e01361-18. https://doi.org/10.1128/MRA.01361-18 Novel Insights Into the prevention and Treatment of Invasive Salmonella Dublin Mohammed, M. 2018. Novel Insights Into the prevention and Treatment of Invasive Salmonella Dublin. 7th European Clinical Microbiology Congress. London, UK 01 - 02 Nov 2018 Novel Insights Into the prevention and Treatment of Invasive Salmonella Dublin. (1-2 November 2018): Invited speaker and congress moderator at the 7th European Clinical Microbiology congress. London, UK. Mohammed, M. 2018. Novel Insights Into the prevention and Treatment of Invasive Salmonella Dublin. (1-2 November 2018): Invited speaker and congress moderator at the 7th European Clinical Microbiology congress. London, UK. 7th European Clinical Microbiology Congress. London, UK 01 - 02 Nov 2018 Old school wins: outbreak investigation of foodborne salmonellosis Mohammed, M. 2018. Old school wins: outbreak investigation of foodborne salmonellosis. Atlas of Science. Atlas of Science: Old School Wins: outbreak investigation of foodborne Salmonellosis Mohammed, M. 2018. Atlas of Science: Old School Wins: outbreak investigation of foodborne Salmonellosis. BBC Radio London: Dr Manal Mohammed talks about research finding 19 types of bacteria on cash and coins Mohammed, M. 2018. BBC Radio London: Dr Manal Mohammed talks about research finding 19 types of bacteria on cash and coins. BBC Radio London: Dr Manal Mohammed talks about spread of germs in public spaces Mohammed, M. 2018. BBC Radio London: Dr Manal Mohammed talks about spread of germs in public spaces. Keynote Speech: Towards Treatment and Prevention of Invasive Non-typhoidal Salmonella Mohammed, M. 2018. Keynote Speech: Towards Treatment and Prevention of Invasive Non-typhoidal Salmonella. International Conference on Advanced Microbiology and Education. London, UK 14 - 16 Jun 2018 Who Fights Whom? Understanding the Complex Dynamics of Bacteria-Phage Interaction using Anderson Phage Typing System Mohammed, M. 2018. Who Fights Whom? Understanding the Complex Dynamics of Bacteria-Phage Interaction using Anderson Phage Typing System. Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy. 6 (3), p. 367 367. https://doi.org/10.4172/2332-0877.1000367 Why should Britain Care about Salmonella Dublin? Mohammed, M. 2017. Why should Britain Care about Salmonella Dublin? Whole genome sequencing reveals the secrets of Salmonella Dublin invasome Mohammed, M., Le Hello, S., Leekitcharoenphon, P. and Hendriksen, R. 2017. Whole genome sequencing reveals the secrets of Salmonella Dublin invasome. European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID). Vienna, Austria 25 Apr - 21 Jul 2017 Mohammed, M., Le Hello, S., Leekitcharoenphon, P. and Hendriksen, R. 2017. The invasome of Salmonella Dublin as revealed by whole genome sequencing . BMC Infectious Diseases. 17, p. 544 544. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-017-2628-x Whole Genome Sequencing Provides Insights into the Genetic Determinants of Invasiveness in Salmonella Dublin Mohammed, M. and Cormican, M. 2016. Whole Genome Sequencing Provides Insights into the Genetic Determinants of Invasiveness in Salmonella Dublin. Epidemiology and Infection. 144 (11), pp. 2430-2439. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268816000492 Whole genome sequencing provides an unambiguous link between Salmonella Dublin outbreak strain and a historical isolate Mohammed, M., Delappe, N., O'Connor, J., McKeown, P., Garvey, P. and Cormican, M. 2016. Whole genome sequencing provides an unambiguous link between Salmonella Dublin outbreak strain and a historical isolate. Epidemiology and Infection. 144 (3), pp. 576-581. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268815001636 Whole genome sequencing provides possible explanations for the difference in phage susceptibility among two Salmonella Typhimurium phage types (DT8 and DT30) associated with a single foodborne outbreak. Mohammed, M. and Cormican, M. 2015. Whole genome sequencing provides possible explanations for the difference in phage susceptibility among two Salmonella Typhimurium phage types (DT8 and DT30) associated with a single foodborne outbreak. BMC Research Notes. 8, p. 728 728. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-015-1687-6 Salmonella occurrence and Enterobacteriaceae counts in pig feed ingredients and compound feed from feed mills in Ireland Burns, A.M., Lawlor, P.G., Gardiner, G.E., McCabe, E.M., Walsh, D., Mohammed, M., Grant, J. and Duffy, G. 2015. Salmonella occurrence and Enterobacteriaceae counts in pig feed ingredients and compound feed from feed mills in Ireland. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 121 (3-4), pp. 231-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.07.002 Permalink - https://westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk/item/q3383/phage-typing-or-crispr-typing-for-epidemiological-surveillance-of-salmonella-typhimurium	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3678
__label__cc	0.724936	0.275064	What if we stopped trying to reinvent IABC, and just started making it a better version of what it has always been? Unluckily, it is difficult for a certain type of mind to grasp the concept of insolubility. Thousands of poor dolts keep on trying to square the circle; other thousands keep pegging away at perpetual motion. … The fact is that some of the things that men and women have desired most ardently for thousands of years are not nearer realization to-day than they were in the time of Rameses, and that there is not the slightest reason for believing that they will lose their coyness on any near to-morrow. … Let us take a look, say, at the so-called drink problem, a small subdivision of the larger problem of saving men from their inherent and incurable hoggishness …. —H.L. Mencken, writing in the 1920s And so I had to laugh at the beginning of an interview published yesterday by the communication industry's premier podcasters, Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson. They spoke with Chris Sorek, the new paid president of the International Association of Business Communicators. Before they asked him about his big schemes for solving ancient problems at IABC—as I also did last month—Holtz and Hobson got Sorek talking about his last job at a nonprofit in England, called Drinkaware. The mission was to get Brits to drink less. "Under Chris' leadership the charity's website now attracts nearly three million unique visitors a year, the logo is featured on over 5 billlion products and Drinkaware campaigns have started to show 'green shoots' of behavior change," said Drinkaware chairman Derek Lewis in a release announcing Sorek's departure. You know Mencken would love that term, "green shoots." In the course of the Holtz and Hobson interview, Sorek identified a number of persistent problems that he hopes to attack: • The "ABC" accreditation designation: The association needs to make sure it "is objective, is professional, is defensible," Sorek says. This, more than 15 years after the accredited communicator Dan Danbom quipped that the only effect his "ABC" has had is people squinting at his name tag at conferences and calling him, "Mr. Abick." Come on, folks: How is accreditation ever going to mean any more than it does now? It is what it is: credible to the gullible, suspect to the cynical, and a total nonentity to everyone in between. But if it gives the cowardly lion courage, who's gonna complain, or investigate the rigor of the secret test? Not me. • The Gold Quill Awards. "It should be seen as being the best of the best" in communication awards programs, Sorkek says—and not just by communicators, but by top leaders in business and government. My response? Ibid. • Communiation World—since 1970, the blandest and most useless magazine ever published on any subject. (I admit, I've missed a few issues: At the World Conference last month, I had a super embarrassing meeting the "new" editor at the World Conference in Chicago. "Wow, when did you take over?" I asked. "Six years ago," she said.) Sorek says that what this publication needs is a focus, on the half dozen issues that members really care about. No, what it needs is an editor who does not work in the hushed IABC headquarters in San Francisco, and who is charged with generating compelling columns, surprising stories and lively conversations about communication. (IABC once had a magazine like that—Reporting, it was called, and it was done by a freelancer named Larry Ragan, out of Chicago, until he quit to start Ragan Communications, in 1969. Sorek ought to look at those back issues, and draw some inspiration.) Sorek strikes me as a good, smart, in-touch guy, who I believe will make IABC more rational and efficient and user-friendly. "Watch this space," he told Holtz and Hobson. "We're going through a review of what we're doing as an organization … of what we're offering in terms of IT and IT support—basically our digital presence and how we deliver that for members." He told them to check back after the first of the year, and I'll bet he'll have done some stuff by then. Also to his credit, Sorek doesn't appear to believe for one minute, as some members allow themselves to do, that IABC will ever become a ballsy political "advocacy" organization on behalf of Communication Goodness. Neither does he seem to go in for the fantastical notion that IABC could ever issue revokable, CPA-like "licences" to communicators, a idea that Holtz periodically fondles. But Sorek did allow his lips to form words to the effect that IABC needs to help communicators get taken seriously in the C-suite. I'll keep an equally vigilant eye on that, and the flow of ale England. Categories // Uncategorized Tags // Chris Sorek, H.L. Mencken, Hobson, Holtz, IABC If gays can come out of the closet, why can’t radicals? Social media consultant Todd Defren posted this quote from H.L. Mencken one day last week on Facebook: The notion that a radical is one who hates his country is naïve and usually idiotic. He is, more likely, one who likes his country more than the rest of us, and is thus more disturbed than the rest of us when he sees it debauched. He is not a bad citizen turning to crime; he is a good citizen driven to despair. "While I fall far short of 'radical,'" Defren added, "this resonated." But only one minute earlier, he had posted a happy piece about "brand-sponsored journalism," an example of our national debauchery so pungent that I can almost hear H.L. Mencken railing about from the great beer hall in heaven. To his credit, when I called him on his hypocrisy, Defren didn't deny it. "I'm a schizo, what can I say?" he said. "Gotta pay the rent." When I was about 23, my first boss, Larry Ragan—who built Ragan Communications by being an honest voice in a public relations world full of hot air, but who didn't rock any really big boats—leaned in and whispered to me, "You know, Dave, I'm a closet radical." Because I was young, and not had not yet been compromised, I was infuriated. What good, I wanted to ask him, is a radical in a closet? I've since learned what good is a radical in a closet. It takes a closet radical—an appropriately dressed person who fully appreciates the stupidity and piggishness and fear and insanity that pervade all human institutions—to be even the least bit useful in communicating in the breach between those institutions and the human beings they affect. Because we are looking so hard, we can find the real virtue in institutions and occasionally communicate it in a credible way. But here's the deal, Defren: Closet radicals shouldn't go around hinting at their own radicalism for the sake of their own vanity. (We do, of course. But we shouldn't.) Categories // Uncategorized Tags // closet radicals, corporate radicals, H.L. Mencken, radicals, Todd Defren Are you a ‘Corporate American’? Take this test. "Unluckily, it is difficult for a certain type of mind to grasp the concept of insolubility," wrote H.L. Mencken. "Thousands of poor dolts keep on trying to square the circle; other thousands keep pegging away at perpetual motion. … These are the optimists and chronic hopers of the world … It is the settled habit of such credulous folk to give ear to whatever is comforting; it is their settled faith that whatever is desirable will come to pass." Of course Mencken is talking about Americans in general in his essay, The Cult of Hope; but you know which Americans I think of when I read (and reread) this snarling piece? Corporate Americans. There's Corporate America … and there are also Corporate Americans. Now, not every American who works in Corporate America is a Corporate American. And there are some Corporate Americans who do not work in Corporate America, because they were laid off. But being betrayed by Corporate America doesn't keep them from thinking like, behaving like, talking like and voting like a Corporate American. What is a Corporate American? A Corporate American is someone who believes all criticism must be "constructive." So constructive, in fact, that it shouldn't be called criticism at all, but rather, the more neutral "feedback." A Corporate American believes there is a business phenomenon called "professionalism," that's somehow exalted from the regular-life phenomenon called "showing up even when you don't feel like it." A Corporate American can say, "best practices" and "world class" with a straight face. A Corporate American can say, "I am passionate about branding," with a straight face. A Corporate American is liable to explain to another adult that his or her behavior is "inappropriate," apparently by some celestial standard we're all supposed to be familiar with. A Corporate American, when you take his very best idea, crumple it up in a ball, stomp on it, shit on it and then present it to him in a flat shovel, smiles and thanks you for your feedback. A Corporate American, when she hears the parable of the frog dying in slowly boiling water, recognizes herself as the frog, realizes she is dying, shrugs and thanks God it's Friday. A Corporate American believes the CEO has the hardest job in the company. A Corporate American thinks businesses are somehow more rational than, say, a family with a controlling father and a desperate mother and hundreds of drunk aunts and uncles who come and go as they please, and usually something's broken or missing after they leave. A Corporate American can not and does not imagine, however sentimentally and simple-mindedly, how much more physically beautiful the world would be without giant corporations turning our whole landscape into a big LEGO set. And above all, a Corporate American believes everything is going to be all right. The social media stategy will work, the product will sell, the company will profit, the investors will flock, the Dow Jones average will climb, the country will turn itself around. A Corporate American, who spends half his waking hours working in Corporate America and the rest of them on hold because all of Corporate America's represntatives are busy right now, resorts to wishfulness about everything. "The fact is that some of the things that men and women have desired most ardently for thousands of years are not nearer realization to-day than they were in the time of Ramses," Mencken writes (think sustainable energy policy, immigration, binge-drinking on college campuses and communicators getting a seat a the strategic table), "and that there is not the slightest reason for believing that they will lose their coyness on any near to-morrow. Plans for hurrying them have been tried since the beginning; plans for forcing them overnight are in copious and antagonistic operation to-day; and yet they continue to hold off and elude us, and the chances are that they will keep on holding off and eluding us until the angels get tired of the show, and the whole earth is set of like a gigantic bomb, or drowned, like a sick cat, between two buckets. Does that paragraph make you a little angry? Tell me: Why? Categories // Uncategorized Tags // "constructive criticism", Corporate America, Corporate American, H.L. Mencken, hope, optimist, pessimist	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3688
__label__wiki	0.885126	0.885126	Brad Rawiller chases more big wins in WA Brad Rawiller is no stranger to winning Group One races in Perth and the Victorian jockey is excited to head west again chasing his first Railway Stakes success. Rawiller has two feature race rides for Godolphin trainer James Cummings at Saturday's Ascot meeting including Best Of Days in the Group One Railway Stakes (1600m). Three of Rawiller's 24 career Group One wins have been in Perth, including his first in the Fruit 'n' Veg Stakes, now known as the Kingston Town Classic, on Niconero in 2006. He won the Kingston Town again on Niconero two years later and also won the 2010 WATC Derby on Chartreux when it held Group One status. Rawiller has been close to winning the Railway, beaten in a photo finish aboard Black Heart Bart in 2017 while he also ran third on Niconero in 2006. Best Of Days is a Group One winner of the Cantala Stakes at Flemington in 2018 and he was fifth in the same race under 57kg at his most recent start on November 2. Rawiller also rides Best Of Days' stablemate Widespread in Saturday's Group Two WA Guineas. "It has always been a happy hunting ground for me and I'm excited to go and ride two nice horses for Godolphin," Rawiller said. Rawiller was to ride Best Of Days in the Blamey Stakes at Flemington in March but Best Of Days was ruled out a couple of days before the race when he bled from both nostrils after a jump-out. More than eight months later, Rawiller is set to get his first chance on Best Of Days in a feature race. "I haven't ridden him in a race but I've done a bit of work on him before," Rawiller said. "Obviously he's a Group One winner and I think he's coming into form at the right time." Rawiller has won on three-year-old Widespread at The Valley and Bendigo this month and while the WA Guineas is a class rise he believes he's a genuine chance. "His last two wins have been excellent and I don't think they've been weak races," he said. Best Of Days and Widespread were among a group of horses who arrived in Perth on a flight from Melbourne which left on Tuesday night. The Tony Noonan-trained Manolo Blahniq did not make the trip because of an elevated temperature and has been scratched from the Railway. More Horse Racing News Melbourne Cup 2019 race day guide: Full field of horses, date and time, forecast, expert tips, facts and records	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3691
__label__wiki	0.888652	0.888652	Kiwia goes back-to-back in Ballarat Cup Nov 23rd, 2019 Locally-trained Kiwia has won a second successive Ballarat Cup in a result that left his trainer Archie Alexander a little stunned. Kiwia won last year's Ballarat Cup over 2200m for Darren Weir but was transferred to Alexander in February after a four-year disqualification handed his previous trainer. The gelding was having his sixth start for Alexander, fifth for the preparation, with the trainer searching for answers prior to Saturday's Listed race over 2000m. As he did last last year, John Allen guided Kiwia ($16) to victory, this time defeating Double You Tee ($9.50) by a short-head with Another Dollar ($20) a half-length away third. "It's a special win as it's a hometown cup," Alexander said. "And it's with a horse that we came here with not overly confident about. He hadn't won in 12 months and he's had his issues. "I refer to him as the Roger Federer of the stable as it's hard to keep him in one piece but he came here today into the mounting yard bouncing. "I don't know why he peaked on this day, but for whatever reason he was flying." Allen thanked connections for holding off finding a jockey for Kiwia as they waited to see if second emergency Harbour Views gained a start. The jockey was committed to riding Harbour Views who was scratched on Friday allowing Allen to ride Kiwia. It was Allen's first ride back aboard Kiwia since last year's Ballarat Cup success. "It was probably a bit tougher race this year with the increase in prize money as it brought a better quality horse," Allen said. "He might not have been in good form leading into the race but Archie and his team have done a good job getting him here." Allen said Kiwia travelled smoothly in a three-wide line but was left flat-footed when the sprint went on passing the 600m mark. "But when I came off the back of Suzuka Devious he did quicken, but late he was waiting for the second horse," Allen said. "To his credit he put his foot down and it's good to cap off the spring with a good winner like this." Billy Egan, rider of Double You Tee, was suspended for 14 meetings and fined $2000 for over using the whip on the gelding.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3692
__label__wiki	0.904646	0.904646	Panthers forced to cut junior funding The NRL's biggest nursery is set to be abandoned after Penrith CEO Brian Fletcher admitted they will not be able to maintain junior development due to the coronavirus shutdown. Fletcher vowed that the Panthers would survive the pandemic despite being forced to shut down their five clubs due to government restrictions, a move that will reportedly cost them $25 million if they remain closed until the end of December. But Fletcher conceded they would not be able to continue pumping millions into their junior programs in the future. "We spend nearly $4 million in development. I can't possibly see us being involved in all that in the future," he told Sky Sports Radio. "We are called the development club. We develop all the players basically for rugby league. "They come through all our systems and end up playing for somebody else. "But looking at the finances yesterday there is no way in the world we could justify spending $4 million a year on development through those competitions." The Panthers pride themselves on developing the game's next generation, boasting more than 10,000 juniors and teams in bush footy to Canterbury Cup. However, Fletcher said sadly that would soon be a thing of the past. "We only receive a grant of $350,000 from the NSWRL so you've got to look at it (development) as if it is your own business," Fletcher said. "And that model used to work when you had plenty of cash going through poker machines but that is all changing at the moment so that is one area that will definitely change." Fletcher was confident Panthers would survive the shutdown despite shutting down their money-making clubs which affected 700 staff. "Our biggest problem is that we have five large clubs that closed down overnight - there's no income coming into the place," he said. "That's the big question for us - how long are we going to be closed down for? "(But) we are OK. We will be there no matter how long it goes for. "We are fortunate we have a lot of assets. You don't like selling assets in this climate but we can get through this." More NRL News Mark Levy: Bloated NRL football departments must be sliced and diced amid shutdown NRL players turn on Todd Greenberg over financial mismanagement, reports Danny Weidler	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3693
__label__cc	0.716254	0.283746	Bay Area News Group Names Pulse Secure a Winner of the Bay Area 2018 Top Workplaces Award SAN FRANCISCO, June 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pulse Secure, a leading provider of enterprise Secure Access solutions, has been awarded a 2018 Top Workplaces honor by the Bay Area News Group. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few. “Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.” Pulse Secure’s team is made up of transformational leaders, who believe in working together to delight customers, while trusting in each other, and winning as a team! The company engages talent from broad backgrounds and disciplines; seeking diversity in thought. It also offers wellness programs, team building events, community outreach initiatives, flexible work schedules, exciting Hackathons and great learning opportunities to its employees. As an organization, Pulse Secure focuses on continuously gaining employee feedback and developing its people, teams and organization. “We are honored to be selected as one of the Top 100 Places to Work in the Bay Area,” said Sudhakar Ramakrishna, CEO of Pulse Secure. “Our collaborative and innovative company culture prides itself on celebrating employees’ exceptional skills by recognizing individuals for their hard work, positive attitudes and out of the box thinking, which in turn, translates to excellent customer success.” Top Places to Work in Bay Area conducted a survey from employee workplaces during Feb-March 2018 time frame. “Becoming a Top Workplace isn’t something organizations can buy,” Claffey said. “It’s an achievement organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It’s a big deal.” Pulse Secure, LLC offers easy, comprehensive Secure Access solutions that provide visibility and seamless, protected connectivity between users, devices, things and services. The company delivers suites that uniquely integrate cloud, mobile, application and network access to enable hybrid IT. More than 20,000 enterprises and service providers across every vertical entrust Pulse Secure to empower their mobile workforce to securely access applications and information in the data center and cloud while ensuring business compliance. Learn more at www.pulsesecure.net. Follow us at @PulseSecure on Twitter or visit us on LinkedIn and Facebook. About Energage, LLC Headquartered in Exton, Pa., Energage (formerly known as WorkplaceDynamics) is a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools that help leaders to unlock potential, inspire performance, and achieve amazing results within their organizations. The research partner behind the Top Workplaces program, Energage has surveyed more than 47,000 organizations representing well over 16 million employees in the United States. Montner Tech PR Deb Montner dmontner@montner.com https://www.pulsesecure.net/	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3694
__label__wiki	0.562502	0.562502	Latest news: For Free COVID-19 related services Free Legal Chat About 1LAW Collaborate with 1LAW 1LAW App Botineer Legal On Demand Introducing Docubot™ Study shows fewer American teens are getting driver’s licenses Home Blog Study shows fewer American teens are getting driver’s licenses By 1law \| Blog \| Comments are Closed \| 14 March, 2013 \| 0 Derrek Lee Hager had just dropped off his girlfriend in the Texas Panhandle and was headed with four other friends to a nearby town to continue enjoying their spring break. But the teens never made it, dying in a fiery wreck near Dumas after the driver ran a stop sign and collided with a tanker loaded with fuel. The deaths of the five Texas teens came the same day as an accident in Ohio that killed six and a day before a crash in Illinois killed four. Three teenagers died Friday in Indiana when police said the drivers of two pickups ran a four-way stop and collided. The deadly accidents serve as horrific reminders of the perils of teen driving but contrast statistics indicating that fatal crashes among teen drivers have declined during the past decade, according to a report released last month by the Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety offices. The report also indicates that deaths of younger teen drivers sharply increased during the first six months of last year, reversing a 10-year trend. There were 435 16-year-old drivers killed in 2000, according to the report, but by 2011 that had dropped to 173. During the same time period, deaths among 17-year-old drivers dropped from 564 to 250. But deaths of 16- and 17-year-old drivers in traffic accidents during the first six months of 2012 rose a combined 19 percent during the same period of the previous year, from 202 to 240 deaths. The report, which does not include passenger deaths, is based on preliminary state data that sometime changes. Despite the recent increase, overall teen driving deaths are significantly lower than they were a decade ago, when teen drivers traveled with fewer state-imposed restrictions, including limits on driving with teen passengers and driving at night. Deaths of young passengers when the driver was between the ages of 15 and 20 have dropped significantly since 1982, when 1,898 riders within the same age range died, according to the report. In 2011, the year for which most recent data are available, the number of deaths of passengers between 15 and 20 years old dropped to 777, the report showed. Fewer American teens are getting driver’s licenses, part of a demographic segment that also includes those in their 20s and 30s, transportation researchers have found. Among those groups, the number of people with driver’s licenses has dropped significantly during the past three decades in the United States and in some other wealthy nations with a high proportion of Internet users. Researchers surmise that virtual contact through Internet and other electronic means is reducing the need for face-to-face visits among young people, researchers say. 1LAW would like to urge all drivers to look out for one another on the road. If you ever fall victim to a injury on the road please contact 1LAW so we can assist you with any personal injury need you may have. car accident, personal injury, personal injury attorney, personal injury lawyer, teen drivers Featured Office Locations About 1LAW® Support Specialists More Money Guarantee 1LAW and the 1LAW logo mark are registered trademarks of A. Jason Velez. All rights reserved. Copyrights ® 2011–2016 1LAW, PC. All rights reserved	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3697
__label__wiki	0.738825	0.738825	Accenture in Sweden Current Country: Sweden Accenture Interactive Winning the battle for sports fans’ attention. What Accenture Did Value Delivered With its leading fantasy sports games and sports betting services, FanDuel has become the go-to online destination for sports fans. Having first reimagined the concept of fantasy sports by enabling fans to play one-day fantasy sports contests for real cash prizes, then adding the FanDuel Sportsbook to its roll of services, the brand is now one of the largest providers of daily fantasy sports services in North America, serving around six million registered users. FanDuel’s success rests on its range of fantasy sports options and its appeal to players of all abilities. Football, basketball, baseball, soccer – all these sports and more are covered. And whatever their level of expertise, FanDuel players always know who they’re up against. So they can be sure it’s a fair matchup, even if they’re a beginner. With the FanDuel Sportsbook acquiring a license to operate in a growing number of US states, the company wanted to build on its strong position in the market and increase the number of new user acquisitions. The goal: to first increase brand awareness of its Daily Fantasy Sports and FanDuel Sportsbook lines of business, and then convert that brand recognition potential into a raft of new users. The plan: to create and activate a full-funnel cross-platform paid social strategy focused on boosting brand awareness and maximizing the return on investment. Working with Adaptly, part of Accenture, FanDuel activated a multi-platform full-funnel marketing strategy. Dedicated budgets for user acquisition, retention, and reactivation ensured every part of the funnel could be targeted effectively in a series of new social-focused campaigns spanning leading platforms (leveraging Adaptly’s strong relationships with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat). With an updated direct response strategy tailored for each stage of the marketing funnel – from broad awareness building and demographic/interest/lookalike targeting at the upper reaches through to customized messaging for registered non-players and lapsed players – the team improved campaign efficiency, maximized reach, and limited audience overlap. This included creating a highly tuned retargeting plan based on users’ past behavior in FanDuel applications (such as installation, registration, first-time deposits, and so on). The multi-platform marketing strategy was designed to continuously learn and improve. Each campaign included detailed brand lift measurement analyses, enabling FanDuel to get a clear sense of what was working, and how, to inform future campaigns. Plus, a more holistic attribution model provided a deeper understanding of cross-platform performance during key periods in each campaign. A surgical approach to budget pacing was central to helping FanDuel increase campaign efficiency. That meant carefully aligning multi-platform marketing with the sporting calendar, strategically increasing spend at key points such as capitalizing on the buzz around the football season kickoff. A strong collaborative spirit was central to the success of this project. Adopting a genuinely ‘hands-on’ attitude, both organizations worked closely together, across marketing, creative, and CRM, with the Accenture team effectively acting as an extension of FanDuel’s own business. This was critical in ensuring the team’s collective marketing and industry expertise could be quickly transformed into better business outcomes for FanDuel. "Adaptly, Part of Accenture, have proven to be outstanding partners for us this football season. They have been able to accommodate the increasing scale of our business as we've expanded our FanDuel Sportsbook product into multiple new states, all while maintaining the high performance standards we set for the year." — Aaron Dugan, Director – Online Marketing for FanDuel FanDuel was able to seamlessly scale its business across North America. By focusing on high-growth platforms like Snapchat, the team helped FanDuel iterate its marketing creatively and tap into a host of new inventory sources. The impact on the business has been significant: campaign scope was doubled while holding acquisition performance metrics steady, showing a strong ability to scale. With more and more people enjoying sports via social media, the ability to engage with consumers on these conversational platforms is critical to a company like FanDuel. But the fans benefit just as much, using FanDuel’s smart social marketing as a lever to connect and converse with other players by posting their own comments, memes and trash-talk. They’re also better able to “get in the game”, learning which teams and players are favored as they play daily fantasy games or place bets. That’s helping FanDuel turn casual fans into true fantasy sports fanatics. Meet Sean Taylor Baird Media Supervisor Mads Husted Hansen Paid Media Manager Meet Mads Andre Grier Account Supervisor Meet Andre We drive growth for clients by creating meaningful Experiences that live at the intersection of purpose and innovation.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3702
__label__wiki	0.760783	0.760783	Home/Latest Nigeria News - Latest Naija Gists/Police officers allegedly shoot man dead during stop and search in Imo state (photo) Latest Nigeria News - Latest Naija Gists Police officers allegedly shoot man dead during stop and search in Imo state (photo) Aminat AigbeDecember 6, 2020 Men of the Imo state police command allegedly shot dead a man identified as Jude Oguzie during a stop and search along Owerri Orlu road on Saturday, December 5. The deceased, a middle aged man who is an indigene of Amucha village in Njaba local government area was on his way to a wedding ceremony when he met with the officers who mounted a roadblock. Eyewitnesses say the trigger-happy police officers allegedly shot Oguzie dead for refusing to stop. His body was deposited at the Federal Medical Center in Owerri. Jude Oguzie Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Isaac O. Akinmoyede, wondered why the officers refused to adhere to the rules guiding the use of firearms. He, therefore, ordered an investigation into the matter, with a view to unraveling the cause of the incident. Akinmoyede in a statement said the officers involved have been identified, arrested, and are presently in custody. While sympathizing with the family of the deceased, the police boss urged them to remain calm, as the Command will do everything possible to ensure that justice is done. He said he regrets the killing of the deceased under any guise especially now that the force is doing everything within its powers to put an end to incidents of brutality and incivility to members of the public. The post Police officers allegedly shoot man dead during stop and search in Imo state (photo) appeared first on Within Nigeria. Aminat Aigbe Aminat Aigbe is the first lady of afronaija and a very good blogger ( Original Mrs AfroNaija ) 8 daily habits that could give you wrinkles	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3709
__label__cc	0.550626	0.449374	Nancy Brandt, DVM, CVC, CVA DVM, University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical School CVA, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Nevada Teaches courses in: Acupuncture, Western Medicine Hyung-Bong Cha, MSOM, LAc (California) MSOM, Southern California University of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine LAc, California Teaches courses in: Acupuncture, Herbology, Oriental Medicine Practices in the clinic Michelle Dahan, MS, LMFT MS, Counseling, University of Phoenix LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Nevada Teaches courses in: Western Medicine Daniel Davies, Ph.D. Ph.D., Theological Seminary, Drew University Teaches courses in: Oriental Medicine Philosophy Desta Dibaba, MS MS, Applied Physics, Punjabi University, India Michael Ferris, MSTOM, OMD, LAc (California) MSTOM, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine OMD, Nevada Teaches courses in: Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine Chalaiporn Iamsirithaworn, MD (Thailand), MSAOM, LAc MD, Mahidol University, Thailand MSAOM, South Baylo University Teaches courses in: Acupuncture, Herbology, Oriental Medicine, Western Medicine Doris Johnson, MS, MA, LAc (California) MSTCM, Yo San University MA, African Area Studies, University of California Dipl Ac (NCCAOM) Dipl CH (NCCAOM) Rachel Kohl, MSTOM, OMD, LAc (California) Anita Lanier, MA, MTOM, OMD, LAc (California) MA, Education (ITEC), San Francisco State University MTOM, Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine Dipl OM (NCCAOM) Dipl ABT (NCCAOM) Yoojin Lee-Sedera, ND, MSOM, OMD ND, National College of Natural Medicine MSOM, Wongu University of Oriental Medicine Teaches courses in: Oriental Medicine Pasanan Marinpong, DVM (Thailand), MSAOM, LAc DVM, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Jin-Hong Ngan, MSOM, LAc (Illinois) MSOM, Midwest College of Oriental Medicine LAc, Illinois Chau Nguyen Shaolin Tai Chi Cultural Center ICMAC, Taiji Women’s Hands and Weapons Division (2011, 2012, 2015) Shaolin Cultural Festival, Women’s Taiji/Kungfu Division (2013) Teaches courses in: Taiji, Qigong Vim Osathanugrah, MS, MA, DAOM, OMD, LAc MATCM, Yo San University MS, Environmental Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand MA, Education Administration, California State University of Los Angeles DAOM, Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine Soonju Park, DAOM, LAc DAOM, South Baylo University Teaches courses in: Acupuncture Nicole Phillips, MSN, RN MSN, Nursing Education, Ferris State University RN, Registered Nurse, Nevada Shannon Purtell, MSAOM, LAc MSAOM, Bastyr University Matthew Roderick, MSTOM, OMD, LAc Susie Rosenberger, MSTOM, OMD, LAc Teaches courses in: Herbology, Oriental Medicine DuWayne Steele, MSOM, OMD Angela Stueber, MSAOM, OMD Douglas Walton, MS MS, Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno Hongpeng Wang 33rd Generation Shaolin Master, Songshan Shaolin Temple, China Zhenglei Chen Taiji School, China Dan 6, 6th Degree Black Belt Golden State International Wushu Champion (2011) CPAA International Arts Festival (2006) The Second World Traditional Wushu Championships (2006) Jennifer Brett, ND, LAc Dr. Jennifer Brett, ND, L.Ac. is the founding director of the UB Acupuncture Institute. She graduated in 1987 from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine and graduated in 1988 from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture. She is currently the chair of two Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) Committees (CCAOM Distance Learning Committee and CCAOM Research Committee) and a member of the ACCAHC (Academic Consortium for Complementary and Alternative Health Care) Clinical Working Group. Dr. Brett worked to create an acupuncture degree programs in which students and graduates become caring and responsible citizens and skilled healthcare professionals. It is Dr. Brett’s vision that acupuncturists become respected members of the healthcare community in all its various functions, from acute in-patient care to chronic, ambulatory care, research, and training. Yihyun Kwon, PhD, DC, MSOM, LAc Dr. Kwon is one of the pioneers in integrative medicine, both by his training and in his history of leadership within the MSAc and MSOM programs at NUHS. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in microbiology from Chung Ang University in Seoul. Afterwards, he studied diabetes and cancer at the Yeonsei University in Seoul and at the University of Calgary in Canada, and worked in a research lab for eight years. In 1998, he moved to Chicago and simultaneously studied for and received both a doctor of chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences as well as a master’s degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in 2002. In 2010, Dr. Kwon earned his PhD from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Kwon is an Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences at National University of Health Sciences.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3714
__label__wiki	0.77454	0.77454	Sociology on the economy, work and inequality Aesthetic Labor Edgework Factory Safety & Workers’ Rights Gender Wage Gap Men and Childcare Occupational Segregation The Future of Organizational Sociology The Sociology of Work Work Schedules Book Announcements The limits of almost totally safe systems: Cockpit automation and the loss of Air France 447 by Nick Oliver, Thomas Calvard and Kristina Potočnik The interactions between technology and human beings are a source of fascination to many social scientists, from the impact of technology on individual well-being, to power relations in the work place to technology’s transformative potential. Technology has the ability to empower and to deskill, to enhance human capability and to subjugate humans to its requirements. Science fiction plays on the fear that technology may one day ‘take over’ its human creators. A more immediate concern is that advances in technology lure us into designing and building systems that exceed the capacity of their operators to understand them, especially in the face of unusual, non-routine situations. Such concerns notwithstanding, humans have succeeded in developing ways to manage and operate very complex, sometimes high-risk technologies with remarkably few mishaps. Such “high reliability organizations” are of great interest to organizational scholars perhaps because they represent a kind of organization-technology frontier in terms of what is possible. Yet scholars of safety science observe that even extremely safe, error-free systems seem to have accident rates, which although very low, are remarkably persistent. Our recently published study explores some of these issues by examining the interplay between human cognition and system design with reference to the final minutes of Air France flight 447 (AF447), which disappeared over the Atlantic in 2009. Data from the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, retrieved from the ocean floor two years after the crash, revealed a situation in which interactions between pilots and aircraft technology caused an initially relatively benign situation to escalate rapidly into a catastrophe. AF447 was around three and half hours into a night flight from Rio to Paris, cruising on autopilot at 35,000 feet. Due to the length of the flight, there were three flight crew aboard, the captain (Marc Dubois) and two first officers (Pierre-Cédric Bonin and David Robert). Dubois was out of the cockpit on a routine break as AF447 when ice crystals briefly obstructed the three sensor tubes that provided data on airspeed to the flight control computer. As it was programmed to do when faced with inconsistent data inputs, the flight computer disengaged the autopilot and handed control to the (startled) pilots. The pilots now had to fly the plane, an Airbus A330, by hand. The flight control system also withdrew the automatic protection that normally prevents manoeuvres that might endanger the aircraft – again, as it was programmed to do when inconsistencies in data inputs were detected. At this point, all Bonin and Robert had to do was maintain the flightpath manually whilst they worked out what was happening. However, Bonin, the more junior of the two first officers and the one who took manual control, was clearly startled by this sudden development and unpracticed at flying by hand at high altitude. In his efforts to control a slight roll he made overly aggressive control inputs with his sidestick, causing the plane to quite violently roll left and right multiple times. He also put the plane into a climb and persisted with this action despite warnings from his colleague Robert to descend. Due to Bonin’s actions, within 60 seconds of autopilot disconnection the aircraft had gained so much altitude and lost so much airspeed that it entered an aerodynamic stall and began a rapid, uncontrolled descent to the ocean below. Once the aircraft had stalled actions and responses, both technological and human, fed off each other in an increasingly toxic cycle. The icing of the speed sensors cleared quite quickly and within about a minute all three speed indicators were working normally. By then the aircraft had lost so much speed that the crew may not have believed the now-valid speed readings. Immediately after the autopilot disconnection, Robert, who initially had a better appreciation of the situation than Bonin, started to read out the system messages that had appeared on his electronic display. This was an important step towards diagnosing what was happening to the aircraft. However, he Robert became distracted by the aircraft movements induced by Bonin and switched his attention to monitoring the flightpath and to calling the captain back to the cockpit. This meant that a crucial piece of information on the display – that some automatic protection had been withdrawn – was not recognized. Neither Bonin nor Robert, nor Dubois when he returned to cockpit, realized that the aircraft had stalled. This was despite a barrage of cues including a synthetic voice that announced “stall” 75 times; buffeting as the aircraft approached the point of stall; and tremendous aerodynamic noise due to turbulence around the wings as the aircraft descended, belly first with its nose raised. Of course, normally the flight control system would have rendered a stall impossible. Features that helped the pilots under normal circumstances now were hindrances to their attempts to make sense of the situation and regain control of the aircraft. For example, the stall warning shuts off when the airspeed fell below a certain level to prevent distracting false alarms. But due to AF447’s angle of descent, the indicated airspeed fell below this threshold, causing the stall warning to fall silent. When the pilots briefly took appropriate recovery action by putting the plane’s nose down, the airspeed increased and the stall warning re-activated, sending the wrong cue in response to the right action. Dubois and Robert eventually realized what was happening but by then the aircraft had insufficient altitude to recover from the stall. Throughout the whole episode, apart from the transitory icing of the speed sensors, the technology functioned as it was programmed to do. Commercial aviation is a complex human-technological system that is incredibly safe, nearly all of time, which means that events like the loss of AF447 are all the more shocking when they do occur. For social scientists interested in technology, we see two key messages from the AF447 disaster. The first concerns the nature of human-technology interactions in automated, complex environments. The aviation community has started to appreciate that the very advances in cockpit automation that make flying so safe, most of the time, may also lead to a subtle erosion of pilot’s cognitive skills, an erosion that only becomes apparent under extreme, unusual conditions when such skills are most needed. Second, AF447 demonstrates the limits of system design in eliminating errors and accidents in complex systems. Airbus designers had apparently not conceived of a situation in which a crew would be unable to recognize that their aircraft was in a prolonged stall and unable to process the multiple cues telling them that this was indeed what was happening. Gaps of conception such as this will always leave holes in organizational defences. The implication of AF447 is that as long as human intervention is the last resort in complex, automated systems, careful thought needs to be given to strategies to maintain the cognitive capabilities necessary to deal with rare, extreme events. Nick Oliver, Thomas Calvard and Kristina Potočnik are faculty members at the University of Edinburgh Business School. This article summarizes “Cognition, Technology, and Organizational Limits: Lessons from the Air France 447 Disaster” in Organization Science. Image via wikimedia Bad Hessian Beat the Press Citings and Sightings Economic Sociology and Political Economy Femchat Gender & Society Global Sociology LSE Impact of Social Sciences LSE USAPP Racism Review Sociology Lens WealthInequality.org WORK/CULTURE ASA Section on Labor and Labor Movements International Sociology Association Society for the Study of Social Problems Work and Occupations Pingback: If We Want to Regulate Autonomous Weapons, We Must Move Past Calling Them “Killer Robots” – Amigos do Comendador Marcio B Fasano Pingback: The future of autonomous weapon regulation relies on public awareness \| Startup Business Name Ideas Pingback: The future of autonomous weapon regulation relies on public awareness - Briefing 'em Pingback: The future of autonomous weapon regulation relies on public awareness Pingback: The future of autonomous weapon regulation relies on public awareness - techsqrd.com Pingback: The future of autonomous weapon regulation relies on public awareness - 3366NEWS	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3718
__label__cc	0.623534	0.376466	Sales: +1 (844) 369 9905 Support: +1 (800) 828 4187 Comprehensive HR (PEO) HR+Payroll (ASO) HR-Only Packages HR Blog & News HRIS Login Employee Time Clock Manager Time Clock Get a Free HR ConsultGet a Free HR Consult Worklogic HR is actively monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments. We compiled valuable resources for you to utilize as the Coronavirus situation continues to evolve and businesses look for ways to reopen. COVID-19 ResourcesReturn to Work Resources Home / News & Press Feedback Necessary for Employee Performance By Robin Paggi Employers expect results from their employees. Employers can help to get those results by providing their employees with feedback on their performance. Feedback (both praise and constructive criticism) is imperative for an employee’s professional growth and ability to meet the employer’s expectations. According to Phil Rich, Ed.D., MSW, “Feedback is a way to let people know how effective they are in what they are trying to accomplish (and) provides a way for people to become more effective.” Anne Saunier, a principal at Sibson & Co., a consulting firm in Princeton, New Jersey, put it this way: "If you have ideas and information that will help someone perform better, it's hostile not to share them." In her article “How to Give Good Feedback,” Gina Imperato says that the biggest problem with feedback is that it is still considered by employers “as a once-a-year event, rather than an ongoing discipline.” Annual performance evaluations are good to have in place; however, they shouldn’t be used as the only method to deliver feedback. Saunier observed that, "Doing annual appraisals is like dieting only on your birthday and wondering why you're not losing weight." So, on-going feedback is necessary in order to get results. Then why don’t employers give feedback? According to local employment attorney David Blaine, “employers tend not to give feedback because doing so makes them anxious - it becomes an emotional experience for them. They also don’t give feedback because they don’t know how to.” Blaine says that employees are more receptive to feedback when it is delivered in an unemotional, straight-forward manner and encourages employers to deliver feedback in that way. This method reduces the anxiety for the employer and increases the employee’s acceptance of what is being said. Blaine also emphasizes that delivering feedback on a regular basis reduces anxiety as well. Delivered regularly, feedback is just a discussion rather than an event. According to Rich, in order for feedback to be effective, it should be: Supportive: delivered in a non-threatening and encouraging manner. Direct: the focus of the feedback is clearly stated. Sensitive: delivered with sensitivity to the needs of the other person. Considerate: not intended to insult or demean. Descriptive: focused on behavior that can be changed, rather than personality. Specific: focused on specific behaviors or events. Thoughtful: well considered rather than impulsive. Helpful: intended to be of value to the other person. An example of the above approach would sound something like this: “Employee, as your supervisor it is my responsibility to help you become as effective as possible. Therefore, I need to tell you the following. Your directness sounds harsh at times, which hurts the feelings of some of your co-workers. You will be much more effective if you soften your approach.” The supervisor would then provide examples of what “softening your approach” would look like. I agree with Michaela Scherr, who said, “To receive honest, constructive feedback is much like receiving a gift, whether we think so or not at the time. The challenge is to receive feedback with an open mind and learn from it, and disregard our natural instinct to defend ourselves or our actions. On the other side of the coin, it also takes true courage to give good, constructive feedback for fear of a negative response or reprisal, even if the feedback was requested.” Giving and receiving feedback needn’t be an anxiety-filled experience during performance evaluations or at any other time. Delivered and received appropriately, feedback is a very effective tool that helps employee’s grow personally and professionally and benefits the organization as a whole. [Podcast] Employer of Record Arrangements Explained By John McFarland Jan 11 2021 [Podcast] Good Grief! What a Year! By John McFarland Dec 14 2020 [Podcast] Poking Around the Mandatory Vaccination Question By John McFarland Nov 30 2020 When Was the Last Time You Updated Your Employee Handbook? Ensure your handbook is up-to-date and compliant. Let us help you create (or update) your handbook today! Talk to an HR Expert Employees & Culture [Podcast] Lessons in Life from 2020 Disclaimer: The information and resources provided herein are not a substitute for experienced legal counsel and does not constitute legal advice or attempt to address the numerous factual issues that inevitably arise in any employment-related dispute. Although this information attempts to cover some major recent developments, it is not all-inclusive, and any recommendations are based upon HR best practices and procedures. We recommend you consult an attorney for legal guidance. Worklogic HR is a provider of next-generation HR solutions to maximize workplace productivity. Bakersfield, California 93309 Lobby Hours: M-F 8am-5pm (Closed for Lunch 12pm-1pm) +1 (844) 369 9905 Sales +1 (800) 828 4187 General Talk to an HR Consultant HR Services for Every Business New Client Referral Program Careers at Worklogic HR Subscribe to our newsletter for the lates HR news, compliance updates, and training session reminders. Your information will be kept confidential and never be shared with third parties. Home \| About \| Blog \| Support \| Login \| Privacy Policy \| Accessibility Statement ©2020 Worklogic, Inc. All rights reserved. Website Solutions by BRAMA Media.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3719
__label__wiki	0.524265	0.524265	Indie Record Labels Received Millions in Federal Paycheck Protection Program Loans Various sectors of the music industry received some much needed help Marty Rosenbaum The United States Small Business Administration released data regarding loans that were made under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The list of businesses receiving much needed PPP funds includes many independent record labels. With the music industry suffering tremendous disruption to its business, the funds help ensure these independent labels can continue to operate. Sub Pop Records, Third Man Records, All Rise Records, Del Records, and Knitting Factory Records each received a minimum of $350,000. Dreamville Records, Ball Hawg Records, ATO Records, Dim Mak, Cleopatra, and Rostrum received at least $150,000 each. Stones Throw Records received between $1 to $2 million. The arts, entertainment, and recreation industry as a whole received 1.53% of the total amount of money loaned. Health Care and Social Assistance received the most at 12.92%. Other parts of the music industry like record stores, venues, publishers, and vinyl pressing plants received funding as well. The news comes as a coalition of over 600 artists signed an open letter to Congress requesting aid to help save independent music venues. Thanks to all the 600 artists that signed and backed our letter to Congress! So many amazing people covering many genres including: - @DaveGhrol - @BillieEilish - @WillieNelsonOfficial - @MavisStaples - @JimmyBuffett - @LadyGaga - @GaryClarkJr - @MirandaLambert - @Coldplay - @SpaceyKacey & hundreds more! A post shared by NIVA (@nivassoc) on Jun 23, 2020 at 4:45pm PDT The National Association of Independent Venues (NIVA) has been campaigning Congress to provide necessary funding to ensure music venues across the nation can withstand the shutdown in business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. NIVA recognizes that music venues will be among the last businesses to reopen once public health guidelines allow. The news can be seen as a victory for the time being, but it may not be until late 2021 when these businesses can reopen their doors again. Hip Hop R&B	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3720
__label__cc	0.625911	0.374089	Lair of the Green Knight Oddities and profundities from Fitz! About Fitz… About the Lair… Tag: Sarah Beauhall Book Review: Black Blade Blues by J.A. Pitts Ok, I’m a bit perplexed… What is it about sexual hangups in more mature fantasy offerings these days? I’ve run across shame about homosexual… Wildwood Kin Harmonies Forced Me To Write This Review Music Review: Girlyman – Supernova Olympic Video: ParaNorman Pommel Horse Catch-up on Grimm Season 1 with this 7-minute video… Animated Short: Wildebeest from Bird Box Movie Review – Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans – Fernby Films on Movie Review: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans Movie Review – Ninja Assassin – Fernby Films on DVD Review: Ninja Assassin The Gassy Gnoll: Crossing the (Genre) Streams… (RPG Blog Carnival) \| Gamerati on Book Review: Black Blade Blues by J.A. Pitts The Gassy Gnoll: Some Movies Don’t Make Good Stories, But Can Make Good Campaigns… \| Gamerati on Movie Review: Priest Friday Knight News – Gaming Edition: 23-MAR-2012 \| Gamerati on My Favorite Movies: Great Swordfights! Archives Select Month January 2020 (1) September 2012 (1) July 2012 (9) June 2012 (3) May 2012 (4) April 2012 (1) March 2012 (2) February 2012 (5) January 2012 (4) December 2011 (3) November 2011 (4) October 2011 (6) September 2011 (9) August 2011 (5) July 2011 (5) June 2011 (3) May 2011 (13) April 2011 (18) March 2011 (27) February 2011 (23) January 2011 (25) December 2010 (26) November 2010 (30) October 2010 (27) September 2010 (25) August 2010 (22) July 2010 (22) June 2010 (26) May 2010 (23) April 2010 (29) March 2010 (21) February 2010 (10) January 2010 (18) December 2009 (18) November 2009 (15) October 2009 (20) September 2009 (22) August 2009 (24) July 2009 (27) June 2009 (28) May 2009 (24) April 2009 (31) March 2009 (20) February 2009 (29) January 2009 (32) December 2008 (30) November 2008 (32) October 2008 (41) September 2008 (45) August 2008 (35) July 2008 (41) June 2008 (24) May 2008 (25) April 2008 (24) March 2008 (23) February 2008 (45) January 2008 (15) December 2007 (3) November 2007 (32) October 2007 (28) September 2007 (10) August 2007 (3) July 2007 (9) June 2007 (15) August 2006 (2) Copyright Lair of the Green Knight. All rights reserved. \| Theme by Superb WordPress Themes	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3721
__label__wiki	0.658635	0.658635	Allianz announces strong growth in core markets Posted: 02 August 2019 Financial Results HY 2019 HY 2018 • Gross Written Premium (GWP) £ 1,000.2m £1,066.4m Operating Profit £85.8m £87.8m • Combined Operating Ratio (COR) 95.7% 94.8% Commercial Lines: £664.1m Personal Lines: 94.3% £477.5m Results Commentary: The second quarter of 2019 saw the announcement of Allianz’s proposed acquisition of both Legal & General Insurance and the remaining 51% of LV= General Insurance Group. When these transactions complete at the end of the year, they will position Allianz as the number 2 general insurer in the UK. Allianz is already in a process of transition, as it realigns its portfolios and reshapes its organisational structure to accommodate the transfer of Commercial Lines business in from LV= and the transfer of Personal Lines business in the opposite direction, whilst ensuring it competes efficiently and delivers a sustainable service to customers and brokers. The half year results show that Allianz has already created a robust platform from which to build this expanding business, with strong underlying growth in the key areas of Commercial Lines and Animal Health insurance. Gross Written Premium has increased by 12.7% over 2018, with the figure for the second quarter alone up 15.8% over last year. Transfers of Commercial Lines business in from LV= remain at expected levels and the migration of policies from LV= will complete in September. To date, Allianz has written around 50,000 cases from the LV= Commercial book which have shifted the account dynamic and created a strong base from which to trade and expand into new markets. The underlying Commercial business – excluding the transfers from LV= – has also shown good growth. At 96.2% the Commercial Combined Operating Ratio is good and has improved on the position at the end of Q1 but remains behind the level achieved in 2018. Property claims for fire and theft in particular have been above expectations. Allianz continued to review its Commercial branch network in line with changes in local market dynamics and the need to continually evolve in a highly competitive environment. Following a consultation process, the closure of Allianz’s offices at Woking and Luton on 30 September has been confirmed. Of the 97 people placed at risk by these changes, 81 have been offered roles within Allianz. Allianz’s Commercial teams have been working collaboratively with brokers to ensure a seamless transition and maintain the high levels of local service brokers expect from Allianz. The majority of broker feedback has been positive and brokers appreciate Allianz’s openness, transparency and willingness to include them in the process to determine which branch they’ll be transferring to. Allianz Engineering, Construction & Power continues to produce an excellent performance with revenue and profit for both the insurance and inspection businesses well ahead of 2018. The new propositions introduced a year ago to cover both the construction and operation of renewable technologies have played a part in this performance. They also helped Allianz win the Sustainability category at the British Insurance Awards, which recognised Allianz’s global programme to combat Climate Change. The largest contributor to the Personal Lines business is Petplan, which continues to show strong, profitable growth, producing a Combined Operating Ratio of 88.6% and half-year premium income of £229m, which is £14m ahead of 2018. The transfer of Allianz’s Personal home and motor business to LV= has been largely completed. As the Personal Lines transfer began before the Commercial transfer, this has impacted Allianz’s overall GWP performance against 2018 at the half-year. Overall, the retained Personal Lines business produced a strong underwriting profit, ahead of 2018, with a Combined Operating Ratio of 94.3%, an improvement of 2.6 percentage points over last year. During Q2, Allianz announced the consolidation of its Claims footprint around two Centres of Excellence at Milton Keynes and Birmingham. This includes the closure of the Allianz Claims Handling Centre at Aztec West in Bristol. Following consultation, this office will close at the end of October 2019. Along with other insurers, Allianz was disappointed with the change in the Discount Rate to -0.25% announced in July, particularly as the government had indicated to the industry and financial markets that the rate would be set between 0% and 1%. Whilst we have reserved prudently and the impact of this change on existing reserves is modest, the ongoing impact on claims inflation is clearly unwelcome. During Q1, Allianz announced its new charity partnership with Mind, the mental health charity. During the first four months, the company has raised £150,000 to support the charity’s work. Recognising the importance of mental health issues, Allianz has also introduced mental health training for managers and mental health first aider training programmes and an employee network available to all colleagues. The company’s objective is to have as many mental health first aiders as it has physical first aiders. Chief Executive Officer, Jon Dye said: “I am very pleased with the results we have delivered in the first half of this year against the backdrop of business transformation. To achieve profitable growth in our core accounts whilst delivering a programme of change on an unprecedented scale is testament not only to the quality and commitment of our people but also the strong relationships we have developed with our business partners. The acquisitions of LV= General Insurance and Legal & General Insurance underline the fact that Allianz has great confidence in the UK insurance market. Our half-year results show that we will be building our future business on very strong foundations.” Jon Dye. The information contained in this press release relates to Allianz Insurance plc. Allianz Insurance plc is one of the largest general insurers in the UK and part of the Allianz Group. About Allianz Holdings plc Allianz Holdings plc is the non-regulated holding company which owns the principal insurance operations of Allianz SE in Great Britain. The Allianz Group is one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers with more than 100 million retail and corporate customers in more than 70 countries. Allianz customers benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services, ranging from property, life and health insurance to assistance services to credit insurance and global business insurance. Allianz is one of the world’s largest investors, managing 766 billion euros on behalf of its insurance customers. Furthermore, our asset managers PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors manage 1.7 trillion euros of third-party assets. Thanks to our systematic integration of ecological and social criteria in our business processes and investment decisions, we hold the leading position for insurers in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In 2019, over 147,000 employees achieved total revenues of 142 billion euros and an operating profit of 11.9 billion euros for the group. These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below. This document includes forward-looking statements, such as prospects or expectations, that are based on management's current views and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance figures, or events may differ significantly from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Deviations may arise due to changes in factors including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the general economic and competitive situation in the Allianz Group's core business and core markets, (ii) the performance of financial markets (in particular market volatility, liquidity, and credit events), (iii) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, including those resulting from natural catastrophes, and the development of loss expenses, (iv) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (v) persistency levels, (vi) particularly in the banking business, the extent of credit defaults, (vii) interest rate levels, (viii) currency exchange rates, most notably the EUR/USD exchange rate, (ix) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, (x) the impact of acquisitions including and related integration issues and reorganization measures, and (xi) the general competitive conditions that, in each individual case, apply at a local, regional, national, and/or global level. Many of these changes can be exacerbated by terrorist activities. No duty to update The Allianz Group assumes no obligation to update any information or forward-looking statement contained herein, save for any information we are required to disclose by law. Charlotte Stretton Email: charlotte.stretton@allianz.co.uk Get notified as soon as we issue a new press release: Follow Allianz Insurance plc on Mynewsdesk You might also be interested in these other news and insight features: Allianz statement on the completed sale of British Reserve Insurance Company Allianz Insurance plc (Allianz Insurance) has completed the sale of British Reserve Insurance Company Limited (BRIC) to Marco Capital Holdings Limited. Allianz Insurance supports Defence Employer Recognition Scheme In recognition of the adoption of the Armed Forces Covenant, Allianz Insurance has been awarded the Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Full year review 2020 Simon McGinn, General Manager, Commercial & Personal, reflects on key events which shaped the industry during a most challenging and unprecedented year. Allianz appoints two strategic account managers Allianz Insurance has announced the appointment of Samantha Brand and Julie O’Donovan to the roles of strategic account manager. Allianz Insurance has been ranked 29 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List In recognition of its continued dedication to workplace diversity, Allianz Insurance has been ranked 29th in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List – a definitive list of UK based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics, throughout each level of employment. Allianz appoints new chief engineer Allianz Engineering, Construction & Power has appointed Peter Carless as chief engineer. He replaces Martin Butler who recently retired from the business. Allianz Holdings plc trading update for Q3 2020 This is a quarterly update of the Allianz Holdings Group, incorporating Allianz Insurance, LV= General Insurance and the general insurance business acquired from Legal & General. Allianz retains No 1 insurance brand spot Allianz once again is named the No 1 insurer in the Interbrand ranking of the 100 most valuable brands in the world. Allianz appoints new head of claims operations Allianz Insurance has appointed Graham Stait to the position of head of claims operations. Allianz and LV=GI join Race at Work Charter Allianz Insurance and LV=General Insurance (LV=GI) are proud to announce that they have signed the Race at Work Charter as part of their commitment to diversity and inclusion. New sponsorship between Allianz and Rugby Football Union partnership Allianz Insurance is excited to announce today that we have partnered with the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Allianz will become the Official Insurance Partner of England Rugby, and partner to the men’s and women’s England rugby teams. Allianz Holdings plc appoints new chairman Allianz Holdings plc today announced the appointment of Paul Evans as non-executive chairman. We’ve been nominated for the Insurance Times Awards 2020 Allianz has been nominated in 2 categories for the Insurance Times Awards 2020. Allianz raises half a million pounds for charity partner Mind Allianz Insurance has hit the £500,000 fundraising mark for leading mental health charity Mind, just 18 months since the partnership began. Expanded Allianz business delivering as planned Allianz Holdings plc, the holding company which owns Allianz Insurance and LV= General Insurance (LV= GI) announces its interim results for the six months ending 30 June 2020.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3731
__label__cc	0.745283	0.254717	Android Central Digital Offers Get a lifetime subscription to Serpstat, a powerful SEO tool, for just $35 Companies that live online are all about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Major search engines have a certain ranking formula, and if your site isn't near the top of the list, chances are your traffic will suffer. That's where optimization comes into play. Instead of writing headlines and hoping for the best, proper SEO requires careful planning and analysis. Instead of laboring in front of a computer, there are platforms that can handle SEO automatically. Right now, Android Central Digital Offers has a deal on a lifetime subscription to Serpstat, a cloud-based SEO platform that's exactly the answer to your automation woes. Instead of the regular price of $2,280, you'll pay just $35. That's 98 percent off! Serpstat can give you a list of the best keywords, can compare keywords with the competition, find keyword variations, analyze trends, and figure out what will work best to grow your traffic. The tool includes five modules: Global Rank Tracker Backlink Explorer Competitor Analysis Tools If you're ready to hand SEO over to an automated tool, Serpstat is it. Right now, at 98 percent off, there's really no better time to invest. See at Android Central Digital Offers	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3735
__label__wiki	0.557468	0.557468	Sign up to receive breaking news and get access to exclusive golf discounts. 10 Weird Facts About Golf July 24, 2017 \|By Gina Scanlon Brush up on your golf trivia with our list full of facts about the game below. Two-times is not the charm on the green. The chances of making two holes-in-one in a single round of golf are one in 67 million! The first ever golf balls were made of thin leather, stuffed with goose feathers. ‘Feather balls’ were used up until 1848, when they were replaced with the ‘Guttie’ ball, named for the rubber-like sap of the Gutta tree, found in the tropics. The term ‘birdie’ comes from the late 19th century, when an American gentleman named Ab Smith came up with the phrase, ‘bird of a shot,’ while playing, which eventually turned into the term we use today. Feeling inadequate about your high handicap? The truth is that 80% of all golfers never achieve a handicap of less than 18. The longest golf hole in the world is the 7th hole of the Sano Course at the Satsuki Golf Club in Japan, measuring a whopping 909 yards. Is it impossible for a 5-year old to shoot a hole-in-one? Apparently not. The youngest golfer to ever do it, Cosby Orr, was just that age in 1975 in Littleton, Colorado, still holding the title today. The most famous left-handed golfer in history has a dirty secret. 4-time Major champion, Phil Mickelson, was actually born right-handed! He simply mirrored his father’s left-handed swing as a child, and never looked back. The highest golf course in the world is the Tactu Golf Club in Morococha, Peru, sitting 14,335 feet above sea level at its lowest point. Golf has actually been played on the moon! It is only 1 of 2 sports to literally have been played out-of-this-world, along with the javelin throw. Back in 1971, Apollo 14 astronaut, Alan Shepard, swung a one-handed shot with a six-iron, which was all his pressure suit would allow. It’s pretty widely accepted that golf began in Scotland 500+ years ago. The Chinese, however, claim to have invented a similar game during the Song dynasty as far back as 943 A.D. Browns Mill Named 2nd Most Improved U.S. Course in 2014 The great Socrates once said that the secret to change is to... Read more February 2, 2015 \|By Patrick Hodgson Skylinks at Long Beach By Tyler Pringle Skylinks is not like the other golf courses in Long... Read more August 7, 2012 \|By Tyler Pringle Mickelson Makes Return, Tiger Looks to Build Momentum Phil Mickelson is making his return to the PGA Tour one week... Read more August 5, 2009 \|By Brad 8 Non-Golf Items You Need in Your Golf Bag As you reorganize your golf bag, it’s important that basics are packed... Read more September 26, 2016 \|By Gina Scanlon Low-End vs. High-End Golf Balls When to Replace Your Golf Glove Does Mini Golf Help Your Putting? The Best Time of Day to Golf How to Get Your Kids Into Golf American Golf News Florida Golf Courses Golf Equipment & Apparel Golf Events & Tournaments Golf Tournaments / Seminars Los Angeles Golf Courses New York Golf Courses Orange County Golf Courses Oregon Golf Courses San Diego Golf Courses So Cal Golf Courses What to Look for in a Golf Teacher Before you go on a hunt for the right golf instructor, first... Read more	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3740
__label__wiki	0.796091	0.796091	Resehantering JAG BEHÖVER HANTERA ETT RESEPROGRAM… … I SVERIGE … I FLERA LÄNDER/GLOBALT JAG BEHÖVER EN LÖSNING FÖR… BOKNING AV HOTELL FLYG & MARKTRANSPORT Riskhantering BESPARINGAR & OPTIMERING Möten och Event Strategisk Möteshantering Eventhantering Gruppresor med Flyg Mötesteknik Möten Inom Läkemedels- och Hälsovårdsbranschen Analyser och Insikter Global Mötes- och Eventprognos Affärsrådgivning VAR VI FINNS ATLASBLOGGEN FUTURE OF TRAVEL \| 5min read From Facial Recognition to Robots, How “Minority Report” Predictions Are Impacting Travelers Today When “Minority Report” hit theaters in 2002, who would have imagined just how accurate its depiction of the future world would be — or just how fast those technologies would come? But here we are 15 years later, and a lot of the futuristic elements in the film, set in 2054, have become a reality. From driverless and flying cars to facial recognition and robots, here’s how the ahead-of-its-time technology featured in the Steven Spielberg movie is impacting business travelers’ experiences today and in the near future. Biometric identification Facial and optical recognition was featured in the movie to assist in police search efforts. Today such technology is being utilized at airports not only as a security measure but also as a way to allow low-risk travelers to move through security checkpoints more quickly. Those who read our recent Atlas article on how to reduce your wait time at airport security lines know that U.S. Customs and Border Protections already use such technology for its Global Entry and CLEAR™ programs. The way it works: A traveler’s face, iris and/or fingerprints are scanned at a biometric recognition kiosk. Then the information captured is compared to data stored in a traveler’s profile in the system. If there’s a match, the traveler is given the green light and can skip the longer security line. Despite some travelers’ concerns over privacy (a theme in the movie as well), it looks like biometric recognition is taking over airports all over the world, from London to Dubai and Tokyo to Amsterdam. Back in May 2017, Delta launched a self-service baggage drop powered by facial recognition technology, and the company also would like to use passengers’ fingerprints down the road to forgo paper boarding passes. As CBS News reports, along with the Transportation Security Administration, JetBlue began testing in June 2017 to see if facial recognition could be used in lieu of a boarding pass, phone or passport to get them boarded on the aircraft more quickly. Testing is still underway, but stay tuned for more details! Now there’s no need to worry. The robots you likely will encounter are nothing like the creepy spiders of “Minority Report” that invade apartments checking people’s IDs. OK, so maybe AnBot, which operates out of Bao’an Airport in Shenzhen, China, bears a small resemblance — in personality, that is. That’s because the benign-looking, 5-foot-tall robot has been programmed to carry out security checks in the departures hall in one of its terminals. Outfitted with four high-definition cameras with facial recognition software, AnBot can take pictures of passengers and send them for analysis. And popping up at Silicon Valley’s Mineta San Jose International Airport are Norma, Amelia and Piper. In addition to supplying travelers with directions to dining and shopping destinations, the three robots — named after aviation legends Norma Mineta, Amelia Earhart and William Piper — can dance, play music and take people’s photos. And at Oakland (Calif.) Airport, you may bump into Pepper while having a bite to eat at the Pyramid Ale Taproom before your flight. The 4-foot-tall humanoid robot is employed there as a waiter and programmed to offer passengers advice on food and drink selections. And once you land in your destination and check in to your hotel, expect to see more friendly machines waiting to greet you. Hilton teamed up with IBM Watson to create Connie the concierge that can answer hundreds of guest queries on command. At an InterContinental property, you may find Dash instead of housekeeping turn up at your door when calling down for extra towels or toiletries. Standing 3 feet tall, Dash gets around unaccompanied at a human walking pace and even can navigate between floors and use the elevator. Driverless and flyer cars In the movie, the main character John Anderton (Tom Cruise) hitches a ride in — and sometimes on —autonomously controlled vehicles that also can fly. While the public does not have access to this sort of driverless wheels yet, it’s not too long until we do. Google, which announced its intentions to make a driverless car all the way back in 2009, said it plans to make its model available to the public in 2020. Like Google’s version, Ford is working on a car with a “level four” automated driving system (level five is the highest). Ford’s model even will have a patented removable steering wheel. And the future of ride-hailing may include getting from Point A to Point B without anyone sitting in the driver’s seat. In 2016, Uber started testing its own fleet of driverless vehicles in Pittsburgh. Volvo also has been trialing self-driving technology, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles just announced it is joining BMW’s existing alliance with Intel, which has acquired the self-driving technology unit, Mobileye. And in the not-so-distant future, you may be behind the wheel (or not!) of a driverless vehicle when renting a car. In June 2017, Waymo, an autonomous car development company spun out of Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., reached an agreement for Avis Budget Group Inc. to manage its fleet of driverless vehicles. Self-driving rental cars are a perfect solution for business travelers, who would no longer need to worry about getting lost in a foreign city. As for flying cars? Well, Uber, Daimler (manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz) and Toyota are each backing their own plans to launch what are known as “vertical takeoff and landing personal air transport vehicles.” DeLorean Aerospace also is testing its own prototype and says it could have a real-size model up and flying by late 2018. So what else could possibly come our way? Guess we need Spielberg to get cracking on a “Minority Report” sequel to find out. 5 Strategies for Improving Travel Policy Compliance TRAVEL & MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Global Business Travel Forecast 2018 Possible 2018 Travel Trends: Our Predictions for the Year Ahead Vänligen välj land/språk. reselösningar GBT Ready Möten Och Evenemang Rest Assured Solutions Insikter & Rapportering Amex GBT MobilApp Globala Nätverk Leverantörsrelationer © 2021 à GBT Sweden AB d/b/a/ American Express Global Business Travel. All rights reserved.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3742
__label__wiki	0.813348	0.813348	Arms: The UK must lead the way for the most robust Arms Treaty Amnesty International has welcomed the UK Prime Minister’s support to deliver an Arms Treaty (ATT) and has called on him to ensure his government pushes for the most effective treaty possible as they... After 10 years, time for leaders to champion the International Criminal Court It is time for governments the world over to show proper support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), Amnesty International said as the ICC celebrated a decade of pursuing justice for people... Geneva meeting must push for human rights monitoring in Syria Foreign ministers gathering in Geneva for talks on Syria have a responsibility to ensure that as violence intensifies and civilian casualties continue to mount, the establishment of a dedicated human... Memorandum to Morsi spells out human rights challenges facing Egypt ‘The army’s powers to arrest, detain and investigate civilians … are the most urgent threat to the rule of law’ - Salil Shetty Amnesty International today called on Egypt’s new president to break the... Diary notice: free London screening of powerful new documentary on house demolitions in East Jerusalem - Tuesday 3 July Amnesty International UK’s London office will host a free screening of an acclaimed new documentary on house demolitions in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday 3 July. The film, My... Ethiopia: Conviction of government opponents a 'dark day' for freedom of expression More Ethiopian government opponents have been convicted on trumped up terrorism and treason charges in what Amnesty International called "a dark day" for freedom of expression. Iconic dissident... Italy: Amnesty calls for immediate halt to closure of authorised Roma camp in Rome The Italian authorities must immediately stop plans to evict Roma families from a camp on the outskirts of Rome, and should instead improve housing conditions there, Amnesty International said today... South Sudan: Arms supplies fuelling violations in forgotten conflict UK and Isle of Man-registered shell companies involved in supplying battle tanks used in attacks by SPLA A ready flow of military weapons from China, Sudan and Ukraine has triggered indiscriminate... Syria: attack on TV station condemned ‘Even a media organisation engaged in propaganda is still a civilian object, so it and those working for it must never be deliberately targeted’ - Ann Harrison Amnesty International has condemned the... Pakistan: first execution in four years scheduled for Saturday must be urgently commuted The death sentence of Behram Khan, a Pakistan national, who is scheduled for execution in Karachi this Saturday must be urgently commuted Amnesty International said today. It would be the first...	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3744
__label__cc	0.615261	0.384739	2021 Plan Options Drug Formularies ATRIO Member Portals Coverage Decisions, Appeals, and Grievances Payer IDs and Electronic Remittance Advice Provider Tools & Resources Secure Agent Portal News & Blog2017OctoberStrengthen Your Kids' Emotional Resil ... Strengthen Your Kids' Emotional Resilience The lazy days of summer have been steamrolled by jam-packed schoolyear schedules overflowing with homework and extracurriculars, not to mention the societal challenges that today's kids and teens face — from cyber-bullying to community violence and drug exposure — to cite just a few sobering examples. Given the stresses that surround them, coupled with genetic factors that impact mental health, it's not surprising that one in five youth aged 13 to 18 experiences a severe mental disorder, and half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14. Most disturbing is the fact that suicide is the third-leading cause of death for those aged 10 to14, and the second-leading cause of death in the 15-to-24-year-old category. While parents can't cover their children with an impenetrable protective shield, they can lead by example and help them develop coping skills that will strengthen their emotional resilience and set them on a path toward mental wellness in adulthood. With that goal in mind, and in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week — Oct. 1 through Oct. 7 — ATRIO Health Plans is sharing some tips to help parents help their offspring. Make your home a stress-free zone. As much as possible, your home should be the least stressful space in your children's lives. For instance, if you and your partner are having a disagreement, find a place to hash it out that's away from your kids. If you find yourself nagging your children or barking orders, take a step back and think about what you're saying, and how you're saying it. Be sure you're praising more than criticizing, and continually let your kids know how very much they are loved. Have an open-door policy. It's important to let your offspring know that they can talk to you about whatever is bothering them. In order for this open-door policy to work, parents must truly listen to their kids' concerns, and not be judgmental or belittle them in any way. Channel calmness. If a child is out of control and hysterical, parents must behave in precisely the opposite way by exuding a sense of calm and control. Such a situation is not the time for a shouting match. Instead, speak in a soft, soothing voice. Short phrases are best, such as: "Take a deep breath;" "It's going to be OK;" and, "Come sit down. We'll figure this out." Knowing what's typical versus troubling. Kids and teens all experience anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, and every other emotion spanning the spectrum of human feelings. This is part of typical development and learning to navigate the world of emotions. It's important, however, for parents to distinguish between typical behavior and behavior that warrants professional help. Signs that a child or teen may need to see a mental-health professional include: Noticeable mood change lasting at least two weeks. Extreme worry or fear that isn't rooted in reality. Behavior that's out of character, dangerous, or out of control. Difficulty concentrating. Unexplained weight loss. Physical symptoms, such as a headache or upset stomach. Engaging in self-injury. Use of drugs or alcohol. Suicidal thoughts. Mental health issues are medical issues that can be overcome or managed. Shame is not part of the equation; shame would only be relevant if help is not sought. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577?pg=2 http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/helping-home-tips-parents https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Illness-Awareness-Week https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers News & Blog Search Select ATRIO Medicare NewsCommunity EventsGeneral HealthGeneral InfoRecipeSafetyTravel Select 20202019201820172016 Keeping Your Hands Germ-Free During Cold & Flu Season Keeping Stress at Bay During the Holidays Customer Service Hours Daily: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Pacific Toll Free 877-672-8620 TTY/TDD 711-735-2900 2965 Ryan Drive SE Atrio B Corp Compliance At Atrio ATRIO Health Plans has PPO and HMO D-SNP plans with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Oregon Health Plan. Enrollment in ATRIO Health Plans depends on contract renewal. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat ATRIO Health Plan members, except in emergency situations. For a decision about whether we will cover an out-of-network service, we encourage you or your provider to ask us for a pre-service organization determination before you receive the service. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services. Y0084_WB_2021 ©2021 Copyright ATRIO Health Plans. All rights reserved	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3747
__label__cc	0.655846	0.344154	Searching for: "Bill Myers" Newest Titles Book Title (A-Z) Book Title (Z-A) Fire of Heaven 'My words will become a fire in your mouth that you cannot contain. They will burn until you have warned my Bride. Warn her before it is too late!' So begins a dramatic journey into holiness, as newlyweds Brandon and Sarah Martus accept the call to become Revelation's two prophets. This is not another end-times thriller, but one of the most intense and thought-provoking pieces of Christian fiction to come along in years. As the couple prepare for the final showdown against Satan himself, they must live and proclaim the truths Christ has given his end-time church. From America, to archaeological ruins dating back to Bible times, to the Himalayas, and finally to Jerusalem, Brandon and Sarah...read more Alton Gansky In cycle two of the series, the Harbingers team investigates more unsettling mysteries that drive them to the breaking point. Will they be strong enough to keep overcoming the world's dark forces? Fast-paced and ongoing, this thrilling collection reads like your favorite TV series, with each linked episode written by a talented author. The Next Wave of Stories in the Harbingers Series Arrives Cycle 2 of the Harbingers series continues the story of four gifted strangers brought together to fight a growing darkness. In Bill Myers's 'The Revealing,' the team finds themselves in Rome trying to retrieve the mystical spear Hitler once owned--the very spear that pierced Christ's side. This task...read more In cycle three of the series, the Harbingers team investigates more mysterious and fascinating supernatural occurrences in Hollywood, a small town in North Carolina, and elsewhere. Can they keep the growing darkness at bay? This fast-paced and ongoing collection reads like your favorite TV series, with each linked episode written by a talented author. Myers, Peretti, Hunt, and Gansky Offer Latest Harbingers Volume Cycle Three of the Harbingers series offers more suspense, more chills, and a deeper look into the battle for light in a growing darkness. In Myers's 'Leviathan,' the team heads to Hollywood for a taping of the new TV pilot, Live or Die, the Ultimate Reality. Little do they...read more Soul Tracker What if you could visit heaven and hell, traveling when and wherever you wish . . . without ever dying?What if your teenage daughter, the joy of your life, had died a tragic death and you discovered a way to visit her?What if there were people and beings, on both sides of the grave, who want to stop your return?These are the questions facing novelist David Kauffman. As a single parent he is devastated when his young daughter meets an untimely death. Desperate to contact her, he meets Gita Patekar, a beautiful and committed Christian with a scarred and shame-ridden past. She works for "Life After Life"-an organization dedicated to tracking and recording the experiences of the soul once it...read more In the first cycle of the Harbinger series, four strangers discover they have extraordinary gifts and are brought together to fight a growing darkness. Meet the members of the Harbingers team--each written by an acclaimed author--in four linked episodes! Fast-paced and ongoing, this thrilling suspense collection reads like your favorite TV series. Four Bestselling Authors Team Up for Thrilling Supernatural Suspense Gathering four stories from four bestselling author friends, Invitation is the first collection in the ongoing Harbingers series. In 'The Call' by Bill Myers, four strangers are drawn together to help a student at the mysterious Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies. His gifts...read more Ancient Forces Collection: The Ancients The tenth book of Bill Myers' Forbidden Doors series sends Becka Williams, Scott Williams, and Becka's boyfriend, Ryan Riordan, to a Native American tribe in New Mexico, where the witch doctor Dark Bear is trying to show his tribe members the Christian religion is no match for the powers of the Native American gods. When Becka, Scott, and Ryan arrive, they are met by Swift Arrow, a Christian who has been trying to convince his people that Dark Bear's magic is a lie. As Becka and Scott work with Swift Arrow to counter Dark Bear's message, Ryan is entranced by Native American lore. Now the Williams not only have to help the tribe, they may have to rescue Ryan as...read more Deadly Loyalty Collection: The Curse Book seven of Bill Myers' Forbidden Doors series follows Becka and Scott Williams as they travel to Louisiana with their mother on a family vacation, and discover the presence of voodoo on their aunt's farm. One of their aunt's farm hands knows who is behind the strange rituals and deaths that are happening in the area, and leads them to Big Sweet. To add to the danger, Scott and Becka receive a message that a troubled girl named Sara is involved with Big Sweet and needs their help. But Sara doesn't want help, and Becka might be in danger as a result. It will take prayer and the power of God to save Sara and defeat the dark magic at work in the...read more Invisible Terror Collection: The Haunting In book four of bestselling author Bill Myers' Forbidden Doors series, the owner of the local occult bookshop asks Becka Williams for help. The woman claims the ghost of a little girl is trapped inside an old mansion, and Becka is the only one who can free her. When Becka and her friends enter the mansion, however, it soon becomes clear something very strange is happening, and it could be more than just a lost spirit trying to get free. Becka and her brother, Scott, will need to call on all their spiritual training to not only end the haunting, but also keep their friends...read more Dark Power Collection: The Society The first book of the bestselling Forbidden Doors series by author Bill Myers introduces Becka and Scott Williams, siblings who recently moved to California from Brazil when their father disappeared. When Becka joins the running team at school, she notices her team members and others in the school carry around pouches filled with special gems for good luck-the same pouches worn by witch doctors in Brazil. At the same time, Scott's new friend introduces him to the Society, a group of kids who worship the occult. When Scott and Becka stand up for their beliefs, the Society begins threatening them at home and at school. Through the advice of a mysterious man named Z, both Becka and Scott try...read more Ancient Forces Collection: The Cards In the final book of Bill Myers' Forbidden Doors series, the dark world of fortune telling and tarot is exposed when Becka and Scott Williams' friend Philip becomes entangled in the lies it offers. With high school graduation approaching, Philip feels lost-his dad is an alcoholic who barely cares for him, he's not sure what he wants to do with his life, and his future with his girlfriend, Krissi, is unsure. Desperate, Philip turns to Madame Theo and the knowledge her cards promise. Becka and Scott know Philip is struggling, but will they see the signs of his spiritual decent before it's too...read more Ancient Forces Collection: The Wiccan The eleventh book of Bill Myers' Forbidden Doors series centers on Wicca, and what the high price of fame can be. Becka Williams' best friend Julie has invited all her friends to a personal meet-and-greet with Sarina, the star of the hot new Wiccan-centered show The Hex, which everyone but Becka watches. When Becka speaks up about her faith while meeting Sarina, she sees firsthand the darkness behind the glamour of Wicca. Becka has been told she has a special message Sarina needs to hear, but how can she help a girl who is doing everything to keep Becka...read more Deadly Loyalty Collection: The Scream Bill Myers' ninth book in the Forbidden Doors series explores the forces behind satanic music when Scott and Becka Williams are sent tickets to attend a concert by the nation's top rock band, The Scream, in order to save the drummer from the occult before it's too late. Scott is a huge fan of the band, and is awed by their fame, while Becka is distracted by the man they're supposed to save. As the demonic spirits gain power, both Becka and Scott will need to focus on their...read more Deadly Loyalty Collection: The Undead The eighth book of Bill Myers' Forbidden Doors series takes Becka Williams and her boyfriend, Rick Riordan, to the set of a vampire movie, where the lead actress is in need of help after being attacked by what she claims is a real vampire. At first Becka is skeptical, but various occurrences and sightings of her own begin to make her wonder if one of the undead is truly terrorizing Transylvania. Meanwhile, Ryan is spending more and more time with the actress, and Becka has trouble fighting her jealousy. As the attacks grow more serious, Becka and Ryan will need to work together and use their eyes of faith to uncover what is going...read more Invisible Terror Collection: The Encounter The sixth book of Bill Myers' Forbidden Doors series focuses on Becka Williams' friend Krissi, who opens her life up to the occult when she dabbles in automatic handwriting. As the messages she writes begin to come true, Krissi begins to believe that she is a real conduit, and that the alien speaking through her is real. While the rest of her friends dismiss Krissi's actions as silly, Becka takes them seriously and worries about what dark spirits Krissi has opened herself to. Meanwhile, Becka's brother Scott is caught up in an online game that is slowly taking over his...read more Invisible Terror Collection: The Guardian At the start of the fifth book in Bill Myers' Forbidden Doors series, Becka Williams' best friend Julie is involved in a hit-and-run accident. When Julie awakes in the hospital, she's convinced an angelic being is caring for her and living inside her-but Becka is sure the spirit Julie has welcomed is anything but angelic. With Julie's spiritual wellbeing at stake, Becka risks everything to convince her friend of the...read more Dark Power Collection: The Spell In book three of the Forbidden Doors series by Bill Myers, the local occult group, the Society, begins a campaign to destroy Becka Williams, believing Becka's actions while exploring reincarnation were an attempt to overthrow their leader. As the campaign against Becka grows from scare tactics to dangerous threats, Becka begins to wonder if she'll survive. It will take all of Becka's faith and trust in God to save her from what the Society has...read more In book two of the Forbidden Doors series by bestselling author Bill Myers, Becka Williams decides to attend a lecture with her crush, Ryan Riordan, and there opens herself to a world of demonic deceit. When the lecturer, Maxwell Hunter, hypnotizes Becka, she sees her past life of royalty and prestige. Seduced by the vision, Becka begins exploring reincarnation and the power it offers. Becka's brother, Scott, and Ryan must find a way to rescue Becka from the dark forces she's invited into her...read more Ancient Forces Collection Some doors are better left unopened. Some doors, you don’t want to find out what lies behind them. In the Forbidden Doors series by bestselling author Bill Myers, teenager Rebecca “Becka” Williams, her younger brother Scott, and her friend Ryan Riordan are swept into heart-stopping encounters with an all-too-real invisible world—a world fraught with deception and spiritual adversaries that promise goodness and enlightenment but will stop at nothing to destroy life, sanity, and human souls. Witchcraft. Reincarnation. Ouija Boards. UFOs. Shamanism. Counterfeit spiritualities are widespread and popular with spiritually searching young adults such as Becka’s peers....read more Deadly Loyalty Collection Invisible Terror Collection	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3749
__label__wiki	0.711777	0.711777	YOU CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT SOMETIMES I WISH I COULD JUST PHONE HOME. Recently a friend of mine couldn’t enjoy an evening out until she had called her five-year-old daughter. Another said that she understood completely: she sometimes longs to call up her cat. And I often wish that I could telephone my loft. In fact, my answering machine’s remote features a room monitor. But would listening to the silence of my four walls satisfy my desire for their enclosure? Hewing for a moment to traditional dichotomies, house has represented culture, the father, the building, the body public and political, the future, and modernity; home has stood for nature, the mother, the cave/womb, the body private and psychological, the past, and atavism. Home doesn’t depend on a house. Those we call the homeless may not have a structured domicile of their own, but many attempt to recreate home: last Thanksgiving, some homeless men living in makeshift shacks under New York’s West Side Highway roasted a turkey in a file cabinet and had some friends over for supper. Home is also homeland, homeboy, homegirl; it is a mother tongue, the basis of an individual’s identity in a sense of origin and of place; home is where you come from, where your emotional nature is structured and protected, where you are best known and most anonymous. As in baseball, once you leave it, the object of the game is to get home safely. “A house is not a home,” but to seek home in recent artworks, one first has to get past and inside the pictographic image of house that almost all of us drew as children. Perhaps we were indoctrinated to draw it by Dick and Jane books regardless of our actual circumstances. In any case, the little house, the square with a triangular roof, perhaps a few windows, a chimney, and a front door remains as ubiquitous in adult representation as in children's drawings. In contrast to the urban arena so central to 19th-century art, post-Modernity emerges from the decentered isolation of suburban sprawl. Hello Levittown, good-bye Paree. This pictographic house is always miniaturized and infantilized. Even when it is big enough for a person to stand up in, it is still the type of structure wherein the door takes up a disproportionate amount of the facade, like a doghouse. Joel Shapiro’s little bronze houses on the prairie of the Paula Cooper Gallery’s floor posit the artist both as the adult with a bird’s-eye view of the childhood he has literally outgrown, and as the child playing with toy representations. Cabrita Reis’ reprise of Shapiro’s motif, small iron-and-fiberglass structures surrounded by cypress trees, walls, and chairs, is pervaded by a retrograde melancholia.1 The word “home” may itself conjure up a sentimental Victorian image of coziness and comfort, slippers by the fire, teakettles humming on the stove. However, much late-20th-century art presents a more dystopic vision, one I will trace in a brief tour through art, rooms, houses, and household objects of the past two decades, bringing along my middle-class background and my identity as a New Yorker. The concept of home is inevitably personal, even if the “home” of this essay is an agora of the international art world, Artforum. The relationship between the house, the home, and the body, acted out in miniaturized environments, is evident in many of Vito Acconci’s pieces dealing with private and public space. In early works such as Trappings, 1971, and Seedbed, 1972, Acconci retreated within claustrophobic “location[s] for regressive activity.”2 The home was cast as a hothouse of sexuality, and, implicitly, of sexual or gender dysfunction. Acconci calls attention to the sexual aspects of such childhood games as “playing house,” which often means acting out gender roles (“You be the mommy and I’ll be the daddy”), or playing doctor; tree houses (gender bonding); houses created by a sheet drawn over a table (recreating the womb). His recent, more elaborate playhouses, such as Houses Up the Wall or Making Shelter (House of Used Parts), both 1985, reflect the “cold, manipulative order of the ’80s.”3 The spectator is no longer a voyeur, but associative mental imaginings are cut off because interaction is organized into limited patterns: one is invited into a home, yes, then told to sit here, fit in here, squat here. The guest must conform to predetermined and cramped situations. Says Acconci, “This should be the kind of home that makes you a stranger inside it.”4 Once entered, this ideograph of house readily becomes a prison. Lee Jaffe’s series of “Cages for John Cage,” 1990, are lead and steel walled with metal-fenced interiors. Repetitive sounds of laughing, crying, and sighing, and a bare light fixture overhead, propose the home as Riker’s Island. Bruce Nauman’s Room with My Soul Left Out/Room that Does Not Care, 1984, is even bleaker, an interior without interiority, without even a substantial floor: metal-grate floors again recall the penitentiary. Other works by Nauman present the home as a chamber for surveillance: you walk down Live Taped Video Corridor, 1970, toward the monitor but away from the camera, so that you are always viewed but frustrated in any attempt to see yourself. In this home the child is watched but never allowed to develop a sense of self free of the need for an outer mirror. Such a state of surveillance is a factory for the production of narcissism. And mirrors are frequent appointments of the art home, reflecting only the glassy, gleaming surface of their own appearance rather than the child’s. Roy Lichtenstein’s mirrors of the late ’60s and early ’70s are impeccably self-absorbed; they are the fairest of them all. Similarly, Barbara Bloom has photographed elegant 19th-century mirrors that do not capture the image of the vampire artist—undead or unalive. “Une Mere de Glace,” the title of an essay by the French psychoanalytic theorist Luce Irigaray, seems relevant to this blank reflector: mother of mirror, mother of ice (sea of mirrors, sea of ice).5 The home is the site where the mother takes revenge on her children for having herself been the object of specularization, by denying them an accurate reflection of their own subjectivity. And, in fact, much contemporary work that circulates around the concept of home conjures up an unloving or lacking mother, if one associates the basic security of home with child psychologist D. M. Winnicott’s idea of the “good-enough” relation to the mother in early childhood. In Richard Artschwager’s house luxurious furnishings cannot ensure the stability of home: walls shimmer and vanish into the Celotex swirls of his many domestic interiors. In Hanging Man/Sleeping Man, 1989, Robert Gober uses wallpaper, a debased pictorial mode, to suggest a societal nightmare: a sleeping white man (the image taken from an ad for a white sale) dreams a lynched black man. Since the image is ambiguous—whose nightmare is this?—Gober’s walls are doubly destabilizing. In another 1989 installation, sink drains in the walls seem ready to absorb the nocturnal emissions of the penises, vaginas, and assholes sketched on the black wallpaper behind them. Notwithstanding these rather literal imagings of “lack,” there’s a lot of furniture in the home. The 19th-century urban flâneur has been replaced by the couch potato, but this ever-more-passive spectator is denied a soft couch for analytic introspection. Chairs made of lava, granite, and Formica (Scott Burton and Artschwager) are resolutely unadapted to the human form and are guaranteed to hurt actual bodies. “Go to bed now.” At home one learns how to fall asleep. But Gober’s Pitched Crib, 1987, hints at parents reading Doctor Caligari instead of Doctor Spock. Other cribs by Gober are sterile cages that deny visual stimulation, that pen one in. Rona Pondick’s Lead Bed, 1987-88, will protect the sleeper’s sexual organs from radiation, but infantile sexuality has laid a turd on the pillow. Milk- and blood-filled baby bottles prevent relaxation on her Double Bed, 1989, which recalls the Darwinian urge to reproduce and the contingency of the female body, but whose surface would bruise a lover’s skin. Want to have sex on a bed? Curtis Mitchell’s is covered with so many condoms you’d either be intimidated into impotence or slide off the rubberized surface. This home tour may appear but no matter which invitations would have been accepted,all corridors lead to the rec room6 of the suburban home, as inevitably as the traffic patterns of the Museum of Modern Art dictate our passage through the history of Modernism. Pruitt • Early live in Saturday Night Live’s “Wayne’s World,” the basement where mother cannot descend; lots of beer cans there, with decal labels: “Shit,” “Alien Sex Fiend,” “Choose Death,” and “Doctor Pecker” (Sculpture for Teenage Boys [Pabst Pyramid 13 High], early 1990s). There are lots of shiny metal objects in the rec room: walkers, handcuffs, and more beer cans, Cady Noland’s “skeletal tracings of cages, ‘playpens’ far more openly vicious than Gober’s.” Critics feel that she “evokes the homespun violence of the hearth.”7 It is said that her “focus may seem circumscribed in its preoccupation with a depiction of American pathology. But hers is no small task. She wants to show the tension between the standard way of looking at America and the reality of our banal lives.”8 But frankly, this view of the American home and homeland as a bland, barren, generic factory for the production and dissemination of psychopathology is by now the “standard way of looking at America.” Such a tarnished picture has long since replaced the earlier American myth of the innocent struggle for opportunity promulgated by Hollywood movies of the ’30s. A recent film, Edward Scissorhands, 1990, offers, on the one hand, the bland pastel suburban home as the domain of either ineffectual or brutal men and, for the most part, voracious witchlike females, and, on the other hand, the Gothic castle where a lonely and alienated artist recreates in ice (a suitably post-Modern material, nontraditional and cold) the inhabitants of the suburban “wonderland” who have rejected him. Edward’s ice sculptures remain in the castle, but the “homey” objects described here are ultimately destined for art’s home away from home, the “white cube” of the Modernist and post-Modernist gallery, that 20th-century construct from which all Victorian concepts This home tour may appear random but no matter which other invitations would have been accepted, all corridors lead to the rec room of home have been scoured. Even Gordon Matta-Clark’s site-specific dissections of homes, so evocative in photographs, ended up safely ensconced in the white cube. Art itself is being produced in homes that have been made to look like the white cube. The art will be sold to another home that probably also has been made to look like one. Today it is hard for an artist to be taken seriously if his or her studio does not mimic gallery conditions: white walls free of homey elements, and halogen lights please. While it stands to reason that studios that are not prototypically “cubic” might produce work that strays from the given, as John Perreault has noted, “Most [artists] have interiorized the likely conditions and allow these to determine how they work.”9 If the white cube “hothoused the serial jettisoning of content,”10 Womanhouse, 1972, a project of the Feminist Art Program at the California Institute of Arts, sought to reinject into art and society the subject matter Virginia Woolf had intuited in A Room of One’s Own: “For women have sat indoors all these millions of years, so that by this time the very walls are permeated by their creative force.”11 Womanhouse was produced within the confines of a single-family 1920s home in Hollywood and was experienced by the public as a house tour that began in Vicki Hodgetts’ painted-foam breast and sunny-side-up-egg-encrusted pink kitchen. The bathrooms included Camille Grey’s lacquered, deep red “Lipstick Bathroom” and Judy Chicago’s pristinely white “Menstruation Bathroom.” Sandy Orgel’s linen closet trapped a female mannequin between its shelves. A shoe closet by Beth Bachenheimer prototypically contextualized Imelda M. and Mary B., while Miriam Schapiro’s “Dollhouse” played with traditional links between woman-and-child/woman-as-child. Many of the artists who participated in Womanhouse were quite young, and their work expressed a sense of their mothers’ frustrated domestic imprisonment more than their own personal experience. The confining aspects of the home for its female occupants/caretakers, counterposed to the liberatory aspects of the inner home of the body, were represented and enacted in direct, imaginative, theatrical, and emotive forms, far removed from the dictates of the white cube. The work hardly idealized the notion of home, yet its rooms resonated with a sense of visual fullness in full opposition to the prisonlike sensory deprivation given so much credence in the art world today. Wonderland, 1983, a more recent work by Schapiro, also suggests an imaging of “lack” modulated by the plenitude of feminine activity. Schapiro’s celebration of traditional feminine domesticity raises the issue of a double standard in the art world’s reading and acceptance of such gendered depictions. One might compare Wonderland to Mike Kelley’s wall hanging of colorful afghans and toys, More Love Hours Than Can Ever Be Repaid, 1987. Kelley’s ironic and strategic use of kitsch gains him a place in “Wayne’s World,” the currently favored venue of avant-garde art, the latest version of the white cube. Schapiro’s genuine embrace of kitsch as an esthetic consigns her to the unseen world of the Mother, the sewing room in the attic of Modern art.12 At the center of Wonderland’s colorful, active, quiltlike field, Schapiro has placed an embroidered objet trouvé: we are welcomed to the Artschwageresque home of a hauntingly insecure woman who leans tentatively to one side. Schapiro’s central placement of this pathetic image is based on sympathy for the sorrows of the disappeared Mother; for its part, Kelley’s work threatens to collapse into childishness. One may be ambivalent about the “feminine mystique” but, for Schapiro, this is no excuse for visual impoverishment. Stuttering God, 1989-90, a recent collaboration by poet Madeline Gins, painter Arakawa, and architect John Knesl, recalls Womanhouse’s focus on the interiority of the female body. Part of a larger work, Building Sensoriums (1973-1990) for determining how not to die, it constitutes the “inside” to the “outside” of The Process in Question/Bridge of Reversible Destiny, a 43-foot-long metal-and-wood bridge across the large main room of Ronald Feldman Fine Arts. This piece was phallic, metallic, and allowed progress along a linear, although often blocked, path. In contrast, Stuttering God was invisible and soft, a womb entered through two cloth slits in the back gallery wall, a dark birth canal crowding the viewer with net bags filled with sponges. In a sense it was a classic fun-house setup, with all the scary apparatuses visible. Yet the viewer/participator felt genuinely trapped, with only forward movement possible. A walled-off inner core offered peephole glimpses inato vistas similar in construction to the piece outside (this was not the nature-bound body secreted in Marcel Duchamp’s Etant donnés). Most participants, however, were so anxious to get out that they did not linger long enough to really peep, reemphasizing the gulf between inner and outer space. The work did not seem to rely on the gallery space as home, it almost shunned it. Ilya Kabakov’s radical erasures of the white cube in Ten Characters, 1988, and He Lost His Mind, Undressed, Ran Away Naked, 1990, emerge out of urban domestic arrangements specific to Soviet Russia. These abandoned but overcrowded rooms are places for narrative, and they continue the tradition of the Russian novel and drama. People lived in these spaces, they talked exhaustively (if only perhaps to themselves) and despaired passionately. Although Kabakov’s “domestic theatre”13 is enacted within a system of Soviet oppression, it has parallels in American culture. Coming to the end of one of his poorly lit, seemingly endless corridor mazes, one could just as easily imagine emerging in the rabbit warrens of the Martinique Hotel (home for homeless New York welfare recipients) as in the deserted rooms of a Soviet communal apartment. These miserable and often messy homes are nevertheless as replete with human content as the rec rooms of the suburban home are empty. Urban home life positively spills from the Harlem tenement that is the locus for Faith Ringgold’s “Street Story Quilt,” 1985. Its windows are a crucial intermediary between the public and the private: people proclaim their antiwar sentiment—“Hell No We Won’t Go! Uncle Sam Don’t Give A Damn” is scrawled on a torn window shade— or they hang out, observing the ongoing drama of the street, the narrative of daily events displacing the bricks of the building they live in. The story culminates in the perhaps ironic “happy” ending of The Homecoming, which envisions the protagonists’ removal from this vivid homeland to Hollywood: “Ma Teedy leavin 222 West 146th Street in Harlem today. She goin to live where the grass grows green 12 months out the year. And where the sky is clear blue. And the sun shines everyday. She goin to Beverly Hills in Hollywood where the movie stars live.” But this artificial and empty paradise is not figured. In his contribution to “Bedrooms,” a series of installations last winter at Snug Harbor on Staten Island, Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt also touched on some of the human content of the inner-city home. A bare, white, old-fashioned hospital bed was the focus of a pink-walled room, barely touched by anything resembling art or even artfulness: on the walls were taped letters and pictures from the life of a Hispanic neighbor who had died of AIDS. The loving support of a lower-class family home could not save its child from drugs and AIDS, despite religious faith and the poetic talents of the victim. The difficulties of sustaining the concept of home as a secure and intimate place are real. Yet people everywhere—that is, most often women—are trying to “make a home,” to infuse a sense of human connectedness into a house. In Maureen Connor’s Linens, 1980, a starched and ironed white organdy tablecloth spills over and beyond the legs of an elegant dining-room table. The transformation of a useful item into a decorative object, the continuum between woman’s work—never done—and the ephemeral visual pleasure it can provide, are addressed without the ironic distance so devoutly adhered to in the contemporary art home. In fact, the piece had a suggestive complementarity to the unusual, noncubic space in which it was displayed. The marble mansion’s appointments—linen-covered walls with ornate neoclassical plaster moldings and ceilings—brought to mind the world in which the servant girl, perhaps Irish, who had preserved these luxuries might have lived and worked. One can usefully compare this linen confection to Artschwager’s Table with Pink Tablecloth, 1964, where such niceties are frozen into Formica, or to Mitchell’s tablecloths, despoiled with coffee and ketchup with a dispassion both scientific and esthetically formal. Connor illuminates the momentary triumph of the desire most often enacted by the female, to transcend the imperatives of mere shelter, without erasing a sense of the labor involved in such extravagances. Visual pleasure and exploitation are interwoven. Contemporary evocations of home, in works by Bloom, Noland, and Pruitt • Early among others, seem based on the reading and misreading of Walter Benjamin, especially his critique of aura and his belief in the radical potential of film and photographic technology. Would these works be different if graduate seminars required texts by Benjamin other than the ubiquitous “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction”? Recognition of the intense disagreement over the notion of aura between Benjamin and his friends Theodor Adorno, Bertolt Brecht, and Gershom Scholem might complicate one’s understanding of Benjamin’s feelings. (Brecht wrote in his diary: “b[enjamin] discovered [the decay of aura] through the analysis of film, where aura disintegrates because of the reproducibility of artworks. it is all mysticism mysticism, in a posture opposed to mysticism.”14) Benjamin’s “Unpacking My Library, A Talk About Book Collecting” gives an almost refreshing glimpse of a man, who otherwise seems to have been a consummate schlemiel in practical affairs, outwitting a competitive bidder for a coveted book.15 Shallow readings of “The Work of Art” ignore the cabalistic aspects of Benjamin’s relation to the material world, his understanding of text or object, be it ever so humble, to contain the potential for material and Messianic redemption.16 Indeed, Benjamin’s book collection was of such deep personal importance to him, recalling his Berlin childhood and providing him with a sense of identity and place (even when he and it were displaced to Paris), that some feel he committed suicide because, in fleeing to Spain, he had had to leave it behind. These objects were finally as meaningful to him as his life. Benjamin’s obvious attachment to auratic objects oozes out of his every (au)racular word. A luminous fragment from his essay “One-Way Street” bears upon the implications of aura in representations of home: as birds seek refuge in the leafy recesses of a tree, feelings escape into the shaded wrinkles, the awkward movements and inconspicuous blemishes of the body we love, where they can lie low in safety. And no passer-by would guess that it is just here, in what is defective and censurable, that the fleeting darts of adoration nestle.17 I find particular pleasure in wandering through the deserted backwaters of museums where objects once used in the home are overcrowded in glass vitrines. Most of these objects are pre-Modernist, removed from the Museum of Modern Art’s scientifically designed prototypes, and arranged in a manner distinctly unlike Haim Steinbach’s ironic tableaux. Gleaming collections of silver teapots, crackled ironstone platters, red and yellow earthenware bowls, porcelain teacups, and majolica dishes recall my hearth, and warm my white-cube-frozen heart. Looking at the rows of ever-so-slightly dusty chairs and tables hung up for study in the Henry R. Luce Center for the Study of American Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I’m not sure that love even rests in the object’s flaws. The harder we try to see the beloved, the more fugitive its image becomes; one might as well try to freeze in time the flow of one’s own blood. Domestic security rests precisely on being spared, at least briefly, any sense of closure, loss, mortality. You don’t see your home unless it is threatened, just as you don’t notice your skin unless it is injured. The difference between house and home is evident when a house is emptied of its possessions. The structure remains, but the concept of home has now fled to the moving van; it has gone with the end table that was perhaps never really perceived until it was withdrawn. The empty hallway awaits reinvestment with hominess, but the table contains it, even when it is displayed in a period room or put on a pedestal like an art object. Art objects about home cannot shake their link to the agora, while objects made for use in the home retain the auratic history of their human usage. Representation takes place in the gap between absence and desire. But that doesn’t mean that the desired never existed, was never glimpsed; what is lost may not have been lacking. My mother, for whom English is a fourth language, once wrote to me, “I love you with all my hearth.” While such emotion may occasionally be confining, its glow is not imaginary and it illuminates, for me, representation’s effort to reattain the desired home. The suburbanoid permutations of much contemporary art only focus on absence, and the futility of effort. Why not focus instead on the fullness of what was desire, and the heroism of the effort to slide safely into home? Mira Schor is a painter who lives in New York. She is the coeditor of M/E/A/N/I/N/G, a journal of contemporary art. 1. An exhibition catalogue for a show of work by Cabrita Reis is, in fact, entitled Melancolia (New York: Bess Cutler Gallery, 1989). 2. Vito Acconci, quoted in Max Kozloff, “Pygmalion Reversed,” Artforum XIV no. 3, November 1975, p. 35. 3. Kate Linker, “Vito Acconci’s Address to the Viewer Or, How Do I Work This Chair?,” Vito Acconci: The House and Furnishings as Social Metaphor, exhibition catalogue, Tampa: University of South Florida, USF Art Galleries, 1986, p. 6. 4. Acconci, “Home-Bodies (An Introduction to My Work, 1984-85),” ibid., p. 8. 5. Luce Irigaray, Speculum of the Other Woman, New York: Cornell University Press, 1985, pp. 168-79. 6. The rec room—for recreation—can also be read as a wreck room. 7. Daniela Salvioni, “Cady Noland: The Homespun Violence of the Hearth,” Flash Art 148, October 1989, p. 129. 8. Jeanne Siegel, “The American Trip: Cady Noland’s Investigations,” Arts 64 no.4, December 1989, p. 45. 9. John Perreault, Bedrooms, exhibition pamphlet, New York: Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island, 1991, n.p. 10. Brian O’Doherty, Inside the White Cube: The Ideology of the Gallery Space, Santa Monica: Lapis Press, 1986, p. 80. 11. Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own, 1929, New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1957, p. 91. 12. Although, in another double standard, if a third world artist embraces kitsch and color in a similar manner, it’s now considered OK. 13. Ilya Kabakov, Ten Characters, exhibition catalogue, London: Institute of Contemporary Arts, 1989, p. 35. Kabakov writes about “The Person Who Describes His Life Through Characters”: “Most of all, though, the ‘albums’ are like a type of ‘domestic theater,’ not contemporary theater where the action takes place in darkness in order to hold more strongly the viewer’s attention and envelop him in what is happening on stage, but more like old theatre conducted in a town square in broad daylight where the viewer is free to promenade physically and mentally in evaluating the action.” 14. Bertolt Brecht, quoted in Susan Buck-Morss, “The Adorno-Benjamin Debate: The Issues,” The Origin of Negative Dialectics: Theodor Adorno, Walter Benjamin, and the Frankfurt Institute, New York: Free Press, 1977, p. 149. 15. Significantly, the prize Benjamin won was Balzac’s La Peau de chagrin, a novel that links an antiquarian’s treasure with desire, fulfillment, suicide, and death. 16. For a more complete analysis of the role of cabalistic tradition in Benjamin’s thought, see Buck-Morss, “Is This Philosophy?,” The Dialectics of Seeing: Walter Benjamin and the Arcades Project, Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1989, pp. 216-52. 17. Benjamin, “One-Way Street,” Reflections: Essays, Aphorisms, Autobiographical Writings, trans. Edward Jephcott, New York: Schocken Books, 1986, p. 68.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3754
__label__cc	0.621711	0.378289	To get to know an artist, there is nothing more intimate than to turn to his notebooks, personal diaries on which he or she has worked. As a general rule, artists write little and draw abundantly: a pencil stroke on paper better captures an image than a pen and words. There are artworks that serve as instantaneous representations of a period, others intended as illustrations to complement text. However, everything is condensed in artwork, the root or the integrity of art, depending on whether we follow the lesson of Michelangelo or Ingres. Artur Ramon Art has dedicated special attention to work on paper, with scores of exhibitions dedicated to this area, exhibiting works that span five centuries, from the 16th to the 21st centuries. We have not placed chronological limits or geographic barriers in our search for quality drawings of antique, modern and contemporary periods, whether national or international. It is a solid proposal that Artur Ramon Art dedicates to private and public collectors, including museums like the Prado and the Louvre. Our position as artwork specialists culminated and was acknowledged with our acceptance in the Salon du Dessin de París (from 2009) and TEFAF Maastricht (from 2010) in the section Works on Paper, the two most prestigious art fair platforms in the world for exhibiting works on paper. We have been consolidating an international prestige for eight years through the best watercolours and drawings studied by specialists and published in our catalogues. Luca Giordano The fall of the giants , c. 1655 Juan Antonio Conchillos Academy Giovanni Battista Tiepolo A bearded oriental Giuseppe Maria Crespi Trompe‑l’oeil. Ces drolles font bonne chère , Bologna, second half of the 18th century Giuseppe Maria Crespi Trompe‑l’oeil. L’Aventurier AR in Museums Bailén 19. 08010 Barcelona. Ver mapa Tel. +34 93 302 59 70 art@arturamon.com Mon-Fri: 10am to 2am and 4:30pm to 8pm This website uses its own cookies and third-party analysis cookies to collect information in order to improve our services, as well as for the analysis of your browsing. If you continue browsing, it implies acceptance of their installation. The user has the possibility of configuring his browser and, if he so wishes, can prevent them from being installed on his hard disk, although he must take into account that this action may cause difficulties in browsing the websiteAcceptHow to configure	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3756
__label__wiki	0.867256	0.867256	Asean Economist Home Economy Singapore adopts 2008 crisis policy Singapore adopts 2008 crisis policy Paul Rivers Scarabeo 9 was ordered by Frigstad Offshore, a Singapore-based offshore drilling rigs management service company. The falling oil price has hit this key Singaporean sector. Source: Wikimedia The Singaporean central bank has eased policy after growth stalled in the first quarter, reducing economic expectations and triggering the biggest currency fall dollar in eight months. Singapore has been hampered with weak exports, depressed foreign demand and low inflation which have seen decision makers scrambling to restore momentum through aggressive easing. In its third policy easing in 15 months, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said it would set the rate of appreciation of the republic’s dollar NEER policy band at 0 per cent, starting on Thursday, and shift to a neutral policy stance. “It seems that Singapore is using both fiscal policy and the exchange rate to address the situation,” said Weiwen Ng, an economist at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group. “We may not be at the end of the easing cycle.” It is the first time the MAS has moved to ‘neutral’ since the 2008 global financial crisis, underscoring declining world growth that has destabilised asset markets in recent months and prompted central banks in Europe, Japan and China to step up policy support. The MAS, which manages monetary policy by changing the exchange rate rather than interest rates because trade flows dwarf the US$290-billion economy, previously maintained “modest and gradual” appreciation of the Singapore dollar. The IMF warned on Tuesday that prolonged slow growth had left the world economy more exposed to negative shocks. It predicted 1.8 per cent expansion for Singapore in 2016, compared with the authorities’ projection of 1 to 3 per cent. “It’s very interesting and eye-catching that the MAS has gone back to post-global financial crisis settings, and sends a strong message about the weak external environment,” Sean Callow, a currency strategist at Westpac in Sydney, said. He added: “As one of the world’s most trade-sensitive economies, Singapore’s concern over a ‘less favourable external environment’ should be noted by [South Korea, Australia and New Zealand].” The US Federal Reserve has moved to signal a more measured approach to rate increases. The MAS eased monetary policy twice last year, once in an unscheduled policy review in January last year. “The Singapore economy is projected to expand at a more modest pace in 2016 than envisaged in the October policy review,” the MAS announced. “Core Inflation will rise over the course of this year at a milder pace than earlier anticipated.” Joseph Incalcaterra, economist at HSBC in Hong Kong, said the central bank’s subdued view of inflation could lead to more policy easing. “The MAS will remain data dependent,” he added. This week’s data showed Singapore’s economy failed to post growth in the first quarter from the previous three months, follow 2 per cent growth in 2015, the weakest in six years. Singapore’s manufacturing sector has been hammered by falling global oil prices, which have reduced demand for oil rigs built by Singapore’s large rig industry. A softer Singapore dollar could put upward pressure on interest rates as investors seek higher yields to compensate for holding the weakening currency. “The big picture is that we expect Singapore’s economy to grow at a fairly sluggish rate of just 2 per cent this year and next,” said Daniel Martin, senior economist at Capital Economics. “In the short-term growth will be held back by rising local interest rates, which track the Fed funds rate closely.” Previous articleMalaysia burns tonnes of ivory Next articleThailand blocks refugee rescue mission Indonesia mass vaccination begins; younger generation first in line Pharmaceutical sector buoys Singapore factory output Indonesia launches $3-billion Patimban seaport Philippines’ loan to ADB to reach $9.4 billion by 2023 ‘More carriers in the doldrums amid low travel demand’ Thailand now open to all travellers Hundreds tried for treason in Cambodia Cambodia Ai Ballesteros - 2021-01-14 One hundred thirty-seven Cambodians are facing treason charges allegedly for plotting an attack against the government in 2019. A report by Al Jazeera on Thursday... Economy Ai Ballesteros - 2021-01-14 Indonesia began with its mass vaccination program on Wednesday which focused on the younger working-age population and not the elderly. According to reports, Indonesian President... Indonesia frees militant leader Abu Bakar Bashir Indonesia Ai Ballesteros - 2021-01-08 Indonesia freed from prison the spiritual leader of al-Qaeda-linked group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) after serving two-thirds of his 15-year sentence. Abu Bakar Bashir, 82, was... Tweets by @Asean_Economist Subscribe for the latest updates! ASEAN Economist is an independent news source that aims to bring quality coverage of the business and economic aspects of the ASEAN member states. Contact us: contact@aseaneconomist.com © 2020 ASEAN Economist	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3759
__label__wiki	0.87143	0.87143	Qualcomm buying Bay Area chip startup Nuvia for $1.4 billion Science & Technology / Science & Technology News / Jan 13, 2021 In a bid to boost the horsepower of its mobile silicon, Qualcomm said Tuesday that it plans to buy a Bay Area semiconductor startup Nuvia, founded by key former Apple chip designers, for $1.4 billion. The move highlights Qualcomm's efforts to deliver top performing core processors not only for Android smartphones but also for laptops, connected...Read more New partnership could put University of Minnesota at center of biomanufacturing industry The University of Minnesota aims to become a hub of bioindustrial manufacturing through a new multimillion dollar partnership partially funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. The U's Board of Regents last week approved an agreement to host the Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem (BioMADE), an effort affiliated with the federal ...Read more GM launches a new start-up business for deliveries General Motors is launching a new business later this month called BrightDrop. BrightDrop will make electric delivery vehicles and offer other technology and services to delivery companies such as FedEx and UPS. It also gives GM an added revenue stream. The start-up will initially offer two products: The EP1, an electrically powered pallet to...Read more The future of Section 230 and internet speech after Trump Debates about content moderation, especially on social media, have been a background hum throughout Donald Trump's presidency. Early criticisms of his tone and comportment on the campaign trail morphed into more tangible worries about what a smartphone-happy commander in chief meant for America (Did he just threaten nuclear war in a tweet?) and ...Read more Apple to open developer school in Detroit, the first program of its kind in the US Technology giant Apple Inc. will open a school to train developers in Detroit later this year, its first "Apple Developer Academy" in the U.S. The move is part of Apple's $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which the company launched in June in the wake of the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. The program in Detroit, a...Read more Gadgets: Smart water bottle Monos' new powered Kiyo UVC Water Bottle ensures people on the go have clean, purified drinking water. According to Monos, the UVC kills up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and other pathogens lurking inside the water. They also hope each Kiyo bottle can eliminate more than 100 plastic bottles per year for each user. The travel-ready bottle is ...Read more Jim Rossman: Adobe Flash is dead — it’s time to remove it from your computer I had a few emails from readers asking about the end of Adobe Flash and what they should do about it. In case you don’t know, Adobe Flash is a piece of software that web developers used to place animations, audio and video on websites. It was great at first, but then it was found to be a big security hole for hackers to exploit. Adobe ...Read more ‘Pokemon Go’ running can help you stay fit in the new year “Pokemon Go” is secretly a fitness app. If you look beyond the cuteness of Pikachu and the simple battle mechanics, few games are more effective at getting players off the couch. That’s part of the game’s mission. It pushes players to go outside and explore their community. For me, that has led to a deep dive into running as a ...Read more Quick thoughts on OtterBox’s five Xbox gaming products Otterbox is known for its smartphone cases. They’re tough and durable like armor wrapped around an expensive and delicate piece of tech. Although the company has experience on that front, it’s venturing into the unknown with its gaming products. Yes, Otterbox is getting into mobile gaming business with five items designed around ...Read more CNET's top tech of 2021: Best true wireless headphones When it comes to the best headphones, it's hard to narrow things down to the best of the best, especially since there's an endless array of great options available, and it's impossible to review every single model on the planet. But we'll try anyway. We tend to focus on wireless headphones, and true wireless in particular -- yes, Apple's ...Read more Are robot-made 'printed' buildings a solution to Bay Area housing crisis? In a cavernous warehouse near the Oakland Coliseum, a 3D printer extrudes a secret blend of minerals and plastic polymer that's hardened into a heavy stone-like form under ultraviolet light. The end result of that alchemy? A move-in-ready, robot-made modular home from technology startup Mighty Buildings. Backed by $30 million in venture ...Read more Tech Q&A: Blocking noise of Zoom calls with kids Q: I'm trying to block background noise on Zoom calls with students ages 5 to 8 who are at home or in daycare. The students have noise-canceling headphones that block the noise for them, but I have to listen to the sounds of other children, siblings, parents and barking dogs. The students use iPads that have a plug for their headphones but no ...Read more Fiat Chrysler Automobiles gets into air taxi business with Silicon Valley's Archer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, known for its love of heavy-duty horsepower in its Hemis and Hellcats, is partnering with a Silicon Valley air taxi start-up with plans to produce electric aircraft in 2023. FCA, whose brands include Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati, has already collaborated with Palo Alto, California-based ...Read more Pro-Trump social media site Parler, booted by Amazon, takes step toward relaunching Hours after Amazon effectively scrubbed it from the internet, conservative social media network Parler is taking stumbling steps toward a relaunch. Parler filed suit Monday against Amazon in federal court in Seattle, contending the cloud-computing services provider violated antitrust law and breached the terms of its contract when it pulled the...Read more Microsoft, Facebook pause political donations after riot at US Capitol Facebook Inc., Google and Microsoft Corp. said they will pause political contributions after a deadly pro-Trump riot in the U.S. Capitol last week that aimed to disrupt the certification of President-elect Joe Biden. Airbnb Inc. and Intel Corp., meanwhile, instituted new policies of not donating to U.S. candidates who voted against the election...Read more Earth’s spin is believed to be speeding up As Earth’s rotation speed slowed ever-so-slightly in recent decades, leap seconds were added intermittently to keep clocks up to date. But if a new trend holds, time might need to be turned in the other direction some day soon. Earlier this month, The Daily Telegraph reported that Earth has reached its quickest spin speeds in the past half-...Read more Austin's FlashParking to merge with Chicago-based Arrive Austin-based FlashParking, which develops technology for managing parking lots, is merging with Arrive Inc., a Chicago-based online platform that lets drivers find and book parking spaces. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. FlashParking CEO Dan Sharplin said the coronavirus pandemic has increased demand for digitized and touchless...Read more Delta Air Lines to connect aircraft with Viasat-powered in-flight Internet Carlsbad, Calif., satellite Internet provider Viasat said Tuesday that it has landed a contract to deliver in-flight Internet connectivity to more than 300 Delta Air Lines aircraft starting this summer. Delta hasn't used Viasat previously to power in-flight connectivity. But Viasat is a top supplier to other airlines, including JetBlue, ...Read more Jim Rossman: Try this passcode advice when masks don’t play nice with your phone’s facial recognition Wearing a mask is a drag when you have a phone that unlocks with facial recognition. It’s doubly a drag when you also use your phone multiple times each day to pay for things at stores and restaurants, which is exactly when you’d be wearing a mask. My iPhone XS Max does not have a home button, so I can’t use my fingerprint to unlock ...Read more Review: 'Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered' is a rush It’s been 10 years since I first reviewed "Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit." And yes, I know that’s wild. What’s even wilder? Ten years later, the gameplay still holds up. Sometimes, you don’t need to reinvent a game at all for it to dominate the current gaming era. And that’s exactly the case with "Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit ...Read more This website lets you listen to the sounds of a peaceful forest from your own home Gadgets: Robot vacuum Review: 'Immortals: Fenyx Rising' feels like a 'Zelda' adventure, but with Greek mythology California is scrambling to avoid blackouts. Your refrigerator could help	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3761
__label__wiki	0.941174	0.941174	Home › Farnborough Air Show 2018 › Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 powers Airbus A330neo to Farnborough debut Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 powers Airbus A330neo to Farnborough debut London. 15 July 2018. Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines will power the first visit to Farnborough Air Show of Airbus’s latest aircraft, the A330neo. The aircraft, which will enter service later this year, is exclusively powered by the Trent 7000, the seventh and latest member of the successful Rolls-Royce Trent engine family. The visit comes as Rolls-Royce makes final preparations for the engine to enter into service, with formal certification to fly expected very shortly. Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce, President – Civil Aerospace, said: “The team at Rolls-Royce is excited to see the A330neo arrive at Farnborough. The Trent 7000 brings together the latest technology from the Trent XWB and combines it with architecture from the Trent 1000 TEN and more than 50 million hours of flying experience from the Trent 700.” The 68-72,000lb thrust Trent 7000 will deliver a step change in performance and economics compared to the Trent 700 . Benefitting from a bypass ratio double that of its predecessor, the Trent 7000 will improve specific fuel consumption by ten per cent, and will significantly reduce noise. Tagged with: Airbus latest aircraft, Chris Cholerton, Civil Aerospace, Farnborough Air Show, Rolls Royce, Trent 7000 engines, Trent engine family Embraer Signs a Letter of Intent with an Undisclosed Customer from Spain for the E-Jets E2s Bombardier Indian media roundtable discussion with Ross G. McKnead, Head of marketing, Asia Pacific & China, Commercial Aircraft. A quieter Farnborough Air Show under Brexit clouds takes off L3 Commercial Aviation Selected by China Southern Airlines to Provide Four Full Flight Simulators Hexagon’s Geospatial Division Provides Real-Time Aircraft Tracking at Farnborough International Air Show	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3767
__label__cc	0.669894	0.330106	How does temperature affect the measured pH value? Before we can define how the temperature affects the measured pH value, we need to understand what the definition of pH actually is. What is pH? The pH definition is based on the amount of hydrogen ions available in a solution. In fact, the first usage of the term dates back to a Danish scientist called S.P.L Sorenson. He defined the term pondus hydrogenii to express very small concentrations of Hydrogen Ions, which we now use to define pH. The relationship between pH and Hydrogen Ion concentration is expressed as pH = - log10aH. It's worth quickly stating that pH measurement is related to an Aqueous Solution. An Aqueous Solution refers to a solution where the solvent is water. Solutions where the solvent isn't water can be referred to as non-aqueous solutions. These don't always carry hydrogen ions, making the measurement of pH a total non starter. A value indicative to pH can sometimes be measured if you consider the dissociative ion concentration of the solvent base, such as by measuring the base Phosphoryl Chloride concentrations in the measurement of Phosphoric Chloride. (If you are intending to measure an equivalent value to pH in non-aqueous solutions, then please get in touch by calling 01785 254 597 and we can talk you through some of your options.) pH measurement in aqueous solutions Water molecules are in constant motion. Because they are in constant motion, a small number of water molecules will collide and dissociate (split) to form: [H+] (Hydrogen Ions) and [OH-](Hydroxide) ions: H2O = H+ + OH-. This is referred to as auto-dissociation of water. As the solvent is water, aqueous solutions will always have H+ (Hydrogen) ion activity or OH- (Hydroxide) ion activity. By measuring the H+ Hydrogen Ion activity we can know if the aqueous solution is Acidic, Alkaline or Neutral. Temperature effect on the pH value This charts shows the mV output of a pH electode at different temperatures The auto-dissociation activity increases as temperature increases. As such, the temperature is very important in regards to pH measurements. As the pH value changes with the change in temperature, the new measured pH value is technically the true pH value. Under laboratory conditions, a note of the temperature and pH value should be made together. There is only one major temperature effect in pH measurement that can cause errors in readings. This is the change in the electrode's response (or sensitivity) to pH that results from a change in temperature. It is the only reasonably predictable error due to changes in temperature, and is the only temperature related factor that a pH meter with temperature compensation can correct. This temperature error is very close to 0.003 pH/oC/pH unit away from pH7. In a perfect pH electrode, one that is zeroed at exactly pH 7, there is no temperature effect on the electrode sensitivity at pH 7, no matter how much the temperature changes. Most pH electrodes are not perfect, but the errors from changes in temperature are still very minute when near pH 7, plus or minus one-tenth of a pH, and can be disregarded. However, the further from pH 7 the solution is and the greater the temperature changes, the greater the measurement error due to changes in the electrode's sensitivity. These errors from changes in electrode sensitivity due to changes in temperature, can be corrected by pH controllers with temperature compensation. Temperature Compensation for pH electrodes There are two options for temperature compensation with pH electrodes:- pH electrodes with automatic temperature compensation Quite simply this is a pH electrode with a temperature sensor mounted at the tip of the pH electrode. This connects to a pH controller which works with the temperature sensor and the pH electrode to ensure that the pH value is corrected for changes in the pH electrode sensitivity. pH controllers with manual temperature compensation In this instance, the user enters the solution temperature manually into a pH controller. The meter then corrects the pH readings for changes in the pH electrode sensitivity. Temperature compensation eliminates most of the temperature dependent measurement error from the electrode. Further minimisation of this error in both temperature compensating and non-temperature compensating pH meters, can be made by calibrating the pH instrument and pH electrode with the specified pH buffer solution type that is as close to the expected measurement values for pH and is at (or near) the same temperature as the solution to be measured. We manufacture a 2.00 pH buffer solution and a 10.00pH pH buffer solution specifically for this purpose. This technique also minimises other temperature related errors which occur in all pH electrodes but which cannot be predicted or compensated for when there are temperature changes. These unpredictable pH measurement errors, due to temperature change, are somewhat complex in nature and vary from electrode to electrode. These errors can result in small but noticeable pH measurement errors. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about these, in a manner that is economical or practical for most users of pH instruments. Therefore as a practical matter, they are mostly ignored in everyday pH applications.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3768
__label__wiki	0.822462	0.822462	16/19U COACHES INSTRUCTION CHECKLIST PRACTICE SESSIONS - FREQUENCY & LENGTH AYSO TRAINING COACH JOB DESCRIPTION AYSO WEATHER POLICY NEW/RETURNING REFEREES REFEREE JOB DESCRIPTION AGE DETERMINATION CHART PARENT CENTRAL WELCOME TO OUR PLAYGROUND! How to Help More Kids Play Soccer To our AYSO community, Please join me on Nov. 28 for AYSO’s #GivingTuesday campaign. All proceeds go toward AYSO’s Playership Fund, which provides soccer scholarships for players who are unable to afford the full cost of an AYSO soccer program. The #GivingTuesday campaign is held once a year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and it is a nationwide opportunity for nonprofits and service organizations to raise money and to encourage the spirit of giving during the holiday season. The donations raised from AYSO’s #GivingTuesday campaign go directly to the Playership Fund, which has helped more than 5,700 players play AYSO soccer since the fund’s inception in 2011. Additionally, the following sponsors have pledged to donate the specified amount if it can be matched by other donors: Fox Sports 1 has pledged to donate $5,000, AYSO Store has pledged to donate $1,000, and CLIF Kid has pledged to donate $5,000. My sincere thank you to these valued sponsors. Although #GivingTuesday falls on Nov. 28 this year, you don’t have to wait until that date to donate. You can make a donation today by going to AYSO’s Playership Fund by clicking here. I would appreciate your help by sharing the link with your friends, family and colleagues so we can expand AYSO’s reach by giving everyone the chance to play soccer. Thank you all for your time, and happy holidays! Matthew Winegar AYSO President Region Fan Wear... AYSO REGION 250 PAW PAW, Michigan 49079 Copyright © 2021 Region 250 \| Privacy Statement \| Terms Of Use \| License Agreement \| Children's Privacy Policy Login	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3769
__label__wiki	0.704215	0.704215	BR Home Page > Players > Ryan Roberts > 2012 Batting Game Logs Ryan Roberts Positions: Third Baseman, Second Baseman and Leftfielder Born: September 19, 1980 in Fort Worth, TX us Draft: Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round of the 2003 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX). High School: L. D. Bell HS (Hurst, TX) Schools: Eastfield College (Mesquite, TX), Galveston College (Galveston, TX), University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX), University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX) Debut: July 30, 2006 (Age 25-314d, 16,555th in MLB history) vs. OAK 1 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB Last Game: April 17, 2014 (Age 33-210d) vs. CHW 3 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB Agents: Beverly Hills Sports Council Full Name: Ryan Alan Roberts Nicknames: TatMan 4 20 29 14 19 7 Ryan Roberts Overview More Roberts Pages Minor & Fall Lg Stats More Ryan Roberts Pages at Baseball Reference Ryan Roberts page at the Bullpen Wiki Team Record in Appearances 77-66 / in Starts: 63-51 Longest Hitting Streak 6 games Longest On Base Streak 9 games Most Games w/o HR 21 games Most Games w/o RBI 13 games Grand Slams 0 in 13 bases loaded PA and 11 AB Go-Ahead Hits: 7 RBI Opportunities in 489 PAs 52 Actual Runners on Base 320 (164-109-47) Avg. MLBer w/ 489 PAs 53 Avg. Runners on Base 290 (143-96-50) Most Driven In P Goldschmidt 6 M Montero 5 J Kubel 4 J Upton 3 A Hill 3 J Keppinger 3 W Bloomquist 2 Most Driven In By G Parra 4 D Jennings 4 S Drew 2 J Lobaton 2 308 1 Apr 6 ARI SFG W,5-4 CG 4 4 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 .250 .250 .500 .750 7 1.12 0.177 1.16 0.11% 1.70 3B 309 2 Apr 7 ARI SFG W,5-4 CG 5 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .222 .222 .333 .556 1 .59 -0.060 .66 -0.04% -0.66 3B 310 3 Apr 8 ARI SFG W,7-6 CG 4 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .231 .231 .538 .769 6 1.01 -0.030 1.17 -0.02% -0.31 3B 311 4 Apr 10 ARI @ SDP W,4-2 CG(11) 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 .188 .278 .438 .715 7 .76 -0.018 .92 -0.01% -0.01 3B 312 5 Apr 11 ARI @ SDP L,1-2 CG 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .158 .273 .368 .641 8 .78 -0.034 .92 -0.02% -0.35 3B 313 6 Apr 12 ARI @ SDP W,3-1 9-9 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .150 .261 .350 .611 9 .12 -0.003 .14 0.00% -0.09 PH 314 7 Apr 13 ARI @ COL L,6-7 CG 4 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .174 .296 .391 .688 8 1.38 -0.020 1.70 -0.02% 0.40 2B 315 8 Apr 14 ARI @ COL L,7-8 CG 5 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 .185 .313 .370 .683 1 1.31 0.051 1.50 0.04% 0.31 3B 316 9 Apr 15 ARI @ COL W,5-2 CG 5 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .219 .324 .375 .699 1 .57 -0.023 .66 -0.02% -0.24 3B 317 10 Apr 16 ARI PIT W,5-1 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .222 .317 .361 .678 8 1.08 0.041 1.13 0.03% -0.43 3B 318 11 Apr 17 ARI PIT L,4-5 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .225 .311 .350 .661 6 1.67 -0.101 1.79 -0.07% -0.33 3B 320 13 Apr 19 ARI ATL L,2-10 CG 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .191 .283 .298 .581 5 .90 -0.098 .95 -0.06% -0.71 3B 321 14 Apr 20 ARI ATL L,1-9 GS-6 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .184 .273 .286 .558 7 .96 -0.051 .93 -0.03% -0.46 3B 322 15 Apr 21 ARI ATL L,2-3 CG 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .173 .259 .269 .528 8 1.26 -0.091 1.13 -0.05% -0.67 3B 323 17 (1) Apr 23 ARI PHI W,9-5 7-8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .170 .254 .264 .518 9 .01 0.000 .01 0.00% -0.44 PH 324 18 Apr 24 ARI PHI L,5-8 7-8 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .185 .267 .296 .563 9 .43 0.028 .40 0.02% 1.00 PH 325 19 Apr 25 ARI PHI L,2-7 6-7 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .182 .262 .291 .553 9 .09 -0.002 .09 0.00% -0.10 PH 326 20 Apr 27 ARI @ MIA W,5-0 CG 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .169 .258 .271 .529 8 .82 0.008 .66 0.00% -0.72 3B 327 21 Apr 28 ARI @ MIA L,2-3 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .159 .243 .254 .497 8 1.18 -0.118 1.10 -0.07% -1.32 3B 328 23 (1) Apr 30 ARI @ MIA W,9-5 CG 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 .152 .240 .242 .482 2 .88 -0.106 .79 -0.06% -1.76 2B 329 25 (1) May 2 ARI @ WSN L,4-5 CG 4 3 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 .159 .241 .246 .487 7 1.85 0.104 1.96 0.07% 0.15 3B 330 26 May 3 ARI @ WSN L,1-2 CG 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167 .244 .250 .494 7 1.46 -0.058 1.47 -0.04% -0.32 3B 331 27 May 4 ARI @ NYM W,5-4 7-7 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .164 .241 .247 .488 9 1.30 -0.032 1.31 -0.02% -0.22 PH 332 28 May 5 ARI @ NYM L,3-4 CG 4 3 1 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .184 .264 .303 .567 6 1.07 0.156 1.10 0.10% 1.19 3B 333 29 May 6 ARI @ NYM L,1-3 8-8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .182 .261 .299 .560 9 1.06 -0.026 1.07 -0.02% -0.27 PH 334 30 May 7 ARI STL L,6-9 5-GF 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .190 .267 .316 .583 8 .93 0.100 .88 0.06% 1.53 3B 335 31 May 8 ARI STL L,1-6 8-GF 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .188 .264 .313 .576 9 .16 -0.004 .15 0.00% -0.23 PH 3B 336 32 May 9 ARI STL L,2-7 CG 4 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .217 .295 .337 .632 8 1.14 0.025 .92 0.01% 0.61 3B 337 33 May 11 ARI SFG W,5-1 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .207 .283 .322 .605 6 .57 -0.072 .51 -0.04% -1.07 3B 338 34 May 12 ARI SFG L,2-5 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .198 .272 .308 .580 5 1.03 -0.110 .94 -0.06% -0.84 3B 339 35 May 13 ARI SFG L,3-7 CG 4 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .202 .280 .309 .589 7 .84 0.042 .72 0.02% 0.30 2B 3B 340 36 May 14 ARI @ LAD L,1-3 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .204 .279 .306 .585 7 .76 -0.016 .65 -0.01% 0.00 3B 341 37 May 15 ARI @ LAD W,5-1 CG 5 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .214 .284 .311 .595 6 .67 -0.031 .53 -0.02% -1.06 3B 342 38 May 16 ARI @ COL L,1-6 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .215 .283 .308 .592 6 .57 -0.024 .39 -0.01% -0.56 3B 343 39 May 17 ARI @ COL W,9-7 CG 5 5 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .232 .296 .321 .617 7 1.33 0.209 .90 0.09% 2.35 3B 344 41 (1) May 19 ARI @ KCR L,3-7 CG 4 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .233 .295 .328 .622 9 .88 -0.151 .61 -0.06% -0.79 3B 345 42 May 20 ARI @ KCR W,2-0 CG 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .227 .288 .319 .607 2 1.33 -0.144 .82 -0.05% -1.44 3B 346 44 (1) May 22 ARI LAD L,7-8 CG 5 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .236 .294 .333 .627 2 1.70 -0.061 1.23 -0.03% 0.15 2B 347 45 May 23 ARI LAD W,11-4 CG 5 3 2 1 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .238 .298 .357 .655 2 .36 0.135 .22 0.05% 1.69 2B 3B 348 46 May 25 ARI MIL L,1-7 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .231 .290 .346 .636 2 .86 -0.109 .49 -0.04% -2.05 2B 349 47 May 26 ARI MIL W,8-5 CG 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226 .293 .338 .632 6 1.11 0.028 .61 0.01% -0.10 3B 350 48 May 27 ARI MIL W,4-3 CG 4 4 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .234 .299 .343 .642 7 1.24 0.135 .72 0.05% 0.35 3B 351 49 May 28 ARI @ SFG L,2-4 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .227 .291 .333 .624 8 1.28 -0.126 .90 -0.05% -1.13 3B 352 50 May 29 ARI @ SFG L,1-3 9-GF 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .225 .289 .331 .620 9 .82 -0.020 .54 -0.01% -0.13 PH 353 51 May 30 ARI @ SFG W,4-1 GS-8 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226 .288 .329 .617 7 1.23 0.037 .74 0.01% 0.59 3B 354 52 Jun 1 ARI @ SDP L,1-7 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .220 .281 .320 .601 7 1.32 -0.137 .82 -0.05% -1.20 3B 355 54 (1) Jun 3 ARI @ SDP W,6-0 CG 4 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .227 .287 .325 .611 1 .64 0.109 .38 0.04% 0.68 2B 356 55 Jun 4 ARI COL L,0-4 CG 4 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .234 .291 .329 .621 7 .41 0.023 .28 0.01% 0.25 3B 357 57 (1) Jun 6 ARI COL W,6-1 CG 5 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .233 .289 .325 .614 2 .45 -0.019 .29 -0.01% -1.00 3B 358 58 Jun 8 ARI OAK W,9-8 CG 5 5 2 3 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .244 .297 .363 .660 8 1.22 0.958 .76 0.36% 3.37 3B 359 59 Jun 9 ARI OAK W,8-3 8-9 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .249 .301 .367 .668 9 .04 0.002 .03 0.00% 0.38 PH 360 60 Jun 10 ARI OAK W,4-3 CG 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .244 .300 .360 .660 1 .63 -0.059 .44 -0.03% -0.72 3B 361 62 (1) Jun 13 ARI @ TEX L,0-1 CG 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .295 .354 .650 8 1.39 -0.159 1.00 -0.07% -1.31 3B 362 63 Jun 14 ARI @ TEX W,11-3 CG 4 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .246 .299 .358 .657 8 .44 -0.007 .31 0.00% 0.10 3B 363 64 Jun 15 ARI @ LAA W,5-0 CG 4 4 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .246 .299 .361 .659 7 .55 -0.013 .42 -0.01% -0.01 3B 364 65 Jun 16 ARI @ LAA L,0-2 CG 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 .294 .355 .649 7 .89 -0.067 .71 -0.03% -0.54 3B 365 67 (1) Jun 18 ARI SEA W,7-1 8-9 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .293 .353 .646 9 .02 0.000 .01 0.00% -0.43 PH 366 68 Jun 19 ARI SEA L,9-12 7-8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239 .291 .351 .642 9 .74 -0.019 .56 -0.01% -0.23 PH 367 69 Jun 20 ARI SEA W,14-10 CG 4 4 1 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .245 .295 .370 .665 7 .53 0.027 .40 0.01% 2.84 3B 368 70 Jun 22 ARI CHC W,6-1 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .290 .362 .652 8 .48 -0.053 .42 -0.03% -1.12 3B 369 71 Jun 23 ARI CHC W,10-5 CG 5 5 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .244 .292 .363 .655 8 .81 0.041 .74 0.02% 0.23 3B 371 73 Jun 26 ARI @ ATL L,1-8 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 .236 .283 .351 .634 7 .80 -0.086 .93 -0.06% -1.63 3B 372 74 Jun 27 ARI @ ATL L,4-6 CG 4 4 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .236 .283 .363 .646 8 1.06 -0.041 1.17 -0.03% 1.66 3B 373 76 (1) Jun 29 ARI @ MIL W,9-3 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .231 .278 .356 .634 7 .45 -0.049 .45 -0.03% -1.52 3B 374 77 Jun 30 ARI @ MIL L,2-10 CG 4 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .236 .282 .359 .641 8 .34 0.026 .39 0.02% 0.41 3B 375 79 (1) Jul 2 ARI SDP L,2-6 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .237 .281 .357 .638 7 .95 -0.093 1.02 -0.06% -0.66 3B 376 80 Jul 3 ARI SDP L,5-9 8-9 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .236 .280 .356 .635 9 .83 -0.019 .80 -0.01% -0.47 PH 377 81 Jul 4 ARI SDP L,6-8 CG 4 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .283 .358 .641 8 1.01 -0.030 .89 -0.02% 0.30 3B 378 82 Jul 5 ARI LAD L,1-4 8-9 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239 .282 .357 .639 9 1.03 -0.026 1.03 -0.02% -0.23 PH 379 83 Jul 6 ARI LAD W,5-3 CG 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .237 .283 .353 .636 7 .69 -0.018 .59 -0.01% -0.04 3B 380 84 Jul 7 ARI LAD W,5-3 7-8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .237 .286 .353 .639 9 .38 0.010 .36 0.01% 0.12 PH 382 87 (1) Jul 14 ARI @ CHC L,1-4 7-7 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .288 .354 .642 9 .31 0.012 .26 0.01% 0.12 PH 383 88 Jul 15 ARI @ CHC L,1-3 8-8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239 .287 .353 .640 9 .85 -0.021 .65 -0.01% -0.23 PH 384 90 (1) Jul 17 ARI @ CIN L,0-4 9-GF 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .243 .290 .356 .645 9 .22 0.009 .19 0.01% 0.26 PH 385 91 Jul 18 ARI @ CIN W,7-1 CG 4 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .248 .297 .360 .656 8 .38 0.035 .30 0.02% 0.86 3B 386 92 Jul 19 ARI @ CIN L,6-7 CG 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .245 .296 .355 .651 7 .71 -0.046 .61 -0.02% -0.37 3B 387 93 Jul 20 ARI HOU W,13-8 7-GF 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .248 .299 .358 .656 9 .11 0.004 .07 0.00% 1.00 PH LF 388 94 Jul 21 ARI HOU W,12-3 CG 5 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 .249 .304 .357 .661 8 .34 0.041 .23 0.02% 0.40 2B 3B 389 95 Jul 22 ARI HOU W,8-2 6-7 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .252 .307 .360 .667 9 .09 0.004 .07 0.00% 0.21 PH 390 96 Jul 23 ARI COL W,6-3 CG 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .250 .306 .357 .663 8 1.02 -0.030 .81 -0.01% -0.78 3B Player went from Arizona Diamondbacks to Tampa Bay Rays 391 98 Jul 25 TBR @ BAL W,10-1 GS-7 4 2 3 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .252 .312 .370 .682 7 .53 0.105 .54 0.07% 2.45 3B 392 99 Jul 26 TBR @ BAL L,2-6 CG 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250 .315 .367 .682 5 .72 0.016 .78 0.01% 0.37 3B 393 100 Jul 27 TBR @ LAA L,1-3 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .246 .310 .362 .672 7 1.33 -0.136 1.28 -0.08% -0.98 3B 394 101 Jul 28 TBR @ LAA W,3-0 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 .306 .356 .662 5 .42 -0.044 .35 -0.02% -0.88 3B 396 103 Jul 30 TBR @ OAK L,3-4 CG(15) 6 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .236 .306 .347 .653 6 2.00 -0.149 2.26 -0.10% -1.12 3B 397 105 (1) Aug 1 TBR @ OAK W,4-1 CG 4 4 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .308 .349 .658 7 .70 0.131 .84 0.09% 1.33 3B 398 106 Aug 3 TBR BAL W,2-0 CG 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .237 .305 .345 .651 7 .81 -0.083 1.13 -0.07% -0.95 3B 399 107 Aug 4 TBR BAL L,0-4 CG 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .235 .303 .342 .644 8 .94 -0.059 1.29 -0.05% -0.63 3B 400 108 Aug 5 TBR BAL L,0-1 CG(10) 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .232 .302 .338 .640 7 1.93 -0.148 2.72 -0.13% -0.71 3B 401 109 Aug 7 TBR TOR W,4-1 CG 4 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .233 .301 .340 .642 6 .31 0.003 .32 0.00% -0.51 3B 402 111 (1) Aug 9 TBR TOR W,7-1 CG 4 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .234 .304 .340 .644 8 1.06 0.082 1.34 0.06% 0.53 2B 3B 403 112 Aug 10 TBR @ MIN W,12-6 CG 4 4 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 .234 .303 .342 .645 8 .39 0.077 .50 0.06% 1.54 2B 3B 404 113 Aug 11 TBR @ MIN W,4-2 CG 4 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .237 .305 .344 .650 8 .70 -0.063 .94 -0.05% -0.90 2B 3B 405 114 Aug 12 TBR @ MIN W,7-3 CG(10) 5 4 1 3 1 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .244 .313 .353 .666 7 1.50 0.182 2.03 0.15% 2.09 2B 406 115 Aug 13 TBR @ SEA W,4-1 CG 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .242 .312 .350 .662 7 .48 -0.050 .70 -0.04% -1.06 2B 3B 407 116 Aug 14 TBR @ SEA L,2-3 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 .311 .348 .660 8 .94 -0.037 1.35 -0.03% -0.47 2B 3B 408 118 (1) Aug 16 TBR @ LAA W,7-0 CG 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .240 .308 .345 .653 8 .40 -0.011 .58 -0.01% -0.65 2B 3B 409 119 Aug 17 TBR @ LAA W,12-3 CG 5 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .309 .344 .653 8 .37 0.039 .59 0.04% 0.46 2B 410 120 Aug 18 TBR @ LAA W,10-8 CG 4 4 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .243 .311 .349 .660 7 .87 0.091 1.44 0.09% 0.61 2B 411 121 Aug 19 TBR @ LAA W,8-3 CG 5 5 2 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .245 .312 .359 .671 6 .34 0.105 .57 0.11% 1.29 2B 412 122 Aug 20 TBR KCR W,5-1 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 .309 .355 .663 5 .60 -0.063 .93 -0.06% -0.95 2B 413 123 Aug 21 TBR KCR L,0-1 CG(10) 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .306 .351 .658 8 1.35 -0.079 1.97 -0.07% -0.54 2B 3B 414 124 Aug 22 TBR KCR W,5-3 CG 4 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .309 .354 .663 8 1.16 0.100 1.87 0.10% 0.97 2B 415 125 Aug 23 TBR OAK W,5-0 CG 3 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 .243 .309 .355 .664 8 .96 0.065 1.88 0.08% 0.28 2B 416 126 Aug 24 TBR OAK L,4-5 CG 4 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .243 .311 .355 .666 8 1.21 0.074 2.32 0.09% 0.38 2B 418 128 Aug 27 TBR @ TEX L,5-6 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .308 .351 .658 6 .96 -0.106 1.68 -0.11% -0.86 2B 419 129 Aug 28 TBR @ TEX L,0-1 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .307 .349 .657 8 1.75 -0.093 3.13 -0.10% -0.52 2B 420 130 Aug 29 TBR @ TEX W,8-4 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239 .304 .346 .650 6 .56 -0.058 .90 -0.06% -1.18 2B 421 131 Aug 30 TBR @ TOR L,0-2 7-GF 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .238 .303 .345 .648 5 1.34 -0.034 2.43 -0.04% -0.24 PH DH 422 132 Aug 31 TBR @ TOR L,1-2 CG 4 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .305 .349 .654 8 2.08 -0.177 3.36 -0.17% -0.86 2B Sep/Oct 423 133 Sep 1 TBR @ TOR W,5-4 CG 4 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .305 .356 .661 8 .58 0.075 .89 0.07% 0.37 2B 424 134 Sep 2 TBR @ TOR W,9-4 CG 5 5 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .303 .357 .660 8 .26 0.073 .44 0.07% -0.37 2B 425 135 Sep 3 TBR NYY W,4-3 CG 4 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .241 .303 .356 .658 7 1.45 -0.064 3.50 -0.09% -0.80 2B 426 136 Sep 4 TBR NYY W,5-2 CG 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241 .303 .355 .659 8 .63 -0.021 1.69 -0.03% -0.44 2B 427 138 (1) Sep 7 TBR TEX W,3-1 CG(11) 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239 .300 .352 .652 7 1.57 -0.152 3.29 -0.19% -0.82 2B 428 139 Sep 8 TBR TEX L,2-4 CG(10) 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .238 .302 .350 .652 8 1.69 0.030 3.76 0.04% 0.38 2B 429 140 Sep 9 TBR TEX W,6-0 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .238 .302 .349 .650 7 .46 -0.031 .95 -0.04% -0.57 2B 430 141 Sep 11 TBR @ BAL L,2-9 GS-7 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .305 .358 .663 8 .76 0.147 2.17 0.25% 1.26 2B 431 142 Sep 12 TBR @ BAL L,2-3 CG 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .304 .357 .661 7 1.36 -0.151 3.87 -0.26% -0.94 2B 432 143 Sep 13 TBR @ BAL L,2-3 GS-11 5 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 .305 .358 .663 7 1.16 -0.063 2.70 -0.09% -0.09 2B 433 145 (1) Sep 15 TBR @ NYY L,3-5 CG 4 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 .305 .359 .664 7 1.36 -0.021 3.18 -0.03% -0.02 2B 434 146 Sep 16 TBR @ NYY L,4-6 7-GF 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 .241 .304 .357 .661 6 1.16 0.016 2.15 0.02% 0.02 PH 2B 435 147 Sep 17 TBR BOS L,2-5 CG 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .302 .356 .658 8 1.38 0.053 1.14 0.03% 0.28 2B 436 148 Sep 18 TBR BOS L,5-7 CG 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .237 .300 .352 .652 7 1.05 -0.144 .52 -0.04% -1.09 2B 437 149 Sep 19 TBR BOS W,13-3 7-GF 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .237 .299 .351 .650 6 .00 0.000 .00 0.00% -0.43 2B 438 150 Sep 20 TBR BOS W,7-4 7-8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .236 .298 .350 .649 9 1.95 -0.053 .46 -0.01% -0.35 PH 439 151 Sep 21 TBR TOR W,12-1 7-GF 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .238 .300 .354 .654 4 .00 0.000 .00 0.00% 0.21 2B 440 152 Sep 22 TBR TOR W,11-5 CG 5 5 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240 .301 .357 .658 8 .45 0.035 .15 0.01% 0.81 2B 441 153 Sep 23 TBR TOR W,3-0 8-GF 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239 .300 .356 .657 6 .17 -0.004 .07 0.00% -0.31 2B 442 154 Sep 25 TBR @ BOS W,5-2 8-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .239 .300 .356 .657 6 2B 443 155 Sep 26 TBR @ BOS W,4-2 CG 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .238 .300 .354 .654 8 .86 -0.074 .71 -0.04% -0.69 2B 444 156 Sep 27 TBR @ CHW W,3-2 9-GF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .238 .300 .354 .654 6 2B 445 157 Sep 28 TBR @ CHW L,1-3 9-GF 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .237 .299 .353 .652 8 .97 -0.025 1.32 -0.02% -0.17 PH 446 158 Sep 29 TBR @ CHW W,10-4 CG 5 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .237 .300 .352 .652 7 .37 0.052 .19 0.02% 0.23 2B 447 159 Sep 30 TBR @ CHW W,6-2 CG 4 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .237 .300 .358 .658 8 .51 0.049 .28 0.02% 0.15 2B 448 160 Oct 1 TBR BAL W,5-3 CG 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .236 .298 .356 .654 8 .88 -0.082 .11 -0.01% -0.92 2B 449 161 Oct 2 TBR BAL L,0-1 CG 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .234 .296 .353 .649 7 .91 -0.071 .00 0.00% -0.47 2B 450 162 Oct 3 TBR BAL W,4-1 CG 3 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .235 .296 .360 .656 5 .42 0.058 .00 0.00% 0.68 2B 77-66 489 439 51 103 19 0 12 52 40 1 92 1 3 6 4 13 10 6 .235 .296 .360 .656 .91 -1.155 1.06 -1.01% -14.93 You are here: BR Home Page > Players > Ryan Roberts > 2012 Batting Game Logs	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3772
__label__wiki	0.675126	0.675126	BR Home Page > Players > Hector Ambriz > 2014 Batting Splits Hector Ambriz Born: May 24, 1984 in Orange, CA us Draft: Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 28th round of the 2002 MLB June Amateur Draft from Valencia HS (Placentia, CA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 5th round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA). High School: Valencia HS (Placentia, CA) School: University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) vs. MIN 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER Last Game: May 7, 2014 (Age 29-348d) vs. KCR 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 SO, 2 BB, 1 ER Agents: LSW Baseball National Team: us USA (16U) Full Name: Hector Ambriz Pronunciation: \AM-breez\ Twitter: @hAmbriz Hector Ambriz Overview More Ambriz Pages Minor, Fall, Independent & Mexican Lg Stats More Hector Ambriz Pages at Baseball Reference Hector Ambriz page at the Bullpen Wiki View splits adjusted to be per 162 games or 650 PAs You are here: BR Home Page > Players > Hector Ambriz > 2014 Batting Splits	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3773
__label__wiki	0.906423	0.906423	ECONOMY \| 16-07-2020 16:55 The ball is in the creditors' court, says Guzmán Economy Minister Martín Guzmán says Argentina is not seeking a "confrontational" relationship in debt talks and says the onus to make a deal is now on the country's creditors. Argentina's new economy minister, Martín Guzmán. \| AFP/Juan MABROMATA Argentina is eager to lift itself out of default and seal a deal to restructure more than US$66 billion in foreign debt, but the onus is on creditors to reach an agreement, says Economy Minister Martín Guzmán. "We want a solution that is not confrontational. We have made a very important effort that demonstrates the will of our government to resolve a situation of default," Guzmán said Wednesday in an interview with the TN television news channel. The government formalised what it describes its "final" effort to creditors a week ago. Talks have gone on for months, with the deadline to accept the offer now pushed back to August 4. "In the offer, we have reached the limit of what Argentina can fo to take care of the Argentine economy and, at the same time, seek an agreement with our creditors. Now the ball is in the creditors' court," said Guzmán, who ruled out another modification to the government's proposal. Export cap reversal rounds off chaotic week of agro tensions Argentina's offer to exchange the bonds, issued under foreign law, offers to pay an average of US$53.50 for every US$100 loaned. That's an improvement on the country's offer that was rejected back in May, which offered around US$39. The proposal also contains a cut in the grace period for payments from three years to one year, with maturities starting to be paid in September 2021. At least two of the three largest bondholder groups have said they are dissatisfied with the offer and have proposed changes. "We are defending the interests of the Argentines, their present and their future," said Guzmán. "The creditors, obviously, defend the interests of those with whom they have a fiduciary responsibility. Here the question does not involve emotions. We respect that and we are in negotiations." The minister said there was an offer on the table and that "the ball" was with the creditors. "The best thing for both parties is to solve it quickly, but it has to be resolved well," he insisted. CGT airs concerns over CFK call for ‘integrated’ health reform Too cool for school, or too hot? Crop U-turn peeves importers, lays bare Argentina's infighting Economy Minister Bondholders El plan de Máximo Kirchner, el hijo empoderado Felicitas Pizarro, en la recta fina de su embarazo: Pileta, bikini y panzota Con el proyecto de la nueva VW Amarok descartado, ¿qué sucederá en Argentina? Previous news of "Economy" Inflation in June hit 2.2%, reveals INDEC 'We can't do more than this,' Fernández tells Argentina's creditors World drinks less coffee while office workers stay home ‘Final’ offer on table as debt talks enter critical stage Ecuador’s speedy debt deal underscores Argentina’s hang-ups	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3774
__label__wiki	0.992267	0.992267	Top Gear crew 'chased by thousands and ordered out of country' media captionLizo Mzimba reports on the controversy surrounding the licence plate Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has claimed he was thrown out of Argentina by state officials after being pelted with rocks. He said in a tweet that "thousands" of locals rounded on the Top Gear team in apparent protest at a number plate which appeared to refer to the 1982 Falklands war. A Porsche used in filming had a registration plate that read H982 FKL. Clarkson and team had been filming in South America for a Top Gear special. On his return to the UK Clarkson tweeted: "The number plate WAS a coincidence. When it was pointed out to us, we changed it. "Thousands chased crew to border. Someone could have been killed." image copyright@JeremyClarkson He added: "This was not a jolly jape that went awry. For once, we did nothing wrong." Clarkson told the Sun newspaper, for which he writes a regular column: "We knew absolutely nothing about the number plate, it was just an unbelievable coincidence. I swear on my kids' lives. "When we saw people on Twitter getting upset we took the plate off. But they still attacked us so we made a break for it to our hotel in Ushuaia. "The mob just descended on the hotel and encircled us. State representatives came and ordered us out of the country." image copyrightReSUMEN Policial image captionVehicles carrying Top Gear production crew were also targeted He added: "I've been to Iraq and Afghanistan but this was the most terrifying thing I've ever been involved in. "There were hundreds of them. They were hurling rocks and bricks at our cars. They were trying to attack us with pickaxe handles. "They were shouting. 'Burn their cars, burn them, burn the pirates'. I am convinced the mob was state organised." In a tweet, he said the programme's crew "abandoned our cars as they thought they might be what was making people angry". The BBC confirmed the show's decision to leave, but denied the offending car was chosen for its number plate. Andy Wilman, executive producer for Top Gear, said on Thursday: "Top Gear production purchased three cars for a forthcoming programme; to suggest that this car was either chosen for its number plate, or that an alternative number plate was substituted for the original is completely untrue." The team departed three days early after being denied permission to film by local authorities. Clarkson flew into the country last month to film a special which saw him and co-stars Richard Hammond and James May drive the famous Patagonian highway - Route 40 - to the southern city of Ushuaia. A BBC spokesman said: "We're pleased the team is safe and would like to thank all of those who have helped. As the executive producer has made clear, the number plate issue is a very unfortunate coincidence." Final warning It is not the first time the show has met with controversy. In July Ofcom ruled that Top Gear had breached broadcasting rules after Jeremy Clarkson used a racial slur during a programme in Burma. A 2011 episode caused a diplomatic incident in Mexico. image captionJames May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson are no strangers to controversy Co-host Richard Hammond said Mexican cars reflected national characteristics - saying they were like a "lazy, feckless, flatulent oaf with a moustache, leaning against a fence asleep, looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat". In May this year, the BBC faced calls to fire Clarkson after leaked footage showed him mumbling an offensive version of the nursery rhyme Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe in a clip that was not broadcast. Clarkson revealed he had been given a final warning and would be sacked if he made "one more offensive remark, anywhere, at any time". Protests cut short Top Gear shoot Top Gear Burma episode breached Ofcom rules Top Gear expresses regret for 'slope' remark in Burma special Jeremy Clarkson: BBC gave me final warning Top Gear: A vehicle for controversy? Around the BBC BBC Two - Top Gear	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3775
__label__cc	0.648124	0.351876	Related Expertise: Cities of the Future, Public Sector, Automotive & Mobility Transforming the Urban Innovation Ecosystem April 09, 2019 By Rich Davey, Daniel Acosta, Jacob Luce, Dan Vogel, Josh Sorin, and Katie Rose What Will It Take to Win the ’20s? Apply the Science of Organizational Change America’s cities are changing fast—growing rapidly and acquiring economic and political clout. For city governments, this raises some challenging questions. How can they satisfy rising infrastructure demands while balancing their budgets? How can they reverse urban decay while preventing gentrification and rising rents from displacing local communities? These and other issues call for new approaches to innovation. But while governments understand the “what” of innovation, the “how” is more elusive. Driving change in public sector settings is not easy. Boston Consulting Group, in partnership with the Centre for Public Impact (a BCG foundation) and the Aspen Institute’s Center for Urban Innovation, recently released a handbook—“The Future of U.S. Cities”—that tells stories of city problem solvers, highlights emerging practices from cities, and extracts valuable lessons learned. After speaking to more than 40 city problem solvers and extensively reviewing the relevant literature, we identified a set of common obstacles. These include gaps in essential skills, poor integration of data across systems or departments, and limited awareness of the opportunities that new technologies and data offer. In tackling horizontal challenges such as mobility, cities need to adopt a systematic approach, bringing in stakeholders that, in the case of mobility, may range from transport agencies to electric vehicle manufacturers to app developers. Yet in many city halls, innovation depends on individuals or teams that are siloed in an innovation or technology office. Moreover, a culture resistant to experimentation can increase the risk of failure since it tends not to launch new approaches or services until they are “perfect”—which means missing opportunities to test and learn. In tackling horizontal challenges such as mobility, cities need to bring in stakeholders ranging from transport agencies to electric vehicle manufacturers to app developers. “The Future of U.S. Cities” offers examples of city governments that are rethinking the way they work, in order to make dramatic progress in three key dimensions: Align innovation efforts to the most important problems to solve. Empower a broad ecosystem to develop and launch solutions. Grow innovative efforts from individual pilots to achieve impact at scale. For example, instead of just purchasing equipment, they can treat procurement as a collaborative process in which suppliers co-create city services. Similarly, they can approach partnerships between public and private sectors not as static arrangements but as dynamic coalitions that, with appropriate access to data, can test and learn together. Such alliances can then become catalysts for change, developing citizen-centric solutions and bringing them to market rapidly. These new approaches demand new ways of working. And one powerful means of driving change is by adopting agile, an organizational model that uses small, cross-functional, autonomous teams to prioritize value and deliver change in iterative, fast-paced cycles. Cities that successfully scale agile can break down traditional silos, harness new sources of talent across their organizations, and develop the capabilities needed to create cities that are ready for the future. Collaborative Procurement The traditional city procurement process is slow and cumbersome, with narrowly defined problems to solve and, too often, a focus on obtaining solutions at the lowest possible cost. In this system, government views suppliers as providers of products and services rather than as development partners. And in cities with highly prescriptive processes that favor incumbent vendors, the onerous process of proposal submission may deter young companies that have bright ideas, new technologies, and effective solutions from approaching government at all. A different approach to designing and building the cities of the future is essential. The real opportunity for cities is to see procurement as an entry point for new partners and resources and as a means of cultivating alternative and creative ways of tackling problems. Doing so means streamlining internal processes to eliminate inefficiencies, removing obstacles that discourage suppliers from bidding, and shifting from a process that is solely based on risk management and compliance to one that remains fair and compliant but is more responsive and includes feedback loops. These changes can foster a new culture of procurement in which contractors function as partners in co-creating city infrastructure and services to better meet the needs of citizens. Cities should view procurement as an entry point for new partners and resources and as a means of cultivating alternative and creative ways of tackling problems. The city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has demonstrated the benefits of this approach. The city’s FastFWD initiative streamlined and codified procurement process for pilot projects, reducing the amount of paperwork required for a typical Request for Proposal from 47 pages to 18. It also committed to opening procurement in certain issue areas to a wider pool of applicants, by posting in the forums where startups look for opportunities. In one case, 137 companies from around the world submitted responses. Turning procurement into an open venue where developers and service providers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges the city is facing and can submit their ideas has enabled Philadelphia to harness the innovative powers of entrepreneurs far more effectively than it did in the past. Dynamic, Cross-Sector Coalitions Given the complex challenges that cities face, the need for cross-sector collaboration has never been more pressing. As with procurement, however, cities can achieve far more through such collaboration if they shift away from the traditional model for creating public-private partnerships. Many cash-strapped governments have seen that model primarily as a way to shift the financial risks and legal liabilities associated with the development of infrastructure and services onto the shoulders of the private sector. Yet such projects carry risks for government, too, if they require taxpayers to foot the bill when revenues fail to materialize. Instead, cities can create dynamic, cross-sector coalitions that link the public and private sectors but are more flexible, have shared goals, and can accommodate rapid changes in technology or demand for services. These looser alliances can encompass a wide range of stakeholders—including social partners—making it easier to create and bring to market solutions to horizontal urban challenges such as mobility. Rather than using partnership simply to outsource service provision, these dynamic collaborations bring together stakeholders with a broad array of perspectives and the ability to co-create new, citizen-centric solutions to common problems. An example of this approach is the Detroit Mobility Innovation Initiative. Spearheaded by BCG, this initiative brought together ten public, private, and social sector entities to devise approaches to key mobility issues in Detroit, Michigan, ensuring that all stakeholders agreed on what problems the initiative needed to solve, assigning clear roles and responsibilities to partners, and—crucially—discussing upfront the constraints facing each, in order to find ways to work around them. The cross-sector approach, built around mutual interests, enabled the participants to develop solutions at speed and to direct the skills, capabilities, and resources of all municipal agencies to meet the city’s most pressing mobility challenges. During a 12-week innovation sprint in 2018, the group identified six promising programs for the city to run as pilots over the ensuing 12 months. One of these is a revolutionary on-demand car-sharing model designed to lower insurance and operating costs through features that encourage responsible driving. Another introduces a public transportation system that schedules buses and shuttles on the basis of real-time demand, creating more routes and reducing transit times. Agile in the City To support new collaborative approaches to procurement and dynamic cross-sector partnerships, cities must alter existing cultures and think differently about their ways of working. Among the most common complaints we encountered was that city governments tend to promote a risk-averse culture that does not welcome failure as a tool for learning and improvement. City governments must also contend with the differing demands of multiple stakeholders, objectives that shift with political cycles, firmly entrenched legacy systems, and long-established power structures. Yet today’s urban challenges span the jurisdictions of several departments. In response, cities are warming to the idea of taking a more agile approach to teaming and are seeing the benefits of creating small, cross-functional, autonomous teams that work in iterative, fast-paced cycles. This approach encourages teams to work across departments to harness the different skills and competencies that reside within city hall. Cities are expanding their cross-functional efforts by creating multidisciplinary innovation teams; building official, non-project-based links between teams; initiating “tours of duty” in which innovation teams members rotate through different departments; and even restructuring whole departments to reflect new, interdepartmental goals. Cities that adopt an agile approach are seeing the benefits of creating small, cross-functional, autonomous teams that work in iterative, fast-paced cycles. The city of San José, California, uses the agile technique of scrum practices in its Office of Civic Innovation & Digital Strategy to prioritize the work that the office needs to do to advance its mission. Scrum is an agile management framework that helps teams plan and deliver work incrementally through fixed-duration cycles called sprints. In a Medium post, Michelle Thong, the city’s digital services lead, described how her office uses two-week sprints to agree on goals for the next sprint, break up each goal into smaller tasks, map progress in 15-minute daily stand-up meetings, plan the upcoming workday, and identify roadblocks. Thong’s office uses sprint reviews to assess how successfully goals are being met, and it uses sprint retrospectives to improve the process for subsequent sprints. The scrum technique makes it easier for San José’s municipal teams to prioritize work, increase accountability, remain aligned while working autonomously, and use iteration to foster continuous improvement. Because they can shape the quality of life for a growing share of the US population, cities have a tremendous opportunity to contribute to equitable and sustainable development. In the process, city governments are beginning to recognize that residents are not merely customers or end users of services, but also interested parties that are well positioned to understand the problems facing their communities and how to tackle them. Governments that successfully drive real change will do so by aligning innovation across city departments and empowering city residents—from businesses to private citizens—to become problem solvers and partners playing a key role in the innovation ecosystem. And by creating environments inside and outside city hall that encourage and support experimentation, city governments will nurture promising solutions that can achieve impact through scale. Rich Davey Partner & Associate Director, Transportation Daniel Acosta Jacob Luce Dan Vogel Director, North America, Centre for Public Impact Josh Sorin City Innovation Programme Leader, North America, Centre for Public Impact Katie Rose Senior Programme Associate, Centre for Public Impact About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we help clients with total transformation—inspiring complex change, enabling organizations to grow, building competitive advantage, and driving bottom-line impact. To succeed, organizations must blend digital and human capabilities. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives to spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting along with technology and design, corporate and digital ventures—and business purpose. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, generating results that allow our clients to thrive. © Boston Consulting Group 2020. All rights reserved. For information or permission to reprint, please contact BCG at permissions@bcg.com. To find the latest BCG content and register to receive e-alerts on this topic or others, please visit bcg.com. Follow Boston Consulting Group on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to our Public Sector eAlert. Winning the ’20s Explore the Science of Organizational Change The Transformations That Work—and Why Preemptive Transformation: Fix It Before It Breaks The Five Traits of Transformative CEOs Take Control of Your Digital Future	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3776
__label__wiki	0.980766	0.980766	2° \| £1 = €1.28 \| Saturday 16 January 2021 SCANDALOUS REF DECISION SEES SWISS ROLL HOME WITH DODGY 1-0 WIN IN one of the most shocking refereeing decisions seen in a long time, Northern Ireland went down 1-0 at home to Switzerland to the worst penalty awards. Gutted manager Michael O’Neill was is hurting at the end of the game after that refereeing decision that robbed his players of a well deserved point. Just 12 minutes into the second half, Xherdan Shaqiri’s volley from close rangewas fired straight at Corey Evans, and struck him around the shoulder. And to the amazement to the 16,000 GAWA fans who packed into Windsor Park, the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot. And to add insult to injury, he booked Corey Evans into the bargain. Michael O’Neill fumed: “It’s staggering to think the referee can give a penalty in that situation. “The ball actually hits him more in the back, so it’s incredible. “I thought he’d blown for a foul or an offside. Nobody claimed it. “It’s bewildering in this day and age, and it’s such a defining moment in the game. “The opening tackle by Schar was borderline red card, so I thought the referee didn’t do us any favours tonight.” O’Neill will now have to regroup his players for the difficult away leg on Sunday in Basle. Former Northern Ireland international Iain Dowie didn’t miss his words over the ref’s decision. “10 out of 10 referees would not give that penalty. he’s in a perfect position. “I thought he was picky all night, and he’s got the two big decisions in the game badly, badly wrong. “How he’s given that, in a game of this magnitude, is unfathomable to me.” BD Top 5 PSNI Help Us Find Missing Eimear Castlecourt and Mercury Security Win Top... Traffic Travel Horrific Two Vehicle Head... Man Charged Over Drug Dealing Linked To West... Belfast Actor Ciaran Hinds Honoured At This... BD TV Contact Us \| Advertise \| Privacy policy \| Terms and Conditions \| Disclaimer © BelfastDaily.co.uk Designed by PHWS	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3780
__label__cc	0.68692	0.31308	Article Data-driven marketing Smart Data Next generation CX Customer Experience Management, CX, can give you more than comprehensive insights about the customer’s buying experience. Geographic real-time measurement through multiple channels enables you to take faster and more reliable actions. Today’s companies know exactly how important the customer experience is. But not all of them know that it can be transformed into an operational tool that runs parallel with the company’s revenue and profitability. Nicke Rydgren, Head of Professional Services at Bisnode, says that companies usually handle customer experiences annually or quarterly — and use the insights for broad initiatives and strategy work aimed at creating growth. That work is important, he points out, but more can be done. “There are good opportunities to automate the processes and also extract ongoing customer insights that guide you to more direct actions,” says Rydgren. “This enables you to find out what needs to be done right away, and not generally for the business, but in a specific store.” “If you don’t have endless resources, you have to invest in the right initiatives, and the CX work concerns both efficiency and growth.” —Nicke Rydgren CX work is a strategic issue According to The Economist, companies are most successful with CX when senior management is engaged. Rydgren emphasizes this and says companies should let the CX work be a strategic issue that runs through the entire business. He likens it to how a company manages its logistics; the solutions need to cover the long term, but also the short term. “Imagine a grocery store that runs out of a product,” says Rydgren. “With the right logistics solution, the central warehouse can find out before the fact and a shipment be sent out as soon as possible. There is no reason not to act similarly with CX — by continuously following customers’ experiences, we can pick up changes and act on them with the required efforts.” Accurate actions with CX Going in-depth with CX work and continuously gaining actionable customer insights that guide your company to the right measures obviously sounds good. But how does it work in practice? Bisnode already enables real-time monitoring in multiple channels, in terms of both rating and automated text analysis. This way, companies can merge customer input from apps, surveys, social media, customer support, staff reports, comments on the company’s website and so on. It’s then a question of following and actually acting on the input that emerges. “It’s an ongoing work where we find links between financial results and customer satisfaction in a particular store together with how the store performs in terms of service, product offerings, cleanliness and the like,” says Rydgren. “You can see directly when any area begins to fail and then take counter-measures. By following the development of customer experiences in stores where action has been taken, the method becomes more accurate as well.” The right target audience With this kind of CX work, companies see customer experience changes in real time, both in specific stores and in the online shop. You can also refer the change to a specific reason and track how it affects sales volume and profitability. Those who want to make the measures even more powerful can use the option to build a predictive segmentation model. “Here Bisnode’s segmentation and target group solution based on preferences, life stages and purchase opportunities comes into the picture,” says Rydgren. “With an insightful segmentation, we can see which groups have a certain experience and target specific actions to them. All so that the money invested on measures will have as much effect as possible.” Nicke Rydgren believes that most companies have a lot to gain from taking their CX work to the next level, regardless of the current degree of maturity — there’s always room to become more cutting-edge. “If you don’t have endless resources, you have to invest in the right initiatives, and the CX work concerns both efficiency and growth.” Competitors also inform themselves. Subscribe to our newsletter. Note on privacy We use the data you provide for email notifications in connection with this request. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read how Bisnode processes and protects your personal information. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. We appreciate your registration. All that's missing is one last click. You will receive an e-mail shortly. Please open it and click on the confirmation link. After that your registration is active and you will receive the Bisnode newsletter by e-mail.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3783
__label__cc	0.635646	0.364354	Zach LaVine is on Another Level, Fixing Turnovers is a Must, Billy Donovan Wants to Win, and Other Bulls Bullets January 11, 2021, by Elias Schuster Chicago Bulls Who woulda thunk a Bulls loss could be a great palate cleanser to a gross Bears playoff loss? What a weird world we live in. • Zach LaVine is a gnat that flies in and out of your line of sight like that snaps fingers, and right when you think you clamped him down, he flutters on by with what I can only assume is a maniacal and tiny laugh that only gnats can hear. Truly, the Bulls’ top-scorer looks even more frustrating to guard this year than he has in the past, and if you don’t believe me, all you have to do is watch last night’s showing against the Los Angeles Clippers. A season-high 45 points for Zach LaVine on Sunday. 45 pts \| 15-26 FG \| 10 threes \| 7 reb \| 7 ast pic.twitter.com/ZFK8WxNd7y — Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 11, 2021 • The Clippers defense may not be playing at the same elite level they were last season, but they still have some of the most pesky, gifted defenders in the league on their roster. LaVine responded to that fact by dropping a season-high 45 points on Patrick Beverley (1x All-Defensive First Team, 2x All-Defense Second Team), Paul George (2x All-Defensive First Team 2x All-Defensive Second Team, 2019 NBA Steals Leader), and Kawhi Leonard (2x Defensive Player of the Year, 3x All-Defensive First Team, 3x All-Defensive Second Team, 2015 NBA Steals Leader). • And while the Bulls did end up losing by three, this performance was not indicative of the same old LaVine. The Bulls leading scorer didn’t chuck up desperate shots but rather used the team’s motion offense to find himself a number of high-percentage looks (57.7 FG%, 62.5 3PT%). The team ended with a game-high 30 assists on the night, and LaVine also impressively contributed 7 of his own dishes to that total (FWIW: he also helped the Bulls win the rebounding battle 44-40 with 7 boards). • The last five games from LaVine have arguably been the best basketball we’ve ever seen him play, averaging 34.4 points (53.9 FG%, 43.4 3PT%), 6.0 assists, and 5.8 rebounds. To see those assist and rebounding numbers steadily improve is huge in his pursuit to become a more respected all-around player. Also, the mere fact that he is shooting more efficiently is key to adjusting his standings as a “winning player.” Last season his effective field goal percentage sat in only the 56th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass, but through his first 11 games of this season, he has gotten that number into the 74th percentile. Another equally encouraging stat is that his points per shot attempt have taken a major leap from 114.7 in 2019-20 (62nd percentile) to 126.6 (87th percentile). • With all of that said, LaVine still has a ways to go. He has missed two-straight last-second shots to either give the Bulls the win or send it to OT, and there is a good case to be made that he could/should have passed out on each of those attempts. When the game is truly on the line, he still has to prove he can get over his tunnel vision. He has also not necessarily helped Chicago in the turnover department, which has easily been this team’s biggest fault. LaVine has recorded four or more turnover in four of the team’s last five games. Meanwhile, the entire team leads the league in turnovers per game at 17.8. Donovan expressed clear frustration in the team’s lack of ball security last night, and he was even clearer about the fact that until they clean that up, these wins will remain out of sight. • If you haven’t listened to Donovan’s postgame press conferences, I highly recommend you do. The Bulls have now lost three games in a row (albeit good games), and his reaction to that is entirely different than how we saw Jim Boylen react last season. While Donovan, of course, said there were some positives to take away, there was also noticeable frustration and detail put into his descriptions about why they lost. In other words, unlike Boylen who basically straight-up said he wasn’t concerned about the win-loss column, Donovan simply sounds like he wants to win. He recognizes the importance of development, and the improved play this team showed over these past few games, but he also recognizes that this team lost, and it does them no good to beat around that bush. LIVE: Head Coach Billy Donovan takes questions from the media after tonight's loss to the Clippers https://t.co/BY4naOnVSa • The NBA is having plenty of COVID problems right out of the gate, and I guess the plan is to hope those problems solve themselves. ESPN story on the NBA’s determination to push through season without pause amid growing challenges for teams. https://t.co/3NlwpY4vj7 — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 11, 2021 Previous PostPrevious post:The Reds Probably Want to Trade Nick Castellanos, So of Course I Start Thinking Deeply Stupid Things Next Post Next post:Blackhawks Waive Four Players, as Opening Night Roster Begins to Take Shape The Happ Arb Figures, Big-Arm Cubs Prospect, and Other Cubs Bullets	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3785
__label__wiki	0.927835	0.927835	HERITAGE & PASSION A true automotive enthusiast, and pioneer in luxury automotive, Bob Forstner has created an incredible experience for all clients since 1980. The Forstner Group has been involved in automobiles since 1923. It was founded by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Since the early days of childhood Robert L. Forstner had a place for automobiles in his heart. He has oil in his blood. In 1980 Robert L. Forstner took over the Forstner Automobile company from his father that – over the years – became a synonym for American cars way beyond the borders of Stuttgart. Soon it became an official service point for US army members in Germany. After becoming one of the first Chrysler/Jeep-dealers, his company grew to one of the largest manufacturers’ representatives in Germany. International success was achieved by competing in the European and German Off-Road Championships. Vehicles prepared by Bob Forstner won numerous titles and competitions. It was always special cars like the CJ5, CJ8, Prowler, Ram Pick-Up and Viper that interested him the most. Since its emergence, the Viper played a important role. Robert L. Forstner represented the German dealers at meetings with the legendary Robert A. Lutz. Viper fascination led to founding the German Viper Club. After the Daimler-Chrysler-fusion, the representation was sold to the parent company in November 2000. Excalibur Deutschland – the official importer for Excalibur cars from the USA – was founded as a GmbH (Ltd.) in 1990. By coincidence, Robert L. Forstner had an encounter with a yellow Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary in 1992. That was the beginning of a great love affair. A passion for the car, several visits of the Italian manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini SpA (at that time part of the Chrysler concern) and conversations with personalities like Robert A. Lutz, Mr. Adams and Mr. Kimberley were the starting signal for a new era in 1993. The seed for the official partnership between Lamborghini and Excalibur Deutschland was sown. Excalibur Deutschland eventually became one of the world’s largest Lamborghini dealers. In 1998, the distribution of Lamborghini all over Europe was discussed. A Lamborghini SVR race team was formed and competed all over the world (Lamborghini SVR-Racing within the scope of the Philippe Charriol Super Sport Trophy). The factory presentation and test car Diablo SVR 001 remains with Excalibur until this very day. Another milestone was the Diablo GT. Excalibur managed to managed to sell nearly a quarter of all cars produced. Every model that Lamborghini ever built is a myth and every Lamborghini is a part of history on its own. The Lamborghini Collection/ Museum developed in time to one of the most significant in the world. In 2003 Lamborghini asked Excalibur to open one of the first showrooms in the new corporate identity implemented by Audi. The Excalibur showroom was located in the prestigious Friedrichsstrasse in the centre of Stuttgart. Soon the Bentley franchise was opened and in 2006 Pagani chose the Forstner Group as its importer for Germany. KTM announced their new Product “the X Bow” and once again the Forstner Group was chosen as a pioneer. In 2009, Excalibur Park Lane was founded. The showroom on the legendary Park Lane was opened and brands such as Brabus, Pagani, Ruf, Spyker were soon at home. Park Lane has always had a thriving Classic Car division, selling the most exclusive classics. In Stuttgart, the Lamborghini Museum was opened and soon the company was well known for its award winning restorations of Lamborghini products. The Lamborghini Service Centre is specialised in Lamborghini, new and old. Mercedes and Porsche, brands that fascinated Robert L. Forstner , found a place in the collection. Soon they were also the object of restoration and service repairs. Robert Forstner Daniel Forstner Contact Daniel Gerhild Forstner Projects & Customer Relations Contact Gerhild Vanessa Forstner Contact Vanessa Lupo Forstner Contact Lupo Lynda Bolton Gabi Huenert Contact Gabi Oliver Langhammer After Sales Manager Contact Oliver Wolfgang Huenert Senior Restoration Expert Contact Wolfgang London Stuttgart Avenfield House 118-127 Park Ln W1K 7AF London Mon - Fri: 10:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m Sat - Sun: by appointment only T: +44(0) 2076297020 E: contact@bobforstner.co.uk (5 mins from the airport) T: +49(0) 711 9900 3-0 E: service@bobforstner.com	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3792
__label__cc	0.739659	0.260341	Toni Morrison’s Beloved Beloved, Toni Morrison I picked up a copy of Beloved by Toni Morrison from my neighborhood library box the other day. The words on the cover were, “A Masterpiece…Magnificent.. Astounding.. Overpowering.” In the upper right hand corner was a seal, “Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.” Having read nothing by Morrison, I scooped the book up and took it home. The story began: 124 was spiteful. Full of a baby’s venom. The women in the house knew it and so did the children. (Beloved by Toni Morrison, Penguin Group, 1988, pg. 1) 124? I stopped to wonder what the number represented. A house, perhaps? Or a prison number? A few pages later, I decided 124 was an address. On page 6, a man arrived to sit on the front porch of 124. His name was Paul D. I’m told he was one of the ‘Sweet Home men.” Had I missed something? I perused pages 1-6 again to see if I had. I hadn’t. By page 9, Paul D has entered 124 to sit before the fire. Sethe, his hostess, tells him Mr. Garner is dead and Mrs. Garner has a lump in her throat the size of a sweet potato. I frowned and wondered who the Garners were. Again I turned back the pages but found no earlier reference. As I continued to read more characters appeared, each with no antecedent. Morrison’s technique, apparently, was to invite me into her head and then turn off the lights so that I was left to bang my shins against the furniture of her mind. I spend more time stumbling through plot geography than I do becoming engrossed in it. Would it have broken some cardinal rule, for example, if the novel had begun: The house at 124 had a spiteful spirit? Perhaps I cling too fiercely to the old ways. When I was in high school, my English teacher told me that writing to be understood wasn’t as important as writing so as not to be misunderstood. Over the years, I’ve clung to this higher goal and know how difficult it is difficult to attain. Language is nothing but strata. Over centuries, meaning becomes silted with nuance so that a word can have contrary meanings. Sanguine refers to being bloodthirsty or hopeful, depending upon its context, for example. I admit, given my ancient standards, I might have thrown Ulysses in James Joyce’s face and told him to learn how to write a sentence. Still, I do not think it outrageous to ask writers to use words, not in a way that blinds me, but that opens my eyes. I have not given up on Toni Morrison, of course. Not after 9 pages. I shall read her Noble Prize winning novel to its end. How will I feel when I have finished it, I don’t know. Sanguine, I suppose. (Courtesy of wikipedia.com) Portland, Oregon author Caroline Miller had distinguished careers as an educator, union president, elected official and artist/advocate. Her play, Woman on the Scarlet Beast, was performed at the Post5 Theatre, Portland, OR, January/February 2015 Caroline published a serialized novelette, Marie Eau-Claire, on the website, The Colored Lens. She also published the story Gustav Pavel, a parable about ordinary lives, choice and alternate potential, on the website Fixional.co. Caroline has published four novels Subscribe to Caroline’s Blog Categories Select Category Musings A Woman’s World Aging Book reviews Dreams, Death, Illusions Money Matters Our Minds, Our bodies Scams social concerns Social Media Technology Writing, publishing, agents News Published Writings Ballet Noir Gothic Spring Heart Land Marie Eau-Claire Tromp l’Oeil To access and subscribe to my videos on YouTube, Click Here and click the Subscribe button.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3795
__label__wiki	0.527241	0.527241	Tag Archives: The Love-charm of Bombs Themed review: novels from the Home Front in WW2 One might expect wartime fiction to provide comfort, escapism, even propaganda. Many no doubt did. However the four novels featured here written and set in Britain during the war also took the opportunity to reveal something new and different about the human condition and to record some of their bizarre and unusual experiences. Setting novels on the Home Front of the Second World War Setting novels in wartime brings the writer many opportunities. Unexpected locations, events, characters and relationships arise in wartime. Motives can be unclear. Characters, especially heroines and heroes, are often required to find resources within themselves that they did not know they had. For me, the ultimate war novel will probably always be Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. The protagonists face some dreadful and nonsensical situations, meet officers who are completely out of their depth, and try to survive however they can. Much of the novel points up the craziness of the war. It was set on a Mediterranean island in the Second World War, but not published until 1961. In the Heat of the Day by Elizabeth Bowen This novel is a thriller, set in war-time London, centred on the Regents Park area. Stella is approached by the mysterious and rather malevolent Harrison at an open air concert. He appears to know things about her lover Robert, questioning his commitment to the war effort. Allegiances to people and countries of birth are under suspicion. The description of an air raid is vivid and exciting. And this passage about the presence of the dead in London is moving. Most of all the dead, from mortuaries, from under cataracts of rubble, made their anonymous presence – not as today’s dead but as yesterday’s living – felt through London. Uncounted, they continued to move in shoals through the city day, pervading everything to be seen or heard or felt with their torn-off senses, drawing on this tomorrow they had expected – for death cannot be so sudden as all that. Absent from the routine which had been life, they stamped upon that routine their absence – not knowing who the dead were you could not know which might be the staircase somebody for the first time was not mounting this morning, or at which street corner the newsvendor missed a face, or which trains and buses in the homegoing rush were this evening lighter by one passenger. (p91-2) Elizabeth Bowen wrote most of the novel during the war, but apparently found it hard to complete and it was not published until 1948. In the Heat of the Day by Elizabeth Bowen (1948). You can find the full post here. A Footman for the Peacock by Rachel Ferguson This novel considers a formerly wealthy landed family confronting the changes of the 20th century. The story includes their energetic efforts to resist the advancing demands of the war, for example, to take in evacuees. And is it possible that the peacock is signalling to enemy aircraft? It is both a social commentary and a thriller set against the background of the first months of the war. A Footman for the Peacock by Rachel Ferguson (1940) reissued by Furrowed Middlebrow Books (2016). My comments on this novel on Bookword can be found here. Night Shift by Inez Holden Night Shift is a novella first published in 1941. The episodes are framed as six night shifts in a factory in East London during the Blitz. The workers, mostly women, make surveillance cameras for aircraft. There is little story, but the people who work, supervise, or relax in the canteen reveal their separate lives as they work together. Each person is given a name or nickname, and they interact in a way that demonstrates a sense of community, but they are not connected to their important work. They are strangely isolated on their night shifts. The novella strongly conveys the daily interactions of Londoners, the inconveniences of Blitz damage, the noise, the concerns about women’s wages and the sense of so many individuals being involved in these events. Reading it one felt it was a record of a strange and unusual time. The novella has been republished with Inez Holden’s wartime diaries so in a sense that impression is justified. Blitz Writing: Night Shift & It was Different at the Time by Inez Holden (1941/5), published by Handheld Press 2019. The second half of this book is extracts from her diaries. Thanks to Heavenali and JacquiWine’s Journal for drawing my attention to this volume. Mrs Miniver by Jan Struther It is a bit of a stretch to call this a wartime novel. To begin with although the characters are fictional it is more a collection of articles from The Times about everyday middle class life in pre-war Britain. And secondly it hardly features the war. But it has the reputation of a wartime novel largely because of the famous film which can be seen as propaganda. The character of Mrs Miniver was considered very successful and Churchill claimed it contributed to the entry of the USA into the war. There is a comforting feeling about Mrs Miniver despite the looming violence. Perhaps the pieces were gathered together and published as war began to remind people of what could be lost. Mrs Miniver by Jan Struther was published in 1939 and by Virago (1989). My thoughts about it on Bookword can be found here. And you might be interested in The Love-Charm of Bombs: Restless Lives in the Second World War by Lara Feigel (2013), published by Bloomsbury. This book explores the varied effects of war upon the following writers: Elizabeth Bowen, Rose Macaulay, Hilde Spiel, Henry Yorke (Green) and Graham Greene. Filed under Books, Elizabeth Bowen, Reading, Reviews Tagged as A Footman for the Peakcock, Blitz Writing, Elizabeth Bowen, Furrowed Middlebrow, Handheld Press, Heavenali blog, Home Front, In the Heat of the Day, Inez Holden, JacquieWine blog, Jan Struther, Lara Feigel, Mrs Miniver, Rachel Ferguson, The Love-charm of Bombs, thriller, Wartime fiction, World War Two The Heat of the Day by Elizabeth Bowen I read this thriller twelve months ago and I noted that I expected to reread it and soon. It turns out that rereading is very rewarding, and nothing is spoiled by knowing the plot, indeed the other features of the novel become more evident. It’s set during the Second World War and the tension comes from the suggestion that one of the main characters, Robert, is involved in treason. The novel opens as the creepy Harrison prepares to meet Stella. Stella has already rejected Harrison, ‘asked him to go away and stay away’. We have been warned that ‘he was not, however, through.’ Harrison visits Stella in her flat and reveals his plan to blackmail her: his silence about Robert can be bought if she becomes his mistress and does not see Robert again. The scene in which Harrison reveals his hand, is carefully drawn out in Chapter 2 and is a powerful example of an effective scene in fiction. Stella’s feelings alter from irritation of being bothered by a man she does not want to see to shock and disbelief at what Harrison tells her and finally confusion about what she should do. Can she believe Harrison? What should she do to protect the man she loves? If Harrison is right should she protect Robert? How can she know? The story is set up, the tension holds, as the interactions between Harrison, Stella and Robert run their course. One of the most impressive aspect of this novel is the depiction of living in London during the Blitz. They had met one another, at first not very often, throughout the heady autumn of the first London air raids. Never had a season been more felt; one bought the poetic sense of it with the sense of death. Out of mists of morning charred by the smoke from ruins each day rose to a height of unmisty glitter; between the last of sunset and first note of the siren the darkening glassy tenseness of evening was drawn fine. From the moment of waking you tasted the sweet autumn not less because of an acridity on the tongue and nostrils; and as the singed dust settled and smoke diluted you felt more and more called upon to observe daytime as a pure and curious holiday from fear. All through London the ropings-off of dangerous tracts of streets made islands of exalted if stricken silence, and people crowded against the ropes to admire the sunny emptiness on the other side. The diversion of traffic out of blocked main thoroughfares into byways, the unstopping phatasmagoric streaming of lorries, buses, vans, drays, taxis past modest windows and quiet doorways set up an overpowering sense of London’s organic power – somewhere there was a source from which heavy motion boiled, surged and, not to be damned up, force itself into new channels. (p90-91) Elizabeth Bowen does not forget the dead, and she provides a strong image of them, present through their absences. This passage illustrates her rather difficult style and its density has the effect of slowing the reader, so you have to engage with the direction of the sentence, its meaning, its surprise. In the example above, the sentence that begins ‘Absent from the routine’ by its end has conjured up the non-presence of the dead, and has a very pleasing rhythm. The novel is claimed as a London novel, and it is indeed very clearly located around the Regent’s Park area, although, echoing Stella’s confusion, the blackout means that sometimes she does not know where Harrison has taken her. An interesting article about its London-ness, by Jane Miller (author of Crazy Age), can be found on the London Fictions website. The London location and the heightened sensibilities of living there are contrasted with Stella’s visit to the rural calm of Ireland. Ireland remained neutral during the war, although not unaffected by it (Stella uses months’ supply of house candles, unknowingly). A second contrast is to Holme Dene, where Robert’s mother lives, in the Home Counties. Holme Dene is permanently for sale and rigidly in thrall to Muttikins. Elizabeth Bowen’s description reveals a great deal about Robert’s family: …upstairs life since the war, had up there condensed itself into very few rooms – swastika-arms of passage leading to nothing, stripped of carpet, bulbs gone from the light-sockets, were flanked by doors with keys turned. Extinct, at this night hour Stygian as an abandoned mine-working, those reaches of passages would show in daylight ghost-pale faded patches no shadow crossed, and, from end to end, an even conquest of dust. (p258) One important theme of the novel concerns allegiances, what individuals owe to other people. In war it is an unquestioned assumption that one will have allegiance to one’s country and abhorrence of fraternization or spying for the enemy. The central questions of the novel are about Robert’s treachery or not, and Stella’s duty to him or her country. Stella’s visit to Mount Morris in Ireland raises questions about place in allegiance, of one nation to another, and the bequest to Roderick brings up questions of who owes what to whom in the next generation. To whom, Elizabeth Bowen appears to ask, when the chips are down, do we owe our loyalty? Her answer, I think, is to the integrity of the self and one’s love for others. It is also a novel about appearances and what is concealed and whether you should trust what you see, what you feel, what you want to trust. At the centre of this theme is Harrison, a shady character, about whom we never know much, not his work, his past, or where he goes or what he does when he is not with Stella. And like Stella we do not know whether to believe what he implies. We do not want to believe that Stella’s lover is a traitor. Stella has the reputation of a woman who shamefully abandoned her husband. Her son Roderick learns the truth from a woman who has been feigning madness for years. But the truth is not that simple, for Stella has preferred people to believe what they thought was the truth rather than acknowledge to the world that her husband did not want to stay with her. Even Stella’s affair with Robert is presented to the reader as not of the real world. The lovers had for two years possessed a hermetic world, which, like the ideal book about nothing, stayed itself on itself by its inner force. (p90) Appearances of the characters reflect something about their role in the plot and their characteristics as well as Elizabeth Bowen’s confidence in handling them. Harrison comes and goes in a shady way. Stella is not directly introduced until Chapter 2. Robert does not appear until Chapter 5. Many of the minor characters appear and disappear as acquaintances did in London’s reduced social world. Despite being a published writer for 25 years Elizabeth Bowen found it difficult to finish the novel. She wrote the early sections during the war but it was not published until 1948. She had fallen in love with Charles Ritchie, a Canadian diplomat, to whom the book is dedicated and considered the physical model for Robert. Their affair continued, despite his return to Canada, his marriage and frequent separations, until she died in 1973. (For more details of this and other writers’ lives during the war see Lara Feigel’s The Love-charm of Bombs). I love this novel. I expect I will read it again and again. I hope I can encourage you to read (or even reread) it. For another enthusiastic blog review see Book Snob’s here. My reviews of earlier Elizabeth Bowen novels are here: The Hotel, and The Last September. Reminder: the next general Readalong will be in December. If you want to make a reading suggestion please do so. I will announce the choice in the next few weeks. If you want to be notified of further posts please subscribe by entering your email address in the box at the head of the column on the right. Tagged as Elizabeth Bowen, Jane Miller, Lara Feigel, The Heat of the Day, The Hotel, The Last September, The Love-charm of Bombs	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3796
__label__cc	0.7371	0.2629	Center for Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics Fetal Therapy Program Back to Center for Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics The progression of certain pregnancy complications can be altered through minimally invasive fetal interventions. The Fetal Therapy Program at the Center for Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics provides seamless coordination and treatment that can aid a fetus before birth. The Program, featuring availability for consultation within 24 hours, includes specialty services and therapies for a growing number of conditions, including congenital cardiac disease such as hypoplastic (underdeveloped) left heart syndrome, twin-twin transfusion syndrome (intrauterine blood transfusion from one twin to the other), complications of identical twins, fetal airway obstruction, fetal masses and birth defects such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (hole in the diaphragm) and neural tube defects (also known as spina bifida). Continuity care for pregnancies in which an infant with a congenital complication or genetic disease is coordinated with the BWH MFM (high risk pregnancy) physicians and pediatric subspecialists. The Fetal Cardiac Intervention Program is the cornerstone of our Fetal Therapy Program. In collaboration with Boston Children's Hospital, this nationally recognized program is a leader in the development of minimally invasive approaches to the fetus with a cardiac condition diagnosed prenatally. The Program specializes in evaluating and providing in utero treatment to alter the progression of hypoplastic left heart disease, a condition that leads to the underdevelopment of the left side of the heart. If this developmental defect in the heart is identified before it reaches its end stage, our specialists can treat the condition by opening up the aortic valve. This dilation allows the left side of the heart to continue to grow. Learn more about fetal cardiac surgery to treat hypoplastic left heart disease, including one family’s story. Our Fetal Therapy Program also specializes in treating complications occurring in twins, especially those with cases of monochorionic twins. Twin pregnancies may be complicated by a congenital or genetic disease in only one of the twins. Concerns for monochorionic twins (twins that share the same placenta) range from growth disparities to twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence. Coordinated care between the Fetal Therapy Program and ongoing obstetric care in the Maternal Fetal Medicine practice helps optimize the outcomes for these high risk twins. For other conditions, our specialists use a combination of surgical and medical management to obtain the best outcomes for mother and child. Other in utero treatments such as for pregnancies complicated by fetal anemia caused by viral infection, and red blood cell abnormalities such as Rh disease are also available. For all of our fetal treatment interventions, our goal is the mother's safety and improved newborn outcomes. Planning for a safe delivery for the infant with an anticipated complication is an important aspect of fetal care. The fetal therapy high risk physicians, in conjunction with MFM physicians, neonatologists, pediatric subspecialists, geneticists, and nursing can coordinate the ongoing pregnancy care, fetal surveillance, delivery planning and postpartum support essential for the best outcome for the neonate, mother and family. Families often relocate to Boston from across the nation for care through the fetal therapy program and we are committed to ensuring a smooth and supportive transition for these high risk pregnancies. Fetal Cardiac Intervention Hypoplastic left heart syndrome can lead to an underdeveloped left side of the heart (left). Blood flow may be restored after in utero treatment (right) as part of the Fetal Therapy Program at the Center for Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics at BWH. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services, please contact us at (617) 732-4840. Our offices are located at: Brigham and Women’s Hospital CWN-3 75 Francis Street Fetal Therapy Program Leaders Louise E. Wilkins Haug, MD, PhD Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Carolina Bibbo, MD Care for Pregnancy Complications Care for Medical Conditions in Pregnancy Perinatal Consult Service Prenatal Genetics, Diagnosis and Counseling Comprehensive Care Center for Multiples Newborn Medicine Find A DoctorRequest AppointmentLocationsServices	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3797
__label__cc	0.654359	0.345641	The town of Crewe dates back to the 19th century and was originally built by the Grand Junction Railway Company. few of the original buildings remain, however the Christ Church tower is intact together with the Lyceum Theatre which has mainly been restored to its original Edwardian splendour. Crewe Hall is located on the outskirts of the town and is now a luxury hotel. 17 Results In Or Near Crewe Crewe Hall (Hotel) 2.2 miles from the centre of Crewe Crewe Hall is set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside with a collection of stately homes, halls, and gardens on the doorstep. With many strolling trails and bicycle routes for guests who want to explore. Crewe Hall (Spa) The majesty of Crewe Hall, a mighty grade I listed house in Cheshire that's all marble fireplaces and stained glass windows, can be appreciated in more ways than its fine architecture. Step into the spa and revel in another sort of cultural escape – one that allows your mind and body to totally bliss out. Slink into the sauna and steam room and cleanse your mind of life's troubles, lay on the heated loungers and ease tired backs or retreat to the moody relaxation area and fall asleep in the w... Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa (Hotel) 19th Century Georgian Splendour - Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa is a magnificent country house hotel set in 38 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens near Nantwich Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa (Restaurant) Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa's AA Rosette restaurant in Cheshire offers modern British favourites which showcase the best of the season's flavours. Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa (Spa) The Rookery Hall hotel & Spa is designed to create a sense of warmth, security, luxury and blissful relaxation. The Bear's Paw (Hotel) The Bear's Paw is a charming countryside inn situated in the village of Warmingham, near the popular market towns of Sandbach, Middlewich and Crewe. The 19th-century inn has been lovingly restored to feature a refined gastroinn with boutique bedrooms. Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker (Place to visit) Discover the secret world of nuclear government. For over 50 years this vast underground complex, remained secret, hidden on the outskirts of a sleepy Cheshire town. Declassified in 1993, the 35,000 sq ft underground bunker would have been the centre of Regional Government had nuclear war broken out. Built in the 1950's as part of a vast secret radar network codenamed 'ROTOR'. The bunker today offers a warm welcome to anyone looking for a totally different day out. Entering through massive... Smithy Cottage (Self Catering) Situated in the picturesque village of Bostock, this property perfect for cosy weekends or corporate midweek stays. Close to Gadbrook Park and near Nunsmere Hall Wedding Venue, it is a brilliant base with an award winning Hayhurst Arms pub a stone's throw away. Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa (Golf Course) Set in the core of the moving Cheshire field, the 18-opening Championship and Premier Golf Courses and 9-gap Arderne course have set up Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa as an unmistakable world class championship golf venue. With a decision of 3 brilliant courses, Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa is the principal decision for your golf occasion; a restrictive private capacity setting is additionally accessible. Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa (Hotel) Sitting in the rolling Cheshire countryside close to historic Chester, the Portal Hotel Golf and Spa has ample space inside and out to make yourself at home. Major attractions are the three challenging golf courses but if teeing off isn't your bag, the lovely countryside has many walks and bike trails to explore. The 18-metre pool and luxurious spa area plus gym also make this spot a great getaway for a girls' weekend or a romantic break. Bedrooms are smart in muted browns, olives and cre... Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa (Spa) When in Cheshire, indulge yourself. That's the motto at Macdonald Portal Hotel, nestled among the rolling countryside, where you're encouraged to take to the indulgent surroundings of its stunning spa. Kitted out with all the sumptuous mod-cons, there's a proper thermal suite including infrared sauna, rock sauna and aroma steam room for hot and cold sensations, and a tranquil 18m pool to swim your troubles away. Reward your skin with an ultra hydrating facial using Decleor formulations or bro... The Fishpool Inn (Restaurant) 10.9 miles from the centre of Crewe Idyllically positioned on the edge of the enchanting Delamere Forest, the award winning Fishpool Inn is a cosy, characterful inn dating back to the 18th century. Serving real ales from local micro-breweries, fine wines and freshly prepared food using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, the menu features traditional home comforts such as their popular 'Pie of the Day, along with modern British and European dishes and 12' pizzas freshly baked in their Woodstone Oven. The Fishpool is a... Abbeywood Gardens (Garden) Sitting in the heart of the Delamere countryside in rural Cheshire, Abbeywood Gardens are part of a 45-acre family estate. Whether you fancy a woodland stroll with the dog or want to inspect the beauty of the informal and formal gardens, this tranquil spot makes for a lovely day out. Do the 2km wildlife walk incorporating 27 acres of mature and newly-planted woodland, take in the spectacular views of the Utkinton Hills, take the children to the outdoor play area or just sit and have a relaxed... Covetside Cottage (Self Catering) Beautiful rural cottage tucked away in the Peover Estate for a charming country stay: explore the Cheshire footpaths or relax in the village pub, The Dog Inn, where a superb Sunday lunch can be enjoyed. The boutique town of Knutsford is less than a 10 minute drive and the gardens at the historic Peover Hall a few minutes walk. Capesthorne Accommodation (Self Catering) Capesthorne Hall has on-site accommodation for up to 24 guests within it’s stunning grounds, adjacent to the lakes and woodland walk. Capesthorne Hall (Garden) Capesthorne Hall and Gardens are open Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays to the public between April and October. With formal gardens, lakes and woodland walk. Capesthorne Hall (Historic House) Capesthorne Hall, the home of the Bromley- Davenports since 1726, is a popular Jacobean stately home in Cheshire set in 100 acres of picturesque countryside.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3798
__label__wiki	0.903253	0.903253	Storm v Cowboys Prelim Final Preview By William Botoulas‌, Melbourne Correspondent, NRL.com Thu 24 Sep 2015, 01:30 PM Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys AAMI Park, Melbourne Saturday, 7.40pm With big-game players on both sides of the park, the stakes could not be much higher in Saturday night's Preliminary Final. The Cowboys are desperate to book a Grand Final berth, 10 years after they last made an appearance in a title decider, while the Storm are looking to enter the big dance for the sixth time in 10 years. With 17 wins this year, North Queensland are poised to turn their greatest ever home-and-away season into a maiden premiership triumph. Standing in their way will be a Melbourne side who (pardon the pun) have hit a purple patch right when it matters most, with their last three wins coming against the only other sides left in the premiership race. The Storm's winning run included a 14-6 win over the Cowboys just three weeks ago at AAMI Park, a result that put an end to the visitors' Minor Premiership aspirations. After turning the finals series on its head in Week One with an upset win over the Roosters, Craig Bellamy's side's confidence will be sky high. So too should North Queensland who put the Sharks to the sword last weekend with a 39-0 dismantling. However, they have not strung two wins together since early August and could not ask for a better time to do it than on Saturday night. Melbourne have their injury concerns, most notably their leading try-scorer Marika Koroibete who is racing the clock after suffering a lacerated Achilles in the Qualifying Final. Jordan McLean and Tim Glasby are also battling knee complaints but look set to take their place in the side heavily taped. The Cowboys have named an unchanged 17, with Ray Thompson again added to a five-man bench. Watch Out Storm: More Of Morgan – Michael Morgan did not play the last time these two teams met back in Round 25. The Storm took the points in a hard-fought game as the Cowboys returned to old habits in heavily leaning on Johnathan Thurston. Morgan's importance to his side was glaring that night, as it was last weekend v Sharks when he finished the game with three line breaks, two tries and a try assist. Melbourne's last three wins have been against the Cowboys, Broncos and Roosters however Morgan, Ben Hunt and Mitchell Pearce did not play in any of those games. That means for the first time in a month, Cooper Cronk and Blake Green will be up against an opposition with its complete halves pairing. Watch Out Cowboys: The Purple Wall – Melbourne's late-season surge has been on the back of their impenetrable defence. The Storm have allowed just eight tries from their last five games and that is against the very best sides in the competition. North Queensland did score the second-most points of any team during the home-and-away season but have managed just four tries from their two games against Melbourne this year. If the Cowboys are to win on Saturday night, the purple wall must be breached. Key Match-Up: Jesse Bromwich v Matt Scott – There is no denying the match-up of Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk is a mouth-watering prospect. However, the battle of the two front-rowers will be crucial in putting their respective halfbacks into territory to do some damage. Bromwich dominated back in Round 25 with 214 metres and 37 tackles while Scott showed how invaluable he is to the Cowboys as he monstered the Sharks up the middle. Finals games are often won or lost up the middle and Saturday night's Preliminary Final shapes as no exception. The History: Played 29; Storm 20, Cowboys 9. North Queensland have won three of the past five but have won only twice in their 11 trips to Melbourne. Match Officials: Referee: Matt Cecchin. Assistant Referee: Ben Cummins. Touch Judges: Steve Carrall & Nick Beashel. Video Referees: Bernard Sutton & Ben Galea. Televised: Channel Nine – LIVE from 7pm AEST. The Way We See It: Both games this year between these two have been close and this shapes as more of the same. The week off may give the Storm the edge, especially in the second half if the game remains in the balance. Storm by 6. This article first appeared on NRL.com	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3799
__label__cc	0.629345	0.370655	Builder 100 Live Builder Insider Sales & Marketing Summit Join the industry's top home builders for unparalleled content and discussions, focused on improving your top and bottom lines. A strategic summit for the top homebuilders to challenge the future. Industry leaders share their experience and vision for you to elevate your organization. Join us in Dana Point California Network with like-minded builders in person Honor the top Builders Get exclusive access to thought leaders, experts, and peers as they share their experiences with emerging trends, digital tools, and new design techniques. Two days of content explore critical challenges and opportunities with forward action items. $149 to join virtually Watch live or later on-demand Experience the first annual builder sales and marketing virtual event which explores strategies and tactics to build successful sales funnels. Sessions over two days will dive into the future to help forecast consumer behavioral changes, marketing advances and memorable brand experiences. Marketing leaders share their experience and expertise for you to elevate your marketing strategy An exclusive event series for today's top homebuilders Builder 100 gives you the opportunity to engage in discussions about how design, technology, labor and capital challenges will redefine the future of homebuilding. Virtual Event: Sales & Marketing Technology: 3/2/21 - 3/3/21 Live Event: Builder 100 Conference @ the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel: 5/3/21 - 5/5/21 Virtual Event: Builder 100 Virtual Summit: 11/9/21 - 11/10/21 Join the top builders Bringing together the top builders in the industry. This event series explores topics most relevant to senior level builders, developers, sales and marketing executives to discuss, and share ideas focused on improving their top and bottom line. Date: March 2, 2021 - March 3, 2021 Virtual Event Date: October 18, 2021 - October 20, 2021 Location: TBD The Builder 100 event series is designed to cover critical topics affecting the homebuilding industry. Register today to get early bird pricing. Date: May 3, 2021 - May 5, 2021 Location: Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel November 9, 2021 - November 10, 2021 Virtual Event Sign Up For Details Sign up for our newsletter to get housing market updates, new blog posts, and event alerts. What topics do you want to learn about at Builder100? Follow the event conversation using the hashtag #Builder100 © 2021 Zonda \| All Rights Reserved Sign up for our newsletter below, if you have additional questions please contact us at Marketing@builderonline.com. By clicking this button, you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3803
__label__wiki	0.906696	0.906696	You Are Here: Home → 2016 → March → 1 → Green groups campaign for ‘zero vote’ for Roxas, other pro-mining candidates Green groups campaign for ‘zero vote’ for Roxas, other pro-mining candidates Dee Ayroso March 1, 2016 #Elections2016, Green Vote Campaign 2016, pro-mining candidates Conveners of Scrap the Mining Act Network hold images of “pro-mining candidates,” Vice President Jejomar Binay, former Secretary Mar Roxas, and Congressman Martin Romualdez. (Photo by D.Ayroso/Bulatlat.com) MANILA – Various environmentalist groups are calling on voters not to elect pro-mining candidates, who, they said, if voted to office, will worsen the plunder of national patrimony and destruction of the environment. The groups under the Green Vote 2016 Campaign identified presidential aspirants former Internal Secretary Mar Roxas of the Liberal Party and Vice President Jejomar Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), who they said, both have links with and receive support from mining companies. “If these candidates are elected, we expect an increased entry and operation of foreign and big mining companies who will further grab our lands, destroy our ecosystems, and plunder our resources,” said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, in a press conference today, March 1. “Instead of radically changing our defective mining policy and program, these electoral aspirants will allow greater foreign control of our mineral resources and graver ecological devastation,” he added. Also at the press conference are leaders of indigenous peoples groups Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayang Pilipino, and mining-affected communities, church and scientist groups under the Scrap the Mining Act of 1995 Network. The groups said a candidate’s stand on the “defective” Mining Act of 1995 is a crucial issue in this year’s elections, because it shows if the candidate “stands with the people against mining.” Pro-mining candidates Bautista said in Roxas’s 2012 Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Net worth (SALN), he declared P120 million ($2.5 million) worth of shares in seven mining companies, namely: Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company, Manila Mining Company, Philex Mining Corporation, Marinduque Mining and Industrial Corporation, Mindanao Mother Lake Mines, Samar Mining Company, and Western Minolco Corporation. Roxas is also being supported by Miguel Gutierrez, owner of the San Roque Metals Inc. (SRMI) which was reported to have lent private jets for Roxas’s sorties. LP spokesperson Edgar Erice was former SRMI owner and Gutierrez’s business partner. Bautista said so far, no presidential or vice-presidential candidate has made a categorical stand that their platform includes changing the Mining Act, except for Binay who said the law should be amended to further open the country to foreign mining companies. “We believe the reason for this is that mining companies are one of the biggest donors during elections,” Bautista said. Binay also received P3 million ($64,000) from the mining company DMCI for his 2010 campaign, Bautista said. Presidential candidate Grace Poe and vice presidential aspirant Alan Peter Cayetano had made statements that they advocate “responsible mining.” The groups said that for the past 21 years under the Mining Act, there has been no “responsible mining,” as shown by the reported mining disasters. Cayetano’s running mate, presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte banned the entry of new mining companies in Davao city, but the old ones continue to operate. Another vice presidential aspirant, Bongbong Marcos, had also issued pro-mining statements, while former military man Gregorio Honasan, had advocated the formation of paramilitary groups to protect mining sites. The groups said senatorial candidates of the LP and UNA “have the clearest records of supporting large-scale mining in the country.” LP candidates campaign is based on continuing President Aquino’s tuwid na daan, “which includes the worsening mining liberalization,” Bautista said. Richard Gordon, a guest candidate in both parties of Binay and Poe, is currently an independent director in Atlas Mining. Also running under UNA is Martin Romualdez, the former chairman of Benguet Corporation, whose brother Benjamin Romualdez is the president of the Chamber of Mines.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3806
__label__wiki	0.510888	0.510888	NEWS: Support the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity Laura Hunter The Sky Blues have supported University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity with several campaigns and Christmas hospital visits over the years... The Charity is now looking to Sky Blues FANS help – to take part in a short survey and in a new appeal for books and puzzles for patients. When you or a loved one is poorly it's an anxious time - you want to receive the best care possible. University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity support and improve the health and wellbeing of the patients of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust - University Hospital, Coventry and the Hospital of St Cross, Rugby. They are also the charity for Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, supporting local mental healthcare, learning disability services and community services. They make things better for patients of all ages, their families and the staff who treat them by funding for state of the art equipment, new facilities, pioneering research and all the important extras that make care so special. Online survey – Help a local charity to review its website and social media. Take part in a simple online survey to tell University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity your views on website (www.uhcwcharity.org) and their social media. With just 20 questions to answer, it will take you just a few minutes of your time to complete. Click here to take part and be in with a chance to WIN a one night weekend break at a Hilton hotel for two adults with bed and breakfast and £40 towards dinner. Appeal for paperback fiction books and puzzles Have you got piles of books at home – never going to read them again? Why not donate your paperback fiction books, children’s books and jigsaw puzzles to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity. The Charity holds a weekly bookstall in University Hospital for patients and staff, all of the money raised helps to fund new services and facilities in the hospital. Once collected take them to the Charity office in main reception of University Hospital (M-F 10-4). Call 02476 966059 for more details. Conquer 54 miles of cycling this September Take part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday September 11, 2016 and cycle from the capital city through country lanes towards a spectacular seaside finish. Entry is just £40 which includes full mechanical support, free water stops and buffet lunch and training plans. Optional transport for you and your bike back to London. (Minimum sponsorship of £100 to be raised by each cyclist.) Sign up at www.uhcwcharity.org/londontobrighton quickly as places are filling up fast!	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3812
__label__cc	0.505358	0.494642	Go Team Hortistone! Perennial’s #PlayThePitch Raises £8,000 at LCFC Perennial’s #PlayThePitch fundraising football tournament at Leicester City Football Club in May raised just over £8,000 – with CED Stone Group and Horticultural Week joining forces as Team Horti Stone, it was a day of fun, football and teamwork. Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping everyone who works in horticulture, and their families, when times get tough. They provide advice, support and financial assistance to people of all ages working in, or retired from horticulture. Amazingly, this help also extends to spouses, partners and children – so here at CED we’ve never hesitated to support them in any way we can. So if that means kitting our best people out in shorts and boots and sending them all the way to Leicester to play at one of the most celebrated grounds in Premiership football then so be it. Joining with our friends at Horticultural Week to create Team Horti Stone, the team did brilliantly – after seeing off the IOG Allstars 2-1 they played right up to the Plate final against Ady’s All Blacks, a team cobbled together at the last minute by BBC Radio Leicester’s Ady Dayman who then went on to play in the final penalty shoot out against the team from Gavin Jones. Topping off a fantastic day, Richard Bickler from Arbour Landscape Solutions stepped between the posts for the Beat the Goalie competition, which saw Perennial’s new Chief Executive Peter Newman amongst those who stepped up to take a shot before heading up to the Walkers Lounge to lead the speeches and trophy presentations. Laura Garnett, Senior Development Manager at Perennial, said: “Our thanks go to LCFC Grounds Manager John Ledwidge and his team as well as all those who took part on the day. It was a great event for Perennial, raising much needed funds and galvanising support. This was the first event of its kind for Perennial and in organising it we have realised what an appetite our colleagues from across the industry have for friendly competition! We are already in talks with further sports grounds to stage similar events in the coming months.” CED Marketing Manager Paula Chalmers, said: ‘It was a fantastic idea for Perennial to use football to bring people together and to highlight what they do as a charity while having fun too. I know that our team really enjoyed playing with some awesome people that they wouldn’t usually have a chance to meet on a friendly and fun competitive level. I was particularly excited to hang out with Filbert Fox for the afternoon!’ We’d like to thank Perennial and their sponsors for organising such a fantastic event, and for John and his team at LCFC. For more information about Perennial and their charitable work, visit www.perennial.org.uk - we’ll certainly be signing up for next year’s #PlayThePitch! This news posted on 13th Jun 2017 News search: CED Events	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3814
__label__cc	0.66352	0.33648	Crossfit Raw Appeal 702-489-9800 \| Contact 9/11 Care Package Event with the Douglas J. Green Memorial Foundation As an owner of a CrossFit Affilate, it is one of the greatest pleasures to give back to our community. On the 15th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on our country, we hosted the Douglas J. Green Memorial Foundation’s care package event. In August 2011, Spc. Douglas J. Green was Killed in Action, while deployed to Afghanistan with the army. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. To honor his life, Doug’s mother, Suni Chabrow, created the Douglas J. Green Memorial Foundation. Because Doug loved the care packages his family sent, Suni made it her mission to provide care packages to members of the Armed Forces when they are deployed overseas. Each year, we host at least one of these amazing events, where hundreds of people come together to serve our troops stationed overseas. Mix 94.1 did a huge “Munchies for the Military” drive at a few local Sam’s Clubs, collecting more than 45,000 items and $22,000 for postage. What an honor to host–what an important way to give back to the men and women who are serving our country as a direct result of what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. This is just one of the many ways CrossFit RA supports our community–truly the best part of our mission for the gym. Yes, we love to workout… we love to change people’s lives by increasing their fitness and achieving goals together. But community is where it’s at!!! When you join a good CrossFit gym, you find friends from all walks of life and you get to form new relationships–things you don’t get at a regular gym. And when you join CFRA, you aren’t just joining a good CrossFit gym–we pride ourselves on being a GREAT CrossFit gym–where you find friends that end up being FAMILY. Come in, see what we mean… try us for a free week and fall in love with the people, the WODs, and a new way of envisioning your fit-self. You won’t regret it! Member Spotlight – Brenelly Why You Should Participate in the Open Dennis Cole: An Interview with a Five-Time CrossFit Games Athlete Member Spotlight – Joseph’s Story Member Spotlight – Emma’s Story – Discovering the Cans in a World of Can’ts CrossFit RA News 7091 West Craig Road, Suite 102 (Located behind Albertson’s, next to Denny’s) P: 702-489-9800 E: lisa@crossfitrawappeal.com Join our E-News To receive once a month fitness stuff Click for Google Maps CrossFit RA Located behind Albertson’s, next to Denny’s © 2021 Crossfit Raw Appeal \| Privacy Policy \| Photo Policy \| Terms & Conditions \| Hand Crafted by Trademark Creative Ltd.	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3817
__label__cc	0.546659	0.453341	Highlights: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un's historic summit North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during their expanded bilateral meeting at the Capella Hotel, Singapore on Tuesday (Jun 12). (Photo: Twitter@Scavino45) 12 Jun 2018 06:21AM (Updated: 12 Jun 2018 07:54PM ) SINGAPORE: A highly anticipated summit between United States President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended on Tuesday afternoon (Jun 12). Both leaders emerged from a bilateral meeting and signed a joint statement. Among the key points in the document was North Korea's commitment to "work towards the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." President Trump said during the signing ceremony that they have "developed a special bond". Earlier in the day, in a historic moment, the two leaders walked across the aisles towards each other at the Capella Hotel in Singapore's Sentosa island and shook hands as the world watched. In a news conference later that day, Mr Trump said the two countries were "ready to write a new chapter" and called the day's talks "honest, direct and productive". WATCH IT LIVE on our website: channelnewsasia.com/trumpkimsummit CLICK HERE for our YouTube livestream Refresh for updates. Source: CNA/ly	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3820
__label__wiki	0.67808	0.67808	Govt attacks CAG on 2G scam loss figure, calls it a 'myth' Blaming CAG for "sensationalising" the 2G scam loss figure and subsequently killing the "hen that laid golden eggs", Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said that policies should be left best to the government. Mail Today Bureau \| November 17, 2012 \| Updated 10:04 IST The government launched a blistering attack, as expected, on the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on Friday following the poor response to the 2G spectrum auction, saying that the auditor's scam loss figure of Rs 1.76 lakh crore has proved to be a "myth". Blaming the country's top auditor for "sensationalising" the 2G scam loss figure and subsequently killing the "hen (the telecom sector) that laid golden eggs", Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said that policies should be left best to the government. He was addressing a joint press conference with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and Information & Broadcasting minister Manish Tewari. "Where are those Rs 1.76 lakh crore? You cannot extrapolate figures and sensationalise them. Sensationalism took over and the government was limited in its policy prescriptions, which has resulted in what we saw a few days ago," Sibal said. "Government getting revenue cannot be the sole criteria. What happened in the 3G auction? The government got money but consumers have not benefited at all. Operators have not rolled out services because the nature and the kind of investment that ought to have gone into the sector has stopped and the sector is in debt," Sibal added. The 3G auction, held in 2010, got Rs 67,700 crore as revenue. Chidambaram said, "...In the popular imagination this was not the 2G scam rather the scam involved in Rs 1.76 lakh crore. That scam, it is now clear, was pure myth. That's the point he (Sibal) is trying to say." As against the CAG's estimation of Rs 34,000-crore revenue, the Centre got bids worth Rs 9,407 crore. The high base price of Rs 13,850 crore for 5 MHz of pan-India airwaves is being seen as the main reason for the auction failure. CONG UNRELENTING All institutions should work within their jurisdiction. We have respect for all institutions, including Constitutional authorities The poor response to 2G auction shows the policy adopted by the government on the auction of the spectrum was right and had exposed the BJP-led Opposition's attempts to mislead the people on the issue The government works for the benefit of the people and not for raising the profits of businessmen and corporates BJP BLASTS GOVT The government's faulty telecom policies, policy paralysis and shoddy handling of economy are the prime reasons for the poor response to the 2G spectrum auction The government is blaming CAG, Trai, Supreme Court and everybody except itself. The attack on CAG is completely unfounded as circumstances have completely changed in the last four years The revenue of Rs 9400 crore is much more than the money earned in 2008 In association with Mail Today Tags: Kapil Sibal \| 2G auction \| 2G scam \| CAG \| Comptroller and Auditor General \| 2G scam loss \| P Chidambaram \| Manish Tewari Govt plans another auction of 2G spectrum AI to fly every hour on Delhi-Mumbai route	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3826
__label__cc	0.694079	0.305921	'Auntie Anne's Pretzels' Founder Shares Her Story of Redemption 1:00PM EDT 8/12/2019 Jessilyn Lancaster/Movieguide Auntie Anne Beiler (Facebook/Auntie Anne Beiler) Rape. Abuse. Loss of a child. Startling success. Anne Beiler's testimony is one marked by significant pain, but joy, grace and forgiveness triumph over devastation. At 70 years old, the founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels says one of her ultimate dreams is to see her life turned into a movie. "If Auntie Anne's wouldn't have been what it would be, I wouldn't be able to share my story," Beiler told Movieguide®. "I'm grateful for the pretzel first and then the platform, and to transition from all of the grief and pain which did happen before I was 18 is a modern-day business miracle." Much of her testimony is chronicled in her book, The Secret Lies Within. Beiler was raised in the Amish Mennonite tradition. After marrying her husband, Jonas, she slowly began to seek a life in the Mennonite church, and the couple eventually planted a congregation that grew out of a small group. The couple welcomed not one, but two daughters, and their joy overflowed. Then, in 1975, tragedy struck. Click here to read the rest of this story from our content partners at Movieguide.®. For more stories of redemption after abuse, listen to the podcasts included with this article. RELATED TOPICS: Abuse \| Business \| Miracle \| Redemption \| Sexual Abuse	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3829
__label__cc	0.662177	0.337823	How to make healthier choices at Tim Hortons You definitely won’t find us ordering a double-double or an old-fashioned glaze. But we’re a patriotic bunch — which means we can’t help our love for Tim Hortons. Sweetspot.ca Updated November 20, 2011 sweetspot.ca You definitely won’t find us ordering a double-double or an old-fashioned glaze. But we’re a patriotic bunch — which means we can’t help our love for Tim Hortons. We sat down with their latest menu to make sure that our choices are still on track. Breakfast for champs For a complete meal that totally satisfies, give it up for the English muffin egg and cheese sandwich. At only 280 calories, 14 grams of protein and 11 grams of fat, not only does it taste great, it’ll tide you over until lunch. If sweet is what you’re after, opt for a toasted English muffin with cream cheese and a side of jam for less than 200 calories and about 5 grams of fat. For extra protein and healthy fat, spread some organic nut butter. Lunch on this For something hearty, a Ham and Swiss sandwich on regular whole wheat will definitely hit the spot without busting your calorie count. For less than 400 calories, you get 24 grams of protein and 12 grams of fat. Hold the mayo and layer on as much mustard as you please. For something lighter, wrap it up with a Barbecue chicken wrap and skip the Chicken Ranch. The barbecue version is just 190 calories and 4.5 grams of fat compared to the Chicken Ranch, which is 400 calories and 15 grams of fat (so not worth it!). Craving something comforting and warm? Definitely pass on the cream-based soups, as well as the Potato Bacon soup (230 calories for a small) and opt for the chili. Key here is to make it your main, as it contains 300 calories, 26 grams of protein and 16 grams of fat. For a side of carbs, toss half the bread roll into the food compost (pronto!) and enjoy the other. Wait, we’re not done! Make room for dessert While Tim’s cookies may contain healthy oats and grains, ask yourself: do you really need another 300 calories, 17 grams of sugar and 30 grams of carbs? We say skip the cookies and enjoy two Timbits of your choice (we love the pumpkin spice). At about 70 calories each with 3 grams of sugar, two definitely hits the sweet spot! To the new Sausage BELT. When you factor in its 560 calories, 25 grams of fat (a regular burger has less!) and 60 grams of carbs, we trust you’re with us on this one. Sweet tip: For more options, check out Tim Hortons’ online nutritional calculator. What to Eat and Avoid at Wendy’s What to Eat on Starbucks’s New Menu 10 Ways to Spruce Up Your Water FILED UNDER: dessert fast food lunch Soup Tim Hortons	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3830
__label__cc	0.672129	0.327871	The STAR Toolkit provides practical advice and teaching activities to help educators explore online safety risks with young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Key Stages 3 and 4. We have written a short introduction to the toolkit with some opening activities to introduce key concepts with learners. Download the 'Getting Started' section here: STAR Toolkit - Introductory section Find out more about the toolkit and how to use it by clicking on the questions: Who is this resource for? Open or Close The STAR toolkit has been developed for use by educators with young people with SEND in Key Stages 3 and 4. The materials have been designed to be adaptable to the needs of different young people and their learning settings. Some of the activities are suitable for pupils with SEND who are slightly younger or older than 11- 16 years old and educators are invited to adapt and select from within the toolkit to best suit their purposes. The resources could also be used with young people who have no additional needs but who may benefit from a more tailored and structured resource to access messages and advice about online safety risks. Why is this resource needed? Open or Close For many young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the internet can be a place where they feel safe, calm and in control. It can be somewhere to make friends without having to communicate face-to-face, and build a community which they may not have in their offline life. Whilst recognising the internet is a great resource which young people enjoy using, life online for a child with SEND may pose additional challenges that require careful management and support. This resource provides a range of tools to help educators working with young people with SEND to offer invaluable opportunities for discussion, teaching and support. How can I use this toolkit? Open or Close The STAR toolkit is made up of four key sections, which reflect current online safety risks and experiences of young people. Educators can work through each section in turn or pick and choose from the resources available to focus on the issues most relevant to the young people they work with. Each section of the toolkit includes: An introduction and advice for educators on teaching this topic Key vocabulary to share with learners Starting point discussions to introduce key concepts Teaching point activities designed to deliver key messages in a variety of styles A quiz for recap and assessment Ways to revisit and extend the learning A document to share beyond the classroom (with parents, carers and residential staff) Every part of the toolkit can be adapted and used by educators however suits their setting and learners best. What does each section of the toolkit include? Open or Close Advice Page An overview of what to expect within the letter. Key Vocabulary Key words and phrases with accompanying Widgit symbols. Specially created film content to start discussions and embed key messages and advice. Quick activities and discussion questions to introduce key concepts and thinking. Teaching Points Resources to help teach the key messages for each letter. Each teaching point offers three activities to suit different learning styles and give educators maximum flexibility. Summary Quiz A multiple-choice ‘What would you do?’ quiz for each letter to review learning and embed key messages. Revisit and Extend Suggestions for additional activities and supporting resources to revisit and extend key messages. Advice and activities that can be shared with parents & carers to ensure consistency with key messages at home. Where has the STAR toolkit come from? Open or Close The STAR Toolkit is an extension of an original project developed in 2014 in partnership with Leicester City Council’s Building Schools for the Future programme. This updated and extended toolkit has been developed in partnership with educators, SEND specialists and supported by the European Commission and Facebook. S for Safe T for Trust A for Action R for Respect Back to the main STAR page: STAR SEND Toolkit Watch the STAR films: STAR Films	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3832
__label__cc	0.636021	0.363979	Card/Paper RPG Misc. Articles Video Game Jobs Drox Operative: Invasion of the Ancients (Mac) Written by J. Todd Cumming Category: Computer Drox Operative: Invasion of the Ancients Developed By: Soldak Entertainment Released: November, 2013 Available On: Mac OS X (reviewed), Windows Genre: Role-playing game, real-time strategy ESRB Rating: Not available Number of Players: 1 offline, unknown online Price: $9.99 download from the developer's Web site (requires the original Drox Operative game as well) Special thanks to Soldak Entertainment for providing a copy of the game to us! So my Scavenger character, piloting the Rusty Chum, has managed to get the Lithosold – a type of rock-alien – and the dryads – plant women – to come to agreements, set their differences aside and make peace. Everyone loves each other, and everyone loves me, too… except for these odd, obsolete robots that everyone thought had been exterminated centuries ago. They had appeared a few days earlier, and refused to make peace with anyone. I load my ship up with weapons, sell some mutating agents to the Lithosold people on one of many tiny dirtballs, and head out to wipe the galaxy clean of the Overlord toasters, only to be stopped by a message from Drox command. Somehow, by selling the mutating agent, I’ve made enough money to make my bosses happy. The sector is won, the galaxy is saved, and I can move on. Yes, the first time I played the new race introduced in the Invasion of the Ancients expansion to the game Drox Operative, by Soldak Entertainment, I won by accident. That was one of my first clues that things have really changed with this expansion. Strong Points: Great graphics, exciting combat, and interesting quests, combined with a new sense of urgency. Weak Points: No storyline, bland music, gameplay can grow repetitive before too long. Moral Warnings: Ship-to-ship violence. My review for Drox Operative can be found at this link, and at first, there seems to be very little that this expansion has changed. Yes, there’s a new race to play – the Scavengers, opportunistic aliens who are generally looked down on by the other alien races, much the same way we humans may look down on buzzards or rats. But as they have a bonus to finding equipment and other loot dropped from destroyed ships, they have the ability to generate a lot of money quickly. Garbage collection is a quite profitable enterprise in this universe. They kind of reminded me of the Ferengi from the Star Trek universe. In addition to the new race, the other aliens can now build starbases and orbital stations, allowing a place to stop and shop without having to wrestle with gravity wells created by planets, or possibly serving as another line of defense from whatever is attacking them (including your own ship, if you’re trying to destroy them). Another change would be that some of the equipment that can be found or purchased has additional slots where microchips can be installed, making the device even more useful. This is a mechanic that we’ve seen before in various role-playing games – think socketed items like what you might find in Diablo or Torchlight. However, one of the main differences quickly becomes apparent while the game is being played. Previously, it seemed that the easiest way to beat the game would be to make friends with one or two powerful alien races, then complete quests and get experience while they attack the weaker races and each other until only one side remains. Or get the stronger sides to make friends with each other (again, through completing quests which can make them both happy) and call it a night once all the weaker opponents have been eliminated. But the expansion modifies this significantly by allowing new races – especially the ancient races that were once thought destroyed (hence the game title) to suddenly appear in a galaxy to make trouble. These ancient races seem to have a particular hatred for the Drox corporation, as their first act when they emerge is to declare war on you. Also, some of the races have specifically declared that it is impossible to accept a peace treaty with anyone from the Drox operatives. Thus, the only way to deal with these new challengers is by destroying them before they grow too powerful to pose a threat to the friendlier, much more rational aliens of the galaxy. Score Breakdown: Higher is better (10/10 is perfect) Game Score - 80% Gameplay - 15/20 Graphics - 10/10 Stability - 4/5 Controls - 5/5 Morality Score - 94% Violence - 7/10 Language - 10/10 Sexual Content - 10/10 Occult/Supernatural - 10/10 Cultural/Moral/Ethical - 10/10 With this new mechanic, the player needs to either hurry when trying to go for a diplomatic or military win (which can be difficult if there is a chance of a new alien popping up when you least expect it) or the player needs to seek out one of the other three ways to win a galaxy – through building up enough money for the Drox, or by gaining a set amount of Legend or Fear points. There always has been a sense of urgency to the game in the first place – after all, if the player doesn’t complete the quest to kill so-and-so, the alien races will do it, instead. If the player doesn’t bring medicine to a small, backwater planet before a certain amount of time passes, the place will become lifeless and inhospitable. For the cold-hearted alien that lives inside every player, it’s simply the cost of living in such a dangerous galaxy. But those seemed like side-quest, time killers in the base game. With the possibility of new, tougher aliens to beat showing up unannounced, trying to win by completing as many of these “filler” quests is much more feasible. There are other, minor additions that really help with the game, such as a progress bar to show how your reputation stands with the various races. There are also new challenges, called Drox Guild Quests, that you can take when generating a new sector. The rest of the game plays out much like many other action role-playing games. The player flies their ship around the different star systems, completing quests and killing enemies to earn experience and money. Earn enough experience and you gain a level, and some skill points. These points can be allocated to your various stats to make your ship stronger. There are items that also can drop when an enemy is defeated, which can be equipped or sold. It's standard, familiar, tried-and-true role-playing game fare. What makes the game different from other RPGs is the setting, of course, so the familiar elements ease the transition into the different layout of a series of solar systems, rather than dungeons. Despite the improvements, there are still a few flaws with the game. Even though there is an extensive backstory with each of the races – including the new ones – there still is no central narrative to tie the events of the game together. With a little imagination, a clever player could develop their own stories of their space operatives, but when the quests and assignments begin to grow repetitive, it may become a bit dry. And the quests are still repetitive. Although it is amusing to have quest chains involving giant rats, giant ants (mutated to chase away all the giant rats) and giant spiders (who begin attacking civilians because you just supplied the insecticide to kill the giant ants), the entertainment fades when you have to complete the same chain four or five times in a row. Inventory management – already a bit of a chore in the basic game – becomes even more of a burden. With the option of socketed items, the variety of items in the game increases to dizzying levels. Equipment slots are limited enough as it is on your small spaceship – having more items to choose from doesn’t help much. The game does suffer from periodic lag, especially if there is a multitude of ships, missiles and weapons flashing on the screen. In some ways, this can be expected, and doesn’t really hinder the gameplay too much… but can still be annoying when it happens (if anything, it could be a sign that you may have too many enemies to handle right now). As with last time, I was unable to find anyone to play with on-line in order to test the multiplayer functions of the game. Perhaps it’s just my luck, the time I play, or just not enough players of the game. All in all, the expansion does provide a bit of a freshener to the basic Drox Operative game. If you enjoyed the original, you will likely enjoy the new features and quests. The new Scavenger race is a joy to play. However, if you’re more of a story-driven roleplayer, or didn’t find Drox Operative to be that entertaining, then you’ll probably want to pass on the expansion. - Sstavix J. Todd Cumming Queen's Quest: Tower of Darkness (Mac) The Shivah: Kosher Edition (Mac) Super Space Meltdown (Mac) Zen Bound 2 (Mac) Puzzle Agent (Mac) Drox Operative Other great reviews Freedom Force V.S. the Third Reich CyberRebeat -The Fifth Domain of Warfare- (PC) UNLOVED (PC) Deponia (PC) Kick *ss Commandos (PC) Street Fighter X Tekken (PC) Jurassic Park (Xbox 360) League of War: VR Arena (PSVR) BMX XXX Astonia 3 Tips and Tricks Please consider supporting our efforts. Since we're a 501 C3 Non-Profit organization, your donations are tax deductible. Cheryl Gress @divinegames divinegames Posted Seeker's #PS4 #videogames #review of #DeepSpaceRush - https://t.co/zZ0bdcuo3K @RatalaikaGames https://t.co/p56OgJlJjj divinegames Good night everyone! https://t.co/PNxRQEinRa divinegames #starwarsbattlefront2 is #free on @EpicGames - https://t.co/pS0wAuCPkq Enjoy! divinegames Posted my #XboxSeriesX #videogames #review of #YakuzaLikeADragon - https://t.co/lj2zCJ8bHI @SEGA https://t.co/mo69824fTG divinegames @FoerstRanger Looked at one credit report so far at it seems fine. I think my SS was just used for employment but… https://t.co/GqDbIeJNsX Reviews \\ PC/Mac/Linux \\ Move or Die (PC) Condors Vs. Ocelots Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 Bibleman: A Fight For Faith Jul.28 Quake 2 RTX Demo Thank you! Please check your email and confirm the newsletter subscription. Subscribe to our newsletter for our latest reviews, streams, videos, and FREE GAMES! Christ Centered Gamer looks at video games from two view points. We analyze games on a secular level which will break down a game based on its graphics, sound, stability and overall gaming experience. If you’re concerned about the family friendliness of a game, we have a separate moral score which looks at violence, language, sexual content, occult references and other ethical issues. Copyright © 2021. Christ Centered Gamer. Designed by Shape5.com Joomla Templates	cc/2021-04/en_middle_0011.json.gz/line3834

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.