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TV Chevron Right
5 reasons you should stop everything and watch Derry Girls on Netflix right now
By Ruth Kinane
Credit: Netflix
Haven’t watched Derry Girls on Netflix yet? Catch yourself on!!
You’re confused by that Northern Irish idiom because you haven’t yet embraced this excellent TV series. If you’re reading this post, you’re at least intrigued, and by the time you’re done, you should be wholeheartedly convinced to spend the next few hours (there’s only 12 episodes, each around 22-24 mins in length available so far) binging it. First, some context:
Created and written by Lisa McGee, the coming-of-age comedy is set in the ’90s in the city of Derry (or Londonderry “depending on your persuasion”), Northern Ireland during the backend of the decades-long conflict between Irish nationalists and United Kingdom loyalists, a period of sectarian violence known as The Troubles. The series follows five teenage friends — Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), her cousin Orla (Louisa Harland), their friends Clare (Nicola Coughlan), Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), and Michelle’s English cousin James or “the wee English fella” (Dylan Llewellyn) — as they attend Catholic high school and otherwise navigate the typical pitfalls of teen life, albeit set against a more dangerous backdrop than most.
With two seasons available to stream on Netflix and a third currently being penned, it’s time to wise up (see below). Here are five very good reasons to watch this class show now.
1. It’s ridiculously, laugh-out-loud funny
From the opening monologue that turns out to be a p-ss-take, to the smallest of passing lines from the wonderfully wacky Orla (the moment where she believes a young African boy’s daily 25-mile trek to the nearest well is because he “just really enjoys wells, aye?” springs to mind), to the grandest of colossal f—ups (like causing a priest to rethink his entire vocation), this group of spirited teens’ ill-fated capers will crack you up to no end.
Much of the humor comes from the ridiculous situations the girls find themselves in (accidentally setting fire to the local chip shop for example) often derived from very mundane every-day occurrences. The lightning-quick, witty insults fired from one friend to the other also adds plenty of laughs — captions will help. Every failed attempt the girls make to live by their own rules — whether flaunting their parents’ or headteacher’s direction — winds up in a comical outcome and in doing so, the show neatly sidesteps the cliché of a lesson-well-learnt ending to which many sitcoms fall victim.
Then there’s Sister Michael (Siobhan McSweeney). The Catholic school headteacher’s disdain for her pupils and most things they say or do provides ample comic appeal. At the first day of school’s welcome back assembly, she promptly warns the new girls to watch their backs then adds, “If anyone is feeling anxious, worried or maybe you just want a chat, please, please do not come crying to me.” There’s not a scene she’s in that she doesn’t steal with as little as an eye roll.
If you didn’t grow up in or around Ireland and the U.K., some of the more specific references might be lost on you, but Derry Girls packs so much hilarity into every episode that the laughs are guaranteed regardless.
2. It’s nostalgic without being fuzzy
It might seem odd to suggest a show set during one of the most fraught periods in Northern Ireland’s history evokes warm feelings for such a time, and let’s be clear in that regard, it does not. The show treats The Troubles with the care necessary, nodding to the seriousness of the situation, but putting the girls’ daily fun at the forefront (see No. 4 on this list).
Derry Girls doesn’t so much tug on our heartstrings as pluck at them as it throws us back to the years of dressing garishly, writing fervently in diaries and believing every setback to be the end of the world. It blissfully recreates the mouth-watering excitement of takeout on a Friday night, the ridiculously dire consequences of high-school corridor confrontations, and the wayward weekends when lightly rebellious plans spiraled into all-out mayhem. Oh, and if you went to Catholic school, there’s a whole other layer of magical throwback moments to indulge in. The show’s un-sugarcoated, more authentic approach to nostalgia inspires as many cringes as it does awws and that’s what sets it apart — plus, the late ’90s soundtrack is dead on.
3. You’ll learn a whole new vernacular of Northern Irish slang
Apparently the cast had a good laugh when they discovered that not only were other countries subtitling their show to make it easier to understand, but were actually captioning it incorrectly (“sh-te-the-tights” became “sugart–s”). The girls speak at a whip-fast pace reeling off witty Irish slang so understandably it can be a little overwhelming for the uninitiated, but my goodness is it worth the extra effort in tuning your ear. A few episodes in you’ll have it cracked, but in case you’re still struggling, here’s a helping hand:
Bake: Face.
Ball-ache: A genuinely wonderful insult — we’re sure you can guess where it comes from.
To boke: As a verb it means to vomit, but it can also be used as an adjective to describe something disgusting, e.g. “This sandwich is boke.”
Buzzing: Excited.
Craic: (Pronounced “crack”) You should know this one already. It can be used interchangeably to mean goings-on, eg. “What’s the craic?” or “What’s his craic.” Or it can be used as a substitute for fun/banter/a good time etc., eg. “That was great craic.”
Cracker: Great/wonderful. e.g. “That movie was cracker.”
Cack attack: Um, literally to s— yourself, but can also be used to describe someone who is anxious.
Cacks herself: S—s herself.
Catch yourself on: Probably the best phrase to adopt from this show. It means “don’t be an idiot” or “stop being stupid.”
Class: Another way to describe something great, e.g. “Derry Girls is a class show.”
Critter: An almost-affectionate term of sympathy for some poor soul.
Dander: A walk/stroll, e.g. “Let’s take a dander to the shop.”
D—o: Another excellent insult. Again pretty clear from where the word derived.
Doing my head in: Annoying me.
Dose: A person you can’t stand.
Eejit: An idiot.
F–k-a-doodle-do: An exceptional exclamation of shock.
Gas: Funny.
Knackered: Very tired.
A grass: A tattletale. Can also be used as a verb: “to grass on someone” meaning “to tell on someone.”
Goer: A promiscuous person, probably a woman.
Mind: Remember, e.g. “Mind last week when we went swimming?”
Mouth: Another insult for a person you dislike.
Pipe down: Shut up/be quiet.
Raging: Angry.
A ride: As a noun, a person you’d like to have sexual relations with, as a verb e.g. “I’d like to ride him” … well, we’re sure you get the idea.
Shift: Move.
S—e-the-tights: A wimp or coward.
Savage: Amazing.
Slag: To insult e.g. “She was slagging me off to her friends.”
Your man: Not necessarily someone you, in particular, know but a well-known figure that you’ve heard of. For example, if you couldn’t remember the name of Leonardo DiCaprio you might say to your friend, “You know, your man from Titanic.”
Weans: (Pronounced “wains.”) Kids.
Watch yourself: Be careful, but in a threatening kind of way.
Wee: Small.
Wee’un: Wee one, could be a child.
Wind your neck in: Take it down a notch. Could also be used if someone is whining and you want them to shut up.
Wise up: Don’t be an idiot.
4. Its treatment of The Troubles
The pilot episode sets the tone of the series pretty quickly. When the chaos of getting ready for the first day back to school is interrupted by the real chaos of a local bridge bombing, Erin’s mom’s first concern is that the act of terrorism will prevent the weans (you read the dictionary above, right?) from getting to school and she’ll be stuck with them another day. Everyday life is at the center of the show and The Troubles are in the background, occasionally intercutting the action. Here’s an example: In season 2, episode 3, Michelle packs a suitcase full of booze to sneak into a pop concert with them and when the girls deny any knowledge of the luggage, the bus they’re traveling on is evacuated and the bag destroyed in case it contains a bomb.
To the girls who have grown up with this backdrop, missing a Take That concert is as serious a situation as a bomb threat. By presenting the narrative this way, McGee shows how the youth of Derry at the time became so conditioned by the surrounding violence that even having their school bus searched by the British army for explosives is literally yawn-inducing — a sad fact in itself. Deftly balancing silliness with sincerity is a skill, and it’s one at which McGee excels.
5. It represents a more relatable kind of teen drama
Some teen dramas are great because they’re so far removed from our own experience that getting lost in the fantasy of a castle-like campus complete with Abercrombie-and-Fitch-model-like students and flashy vehicles is enjoyable viewing (The O.C., Beverly Hills 90210). At the other end of the spectrum, others are steeped in sex, drugs and general disfunction (Euphoria) as kids battle against overwhelming odds and sometimes bad parenting to make it to graduation. One is unattainably aspirational, the other an important reflection of many people’s reality. Derry Girls falls into neither category and is excellent because it’s so universally relatable — even if you didn’t attend Catholic school or grow up with your extended family living in your home.
As a group of teens, the girls (and James — who will be included as a girl from here on out as we later learn Derry Girl is actually just a “state of mind”) are refreshingly average. They’re curious about sex in as far as it’s something on the periphery that they’ll get to when they’re older (well apart from Michelle, maybe); they struggle to scrape a few pounds together to buy candy at Dennis’ Wee Shop on the way to school in the morning; they try to assert their individuality by refusing to wear their blazers to school rather than, say, attempting to sell their virginity on the internet (looking at you Big, Little Lies); they get excited by pop concerts and fried foods and stay up all night “studying” for tests, chugging energy drinks to stay awake. If this isn’t a pretty clear window into my own teenage years, I don’t know what is. The show depicts that in-between part of life that you can’t wait to escape because it just seems so much worse at the time and instead of glorifying it, Derry Girls reveals it for what it truly is: kind of a mess.
*Honorary no. 6: There’s a hot priest.
The first two seasons of Derry Girls are available to stream on Netflix now.
Everything coming to Netflix in August 2019: The Dark Crystal prequel,Rocky, and more
Scarface, Good Will Hunting, and more leaving Netflix this month
Dave Chappelle reveals fifth Netflix comedy special with help from Morgan Freeman
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Barack Obama has been inaugurated as president of the U.S.!
By Pride,
November 5, 2008 in Grand Theory of Everything
If you watched CNN just a few hours ago, Obama was elected president and gave his speech.
If you REALLY watched CNN during the elections, you'd see Blitzer-Kenobi with a hologram using camera tricks.
Check the front page of CNN here:
http://www.cnn.com/
jake2k 7
jake2k
Location: Dunedin, Florida
^Click to visit my Flickr Gallery^
MattBlackLamb 3
MattBlackLamb
I'll be interested to find out what the next 4 years are going to be like...
Son, someday you will make a girl happy for a short period of time. Then she'll leave you & be with men that are ten times
better than you can imagine. These men are called musicians.
Well, I truly believe that the nation made a big mistake today. But the world didn't fall apart when Bill Clinton was the president, and it won't fall apart now.
I think that having an African-American president is a truly historic event. I'm proud of our nation for ignoring racial prejudice (though more than a little bit miffed that they still voted their gender prejudice). And had he been, in my eyes, the best candidate for the job, I would have gladly voted for him.
But the biggest problem with this election- and the thing I hate the most- is the gloating of the Obama cult. I am sick of their attitude. He's not the Messiah, people. He's just a human running for president, and he WILL make mistakes just like everyone else.
startreksuite 1
startreksuite
Location: Boston, MA , USA
I am happy my vote counted yesterday. I don't expect miracles, but if someone believes that McCain would have made a difference to the country, I have a bridge to sell you. :twisted: Sorry if I upset any republicans, but I think we need to fix the economy first, then get back to foreign policy, which is what the republicans are supposed to be good at (dubya not a good example.) Hillary wouldv'e done alright, but she used her campaign to slander her opponent too much. Oh well, crossing my fingers and hoping the next four years have a positive outcome.
my photobucket
startreksuite- you can have an opinion, but when you start insulting my point of view, I have to stop you. Express your opinion without being mean next time. Thanks.
Sozo 22
Location: Ye Olde Dominion
Ugh, Obama... that's really all I can say.
David: I feel ya on the Obama cultist thing. Some of the professors at my school are so obnoxious.... "I voted for righteousness yesterday" and other junk like that. Then he rails on the GOP for not doing more about things like banning abortion! As if his party doesn't have the exact opposite view!?
Ugh, democrat fanatics...
Placeholder, new signature under construction.
survulus 0
survulus
Location: Dundee, Scotland
The problem is, those who didn't vote McCain/Palin could be accused of "sexism" and similarly those who didn't vote Obama/Biden could be accused of "racism". But in this case I don't think it mattered. And of course he'll make mistakes. But so would anyone else, the main thing is he'll be making fewer mistakes than old George W.
And I have to admit I didn't like Palin anyway. McCain, though I disagree with some of his policies at least seemed to have the intelligence to run for president. Ironically for the republican party they chose somebody who I saw as not qualified for the vice-president job but also not expreianced, which was thier accusation of Obama.
But anyway, I hope we won't be seeing her again. Though McCain's speach really did make him seem such a brilliant person, being so gracious in defeat hasn't really been seen in politics for a long time. I appreaciated that a lot.
Check out all my newest stuff on my dA
I iz bassist here
survulus, I agree completely. Both the concession and acceptance speeches were very gracious and kind to the opponent. I approve.
Here comes the socialized health care system...
(Wait- why is socialism 'bad' and socialized health care 'good'?)
Here's my view:
If I'm being asked to pay for your health care, I want a say in how you live your life. I want all tobacco products banned. I want all alcohol banned. I want all fatty foods banned. I want the national speed limit reduced to 55. And, I want mandatory exercise programs instituted. ASAP!
I agree. BoltBait for President!
Bobofthedead 0
Bobofthedead
They were good speeches, but why is everyone railing against Obama? From an outsider's perspective, the rest of the world are glad that America has a president who doesn't view American foreign policy as the be-all and end-all of world politics. Having grown up with an administration that propagated that view, it makes a nice change to see an American President who might consider that what America has said and done was not the best path purely because the decision was made by an American.
Plus, could someone please tell me what is wrong with Socialism? You talk about it taking away from the rich, hard-working American, but what about when the bubble bursts? A hypothetical you loses your job and can't keep up the payments on the mortgage, which now the bank can't support for long without you paying. So no house, and no system to back you up well enough. Then, you fall ill - not a week of 'flu, but something serious, something for which you can't afford the boosted premiums for the insurance for the privatised medical system that America still uses. What then? Who can you turn to if you don't have a government that can keep you housed, fed and healthy from cradle to grave. You can quote statistics about privatised medical systems having higher survival rates for X or Y than nationalised, but if you can't pay for it, then you're going to die or be crippled permanently from X or Y anyway, 0% chance of medical help: family and charity can only support you so far.
Rugged individualism, or justifying a system that allows for no safety net by giving to charity can not help you when you really need it. It works during times of affluence, but when the crunch comes, as it has, Socialism kicks in, as it has done many a time historically: look at vast projects like the Hoover Dam.
Sure, the super-rich whose families have vast amounts of money to spend on the finest of chemotherapy and drugs for diseases of all magnitudes may complain, but if they have the money to support their purchases of vastly expensive toys from the mucking around of the paper economy, then they should have the money to support the proponents of the real economy.
Oh, and BB, isn't the speed limit in the USA pretty low anyway? You get a say anyway: you just gave your "say", along with 130 million of your fellow countrymen.
"I am the anarchist, I am the antichrist, I am the walrus, G'JOO G'GOO G'JOOB!"
I dig a pygmy, by Charles Hawtree and the Deaf Aids. Phase One, in which Doris gets her oats.
~John Lennon
BoltBait for president! Though I have to say it's a bit soon, and I'm enjoying my British free healthcare a fair bit. I just think nobody should really be left behind is all, but I certainly see your point!
To be honest, the NHS is imperfect, but it is certainly a better system than none and a "help if you can pay" attitude.
Simon Brown 44
BoltBait for President!
oma 29
his background is a little rough around the edges! no pun intended
good one Simon!
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What do you mean? That's an actual picture on an actual backdrop, taken at Washington Photography Studios for the next election!! That's what BoltBait really looks like! The first cartoon-ised president. It'd be a real step forward.
No thanks. Whilst I like the guy, I can't agree with his political views. Mind you, a flickering, hand-drawn-esque president in the Oval Office would look good on film. Especially when making addresses from the White House.
I'm not republican.
Make it 'Libertarian' and it's all good. More info about my party: http://www.lp.org
Libertarian, huh? Sounds like a less incorrigible version of the Republican party.
Mind you...
Step 2. End Prohibition
Drug prohibition does more to make Americans unsafe than any other factor. Just as alcohol prohibition gave us Al Capone and the mafia, drug prohibition has given us the Crips, the Bloods and drive-by shootings. Consider the historical evidence: America's murder rate rose nearly 70% during alcohol prohibition, but returned to its previous levels after prohibition ended. Now, since the War on Drugs began, America's murder rates have doubled. The cause/effect relationship is clear. Prohibition is putting innocent lives at risk.
Go afro-drug-related-banter privileges!
Still, seriously though, they don't sound like a party I could not get along with in the driver's seat, with some policies I genuinely feel support for, but I can not agree with their policies on welfare and health-care.
I didn't think they had a seal. :oops:
There has also been a lot of news coverage.
I definitely agree with their prohibition policy. If drugs were legalised they could be monitored & standardized which would make them safer. It would also mean they could be taxed & make a large amount of money for the Government.
I think I break more Libertarian than Republican nowadays...but since a third party candidate stands little to no chance of election in today's political climate...
I think it's time we infultrated both major parties and surprise them with freedom!!!
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HomeDigging Deep on Tu B’Shevat
Digging Deep on Tu B’Shevat
Marjorie IngallFebruary 3, 2009
Tu B’Shevat, also known as “the New Year for the trees,” starts at sundown on February 9. (So soon? Why, it seems like it was just the 10th of Tevet!) Like a Rorschach inkblot, this holiday can reveal a lot about who’s celebrating it. Originally it was merely the agrarian equivalent of April 15 for our farmer ancestors, a date established to count the year’s harvest for tithing purposes. Later, it became a symbolic time for early Zionists to celebrate their bond with the land. Finally the crunchy hippies got their metaphorical hooks into it, turning it into an environmental preachfest about conservation and our custodial responsibilities toward the planet.
Judaism has always had an environmentalist bent. The very first job God assigned to humanity was to tend a garden. (We kind of flailed on that one.) The tradition of a Tu B’Shevat Seder, which generally involves eating fruits and nuts and talking about the awesomeness of trees and conservation, dates to the 17th century, when the mystic (and icon of Kabbalah-water-swilling Madonna) Rabbi Isaac Luria of Tzfat created a Seder around the notion of restoring cosmic balance by strengthening and repairing the Tree of Life.
Josie’s religious school class will be having its own Tu B’Shevat seder. The holiday’s a natural for kids. They love environmentalism, being outdoors, digging in the dirt. So if you are a person who finds gardening more interesting than watching paint dry — and I assure you I am not — you can till the soil with your child and find teachable moments scattered hither and yon like sunflower seeds. In addition to self-control (pluck the bud, tempting though it is, and the flower does not grow), gardening can teach patience, and the cycle of life. If you water the tomato plant, not too little and not too much, the yellow flowers come, and then they go away, and then the tiny green balls appear, and then they turn yellow and orange and red. And you wait. And wait. And when the tomato is just the right shade of redness and heaviness, you pick. And savor. Through that cycle of planting, nurturing and harvesting, children learn that to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. (Turn, turn, turn!)
Kids are also natural environmentalists because they love to preach to us stupid old people. Tiny little Kuciniches (that was redundant, but you know what I mean), they khrak and kvetch and drey and geshrey at us about our failure to protect the planet. (Their vehemence is so great, it can only be described with Yiddish verbs, even by people like me who do not speak Yiddish.) My children delight in my occasional failure to turn off the tap while brushing my teeth. “Mom!” they shriek, in a word that suddenly has seven horrified syllables. “You’re wasting water! It’s a precious resource!” Josie has taken to heart a sign she saw next to a toilet when we were on vacation in Mexico: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” Predictably, she now loves to lecture me about the planetary gift of urine-collection. Do we live in a Berkeley co-op? No. When Josie and Max grow up, they may ferment their own kombucha, eat spelt and refrain from pee-flushing. But in my house, pee does not mellow.
The kind of facile environmentalism that delights in catching parents and friends in sinning is easy. The way eco-awareness is usually taught to kids, in both Jewish and secular settings, is simply unchallenging. It’s “gotcha” ecology. Teaching kids blindly to chant “reduce, reuse, recycle” doesn’t allow for depth or real work. What if, instead of focusing on turning off the water while brushing teeth, we explained to kids that plastic toys are not great for the earth, since they’re made with petroleum, encourage wasteful packaging, degrade slowly in landfills, release toxic fumes when burned, and increase our dependence on foreign oil? Would they choose to forgo Barbies and dump trucks? (Plastics lobby, please write to me care of The Jewish Week. Thanks.) What if we talked about taking the three-Rs slogan to its logical conclusion — buying fewer toys in general, and getting them at the thrift shop? Could they be more abstemious? Could we parents say “no” more than we do?
And what if we actually talked to kids about the fact that while individuals’ choices matter, countries and corporations’ acts matter much more? It’s “empowering” to talk about making little changes in our daily lives, but is that mostly feel-good pablum? What about discussing with kids the fact that our country — which does way more than its share of contributing to the world’s environmental problems — needs to do some hard, painful work in developing clean energy and green jobs; forcing automakers to increase cars’ fuel efficiency; helping poor families eat locally, sustainably and affordably and improving public transit? Remembering to turn off the bathroom light is dandy, but regulating industrial pollution would be even better.
Lobbying lawmakers for change will never be as satisfying or immediate as making personal changes. And that’s okay. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. Josie’s religious school principal gave me a clever list of “18 things you can easily do in a Jewish home to save the Earth,” from the Teva Learning Center, a non-denominational Jewish environmental education service that works with Jewish day schools, congregational schools, synagogues, camps and youth groups. Teva’s tips include reusing plastic bags (if every American family used just 10 fewer bags a month, Teva says, we’d save 10 billion bags a year) and honoring Shabbat by going for a walk, refraining from driving, resting and building community. Another tip is reducing garbage production — the handout quotes Maimonides: “Wasting even as little as a mustard seed is against the law of Ba’al Taschit (do not waste)” — by buying products with less packaging and avoiding disposable cups, plates and cutlery. Recycling has an illustrious Jewish pedigree, the handout says; the wicks for the menorah in the temple on Sukkot were made from the used underwear of the priests. Please let this be true, because it is hilarious.
Finally, let me give a shout-out to “It’s Tu B’Shevat” by Edie Stoltz Zolkower, illustrated by Richard Johnson (Kar-Ben), a board book included in my 2005 Best Children’s Books of the Year list. With its pretty, painted, folk-arty illustrations, it’s a sweet entree to the holiday for the youngest environmentalists. Nuanced eco-friendliness isn’t easy… but for the littlest kids, it should be as welcoming as the shade of a leafy tree. Older kids, like the rest of us, should have to do a little work.
Write to Marjorie at mamele@forward.com.
Marjorie Ingall
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Space Transportation Systems
Space Science Research
Aeronautical Technology Research
JAXA TODAY
Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" Topics
Missions>
Satellites and Spacecraft>
Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2">
Project Topics>
Mar. 20, 2019 Updated
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] The Crater Search Operation (Pre-SCI): CRA1
Currently, we have scheduled the small carry-on impactor operation (SCI operation) for the first week in April. The purpose of the SCI operation is to create a crater on the surface of Ryugu, and it is important to be able to compare the asteroid surface before and after the SCI operation. Before performing the SCI operation, we therefore decided to observe the area where the crater is likely to be generated. This is the “Crater Search Operation (Pre-SCI)" (CRA1). The same observational procedure will be performed after the SCI operation and denoted “Crater Search Operation (Post SCI)" (CRA2).
[More to read]
Feb. 25, 2019 Updated
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Image from just after touchdown
From February 20 to 22, we conducted the touchdown operation (TD1-L8E1) of Hayabusa2 on the surface of asteroid Ryugu. Figure 1 shows an image taken with the Optical Navigation Camera – Wide angle (ONC-W1) during the spacecraft ascent after touchdown.
Figure 1 was captured roughly 1 minute after touchdown at an estimated altitude of about 25m (error is a few meter). The color of the region beneath the spacecraft’s shadow differs from the surroundings and has been discolored by the touchdown. At the moment, the reason for the discoloration is unknown but it may be due to the grit that was blown upwards by the spacecraft thrusters or bullet (projectile).
Figure 1: Image captured near the touchdown site immediately after touchdown. The photograph was taken with the Optical Navigation Camera – Wide angle (ONC-W1) on February 22, 2019 at an onboard time of around 07:30 JST.
(Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, University of Aizu, AIST.)
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Thank you for your support!
The Hayabusa2 Project has received messages of support from so many people. The encouragement and enthusiasm from you all for the mission has made the entire project team fired up and enthusiastic!
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] The touchdown site
Up until now, the Hayabusa2 mission has progressed smoothly. One particular success was the landing of the small rovers on the surface of Ryugu, which could not be achieved during the first Hayabusa mission. Now on February 22, 2019, we plan to touchdown on the asteroid surface; another challenge that did not go as expected for Hayabusa.
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Shooting bullets into Ryugu!
On December 28 —the last day of work in 2018— the sampler team conducted an important experiment. As a final test before touchdown (TD), the team fired an identical bullet to that onboard Hayabusa2 into a simulated soil of the surface of Ryugu to test how much sample would be ejected.
Feb. 4, 2019 Updated
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Correction to the name of the MINERVA-II1 landing site.
The landing site for the small exploration rovers, MINERVA-II1, was announced on December 13, 2018 as “Trinitas”, but this will be corrected to “Tritonis”.
Jan. 21, 2019 Updated
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Locations on the surface of Ryugu have been named!
Place names for locations on the surface of Ryugu were discussed by Division F (Planetary Systems and Bioastronomy) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature and approved in December 2018. We will introduce the place names and the background to their selection.
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Mission Manager Yoshikawa selected for "Nature's 10" in 2018
Our Mission Manager, Makoto Yoshikawa, has been chosen by the science journal, Nature, as one of the "ten people who mattered in science this year" in "The 2018 Nature's 10".
Dec. 25, 2018 Updated
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Astrodynamics and the Gravity Measurement Descent Operation
Until now, "astrodynamics" has been one of the less frequently reported operations for Hayabusa2. In space engineering, the movement, attitude, trajectory and overall handling of the flight mechanics of the spacecraft is referred to as "astrodynamics". For example, astrodynamics played an active role in the gravity measurement descent operation in August 2018. While this was a short time ago, let's look at a few of the details.
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Spacecraft orbit during solar conjunction
From late November 2018 until the end of December, the solar conjunction operation is underway for Hayabusa2. Solar conjunction refers to the situation where the direction to the spacecraft almost overlaps with that to the Sun when viewed from the Earth. This is the same "conjunction" as in astronomy, whereby planets and stars appear to line up on the sky. During this time, communication with Hayabusa2 is disrupted due to radio waves emitted from the Sun and from its surrounding plasma. We therefore do not perform operations such as descending towards Ryugu during this period.
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Naming our MINERVA-II1 rovers
On September 21, 2018 (JST), the two MINERVA-II1 rovers (Rover-1A and Rover-1B) separated from the Hayabusa2 spacecraft to land on the surface of asteroid Ryugu, where they successfully imaged and hopped across the asteroid surface autonomously. These two rovers have now been given names.
Rover-1A,
Horned owl from the French word:
イブー（HIBOU）
Highly Intelligent Bouncing Observation Unit
Rover-1B,
Owl from English:
アウル（OWL）
Observation unit with intelligent Wheel Locomotion
Oct. 30, 2018 Updated
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] Small Monitor Camera captures ‘cool’ images!
During the operation for Touchdown 1 Rehearsal 3 (TD1-R3), we attempted to capture images using CAM-H (small monitor camera) as the spacecraft approached the surface of Ryugu. CAM-H was manufactured and installed on Hayabusa2 by donations received from the general public and it is attached near the lower edge of the side of the spacecraft. The camera can photograph the tip of the sampler horn, but it can also capture the surrounding area and background.
[HAYABUSA2 PROJECT] The highest resolution image of Ryugu (resolution update : the highest resolution image to date)
The second touchdown rehearsal (TD1-R1-A) was performed from October 14 to 16. On October 15, just before 22:44 JST when the spacecraft reached a new low altitude of 22.3m, we successfully photographed the surface of Ryugu using the Optical Navigation Camera – Telescopic (ONC-T). This is the highest resolution image to date (Figure).
Figure: The surface of Ryugu photographed on October 15 at 22:40 JST using the Optical Navigation Camera – Telescopic (ONC-T). The altitude here is about 42m.
（Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, University of Aizu, AIST）
Jul. 25, 2018 Updated
Imaging Ryugu from an altitude of 6km
Hayabusa2 arrived at asteroid Ryugu on June 27, after which the spacecraft remained at a distance of about 20km (the Home Position) to continue to observe the asteroid. During this time, the spacecraft was maintaining a hovering altitude of 20km above the asteroid surface.
In the week of July 16, operations were begun to lower this hovering altitude, eventually bringing the spacecraft to less than 6km from the asteroid surface. One of the images taken at that time is shown in Figure 1.
Asteroid Ryugu from an altitude of 6km. Image was captured with the Optical Navigation Camera - Telescopic (ONC-T) on July 20, 2018 at around 16:00 JST.
Image credit ※: JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, University of Aizu, AIST.
※Please use the displayed credit when reproducing these images. In the case where an abbreviated form is necessary, please write "JAXA, University of Tokyo & collaborators".
Bremen Town Hall Exhibits Hayabusa2 and Mascot, July 10 to October 14
The Bremen City Hall, Bremen, Germany houses on exhibit the JAXA asteroid explorer Hayabusa2, and MASCOT, the onboard lander MASCOT, developed by DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, English: The German Aerospace Center) and CNES (The Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales, English: French National Centre for Space Studies). The City Hall, UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodates the exhibits July 10 through October 14.
Home to thriving space and science researches, the city will hold the IAC (International Astronautical Congress), the world’s biggest space conference this October. DLR and private space businesses are teaming up for the country’s robust space industry.
Please visit the exhibit amid the richness of the history that the architecture offers.
At 9:35 am Japan Time, June 27, Hayabusa2 rendezvoused with Ryugu, the target asteroid. Keeping its 20-kilometer distance away from the asteroid, or its home position, Hayabusa2 is being confirmed of its function that performs future operations. MASCOT will land on the asteroid around October this year for observations of the surface using four instruments.
DLR News
JAXA Hayabusa2 Project
Jul. 4, 2018 Updated
Stereo image of asteroid Ryugu by Dr. Brian May
Brian May, the lead guitarist from the British rock band, Queen, has created a stereoscopic image of Ryugu from photographs captured with the ONC-T camera onboard Hayabusa2, so that the asteroid can be viewed in three dimensions. Brian May is an astronomer, with a doctoral degree in astrophysics from Imperial College London. He has a strong interest in planetary defense or space guard, which considers the potential threat to the Earth from meteorites. As part of this, May is a core member of "Asteroid Day", that began about three years ago to increase awareness of asteroids and action that can be taken to protect the Earth.
Image to be used with red/blue stereo glasses.
Jun. 29, 2018 Updated
Arrival at Ryugu!
1302 days after the launch from Tanegashima Space Center on December 3, 2014,
Hayabusa2 has fonally arrived at the target asteroid Ryugu. The arrival time was 9:35 am JST on June 27, 2018. From here, we can begin to fully explore Ryugu.
After the end of the ion engine operation on June 3, 2018, Hayabusa2 began the final asteroid approach phase. Optical navigation was used to precisely aim for the asteroid’s location. During the approach, the chemical propulsion thrusters were used to perform nine Trajectory Correction Maneuvers (TCM) to control the velocity of the spacecraft, with a tenth TCM made at the above time for arrival. After the final TCM10, the relative speed between Hayabusa2 and Ryugu was 1 cm/s or less and arrival at the asteroid was declared.
Figure: Group photo commemorating arrival at Ryugu. This is our triumphant pose (known as the "guts pose" / ガッツポーズ in Japanese).
Asteroid Ryugu seen from a distance of around 40km
Hayabusa2 is close to arriving at asteroid Ryugu. After a journey of around 3.2 billion km since launch, our destination is finally near. Two small objects will soon meet in outer space 280 million km from the Earth.
Figure :
Asteroid Ryugu photographed by the ONC-T on June 24, 2018 at around 00:01 JST.
Credit : JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, Aizu University, AIST
Ryugu seen from 330-240km
The ONC-T (Optical Navigation Camera - Telescopic) captured images of Ryugu on June 17, 2018 at around 15:00 JST and June 18 at around 06:00 JST. At 15:00 JST on June 17, the distance to Ryugu was approximately 330 km, which had decreased to 240 km by June 18 at 06:00 JST.
The following figures show the original images taken by the ONC-T, without any pixel smoothing. The order of the photographs is not chronological, but show the sequential rotation of the asteroid. The change in distance is compensated by keeping the size of the asteroid constant through the image set.
From a distance of about 700km, Ryugu's rotation was observed.
Using the ONC-T (Optical Navigation Camera - Telescopic), asteroid Ryugu was photographed continuously from June 14, 2018 at around 21:00 JST through to June 15, 2018 at around 05:10 JST. Figure 1 shows a looped animation of the 52 captured images.
The distance to Ryugu when the images were captured was between about 700 - 650 km. In these photographs, Ryugu is approximately 12 - 13 pixels in diameter. The animation in Figure 1 shows the photographs after image processing has been performed to smooth between the pixels so that the asteroid’s surface looks smooth.
Ryugu seen from a distance of 920km
Hayabusa2 is steadily approaching asteroid Ryugu. Figure 1 shows a photograph of Ryugu taken on June 13, 2018 with the ONC-T (Optical Navigation Camera-Telescopic) from a distance of about 920km. The celestial body shining brightly in the center of the frame is Ryugu. The movement of Ryugu (in comparison to the background stars) can be seen by comparing this image with those taken on June 6 and June 10. The brightness of Ryugu is now about -6.6 mag (astronomical magnitude: a logarithmic scale for the apparent brightness for an object).
Jun. 7, 2018 Updated
Ryugu seen from a distance of 2600km
On June 3, 2018, ion engine operation was completed and the final approach to the asteroid begun. By photographing the asteroid with the Optical Navigation Camera, optical navigation (precisely “hybrid navigation using optical and radiometric observations”) can be used to approach Ryugu while accurately estimating the trajectory of the spacecraft and asteroid.
Ryugu Observation Campaign (for expert observers)
The target asteroid of Hayabusa2 is (162173) Ryugu, 1999 JU3 in the provisional designation. Hayabusa2 will arrive at this asteroid in June - July 2018. In this summer, we have a opportunity to observe Ryugu, so we set up "Ryugu Observation Campaign" from July 1 to August 15, 2016. This is the last chance to observe Ryugu before Hayabusa2 arrives there.
However the maximum apparent magnitude will be just 18th mag, so it is rather dark. Maybe you need a telescope with the diameter of 1m or so. Or you must follow the motion of Ryugu with your telescope. Therefor the observation will be rather difficult, but please try it if you can. Good luck!
Hayabusa2 Project Topics
Hayabysa2 mission logo color change
It has been a year since Hayabusa2 was launched, and we changed the color of the mission logo while moving to the Transfer orbit* phase.
The illustration of Hayabusa2 itself is the same but the name of the target asteroid was updated to RYUGU from its provisional designation 1999JU3. The background color was also changed to blue for showing Hayabusa2’s endeavor flying through space in the solar system toward RYUGU by leaving the near Earth orbit.
Please support Hayabusa2, which is navigating the mighty ocean of the solar system.
* The orbit between the Earth orbit and the orbit around RYUGU.
The Optical Link Experiment with the Laser Altimeter (LIDAR)
Before and after the Earth swing-by, the laser altimeter (LIDAR) on Hayabusa2 attempted to receive laser light from the satellite laser ranging (SLR) ground stations.
After the swing-by, the Mt. Stromlo station at SERC (Space Environment Research Centre Australia) in the suburbs of Canberra, Australia, transmitted laser light towards Hayabusa2. The spacecraft successfully received the beam using the onboard LIDAR that can send and recieve laser signals to accurately establish the range of objects from the spacecraft. At the time of the transmission from Mt. Stomlo, Hayabusa2 was 6,700,000 km from Earth. This success established the one-way 'up link' of the optical connection.
Messages for Hayabusa2
Photographing the Earth just before Hayabusa2's swing-by : Complete version
In our previous post, we shared images of the Earth taken by Hayabusa2, as the spacecraft approached for the Earth swing-by. There, we showed the Earth from 09:00 JST (00:00 UT) through to 17:45 JST (08:45 UT). In this post, we extend the animation to show all the images that were taken of the Earth from the ONC-W2 camera during the Earth approach which runs to 18:30 JST (09:00 UT) (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows the images individually that comprise the animation, totaling 19 separate frames.
Hayabusa2: Successful Earth swing-by and heading to Ryugu
JAXA confirmed that the Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa2” entered its target orbit to travel to an asteroid Ryugu after the Earth-swing-by on Dec. 3.
The Hayabusa2 took images of the Earth using its onboard Optical Navigation Camera - Telescopic (ONC-T) after the swing-by. You can see the Australian continent and Antarctica in the image. Meteorological satellites including the Himawari cannot take images of the Antarctic area hence the shot this time is precious.
Dec. 3, 2015 Updated
Hayabusa2 Earth Swing-by
JAXA performed an Earth swing-by operation of the "Hayabusa2" on the night of Dec 3 （Thu.）, 2015 （Japan Standard Time）. The "Hayabusa2 flew closest to the Earth at 7:08 p.m. （JST） and passed over the Pacific Ocean around the Hawaii islands at an altitude of about 3,090 km.
After its closest flight to the Earth, we have confirmed the good health of the "Hayabusa2".
It will take about a week to confirm if the explorer entered the target orbit.
Nov. 27, 2015 Updated
Hayabusa2 took images of the moon and Earth
The Hayabusa2, which is flying closer to the Earth for its scheduled swing-by, photographed the moon and the Earth simultaneously using its onboard Optical Navigation Camera-Telephoto (ONC-T) at 12:46 p.m. on November 26, 2015 (Japan Standard Time).
On the right is the Earth, and you can see the moon on the left. The ONC-T has a multiple number of filters for observing the asteroid “Ryugu”. The image data this time was acquired by using three of the filters, and a pseudo-color image was compiled by assigning the three as R (red), G (green) and B (blue). The distance between the Hayabusa2 and the Earth was about three million kilometers.
You can see the Australian continent on the right, the Eurasian continent covered by clouds on the left, and the white vertical areas between them are clouds over the equator.
The ONC-T was jointly developed by JAXA, the University of Tokyo, Chiba Institute of Technology, Rikkyo University, Meiji University, Nagoya University, the University of Aizu, and Kochi University.
*The images here were trimmed for the sake of the website. Please have a look at JAXA Digital Archives for the original image.
Original image (JAXA Digital Archives)
Nov. 2, 2015 Updated
Hayabusa2 set for Earth swing-by! Your support messages welcomed.
The Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa2” will fly near the Earth to perform an Earth swing-by utilizing the Earth’s gravity on Dec. 3 (Thur.) for its orbit control.
The Hayabusa2, which soared into space on Dec. 3, 2014, will coincidentally come close to the Earth on Dec. 3 (Thur.), 2015, to conduct the Earth swing-by. The explorer will fly closest to the Earth at around 7:07 p.m. on that day (Japan Standard Time).
After the swing-by, the Hayabusa2 will head to its target asteroid “Ryugu”. Your support for the mission will be very welcomed. We are waiting for your support messages to the explorer itself, project personnel, and the overall mission.
Oct. 5, 2015 Updated
“Ryugu” was selected as name of Hayabusa2 target asteroid
Asteroid 1999 JU3, a target of the Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa2,” was named “Ryugu”.
One major reason for the selection was that, in the Japanese ancient story “Urashima Taro”, the main character, Taro Urashima, brought back a casket from the Dragon’s palace, or the “Ryugu” Castle, at the bottom of the ocean, and the theme of “bringing back a treasure” is common as the Hayabusa2 will also bring back a capsule with samples. It was selected among 7,336 entries.
The Lincoln Near Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) Team of the United States, which discovered 1999 JU3, proposed the suggested name of “Ryugu” to the International Asteroid Union (IAU), and it was finalized by being listed on the Minor Planet Names: Alphabetical List of the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Thank you very much to so many of you who took part in the naming campaign.
Press Releasse
Sep. 2, 2015 Updated
Hayabusa2 additional ion engine operation for Earth swing-by
On Sept. 1 (Tue.) and 2 (Wed.), the ion engine of the Hayabusa2 was additionally operated in order to increase the orbit control accuracy for the Earth swing-by.
The additional jet emission was completed as scheduled, and the ion engine was operated for about 12 hours in total.
We will analyze telemetry data (data sent from the explorer to indicate its condition) in detail to confirm the status of the engine during the operation and orbit control before and after the emission.
Figure: Positional relation of Hayabusa2, the Earth, the Sun, and Asteroid 1999JU3 (Schematic as of Sept. 1, 2015)
Naming Proposal Campaign: Become a godparent of asteroid "1999 JU3", destination of Hayabusa2!
JAXA is holding a naming proposal campaign to christen the asteroid “1999 JU3",which the Hayabusa2 is scheduled to visit in June or July 2018. Why don’t you try to become a godparent of the asteroid?
The application period is from 1:30 p.m. on July 22 thru 11:59 p.m. on August 31 (Japan Standard Time.)
August 31, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. (Japan Standard Time). (Extended from 10:00)
For more details and the application form
Hayabusa2 second ion engine continuous operation completed
The Hayabusa2 has been continuously operating its ion engine for the second time since June 2, and successfully completed its operations at 0:25 a.m. on June 7 (Japan Standard Time.) The second continuous operation lasted for 102 hours as scheduled.
The Hayabusa2 performed the ion engine continuous operation in preparation for the Earth swing-by planned in December, and the total hours of the first and second operations (409 hours and 102 hours respectively) reached 511 hours.
The ion engine operation may be conducted again if needs arise for subtle orbit change after carefully examining the second operation result.
Apr. 10, 2015 Updated
Baton pass to new Hayabusa2 project manager
The Hayabusa2 is stably flying in space. The new fiscal year has just started in Japan, and JAXA is taking a new step as we became a National Research and Development Agency from the previous independent administrative agency. The Hayabusa2 project is also taking a fresh step with a new team, including handing the baton over to a new project manager. All members of the project are engaged in the mission with a fresh mindset.
To become a National Research and Development Agency - Message from president of JAXA
Message from New Project Manager Yuichi Tsuda
The Hayabusa2 is stably flying since its launch and smoothly continuing it interplanetary cruising. I can, therefore, take over the mission at the best condition from my predecessor, former Project Manager Hitoshi Kuninaka, who led the development of the project. With many operation experts joining the new team, we would like to successfully send the Hayabusa2 to the asteroid 1999JU3, and have it come home safely.
The Hayabusa2 mission is challenging an unexplored field. We would like to contribute to enhancing the value of technology, science and space exploration through our accomplishments in traveling through the solar system in this six-year mission.
Message from Former Project Manager Hitoshi Kuninaka
As the development phase is over, Hayabusa2’s deep space exploration has started.
At the beginning of this fiscal year, a multiple number of our project members including myself were subject to personnel changes. Our team worked well with good team spirit to tackle and overcome various obstacles and difficulties. Therefore, I felt a bit disappointed to see part of the team was shuffled. Having said that, those who remain in the team as well as the leaving members vow to work hard and do our best using our expertise in space projects no matter what department we are assigned to. Your continued support for the Hayabusa2 is very much appreciated.
Photo: left: New Project Manager Yuichi Tsuda, right: Former Project Manager Hitoshi Kuninaka
Mar. 5, 2015 Updated
Hayabusa2 initial functional confirmation completed and moved to cruising phase to asteroid
The Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa2,” launched on Dec. 3, 2014, completed its initial functional confirmation period of about three months. The explorer was moving to the cruising phase on March 3 while heading to the asteroid “1999 JU3.”
The Hayabusa2 is in good health. It will be under preparatory operation including speed increase by continuous operation of the ion engines for an Earth swing-by scheduled in Nov. or Dec., 2015.
Hayabusa2 in great shape – Initial functional confirmation going smoothly
The Hayabusa2, launched on Dec. 3, 2014 (JST), is now undergoing the initial functional confirmation. Basic operations and performance of onboard instruments and ground systems have been tested one by one as of the end of January.
Here are some major examples of what we confirmed.
Ion engine test operation (one unit at a time)
Four ion engines were being operated one by one. A thrust of 7-10 mN was generated on the orbit for the first time.
Establishing communication by Ka band communication equipment (Between Jan. 5 to 10, 2015)
Communication was successful between the Hayabusa2 and NASA DSN stations to establish deep-space Ka-band communication for the first time for a Japanese space explorer. Ka-band communication will be used to send observation data during the mission for the Hayabusa2 to stay near the asteroid.
Ion engine can autonomously operate for 24 hours.
Long duration of autonomous operation (*1) with two or three ion engines was tested, and 24-hour continuous operation was attained.
The maximum thrust was confirmed to be about 28 mN, which is the expected value.
The explorer is currently in good shape.
We will further confirm the coordinated function of multiple instruments of the Hayabusa2, and plan to move to the cruise operation phase (*2) sometime in March.
*1 The autonomous operation is automatic control of an engine without instructions from the ground.
*2 The mode of full-scale navigation operation toward the asteroid through acceleration and orbit control by ion engine thrust.
Hayabusa2 flying smoothly!
JAXA confirmed the completion of a sequence of the important operations for the "Hayabusa2" mission. With this confirmation, the critical operation phase* of the Hayabusa2 was completed.
The explorer is now in a stable condition.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all parties and personnel concerned for their support and cooperation with the Hayabusa2 launch and tracking control operations.
In addition, we would also like to ask for your continued cooperation and support for the long-term Hayabusa2 space exploration mission.
Please send your support messages for the mission! (you can send a message from Hayabusa2 Project page or tweet with hashtag #hayabusa2).
Hayabusa2 Project page
"Hayabusa2" successfully launched!
H-IIA F26 with the Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" onboard launched at 1:22:04 p.m. on Dec 3, 2014 (JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center.
The rocket flew smoothly, and, at about approximately one hour, 47 minutes and 21 seconds after liftoff, "Hayabusa2" was separated from the H-IIA F26. We will update you with the latest information on the "Hayabusa2" on the project page.
Hayabusa2 Launch Live Broadcast (YouTube)
"Hayabusa2" Launch rescheduled to 1:22:04 p.m. on December 3 (Mon.) 2014
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and JAXA have decided to postpone the launch of "Hayabusa2" and piggyback payloads by the H-IIA F26 to 1:22:04 p.m. on Dec 3 (Wed. JST).
The live launch report will begin at 12:25 p.m. on December 3 (Mon. , JST). The report will be broadcast through the Internet.
We decided to postpone as a result of the go/no go decision meeting today which carefully checked the weather forecast and found that strong wind exceeding the weather restrictions was projected around the launch pad at the scheduled launch time on the previous schedule launch day of Dec. 1 (Mon.), 2014.
*The launch may be delayed further depending on weather conditions and other factors.
The launch of the Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" and three micro piggyback payloads by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 was rescheduled at 1:22:43 p.m. on December 1 (Mon. Japan Standard Time, JST) after carefully studying the weather conditions.
Accordingly, the live launch report will begin at 12:25 p.m. on December 1 (Mon. , JST). The report will be broadcast through the Internet.
Please send your support messages for the mission, or tweet it including the hashtag #hayabusa2.
Hayabusa2 launch postponement
H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.26 with the Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" onboard has been rescheduled as clouds including a freezing layer that exceeds the restrictions for suitable weather are forecast to be generated at around the scheduled launch time on November 30 (Sun.), 2014 (Japan Standard Time.)
The new launch day will be announced as soon as it is determined.
New movie "Ready to Face New Challenges -Hayabusa2- "
The new video clip titled "Ready to Face New Challenges -Hayabusa2- " was uploaded to the YouTube.
It has been four years since the Hayabusa's dramatic return from space,bringing back the world's first samples from an asteroid. To further clarify the mystery of the origin and evolution of human beings, the Hayabusa2 is leaving for space. This video explains the special features and significance of the Hayabusa2 mission in an easy and simple manner.
Ready to Face New Challenges -Hayabusa2-
JAXA Channel/English versions [YouTube]
“Hayabusa2" Launch Live Broadcast (by H-IIA F26)
JAXA will broadcast a live report of the Asteroid Explorer Hayabusa2’s launch by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.26 (H-IIA F26) from the Tanegashima Space Center. The report will cover launch events from the liftoff to the payload separation from the launch vehicle.
The broadcast program consists of two parts. The first half mainly focuses on launch events prior to and after liftoff. Then the latter half covers events before and after the Hayabusa2’s separation from the launch vehicle.
*Please be aware that the time schedule of the program is subject to change due to progress of the launch operations.
Program contents
Prior and after liftoff of H-IIA F26/Hayabusa2
Introduction of the Hayabusa2 mission including a VTR of its preparation operation
Introduction of piggyback payloads
Live launch report from the control room
*The scheduled launch time is 1:24 p.m.
Part I broadcast day and time
12:30 p.m. thru 1:45 p.m. (75 minutes) on Nov. 30 (Sun.)
Prior to and after the Hayabusa2’s separation from the launch vehicle
* Images of piggyback payloads’ separation will NOT be broadcast.
* Hayabusa2’s separation is scheduled to take place one hour and 47 minutes after liftoff.
Part II broadcast day and time
3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (30 minutes) on Nov. 30 (Sun.)
Internet live broadcast
JAXA will distribute our live report through the following Internet channels.
JAXA website
* The copyright of the live broadcast belongs to JAXA.
* Please be aware that a slight time lag up to a few minutes may occur due to the Internet’s characteristics.
We are welcoming support messages at the special site. Please send your messages for the mission, or tweet it. To tweet on Twitter, please attach the hashtag, #hayabusa2.
Click the following link to send a message to JAXA.
Sep. 30, 2014 Updated
New voyager to travel deep into space! Hayabusa2 to be launched on Nov. 30
The launch date and time for the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 (H-IIA F26) with the Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" onboard was decided to be at 1:24:48 p.m. on November 30 (Sunday), 2014 (Japan Standard Time)*.
Launch site is Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center.
* Launch time will be set for each launch day if the launch is delayed.
The latest information about "Hayabusa2" and its launch preparation status will be updated on the "Hayabusa2" project page.
We welcome your support message for the Hayabusa2.
Hayabusa2 revealed to the media
The Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa2” was shown to the media at Sagamihara Campus on August 31, 2014.
The Hayabusa2 is the successor of the Hayabusa, which captured sample particles from an asteroid and returned to the Earth in 2010. By capitalizing on the experience of the Hayabusa, the Hayabusa2 aims at acquiring samples and bringing them back from the C-type asteroid "1999JU3" to elucidate the origin and evolution of the solar system and material for life.
"I am bracing for the new voyage of the Hayabusa2." said Project Manager Kuninaka.
The Hayabusa2 will be transferred to the Tanegashima Space Center for its launch in this winter after its final check there.
Hayabusa2 Press Review (JAXA Digital Archives)
Hayabusa2 Small Carry-on Impactor undergoes test
Hayabusa2’s Small Carry-on Impactor (SCI) underwent a test in October, 2013.
The SCI is a device to create an artificial crater of the asteroid 1999JU3, which the Hayabusa 2 will travel toward. By making and observing an artificial crater, we can acquire data not only about the surface but also about the inside of the asteroid. In addition, by sampling near the crater, we can collect inside samples of the asteroid.
Hayabusa2 applies a method to throw a metal projectile against the asteroid with high speed to create an artificial crater. Through the test this time, we confirmed the accelerating part of the projectile while aiming to verify if its speed, configuration, and thrown direction precision met the design when the pyrotechnics, which were comparable to those of actual ones for the flight, were ignited to set off the projectile.
The test results were very impressive as the speed and configuration were almost as designed, and the direction precision was also good as the SCI precisely hit a target that was 100 meters away. We were able to successfully complete the performance confirmation test of the SCI pyrotechnic part.
Hayabusa2 SCI test [JAXA Digital Archives]
Campaign extended till August 9 (Fri.)!
- Let's attach your name and message to Hayabusa2 -
JAXA has been conducting a campaign to attach names and messages of Hayabusa2 mission supporters from all over the world to the space probe! We would love to share this superb moment and feeling of achievement with you through this campaign.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of you who joined the campaign since it began on April 10 till today. Also we appreciate your cooperation for registering or sending your names and messages on time. Thank you very much.
As we read the support messages for the Hayabusa2, we strongly felt that we would like to support this mission by being united with more of you.
Luckily, the Hayabusa2 manufacturing schedule has allowed us to extend the campaign period!
New deadline:
August 9 (Fri.)
From the website: till 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 9
Conventional mail: must be received by Aug. 9
To join the campaign:
http://www.jspec.jaxa.jp/hottopics/20130329.html (Japanese language only)
We are looking forward to hearing from more of you as an individual and/or as a community such as a family, a school or a company, and/or with your friends!
With the Hayabusa2
Let's go to asteroid 1999 JU3, and return to Earth
Hayabusa2 completes first integration test
All processes of the Hayabusa2's first integration test since January this year were completed on June 7. The test aimed at installing all onboard devices onto the satellite structure and confirming interfaces among them. During the mass property measurement, the last process of the integration test, the "Hayabusa2" exposed its full shape for the first time with all devices for the test installed.
We will remove each device from the main body of the Hayabusa2, then the devices will be given their final touches. They will be tested again and assembled again to the explorer for the next-phase test. All the project team members will do our best as we have done to steadily implement the Hayabusa2 project.
Hayabusa2 can carry your names and messages to space
JAXA is holding a campaign to record your names, messages and illustrations onboard the asteroid probe Hayabusa2.
Hayabusa2 is scheduled to be launched by the H-IIA launch vehicle in FY2014, then arrive at an asteroid in 2018 and investigate it for about one and half years, before returning to the earth in 2020.
The campaign will start from April 10. We welcome your participation!
Campaign site (JSPEC)
Hayabusa2 revealed before the first integration test
On Dec. 26, the Hayabusa2 was revealed at the Sagamihara Campus. As its design was completed this spring, the Hayabusa2 will soon undergo the first integration test to confirm the interfaces among onboard devices as well as between the devices and the explorer’s bus after assembling them onto the bus. Also, the flight models of the Hayabusa2’s main body and solar array paddles have already been manufactured, thus those models will be verified through a vibration test. In addition, the exposed environment for the onboard devices will also be measured. JAXA is developing the Hayabusa2 to be ready for its launch in FY2014.
New Enterprise Promotion Department
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Newt Gingrich Berates Boycotting Democrats for “Abandoning America”
Mike H | Jan. 19, 11:48 am | Leave a Comment
The Democrats whined for 8 years and counting about how Republicans were blocking all of Obama’s moves with their majority in Congress. Well, you can whine all you Democrats because now the Republicans have the majority and a President who is ready, willing, and able to capitalize on that advantage. There are two things that Democrats can choose to do. They can support Trump and bring support for his agenda from the left. This will bolster Trump’s probability of success and by doing so, will also drive Trump to adopt a more centrist stance for any initiative that is benefiting from that liberal support. Its a clever plan in which neither side will lose. OR, the Dems can do what these Inauguration boycotters are doing: publicly complain, threaten appointments, and make every issue a battle. They will look foolish when Trump wins anyway, and it will only increase the chance that Democrats will lose even more influence in the midterm elections in two years.
Dailymail.co.uk – The latest tally has 65 Democratic representatives saying they would participate in a boycott of Donald trump’s inaugural – more than one-third of their caucus
Senate Dems are not breaking with tradition despite differences with Trump
* Newt Gingrich, a former Republican Speaker of the House, said Ronald Reagan would have called them ‘childish’
* He said the boycotters were ‘small and silly’ and doomed to remain a minority if they keep pandering to their far left flank
* Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis said he’s not attending, claiming in an interview that Trump is not a ‘legitimate’ president’
* Lewis also said he’d never skipped an inauguration before, something Trump later branded ‘a lie’ when it was learned that he skipped George W. Bush’s in 2001
A former speaker of the House said Thursday that the roughly 60 Democratic members of Congress who plan to boycott President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration should hang their heads in shame.
‘If you’re a member of Congress, if you work that hard to get to be a part of the system … all they’re doing is make themselves look small and silly,’ Newt Gingrich told ‘Fox & Friends’ hosts.
And the onetime conservative revolutionary, who led the Republican Party to a House majority in 1994 after four decades of back-benching, warned Democrats that their partisan stand could backfire.
‘I mean, their left loves them. But as we used to learn the hard way, you know, you can have your partisans love you for a long time and stay in the minority.’
Asked what the late President Ronald Reagan would think of the boycott, Gingrich shot back: ‘That they’re childish and silly.’
A few Democrats stayed home when Reagan took the oath of office in 1981, and they galvanized their energies later that night around a ‘counter-inaugural ball’ hosted by a Democratic senator from Colorado.
Gingrich framed the left’s boycott this time around in terms of national unity.
‘The inauguration’s not about Republicans. It’s not about Donald Trump,’ he said. ‘The inauguration’s about America. Why would you abandon America?
‘You’re at a moment when the nation is transferring power peacefully, unlike – no other country has done this as long as we have. You have all of the sense of the national establishment coming together, despite an occasional idiot.’
But despite nearly one-third of the House Democratic caucus not showing up, Gingrich insisted Friday’s ceremony will be infused with ‘optimism.’
‘I mean, it doesn’t matter which team wins. We are a naturally optimistic country,’ he said.
The former speaker, a onetime college history professor who was at one point touted as a potential cabinet secretary, praised the president-elect for having ‘a very strong sense of who he is and what his mission in history is.’
‘And he also has frankly a better sense of how to talk with the American people than any Republican since Reagan.’
Keith Ellison, left, a Minnesota Congressman and leading candidate for Democratic Party head, said Monday, ‘I will not celebrate a man who preaches a politics of division and hate.’ Jerrold Nadler, right, a New York lawmaker, said he agrees with Lewis that Trump’s ‘illegitimate’
Reflecting with the ‘Fox & Friends’ host about a tea they attended Wednesday night at the British Embassy, Gingrich agreed that UK expats inhabiting Washington’s corridors of power haven’t yet figured out how to relate to the billionaire who will move into the White House on Friday.
‘None of us know what to make of Donald Trump. Why should the British be ahead of us?’ he quipped.
Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager who has since turned lobbyist, told the same Fox News Channel hosts on Thursday that he’s disappointed in the boycott news.
‘I think the American people are so tired of partisan government and gridlock,’ he said.
‘It’s a shame that some of these congressmen want to make it about hyper-partisan politics and not what’s right for the American people. Give him a chance!’
Boycotters are taking their energy from civil rights icon John Lewis, who first said he would stay away from the U.S. Capitol on Friday – incorrectly stating that he’d never missed an inauguration before.
The Washington Post’s latest tally had 65 Democratic representatives saying they would participate in a boycott – that’s more than one-third of their caucus’s 194 members.
Outgoing President Barack Obama told reporters on Wednesday that he was staying above the fray.
‘With respect to the inauguration, I am not going to comment on those issues,’ Obama said. ‘All I know is I’m going to be there. So is Michelle.’
Michigan Representative John Conyers invoked Vice President Joe Biden’s unrelated statement that Trump needs to ‘grow up’ and said he would protest the inauguration with Lewis
New York Rep Yvette Clarke said Trump had ‘insulted America’ with his remarks about Lewis
Bonnie Watson Coleman said she plans to hold an interfaith prayer vigil in Trenton, New Jersey on Friday instead
New York Rep. Yvette Clarke (left) said Trump had ‘insulted America’ with his remarks about Lewis. Bonnie Watson Coleman (right) said she plans to hold an interfaith prayer vigil in Trenton, New Jersey on Friday instead
Democrats who serve in the Senate are not breaking with tradition, despite their differences with Trump.
Senator Joe Manchin said Sunday that Lewis’ boycott of the ceremony, that typically features lawmakers and former presidents standing behind the new president as he takes the Oath of Office, is ‘uncalled for.’
The West Virginia senator, who was added this term to Democratic leadership and was went to New York to meet with Trump, said on CBS’ Face the Nation that the altercation between the Republican president-elect and Lewis, a Georgia congressman, is ‘non-productive.’
Both of the Senate’s black Democrats are attending.
Newly elected California Sen. Kamala Harris told the Los Angeles Times she was going. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who’s often talked about as a prospective rival to Trump in the next election, said Monday at a breakfast he will participate in the ‘peaceful transition of power.’
At an event recognizing the late Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday, a federal holiday, Booker said he would follow the outgoing president’s lead, like most of his Senate colleagues.
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Friday music festival blogging: green and groovy at Pickathon
By David Roberts on Aug 13, 2011
A Pickathon past.Photo: Tim PoundstoneLast weekend I found myself with an old friend in the beer garden at Pickathon, a music festival in Happy Valley, Ore. He was smoking a hand-rolled cigarette, which looked a bit like a joint, as hand-rolled cigarettes tend to. A fellow with a bushy mustache and a Pickathon t-shirt ambled over, squinted at us, and asked, “Is that weed? I’m only asking ’cause there are lots of kids around, so we’re asking people to medicate in the woods.”
And that was the extent of my interaction with officialdom at Pickathon.
Over three days of camping with my family and some college friends, I never saw a cop. I never saw a uniform. I never saw anyone fighting, misbehaving, or getting hassled. There was only the friendly, self-regulating crowd and T-shirted volunteers carrying supplies around. I’ve been to more than my share of concerts, music festivals, and hippie gatherings over the years, and this one came the closest I’ve ever witnessed to getting everything exactly right. There were 44 artists altogether, enough that there was always something to see, but never too much. Over 3,300 people attended — up almost a thousand from last year — but it never felt chaotic, confused, or crowded, even by the main stage. It was nice to hang out, nice to hike around, nice to check out bands … just sunny, mellow, and happy every which way you turned.
Griffin makes himself a smoothie on the smoothie bike.The campgrounds, sprawled across about 40 acres of Pendarvis Farm, were wooded, shady, well-marked, and clean. There was fresh water available (I never saw a plastic water bottle) and food was served from around 20 of Portland’s best food carts. (Highlight: breakfast from Pine State Biscuits, by unanimous acclaim the most transcendent biscuit any of us had ever tasted.)
The kids had a blast. There were constant activities for them, everything from circus training to magic-wand making to archery with foam-tipped arrows. They wandered around the campgrounds, made friends, got filthy, and experienced a kind of feral freedom that they never, ever get living in the city.
It was also the cleanest festival I’ve ever been to. A great deal of that had to do with an innovative system around dishes and cups. You could bring your own, and there were sinks to wash them, but the nifty thing was the token system. At the beginning you could buy a token for $10. At any food vendor, you handed in the token for a bamboo dish and fork. When you were done you went to a special booth and traded in your dirty dishes for your token; the dishes were then washed and reused. Similarly with cups: you had to buy a metal cup at the beginning and reuse it throughout. So there were no disposable dishes! We were mildly worried about it at first — it sounded complicated — but the execution was sooo smooth. It was absolutely no trouble and a huge aesthetic benefit. I hope all festivals and events pick this up.
There was tons of other sustainability stuff as well, including a solar-powered phone-recharging station, solar-powered LED lights marking the trails, biodiesel generators powering the stages, composting, and bike, shuttle, and carpool transportation options to and from the site. More than that, it just felt and looked pristine.
Our post-Pickathon “who’s got the dirtiest feet?” contest.Anyway, I can’t say enough good things about Pickathon. It was obviously something special; I can’t count the number of bands who paused playing just to gush about how wonderful it was, how right it felt. I hope it doesn’t get too popular and too big.
But let’s talk about the music! Several artists were just as good as I expected, including the Fruit Bats, Wye Oak, and Damien Jurado. But there were some nice surprises too.
One of my favorites was out at the Woods Stage, a breathtakingly gorgeous area out in the middle of the campground, surrounded by lush deciduous forest, with hay bales for seats. By sheer luck I happened to catch Canadian trio Elliott Brood there and they killed it. I’ve already downloaded their past albums and am officially geeked for the new one in September. Here’s “Without Again,” from 2008’s Mountain Meadows:
https://grist.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/elliott_brood-_without_again.mp3
Another pleasant surprise happened in the Galaxy Barn, a nice little room where you could go for the hot, sweaty, crowded club-show feel. It happened that the band playing before the one I came for was The Sadies, another Canadian outfit. (I guess Canada rocked Pickathon this year.) They’ve been around for over a decade. Sometimes they play backing band for Neko Case but on their own do a sort of surf-punk/rockabilly/country thing that I don’t typically go for. Holy sh*t, though, they were smokin’ — some of the best guitar work I’ve seen in years. Here’s “Another Year Again” from last year’s Darker Circles:
And finally there’s the band I came to the Galaxy Barn to see: Black Mountain. I’ve blogged them before (twice), so it was no surprise that they were good, but it was somewhat surprising that from my vantage point in the front row they melted my freaking face off with awesomeness. Truly, go see this band live. This is one my old favorites that they played, called “Druganaut.”
My one regret is that we had to leave on Sunday before we could see Lightning Dust (which shares members with Black Mountain) on the gorgeous, dreamy Starlight Stage, a little platform by the food area that got underway after hours.
I was going to make a bunch of deep points about how this ties into great places and whatnot, but hell, it’s Friday, so just enjoy the music.
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First International Fork Lift Truck Winners Announced at Logistics Exhibition
IFOY Awards Set to Become a Calendar Fixture
GERMANY – The recent Transport Logistics 2013 exhibition in Munich was host to the inaugural International Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) awards organised by leading German trade bodies, VDMA Materials Handling and the Logistics Systems Sector Association. The awards are open to all manufacturers of materials handling equipment who supply products or services to the European market with the winner in each category picked by a jury made up of well-respected trade journalists. Considerable satisfaction therefore for Jungheinrich which managed to collect two of the four possible awards.
Jungheinrich’s DFG/TFG 540s engine truck range was voted the outstanding product in the IFOY Counterbalanced Trucks (3.5 tonne capacity and above) category, while the Jungheinrich ETV/ETM 214/216 reach truck was named IFOY’s Warehouse Truck of the Year.
Launched last year, the Jungheinrich DFG/TFG 540s counterbalanced engine truck range features hydrostatic drive technology and has been designed to offer the lowest noise levels and emissions. Fuel consumption is also particularly low and over a number of operational tests, the truck made large, fuel cost savings in comparison to competitor’s conventional torque converter counterbalanced trucks.
Meanwhile, the ETV/ETM 214/216 reach truck is a recent addition to Jungheinrich’s best-selling range of sit-on reach trucks. The trucks feature the latest generation AC technology which offers exceptionally high performance and reduces operating costs to a minimum. They also benefit from a fully sealed electronic controller and custom-designed onboard software specifically tailored for forklift truck use. Because it is bespoke the software helps to increase both truck reliability and energy efficiency still further.
The award for counter balanced trucks below 3.5 tonnes went to the RX 70 Hybrid from Still GmbH. The world's first series-produced hybrid forklift truck uses 95% recycled materials in its manufacture and it was commended for its high level of innovation and low operating costs. As the first diesel forklift with an energy recovery system and electrical power transmission, the RX 70 Hybrid marks a major advance in ecological and economic terms.
The IFOY Award 2013 in the Forklift Truck Solutions category went to Crown GmbH specifically for the company’s achievement in cutting maintenance and repair costs at UK office supplies wholesaler Spicers by 90% at the end of 2012 utilising its ‘InfoLink’ management system combined with a more advanced and efficient fork lift fleet halving the number of trucks on site.
Photo: Jungheinrich’s DFG/TFG 540s and ETV/ETM 214/216 models.
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Selma Enterprise
Kingsburg Recorder
Lemoore Navy News
First Rights: Coming: Even more FBI warrantless searches?
By Nat Hentoff
Nat Hentoff
On May 9, FBI Director Robert Mueller strongly recommended that Congress reauthorize the 2008 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Amendments Act by the end of the year. This law allows federal authorities, including the FBI, to conduct warrantless searches. These are beyond the Attorney General’s Guidelines for Domestic FBI Operations that let the FBI avoid going to a court to get a warrant to track Americans suspected of terrorist ties.
In 2008, Barack Obama, then a senator from Illinois, pledged he would “unequivocally oppose” the FISA Amendments Act but, as is sometimes his custom, he voted for it. (“FBI chief urges restoration of searches without warrants,” Jerry Seper, washingtontimes.com, May 9).
Seper, quoting Mueller, writes that “the law allows the collection of vital information about international terrorists ‘while providing a robust protection for the civil liberties of Americans.’”
How is that possible when Americans who are being spied on don’t know it and therefore can’t question the lawfulness of the tracking?
When reauthorized, this law will add to what the American Civil Liberties Union and its policy counsel on national security, immigration and privacy, Michael German, call “suspicionless surveillance,” which keeps growing around the country through local and state authorities, the FBI and the mammoth databases of the National Security Agency (NSA).
As I’ve reported, German worked inside the FBI for 16 years on domestic terrorism and other investigative matters before being recruited by the Constitution to join the ACLU.
German objects to constant “suspicionless surveillance,” as it “invades the privacy of innocent persons and, failing to require a factual basis creating reasonable suspicion and probable cause before initiating surveillance, opens the door to:
“Biased policing, leading to unconstitutional racial and religious profiling and spying on political activists in violation of their First Amendment rights” (“FBI Official Agrees With ACLU: Suspicionless Surveillance is Ineffective and Counterproductive,” Michael German, aclu.org, March 9).
Wow! Have presidential rivals Obama and Mitt Romney said a word about this? Don’t they care when the Constitution is being ravaged? Will this come up in any of their debates or in press interviews during the campaign? German continues, referring to his time in the FBI: “Based on my experience in law enforcement, I have also argued that suspicionless surveillance is ineffective and counterproductive as a security measure because it fills intelligence databases with useless information and undermines community support for legitimate law enforcement and intelligence activities directed at real threats.”
I wonder if the NSA cares at all about that.
German may have startled FBI Chief Mueller by praising Newark, N.J., Special Agent in Charge Michael Ward for what he said to The (N.J.) Star-Ledger about New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly’s suspicionless, large-scale spying operation on Muslims (simply for being Muslims), a practice enthusiastically supported by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Courageous dissenter Ward said: “But (the NYPD) coming out and just basically mapping out houses of worship and minority-owned businesses (to spy on the Muslims who are there) — there’s no correlation between the location of houses of worship and minority-owned businesses and counterterrorism” (“Recent NYPD spying uproar shakes FBI’s foundations in N.J. terror intelligence,” Jason Grant, nj.com, March 7).
Do you agree with The Rutherford Institute’s John Whitehead when he says: “We are truly entering a new era. Once the realm of science fiction and dystopian literature, the all-seeing surveillance state, powered by the latest and greatest in robot technology, is the reality with which we must now contend.”
What do you think we should do about finding a place for the Constitution in this new era? Americans shouldn’t give up being American.
Hentoff is a nationally renowned authority on the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights.
Privacy Of Telecommunications
Mass Surveillance
Law Enforcement In The United States
First Rights
The Selma Enterprise
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The Lemoore Navy News
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Hari's Cosmo World
Soyuz – Architecture.
Posted on July 4, 2020 by Hari Iyer
Soyuz is a family of Soviet expendable launch systems developed by OKB-1 and manufactured by Progress Rocket Space Center in Samara, Russia. With over 1700 flights since its debut in 1966, the Soyuz is the most frequently used launch vehicle in the world.
For nearly a decade between the final flight of the U.S. Space Shuttle program in 2011 and the 2020 first crewed mission on Space-X’s Falcon 9 rocket, Soyuz rockets were the only launch vehicles able and approved to transport astronauts to the International Space Station.
The Soyuz vehicles are used as the launcher for the crewed Soyuz spacecraft as part of the Soyuz program, as well as to launch uncrewed Progress supply spacecraft to the International Space Station and for commercial launches marketed and operated by Starsem and Arianespace.
All Soyuz rockets use RP-1 and liquid oxygen (LOX) propellant, with the exception of the Soyuz-U2, which used Syntin, a variant of RP-1, with LOX. The Soyuz family is a subset of the R-7 family.
Type Soyuz TMA-M
Manufacturer RKK Energia
Diameter 2.72m
Launch Mass 7,150kg
Span 10.6m
Habitable Volume 8.5m³
The Soyuz Spacecraft consists of three Modules, the Instrumentation Module, Entry Module and Orbital Module. In total, the spacecraft has a launch mass of 7150 Kilograms and it is 7.48 meters in length with a maximum diameter of 2.72 meters. A fully deployed Soyuz Spacecraft in orbit has a span of 10.6 meters.
The three modules are equipped with separation mechanisms as only the entry Module is outfitted with an ablative heat shield to survive re-entry. The three modules separate after the deorbit burn just before the vehicle hits the atmosphere. While the Entry Module safely enters the atmosphere, the other two modules burn up during entry. The Soyuz Spacecraft is certified to stay in orbit for 6 months docked to the Space Station.
Orbital Module
Habitable Volume 5m³
Attitude Control 4 DPO Thrusters
Rendezvous KURS
The Orbital Module is located on top of the two other sections of Soyuz. It is 2.98 meters long and 2.26 meters in diameter. It has a total mass of 1,300 Kilograms and offers a habitable volume of 5m³. During Ascent, the Orbital module is sealed from the Entry Module by closing and latching the inner hatch. Once in Orbit, the crew opens the hatch and can use the BO, as the Orbital Module is also known, as habitable module. It is used to carry cargo and equipment to space and houses equipment required to allow the crew to live in space.
BO contains a toilet and communication equipment. On the top side of the section is the docking assembly of the Spacecraft that features navigation antenna systems and the actual docking port with docking probe and associated lights and sensors. The Docking Interface features the KURS hardware that is used for the automatic rendezvous procedure. Also, the docking interface includes electrical and communications systems connectors for power transfer from ISS and communication relay.
A side hatch on the module allows crews to enter the capsule at the launch pad and during pre-flight operations. The Life Support System can support the crew for 30 person days providing Oxygen Generation and Carbon Dioxide Scrubbing Capabilities. Also, the atmosphere aboard the Soyuz can be topped up with Nitrogen from storage tanks to keep the capsule pressurized.
Entry Module
Thermal Protection Ablative Heat Shield
Attitude Control 24 Thrusters
Propellant Hyydrogen Peroxide
Landing Parachutes
Pilot Chute 4.5m²
Drogue Chute 16m²
Main Chute 518m²
Landing Engines 6
Landing Speed 2-4m/s
Cargo Downmass 100kg
Flight Computer KSO 20M
The Entry Module is located between the two other sections and is 2.24 meters long and 2.17 meters in diameter. it has a total mass of 2,950 Kilograms and offers 3.5m³ of habitable volume. The Entry module houses vehicle control systems and crew seats. The crew is isolated in the Entry Module for launch and landing.
Three custom made Kazbek Seat Liners are installed inside the Module that are specially made for each individual crew member. A shock absorbing system is installed on the crew’s seats to dampen the impact the Soyuz experiences during landing.
The KS0 20M computer aboard the entry module is the primary flight computer after module separation taking the descent section of the vehicle through the re-entry and landing portion of the flight. It is also the prime computer for Launch and Ascent Aborts. The Entry Module has an attitude control system consisting of 24 Hydrogen Peroxide Thrusters for making maneuvers in orbit and during entry.
Also, it is outfitted with the spacecraft’s fully redundant parachute system consisting of a pilot chute that is deployed first after computers issue the parachute opening command during entry. The Pilot chute is followed by a Drogue Chute (16m²) and the Main Chute (518m²) to slow the vehicle down to a safe landing speed. In the final moments before landing, the Entry Module separates from its heat shield that is used to protect the vehicle during the re-entry process. This exposes the six Solid-Fueled Soft Landing Engines that are fired just a split second before landing to slow the vehicle down to its final landing speed. A fast-opening parachute system is also installed on the module to support Launch Aborts.
100 Kilograms of cargo can be loaded into the entry Module for transport back to Earth. The Entry Module of the Soyuz can also be used as an Airlock when the hatch to the Orbital Module is closed. Spacewalkers would exit and ingress through the side hatch.
Instrumentation Module
Habitable Volume None
Main Engine SKD (Redundant)
Trust 2,942N
Attitude Control 28 DPO Thrusters
Thrust 26.5N/130N
Oxidizer Nitrogen Tetroxide
Fuel Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine
Propellant Mass 800kg
Power Generation 2 Solar Arrys
Flight Computer TsVM-101
The instrumentation or Service Module is located underneath the other two modules and houses equipment necessary to support the vehicle during its mission. It has a liftoff mass of 2,900 Kilograms, is 2.26 meters in length and 2.72 meters in diameter.
A pressurized container includes systems for thermal control, electric power supply, communications, telemetry and navigation. The unpressurized portion of the Instrumentation Modules contains the Main Engine and the liquid-fueled propulsion system. The Propulsion System is used for attitude control maneuvers, Rendezvous and Orbit Adjustments as well as the deorbit burn.
SKD, the Soyuz Main Engine, provides a thrust of 2,942 Newtons. The entire Soyuz Attitude Control System is comprised of 28 DPO Thrusters. Two clusters of 14 DPO Thruster are mounted on the spacecraft with 12 of these jets providing 26.5 Newtons of Thrust and the remaining 16 providing 130 Newtons. The Propulsion System uses Nitrogen Tetroxide as Oxidizer and Unsymmetrical Dimethylydrazine as Fuel. A total of 800 Kilograms of propellants are carried aboard the SM Tanks. Tank Pressurization is accomplished with high-pressure helium.
The Service Module also includes the power generation system consisting of two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The instrumentation module is outfitted with the main flight computer that is in charge of all aspects of the Soyuz Mission up the point of Module Separation when the KSO 20M Computer of the Entry Module takes over.
Launch Abort System
Soyuz FG features Launch and Ascent Abort Capabilities during the complete ascent phase. In the early portion of the mission and while sitting on the Launch Pad, the crew can be evacuated by the use of the SAS Launch Escape System. On top of the Soyuz Rocket is a Launch Escape Tower that is used for Launch Aborts prior to liftoff and during the first 157 seconds of the flight.
The abort can be triggered by on-board computers and manually via radio signals. Events that cause an immediate launch abort include loss of control, premature booster stage separation, loss of pressure in the combustion chambers, lack of velocity and loss of thrust. When the abort command is issued, three struts engage in the lower structural ring of the Soyuz Entry Module (The Crew is in the Entry Module for Launch and Landing with hatches to the Orbital Module closed and latched). These struts provide a stable interface with the Payload Fairing. At that point, the two Upper modules of the Soyuz are separated from the Instrumentation Module that remains attached to the Launcher.
At the same time, the abort motors mounted on the Launch Escape Tower ignite and the spacecraft under the Payload Fairing is carried away from the launch vehicle. The burn has a duration of up to six seconds. The abort motors provide 723 Kilonewtons of thrust. After burnout of the escape motors, the descent module separates from the Orbital Module and the Shroud before firing engines to drop out of the Fairing. The Entry Module deploys fast-opening parachutes and the Module’s heat shield is jettisoned to expose the Soft Landing Engines. The capsule executes a nominal landing.
Should the abort occur while the vehicle is still at the pad, the SAS can lift the capsule to an altitude of 1.5 kilometers causing it to land 3 to 4 kilometers away from the rocket. A minimum altitude of 850 meters is required to achieve full parachute deployment for a nominal landing. The minimum landing distance from the launcher is 110 meters. During the abort scenario, crew members experience up to 10 G’s.
At T+157 seconds, the SAS and Payload Fairing is jettisoned. After that, a variety of abort modes are available for the Soyuz Spacecraft. Depending on the abort scenario, different mechanisms are used to separate the Soyuz Capsule from the Rocket. After separation from the Launcher, the Soyuz conducts a commanded Module Separation and the Entry Module uses its attitude control system to place the vehicle in the correct entry attitude.
The abort trajectory that takes the Soyuz to a landing point somewhere downrange the ground track, largely depends on the timing of the failure. The later an abort occurs in the ascent, the higher the G load the crew and vehicle experiences. For an abort 400 seconds in the flight, up to 21 Gs occur on the way back to Earth. After Entry, the Soyuz performs nominal landing operations to bring the crew back to Earth. All abort scenarios are considered to be survivable by the crew.
There are some improvements in the seating.
STAY TUNED FOR SOYUZ JOURNEY FROM BAIKONUR COSMODROME TO DOCKING IN THE ISS……… IN THE UPCOMING POST.
Tags: earth, russian, soyuz, spacecraftCategories: Space Vehicle
Published by Hari Iyer
Follow me at my instagram ID :- https://www.instagram.com/iamiyerhari/ View all posts by Hari Iyer
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3. Evaluation and accountability, a resource unit for educators
Evaluation and accountability, a resource unit for educators
University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign campus), Illinois State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
Educational surveys, Curriculum evaluation
4. Rules establishing requirements and procedures for the elimination and prevention of racial segregation in schools
Rules establishing requirements and procedures for the elimination and prevention of racial segregation in schools
Segregation in education
5. Special education; financial and statistical report, fiscal school year July 1, 1968 to June 30, 1969, 76th General Assembly appropriation
Special education; financial and statistical report, fiscal school year July 1, 1968 to June 30, 1969, 76th General Assembly appropriation
6. Guidelines for consumer education
Guidelines for consumer education
7. Public attitudes toward education 1968
Public attitudes toward education 1968
Illinois State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign campus) Survey Research Laboratory
9. I quit? Report of the Illinois crusade dropout survey conducted 1966-1967
I quit? Report of the Illinois crusade dropout survey conducted 1966-1967
10. Special education; financial and statistical report, fiscal school year July 1, 1966 to June 30, 1967, 75th General Assembly appropriation
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Archive for April 2007
Two thousand seven hundred forty dead. Today. Same tomorrow…
Africa Malaria Day 2007
© UNICEF/ HQ04-1276/Giacomo Pirozzi
Katuwala Saruwai, 10, embraces his sleeping baby brother Kalu at a local health clinic in the Trobriand Islands in Milne Bay Province. Ten-month-old Kalu is suffering from severe malaria, a primary cause of child deaths in the country.
Malaria kills over one million people each year worldwide. More than 80 per cent of these deaths take place in Sub-Saharan Africa and most are among children under five years of age. An African child dies of malaria every 30 seconds.Malaria is one of the biggest killers of children in Africa, accounting for nearly one in five of the continent’s child deaths.
Yet this disease is both preventable and treatable. The solutions are available. For just US$10, a child can be protected against malaria by a long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed net (ITN). And an infected child can be treated with Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).
The good news is that there was a ten-fold increase in ITN distribution in sub-Saharan Africa between 1999 and 2003, and surveys in 2005 and 2006 are expected to even more progress. Countries such as Malawi, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo and Zambia have made great strides on the percentage of children sleeping under ITNs. Ethiopia, a country with around nine million malaria infections each year, quadrupled the number of ITNs distributed from 1.8 million in 2004 to 8 million by the end of 2006. This year’s target: 20 million.
But challenges remain, including the challenge of reaching children in remote areas with the prevention, testing and treatment that they need. Then there is the funding gap. An estimated US$ 3.2 billion is needed worldwide each year to fund the fight against malaria in the countries with the highest disease burden – US$ 1.9 billion for Africa alone. While funding has increased over the past decade, thanks to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, the US President’s Initiative, the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others, estimates suggest that international funding for malaria control stood at only around US$ 600 million in 2004.
UNICEF is not only calling for greater resources for malaria control, but also for an integrated approach to combat the disease. Malaria control should be part of integrated, community-based health programmes. UNICEF supports integrated child survival programming, including ITN distribution alongside measles vaccination campaigns and routine immunization and as part of antenatal care and early detection and improved treatment through the integrated management of childhood illnesses, looking at the health needs of the child as a whole, rather than focusing on one specific health issue.
UNICEF works closely with national governments and with partnerships such as Malaria no More and Roll Back Malaria to scale up the availability of ITNs and ACTs and ensure that malaria is high on every national health agenda.
UNICEF is the world’s largest procurer and deliverer of ITNs, with over 24 million ITNs procured in 2006. More than 90 per cent of these were long-lasting, requiring no re-treatment.
Angela Hawke, Press Officer, UNICEF NY: Tel + 1 212-326-7269; email ahawke@unicef.org
Jessica Malter, Press Officer, UNICEF New York: Tel +1 212-326-7412; email jmalter@unicef.org
Related press releases and news notes:
28 March 2007 – Spread the Net purchases 33,000 anti-malarial bed nets for Liberia 1
27 November 2006 – Fight against Malaria – A priority in Guinea-Bissau 2
9 November 2006 – Belinda Stronach and Rick Mercer launch anti-malarial bednet campaign:“Spread the Net” with UNICEF Canada 3
6 November 2006 – Serena Williams joins the fight against malaria in Ghana 4
28 September 2006 – Ethiopia can beat its biggest killer with historic push – UNICEF 5
8 July 2006 – Partners team up in Kenya to fights measles and malaria
Categories: Africa, Blogroll, Politics, World Health
NOT Off the Table — Strategies to Impeach Bush AND Cheney
Despite Nancy Pelosi’s early assertion that impeachment is “off the table,” it’s clear to me that we as a nation have moved beyond that initial statement. It’s bigger than any one person (in this case the Speaker of the House). Bush and Cheney are inept and corrupt and evil, and those they have put into decision-making positions are likewise inept and corrupt and evil. They all need to be swept from power, while there is still an America, and still a world.
As of last Friday, the number of dead Americans serving in the military in Iraq in April was sixty-five. Ten of those were from my home state of California, including two from the nearby town where I grew up, and one from the nearby town where I go to church. The average age of these dead soldiers was 24.84 years old. The youngest was 18 years old: Steven Walberg from Paradise, California (an irony in itself); the oldest was Philip Murphy-Sweet, a 42-year-old from Caldwell, Idaho.
George Bush and his meaningless war killed these heroes. This war is a series of high crimes and misdemeanors. It was never time for Bush to be IN office, and now it’s clearly time for him — and all of those in this administration — to go.
Urge your representative in Congress to do the right thing and impeach — and convict — these officeholders.
ANALYSIS: US Rep. Kucinich’s Shift Towards Impeachment
By Matthew Cardinale, News Editor and National Correspondent,
Atlanta Progressive News
(APN) ATLANTA – US Rep. Kucinich (D-OH) is about to unveil Articles of Impeachment against Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney at a press conference tomorrow, Tuesday, April 24, 2007. Both Kucinich’s Campaign and Congressional Offices have thus far maintained a veil of secrecy about the rationale for the Articles.
Kucinich’s step is certainly bold and substantively appropriate, but it is only one stage in what has been the Congressman’s shifting in political posture towards impeachment as a remedy to the abuses of the Bush Administration.
This, of course, may still not be the end of the shift, because Bush himself still hasn’t been recommended for impeachment yet in this Congressional Session.
To illustrate this shift, consider the Congressman and Presidential Candidate did not cosponsor H Res 635, the bill in the 109th Congressional Session, which had 39 total cosponsors and would have created a Select Committee to look into the possible grounds for impeaching Bush. The bill charged Bush with misleading the public on the need to invade Iraq, retaliating against public officials who disagree with him, and encouraging torture.
Kucinich was one of 31 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus who chose NOT sign on to H Res. 635 at the time. The other 31 members, or exactly one half, of the Caucus did sign on.
The 39 total co-sponsors of H Res. 635 were US Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA), Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA), Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), Rep. Jackson, Jr., (D-IL), Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), Rep. John Olver (D-MA), Rep. Major Owens (D-NY), Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ), Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ), Rep. Martin Sabo (D-MN), Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA), Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA), Rep. John Tierney (D-MA), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Dianne Watson (D-CA), Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), and Rep. David Wu (D-OR).
Kucinich also did not cosponsor former US Rep. Cynthia McKinney’s bill which called for Bush’s impeachment. Congresswoman McKinney shifted towards the idea of impeachment herself, telling APN that she first considered the idea in 2001 and her mother begged her not to do it.
Over the last year or so, Atlanta Progressive News has asked multiple sources as to why Kucinich chose not to support impeaching Bush.
One source close to the Kucinich Campaign told APN that Kucinich did not want to impeach Bush because of his belief in forgiveness and redemption and that even Bush could be redeemed.
The Kucinich Campaign also responded to an inquiry from one APN reader who contacted them several months ago, asking why the Congressman wouldn’t support impeachment.
“I have been watching intently the tally of Congress people who have signed on as sponsors or co-sponsors of H. Res 635, which would create a Select Committee to look into the grounds for recommending President Bush’s impeachment. So far there are 36. I notice that you are not among them and I find this to be virtually unfathomable. Is there some reason you are reluctant to do this?” Lyn Bernstein sent in an email to the Kucinich Campaign on May 02, 2006.
“It is my understanding that Congressman Kucinich is working for major systemic change rather than mere personnel changes. Also, he does not support efforts which are basically set up to rip people apart,” replied Kucinich volunteer, Gail Heyn, adding she did not speak on behalf of the Congressional Office.
A few weeks ago, the Kucinich for President 2008 Campaign released a remarkable YouTube video in which the Congressman asks Americans to provide him with feedback on the question “Is it time” for impeachment.
In the YouTube video, Kucinich said he was troubled by the prevailing idea in Congress that impeachment should be “off the table,” while an invasion of Iran should be left on the table.
At that time, it wasn’t clear why Iran was seen as a reason for impeachment now, when the Invasion of Iraq–which has been equally atrocious as well as fraudulent–was not mentioned as a potential reason.
Now, it’s not clear why Cheney is the sole target of impeachment and not Bush.
It will be fascinating to see which Members of Congress, if any, will support Kucinich’s bill. It will also be interesting to see whether the discussion of impeaching Cheney leads to possibly also impeaching Bush.
One function of Kucinich’s introduction of the Articles will be break the silence on the “I” word, which had been demanded by US Rep. Pelosi. It was largely viewed that US Rep. Conyers, the original sponsor of H Res 635, dropped his bill out of respect to Pelosi and his desire to be appointed Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Moreover, several Members of Congress have stated that they have followed in Conyers’s steps in choosing not to introduce similar bills of their own.
According to APN’s analysis, there are currently four (4) Members of Congress who would be willing to support impeachment. US Rep. Kucinich has been one of the people on the list for some time and we can now reveal this to our readers. US Rep. John Lewis told an Atlanta-based radio station WAOK that he would support Articles of Impeachment should they be introduced, although he did not support his colleague Cynthia McKinney’s bill when it was introduced. The other two Representatives cannot be named at this time.
One of the main arguments against is impeaching Bush is regarding the possibility of a President Cheney; however, the bill to impeach Cheney would eliminate this issue.
At the same time, when Pelosi said impeachment was off the table, implicitly she meant the impeachment of Bush.
For Kucinich to introduce Articles of Impeachment against Cheney is, thus, in a way, dispelling the stigma of impeachment, because many Members of Congress may be more inclined to support impeaching Cheney. It also brings up the general idea of impeachment into the mainstream media dialogue.
The corporate media almost completely ignored H Res 635. US Rep. Conyers recognized Atlanta Progressive News on his blog for being the only media outlet at the time to regularly cover this bill.
Last week, it was actually a blog on the WashingtonPost.com website, which revealed that Kucinich had sent a letter to other Members of Congress indicating his intent to file the Articles of Impeachment against Cheney.
Kucinich’s Congressional Office declined to comment at this time, and his Campaign was not expected to respond prior to the official announcement.
Matthew Cardinale is the News Editor and National Correspondent for Atlanta Progressive News and may be reached at matthew@atlantaprogressivenews.com.
Categories: Constitution, Impeachment, Peace, Politics, war
The Bloodiest Day… part 1
In no way am I downplaying the importance of the story at Virginia Tech this week. It sickened me. I watched the television coverage until I was so numb that I couldn’t watch it any longer. I haven’t seen any of the material that was sent to NBC–and I don’t care to see any of it.
But where is the parallel outrage, where is the sorrow over the Iraqi people who are dying? More than 140 people dead, and another 150-plus injured in one incident. (see post)
And then… there have already been 50 Americans who have died THIS MONTH in Iraq. (see post)
Where is the righteous indignation about the perpetrator of THIS violent act? One that, unlike the one in Virginia, will not be ending soon.
Categories: iraq, Peace, war
Car bombs kill nearly 200 in deadliest Iraq attacks
From correspondents in Iraq
190 killed in attacks in Shiite districts
‘Swimming pool of blood’ at crowded market
Iraqi PM blames extremist “vampires”
FOUR car bombs detonated in a co-ordinated attack have killed more than 190 people in Baghdad in the deadliest attacks in the city since US and Iraqi forces launched a security crackdown aimed at halting the country’s slide into sectarian civil war.
One car bomb alone at a bustling market in the mainly Shiite Sadriya neighbourhood killed 140 people and wounded 150, police have said.
“The street was transformed into a swimming pool of blood,” said Ahmed Hameed, a shopkeeper near the scene.
Among the other attacks to have struck the capital, police have said a suicide car bomber killed 35 people and wounded more than 70 at a checkpoint in Sadr City, stronghold of the firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
More were reported killed in two other attacks. All were apparently timed to coincide with each other, hours after Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Iraq would take security control of the whole country from foreign forces by the end of the year.
Mr Maliki blamed the attacks on infidels and Sunni extremist “vampires” and said the Iraqi Army commander responsible for the area had been detained and would be investigated over the “weakness” of his protection of civilians.
“This monstrous attack today did not distinguish between the old and young, between men and women. It targeted the population in a way that reminds us of the massacres and genocide committed by the former dictatorship,” he said.
Mr Maliki is under growing pressure to say when US troops will leave, but the attacks in mainly Shiite areas of Baghdad underscored the huge security challenges.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said the US will not be shaken from its mission of pacifying sectarian tensions in Iraq and would push on with its new strategy to do so, in which 80,000 US and Iraqi troops are patrolling Iraqi streets.
“We have anticipated from the very beginning… that the insurgency and others would increase the violence to make the people of Iraq believe the plan is a failure,” he has said.
“We intend to persist to show that it is not.”
Burned alive
“I saw dozens of dead bodies. Some people were burned alive inside minibuses. Nobody could reach them after the explosion,” said a witness at Sadriya, describing scenes of mayhem at an intersection where the bomb exploded.
“There were pieces of flesh all over the place. Women were screaming and shouting for their loved ones who died,” said the witness who did not wish to be identified, adding many of the dead were women and children.
Firefighters doused nearby cars and buses, as dozens of ambulances and pick-up trucks ferried wounded to hospital and volunteers wrapped charred bodies in carpets for transport to the city’s overflowing mortuaries.
One man waving his arms in the air screamed hysterically: “Where’s Maliki? Let him come and see what is happening here.”
“Where is the security plan? We are not protected by this plan,” the bereaved shouted.
US and Iraqi forces began deploying thousands more troops onto Baghdad’s streets in February.
US military spokesman Rear Admiral Mark Fox has admitted commanders were frustrated at their inability to prevent such car bombings, but insisted Iraq was not witnessing any further escalation of sectarian violence.
Al-Qaeda is blamed for most of the major bombings targeting Shiites in Iraq and there are fears Sadr’s Mehdi Army – which numbers in the tens of thousands – may take to the streets to retaliate.
“There is no magic solution to put out the fire of sectarian sedition that some are trying to set up, especially al Qaeda,” Mr Maliki said in a speech made on his behalf before the attacks.
The Sadriya bombing was the highest death toll in a single attack in Baghdad since a truck bomb killed 135 people in the same area on February 3.
– Reuters and AFP
American Casualties in Iraq
James T. Lindsey
Ismael G. Solorio
Damian Lopez Rodriguez
Rodney L. McCandless
Gabriel J. Figueroa
Curtis R. Spivey
Walter Freeman, Jr.
Daniel J. Santee
Jesse L. Williams
James J. Coon
Derek A. Gibson
Joseph A. McSween
Jay S. Cajimat
Curtis R. Hall
Philip A. Murphy-Sweet
David N. Simmons
Jason J. Beadles
Bradley D. King
Joseph H. Cantrell IV
William G. Bowling
Gregory J. Billiter
Phillip I. Neel
Gwilym J. Newman
Anthony Palermo
Adam P. Kennedy
Joseph C. Schwedler
Levi K. Hoover
Todd A. Singleton
Daniel R. Olsen
Jerry C. Burge
Shane R. Becker
Kyle G. Bohrnsen
Jonathan D. Grassbaugh
Miguel A. Marcial III
Clifford A. Spohn III
Daniel A. Fuentes
Brian E. Ritzberg
Brian L. Holden
Larry R. Bowman
Ebe F. Emolo
Eric R. Vick
Ryan S. Dallam
Brett A. Walton
Jason A. Shaffer
Robert M. McDowell
Jason R. Arnette
Forrest D. Cauthorn
Raymond S. Sevaaetasi
David A. Mejias
Thanks in part to Soulforce, BYU changes honor code about gay students
Three weeks after an on-campus visit from Soulforce during their second annual Equality Ride, Brigham Young University has tweaked its honor code statement about homosexuality. Certainly this change doesn’t change the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) into an open-arms community for LGBT people, but it’s a positive step.
I can’t imagine how bad it would be to be a sexual minority kid growing up Mormon, especially in Salt Lake City.
I knew a man in the 1970s who was gay; he had been a grad student at BYU, and had gotten kicked out when he was discovered to be queer. At that time, he was very close to completing his Ph.D., but–because it was an honor code violation–they refused to credential the coursework that he had completed, so he couldn’t transfer any of his credits to another school. Having moved out of the area (and having my own life trauma at the time, the result of my own coming out), I lost touch with him, but I believe that he never completed his doctorate.
So I hope that this action on the part of BYU will mean that this never happens to another student. And that it’s a step on the road, not the end of their progress there.
BYU changes honor code text about gay students
It now says stated orientation is not an issue and clarifies which actions are violations
By Julia Lyon
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
What a difference just a few sentences can make.
A small but significant change in how Brigham Young University’s honor code may be applied clarifies gay students’ status just weeks after gay-rights advocates were arrested at the school.
The changes, which condemn behavior rather than sexual orientation, “remove a lot of the Gestapo atmosphere from the campus,” said Brett Condron, a BYU freshman.
The new section of the honor code application reads, in part: “Brigham Young University will respond to homosexual behavior rather than to feelings or orientation and welcomes as full members of the university community all whose behavior meets university standards… One’s stated sexual orientation is not an Honor Code issue. However, the Honor Code requires all members of the university community to manifest a strict commitment to the law of chastity.”
The honor code is a set of rules students and staff at the school owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are expected to follow in order to live the “moral virtues encompassed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The honor code’s applications clarify the short set of rules. Students who disregard the code can be put on probation and, in rare situations, suspended.
Prior to the honor code application change, the section on homosexual behavior or advocacy read, in part: “Brigham Young University will respond to student behavior rather than to feelings or orientation… Advocacy of a homosexual lifestyle (whether implied or explicit) or any behaviors that indicate homosexual conduct, including those not sexual in nature, are inappropriate and violate the Honor Code.”
That version had too many holes leading to individual interpretation, students said.
In March, a mother and son from Kanab were cited with trespassing after trying to deliver a list of concerns from former and current gay BYU students about their treatment at the school. Their actions followed the arrest last year of 29 members of Soulforce Equality Riders, the group that also organized this year’s event.
BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said the revision is not related to Soulforce. Instead, it reflects the school’s response to student questions and concerns.
“I think what it does, it better explains our position,” she said.
Such changes occur on an ongoing basis. On Monday, students praised the administration’s willingness to listen.
“With the previous honor code there was a lot of fear attached to it,” said David Hulet, a senior. “[Now] we have clarity and understanding of what is acceptable and what isn’t.”
A former BYU student who is now an attorney in Seattle, Nick Literski was among bloggers buzzing about the news. Literski, a gay man who has withdrawn his membership from the church, said his daughter will attend the school this fall.
“What it’s reflecting is there’s a growing disconnect between church position on homosexuality versus what individual members are coming to see,” he said in a phone interview.
“As more and more members of the LDS Church are coming to know individuals who are gay and finding out that they’re human, that these are people just like them, that they’re good people, it becomes difficult for them to demonize homosexuality the way the church positions do.”
* JULIA LYON can be contacted at jlyon@sltrib.com or 801-257-8748.
Brigham Young University will respond to student behavior rather than to feelings or orientation.
Students can be enrolled at the University and remain in good Honor Code standing if they maintain a current ecclesiastical endorsement and conduct their lives in a manner consistent with gospel principles and the Honor Code. Advocacy of a homosexual lifestyle (whether implied or explicit) or any behaviors that indicate homosexual conduct, including those not sexual in nature, are inappropriate and violate the Honor Code.
New statement:
Brigham Young University will respond to homosexual behavior rather than to feelings or orientation and welcomes as full members of the university community all whose behavior meets university standards. Members of the university community can remain in good Honor Code standing if they conduct their lives in a manner consistent with gospel principles and the Honor Code.
One’s stated sexual orientation is not an Honor Code issue. However, the Honor Code requires all members of the university community to manifest a strict commitment to the law of chastity. Homosexual behavior or advocacy of homosexual behavior are inappropriate and violate the Honor Code. Homosexual behavior includes not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings. Advocacy includes seeking to influence others to engage in homosexual behavior or promoting homosexual relations as being morally acceptable.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5684555
Categories: gay, GLBT, LDS, lesbian, LGBT
Rowan Williams to meet liberal bishops over gays
Melinda and I were in England in 2003 when Jeffrey John was elected as Bishop of Reading. It was widely known–both within the church and outside–that he is gay, and that his partner is another Anglican priest (although they don’t live together and never have, and profess to be non-sexual in their 20-plus-year relationship). Well, the conservatives went ballistic, using the old standby threat to storm out of the Communion.
[Sidebar: at that time, there was a cartoon in the Times of London on the front page, accompanying the article on the subject, in which this unsavory grizzled old man in clerical garb complete with tall pointed hat with a cross on it was sitting at the pub, leaning forward across the bar, smoking a cigarette, drinking, complete with beard stubble and flies circling around; the caption showed him saying something like, “I’ve just been appointed Bishop. Thank God I’m not gay.”]
Rowan Williams called Jeffrey John to London, where they had an hours-long meeting (five or six, as I recall), after which John announced that he would continue as priest but would not be serving as bishop. On television, John was shown making his announcement standing outside at the top of some steps, with all of the media people arrayed before him; Williams was a presence back behind him at the door, almost hiding–trademark eyebrows were the most evident feature.
People who knew both of them said that Williams had pulled every card from the deck, using “psychological torture tactics” to get John–a very strong character himself–to back down; these same people said that Jeffrey John would be fine, but that Rowan Williams was most likely changed forever, since he had been identified with the liberal wing of the denomination up to that incident.
Everything that has happened since then has, in my opinion, demonstrated this to be true. Of course, even though I have been disappointed with him as archbishop, I have great empathy for Williams–being in what is clearly a no-win position.
It will be interesting to see if this meeting does take place and what will come out of it.
Williams to meet liberal bishops over gays
By Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent
The Archbishop of Canterbury bowed to mounting pressure today and agreed to meet the liberal American Anglican bishops in a last-ditch bid to prevent a disastrous split over homosexuality.
In a move that will dismay conservatives, Dr Rowan Williams said that he will meet the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops later this year even though they are still refusing to toe the majority line on gays.
Speaking at a press conference in Toronto, Dr Williams, who is on a short trip to Canada, said: “These are complicated days for our Church internationally and it’s all the more important to keep up personal relationships and conversations …
“My aim is to try and keep people around the table for as long as possible on this, to understand one another, and to encourage local churches.”
Although no date was mentioned, it is understood that he will fly to America in September, accompanied by a small group of primates and senior advisors. Conservatives said they feared that Dr Williams will succumb to American pressure and weaken the hard line taken by the Anglican primates at their summit meeting in Tanzania in February.
One conservative leader said: “The worldwide Church is unraveling fast and he is doing nothing stop it.”
At the summit, the primates, the heads of the 38 provinces that make up the Anglican Communion, issued an ultimatum to the American bishops, giving them until the end of September to reverse their pro-gay agenda or face expulsion from the worldwide Church.
The Americans last month rejected a key part of the primates’ plan, saying that they could not accept to the creation of a “parallel” Church for conservatives in America who have rejected their liberal leadership.
They have yet to respond to the primates’ demand that they unequivocally agree to moratoriums on the consecration of actively gay bishops and on same-sex blessings, though a number have said they will not exclude gays.
They also called for an urgent meeting with Dr Williams and senior primates, complaining that he has listened far more intently to the conservative wing of the Church.
Dr Williams described their initial response to the primates’ ultimatum as “discouraging” and said that the situation needed further clarification.
Pressure on him to agree to the meeting with the American bishops before the September deadline mounted after they learned that he was taking June and July off as study leave and August as annual holiday.
Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, the liberal primate of Canada, urged Dr Williams to hold the meeting a week ago, just before Dr Williams’ trip to Toronto and Niagara to deliver a spiritual retreat to the Canadian bishops.
He also called on Dr Williams to postpone next year’s Lambeth Conference, the ten-yearly gathering of all Anglican bishops in Canterbury, in an effort to defuse tensions.
In a lecture to theology students in Toronto this evening, Dr Williams warned both conservatives and liberals against “rootless” and “limited” interpretations of the Bible on issues such as homosexuality.
“Take Scripture out of this context of the invitation to sit at table with Jesus and to be incorporated into his labour and suffering for the Kingdom, and you will be treating Scripture as either simply an inspired supernatural guide for individual conduct or a piece of detached historical record – the typical exaggerations of Biblicist and liberal approaches respectively,” he said.
“For the former, the work of the Spirit is more or less restricted to the transformation of the particular believer; for the latter, the life of the community is where the Spirit is primarily to be heard and discerned, with Scripture an illuminating adjunct at certain points.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/16/ngays116.xml
Categories: Christianity, Episcopalian, gay, LGBT Ordination
Iraq: a hard place… especially for queers
I’ ve written about this before. Sadly, it appears to be getting worse…
The website for the organization Iraqi–LGBT can be found at http://iraqilgbtuk.blogspot.com/. News is available there, as well as a donation link.
“Sexual cleansing” of gays in Iraq
by: RadicalRuss
Mon Apr 16, 2007 at 15:24:14 PM EDT
It’s a good thing for the homosexuals of Iraq that we liberated them from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein and gave them freedom, democracy, and purple fingers, huh?
“In the past three months, more than 30 gays have been executed in Baghdad. The bodies have been found tortured, mutilated – sometimes with signs of rape,” said Mustafa Salim, spokesman for the Rainbow for Life Organisation (RLO), a Baghdad-based gay rights NGO.
“Notes were found near some of the bodies with messages saying that this is going to be the fate for any Muslim who denies the Islamic religion,” Salim added.
“The gay community continues to be subjected to systematic terror by Shia militias, especially the Mahdy Army controlled by the religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr. The government of Iraq is refusing to offer protection,” he added.
In an interview, one member of the Mahdy Army, Ali Hassany, said that the militia will target Iraq’s gays and lesbians. “They deserve death. Those people are an embarrassment to our society. Killing such people is a job for their families, but if they cannot do so by their own hands, we will do it,” Hassany said.
“Gimme that ol’ time religion, gimme that ol’ time religion, gimme that ol’ time religion… it’s good enough for me!”
The difference between the Mahdi Army and the Family Research Council? The Mahdi Army knows they can get away with it.
Categories: gay, Human Rights, Peace, war
Harvey Fierstein in the NY Times: Our Prejudices, Ourselves
I was listening to Thom Hartmann’s program on Air America yesterday. At one point he was voicing the idea that America is beginning to say that we’ve had enough of hate speech.
I wish that were so, but it certainly isn’t true across the board — because it’s still okay to use certain words. Words like “faggot.” Words like “dyke.” Ann Coulter got trashed a little bit for using the word faggot, but she’s still around, still flapping her mouth in the breeze… and making big bucks doing so.
And when General Peter Pace can express his opinion regarding our “immorality,” not only is he not fired for expressing such a hateful opinion (given his powerful position), but people who we LGBT people think of as our political friends and allies fall all over themselves backing away from expressing an opinion themselves. ARE YOU LISTENING, HILLARY CLINTON? (“I’ll leave that up to others…”)
Maybe there is outrage. Maybe the next time someone makes a homophobic remark in a major venue, the public will rise up like it did about Don Imus and his racist, misogynist vitriol. Maybe…
(As usual, see the related post on Pam’s House Blend.)
Op-Ed Contributor
OUR PREJUDICES, OURSELVES
By HARVEY FIERSTEIN
AMERICA is watching Don Imus’s self-immolation in a state of shock and awe. And I’m watching America with wry amusement.
Since I’m a second-class citizen — a gay man — my seats for the ballgame of American discourse are way back in the bleachers. I don’t have to wait long for a shock jock or stand-up comedian to slip up with hateful epithets aimed at me and mine. Hate speak against homosexuals is as commonplace as spam. It’s daily traffic for those who profess themselves to be regular Joes, men of God, public servants who live off my tax dollars, as well as any number of celebrities.
In fact, I get a good chuckle whenever someone refers to “the media” as an agent of “the gay agenda.” There are entire channels, like Spike TV, that couldn’t fill an hour of programming if required to remove their sexist and homophobic content. We’ve got a president and a large part of Congress willing to change the Constitution so they can deprive of us our rights because they feel we are not “normal.”
So I’m used to catching foul balls up here in the cheap seats. What I am really enjoying is watching the rest of you act as if you had no idea that prejudice was alive and well in your hearts and minds.
For the past two decades political correctness has been derided as a surrender to thin-skinned, humorless, uptight oversensitive sissies. Well, you anti-politically correct people have won the battle, and we’re all now feasting on the spoils of your victory. During the last few months alone we’ve had a few comedians spout racism, a basketball coach put forth anti-Semitism and several high-profile spoutings of anti-gay epithets.
What surprises me, I guess, is how choosy the anti-P.C. crowd is about which hate speech it will not tolerate. Sure, there were voices of protest when the TV actor Isaiah Washington called a gay colleague a “faggot.” But corporate America didn’t pull its advertising from “Grey’s Anatomy,” as it did with Mr. Imus, did it? And when Ann Coulter likewise tagged a presidential candidate last month, she paid no real price.
In fact, when Bill Maher discussed Ms. Coulter’s remarks on his HBO show, he repeated the slur no fewer than four times himself; each mention, I must note, solicited a laugh from his audience. No one called for any sort of apology from him. (Well, actually, I did, so the following week he only used it once.)
Face it, if a Pentagon general, his salary paid with my tax dollars, can label homosexual acts as “immoral” without a call for his dismissal, who are the moral high and mighty kidding?
Our nation, historically bursting with generosity toward strangers, remains remarkably unkind toward its own. Just under our gleaming patina of inclusiveness, we harbor corroding guts. America, I tell you that it doesn’t matter how many times you brush your teeth. If your insides are rotting your breath will stink. So, how do you people choose which hate to embrace, which to forgive with a wink and a week in rehab, and which to protest? Where’s my copy of that rule book?
Let me cite a non-volatile example of how prejudice can cohabit unchecked with good intentions. I am a huge fan of David Letterman’s. I watch the opening of his show a couple of times a week and have done so for decades. Without fail, in his opening monologue or skit Mr. Letterman makes a joke about someone being fat. I kid you not. Will that destroy our nation? Should he be fired or lose his sponsors? Obviously not.
But I think that there is something deeper going on at the Letterman studio than coincidence. And, as I’ve said, I cite this example simply to illustrate that all kinds of prejudice exist in the human heart. Some are harmless. Some not so harmless. But we need to understand who we are if we wish to change. (In the interest of full disclosure, I should confess to not only being a gay American, but also a fat one. Yes, I’m a double winner.)
I urge you to look around, or better yet, listen around and become aware of the prejudice in everyday life. We are so surrounded by expressions of intolerance that I am in shock and awe that anyone noticed all these recent high-profile instances. Still, I’m gladdened because our no longer being deaf to them may signal their eventual eradication.
The real point is that you cannot harbor malice toward others and then cry foul when someone displays intolerance against you. Prejudice tolerated is intolerance encouraged. Rise up in righteousness when you witness the words and deeds of hate, but only if you are willing to rise up against them all, including your own. Otherwise suffer the slings and arrows of disrespect silently.
Harvey Fierstein is an actor and playwright.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/13/opinion/13fierstein.html
Categories: gay, GLBT, lesbian, LGBT, radio
from Rolling Stone (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/resources)
www.hrc.org
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation: All families deserve protection
www.glaad.org
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation: Fair, accurate and inclusive representation
www.naacp.org
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: 94 Years of Making Democracy Work
www.oxfam.org
Oxfam International: finding lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice
www.cesr.org
Center for Economic and Social Rights: Social Justice through Human Rights
schr.org
Southern Center for Human Rights: Fighting discrimination against people of color, the poor and the disadvantaged in the criminal justice systems in the South.
www.hrw.org
Human Rights Watch: Defending human rights
www.amnesty.org
Amnesty International: Working to protect human rights worldwide
www.aranet.org
Anti-Racist Action: Stopping racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of bigotry from harming communities
www.unitedhumanrights.org
United Human Rights Council
www.brookings.org
Independent Research Shaping the Future
www.truthout.org
Get the full story
www.americanprogress.org
Progressive-minded think tank
www.bicusa.org/bicusa/index.php
Bank Information Center: amplifying local voices to democratize development
www.brettonwoodsproject.org
Keep an eye on the World Bank
www.ifiwatchnet.org
Getting to know the World Bank
www.clasp.org
Center For Law and Social Policy: helping out low-income families
www.ashoka.org
Developing social entrepreneurship around the world
www.indymedia.org
What else are they not telling you?
www.airamericaradio.com
Air America: hear Al Franken, Chuck D, Janeane Garofalo lobby for the left
www.workingforchange.com
Online journal of progressive news and opinions published by Working Assets
www.alternet.org
Independent news devoted to topics of global importance
mediastudy.com
Critical media studies: Provides resource links for conducting critical research in media studies and American studies
Progressive magazine providing unconventional wisdom since 1865
www.costofwar.com
Running total of the amount of money spent by the U.S. Government to finance the war in Iraq
www.voterpunch.org
Progressive Punch: Searchable database of Congressional voting records
Political Activism
www.moveon.org
Democracy in Action: Bringing ordinary people back to politics
www.rockthevote.org
Empowering young people to change their world
www.vote-smart.org
Dedicated to serving all Americans with accurate and unbiased information for electoral decision-making
www.michaelmoore.com
Michael Moore’s web site
www.axisofjustice.org
Tom Morello’s activism site
www.punkvoter.com
Fat Mike of NOFX’s political activism site
www.alfrankenweb.com
A fair and balanced look at the Right
www.teachingforchange.org
Building social justice, starting in the classroom
www.votenader.org
Why Ralph? Find out.
www.ourfuture.org
Take back America: campaign for our future
www.pih.org
Partners in Health: providing health care for the poor
www.grassrootsonline.org
Grassroots International offers grants fostering social change
www.ariannaonline.com
Arianna Huffington’s site
www.truemajority.com
Voice your opinion on the issues you care about
www.pfaw.org
People for the American Way: Taking action to defend democracy
www.notinourname.net
Pledge of Resistance: Building, strengthening an expanding resistance to stop the U.S. Government’s course of war and repression
www.unitedforpeace.org
Coalition of more than 750 local and national groups joined together to oppose the U.S. Government’s policy of warfare
www.newdemocracyproject.org
Seeks to provide policymakers and the public with thoughtful solutions that promote democratic participation, economic fairness and social justice
democracymatters.org
Getting private money out of politics and people back in
www.indyvoter.com
League of Independent Voters: Revolutionizing democracy
www.musicforamerica.org
Music and other social causes: Working to turn out this generation at the polls
Center for American Progress: Progressive ideas for a strong, just and free America
www.drugpolicy.org
Reason. Compassion. Justice. Let’s put an end to the “war” on drugs
www.norml.org
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
stopthedrugwar.org
Drug Reform Coordination Network: Working for reform of U.S. drug laws
www.csdp.org
Common Sense for Drug Policy
www.mapinc.org
Media Awareness Project: Worldwide network dedicated to drug policy reform
www.drugsense.org
Drug Policy Reform: Drug Sense means education
www.pdfa.net
Partnership for Drug Policy Facts and Alternatives
www.november.org
November Coalition: Educating the public about the destructive increase in prison population in the U.S. due to current drug laws
www.drugwarfacts.org
www.ssdp.org
www.nrablacklist.com
Join Jerry Seinfeld, Britney Spears, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and others
www.stopthenra.com
Help stop the NRA from shielding gun dealers who arm criminals
www.bradycampaign.org
Sensible Gun Laws Save Lives
www.csgv.org
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence: Organizing for progressive gun laws since 1974
www.lcav.org
Legal Community Against Violence: Educating communities about federal, state and local regulations
www.millionmommarch.com
United with the Brady Campaign to prevent gun violence
www.youthnoise.com
A smart site where teenagers discuss ethical and political issues and find out about opportunities for activism and volunteer jobs
www.campusprogress.com
Progressive youth organizers who provide advocacy training, grants for school publications and support for academic freedom, environmentalism and affordable education
www.advocatesforyouth.org
Informs young people about sexual health issues
www.youthactivism.com
Youth Activism Project: Encouraging young people to speak up and pursue lasting solutions to problems
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Non-profit organization that provides young people ages twelve to twenty the tools necessary to create civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses
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Child Rights Information Network: All children are born with fundamental freedoms and the inherent rights of all human beings
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National Association to Protect Children: Pro-child, anti-crime
www.takingitglobal.org
Inspire. Inform. Involve.
www.now.org
National Organization for Women: the largest feminist group in the country
www.codepink4peace.org
Women led grassroots movement for social justice and peace
www.choiceusa.org
Leading pro choice site
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Promoting positive self-esteem in girls and women of all ages, sizes, races and backgrounds
www.naral.org
NARAL Pro-Choice America: Mobilizing pro-choice supporters to achieve better access to more effective contraceptives and other reproductive health care information
www.rainn.org
Rape Abuse Incest National Network: The nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization
www.feminist.com
Consciousness-raising portal of resources that supports women’s equality, self-empowerment, wellness and safety
www.feminist.org
Feminist Majority Foundation: Breaking news and feminism
www.nwaforchange.org
National Women’s Alliance: Working to improve the lives of women and girls of color
www.aclu.org
The American Civil Liberties Union: Defending the Bill of Rights
www.plannedparenthood.org
The world’s largest and most trusted voluntary reproductive health care organization
www.uniteunion.org
A union fighting for working people
www.ifex.org
International Freedom of Expression eXchange
www.cpj.org
Committee to Protect Journalists: Dedicated to the global defense of press freedom
www.afj.org
Alliance For Justice: Advancing the cause of justice for all Americans
www.bordc.org
Bill Of Rights Defense Committee
www.cnss.org
Center for National Security Studies: Protecting civil liberties and human rights
www.nrdc.org
The National Resources Defense Council: The Earth’s Best Defense
www.sierraclub.org
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet
www.aceee.org
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
www.afdc.doe.gov
The Alternative Fuels Data Center
www.ciel.org/
Center for International Environmental Law: Solving environmental problems, legally
www.greenpeace.org
www.usgbc.org
U.S. Green Building Council: engineering with responsibility
www.seac.org
Student Environmental Action Coalition: Uprooting environmental injustices through action and education
www.epa.gov
Environmental Protection Agency: Protecting human health and the environment
www.bark-out.org
Protecting national forests from eradication
www.cascadiaforestalliance.org
Working to inspire non-violent, grassroots involvement in regional forest protection
www.gracelinks.org
Global Resource Action Center for the Environment
www.ran.org
Rainforest Action Network: Protecting tropical rainforests
www.sustlife.com
What you need to live a healthier, more socially and environmentally sustainable life
www.nclr.org
National Council of LA Raza: Making a difference for Hispanic Americans
www.chci.org
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute: developing the next generation of Latino leaders
www.maldef.org
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational fund: advocate for Latino rights
www.nacla.org
North American Congress on Latin America: Providing information on political, social and economic issues in the Americas
www.mexicosolidarity.org
Mexico Solidarity Network: Coalition for human rights, economic justice and democracy in the U.S. and Mexico
www.consumersunion.org
Know what you’re buying, before you buy
www.citizen.org
Public Citizen: advocating consumer rights
www.cpsc.gov
www.consumerwatchdog.org
Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR): Activism to advance and protect the interests of consumers and taxpayers
www.faireconomy.org
United for a Fair Economy: Inspiring action to close the economic divide
www.ftc.gov
Federal Trade Commission: For the consumer
www.consumer.gov
FirstGov for Consumers: Your resource for consumer information from the federal government
www.consumerfed.org
Consumer Federation of America: The consumer resource for consumer information
www.digitalconsumer.org
Protecting fair-use rights in the digital world
www.naca.net
National Association of Consumer Advocates: Promoting justice for consumers
www.natlconsumersleague.org
National Consumers League: Advancing economic and social interests of consumers and workers
www.au.org
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
www.cuadp.org
Citizens United for Alternatives to the Death Penalty: Working to end the death penalty in the U.S.
www.nuclearpolicy.org
Nuclear Policy Research Institute: Creating consensus for a nuclear free future
www.nationalpriorities.org
National Priorities Project: Offering citizens and community groups resources to shape federal budget and policy priorities that promote social and economic justice
www.futureofmusic.org
Future of Music Coalition: Educating musicians and the public about issues shaping the debate in music/technology space
www.cdt.org
Center for Democracy and Technology: Promote democratic values and constitutional liberties
Categories: Blogroll, domocracy, Human Rights, Politics
Why Marriage Matters — 2 days till tax time
2 Days ’til Tax Day: Marriage discrimination hurts the most at the worst of times.
The protections, rights, and responsibilities that come with marriage make couples and families more safe and secure, especially in hard times such as divorce and death.Tax laws for married couples protect them from paying hefty taxes when transferring property or receiving inheritance.
Ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage will protect all couples, and their families, from adverse consequences in good times, in tough times and at tax time.
Discrimination in marriage leads to discrimination in divorce. If a same-sex couple splits up and has to divide their assets in court, the IRS considers that transfer of assets subject to hefty �gift� or �income� taxes. Alimony and child support, to an unrecognized parent, are also heavily taxed as �gifts� or �income.�
Same-sex couples are also denied tax benefits after death. Sadly, if one partner dies the surviving partner may face losing their home due to the high rate of taxation for property transfer to a non-spouse.
Get Active! Get Engaged!
Now what should you do with this information? How can you help? When you are talking about filing taxes this week, talk about these inequalities. And keep talking… Talk to your neighbors. Tell your own story. Educate yourself. Contact your elected representatives. Get to know your local and statewide political advocacy organizations. Contact the leaders of groups of which you are a member. Write a newspaper, magazine, TV station, radio station or other media outlet. Create a visibility event. Host or sponsor a house party. Host or sponsor a family picnic. Ask someone you know — or everyone you know — to get engaged in this movement. Talk to your religious leaders about how to engage your faith community.
Who can you call to get answers to your specific tax-related questions?
Individuals, couples and families seeking tax advice should contact a personal tax preparer, accountant, or attorney.
If you are a reporter or an attorney with questions about tax time and marriage equality, contact Lambda Legal.
For a full list of the protections denied same sex couples and their kids, see “Appendix B” of Evan Wolfson’s book, Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality & Gay People’s Right to Marry.
For more information on Why Marriage Matters at Tax Time, or any other time, log on to our website at www.freedomtomarry.org.
Categories: gay, gay marriage, GLBT, lesbian, LGBT, Marriage Equality, Same-Sex Marriage
2008 Presidential candidates — answer the question:
from pamshouseblend.com
Categories: Blogroll, gay, GLBT, lesbian, LGBT, Politics, Same-Sex Marriage
Don Imus fired first by MSNBC, now CBS; Alberto Gonzales to follow
CBS has fired Don Imus
AP UPDATE: “CBS brought the tumultuous weeklong crisis over racially insensitive remarks by the radio host Don Imus to an end late this afternoon when it canceled the ‘Imus in the Morning’ program, effective immediately. The move came one day after MSNBC, which has simulcast Mr. Imus’s radio program for the past 10 years, removed the show from the cable network’s morning lineup. The two moves together mean that Mr. Imus, who has been broadcasting his program for more than 30 years, no longer has a home on either national radio or television.”
Yeah, so Don Imus is fired from both TV and radio. Won’t Tom Oliphant and Tim Russert be disappointed? And we now know that the blonde what’s-his-name (and not the attorney what’s-his-name) is the father of Anna Nichole Smith’s baby.
I’m certainly not saying that racist and misogynist comments like that of Imus are unimportant. They are important, and they need to be stopped. But we, in our consumer society, stop the speakers by refusing to buy products from those who advertise on the programs, and letting the advertisers know what we are doing and why.
So now can we get back to things that are important and not diversionary? Can we talk about Alberto Gonzales and his mouth that can only lie? Can we talk about the war in Iraq and trying to bring home the members of the American military alive? Can we talk about impeaching George W. Bush???
Categories: Politics, Power
If we are created in God’s own image,
and we are able to laugh,
then laughter must be a gift from God–
and God can laugh at this too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQdlBqQAQ1A
(make sure to turn up your sound and to maximize the window using the little box on the lower right of the video)
Categories: christian humor, Christianity, humor
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You are here: Home Book Title Index A A Shot Rolling Ship
1793: Pressed into King George's Navy for the second time in a month, John Pearce and his comrades, the so-called Pelicans, find themselves working aboard HMS Griffin, a slow and overcrowded ship, sailing the Channel in search of the numerous French privateers that prey on English merchant shipping: her task to stop them and, if possible, to capture or destroy them.
But Pearce has greater things on his mind: he must rescue his ailing father from the dangers of revolutionary Paris, and to do that he must somehow leave the ship. He does so with the help of Benjamin Colbourne, the captain aboard Griffin, a man with a subtle mind, who finds a way to both meet his needs and make it appear to the Pelicans that their leader has deserted them.
Arriving too late to save his father from the guillotine, Pearce is left with no choice but to return to the Griffin to put right the appearance of betrayal with which he left, and to learn his seagoing trade in order to exact his revenge...
Title: A Shot Rolling Ship
Series: John Pearce
First Published by: Allison & Busby
Format: HC
French Revolutionary War
John Pearce
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Durham Academics Q&A Series
Dr David Craig, Associate Professor of Modern European History
Dr Cherry Leonardi, Associate Professor of Modern African History
Dr Jacob Wiebel, Assistant Professor of Modern African History
Professor Andy Wood, Professor of Early Modern Social History
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Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, Did Not Always Follow Program Requirements in Administering Its NSP2
We audited Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County’s (NHSLA) Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP2). The audit was based on a complaint alleging questionable NSP2 financial activity, double payments to contractors, and payments to contractors for incomplete work. Our Office of Audit received the referred complaint in late 2018. However, because the complaint included concerns regarding activities and auditee actions…
#2021-LA-1002
The City of Compton, Compton, CA, Did Not Always Administer Neighborhood Stabilization Program Funds in Compliance With Procedures and Regulations
We audited the City of Compton’s Neighborhood Stabilization Programs (NSP) 1 and 3 due to a referral made by our Office of Investigation because of concerns related to ongoing issues at the City and complaints received about the City’s administration of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds. In addition, HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development rated the City as high risk for administering program…
The Los Angeles County Development Authority, Alhambra, CA, Generally Met HUD Goals and Requirements in Managing Its Family Self-Sufficiency Program
We audited the Los Angeles County Development Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program due to a hotline complaint (HC-2019-4215) alleging that the Authority did not use its program funds in compliance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements. Our audit objectives were to determine whether the Authority met its program goals and objectives to assist eligible families in becoming self-sufficient and…
The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, CA, Did Not Administer Its Housing Choice Voucher Program in Accordance With HUD Requirements
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Community Action North Bay, Fairfield, CA, Did Not Administer Its Continuum of Care Program in Accordance With HUD Requirements
We audited Community Action North Bay’s Continuum of Care Program based on hotline complaints (HC-2016-2275 and HT-2019-1142) and concerns expressed by the San Francisco Office of Community Planning and Development that included matching noncompliance issues. The complaints alleged improper accounting, timekeeping irregularities, unreported program income, and conflicts of interest. Our objective was to determine whether the…
Final Civil Action: Pacific Horizon Bancorp, Inc., and Two Loan Officers Settled Allegations of Failing To Comply With HUD’s Federal Housing Administration Loan Requirements
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG), assisted HUD’s Office of Program Enforcement in a civil investigation of Pacific Horizon Bancorp, Inc., and two former loan officers at Pacific Horizon. Pacific Horizon has its principal place of business in La Crescenta, CA. Based on OIG’s civil investigation, on April 2, 2019, HUD notified Pacific Horizon and the two loan officers that it…
#2019-CF-1803
The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego, San Diego, CA, Executed and Administered Its Intergovernmental Agreement as Required
We audited the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego’s intergovernmental agreement due to the results of our completed internal auditability survey of public housing agencies with intergovernmental agreements. The auditability survey identified public housing authorities with intergovernmental agreements for potential external reviews due to a recent external audit the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (audit report…
The Compton Housing Authority, Compton, CA, Did Not Administer Its Housing Choice Voucher Program in Accordance With HUD Requirements
We audited the Compton Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, based on a referral from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Los Angeles Office of Public Housing, due to concerns regarding its financial activity control weaknesses. The objective of the audit was to determine whether the Authority administered its Housing Choice Voucher Program in accordance with program requirements, with an…
The Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles, Alhambra, CA, Did Not Ensure That Its Intergovernmental Agreements Included the Current HUD Requirements
We audited the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles’ intergovernmental agreements due to our Public and Indian Housing Intergovernmental Agreements Auditability Survey. The objective of that review was to identify public housing agencies with intergovernmental agreements for potential external reviews due to a previous audit (audit report 2018-LA-1008), which identified the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles as not…
The Little Rock Housing Authority, Little Rock, AR, Did Not Fully Meet Rental Assistance Demonstration Program Requirements
We audited the Little Rock Housing Authority’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD program). We initiated this assignment due to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Little Rock Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) field office’s concern about the amount of funds that the Authority had spent on RAD program predevelopment costs. HUD designated the Authority as “troubled” mainly due to its…
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Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/p/bfr/banfra/686.html
Measuring “Indirect” Investments in ICT in OECD Countries
Gilbert Cette
Jimmy Lopez
Giorgio Presidente
Vincenzo Spiezia
ICT components, such as microprocessors, may be embodied in other capital goods not recorded as ICT in National Accounts. We name ‘indirect ICT investment’ the value of embodied ICT components in non-ICT investment. The paper provides estimates of ‘indirect ICT investment’ based on detailed and unpublished Supply-Use tables (SUT) in 12 OECD countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Our main finding is that ICT investment appears significantly higher when considering its indirect component, the average increase being about 35%. The inclusion of indirect ICT investment, excluding software (for which firms’ expenditures are difficult to measure), changes significantly the relative position of countries with respect to the ICT intensity of their investments. The inclusion of software further increases indirect ICT investment but the increase is smaller (in percentage) than without this inclusion. A final result, but concerning only three countries, it that the diagnosis of a stabilisation, or even a decrease, of ICT investment in percentage of GDP or of total investment, observed from the beginning of the century, is not modified if we take into account the indirect ICT investment.
Gilbert Cette & Jimmy Lopez & Giorgio Presidente & Vincenzo Spiezia, 2018. "Measuring “Indirect” Investments in ICT in OECD Countries," Working papers 686, Banque de France.
Handle: RePEc:bfr:banfra:686
File URL: https://publications.banque-france.fr/sites/default/files/medias/documents/wp-686.pdf
Gilbert Cette & Jimmy Lopez & Giorgio Presidente & Vincenzo Spiezia, 2019. "Measuring ‘indirect’ investments in ICT in OECD countries," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(4), pages 348-364, May.
Gilbert Cette & Jimmy Lopez & Giorgio Presidente & Vincenzo Spiezia, 2019. "Measuring ‘indirect’ investments in ICT in OECD countries," Post-Print hal-02163878, HAL.
Dale W. Jorgenson & Mun S. Ho & Kevin J. Stiroh, 2008. "A Retrospective Look at the U.S. Productivity Growth Resurgence," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 22(1), pages 3-24, Winter.
Mun S. Ho & Dale W. Jorgenson & Kevin J. Stiroh, 2007. "A retrospective look at the U.S. productivity growth resurgence," Staff Reports 277, Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Aghion, Philippe & Askenazy, Philippe & Bourlès, Renaud & Cette, Gilbert & Dromel, Nicolas, 2009. "Education, market rigidities and growth," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 102(1), pages 62-65, January.
Aghion, Philippe & Askenazy, Philippe & Bourlès, Renaud & Cette, Gilbert & Dromel, Nicolas, 2007. "Education, Market Rigidities and Growth," IZA Discussion Papers 3166, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
Philippe Aghion & Philippe Askenazy & Renaud Bourlès & Gilbert Cette & Nicolas Dromel, 2009. "Education, Market Rigidities and Growth," Post-Print halshs-00640855, HAL.
Aghion, Ph. & Askenazy, Ph. & Bourlès, R. & Cette, G. & Dromel, N., 2009. "Education, Market Rigidities and Growth," Working papers 229, Banque de France.
Philippe Aghion & Philippe Askenazy & Renaud Bourlès & Gilbert Cette & Nicolas Dromel, 2009. "Education, Market Rigidities and Growth," PSE-Ecole d'économie de Paris (Postprint) halshs-00640855, HAL.
Philippe Aghion & Philippe Askenazy & Renaud Bourlès & Gilbert Cette & Nicolas Dromel, 2009. "Education, Market Rigidities and Growth," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) halshs-00640855, HAL.
David M. Byrne & Stephen D. Oliner & Daniel E. Sichel, 2018. "How Fast are Semiconductor Prices Falling?," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 64(3), pages 679-702, September.
David M. Byrne & Stephen D. Oliner & Daniel E. Sichel, 2015. "How Fast are Semiconductor Prices Falling?," NBER Working Papers 21074, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
David M. Byrne & Stephen D. Oliner & Daniel E. Sichel, 2017. "How Fast are Semiconductor Prices Falling?," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2017-005, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
repec:aei:rpaper:650501 is not listed on IDEAS
Dave Byrne & Carol Corrado, 2017. "ICT Prices and ICT Services: What Do They Tell Us About Productivity and Technology," International Productivity Monitor, Centre for the Study of Living Standards, vol. 33, pages 150-181, Fall.
David M. Byrne & Stephen D. Oliner & Daniel E. Sichel, 2013. "Is the Information Technology Revolution Over?," International Productivity Monitor, Centre for the Study of Living Standards, vol. 25, pages 20-36, Spring.
Stephen D. Oliner & Daniel E. Sichel & David M. Byrne, 2013. "Is the information technology revolution over?," AEI Economics Working Papers 4618, American Enterprise Institute.
David M. Byrne & Stephen D. Oliner & Daniel E. Sichel, 2013. "Is the information technology revolution over?," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2013-36, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
Paul-Antoine Beretti & Gilbert Cette, 2009. "Indirect ICT investment," Applied Economics Letters, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(17), pages 1713-1716.
Beretti, P-A. & Cette, G., 2007. "Indirect ICT Investment," Working papers 180, Banque de France.
Gilbert Cette & Christian Clerc & Lea Bresson, 2015. "Contribution of ICT Diffusion to Labour Productivity Growth: The United States, Canada, the Eurozone, and the United Kingdom, 1970-2013," International Productivity Monitor, Centre for the Study of Living Standards, vol. 28, pages 81-88, Spring.
Gilbert Cette & Christian Clerc & Lea Bresson, 2015. "Contribution of ICT Diffusion to Labour Productivity Growth: The United States, Canada, the Eurozone, and the United Kingdom, 1970-2013," Post-Print hal-01456123, HAL.
Ana Aizcorbe & Stephen D Oliner & Daniel E Sichel, 2008. "Shifting Trends in Semiconductor Prices and the Pace of Technological Progress," Business Economics, Palgrave Macmillan;National Association for Business Economics, vol. 43(3), pages 23-39, July.
Ana M. Aizcorbe & Stephen D. Oliner & Daniel E. Sichel, 2006. "Shifting trends in semiconductor prices and the pace of technological progress," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2006-44, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.), revised 2006.
P. Guerrieri & M. Luciani & V. Meliciani, 2011. "The determinants of investment in information and communication technologies," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(4), pages 387-403.
Paolo Guerrieri & Matteo Lucani & Valentina Meliciani, 2010. "The Determinants of Investment in Information and Communication Technologies," Bruges European Economic Research Papers 16, European Economic Studies Department, College of Europe.
Robert J. Gordon, 2015. "Secular Stagnation: A Supply-Side View," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 105(5), pages 54-59, May.
Bart van Ark & Mary O'Mahoney & Marcel P. Timmer, 2008. "The Productivity Gap between Europe and the United States: Trends and Causes," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 22(1), pages 25-44, Winter.
repec:aei:rpaper:37301 is not listed on IDEAS
Gilbert Cette & Aurélien Devillard & Vincenzo Spiezia, 2020. "Growth factors in developed countries: A 1960-2019 growth accounting decomposition," Working Papers halshs-02958226, HAL.
Gilbert Cette & Aurélien Devillard & Vincenzo Spiezia, 2020. "Growth factors in developed countries: A 1960-2019 growth accounting decomposition," AMSE Working Papers 2033, Aix-Marseille School of Economics, France.
Cette Gilbert & Devillard Aurélien & Spiezia Vincenzo, 2020. "Growth factors in developed countries: A 1960-2019 growth accounting decomposition," Working papers 783, Banque de France.
Investment; ICT; Technology;
D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
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Widespread overseas travel unlikely in 2021, Australia’s health chief warns
Coronavirus HORROR: UK visitors could be made to pay £2,500 to stay at ‘quarantine hotels’
Home » World News » ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2, Episode 5 Recap: Baby Yoda Has a Name
‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2, Episode 5 Recap: Baby Yoda Has a Name
Season 2, Episode 5: ‘The Jedi’
Baby Yoda has a name!
In “The Jedi,” the latest chapter of “The Mandalorian,” Din Djarin finally makes it to the desolate forest planet of Corvus, where he intends to leave the Child with Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), a Jedi who might be able to train the little guy. First though, Ahsoka taps into the Force to communicate telepathically with her potential student. She learns about how he was taken from the Jedi temple on Coruscant, and how he spent many dark, lonely years living in fear. And she learns his name, which is … Grogu.
I confess to having some mixed feelings about this revelation. There’s nothing wrong with Grogu, which is no more or less silly than any other “Star Wars” name. (Honestly, any name was bound to seem relatively plain after 12 episodes of mystery.) But it’s going to be hard from now on to justify calling the kid “Baby Yoda.” That’s a bit of a bummer.
On the other hand, whenever Mando says, “Grogu,” the Child looks right at him and makes a little gurgling noise, as if to say, “Yes?” This is a delightful thing to see and hear. And so, “The Mandalorian” giveth, just as it taketh away.
Because this week’s episode was the fifth of an eight-episode season — and since Disney has already ordered a Season 3 — there was little chance Din was actually going to bid farewell to Grogu this week. Instead, not long after Ahsoka’s initial mind-meld conversation, she tells the Mandalorian it’s a terrible idea for her to train the child. For one thing, she fears his immense power, which he has learned to hide ever since he left the temple. She worries that the lingering anger over how he has been treated will tip him over to the Dark Side, if he ever unlocks the Force’s full potential. Ahsoka, who was a Padawan learner under the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, knows well how the powerful can be corrupted.
Another reason Ahsoka may not want to become Grogu’s mentor is that she’s pretty busy right now. She’s been trying to free the long-suffering citizens of the city of Calodan from the tyrannical rule of the magistrate Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto). The two have been locking horns for a while, each using maximum pressure to demand the other’s surrender — with Ahsoka regularly killing Elsbeth’s creepy masked goons and Elsbeth imprisoning and torturing any Calodanian who helps Ahsoka.
Although this episode adds significant new pieces to the show’s larger story, it almost plays like a backdoor pilot for a new live-action “Star Wars” series starring Ahsoka. (The character has been well-represented in the animated “Star Wars” shows, appearing in both “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels.”) After she meets Mando — and after they have a brief but exciting fight — she helps him to understand only a little bit more about Grogu before she gets right back to her day job, fighting evil. The Mandalorian plays a minor role in this chapter’s climactic action sequence. He aids in Calodan’s liberation and then gets stuck in an old-fashioned gunfighters’ standoff with Morgan Elsbeth’s right-hand man, Lang (Michael Biehn).
The main confrontation this week is between the magistrate and the Jedi, who have a battle royale in the Corvus equivalent of a Zen garden, just like something from an old martial arts movie. (Inosanto is a veteran stuntwoman and stunt coordinator who knows that genre well.) Ahsoka duels with two lightsabers while Morgan has a spear made out of the lightsaber-proof metal beskar — a.k.a. “Mandalorian steel.” It’s a fantastic fight, which ends with the villain’s revealing yet another important name: her master, the Grand Admiral Thrawn, a character who appears in several of the fan-favorite “Star Wars” novels.
Still, even though the Mandalorian is a bystander for much of the roughly 45-minute running-time, this a gripping and meaningful episode, deriving its emotional pull and its tension from the hero’s personal code — and from his relationship with Grogu. There’s a lot of talk this week about contracts and promises, and how Din Djarin feels obliged to complete the tasks he has agreed to, without taking any compensation unless he’s succeeded. But he remains unsure about who he’s supposed to be serving when it comes to the Child, who might ultimately be better off traveling around the galaxy in the Razor Crest than getting parked with some fussy Jedi who won’t let him have any fun.
There’s a touching moment early in the episode when Ahsoka tries to test Grogu’s powers by asking him to move a small rock with his mind. When he refuses, she asks Mando to try — “to see if he’ll listen to you.” He jokes, “That would be a first.” But then he has a bright idea, and he pulls his ship’s gearshift-knob out of his pouch. Grogu, who loves that little ball, immediately yanks it through the air telekinetically.
So here’s this Mandalorian, obsessed with honoring every agreement down to the letter. And here’s this kid, who doesn’t speak. Yet for months now, this odd couple have taken care of each other and have understood each other, without the need for any common language — or even any names.
Unlike last week’s episode, which borrowed a lot of imagery directly from the “Star Wars” movies, this week’s seems more visually inspired by the “Star Wars” cartoons and video games (as well as by old westerns and samurai pictures). The writer-director Dave Filoni does include one familiar bit of schtick from the films though, when the Mandalorian is surveying his surroundings on Corvus through a pair of electronic binoculars, marveling at some huge tree-eating animals … right before Ahsoka Tano attacks him. The scene echoes one from the first movie, when Luke Skywalker is looking at a couple of Bantha on the horizon and a Tusken Raider catches him by surprise.
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Tales from our childhood (Mukul Haloi) India
Tales from our Childhood
Mukul Haloi
India. 69 min. 2018
What was it like to grow up in Assam in the 1990s and be squeezed between an insurgency and the Army? Mukul Haloi’s Tales from our childhood sets out to find out.
Made between 2016 and 2017, the documentary comprises shards of real and imagined memories of the battle between United Liberation Front of Assam militants and the Indian Army for the state’s soul. Apart from interviews with Haloi’s family members and friends, the 69-minute film includes staged sequences in which the director’s friend wears an ULFA uniform and poses as a rebel soldier.
Mukul Haloi studied Film Direction and Screenplay Writing at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). His short films ‘Days of Autumn’ and ‘A letter to home’ received five Indian awards including Best film at IDSFFK and Signs, Kerala.‘A letter to home’ was in International Competition at 27th Curtas Vila do Conde, Portugal. Most of his films emerge from his deeply personal and poetic remembrance of a lost past -a collective and political past. He received ‘Early Career Fellowship’ from TISS, Mumbai to make his debut feature documentary ‘Tales from our childhood’, which deals with his growing up during the violent Insurgency struggle in his home state Assam.It won ‘Bala Kailasam Award for Excellence in Documentary’ and was shown at Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival and Sibiu International Film Festival. Its is included in the coursework of ‘Modern Indian Studies’, Gottingen University; Germany. In 2017, he was invited to month long ‘Vision Splendid Outback Film-making Program’ organised by Griffith Film School, Australia. He has been writing short stories and essays in Assamese for more than 8 years. He is also teaching film and screenwriting at various independent workshops across the country.
MUKUL HALOI AT BERLINALE TALENTS
DIALOGUE WITH MUKUL HALOI
Mukul Haloi : haloimukul@gmail.com
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Red Dead Online Hackers Are Seemingly Behind Two-Headed Skeletons Attacking Players
They've got a bone to pick.
byChris Priestman
Posted Feb. 10, 2020, 7:11 p.m.
Some Red Dead Online players are being mysteriously attacked by two-headed skeletons. Why? It seems to be the work of hackers.
Reports of two-headed skeletons running up to players and engaging in a fistfight started coming in around February 7, 2020, and carried on throughout the rest of the weekend. Among the first reports was one on the Steam forums, where a player claimed they were attacked by a bony aggressor in Grizzlies West.
"I was using my metal detector and it just punched me from behind and ran off when I switched to guns and started shooting," the player said. "Also a grizzly bear appeared out of nowhere and killed me as I was shooting."
It's certainly bizarre, but does have foundations in the game. The two-headed skeleton model can actually be found inside the single-player story mode. Near Beecher's Hope, there's an overturned circus wagon with a two-headed skeleton inside that belonged to conjoined sisters.
By February 9, players were posting video proof of two-headed skeletons running around inside the game's online world. One player posted a video to Reddit of a twin-head skeleton attacking them while another posted a YouTube video in which they hogtie one and ride around with it on their horse.
Replying to these videos, other players have claimed that the two-headed skeletons are one of the latest stunts being pulled off by Red Dead Online hackers. Previously, hackers have spawned loads of angry bears inside towns, and even sent horrifying piles of carcasses after people.
One player who says they also got attacked by a two-headed skeleton, reckons you might be able to see the hacker above you in a hot air balloon, which means you can try to report them.
"Just happened to me. Next time it does, look straight up in the sky. The mod cheater is going to be up in the balloon. I just tagged mine and reported him.," they say.
That same person also shared a screenshot of what they say is from a hacker's profile who has now been banned from Red Dead Online. It shows them in a hot air balloon with a mod menu equipped.
Mod menus make it easy for Red Dead Online hackers to make themselves invincible, super jump, have infinite stamina, and spawn any character models into the game they want. Some hackers are even able to drain money from players. Grand Theft Auto Online hackers have used mod menus for similar purposes for years. Rockstar has been trying to ban hackers so they can't ruin Red Dead Online for everyone else.
If you're looking to liven up Rockstar's world without getting in trouble, consider installing some Red Dead Redemption 2 mods, such as a playable robot or becoming a giant. Haven't played it yet? Our Red Dead Redemption 2 review gave it a 10, saying that it's "one of the greatest games of the modern age."
Chris Priestman is a freelancer who writes news for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.
Release Date: Sept. 30, 2017
Platforms: tba, Xbox One, Xbox One, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Pc
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Finland repatriates eight citizens from Syria
By: Christian Jukka
The Foreign Ministry on Sunday said it had evacuated six Finnish children and two mothers from northeast Syria. The Foreign Ministry on Sunday said the mothers were repatriated together with their children and that these eight people were now in the care of Finnish authorities. This is the first timeContinue Reading
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Why Black people answer when Farrakhan calls
By George E. Curry via George Curry Media
Minister Louis Farrakhan gestures during a speech Friday, March 25, 2011 at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., as part of the 6th Annual Conference of the Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement. Farrakhan, who leads the Chicago-based Nation of Islam delivered a speech on the need of a new grassroots movement for a change in education, in addition to renewing his criticism of Jews over economic freedom. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
George E. Curry via George Curry Media
George E. Curry via George Curry Media - Modified date: October 12, 2015 0
It’s time to give Minister Louis Farrakhan credit. When he issues a call for people to join him in the nation’s capital, Blacks show...
It’s time to give Minister Louis Farrakhan credit. When he issues a call for people to join him in the nation’s capital, Blacks show up. At least a million showed up for the Million Man March 20 years ago, and at least two-thirds as many showed up for Saturday’s Justice or Else assembly on the National Mall.
Without a doubt, Farrakhan-led events in Washington, D.C., attract more people than marches called jointly by all of the other civil rights leaders. And whenever Minister Louis Farrakhan is involved in a major event, there is always a controversy about numbers. In his speech at the Million Man March, people were fascinated by his fascination with numerology.
In the aftermath of that event, the U.S Park Service made the ridiculous estimate that 400,000 people attended. But Boston University’s Center for Remote Sensing placed the figure between 655,000 to 1.1 million — more than twice as large as the 1963 March on Washington.
Farrakhan manages to be a magnet while withstanding withering attacks. Consider a few recent headlines:
“Nation of Islam’s leader Louis Farrakhan: White People ‘deserve to die.’”
“Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan: ‘We need to put the American flag down.’”
“Cancelled: Charleston Wants No Part of Farrakhan’s ‘Justice or Else’ Movement.”
How is it that the most reviled Black man in America consistently attracts waves of people?
African-Americans trust Minister Farrakhan. Even if strongly disagreeing with some of his views and the well-known antipathy between the Nation of Islam (NOI) leader and Jews, Blacks know that he won’t ever sell them out for personal gain or any other reason. They are smart enough to discern that which should be applied to their lives and that which should be ignored.
When Farrakhan suggested Saturday, for example, that Blacks should change their last names to throw off the yoke of White supremacy, many African-Americans in the audience chuckled.
But they cheered when he said, “We have a purchasing power of over 1 trillion dollars but in our reckless and wasteful spending habits we have not been able to pool our resources in a collective manner to build institutions and create jobs for our people. By strategically engaging in economic withdrawal we can begin putting power behind our demands and build a new and better reality.”
For decades, many Blacks have admired their discipline but viewed the Nation of Islam as a small, Black supremacy group telling wild-eyed stories about UFOs and trips to and from outer space in spaceships.
More than any other NOI leader, Farrakhan has bridged the gulf between skeptical Christians and Nation of Islam followers, carefully repackaging his message to make it more palatable to non-Muslims.
He refers to God and Allah interchangeably and knows and quotes the Bible better than most Christians. Instead of ridiculing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an integrationist, as he and others in the Nation of Islam have done in the past, Farrakhan now praises the slain civil rights leader, especially his call for economic empowerment.
Although women and men don’t sit together in NOI mosques, he is trying to show a greater sensitivity to and appreciation for the contributions of women.
“May I pause for a moment and say to women: Your language must change as to how you address yourselves,” he said Saturday. “You should never call another woman a ‘bitch.’ Get that word out of our language. No female is after a dog. Every female is after God.” Farrakhan continued, “Black men who like to use such words, pull it out of your tongue, before your tongue is pulled out of your head.”
Although his views have not changed toward Black politicians, he now befriends a few, including Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.), who made arrangements for Farrakhan to hold Saturday’s rally at the foot of the Capitol. But Farrakhan is better known for his scathing descriptions of Black lawmakers.
Referring to then-Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Goode in 1985 following a deadly confrontation between Goode and the revolutionary group MOVE, Farrakhan said: “I say, Black people, whenever you put a Black man in office and that Black man betrays the best interest of those of us who put him there, I say take him out.
“And if he doesn’t repent, brother and sister, men and women like this, we tar and feather them, we will hang them from the highest limb, we will chop off their heads and roll them down the streets, for the Black people of America are tired of Black leaders selling us out after we put them in office, working for our enemies, rather than working for ourselves.”
That’s the old Farrakhan. The new and improved one comes up with titles such as “Justice or Else,” and then lets others worry about what the “else” means.
And like the McDonald’s commercial, Black people are declaring, “I’m lovin’ it.”
George E. Curry is President and CEO of George Curry Media, LLC. He is the former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA). He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his website, georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at twitter.com/currygeorge, George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook and Periscope. See previous columns at http://www.georgecurry.com/columns.
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Territory improvement
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IRIS APARTMENTS
This page contains a detailed technical description of the housing complex in Riga.
Iris building complex
Total area of the residential buildings complex IRIS is 2.5 ha. The first stage of development consists of three, three-storey apartment buildings – House A (located along the frontage line of Apuzes Street (Apūzes iela)), House B and House C (located along the frontage line of Skrines Street (Skrīnes iela)). Area of the land plot of the first stage of the project is ~8564 m². It is planned to build 77 apartments of the area from 50 m² (1-room apartment) to 130 m² (3-room apartment) at the first stage of the project.
Foundation and foor slab structure
The residential buildings complex combines both quality and harmonious visual appearance. Foundations of the residential buildings complex are made of a reinforced monolithic concrete slab beneath each building, supporting walls – lightweight concrete block walls, monolithic reinforced concrete slabs, which provide a sound insulation level in accordance with the Latvian legislation. The ceiling height of the apartment is 2.8 m.
Facade of iris building
The composition and volume of the residential complex buildings were significantly influenced by the urban development and the shape of the land plot. Buildings are designed as open perimeter buildings which are located parallel to the frontage or land plot lines of Apuzes and Skrines streets. The complex of residential buildings combines a laconic but at the same time a modern and elegant design. A heating unit located above the staircase for each building section creates an architectonic accent that supplements a special visual appearance and style. The limiting structures consist of the lightweight concrete masonry blocks with a thickness of 300 mm and heat insulation with a thickness of 200 mm as well as a decorative, tinted plaster (silicate-silicone decorative plaster ( "curd" structure) 1.5 mm, white) and contrasting smooth plaster areas. The overall design of the façades will be complemented by balconies made of monolithic reinforced concrete panels of console type. Decorative elements of the façades, for example balcony handrails, will play an important role – they, along with the built-in flower boxes, will give the residential complex a romantic appearance. Buildings will not have a basement.
Apartments on the 1st floor of the residential complex will have a patio or front yard with a 2.5 m wide pavement belt along the entire width of the apartment, plus area with lawn. Front yards will run up to the borders of the land plot at Apuzes and Skrines Streets. Patio areas are intended for the use of adjoining apartment owners. The property area between the adjoining yards, patios and the inner yard sidewalk will be separated by decorative plantations, which will not only make patios more attractive visually, but will create a wonderful oasis of calm in the city. In addition, metal handrails for patios are also provided in front of the inner yard sidewalks. Each owner of the apartment will be able to arrange it at his/her own discretion, placing boxes of plantations or planting plants in the ground in the green area.
All apartments on the second and third floors of the residential building will be provided with balconies, at least one balcony with a width of 1.3 m and a length of 5.1 to 7.5 m. Wooden slats for the side walls of the balconies, will visually isolate one balcony from another. The neighbouring apartment balconies are located ~ 5 m away from each other. The balconies will be separated from the rest of the building by the elements of insulation of thermal bridges, thus preventing them from frost penetration. Balconies are made from monolithic reinforced concrete with a waterproof coating and a layer of impregnated wood. Shelters above balconies will be made of monolithic reinforced concrete slabs t = 180 mm with waterproof PVC membrane coatings.
The thickness of the plastered exterior walls made of the lightweight concrete masonry block will be 300 mm with an additional 200 mm heat insulation layer. Exterior walls perfectly retain heat, provide sound insulation, and protect against moisture.
PVC windows with triple-pane selective glass are selected for the house of the residential complex. The window profiles (KBE 70 CL – EL) will be white inside the apartment, but grey outside in order to provide a unified visual appearance for the house facade. Windows provide excellent light transparency, while maintaining the warmth and providing sound insulation. KBE70 is a five-pane window profile systems that have a considerable protection against exposure to sunlight, temperature changes and other external factors. Internal galvanized fittings and steel rigidity elements guarantee a high degree of window stability. For extra safety windows are equipped with Tilt First Closure System that provides full opening of the window only by using the key that is implemented in the handle of the window. Windows ventilation function and closing is possible at any time.
Particular attention and care in the residential building project will be devoted to the roof construction. Roofs will be constructed from reinforced concrete slabs, above which a steam insulation layer will be constructed; EPS 100 insulation will be laid at a thickness of 300 - 440 mm with double stone wool waterproofing layer (t = 30 mm). The total thickness of the thermal insulation is planned to be 330-470 mm. Aerators will be installed to remove moist air and condensate from the bottom layer of the waterproofing before damage to the structures is made or stratification of the roofing material is caused. Roof parapets will be made of sheet iron and corresponding rock wool insulation.
Partition walls between apartments and common premises will be built of aerocrete blocks, thus providing sound insulation in accordance with the Latvian regulatory enactments. The interior walls of the apartment will be made of gypsum cardboard.
All floors of the residential complex have very good sound insulation. Floors of the first storey will be constructed on monolithic reinforced foundation slabs t = 300 mm, covered by thermal insulation of extruded polystyrene (t = 150 mm), steam and waterproof PE200 film with glued joints, fibber reinforced concrete with thickness ~ 60 - 65 mm), sub-layer suitable for laying a specific floor covering, and the floor covering (tiles or design floors). Floors on intermediate stories will be constructed from monolithic floor slabs t = 200 mm, soundproofing layer (polystyrene - 50 mm), steam and waterproof PE200 film with glued joints, fibber reinforced concrete with thickness ~ 60 - 65 mm), sub-layer suitable for laying a specific floor covering, and the floor covering (tiles or design floors).
In order to ensure the safety of residents, in the boiler rooms gas leak detectors will be installed which will automatically trigger an alarm and allow the timely detection of emergencies. Each apartment will be equipped with an autonomous fire detector.
In order to ensure the required temperature and reduce the risk of the overheating during the summer period, cold-air and power cables for the conditioning network system will be laid. If necessary, third floor apartment owners will have a possibility to assess the installation of the air conditioning system without doing additional construction and damaging the apartment finish. Conditioning system equipment is not included in the cost of the apartment.
Boiler rooms will be built on the roof area, for each staircase separately. Wall gas condensing boilers Junkers will be used for heat supply (3 pcs in each boiler room, assembled by cascading principle), this system will ensure continuous power regulation, ensure rational gas consumption and guarantee the continuity of heating even if one of the boilers stop working. Apartment heating systems will be built from multi-layer pipes. The Purmo Ventil Compact wall radiators, fitted with thermostat heads, will be installed in the apartments. Each apartment will be provided with a heat meter, with a pulse output module, which will be connected to the central energy resource accounting system, providing individual metering of consumed heat. The floors in the bathrooms will be electrically heated, thermostats and floor sensors will provide the desired temperature and comfort at any time and season. In each bathroom, electrical outlets and a place for towel dryer is provided.
Buildings will be connected to "Rīgas Ūdens" networks. A commercial meter will be installed at the entry of the building, but each apartment will be equipped with an electronic meter of consumed water with the M-Bus protocol, which will be connected to the central energy resources accounting system.
The apartments will be provided with a well thought out and modern layout of switches and electrical outlets that will provide maximum comfort to the residents. The apartment will be provided with 3-phase connection to the city's electricity grids. Each apartment will have its own electricity meter, which will be located on the switchboard. The apartment will have electric outlets and lighting switches as well as connection points for kitchen appliances. The owners of the apartment will be able to choose and install the lighting fixtures according to their wishes and means. Exception is the bathrooms and the entrance zones, where built-in lights will be installed during construction phase.
Staircase and elevator
Each house will have two staircases with entrances from the courtyard. The doors to the staircase will have aluminium structures with glass glazings, which are safe and lightweight as well as visually beautiful. Each entrance to the staircase will be built without steps, thus ensuring an easy access to the residential complex with both prams and wheelchairs. Modern and quiet passenger elevators Shindler 3100™ with 480 kg load capacity (according to EN 81-20/50) will be built in the buildings.
House intercome
Exterior doors will be equipped with the access code system and the house intercom; guests will be able to communicate with the residents of the respective apartment. In the perspective of the systems used, it will be possible to install an additional block that will allow you to receive a video call on your phone (as long as there is an Internet connection in the apartment or phone), answer the call and open the door with telephone, if the owner is outside the apartment, open the door with a card, code or telephone, using a special application, give a person unlimited access to the apartment without giving him/her a card or keys.
Entry to the area of the residential complex is planned from Apuzes Street, but exit to Skrines Street, by organizing adequate and safe one-way traffic in the courtyard. Parking spaces for cars are planned in the inner yard and side yard at Skrines Street. Covering of the carriageway and the pedestrian way will be made of different tonality of concrete paving stones.
Lattelecom's telecommunication services – the Internet, telephone, television – will be provided in all apartment buildings. An optical cable entry will be built in each apartment.
The staircases of the residential buildings complex will be constructed in an elegant and modern design using monolith concrete stair slabs with galvanized metal handrails.
Lighting fixtures (lamps) will be installed both at the entrance and in the staircase, ensuring visibility and safety during the dark time of the day. The installed lighting fixtures will be both visually appealing and perfectly fit in the overall design as well as economic.
One ventilation system in each bathroom; two in the kitchen -one for the cooker hood, other for the natural room ventilation;
+371 29-642-499 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Apuzes 51, Riga, LV-1029
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No limits, no hesitation: Antonino Cannavacciuolo!
Tradition and simplicity of flavours, Chef Cannavacciuolo creates Dishes that are simply a reflection of his life!
We are in love with his innovative Mediterranean cuisine made by the combination between past and present. Antonino Cannavacciuolo gained experience and improved his skills in France, in the most famous and awarded kitchens such as “Auberge Dell’Ile” in Illerausen and the “Buerehiesel” in Strasbourg, but also in Italy, in the Grand Hotel Quisisana, when the kitchen was ruled by Gualtiero Marchesi. In 1999 he took over the management of Villa Crespi Hotel & Restaurant, on Lake Orta with his wife Cinzia Primatesta. Since 2012 Villa Crespi has become membre of Relais et Chateaux chain and Antonino Cannavacciuolo has become Grand Chef Relais et Chateaux. Italian Event Planners is so proud to have Villa Crespi among our proposals:
http://www.italianeventplanners.com/lake-orta/venues/item/164-villa-crespi.html
If you choose Villa Crespi as the location for your wedding reception, you could claim to have got "the best"...... marvelous dishes in the house for you, created by a highly decorated chef! How prestigious would that be......!!!
In 2003 Antonino won the 1st Michelin stars and in the 2006 he gained the second one.
Beautiful what he says during an interview, in which he tells us how he became chef, and what inspired him...
“I always knew that I would be a chef. Like my father before me. He had trained entire brigades of chefs in Sorrento and the surrounding area. However, I must say that it was my grandmother who was really responsible for this conviction, with her ‘ragù’ and pasta at our family Sunday lunches. Its irresistible aroma permeated the entire house from the crack of dawn. That showed me the importance of finding the best possible raw materials, of self-sacrifice, of determination and total commitment to the profession. These were the foundations on which I built my cuisine. My travels and various experiences did the rest: in France, with Marc Haeberlin at L’Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern in particular, and especially in the South and North of Italy, from the School in Vico Equense to the restaurant of Grand Hotel Quisisana de Capri run at the time by Gualtiero Marchesi, not forgetting, of course, Lake Orta. There is where I met my wife, Cinzia, before I went on, in 1999, to take over Villa Crespi, which has since allowed us to do what we can to please you and thereby ourselves.”
Antonino is also the protagonist of “Cucine da incubo Italia” produced by Fox International Channels Italy, based on the English format “Kitchen Nightmares” hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay
Best piece of advice for amateur chefs?
"Never forget to add a dash of passion to each of your recipes and remembered to try, try and try again. That's what it takes to succeed"
More in this category: « in the heart of the boot: umbria region Want to get married in Italy? You may want to read this… »
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OPPO spearheads 5G with video calls over new network
OPPO has conducted voice and video calls solely based on the 5G network as the technology continues to gain ground across the world.
Partnering with Ericsson and MediaTek, the VoNR (voice/video on new radio) calls were made on a modified commercial smartphone from OPPO, using MediaTek's Dimensity 1000 series SoC and using an end-to-end 5G standalone (SA) network with by Ericsson Radio System products and solutions.
VoNR is a basic call service that entirely relies on SA architecture, one of the mainstream architectures of future 5G networks, which global operators are laying the foundation for.
As one of the first technology brands to support VoNR calls under the SA architecture, OPPO aims to ensure that even the early adopters can have a comprehensive 5G experience and hopes to position itself as a major smartphone partner for operators and communication equipment suppliers building 5G networks around the world.
"OPPO proactively works to accelerate large-scale commercialization of 5G. Our cooperation with Ericsson and MediaTek on VoNR is part of our in-depth collaborations in the 5G era,” says OPPO Middle East and Africa president Ethan Xue.
The joint test was carried out under the 5G SA network environment provided by Ericsson at its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden.
After dialling, the two phones connected almost instantly and then seamlessly switched to a high-definition video call.
"After spearheading 5G rollouts across the world, we are gearing up for the next step: 5G Standalone services. Using an Ericsson end-to-end 5G Standalone network based on commercial hardware and software, along with devices from our partners OPPO and MediaTek; we've shown that beyond the high-speed capabilities delivered by 5G,” says Ericsson 5G RAN product line head Hannes Ekström.
OPPO was recently ranked by the World Intellectual Property Organization among the Top 5 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filers for 2019, with 1,927 applications.
In 2019, OPPO joined partners to take the lead in implementing the world's first video data call based on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technology.
As of February 2020, OPPO had filed applications for over 2,900 global patent families and declared more than 1,000 families of 5G Standard Essential Patents to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
It has submitted more than 3,000 5G standards-related documents to 3GPP.
OPPO founder and CEO Tony Chen states that OPPO will invest 50 billion yuan (~US$7 billion) in R&D in three years to promote research in 5G, artificial intelligence, AR, big data and other fields, as well as building core underlying hardware technologies and software engineering ability.
Vertiv anticipates data centre 'fourth utility' criticality in 2021
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blueAPACHE to refresh core network with Cisco
OPPO Ericsson MediaTek 5G R&D
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Cocoa Hoto stars in the new trailer for Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? Bloom
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INA News
Home/Tech/WhatsApp: What does the Teddy bear emoji mean?
WhatsApp: What does the Teddy bear emoji mean?
How many people have not given stuffed animals on Valentine’s Day? Today we will talk about the WhatsApp Teddy bear emoji
There are only two weeks until Valentine’s Day, also known as the “Day of Love and Friendship”, so the squares and shops are filled with many people who are looking for a gift for their partner, friend, coworker, family, in general, those people who are special to you because of all those life experiences they have lived.
And it is a day in which marketing abounds everywhere we see, people’s hands are filled with hearts, letters, chocolates, stuffed animals, countless things that carry a special meaning for the people who receive it. And without a doubt WhatsApp will not be left behind, as it will be one of the main means that people use to send an important dedication, so it is important that you know the meaning of the ideal emojis for this occasion.
Today we have to talk about the Teddy bear emoji, which, as its name indicates, is a teddy bear. Surely one or another user when he sees this emoticon reminds him of a bear that he probably had when he was a child, that ‘companion’ that you took everywhere and hugged him when you were scared to death.
These teddy bears are very common children’s toys that give warm hugs and are even soft on pets. If you are remembering a very special anecdote from your childhood, you can apply this emoji accompanied by a smiling face to denote that it is a happy memory.
Teddies are also very well received on birthdays or on special dates such as Valentine’s Day, so this emoticon can be accompanied by a heart and a bag of gifts for that person you love so much.
The emoticon was named “Teddy Bear” and was approved as part of Unicode 11.0 in 2018 and was added to Emoji 11.0 in 2018.
It is important to mention that, despite having the same Unicode encoding, each platform can vary the design of each emoji to adapt to its operating system or interface. On many occasions this generates a great difference in the interpretation of the same symbol.
Whatsapp Whatsapp Emoji Whatsapp Emoji Meaning
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The Mines of Sulphur
by Charles T. Downey | Friday, November 04, 2005
New York City Opera revived the Glimmerglass production of Richard Rodney Bennett's opera The Mines of Sulphur, which premiered on October 23 and runs until November 5. The first article I read was by Anthony Tommasini (A Composer Happily Returns to 'The Mines', October 21) for the New York Times:
But with such a great initial run over all, why did the international opera world appear to lose sight of the work? The score's gritty atonal language may have been one factor, putting off timid companies and mainstream opera buffs. In any event, "The Mines of Sulphur" was little known when it was presented by the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, N.Y., in summer 2004. Few people, including the composer, anticipated that it would be the surprise hit of that summer season. That production, directed by David Schweizer, opens at the New York City Opera on Sunday afternoon, conducted by George Manahan. (At Glimmerglass it was conducted by Stewart Robertson, a longtime champion of the work, who had heard it performed in England.)
There is also a review (A Dark and Stormy Night, With Doings to Match, October 23) by Allan Kozinn for the New York Times:
Sir Richard's music is perfectly suited to Cross's story. Like many eager young composers of the mid-1960's, he adopted 12-tone techniques to create angular vocal lines and spiky textures. But he was not after harshness as such: often his vocal lines soar, and they are supported by a vivid, lush and constantly moving orchestral score that tells listeners as much about the characters - and the supernatural undercurrents - as the arias.
Daniel Felsenfeld, "The Dark, Mad Side" (Playbill Arts, October 22)
Ben Mattison, Photo Journal: The Mines of Sulphur at New York City Opera (Playbill Arts, October 25)
Martin Bernheimer, The Mines of Sulphur, New York City Opera (London Financial Times, October 26)
David Patrick Stearns, Film composer's opera gets a worthy revival (Philadelphia Inquirer, November 1)
What is going to happen to New York City Opera, now that general and artistic director Paul Kellogg has announced that he will retire at the end of next season? It is not a good sign that Kellogg cites as the reasons for his retirement, among other things, "the burdens of trying to attract new funds and new audiences." Read more in Daniel J. Wakin's article (Paul Kellogg to Quit as Head of City Opera, September 15) for the New York Times:
Mr. Kellogg, 68, is in his 10th season at the opera. He will also retire next year as director of the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, N.Y., which he has led since 1979. "It's been a wonderfully exciting and satisfying time, and I've had the chance to meet extraordinary people, but it's mostly a 15-hour-day, seven-days-a-week job that is probably better suited to someone 45 years old," he said in a statement released by City Opera. In an interview, Mr. Kellogg said the constant work needed to entice the young and neophytes to opera was discouraging, though also fulfilling, taking note of the popularity of the house's "Opera for All" low-cost events last week.
People need to get out there and do this work.
Filed under Opera
Garth Trinkl said...
Charles, thank you for assembling this material and for your final editorial remark. Indeed, how are American opera companies going to attract "the young and neophytes" when some of America's most distinguished opera companies -- such as the San Francisco Opera and the MET -- still haven't committed themselves, in the 21st century, to producing one American opera each and every season!
And as you know, even the newly- nationalized Washington NATIONAL Opera has been slippery in its commitment to producing one American opera each and every season. There where only two performances, last year and outside of the Kennedy Center Opera House, of Scott Wheeler's well-received new opera "Democracy: An American Comedy". (And we'll have to see how they finesse their expected production, in 2007, of British composer Nicholas Maw's "Sophie's Choice").
Think of the "young and neophytes" who attended John Adams's "Doctor Atomic" at the San Francisco Opera or who will attend Tobias Picker's upcoming "An American Tragedy" at the MET this December. They have a gripping American musical-dramatic experience and they are turned on to opera until February, when it is announced that the following season the San Francisco and MET Operas will be performing NO American operas at all -- perhaps for several years!
In my view, former San Francisco Opera General Director Pamela Rosenberg's otherwise interesting and strong "Animating Opera" concept failed because it did not place American operas at the center of that project. (Western opera is just over 400 years old; how old are the performing arts in North America and the United States?)
Therefore, I will hope that you, Mark, Andrea, and anonymous (Jens is a bit too old world?) will help sell the national American opera field on a new concept "Animating American Opera!" (TM), whereby all companies will pledge to produce one American opera each and every season, and that opera will be staged on the company's main stage and not at a cramped university Auditorium.
Thanks for the space.
Also, Charles, did you read the Washington NATIONAL Opera patriarchal press release to this Sunday's upcoming free performance on the NATIONAL MALL of the Gershwin's Porgy and Bess? Apparently, the production is a "gift" to the public from the Company's Trustees, President, and General Director. First, they want to be a NATIONAL company (and they petition Congress to do so), but then they want to remain a closely-held aristocratic company, bowed to, and not criticized. Charles, what's that French phrase -- something about eating your cake and having it too?
Again, thanks for the space.
jfl said...
I am too old world to champion living music of the country of which I am a guest? I must object. I might even say that my blood is 'Boyling'. ;)
Garth, you're "Zeno" over at S21, aren't you? That's almost verbatim what you wrote over there, but that thread slipped off the front page and so it's died in the comments section.
So what if the major companies don't make some silly agreement to do an American opera every year? You could do that and go through the viable, quality American pieces in about 5 or 6 seasons unless you start scraping the bottom of the barrel and start doing awful, awful pieces like the ghastly Regina by Blitzstein or Menotti and his pieces that are closer to through-composed Broadway pieces or start stretching definitions to include people like Tan Dun, who aren't American, they just live here, just to comply with some bogus plan.
I couldn't possibly care less about the nationality of the composer or the "American-ness" of a piece, I just to want to hear terrific operas that aren't Boheme and Carmen. And as it was, is and always will be, that means European operas by and large.
Oh please, or as Bugs Bunny once said "Oh Guinevere!". I would be willing to bet that those "young and neophyte" audiences won't give a damn about Picker's piece, and if his operas since Emmaline are any indication, it's going to be another bust for the Met (see: The Not So Great Gatsby). That's a typically American narcissism you're putting forth--unless it's *specifically* about something they directly have knowledge of, it won't play. I'd be willing to bet that strawman demographic would be more excited about a great new production of Turandot with excellent singers than a production of Susannah.
I, for one, get more out of a routine performance of Peter Grimes than Adams' turgid new piece, because *gasp* Britten is a great opera composer and Grimes is a fantastic opera, neither of which Adams or his overhyped opera remotely is.
Here's a list of operas that I think are vastly more deserving of productions at the Met/SFO/Chicago/LA etc. than any American opera:
Schreker: Der Ferne Klang, Das Spielwerk, Die Gezeichneten, Der Schatzgraber
Sallinen: The Red Line, The Horsemen, Kullervo, The Castle
Birtwistle: Mask of Orpheus, Gawain (revised version), The Second Mrs. Kong
Reimann: Lear, Der Schloss, Ein Traumspiel
Dove: Flight
Henze: The Bassarids, Der Junge Lord, Der Konig Hirsch
Blomdahl: Aniara
Landowsky: Montsegur
Saariaho: L'amou de Loin
Ades: Powder Her Face, The Tempest
Magnard: Guerchoer
Ginastera: Don Rodrigo, Bomarzo
Rautavaara: Thomas
Zemlinsky: Der Zwerg, Florentine Tragodie, Traumgeorg, Konig Kandales
Zimmerman: Die Soldaten
Vaughn Williams: Riders to the Sea, Sir John in Love
Hindemith: Mathis der Maler; Sancta Susanna/Morder, Hoffnung des Frauen/ Das Nusch Nuschi
Szolkay: A Blood Wedding
Symanowski: King Roger
Schulhoff: Flammen
Korngold: Die Tote Stadt, Violanta/Der Ring des Polykrates, Das Wunder des Heliane
Holloway: Clarissa
Schoenberg: Das Gluckliche Hand, Erwartung, Von Heute auf Morgen
Merikanto: Juha
Delius: A Village Romeo and Juliet, Fennimore and Gerda
Some are in the Strauss/Wagner vein, some are fiercely modern but they all have one thing in common:
they aren't American.
In my view, former San Francisco Opera General Director Pamela Rosenberg's otherwise interesting and strong "Animating Opera" concept failed because it did not place American operas at the center of that project.
Yeah, and what American pieces did they do during her tenure? Four Saints in Three Acts, a ten minute joke stretched out for about 15 hours--OK, it just seemed that way. Virgil Thompson, as a composer, he was a good critic. What was before that (not in her reign)? Jake Heggie's ghastly--and I mean appallingly bad--Dead Opera Walking. Sure, it got tons of publicity (99% of which was based on what it was about) but nobody I know liked that lame pastiche of Britten, Berstein & Puccini. Harvey Milk? Streetcar Named Desire? Dangerous Liasons? All failures and vast strains on the SFO budget, leading to seasons of safe choices to make up the difference.
So why should American companies waste precious resources on operas that aren't any good (and in the case of Streetcar, should never have been written in the first place) when there's a VAST repetoire of virtually unknown operas in this country that could do what St. Francoise di Assisi did a few years ago, draw crowds because even though they are tough, knotty operas, they are actually GOOD? I've seen a production of a good percentage of the operas I listed and they WORK.
I'm tired of the whole "We have to do CNN operas! We have to be relevant to today!" argument about producing operas in this country. It's a bogus claim, I'm convinced that's why so many American operas are pointless--opera is best at telling timeless stories, why bother with something that's already been done so well on film? I find all this desperation to get "young and neophyte" audiences in to be lame. Do quality works in good, well rehearsed productions with good singers and people of all ages and experience levels will show up.
No, no, American opera companies! Resist Garth's plan! That way madness (and budget deficits) lie!
(Yes, I'm American, born and raised here)
Charles T. Downey said...
Ooh, this is a good argument. I would like to hear more American operas (more in the vein of Bolcom's A Wedding and Danielpour's Margaret Garner than Wheeler's Democracy, I have to say). At the same time, I would be ecstatic to hear any of the operas Henry's list, too. Am I perverse?
Something told me that I should have checked back in here after my hour long nap on a hidden bench at Dumbarton Oaks Garden on Friday afternoon, and return visits to the garden two times on Sunday afternoon in lieu of the projected opera on the Mall. (On Saturday, I was planning to take the bus to NYC to see the "Mines of Sulphur" matinee, but the previous evening I mistakenly opened, all at once, my gas, electricity, and water bills. Instead I purchased, and listened to on Sunday morning, the "Mines of Sulphur" CD (which I had passed up earlier fearing that SACD would blow up my small living room. I also wish that a DVD had been available).... Also, last Wednesday, I checked with The Musical Source, on 15th Street, to see whether the score to "Mines of Sulphur" was still there from years back, but it was gone.)
Thanks, Jens, for your good cheer. I'm glad you're on my side. We'll discuss this further over espresso.... And no, Charles, you are not perverse. You, Jens, Mark, Andrea, and others (including Henry) are a few of the cultural participants in this area who are not asleep. (I actually missed Scott Wheeler's "Democracy", having been overseas at the times of its two performances.)
Now, Henry, don't you know that Jerry badly wants you and others to ignore what zeno posts over at Sequenza21? Can't you get with his program?
Henry, it seems to me that you probably live on the West Coast -- probably in the Bay Area (given your knowledge of the San Francisco Opera). And you do appear to be genuinely concerned with opera and yet don't appear cynical enough to be a New Yorker -- you didn't once mention Philip Glass or Corigliano's "Ghosts of Versailles"). I also think that it is interesting that the operas which you cite as most thrilling to you (excluding the Grand Tradition wannabees on your excellent list) seem to end with Puccini's "Turandot" and Britten's "Peter Grimes". Thus, I assume that you feel that the Grand Tradition ended in 1945.
And don't try to tell me that the Grand Tradition continues with Messiaen's "Saint Francois" (which I saw in Berlin in the stunning Daniel Libeskind production) or with Birtwistle's "Gawain" (which I saw unrevised at its London premiere in 1991, but listened to later and repeatedly, revised). As I cited (somewhere), the Seattle Opera's Speigth Jenkins told me that there was not a chance in hell that he could successfully introduce Birtwistle to his Wagner loving (and drowning?) audiences in Seattle.
(Yes, I await a new generation of General Directors.)
Now, as to my "bogus plan" and that bit about "typically American narcissism". Well, I strongly agree with you that it was a stupid idea for the San Francisco Opera to do Thomson's "Four Saints in Three Acts". (Wasn't that, and the new Adams opera, the only two American works on Ms. Rosenberg's "Animating Opera" concept?... What a travesty, in my view.)
Now, "Dangerous Liaisons", "Harvey Milk", "Dead Man Walking", "Street Car Named Desire" (or "Great Gatsby" or "An American Tragedy" at the MET) are not my ideas of well-conceived operatic projects, but they are, as someone says, facts on the ground. I did not get up and make one bit of an effort to attend any of those works in S.F. or N.Y.C., though I could have if I had wanted. (Nor did I attend the Adams-Sellars). I have, though, heard them all --"Liaisons" and "Streetcar" were boringly transferred to the Kennedy Center Opera House, and I heard the remainder either on the radio or on CD.... Also, I don't see you mentioning Jay Reise's earlier "Rasputin" for NYCO, or Deborah Drattal's "Nicholas and Alexandra" for Los Angeles starring Placido Domingo as Rasputin.... Throw in "Ghosts of Versailles", "The Voyage", "What's Next?", "Haroun and the Sea of Stories", "Emmeline", "Modern Painters", "Madam Mao", "Therese Raquin", and... well even Tan's "Marco Polo" [and the "First Emperor"?]... and I agree with you that no one has yet hit, or is likely to hit, the Puccini-Britten jackpot.
As to your excellent list of non-American operas, I will admit to not knowing Das Spielwerk, the later two Riemanns (did you miss his Trojan Women, available briefly on DGG?), Flight, Montsegur, Ade's Tempest (is it really better in your view than John Eaton's The Tempest for Santa Fe in the 1980s?), or Fernimore and Gerda.... And where on your list is Henze's L'Upupa?)
I have seen live opera productions, from your list or a similar list, by Schoenberg, Weill, Janacek, Tippett, Birtwistle, Henze, Ginastera, Reimann, Zimmermann, Syzmanowski, Messiaen, and Ruzicka. I agree with you as to the strengths, and need for American premieres, of many of these works. Can I ask what else you are doing to bring about these American premieres? Are you collaborating with Jerry Bowles of Sequenza21 to turn the NYCO into a modernist-only peoples opera house?
One of my plans on Sequenza21 (the one other than the "bogus plan" you cite) was to have the NYCO do every third season only modernist works (European and American). Boy, you must hate this plan as well, I imagine. And you haven't commented on my list of top five modernist American operas to be produced again -- or for the first time -- in America.)
As to my other(?) bogus plan and my "typically American narcissism", yes perhaps I am partially driven by my professional role, at the margin, in the American opera [and oratorio] field. Or it could be that I travel to Peterburg, Russia and see a company capable of producing season after season of high quality Russian-only operatic music-drama, and then bringing these Russian works to American shores season after season. (Damn the costs, as they say in ripe Empires. And do you really think new and young audiences are going to flock to the Kennedy Center this February to see the Mariinky[Kirov] Opera do Turandot and Parsifal?)
Perhaps it is that I hold operatic rights to certain Nobel laureate works (I'm sure you know what I am referring to) and that I once myself spent time, additionally, working on a late 20th century version of Coriolanus, set in America, or a -- dreaded I'm sure in your view -- "CNN" type contemporary opera based upon Robert McNamera. So yes, perhaps you can put me down as a "typically narcissistic American".... But then again, wasn't there something "typically narcissistic European" about all of the European modernist masters that you cite?
-- garth trinkl
"Animating American Opera!" (TM)
"Long Live Garth's Bogus Plan!!" (TM)
By the way, I think the San Franciso Opera did Thomson and Stein's feminist "Mother of Us All", instead of "Four Saints in Three Acts". My comment on the SFO doing this non-sensical type of work remains valid, none the less. (Charles I think might disagree. He is younger and more open to the non-sensical and surreal.)
i notice that this comment section does not have a maximum word limit... maybe for the better (here), maybe for the worse (see a less insightful exchange above). after reading HH's list, I am tempted back into the euro-camp that garth had me in. schrecker... zemlinsky... von schillings... pfitzner... henze... braunfels - i'll trade several 'shadowtimes' for those -- even if i think that opera should be alive in every country and modern pieces made and performed. but i am not sure if affirmative action for modern us operas would be the way to go...
schrecker... zemlinsky... von schillings... pfitzner... henze... braunfels
This is fair and concise, Jens. Thanks.
Now, lets go deeper. I have posted elsewhere pointing to what I perceive to be the quality of Henze's L'Upupa and his The Sailer Who Fell from Grace with the Sea. I have advocated that the MET do the L'Upupa, and that some American company -- perhaps the LAO or the SFO -- (re)mount the Mishima-Henze Opera. Didn't the NYCO do the Henze King Stag some years back? Would you like the WNO (Washington National Opera) to do King Stag (or Bassarids) instead of an American or American modernist opera one year?
The Braunfels Aristophanes Birds treatment was done in the U.S.last summer, as I pointed out elsewhere (there are some colorful pictures available on the Web.) Would you like the WNO to produce this opera? I believe that Braunfels's other, newly revived and recorded operas (in Germany) are all operettas. Please correct me if I am wrong. (His Claudel oratorio is another matter.)
Would you like the WNO to produce Bennett's Mines of Sulphur some coming season in lieu of an American or American modernist opera? Are you willing to trade Nick Maw's Sophie's Choice for an early 20th c. German revival? Are you prepared to explain to the 13,000 Washington opera neophytes who jammed the Mall on Sunday for the Gershwin opera, why upcoming seasons regularly feature revivals of early German 20th c. operas, but not other American 20th c. (and 21st c.) operas?
I recall that the NYCO also produced Pfitzer's Palestrina (possibly the year after it produced Hindemith's comparable masterpiece, Mathis der Maler). Would you like the WNO to produce the Pfitzer or Hindemith one year in lieu of an American or American modernist opera?
Do you favor the WNO reviving von Schillings Mona Lisa, once performed by the MET? (Correct me if I am wrong.) (Please note that I have never advocated the MET remounting Hanson's Merry Mount, as advocated by some Americanists.)
Then there are the Schrecker, Zimlinsky, and other von Schilling
German expressionist or proto-expressionist operas. Yes, I'd love to see them staged, but not at the cost of American earlier or contemporary expressionist or proto-expressionist operas.
The WNO gives seven operas and I doubt it will revive a German expressionist masterpiece in the same season as an American work. What do you want to give way?
Elsewhere, I have written that I would like to see American opera houses mount revivals or premieres of 5 works: Sessions' Montezuma, Imbrie's Angle of Repose (based on Wallace Stegner), Kirchner's Lily [Henderson the Rain God](based upon Saul Bellow), Thulani and Anthony Davis's Amistad, and Glass's Waiting for the Barbarians (based upon J.M. Coetzee). I will stand by these five American modernist, unperformed operas. Jens or Harry, have either of you heard or seen any of these works?
Jens, affirmative action is a fact of life here in America. Perhaps you are uncomfortable with it, despite it being reviewed and narrowly tailored by the U.S. Supreme Court. (Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Conner wrote the opinion allowing for narrowly tailored affirmative action programs.)
Do you think that there would be a Russian opera repertoire without affirmative action on the part of the Russian Imperial Theaters? Aren't the MET and the WNO our American Imperial Theaters -- one of which rarely performs or commissions American operas and one of which tenuously commits to making the performance and commissioning of American operas part of it national mission?
(no time to edit for length, sorry)
Now that you ask... Yes. Of course I'd take "Palestrina" over "Sophies' Choice". I'd be insane, not to. Aside, this is about me, and MY taste - the public be damned. I am just expressing my likes - and quite frankly this debate is silly in lieu of another Tosca and Aida and no Lully and no Rameau. We need better Opera, not bickering about how modern is modern enough or whether it ought to be Bavarian or American or English.
And NO, the WNO and MET are not American Imperial Operas... they are privately financed buisnesses and don't get money from the state (although I'd love to see them get money from a federal trust-fund outside the reach of politicians) and have no mission to keep American opera struggling. And ultimately I don't care about it, either... I care about OPERA per se... and that *should* include modern, contemporary opera and it would be odd if we didn't have American operas to join the crowd (hey... we have them, come to think of it). Just about anything that is more *alive* than Opera at the MET and WNO currently is would be good... and perhaps, just perhaps, a really *hot* French baroque opera might be closer to an immediate solution than "Shadowtime" and "Democracy".
were in the same boat, on different oars... let's not mistake it for a race against each other.
A small correction: both the Met and WNO receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, but nothing on the level of most European companies, I think. Your point about their nature as businesses is well taken. Given that Baltimore Opera has almost folded this season, opera in the United States is obviously a risky business.
And, yes, oh please, a Baroque opera, WNO. Given how well Caldara held up against Handel in La Bartoli's selection of arias, maybe Caldara?
The NEA entire budget is smaller than the expenses of the opera house in Oberschweinbach or Hinterrummelberg. I am not sure if Caldara would be my first choice, but I'd be excited if we got any. We might be able to hope for the Washington Concert Opera to do baroque opera in the near future, though!
Heave ho...
Jens, have you written to Michael Sonnenreich and Placido Domingo requesting that they consider mounting Pfitzer's Palestrina in lieu of Maw's Sophie's Choice, in 2007? I, on the other hand, will dutifully, and respectfully -- and with some sense of aesthetic interest -- look forward to the WNO mounting, in 2007, of Sophie's Choice (and not the WNO reviving Floyd's Of Mice and Men, a whispered alternative.)[I have had unfortunately missed opportunities to hear Palestina in Europe.]
And, by the way, will you be there when the Mariinsky (Kirov) does Parsifal and Turandot at the Kennedy Center this February? Is this the acme of operatic excitement that the Kennedy Center can offer Washington and international audiences?
Jens, I also envy you for your operatic experience which has allowed you to hear Maw's Sophie's Choice in London, Scott Wheeler's Democracy in Washington, and Brian Fernyhough's Shadowtime, in either Amsterdam, London, or New York City. I know that when I find time to look up your reviews of these operas in the Ionarts.org archives, I will find your reviews very insightful.
Whiiiishhh...
Aren't I supposed to be jousting with Harry about the most critical issue on the face of the earth today ... whether my "Animating American Opera" (TM)scheme floats or sinks; or whether the NYCO agrees to mount an all-modern season every three years and the WNO and the SFO and others agree to mount both an American opera and a modern opera in a single season?
(Charles is too nice to joust with.)
Where are the kids? When I first heard about the site ionarts, I thought that it was a classy and avant-garde Adams Morgan or Logan Circle operation run by D.C. sound-composer Richard Chartier and contributed to by dozen's of D.C.s finest artists, intellectuals, and patrons. Granted, it indeed does have the finest, but where -- as they say in politics -- are the numbers?
"Give Us Better and More Modern Opera!!" (TM)
P.S. Jens, have you heard of the Charitable Tax Deduction, used to offset paid income taxes by the wealthy and affluent, and to fund currently a high percentage of cultural activity in the United States (in addition to foundation and corporate support for the arts)?
Mr. Trinkl, the charitable deduction is available to most taxpayers, not just wealthy, and is expressly designed to minimize the state interference in charitable/cultural ventures associated with direct subsidies.
Further, affirmative action as a concept is only about individuals deemed members of groups deemed historically denied full equality, and has only been slightly limited by Supreme Court.
Finally, of course merit before nationality should dictate choice of repertoire. On that score Frank Martin's "Der Sturm" should go ahead of any the other works listed on this long thread.
George Pieler
Thank you, Mr Pieler, for your strong recommendation for Frank Martin "Der Sturm".
Unfortunately, I do not know the full opera, but only the 20 minutes, or so, available on a Chandos recording (from the mid-1990s), and, I believe, a DDG recording reissued from the 1970s. I envy you that you have experienced live what is probably truly a neglected masterpiece. (I do know his Masses, and his Golgotha oratorio.)
By all means, write to Mssrs Sonnenreich and Domingo and recommend a WNO production of the Frank Martin "Tempest"! Frankly, I think that I would be more excited by seeing this work produced locally than the Pfitzer "Palestrina" (but not necessarily the Nicholas Maw "Sophie's Choice").
Did you know that the Kennedy Center and the Shakespeare Theater are hosting, next year, a city-wide multi-disciplinary Shakespeare Festival? In my view, this is (or would have been) an opportunity for the WNO to raise the bar for itself and produce the Frank Martin "Tempest" (in lieu of perpetual re-mountings by the WNO and the Mariinsky (Kirov) of Verdi's MacBeth).
The Martin is an excellent choice, and one which I do think should be placed at the top of Henry (not Harry, sorry) Holland's fascinating list. And yes, I will posit that the work should probably take precedence over a regional premiere of John Eaton's Tempest, from the 1980s, or Thomas Ades (and John Woolwich's?) latest Tempest effort, in London.
As for your policy comments, I stand by my posting. The wealthy and affluent have more of an impact on the direction of non-profit culture in the United States than does the American middle-class. For example, while I and millions of other middle-class Americans can give $100 a year to PBS and the Kennedy Center, we cannot direct which operas or musicals are produced or televised. The wealthy can, in fact, influence what is culturally produced (pace Gordon Getty) or broadcast.
I am also well aware that the relatively large financial flows associated with these tax policies are expressly designed to minimize the "state interference in charitable/cultural ventures associated with direct subsidies". However, I will continue to maintain and argue that American culture could be strengthened by a higher level of direct cultural subsidies.
An honest disagreement, I believe. Your preferred model has ruled for the past 25 or more years, and perhaps an alternative model could be tried -- in my view.
I am well aware of the economic and legal underpinnings to racial and gender-based affirmative action programs here in the United States. I assume that you are objecting to my use of this concept as a metaphor and applying it to my support for a modicum of healthful cultural nationalism. You are free to object to my using this language. On the other hand, I am free to use this language and to support the Washington National Opera's commitment to producing one American opera each and every season.
Thank you again for you Frank Martin opera recommendation.
Those who pay more have more say, no doubt, but that applies to the govt as well: in US politics that can be a risky proposition when interfacing with culture, EXCEPT when public $$ go to support institutions generally as supplement to private contributions. As to affirmative action it's just that American opera isn't discriminated against, but on average not quite good enough. It's as though Europe subsidized musical comedies to compete with premium American product (or maybe they do).
Your Shakespeare celebration interface is an excellent idea, will give it some thought.
Found your comment, Mr Pieler. Thank you.
Well, as you state, significant art can come from the riskiness of the interface of politics and culture. Of course, it is a slippery slope. I, for one, will accept a higher level of beta (risk) in order to foster/encourage greater artistic accomplishment. Others may be content with our national culture which in the past 25 years allowed for "performance artists" to apply for opera/music theater funding, and for subsidized national musical spokespersons repeatedly to call jazz America's "classical music".
As for your suspected mantra that American opera isn't quite good enough, I might have let this pass if I hadn't heard Placido Domingo tell NPR World of Opera, on Sat., that the WNO had performed "all" of the significant post-World War II American operas before turning to the Gershwin's (et al) "Porgy and Bess". (No time for Lisa Scimione to question him on this.) Does it sound to me like the WNO is preparing to break its affirmative action commitment to performing one American opera each and every season? ... Or will the WNO boost its commissioning program by throwing its resources, and NATIONAL designation, behind a new program of commissioning 21st c. American operas? (I seem also to recall women once not being considered quite "good enough" -- like your view of American opera? -- to be considered for university presidencies, the Senate, the Supreme Court, the position of Secretary of State, and the VP and Presidency.)
I listened to the 22 minutes of Martin's "The Tempest" that I have. I believe it could be a strong choice for the WNO (based upon knowledge of Martin's other works, in addition) -- but perhaps not the strongest. Given the Shakespeare theme of next years city-wide festival, I hope that it is considered.
I also listened to the Korngold "Heliane" opera. Stronger music; weaker general theme and libretto -- in my view.
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You are here: Controversies / Joseph Knoll: Controversies on selegiline/(-)-deprenyl’s pharmacological spectrum after more than 50 years of its development
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Joseph Knoll: Controversies on selegiline/(-)-deprenyl’s pharmacological spectrum after more than 50 years of its development
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Controversies on selegiline/(-)-deprenyl’s pharmacological spectrum after more than 50 years of its development
Joseph Knoll
The behavioral studies initiating the development of selegiline/(-)-deprenyl (DEP). I started in the early 1950s with two students, Károly Kelemen and Berta Knoll, research to investigate the manipulability of mammalian behavior.
We developed a useful model, the ‘glass-cylinder-seeking’ behavior, to study the development and the final irreversible fixation of an acquired drive in the brain of rats. The discovery that the rat, one of the most teachable mammals, is readily capable to acquire an unnatural drive, whereas the indocile mouse is devoid of this ability; furthermore, the successful demonstration of significant differences in the EEG arousal reaction in rats with extinguishable and non-extinguishable conditioned reflexes, and many more unexpected data (Knoll et al. 1955 a, b, c, 1956; Knoll 1956,1957; Kelemen et al. 1961; Knoll B. 1961,1968), gave me the inspiration to realize that the development of mammalian brains capable to fix unnatural drives created the manipulability of behavior which rendered community life possible.
I formulated my theory regarding the peculiar role of acquired drives in the evolution of mammalian life in my first monograph (Knoll 1969). To develop the full possibilities of this approach, I tried thereafter to clarify during a 36-year research period the key important brain mechanisms which determine the life of mammalian species capable to fix acquired drives, and summarized my expounded theory in a second monograph (Knoll 2005).
A detailed analysis of the glass-cylinder-seeking drive inspired the conclusion that in the mammalian brain capable to acquire drives, untrained cortical neurons (Group 1) possess the potentiality to change their functional state in response to practice, training, or experience in three consecutive stages, namely getting involved either (i) in an extinguishable conditioned reflex (ECR) (Group 2); or (ii) in an inextinguishable conditioned reflex (ICR) (Group 3); or (iii) in an acquired drive (Group 4).
Vertebrates can be divided into three groups according to the mode of operation of their brain: (a) those that operate with innate drives only (the majority); (b) those with an ability to acquire drives (a minority); and (c) the ‘group of one’ that operates almost exclusively with acquired drives (Homo sapiens sapiens).
With the evolution of brains capable of acquiring drives, species appeared whose members could manipulate each other's behavior and act in concert. This was the condition sine qua non for the evolution of social living, a form of life that enabled the species to surpass qualitatively the performance of any given individual. It goes without saying that training members in the skills needed to act in concert improved the quality of life. It is hard to overestimate the significance of human’s ability to manipulate the brains of animals with limited ability to fix acquired drives (domestication).
Due to the practically unlimited ability to fix acquired drives, humans possess the most manipulable brain among all living creatures on earth. The home/school/society triad manipulates the members of the society from birth until death, and the individuals behave accordingly.
The human being, a building block in the creation of human society, the most gigantic man-made product on earth, was born with a brain knowing nothing whatever about the real world, but with full capability to invent a non-existing, myths-directed world (and believe in it). Thus, Homo sapiens sapiens, the only surviving human species after the extinction of Homo sapiens fossilis, created necessarily with the chaos function of the human cortex the myths of supernatural forces which brought into being the still existing myths-directed human society.
For sake of survival, it was, of course, from the very beginning of vital importance to get acquainted with the creative and controlling forces of nature. The power of thinking in orderly rational ways, the capacity to explore the natural mechanisms (science), is that physiological reality which determines the conscious fight of the individual to find and fix acquired drives that optimally fit their natural endowments. Homo sapiens sapiens appeared around 150,000 years ago; reached full behavioral modernity around 50,000 years ago; and piled up little by little proper knowledge regarding the natural forces. Science and technology developed slowly until the age of enlightenment and achieved thereafter a dramatic speed. A crucially important step forward was the separation of Church, by its nature the main creator and guardian force of the myths-directed era of the human society, and State, interested by its nature in supporting with passing time more and more the rationally directed human activities. The ultimately unavoidable transition of human society from the myths-directed era into the rationally-directed one will finally lead to a reasonably and harmoniously operating global human world. Just comparing in the highest developed countries the quality and duration of the life of individuals, and the characteristics of social life, prior to the age of enlightenment with the conditions today, the trend of development is clear. The aim set by the brilliant pioneers of the age of enlightenment, their prudence recommendation: Sapere aude (Dare to go independent), is as timely as it was then. If masses learn how the brain works, they will resist traditional methods of manipulation.
Knowledge arrived already to the level which meets the claim to bring to an end the myths-directed era, the first part of human history. After all, time is ripe to call into existence the rationally directed, global, homogeneous human society; the birth of the European Union illustrates for example an evident step forward in the right direction. However, only a smaller part of the human world-population (7.5 billion) lives, at present, in highly developed countries, where the overwhelming majority of citizens believe in democracy, freedom of speech, women’ rights, gay rights, etc. Billions still live in countries where the home/school/society triad manipulates the members of the society from birth until death according to the same myths that shaped the lives of the society centuries ago.
In our animal model, we manipulated the behavior of our rats to fix in their brain the ‘glass-cylinder-seeking drive’. Finally, the rat behaved as one possessing a fanatical desire to reach the unnatural goal: to find in an unknown environment the glass cylinder with a side opening and open at bottom and top, and jump to the rim of the 30-cm-high glass-cylinder. When such a rat has been deprived of food for 48 hours and then food was offered within the usual setup that contained the glass-cylinder, the rat looked for the glass-cylinder and left the food untouched. Similarly, when a receptive female was offered to a sexually fully active glass-cylinder-seeking male rat in the usual setup, the male looked for the glass-cylinder and neglected the receptive female. Thus, the same basic mechanism manipulates the behavior of the domesticated animals and humans. However, in striking contrast to the human brain with practically unlimited capacity to fix acquired drives, this ability in animals is strictly limited (Knoll 1969, 2005).
The brain of a suicide killer is furtively manipulated. The properly acquired drive develops as a result of long-lasting training. The subject always acts under coercion, under severe mental pressure. Nevertheless, it is the nature of acquired drives that if the manipulation was fully successful the individual ultimately behaves as one possessing a fanatical desire to reach the acquired-drive-motivated goal. Thus, the expert’s opinion that the global war on terror is a 7th-century clash involving 21st-century weapons is correct. However much time is still needed to arrive to the ratio-directed era of human history, to reach it is sooner or later an imperative necessity.
The billions who remained during the history of mankind untouched by their wartime killings of the masses of their innocent peers and were ready to die in the name of “God”, “fatherland” and so on, illustrates the consequences of the practically unlimited capacity of the human brain to fix acquired drives. Even in the dark history of mankind, the Holocaust, the extermination of millions within a few years with unprecedented success, due to a systematically planned and executed evil mass manipulation of tens of millions, was a unique event. This horrifying recent example, as well as the war on terror now in progress, testifies to the fact that the potential to misuse the physiological endowments of the human cortex is practically unlimited.
Only a global change of education, based fully on the exact knowledge of the brain mechanisms that enable the manipulation of individuals, can lead, at some point in the future, to the desired rationally directed society (Knoll 2005).
Brief history of the development of DEP. We used in our behavioral studies in the 1950s amphetamine or methamphetamine to stimulate the catecholaminergic machinery, the key important activator of the cortex. Since as soon as we surpassed the 1-2 mg/kg dose, the drug-induced continuous, irresistible release of catecholamines resulted in aimless hypermotility which blocked purposeful behavior, I started a structure-activity-relationship study to develop a better variant. In the early 1960s, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors represented a new type of central stimulation, so I decided to start the structure-activity-relationship study with methamphetamine containing a propargyl-group attached to the nitrogen. This group was known to form a covalent binding with the flavin in MAO and block the enzyme irreversibly.
Out of a series of newly synthesized patentable, racemic methamphetamine derivatives, I selected E-250 (later named deprenyl) as the most promising to get rid of the catecholamine-releasing property. The first paper describing the beneficial pharmacological profile of the racemic E-250, as a new psychic energizer, was published in 1964 (in Hungarian) and in 1965 (in English) (Knoll et al., 1964, 1965). The (-) isomer [(-)-deprenyl (Selegiline)] was the finally developed drug.
(-)-Deprenyl (DEP), the b-phenylethylamine (PEA)-derivative which catalyzed in the early 1990s the discovery of the catecholaminergic activity enhancer (CAE) effect and opened my mind to the key importance of enhancer regulation in brain work, is now a drug used worldwide to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Since maintenance on a low, 1 mg/day, dose slows aging related decay of the catecholaminergic brain engine, DEP is successfully employed by healthy, aging population to improve the quality of life in their middle or late years (Knoll 2012).
After more than 50 years in research and therapy, it is timely to throw light upon the still improper evaluation of the pharmacological spectrum of DEP and the possible origin of the controversies.
The gradual recognition of the complicated pharmacological spectrum of DEP.
THE FIRST PHASE
Recognition that DEP is the unique MAO inhibitor free of the ‘cheese effect’. In 1963, a calamitous number of clinical reports (Womack, Foster, Maan, Davies) appeared in The Lancet concerning patients treated with MAO inhibitors (tranylcypromine, nialamide, pargyline) who developed temporary clinical symptoms (hypertension, palpitation, neck stiffness, headache, nausea, vomiting), similar to a paroxysm produced by pheochromocytoma.
Blackwell realized that these hypertensive crises are associated with the ingestion of high amounts of tyramine in cheese, and MAO inhibitors impede metabolism (a.k.a. the “cheese effect”) (Blackwell 1963).This was for me a highly important, thought-provoking perception, because when Blackwell’s paper appeared, I was working on the manuscript of the first DEP papers (at that time we used the original code name: E-250), and the detailed pharmacological analysis clearly indicated, already in 1965, that DEP is the first MAO inhibitor free of the cheese effect and the prima-facie experimental evidence was published three years later (Knoll et al. 1968).
Unfortunately, 1960s Hungary was isolated from the western world’s mainstream science. Our results remained largely unnoticed. I asked Ervin Varga in 1964, who worked as psychiatrist in our University Clinic, to test the antidepressant effect of racemic E-250. He published a preliminary note (in German) on the promising results of the running clinical trial with racemic E-250 on depressed patients (Varga 1965). Varga wrote with his coworker the first paper, in English, describing that racemic E-250 is an efficient, prompt acting antidepressant (Varga and Tringer 1967). In 1971, they wrote the first paper demonstrating that DEP is a potent antidepressant (Tringer et al. 1971).
In retrospect, it is surprising that although our first papers on racemic E-250, which proposed to use the new compound as an antidepressant, appeared in 1964/1965; the first clinical studies which supported the proposal were published by Varga in Hungary between 1965-1971; the first clinical trial abroad proving the antidepressant effect of DEP was published in the USA (Mann and Gershon 1980), and a couple of studies corroborated the finding thereafter (see Knoll 2012 Chapter 8); selegiline (DEP) with the indication to treat major depressive disorder was only first registered in 2006 in the United States and, based on a transdermal selegiline study in outpatients (Bodkin and Amsterdam 2002), marketed as the first transdermal antidepressant (Emsam).
Ervin Varga found that in harmony with our rat experiments, DEP is free of the “cheese effect” also in humans. As cited as a personal communication in the discussion of our 1968 paper, he stated “Even provocative cheese consumption failed to produce headache or hypertensive crisis” (Knoll et al. 1968; p. 111). Varga moved to the USA, where he still lives, and he discontinued his clinical studies with DEP. His convincing preliminary study, which confirmed that DEP is devoid of the “cheese effect” was never completed and has remained unpublished. It marks the era in Hungary in the 1960s, referred to in the discussion of the Knoll et al. 1968 paper, during which two other Hungarian studies are mentioned, which confirmed that DEP was devoid of the “cheese effect” (Kardos and Füredi 1966; Juhász personal communication). None of them were completed, but later performed studies with DEP confirmed these observations (Knoll 2016).
Sandler and his co-workers in London demonstrated that after pretreatment with DEP parkinsonian volunteers who had received levodopa or levodopa+carbidopa suffered no adverse pressor reaction after challenged with oral tyramine in considerably greater amounts than the dose likely to be encountered in a normal diet (Elsworth et al. 1978; Sandler et al. 1978). Thus, they finally, acceptably confirmed that DEP is an MAO inhibitor free of the cheese effect, which aligned with our findings in animal experiments and with preliminary studies of Hungarian clinicians.
Because of the serious side effects of levodopa in Parkinson’s disease, Birkmayer and Hornykiewicz attempted to achieve a levodopa-sparing effect with the concurrent administration of levodopa with an MAO inhibitor. As such combinations frequently elicited hypertensive attacks, they soon terminated this line of clinical research (Birkmayer and Hornykiewicz 1962). Considering the peculiar pharmacological profile of DEP, Birkmayer in Vienna was the first clinician who dared to combine DEP with levodopa in Parkinson’s disease. The trial, the first clinical study with DEP in the West, was successful. The levodopa-sparing effect was achieved in patients without signs of significant hypertensive reactions (Birkmayer et al. 1977). This study initiated, and a subsequent Lancet Editorial (September 25, 1982) enhanced, the world-wide use of DEP in Parkinson’s disease.
THE SECOND PHASE
The recognition that DEP is the first selective inhibitor of B-type MAO. In the early 1970s, DEP achieved its place in research and therapy as the first selective inhibitor of MAO-B. Since DEP as a drug (selegiline) is classified in all textbooks only as the prototype of the selective inhibitor of MAO-B, it is still the universal belief among clinicians that selective inhibition of B-type MAO in the brain is fully responsible for selegiline-treatment induced therapeutic benefits. This view is inconsistent with the already proven complex pharmacological spectrum of DEP and this is the controversy which deserves careful consideration.
In the same year that we published the unique behavior of (-)-deprenyl (Knoll et al. 1968), Johnston described clorgyline, which came into world-wide use as an experimental tool in MAO research (Johnston, 1968). He namely realized that clorgyline preferentially inhibits the deamination of serotonin, and this important finding was soon confirmed by Hall et al. (1969). Johnston proposed the existence of two forms of MAO, “type A” and “type B”, the former being selectively inhibited by clorgyline and the latter relatively insensitive to it. Johnston's nomenclature has become widely accepted and is still in use. Clorgyline remained the classic experimental tool to analyze A-type MAO.
For further studies, a selective inhibitor of MAO-B was strongly needed. Fortunately, DEP proved to be the missing, selective inhibitor of MAO-B. I presented the finding in my lecture at the First International MAO Meeting in Cagliari (Sardinia) in 1971. DEP is still the classic experimental tool to analyze B-type MAO. The first paper which described this novel property of DEP (Knoll and Magyar 1972) has become a citation classic ten-year later (Knoll J, This Week’s Citation Classic, January 15, 1982).
For several years, the selective MAO-B inhibitory effect of DEP was at the center of our interest. It delayed the discovery of the drug’s enhancer effect. Prior to the discovery of the catecholaminergic activity enhancer (CAE) effect of DEP (Knoll 1998), it was my firm belief that the selective inhibition of B-type MAO is responsible for the drug’s beneficial therapeutic effects. In my lecture at the ‘Strategy of Drug Research’ IUPAC/IUPHAR Symposium in Noordwijkerhout (The Netherlands) in 1982, I presented experimental evidence that preventive daily administration of DEP during the post-developmental phase of life is an unexpected chance to improve the quality and prolong the duration of mammalian life (Knoll 1982).
Since further behavioral studies indicated that important central stimulatory effects of DEP might be unrelated to MAO-B inhibition, it stand to reason to perform a structure-activity-relationship study to throw light on this problem. We developed (-)-1-phenyl-2-propylaminopentane, (-)-PPAP, the DEP-analog containing instead of the propargyl-group, a propyl-group attached to the nitrogen. The propyl-group is unable to covalently bind with the flavin in MAO-B rather than the propargyl-group in DEP. Thus, (-)-PPAP leaves MAO-B activity unchanged, however, as a central stimulant (-)-PPAP proved to be as potent stimulant of the catecholaminergic neurons as DEP (Knoll et al. 1992).
This finding paved the way for the discovery of the enhancer-regulation in the mammalian brain (Knoll 1994, Knoll and Miklya 1994), and to the realization that: i.) β-phenylethylamine (PEA) is a natural catecholaminergic activity enhancer (CAE) substance (Knoll et al. 1996a); ii.) DEP is a PEA-derived synthetic CAE substance (Knoll et al. 1996b); iii.) tryptamine is a natural enhancer substance (Knoll 1994), the realization of which catalyzed the structure-activity-relationship study resulting in the development of (2R)-1-(1-benzofuran-2-yl)-N-propylpentane-2-amine (BPAP), the tryptamine-derived, presently most potent known synthetic enhancer substance (Knoll et al., 1999).
The recognition that DEP is a PEA-derived synthetic enhancer substance. The high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with electrochemical detection allows exact measurement of the continuously released catecholamines and serotonin from freshly excised brain tissue. This method ensured us to obtain unequivocal experimental evidence regarding the operation of the enhancer regulation in the life-important catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems of the brainstem. In 1993, we began to use this technique to measure the amount of dopamine released from the striatum, substantia nigra and tuberculum olfactorium, as well as norepinephrine from the locus coeruleus and serotonin from the raphe.
In 1994, we presented the results from the first series of experiments performed with the HPLC method which demonstrated that multiple, small dose administration of DEP keeps the catecholaminergic, but not the serotonergic neurons on a significantly higher activity level, and how DEP’s peculiar enhancer effect is unrelated to MAO-B inhibition (Knoll and Miklya 1994).
In these experiments, the rats were daily treated for 21 days subcutaneously with DEP, PPAP and methamphetamine, respectively. Measuring by HPLC method the amount of catecholamines and serotonin released within 20 minutes from the freshly isolated, discrete brain regions, we measure exactly the part of the surviving spontaneously active neurons. Treating the rats with proper low doses of the enhancer substances we exactly measure the synthetic enhancer-treatment induced increase in the number of spontaneously active neurons.
For example, whereas 2.72±0.10 nmoles/g tissue of dopamine was released within 20 minutes from the freshly isolated striatum of male rats treated subcutaneously with 0.3 ml saline/100g daily measured 24 hours after the last injection, the amount of dopamine released within 20 minutes from the striatum isolated from rats treated with 0.01 mg/kg DEP was 4.42±0.09 nmoles/g tissue. We obviously measure the enhancer-treatment induced transformation of silent neurons into spontaneously working neurons from the freshly isolated striatum.
We measured the dose-related effects of DEP, PPAP and methamphetamine (see Knoll 2016 Table 1).
We investigated methamphetamine’s enhancer effect because it is a synthetic PEA-derivative with the same pharmacological spectrum as its parent compound, PEA, the natural enhancer of the catecholaminergic neurons, being in higher concentrations a potent releaser of catecholamines.
We measured the effect of DEP, the PEA-derived synthetic enhancer substance free of the catecholamine-releasing property, being in higher concentrations a potent selective inhibitor of MAO-B.
We also measured the enhancer effect of PPAP, which acts like DEP, but leaves MAO-B activity unchanged (Knoll et al. 1992).
Like PEA, their parent compound, the natural catecholaminergic enhancer (CAE) substance, the synthetic PEA-derivatives are in low concentration potent CAE substances. As measured 24 hours after the last injection, a three-week daily treatment of male and female rats with 0.01 mg/kg DEP, or 0.1 mg/kg PPAP, or 0.05 mg/kg methamphetamine, kept the catecholaminergic neurons working on a significantly higher activity level, but they did not enhance the activity of the serotonergic neurons (Knoll 2016 Table 1 and 2).
The discovery of the enhancer regulation in the mammalian brain and the development of the synthetic enhancer substances were recently summarized (Knoll 2016). This study presents final evidence that the enhancer effect of DEP and BPAP, the presently known most potent synthetic enhancer substances, are responsible for the prolongation of life in mammals. Rats treated three times a week with 0.0001 mg/kg BPAP, which is the peak dose exerting its specific enhancer effect (Knoll 2016, Fig.24), significantly prolonged the life of rats (Knoll 2016, Fig.28). This study also shows that the 0.25 mg/kg dose of DEP, used from the beginning in the longevity studies (Knoll 1988), has two effects: it is the peak dose which blocks completely MAO-B in the brain, and is also the peak dose which exerts the non-specific enhancer effect of DEP (Knoll 2016, Fig.12). Since the presently used 10 mg daily dose of DEP in therapy was originally selected as the one equivalent with the dose used in animals, it remains for the future to clarify the role of the non-specific enhancer effect of DEP in the therapeutic benefits observed in the last decades.
All in all, the complicated pharmacological profile of DEP was recognized in phases.
The first phase was the structure-activity-relationship study performed in the early 1960s with the aim to develop for the behavioral studies a methamphetamine derivative devoid of the catecholamine-releasing effect of its parent compound. I selected the compound, later named deprenyl, as the most suitable one for further research. Being devoid of the catecholamine-releasing property, DEP was the first MAO inhibitor free of the cheese-effect.
The second phase in DEP-research which attracted international attention started in the 1970s. This was the discovery that DEP is a selective inhibitor of MAO-B.
The third phase in DEP-research, the discovery of the enhancer regulation in the rat brain, started in the 1990s. We realized that β-phenylethylamine (PEA) and tryptamine are endogenous enhancer substances, DEP is a PEA-derived synthetic enhancer substance, and we developed BPAP, the tryptamine-derived synthetic enhancer substance (as the first summary, see Knoll 2005 and as the last summary, see Knoll 2016).
It is not to be questioned that since the early 1960s the DEP story had always a surprise in store. DEP-research forwarded us to the discovery of the enhancer regulation in the mammalian brain, to the realization that the catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons are enhancer-sensitive units, and to the development of BPAP.
Brief summary of the unique mechanism of the enhancer effect. We selected in shuttle box experiments the peak in vivo enhancer doses for DEP (‘specific’: 0.001 mg/kg; ‘non-specific’ 0.25 mg/kg) and BPAP (‘specific’: 0.0001 mg/kg; ‘non-specific’: 0.05 mg/kg) for rats (see Knoll 2016, Fig.12 and Fig.24). The essence of the in vivo analysis was the measurement of the acquisition of a two-way conditioned avoidance reflex (CAR) in the shuttle box, and the inhibition of rats’ learning ability with tetrabenazine-treatment (1 mg/kg sc.) which reversibly blocks the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). Tetrabenazine depletes at least 90% of norepinephrine and dopamine from their stores in the nerve terminals within 1 hour. The lower the degree of saturation in the transmitter pools, the lower is the excitability of the neuron. Due to the weak performance of the catecholaminergic brain engine, activation of cortical neurons remains in tetrabenazine-treated rats below the level required for acquisition of a CAR. However, addition of 0.0001 mg/kg BPAP to 1 mg/kg tetrabenazine fully restored the learning ability of the rats (Knoll 2016, Fig. 24).
Since BPAP-treatment fully restored catecholaminergic transmission, there is no denying the fact that VMAT2 works again despite the presence of tetrabenazine. Considering the nature of the well documented effects of BPAP on the enhancer-sensitive catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons, the low dose BPAP-induced elimination of the effect of tetrabenazine is outlining the functionally essential mechanism of the peculiar enhancer effect of BPAP, the molecular mechanism how 0.0001 mg/kg BPAP is capable to keep VMAT2 normally working in the presence of tetrabenazine awaits clarification and is now subject of Western blotting analysis.
Let us discuss the therapeutically important essential functional mechanism of BPAP, the presently known most potent synthetic enhancer substance, analyzing its effect, as an example, on the enhancer-sensitive dopaminergic neurotransmission. Regarding the excitability and function of dopaminergic neurons electrophysiological studies with rodents and primates have shown that these neurons are silent or spontaneously active (Marinelli et al. 2006). DEP or BPAP treatment keeps the catecholaminergic neurons on a higher activity level (Knoll 2005, 2012, 2016). For example: 6.8±0.18 nmol/g wet weight dopamine was released within 20 min from the substantia nigra isolated from saline treated rats and 14.8±0.36 nmol/g wet weight dopamine was released within 20 min from the substantia nigra isolated from rats treated with a single dose of 0.0001 mg/kg BPAP. Similarly, a single dose treatment with 0.0005 mg/kg BPAP increased the release of norepinephrine from the isolated locus coeruleus within 20 min from 4.7±0.10 (saline) to 15.4±0.55 nmol/g wet weight; and a three-week treatment once daily with 0.0001 mg/kg BPAP acted similarly (the brain areas were isolated 24 hours after the last injection) (Knoll 2016, Table 10).
These ex vivo results from studies using isolated discrete rat brain regions are in complete harmony with the results of the in vivo shuttle box experiments and furnish unequivocal evidence that the treatment of rats with 0.0001 mg/kg BPAP transformed the silent catecholaminergic neurons into spontaneous firing entities.
The presently known enhancer-sensitive regulations work in the uphill period of life, from weaning until sexual maturity, on a significantly higher activity level (Knoll and Miklya 1995). Sexual hormones (estrone, testosterone) return the enhancer regulation to the pre-weaning level, putting in action the downhill period of life and the aging-related slow decay of the enhancer regulation continues until death (Knoll et al. 2000). It is obvious that maintenance during the downhill period of life on a proper low dose of a synthetic enhancer substance slows the aging related decay of the enhancer sensitive brain regulations, improves the quality of life in the latter decades, prolongs life and delays or prevents the manifestation of enhancer-regulation-dependent illnesses, signaling that due to aging-related decay the enhancer regulation surpassed already the critical threshold.
For example, we lose 13% of our dopamine in the decade after age 45. In the healthy population the calculated loss of striatal dopamine is about 40% at the age of 75 which is about the average lifetime. As symptoms become visible only after the unnoticed loss of about 70% of striatal dopamine, in diagnosing Parkinson’s disease the neurologist selects subjects with the most rapidly aging striatal dopaminergic system (about 0.1% of the population). Parkinson’s disease is incurable, thus to start treatment as the loss of striatal dopamine exceeds 70%, is too late.
Experimental and clinical studies with (-)-deprenyl/selegiline strongly support the proposal that preventive administration of a synthetic enhancer substance during post-developmental life could significantly slow the unavoidable decay of behavioral performances with the passing of time, prolong life, and prevent or delay the onset of aging-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as PD and AD. In humans, maintenance from sexual maturity on (-)-deprenyl (1 mg daily) is for the time being the only feasible treatment with a promising chance to reach this aim, since selegiline is at present the only world-wide registered CAE substance.
Considering the peculiar pharmacological profile of selegiline, the unusual safety of this drug and the incurable nature of PD and AD, it is unfortunate that we are still in want of a multicenter, controlled clinical trial, designed to measure the prevalence of these neurodegenerative diseases in a cohort treated from at least age 60 with 1 mg selegiline daily.
All drugs used today harshly change in their pharmacologically effective dose the physiological milieu of the highly sophisticated living material, so they are in principle unsuitable for lifelong daily administration, the uniqueness of the enhancer effect is evident. In the extremely low dose range in which they exert their specific enhancer effect, the enhancer substances selectively transform the lower performing enhancer sensitive neurons into better performing ones, thus they do not change the physiological milieu. It is obvious that their safety margin is exceptional.
Lifelong preventive medication requires unique drug safeness. Due to their peculiar mechanism of action and safety margin, only the synthetic enhancer substances meet this requirement. BPAP on rats exerts its specific enhancer effect in a subcutaneous dose as low as 0.0001 mg/kg and even the subcutaneous administration of 20 mg/kg is tolerated without any sign of toxic effects.
Since DEP (Selegiline), is at present the only synthetic CAE substance in clinical use, it is reasonable to suggest a daily 1 mg dose to serve as a preventive agent from sexual maturity to slow the aging of the catecholaminergic brain engine. As repeatedly demonstrated, DEP is a perfectly safe option for this purpose. Nevertheless, BPAP, the therapeutic efficiency of which still needs establishing, overshadows the potency of DEP. BPAP, the highly potent and selective synthetic enhancer substance, is an ideal experimental tool for detecting unknown enhancer-sensitive brain regulations. Since our knowledge regarding the enhancer regulation is in its infancy, we see just the peak of the iceberg. The prospects of revealing by the aid of BPAP unexplored enhancer regulations in the mammalian brain are quite promising.
Reasons for the need to evaluate the share of DEP’s ‘non-specific’ enhancer effect in the therapeutic benefits observed since decades in patients treated with the usually used 10 mg daily oral dose of DEP. There is recent convincing, unequivocal experimental evidence on rats that the generally used parenteral dose of DEP (0.25 mg/kg) which blocks selectively MAO-B activity in the brain is also the optimal dose which exerts the ‘non-specific’ enhancer effect ( see Knoll 2016, Fig. 12).
Since the oral 10 mg daily dose of DEP was originally selected by us in the 1960s for the first clinical trials as equivalently effective with 0.25 mg/kg dose of DEP in rats to block selectively MAO-B activity in the brain, and this is still the world-wide used daily dose of DEP in therapy, there can be little doubt that the generally used oral dose of DEP exerts also in humans its ‘non-specific’ enhancer effect. Up to the present, the unknowingness of the enhancer regulation left this point out of consideration. It remains for the future to ascertain the share of the ‘non-specific’ enhancer effect in DEP-treatment induced therapeutic benefits.
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Knoll J, Ecsery Z, Nievel J, Knoll B. Phenylisopropylmethyl-propinylamine HCl (E-250) egy új hatásspektrumu pszichoenergetikum. MTA V. Oszt. Közl. 1964; 15:231,
Knoll J, Ecseri Z, Kelemen K, Nievel J, Knoll B. Phenylisopropylmethyl¬ propinylamine (E-250) a new psychic energizer. Archives internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Thérapie 1965; 155:154-64.
Knoll J, Vizi ES, Somogyi G. Phenylisopropylmethylpropinylamine (E-250), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antagonizing the effects of tyramine. Arzneimittelforschung 1968; 18:109-12.
Knoll J, Knoll B, Török Z, Timar J, Yasar S. The pharmacology of 1-phenyl-2-propylaminopentane (PPAP), a deprenyl-derived new spectrum psychostimulant. Archives internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Thérapie 1992; 316:5-29.
Knoll J, Miklya I, Knoll B, Markó R, Rácz D. Phenylethylamine and tyramine are mixed-acting sympathomimetic amines in the brain. Life Sciences 1996a; 58:2101-14.
Knoll J, Miklya I, Knoll B, Markó R, Kelemen K. (-)Deprenyl and (-)1-phenyl-2-propylaminopentane, (-)PPAP, act primarily as potent stimulants of action potential-transmitter release coupling in the catecholaminergic neurons. Life Sciences 1996b; 58:817-27.
Knoll J, Yoneda F, Knoll B, Ohde H, Miklya I. (-)l-(Benzofuran-2-yl)-2-propylaminopentane, [(-)BPAP], a selective enhancer of the impulse propagation mediated release of catecholamines and serotonin in the brain. British Journal Pharmacology 1999; 128:1723-32.
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Lancet Editorial. Deprenyl in Parkinson’s Disease. The Lancet 1982; Vol.2, No.8300, (September 25) p. 695-96.
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Varga E. Vorlufiger Bericht über die Wirkung des Prparats E-250 (phenyl-isopropyl-methyl-propinylamine-chlorhydrat), in: III. Conferentia Hungarica pro Therapia et Investigatione in Pharmacologia (B Dumbovich, editor), Budapest, Publishing House of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1965, p.197-201.
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Home » DMS Insights: Digital Advertising News » 3 Effective Marketing Campaigns Promoting Mental Health Wellness
3 Effective Marketing Campaigns Promoting Mental Health Wellness
February 5, 2020 Sarah Cavill
Mental illness is an issue that affects one in five American adults every year, and awareness around the dangers of untreated depression and other medical conditions related to mental health is growing. Well-implemented campaigns promoting the importance of understanding and treating mental illness can reach audiences struggling with finding help.
With Help From A Future King And England’s Football Association (FA), #HeadsUp Focuses On Getting Men And Athletes The Mental Health Support They Need
The Duke of Cambridge (AKA Prince William) is in a unique position to create a specific program addressing the mental health needs of men and athletes. “As President of The FA I saw an opportunity to bring the sport I love – that many men talk about more than anything else in their lives – to help lead the next phase of the conversation [around mental health],” said the Duke.
Heads Together, a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, partners with #HeadsUp, which focuses on helping athletes talk about their mental health struggles. By making the mental health issues of FA athletes more public, #HeadsUp hopes to increase the comfort among non-athletes, and particularly men, to also share their own stories of depression, grief and other issues that may be difficult to discuss. The #HeadsUp movement has the support of top tier sponsors, including Emirates, and elite athletes, who have participated in a series of videos promoting #HeadsUp and airing across YouTube and other social media platforms. The Cambridges and participating athletes also regularly use their social media feeds to highlight #HeadsUp initiatives.
By Tapping Into The Sharing Spirit Of Social Media, Instagram Launched #HereForYou
In 2017, Instagram introduced #HereForYou. Timed to launch during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, the powerful social media platform set out to merge the natural tendency of people to share their mental health journeys on Instagram with the power of the community to help. “Every day on Instagram, we see people share their mental health journeys and connect with communities of support. From dedicated accounts around an issue to unique hashtags adopted by groups, these communities are helping to make illnesses that are often invisible to friends and family visible through photos and videos,” said Kevin Systrom, Co-Founder and CEO of Instagram.
The team at Instagram also created tools in the app that make it easier to anonymously help Instagram users who may need additional help with mental health struggles. After receiving a tip, Instagram reaches out to the user, offering support options, including connecting the user with mental health organizations. According to Systrom’s blog, “half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14,” making social media a natural outlet to reach teens who may be struggling. A Pew Research study found 34% of teens share things on social media related to their “emotions and feelings.”
A Campaign To Bring Awareness To Postpartum Depression Included A Multichannel Strategy Geared At Medical Professionals And Moms
“It comes down to stopping power,” said Kathryn Black, a team member from the agency behind the postpartum depression (PPD) awareness campaign for Sage Therapeutics. “We needed to really shatter the stigma and this culture of silence associated with postpartum depression.”
Sage Therapeutics wanted to convey the seriousness of the subject while also capturing the attention of medical professionals and moms. By settling on the “culture of silence” around PPD, which impacts 10-20% of new moms but goes undiagnosed 50% of the time, as the thematic touchpoint for the advertising, the campaign was able to create a compelling promotion that deployed across a variety of channels.
The advertising featured women sucking on “silencing” pacifiers and launched during the annual American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists conference. The campaign included static panels, hanging banners, door drops, elevator clings, interactive kiosks and a video wall showing women in the campaign spitting out pacifiers. The campaign was in support of Sage Pharmaceuticals’ new PPD medication and led to increased chatter and awareness around the mental health needs of new moms.
DMS Partners With Headstrong To Honor Our Veterans
After working tirelessly and facing unimaginable risks during active duty, many of our veterans suffer from their hidden wounds of war. Partnering with Headstrong, a charitable organization committed to ending veteran suicide and providing high-quality mental health care, the DMS Heroes & Legends Ultramarathon is a moment to show our support and recognize the incredible contributions of America’s veterans. Running relay style, four teams of DMS runners will traverse the 220-mile course to raise funds for veteran mental health services.
Would you consider sponsoring our event? As a DMS Heroes & Legends sponsor, you’ll be helping Headstrong fulfill their mission.
Brands Can Offer Trustworthy Options To Consumers Impacted By Personal Debt
Although consumer debt is reaching an all-time high, alternative payment platforms and personal loan produc...
Promotions For The Latest “Wimpy Kid” Book Installment Includes Digital Activations
The rise of augmented reality and fun digital activations includes the latest “Wimpy Kid” book.
Advertisers Are Prioritizing First-Party Data And Diversity
In 2021, advertisers are looking ahead to a future where first-party data is king, and simultaneously focusing their attention on connected TV and diversified media buys.
5 Advertising Strategies To Help Personal Loan Brands Reach High-Intent Consumers During Peak Resolution Season
Consumer demand for personal loans is expected to hit its peak in early Q1. Here are five recommendations for personal loan brands to consider when launching advertising strategies.
What Is Struum?
A new streaming service, Struum promises to bundle on the streaming services consumers aren’t yet watching.
Google Question Hub: Just The Facts
Through Google Question Hub, publishers can identify unanswered questions from searches and create relevant content based on the gaps in Google Search.
What Is The Clubhouse Audio-Only Social Media Platform?
Clubhouse is a recently launched audio-only social media platform that is popular with celebrities and growing around the world.
People With Disabilities Have Money To Spend But Are Often Overlooked
Advertisers that are authentic and inclusive can capture the attention of people with disabilities, a group long overlooked in advertising strategies.
Social Media Strategies For 2021
As consumer behaviors continue to reflect increased reliance on online usage, social media platforms prove invaluable for advertisers.
After Adaptation And Innovation In 2020, What’s Next For QSRs?
Last year, QSRs adapted to consumer needs with new digital strategies and innovations, which are likely to stick around in 2021.
Lead Generation Predictions For 2021
Where lead generation and customer acquisition is headed in 2021 has a lot to do with the way 2020 shaped consumer intent and behaviors.
Millennials & Gen Z: A Profile Of Auto Insurance Customers
While homeowners have been a key demographic among auto insurance advertisers for many years, it's vital that car insurance brands develop a keener understanding of the growing non-homeowner audience.
Top News For Consumer Finance Advertisers
COVID-19 accelerated major shifts in consumer finance behaviors, needs and preferences. Here are the articles related to trends in consumer finance advertising published by DMS Insights in 2020.
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The Place for Jersey City News
In Our Midst
Bergen Lafayette
Mamarama
Jersey City Municipal Council Meeting
November 11, 2020 /in Jersey City Council Meeting /by Franchesca Maniscalco
City Council meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month unless noted. Click here for the meeting schedule.
All council meetings are open to the general public, who are also welcome to speak during designated times. Prior to the meeting, members of the public who are interested in speaking should contact the City Clerk at (201) 547-5150.
Hudson County Community College has been named the recipient of a one-year, $850,000 investment from the JPMorgan Chase. The investment will be utilized for a program the College developed to address the challenges of the economic crisis in Hudson County that were brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is designed to provide lasting improvement in the County’s workforce ecosystem.
Mayor Steven Fulop and the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) have launched the latest round of emergency funding to provide over $2.5 million in direct aid and support to Jersey City’s neediest residents, regardless of immigration status. The city will partner with York Street, Women Rising, United Way, and Puertorriqueños Asociados for Community Organization (PACO).
Darius Evans, age 45, of Jersey City was arrested on Monday by The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in connection with the stabbing death of 39-year-old Tyrone Haskins early New Year’s morning. The charges include Murder and two counts of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes.
Mayor Steven Fulop is joining forces with Uber to announce a new agreement that will expand residents’ access to COVID-19 vaccinations with free Uber rides to and from Jersey City vaccination sites. Phase 1B includes essential frontline workers and seniors 75 years old and over.
According to a report in the Jersey Journal, Jersey City received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines Monday and plans to begin vaccinating eligible residents later this week at the Mary McLeod Bethune Center.
The federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offers businesses loans that can be forgivable, reopened on January 11th. The revised program focuses first on underserved borrowers – minority- and women-owned businesses.
Jersey Art Exchange (JAX) has merged with Art House Productions effective January 2021 to help improve and expand arts education and opportunities for the Jersey City community. JAX Founder Jacqueline Arias will remain Director of the program at Art House.
Christmas trees will be collected citywide every Wednesday night throughout the month of January. Pickup resumes this Wednesday January 13th.
Keep abreast of Jersey City Covid-19 statistics here.
Governor Murphy has launched a “Covid Transparency Website” where New Jerseyans can track state expenditures related to Covid. Go here.
Curators Choice 2020 Virtual Exhibition
October 1, 2020 - February 1, 2021
The Very Affordable Art Show
December 4, 2020 @ 12:00 pm - February 1, 2021 @ 5:00 pm
January LSP History Programs: The Historic Trilogy
January LSP History Programs: History of the CRRNJ Terminal
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Jessamy Baldwin Creative Content Portfolio
Writer | Journalist | Copywriter | Editor | Proofreader
Why humans are so drawn to water
By Jessamy Baldwin
My skin’s hot with the afternoon sun’s rays, I’m gazing out at a lighthouse across a millpond-like stretch of sea and my toes are cool with the lapping tide. I feel refreshed, present and content. Cue sigh.
Water has always been a sanctuary for me – lakes, rivers, the sea, a hot bath, a deep swimming pool; it’s where I’m happiest and feel most… me. And I’m not alone. It’s human nature to seek out large expanses of water.
It’s not surprising though, given that for millions of years, humans and our ancestors before us have needed water to survive – or at least benefited from its presence. While so many of us bang on about our love for all-things-aqua, there’s a perfectly plausible and scientific explanation behind our attraction. I hate to burst your bubble, but let’s take the plunge!
Neuroscientist Michael Crawford of the University of North London argues that once humans separated from apes and left the forests of Africa, they stayed close to rivers and beaches where they began to eat fish and seafood. He claims the increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helped to promote brain growth, and that humans’ intelligence increased significantly after we sought out water.
There’s no denying that water draws us in and fascinates us. In fact, I don’t think I could live anywhere there wasn’t a river, lake or the sea nearby. Without any of the above, I feel quite claustrophobic in fact.
Read next: Top 20 vibrant destinations across the world
Thankfully however, water is the most omnipresent substance on Earth and, along with air, it’s the primary ingredient for supporting life as we know it. There are approximately 332.5 million cubic miles of water on Earth—96% of it salt water. What’s more, water covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and 95% percent of those waters are yet to be fully explored by mankind.
Maps of the world’s population show that the majority of us today live close to water – 80% to be precise. Whether it’s on the edges of lakes, alongside the ocean, near to rivers, next to streams or on islands – we gravitate towards H2O.
Over half a billion people owe their livelihoods directly to water, and two-thirds of the global economy is derived from activities that involve water in some form. Moreover, approximately one billion people worldwide rely primarily on water-based sources for protein.
We use water for drinking, cooking, cleansing, working, exercise and travel. According to The Cambridge Water Company, the average person in the UK uses 150 gallons of water every single day. Around 45 litres is used in just a five minute shower!
Our intrinsic relationship with water goes far deeper than economics, food or proximity mind you. Our ancient ancestors came out of the water and evolved from swimming to crawling to walking. Human foetuses still have “gill-slit” structures in their early stages of development, and we spend our first nine months of life immersed in the “watery” environment of our mother’s womb. When we’re born, our bodies are approximately 78% water. As we age, that number drops to below 60% — but the brain continues to be made of 8% percent water.
Read next: How to live a more vibrant life
The human body as a whole has almost the same density as water, which enables us to float. In its mineral composition, the water in our cells is comparable to that of the sea. Science writer Loren Eiseley describes human beings as: “A way that water has of going about, beyond the reach of rivers.”
We are inspired by water. Hearing it, seeing it, smelling it in the air, playing in it, walking next to it, painting it, surfing, swimming or fishing in it, writing about it, reading about it, photographing it and creating lasting memories along its edge. Water drives many of our decisions and desires. From the seafood we eat, times spent with friends and family, our most romantic moments, where we live, the activities or sports we enjoy and the ways in which we travel or relax.
Archaeologist Brian Fagan says: “Water is something that humanity has cherished since the beginning of history and it means something different to everyone.” We all have our own unique relationship and set of memories with water. It’s where we came from originally and it’s where we naturally flock to recharge, rehydrate and reconnect.
Read next: Why moving and living in different places is so good for you!
Marine biologist Wallace J Nicholas states: “We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what’s broken,”
To the beach?
Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.
— W. H. Auden
For whatever we lose (like a you or a me),
It’s always our self we find in the sea.
― E.E. Cummings, 100 Selected Poems
A version of this article appeared in GSYLife magazine’s July ‘aqua’ issue.
Posted in LifestyleTagged column, humans, Jessamy Baldwin, lifestyle, mindfulness, sea, water, writerBy jessamy baldwinLeave a comment
← Top 20 Vibrant Destinations: Travel in Technicolour
An Interview with Pop-Up Fitness Founder Olivia Cooney →
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Home › Zhao Qian╱Offcut, the Edge╱SIGNED
Zhao Qian╱Offcut, the Edge╱SIGNED
BY Zhao Qian 赵谦
Published by Jiazazhi Press
Size: 240mm x 320mm x 10mm
64 pages, Hardcover
First Edition: 500
Published in Oct. 2017
Zhao Qian is a photographer and artist, who was born in China and currently lives in San Francisco. He has exhibited internationally such as Rathfarnham Castle (Dublin, Ireland), French Pavilion (Zagreb, Croatia), MACRO / Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (Rome, Italy), Ogden Museum of Southern Art (New Orleans, USA), Kala Art Institute (Berkeley, CA,USA), Today Art Museum (BeiJing, China) and Dalian Art Museum (Dalian, China). In 2016 he had solo shows in 001 GALLERY (Rome, Italy), Reminders Photography Stronghold Gallery(Tokyo, Japan) and Lianzhou Foto festival (Guangdong, China). His work has been featured in publications such as "British Journal of Photography", "Der Greif” DOC! photo magazine” “LensCulture" and "Yet Magazine”.
Zhao Qian has received "Vermont Studio Center Residency and Fellowship", "The Cow House Studio Artist Residency and Grant”，"HANGAR/ Artistic Research Center Artist Residency Program" and "Kala Art Institute Residency Program" . His “Offcut, the edge” has been selected as 11th Reminders Photography Stronghold Grantee.
I flew to San Francisco from Shanghai on August 11, 2014.The whole journey extended 9,872 miles, and the flight took 10 hours and 50 minutes. The time difference between Shanghai and San Francisco was 15 hours, so I took three days to get adjusted. I slept for at least ten hours each day.
This series is based on my daily life and imagination. I keep a distance from the city I now live in. Landmarks, shopping malls and new neighborhoods help me to constructed an unreal city in images and memory: a fictitious city that is based on an actual place but that is transformed by an associative process. With people seeming to appear out of mist, the slightly off-kilter images connect to something odd but interesting. These images ask viewers to look again, to step closer and to investigate what might be there in that other dimension.
Signed copy available.
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Ask Jackson (Q&A)
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The Sixty Best Episodes of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS (Number Three)
Posted on October 31, 2013 by upperco
Welcome to another Xena Thursday! We’re continuing with my 60 favorite episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess. I’ve been a fan of this series since I was about three years old and believe me–this list was tough to make! If you’re unfamiliar with the show, it was a spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and aired in first-run syndication from 1995 to 2001. Taking place primarily in Ancient Greece, the show focused on Xena (Lucy Lawless), a reformed warlord seeking redemption for her evil past by helping others. She traveled with her best friend, Gabrielle (Renée O’Connor), an aspiring bard and the chronicler of Xena’s adventures.
I have chosen the best 60 of the 134 produced episodes. Of course, these are all subjective. For those who are familiar with the series, I hope my points-of-view will prove fascinating and perhaps inspire you to reexamine your favorite, or perhaps least favorite, episodes. For those who are unfamiliar with the series, this list might spark your interest and give you some places to start. Because the series did so many different things over the 134 episodes, Xena is the type of show that requires multiple viewings to be properly assessed. The ranking is subjective. If a particular story strikes your fancy, I encourage you to give it a try! In fact, contact me and I will be able to hook you up.
With all that said, let us resume with episode number three on the list.
03. Season 1, Episode 22: “Callisto” (Aired: 05/13/96 | Filmed: 02/06 – 02/16/96)
Xena is once again reminded of the sins of her past when a malicious female warrior, whose family was killed by Xena’s former army, exacts her revenge on the Warrior Princess by impersonating her.
Written by R.J. Stewart | Directed by T.J. Scott | Production No. 876920
We’re finally into the top three with one of the most important episodes of the entire series. “Callisto” not only sees the introduction of that titular villain, but also of the character who will become Xena and Gabrielle’s greatest friend: Joxer, The Mighty. Beyond that, “Callisto” is so directly connected to the series’ premise — Xena’s atonement for her past evils — that it might just be the best episode for curious new fans. Furthermore, this episode houses some truly stellar performances and (most thrillingly) one of the more memorable action sequences of the entire series.
Xena learns from Melas, a man whose family has been murdered, that a woman is plundering villages under the alias of Xena: Warrior Princess. On their way to confront the impostor, the duo are harassed by a bumbler named Joxer, who offers his warrior services to Xena. She rebukes both him and Melas, who attempts to assassinate her, thinking that she’s the one who murdered his family.
Xena arrives in the next village and finally confronts the woman, a blonde named Callisto, who reveals that she’s the one who shot Xena with the poison dart in “The Greater Good.” After Callisto runs off with Xena’s chakram in tow, Xena puts the punch on Callisto’s right hand man, Theodorus. He tells Xena that Callisto’s family was killed by Xena’s army when they raided and burned the village of Cirra many years ago. Callisto is now seeking revenge by attempting to tarnish the Warrior Princess’s reputation. Theodorus also reveals that Callisto’s headed to murder the Oracle of Delphi and pin the crime on Xena. Melas has witnessed the whole thing and apologizes for his error. He decides to travel with Xena and Gabrielle. Meanwhile, Joxer visits Callisto’s hideout and asks to be a part of her army. After laughing at him, Callisto tells the fool that he must prove himself to her — by capturing Gabrielle. That night, Xena and Gabrielle have a heart-to-heart by the fire, and Xena tears up as she recalls her responsibility in the burning of Cirra.
The next day, Xena is able to successfully prevent the Oracle’s assassination and chases Callisto out of the temple. After a lengthy run, Xena captures Callisto and takes her prisoner. Meanwhile, Joxer’s attempts to capture Gabrielle go nowhere and she beats him up. Gabrielle meets up with Xena and Callisto, as Xena, out of guilt, briefly considers letting Callisto go. But Callisto tells Xena that she’s just going to dedicate her life to killing everything and everyone that Xena loves. Xena takes Callisto back to the jail, but Melas leads a lynch mob, hungry for Callisto’s blood, and torches the prison. Callisto manages to escape and captures Gabrielle as she rides off. As Xena trails Callisto, Joxer returns to Callisto’s hideout, hoping that Gabrielle’s capture will secure him a spot in her army, insisting that he “softened her up” for Callisto. The skeptical “Warrior Queen” offers Joxer one last chance to prove himself — by slitting Gabrielle’s throat. When he can’t do it, Callisto ties him up as well. Xena arrives to find Callisto ready for a battle. She hoists Gabrielle up in the air via rope and lights the rope with a torch. If Xena wants to save Gabrielle, she’ll have to do it fast.
Xena and Callisto battle on this fortress of ladders. Xena creates a seesaw and is able to save Gabrielle from death. She also saves Callisto from death, much to the latter’s chagrin. Melas, wise to the harm his blind hatred has caused, agrees that Callisto will have a fair trial. Gabrielle wonders if Xena did the right thing by saving Callisto, as Callisto grins maliciously.
The character of Callisto is often cited as the series’ best villain. It’s not difficult to see why. Not only is she the living embodiment of the pain and destruction that Xena’s past evils have caused, but she’s another crazy leather-clad babe with a chip on her shoulder. Actress Hudson Leick is sublime as Callisto –the most nuanced of all the performers on this series. She motivates every choice, but manages to consistently surprise with her deliveries. The scene in which she’s bound on horseback and Xena almost considers letting her go is one of the episode’s best moments: raw and real.
Speaking of raw and real, the scene between Xena and Gabrielle in the campfire might be the best from the entire slow-moving first season. Lawless later said that when discussing her army’s attack on Cirra, she used sense memory and imagined the scent of burning flesh. This is a home-run scene, and a home-run episode for both Lawless and the Xena character, as the latter meets a human being whose suffering she’s responsible for, and whose suffering has since led to the suffering of many others — like Melas. I don’t think any conflict — though Xena’s often has to face the consequences of her past mistakes — was as precise as the one presented by Callisto. “You made me,” she tells Xena.
Meanwhile, Joxer, clearly a buffoon from the start, begins by trying to prove himself as a warrior. When Xena scoffs, he goes to prove himself to Callisto. But after a talk with Gabrielle, and later getting his behind saved by Xena, he decides to become an ally of theirs. A lot of fans were repulsed by his inclusion at the time; they didn’t want to see anything come between Xena and Gabrielle. But his presence added a lot to the series. He gave the series humor, allowing Gabrielle to move from comic relief to full-fledged developing heroine, and an equal player in the stories. Furthermore, Joxer opened up the series to many more stories — often times serving a legitimate function. Fans can say what they will, but he was an integral part of the series.
Even though some of the scenes I mentioned above are exquisite, certainly the most memorable is the ladder fight sequence, which is incredibly hard to describe, but mesmerizing on film. Again, definitely one of the best fights of the entire series.
Great action combined with truly stunning character moments make this episode a landmark achievement. Given its precise connection to the show’s thematic roots, “Callisto” is the perfect dramatic episode for first-time viewers. It’s ideal for understanding the characters. Not surprisingly, it was re-run right before the series finale in ’01. It’s quintessential Xena.
Come back next week as we reach number two! And tomorrow begins a new month-long series on Film Friday!
Posted in Xena | Tagged 1996, 1x22, best episode, callisto, gabrielle, joxer, season one, xena
11 thoughts on “The Sixty Best Episodes of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS (Number Three)”
Barbara Bruno
I watched this episode 1000 times and I still enjoy every seconds of it. Great episode!!!
xenafox
i love callisto a top 3 episode for sure. I love rewatching it. Sometimes i wished it was longer the episode, as it really leaves you wanting more.
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“You made me.” – CHILLS! It was that moment first seeing the episode I was like “They’re going to do hardcore consequences for her actions, yay!” and did they ever; Callisto came in and gut punched Xena in every way possible – mentally, physically, and emotionally! I dare say that after Xena and Gabrielle of course Callisto is the most memorable character on this series, she made that much of an impact.
I’m not crazy about some of the stuff that happens with her later in the series but this introduction and early series episodes were great.
When I first saw this episode I do remember thinking Callisto was over the top in moments but as I’ve grown I can appreciate the mental snap Hudson portrayed, Callisto has embraced this vendetta so why wouldn’t she Joker laugh at some misery as in her mind nothing can be worse than what Xena has already done to her.
I support this being a top 3 choice because for me alone it’s probably the most memorable episode of season 1 and easily one of the most memorable of the series!
Hi, Aaron! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Yes, it’s a classic episode, introducing a human example of the consequences brought about from Xena’s dark past. This idea is never explored, through character, more effectively.
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MERMAN TALKS
DATE WITH THE BETTY
RERUN: The Ten Best Episodes of THE HONEYMOONERS’ Classic 39
Ask Jackson: January 2021
RERUN: The Ten Best GILLIGAN’S ISLAND Episodes of Season One
Well, That *Almost* Computes: A Look at MY LIVING DOLL
© 2021 Jackson Upperco
Atmosphere & Ambience
https://jacksonupperco.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hs-closing.mp3
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Janadhar India – Election Management Service Provider in India
Political Consultant and Election Manager
Assam Assembly Elections 2021; Winning strategy by Janadhar India
janadharindia Janadhar India - News January 6, 2021 2 Minutes
Legislative assembly elections are going to be held in Assam soon. Currently, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is already looking confident of returning to power. BJP has set Mission 100 to win in Assam. That is, the target is to win 100 seats in the 126-member Vidhan Sabha. For this, the party has also changed its old strategies.
The polarization of voters in Assam has been rapid following the Citizenship Amendment Act passed by the Narendra Modi government at the Center last year from Parliament. Last year, many opposition parties strongly opposed this law, but the BJP government controlled it. Apart from this, the BJP has strengthened its hold in almost all areas of Assam within a year.Many protesters also joined BJP. Some have formed their own small parties, which can prove to be a vote for Congress. Apart from this, the former Chief Minister of the state Tarun Gogoi has died, the state leadership of the Congress has also been weakened. This time the BJP can return to Assam again.
Ever since Modi became Prime Minister, he has made a huge contribution to the health services of Assam. A modern super specialty hospital is going to be built in Assam for about 15 lakh temporary and 5-10 lakh permanent population. In Assam, more than 1 lakh namghars are working to advance the Vaishnava sect, our culture, and the message of Shankaradeva. Out of them, the work of giving Rs 2.50-2.50 lakh to 8 thousand nameless people is being done today. Also, the basis of 11 law colleges has been laid. In the first 5 years, sometimes a Prime Minister used to come to the Northeast. But Modi ji himself has visited the Northeast 30 times within 6 years and every time he brought the gift and will continue to bring it further.
To win the election, it is most important to campaign for the election, the party has to campaign for the lane in its own right, for which it is important to have a good election campaign company.
The same Janadhar India is the election management company in Delhi which has started its survey, Janadhar works to bring success to political parties and leaders. Janadhar India team had managed and demonstrated election campaigning strategies in several state elections including Delhi in the recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The team of Janadhar India brings every thing of the candidates to the voters through every possible effort.
For more details visit http://www.janadharindia.com or call 9205002579
Election Services
Janadhar India
political expert
Published by janadharindia
Janadhar India is a Political consulting and Election Campaign Management company in India. We have successfully managed and demonstrated best election campaign strategies in state's of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Punjab and Gujarat Assembly Elections. At Janadhar India our principal objective is to help our client maintain an authentic and attention-grabbing communication campaign with the voter to help define the ideology of the party and the contestant so that the client is triumphant on the election day. The efficacy of our political and election campaign management and strategy successfully manifested in recent assembly and general elections. Creative and local strategy, cross- platform media combined with cutting-edge advertising and technology, our team's profound expertise is employed to design and deliver all communications of the client/constituent to the end voter. View all posts by janadharindia
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All dogs 4 months old or older in King William County must be licensed annually. These licenses must be purchased from the County Treasurer’s Office by February 1 of each year. If a dog shall become four months of age or come into the possession of any county resident by November 1 of any year, the owner must pay the license fee for the current calendar year.
Dog licenses may not be issued by the Treasurer’s Office unless proof of vaccination by a licensed veterinarian is presented. Kennels (with 5 or more dogs) must come to the County Administration Building and go through zoning to get kennel tags.
The dog license consists of a license receipt and a metal license tag. Dogs must display the license tag on a collar, along with a rabies tag.
Licenses can be purchased at:
Aylett Animal Hospital
King William Treasurer’s Office
King William Veterinary Clinic
Town Hall, West Point
Individual Dog: $5
Kennel (Up to 20 dogs): $25
Dog License Registration Form (PDF)
Kennels (Keeping of 5 or More Dogs)
Kennels are only permitted in the A-C (Agriculture-Conservation) and the M (Industrial) districts. A distance of 200 feet is required from the kennel area to any property line.
Hunt Clubs
Hung Clubs are only allowed in the A-C district. Pens or kennels must be at least 200 feet away from any property line. Note: A hunt club may be in the R-R (Rural Residential) district but only after a Special Exception has been approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
animalcontrol@kingwilliamcounty.us
351 Courthouse Lane
351 Courthouse Lane King William VA 23086
Impoundment & Lost Pets
Leash Law
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Microsoft Software Donation Program
Microsoft believes technology can do amazing things. That's why it supports thousands of organizations like yours around the world to help each one achieve its mission. Your organization may be a small one that serves a single community or a global non-governmental organization (NGO) that serves millions of people. Regardless, Microsoft wants to support you through software donations, training, and resources.
You can get donated Microsoft software like Windows, Office, and hundreds of other products for your NGO or public library through TechSoup. TechSoup charges a small administrative fee for each donated item. This fee supports the management of this donation program and additional services for organizations like yours.
Important Program Changes as of April 3, 2018
Microsoft has updated the product offerings and rules for participating in this program. This change allows Microsoft and TechSoup to continue to provide nonprofits with the technology they need to achieve their missions.
Certain on-premises software products from Microsoft are no longer available through TechSoup as donated products. However, these products will soon be available through TechSoup as discounted products for eligible nonprofits and libraries.
Eligible organizations are no longer limited to requesting donated products from a maximum of 10 title groups during their two-year cycle. Instead, organizations can simply request up to 50 or 25 of each donated product and up to 5 donated server products that don't use core-based licensing per two-year cycle.
What Hasn't Changed?
The most popular on-premises software products from Microsoft are still available as donated products to eligible nonprofits and libraries.
Request limits for donated products will still be reset every two years.
All other program rules, eligibility, and restrictions have remained the same.
For more information, see the Eligibility Guidelines for the Microsoft Software Donation Program page.
The Microsoft Software Donation Program at TechSoup provides a wide variety of software to nonprofits, charities, faith-based organizations, and public libraries throughout your country.
The program is one of TechSoup's most popular resources. You can choose from hundreds of professional and enterprise Microsoft products for your organization.
Which Versions of Microsoft Software Are Available?
The names of products in the Microsoft program don't include version numbers. When you receive a product, you can choose to download the current version of the software or the previous version. You can find out which version is the current one on the Current Versions of Microsoft Products page. In addition, you can download the software in any language that's available.
Eligibility and Restrictions
Consult the Microsoft eligibility guidelines page to review your organization's eligibility to participate in this program.
Microsoft provides nonprofits and libraries with a maximum allotment of product donations that can be requested per two-year cycle.
For detailed explanations of the quantity of products you can request, special rules for public libraries, and specific procedures to follow for returns, see the Microsoft eligibility guidelines page.
Quantity Request Limits
If you need to determine how many donations you can request through this program, see the quantity request limits for the Microsoft Software Donation Program.
The Microsoft products that are donated through TechSoup are volume licensing products. Volume licenses are different from licenses for retail products.
After you request a Microsoft donation through TechSoup, you'll be asked to create an account on the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) website to access your licenses. The VLSC website allows you to obtain installation keys, download software, order installation CDs, and receive other benefits that are included with your Microsoft donation. Your VLSC account is separate from your TechSoup account, and TechSoup has no access to it.
Additional information about the VLSC is available in the articles that are listed below.
Microsoft Download Help: A VLSC Quick-Start Guide
Licensing Details for Microsoft Donations
How to Get Help with the VLSC
How to Add Licenses or Individuals to Your VLSC Account
How to Order Installation Media from Microsoft
How to Use or Renew Your Software Assurance Benefits
Software Assurance Benefits That Are Included with Microsoft Donations
If you want to return or exchange any of the Microsoft donated products that you've received, please review the Microsoft refunds and returns policy.
For help with your Microsoft donation request, contact TechSoup Customer Service.
To get help with installation or use of your Microsoft products, go to Microsoft's online product support.
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11 Cringeworthy Country Commercials Fit for the Super Bowl
Willie Nelson is king when it comes to country music commercials during the Super Bowl, but there is a queen! This list of 11 good, bad and cringeworthy television commercials includes several that played during the Super Bowl and a number of others that should have.
Faith Hill's commercial for Teleflora is the most recent memorable country music Super Bowl commercial, although a few songs have been part of the football game recently as well. She's the straight-man to a music producer who's trying to send his girlfriend a note on Valentine's Day and it goes all wrong (or right?).
Nelson has starred in at least two tax-related commercials, both playing off his IRS problems of the late '80s. Find commercials from Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire (one perhaps cheesier than her KFC ad) and Blake Shelton. Shelton's spot for Gildan underwear is actually hilarious. That old lady's quip is a knee-slapper!
Of course the Super Bowl is coming on Feb. 2, so more great commercials may roll and be added to this list of awkward commercials in time. We skipped a few that were just so-so to focus on the ones that truly charmed us, for better or worse.
Scotty McCreery's sponsorship was truly for the better. "This holds tea," he says. Man, it gets us every time!
See Which Country Stars Actually Played Football:
Source: 11 Cringeworthy Country Commercials Fit for the Super Bowl
Filed Under: blake shelton, carrie underwood, darius rucker, faith hill, hank williams jr, kenny rogers, randy travis, reba mcentire, scotty mccreery, tim mcgraw
Categories: Country Music News, Lists
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You are here: Home knobelshop strategy games Connect Four Chips strategy game
Connect Four the popular strategy game for 2 players as a big version with chips ... In the strategy game Four Wins, 2 players try to put 4 pieces of their color in a row. The pieces are set alternately and whoever succeeds first to achieve a row of 4 pieces wins ...
Connect Four Chips Strategie Vier in einer Reihe, Bingo Samanea Holz Strategie Spiel mit Chips mit den Maßen 24,0 x 18,5 x 6 cm , connect four monkey pod bingo
Game Instructions for the game Connect Four
Connect Four classic game that is really fun for everyone!
The game is played on a vertical, hollow, wooden device, into which players alternately drop their tiles into the top. The playing field consists of 7 vertical columns and 6 horizontal lines. Both players each have 21 identical colored tiles. When a player drops a piece into a column, it occupies the lowest available space in the column. Each player is represented by his color (for example brown for the first player and yellow for the second). It is played alternately. The goal of the game is to have four pieces of its color in a row. This row can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal. You can do this by putting the stones one after the other in the seven possible columns. The stones fall on the lowest possible free space d. H. either to the ground or to another stone.
Preparation of strategy game Connect Four
First, the game must be built. When opening the game, the two wooden pencils are pulled out of the wood to get the playing field out of the frame. The openings into which the tiles are later inserted are located on the opposite side of the red dot. Caution Caution The red dot should be down when the game is removed so the tiles do not fall out of the field unchecked. The pieces can then be checked out on the table and then distributed. The playing field, after being taken out of the frame, is put back into the frame with the red dot down so that the frame now serves as a foot. The two wooden pins are plugged as a backup back into the side of the frame. Each player places his pieces on his side of the field into the resulting shell and the game can begin.
When the players have agreed who starts, the first player throws one (say, he has the yellow stones) stone into the field set up between the players. Then the second player throws a brown stone into the field at any point. Afterwards, each player has to throw a stone in the field alternately until all the stones are gone, or one player has reached a row of four. The game is over when a player has four pieces of stone vertically, horizontally or diagonally in a row, or no further turn is possible, as the playing field is full. The player who first manages to place four pieces vertically, horizontally or diagonally wins. If no moves can be made before a player has won, the game ends in a draw.
Click here for the complete game instructions with download and PDF to print out: Game rule G-002 Connect Four Chips
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How to protect your charity's IT systems
Suggest changes to this page
As a charitable organisation you’re constantly dealing with the sensitive information and data of your most precious asset - your supporters, members or donors. Their personal details and donations could be at risk if you don’t suitably protect your computers. There is a bewildering array of malicious software out there: from worms to Trojans and phishing. These often masquerade as trustworthy web sites, but all to trick you and acquire your sensitive information.
According to security experts Get protected – despite the threats, many charities do not secure themselves properly, which obviously could result in a breach of security, loss of data or just wasted time as you try to recover the situation.
There are ways to safely store the information your charity holds, covered in this article, but what about software that can protect your PCs? The following steps will help you take precautions.
Your computers - running Windows, Apple iOS or Linux.
Install anti-virus software
It is the job of your anti-virus software to keep track of the latest security problems and shield you from their effects. It should detect known viruses on your computer and eliminate them. In some cases it will also stop viruses getting on to your machine.
Windows Defender is built into the latest Windows operating system, but there are also many well respected anti-virus software packages available.
Symantec and BitDefender are available at heavily discounted prices for charities from Technology Trust. AVG and Avast are free for personal use, with discounted rates for charities. They all have different strengths and weaknesses. Look at reviews and ask for up-to-date expert advice.
Clamwin is an open source free virus killer which can be used at home or in the office free of charge.
If you already have anti-virus software on your computer you should NOT install a new program before you uninstall the old one. Rather than doubling your protection, the one is very likely to treat the other as hostile and cause problems.
Many charities can set their anti-virus or spyware software to scan the internet more frequently – hourly in some cases – for new threats, or download security patches more regularly. Others set their anti-virus software to protect their web gateways, often forgotten, as well as email.
Keep your system up to date
If your Operating System is not updated regularly it will not be able to protect your computer from the latest security threats. Anti-virus software may not prevent this, so you must keep system files up to date too.
The Windows Update feature should be enabled by default which will work in the background to download and install updates at a suitable time when you know the computer is on, but not in use. Devices running Apple IOS and Linux have similar features. Don't skip applying these updates when the operating system asks to download them.
Often a restart will be required for the updates to take effect.
Also allow programs or apps (such as your Office Suite) which run on your computer or device to be updated when requested.
Install Spybot and Ad-aware
You can tackle almost all spyware or malware by installing specialist software on your computer, much of which is free and relatively easy to install and keep up to date.
Alternatives to Spybot include Windows Defender, which is part of the latest Windows operating systems. Makers of popular anti-virus software such as Bitdefender and Symantec also have anti-spyware products which you can pay for (although at a discounted rate for charities via Technology Trust).
NOTE: Always back-up your data before installing anything new; these sites are safe but it is a good policy to adopt.
Firewalls also prevent threats from reaching PCs. These prevent software installed on a PC from communicating with the internet unless specifically allowed to. This stops software containing malware from broadcasting personal information to hackers over the internet.
Firewalls come in two varieties: hardware that might be incorporated into your router or internet modem; and software. Experts recommend running both because some laptops can be used away from the office hardware firewall.
Block pop-ups
When using a browser such as Firefox or Edge to access the internet you may notice that lots of small windows "pop up" over the page you’re visiting – containing anything from promotional material to obscene material. These may be distracting, confusing or offensive, but if you click on them they can also download hidden malware such as viruses and spyware.
Pop-up blockers block these extra browser windows and the latest version of most browsers now contain one, including Microsoft Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox. Google also offers a reliable pop-up blocker that is easy to install and use. It adds a toolbar to the top of your browser window and comes with access to other Google tools such as a news reader.
Working away from the office
As a modern, accommodating organisation; you more than likely have many volunteers, employees working from home or out in the field, whose computers are much harder to protect from hackers and malware. However it is as important to take precautions on these computers too.
If staff are using their own PC ensure they follow these guidelines to protect it and ask them to sign an Acceptable Use policy.
Ask users to set strong Usernames and Passwords including use of special characters (e.g. £ $ ! symbols) for sites they access and consider encryption of files as an extra precaution should a device get lost or stolen. Websites should not allow an unlimited number of attempts to enter usernames and passwords.
Be aware of connecting to untrusted or unsecured WiFi networks (e.g. in Cafes) which could open up your computers to attacks or expose data transferred to the Internet.
Some organisations may issue employees with a key, a key ring or card which displays a security number that changes every 60 seconds on an electronic display. As well as entering a password and username, a remote user must submit that security number to verify who they are.
NCVO’s Trusted Suppliers Phoenix Software and Pugh provide tips to help you prevent an attack and information on ransomware. They offer discounts to NCVO members on security software to ensure your organisation is protected against potential virus, security or ransomware attacks.
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Tom C McHugh
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Page last edited Aug 12, 2019 — History
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Diagnostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to rule out chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation from acute heart failure in the emergency department
Erdal Demirtaş, Esin Demirtaş
DOI: 10.5603/DEMJ.2019.0021
Disaster Emerg Med J 2019;4(3):102-108.
INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to determine whether neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) optimizes the differential diagnosis of acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and acute heart failure (AHF) in patients admitting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnoea.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 241 patients (135 males and 106 females) who were admitted to the ED with a complaint of dyspnoea between January 2016 November 2018 and were hospitalized with diagnosis of acute COPD exacerbation or AHF.
RESULTS: White blood cell count, neutrophil, haemoglobin, haematocrit, NLR, and C-reactive protein values in patients with COPD exacerbation were significantly higher compared to those with AHF (p < 0.05). The largest areas under the ROC curve were obtained with NLR. The cut-off value for NLR was 9.39, with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 61%.
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the NLR has diagnostic value to the conventional clinical assessment in patients with acute dyspnoea at ED, especially with acute COPD exacerbation requiring inpatient management. This may be an additional tool during the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea for emergency physicians in hospitals without advanced laboratory facilities.
neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio; dyspnoea; acute COPD exacerbation; acute heart failure; emergency medicine
10.5603/DEMJ.2019.0021
neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio
acute COPD exacerbation
acute heart failure
Erdal Demirtaş
Esin Demirtaş
MeiLan King Han MK, Dransfield MT, Martinez JF. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Definition, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and staging. Hollingsworth H (ed.) UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. http://www.uptodate.com (22.12.2018).
Stokes NR, Dietz BW, Liang JJ. Cardiopulmonary laboratory biomarkers in the evaluation of acute dyspnea. Open Access Emerg Med. 2016; 8: 35–45.
Wettersten N, Maisel AS. Biomarkers for Heart Failure: An Update for Practitioners of Internal Medicine. Am J Med. 2016; 129(6): 560–567.
Peacock WF, De Marco T, Fonarow GC, et al. ADHERE Investigators. Cardiac troponin and outcome in acute heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2008; 358(20): 2117–2126.
Teng F, Ye H, Xue T. Predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PLoS One. 2018; 13(9): e0204377.
de Jager CPC, van Wijk PTL, Mathoera RB, et al. Lymphocytopenia and neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio predict bacteremia better than conventional infection markers in an emergency care unit. Crit Care. 2010; 14(5): R192.
Aksoy E, Karakurt Z, Gungor S, et al. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a better indicator of COPD exacerbation severity in neutrophilic endotypes than eosinophilic endotypes. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2018; 13: 2721–2730.
Gheorghiade M, Zannad F, Sopko G, et al. International Working Group on Acute Heart Failure Syndromes. Acute heart failure syndromes: current state and framework for future research. Circulation. 2005; 112(25): 3958–3968.
Pesola GR, Forde AT, Ahsan H. Screening for Shortness of Breath: Stretching the Screening Paradigm to Tertiary Prevention. Am J Public Health. 2017; 107(3): 386–388.
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD): Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. (2017 REPORT). http://www.goldcopd.org.
Kleinschmidt P. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Emphysema in Emergency Medicine. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/807143-overview#a3 (28.12.2018).
Hurst JR, Vestbo J, Anzueto A, et al. Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE) Investigators. Susceptibility to exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med. 2010; 363(12): 1128–1138.
Fabbri LM, Beghé B, Agusti A. Cardiovascular mechanisms of death in severe COPD exacerbation: time to think and act beyond guidelines. Thorax. 2011; 66(9): 745–747.
Ponikowski P, Voors AA, Anker SD, et al. ESC Scientific Document Group. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: The Task Force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)Developed with the special contribution of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC. Eur Heart J. 2016; 37(27): 2129–2200.
Hawkins NM, Petrie MC, Jhund PS, et al. Heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnostic pitfalls and epidemiology. Eur J Heart Fail. 2009; 11(2): 130–139.
Tung RH, Camargo CA, Krauser D, et al. Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide for the diagnosis of acute heart failure in patients with previous obstructive airway disease. Ann Emerg Med. 2006; 48(1): 66–74.
Kelly AM, Holdgate A, Keijzers G, et al. Epidemiology, treatment, disposition and outcome of patients with acute exacerbation of COPD presenting to emergency departments in Australia and South East Asia: An AANZDEM study. Respirology. 2018; 23(7): 681–686.
Laribi S, Keijzers G, van Meer O, et al. AANZDEM and EURODEM study groups. Epidemiology of patients presenting with dyspnea to emergency departments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Eur J Emerg Med. 2019; 26(5): 345–349.
Gori CS, Magrini L, Travaglino F, et al. Role of biomarkers in patients with dyspnea. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2011; 15(2): 229–240.
Stoica A, Şorodoc V, Lionte C, et al. Acute cardiac dyspnea in the emergency department: diagnostic value of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide and galectin-3. J Int Med Res. 2019; 47(1): 159–172.
Morrison LK, Harrison A, Krishnaswamy P, et al. Utility of a rapid B-natriuretic peptide assay in differentiating congestive heart failure from lung disease in patients presenting with dyspnea. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2002; 39(2): 202–209.
Taylan M, Demir M, Kaya H, et al. Alterations of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio during the period of stable and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Clin Respir J. 2017; 11(3): 311–317.
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Keeping It Reel
film reviews and movie discussion
It’s Complicated (2009) **
tags: Alec Baldwin, David J. Fowlie, It's Complicated, John Krazinski, Lake Bell, Meryl Streep, Nancy Meyers, Steve Martin
by David J. Fowlie
written by: Nancy Meyers
produced by: Nancy Meyers & Scott Rudin
Rated R (for some drug content and sexuality)
U.S. release date: December 35, 2009
DVD & Blu-ray release date: April 27, 2010
As much as the capable and talented actors under the direction of Nancy Meyers (“Something’s Gotta Give” & “The Holiday”) try to convince us that wealthy white folks in Santa Barbara lead a “complicated” life, there is little here to convince us. Now, that didn’t stop me from getting swept away in the relaxing score (Hanz Zimmer channeling Dave Grusin) and kicking back to what I knew would be an easy-going plot but there was this nagging tug in the back of my mind. That tug was probably a constant reminder that these characters live such a lavish, insular life that it’s almost impossible to connect to any of them. Almost.
It’s easy to connect to feelings of regret, betrayal and randy horniness when it comes to love, something that both main characters convey here. But it’s just hard to completely feel sorry for them as they edge past their middle-age crises when you consider everything they have. Now, I can see divorcees in their 60’s chuckling at some of the situations here, after all, this is supposed to be a comedy but too often the situations these characters get themselves in only display their own selfishness, desperation and gullibility.
Jane (Meryl Streep ) is a self-reliant owner of a thriving bakery who has gotten used to living along for a decade now after her divorce from Jake (Alec Baldwin). She is elated that she is finally able to build an addition to her beautiful house because the kitchen is just to small. Doesn’t seem like any complications yet. All three of their kids are adults now with their youngest about to graduate college. Jake, a successful attorney, is now re-married to Agness (Lake Bell), a woman old enough to be his daughter. He seems to be doing well too. At a graduation party for their son though, we start to see it….Jake cannot take his eyes off of Jane. And Jane can’t seem to stop noticing how young Agness is.
When they attend their son’s graduation ceremony in New York, one too many at the hotel bar leads to an awkward, yet familiar, morning after. This stirs up renewed interest in Jake for his former wife and he also becomes nostalgic for the family life he’s missed out on. Meanwhile, Jane is kicking herself. How did she let this happen? She’s an in-control, confident empty nester. What will she tell her fellow ex-bashing girlfriends? Oh, the drama! Really? Are we really supposed to feel sorry or laugh with these people. Sure, some of the situations are comical but overall, there’s nothing funny about one ex becoming a stalking and self-seeking horndog (maybe he always was) while another is actually entertaining and then engaging the idea of being “the other woman”.
Meyers, who also wrote this over-reaching comedy, is asking too much of her audience if she expects us to just fall in line here. Jane wonders if she’s made a colossal error by going along with Jake for his afternoon delights while keeping this from their children. Sure, their kids are adults now but they should know that their long-gone and remarried father is now calling his wife’s vagina “home”. Yikes. Well, after a decade free from this jerk, it’s pretty sad that the audience knows better than she does.
The worse part is she’s totally missing out on what she could have with her nice architect Adam (Steve Martin) who plays her doomed suitor, until he wisens up. Martin is actually wonderful as the straight guy but when he derails off into looney antics it feels forced. As if Meyers didn’t trust that we would by him as “the stand-up guy”.
Thankfully, the script actually wisens by showing a little reality toward the later half of the film. Which is a good thing since there’s only so many pot jokes, doughy male nudity and incorrigible situations we should tolerate. Eventually, Jane has to come to a decision in her unexpected love triangle and things do end up in a more realistic direction. She also has to explain a few things to her kids and her soon to be son-in-law, Harley (John Krasinski) who was on to them the entire time. It’s a relief Meyers has chosen substantial actors here because if this was Diane Keaton wearing turtlenecks again, I think I would’ve screamed!
These actors actually take the ridiculousness and unfortunate broadness of the script and make the most of it. Regardless of whether or not we buy what’s happening with this characters, it’s hard to not go along with them and see how the dysfunction will unfold. Unsurprisingly, Streep carries the film, especially when she reconnects with her sexuality. And Baldwin is right there with her. While it’s a little hard to detect any chemistry between the two, there’s no denying that Baldwin isn’t great at playing the incredulous, horndog scumbag. Looking back, those are some of his best roles. Here, he brings a vulnerable sobriety to that archetype that is refreshing. In a commendable turn, Baldwin is emotionally and physically putting it all out there.
The one element about this film that stands out for me in its favor is the age of the characters. As awkward as it is at times to see Streep and Baldwin role around in the sack, I appreciate that these are characters in their late 50’s. Just like I don’t believe age should play a factor in action roles, I also don’t believe we should see age limit the varied stages of love in all its forms. I say bring it on, funny or not, just make it believable.
Meyers has maintained this genre niche in which she displays the dilemmas of privileged Caucasians in all their self-obsessed material excess. She’s maintained this genre but I can’t say she’s mastered it nor should she. Her films just seem to be recycling the same sweetly smug adult characters who behave like children. Can we see ourselves in any of this? As I mentioned above….almost. Does it matter? Probably not but it would help. That seems to be good enough here and all you can expect with A-list pedigree actors settling for a tired yet charming screenplay. In no way does this film live up to its title but it is still entertaining to sit back and life and “complicated” the lives of the rich and famous are.
← Océans (2010) ***
Harry Brown (2009) *** →
Wendi permalink
Sure I can’t relate to the characters but it was really nice kitchen porn.
David J. Fowlie permalink*
Right! Betwen this and “Julie & Julia” I think I gained 10 lbs!
windi permalink
I JUST rented this this afternoon! Before I saw the review. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting a great comedy, but I’m hoping it’s good. The previews looked good. I’ll let you know what I think! 🙂
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Fanboy Planet
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The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD
Gordon Baym, Tetsuo Hatsuda, Motoi Tachibana, Naoki Yamamoto
The QCD axial anomaly, by coupling the chiral condensate and BCS pairing fields of quarks in dense matter, leads to a new critical point in the QCD phase diagram [1, 2], which at sufficiently low temperature may terminate the line of phase transitions between chirally broken hadronic matter and color superconducting quark matter. The critical point indicates that matter at low temperature should cross over smoothly from the hadronic to the quark phase, as suggested earlier on the basis of symmetry. We review here the arguments, based on a general Ginzburg-Landau effective Lagrangian, for the existence of the new critical point as well as discuss possible connections between the QCD phase structure and the BEC-BCS crossover in ultracold trapped atomic fermion systems at unitarity and implications for the presence of quark matter in neutron stars.
Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics
Published - 2008 Oct 1
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
quantum chromodynamics Physics & Astronomy
anomalies Physics & Astronomy
quarks Physics & Astronomy
critical point Physics & Astronomy
neutron stars Physics & Astronomy
condensates Physics & Astronomy
crossovers Physics & Astronomy
fermions Physics & Astronomy
Baym, G., Hatsuda, T., Tachibana, M., & Yamamoto, N. (2008). The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD. Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics, 35(10), [104021]. https://doi.org/10.1088/0954-3899/35/10/104021
The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD. / Baym, Gordon; Hatsuda, Tetsuo; Tachibana, Motoi; Yamamoto, Naoki.
In: Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics, Vol. 35, No. 10, 104021, 01.10.2008.
Baym, G, Hatsuda, T, Tachibana, M & Yamamoto, N 2008, 'The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD', Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics, vol. 35, no. 10, 104021. https://doi.org/10.1088/0954-3899/35/10/104021
Baym G, Hatsuda T, Tachibana M, Yamamoto N. The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD. Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics. 2008 Oct 1;35(10). 104021. https://doi.org/10.1088/0954-3899/35/10/104021
Baym, Gordon ; Hatsuda, Tetsuo ; Tachibana, Motoi ; Yamamoto, Naoki. / The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD. In: Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics. 2008 ; Vol. 35, No. 10.
@article{56a3915282ab4a6cb151cc556afc37a1,
title = "The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD",
abstract = "The QCD axial anomaly, by coupling the chiral condensate and BCS pairing fields of quarks in dense matter, leads to a new critical point in the QCD phase diagram [1, 2], which at sufficiently low temperature may terminate the line of phase transitions between chirally broken hadronic matter and color superconducting quark matter. The critical point indicates that matter at low temperature should cross over smoothly from the hadronic to the quark phase, as suggested earlier on the basis of symmetry. We review here the arguments, based on a general Ginzburg-Landau effective Lagrangian, for the existence of the new critical point as well as discuss possible connections between the QCD phase structure and the BEC-BCS crossover in ultracold trapped atomic fermion systems at unitarity and implications for the presence of quark matter in neutron stars.",
author = "Gordon Baym and Tetsuo Hatsuda and Motoi Tachibana and Naoki Yamamoto",
journal = "Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics",
T1 - The axial anomaly and the phases of dense QCD
AU - Baym, Gordon
AU - Hatsuda, Tetsuo
AU - Tachibana, Motoi
AU - Yamamoto, Naoki
N2 - The QCD axial anomaly, by coupling the chiral condensate and BCS pairing fields of quarks in dense matter, leads to a new critical point in the QCD phase diagram [1, 2], which at sufficiently low temperature may terminate the line of phase transitions between chirally broken hadronic matter and color superconducting quark matter. The critical point indicates that matter at low temperature should cross over smoothly from the hadronic to the quark phase, as suggested earlier on the basis of symmetry. We review here the arguments, based on a general Ginzburg-Landau effective Lagrangian, for the existence of the new critical point as well as discuss possible connections between the QCD phase structure and the BEC-BCS crossover in ultracold trapped atomic fermion systems at unitarity and implications for the presence of quark matter in neutron stars.
AB - The QCD axial anomaly, by coupling the chiral condensate and BCS pairing fields of quarks in dense matter, leads to a new critical point in the QCD phase diagram [1, 2], which at sufficiently low temperature may terminate the line of phase transitions between chirally broken hadronic matter and color superconducting quark matter. The critical point indicates that matter at low temperature should cross over smoothly from the hadronic to the quark phase, as suggested earlier on the basis of symmetry. We review here the arguments, based on a general Ginzburg-Landau effective Lagrangian, for the existence of the new critical point as well as discuss possible connections between the QCD phase structure and the BEC-BCS crossover in ultracold trapped atomic fermion systems at unitarity and implications for the presence of quark matter in neutron stars.
JO - Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics
JF - Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics
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Britain at Low Tide – Series 3 (2019)
Posted on September 13, 2019 by Kent Film Office
Dr Tori Herridge and the team at Tankerton ©Channel 4
Director: Michael Waterhouse
Starring: Dr Tori Herridge, Dr Alex Langlands
Production Company: Tern Television Productions Ltd
Kent Locations Used: Tankerton, Whitstable, Port of Ramsgate, Port
The third series of Britain at Low Tide will return to our screens this week. The show features archaeologists Dr Tori Herridge and Dr Alex Langlands as they explore coastal areas and their historical treasures as the tide goes out.
The first episode of the series starts off on the north Kent coast, as Dr Tori Herridge and the team explore the mystery of the shingle bank called The Street in Whitstable, explore a shipwreck in Tankerton, which can only be accessed once every year at very low tides. These areas have previously hosted productions such as The Thames: Britain’s Great River With Tony Robinson (2019) and Celebrity Antiques Road Show (2018).
The programme also explores the remains of Richborough Port in Pegwell Bay near Sandwich, which played a crucial part in supporting the Western Front in WWI. Sandwich is a medieval town situated on the River Stour and boasts golf clubs, eateries and B&B’s as well as a museum, windmill and Roman Fort. Productions which have previously visited the town include Celebrity Antiques Road Show (2018) and Countryfile.
Production also paid a quick visit to the Port ofRamsgate, adjacent to the popular seaside town in Kent, that has been used in previous productions such as Ross Edgley’s Great British Swim (2018) and Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100 (2018).
Britain at Low Tide will air on Saturday 14th September 2019 on Channel 4 at 8pm. The series will then air each Saturday.
For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.
Tagged britain at low tide, Channel 4, factual series
River Walks (2018)
Posted on December 7, 2018 by Kent Film Office
JB Gill Presenting on River Walks ©BBC
Presenter: JB Gill
Kent Locations Used: Godinton, Canterbury, Pegwell Bay
River Walks, a new BBC series, will showcase eleven spectacular walking routes across England, broadcast parallel in the Regions. Each episode will reveal how the waterways have shaped the local landscape, history and culture, with celebrity guests suggesting routes for picturesque walks.
Presenting the Southeast episode will be JB Gill (Down on the Farm, Songs of Praise). Other famous faces to explore England’s scenic riverbanks include Rachel Johnson and her father Stanley Johnson (I’m A Celebrity… 2017), as well as broadcaster Stuart Maconie and actress Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street).
The series includes a walk along the Kentish Stour, starting at its source in Godinton in the district of Ashford and following it through the historic city of Canterbury and ending at Pegwell Bay in Thanet.
Previous filming that has taken place across the Stour Valley includes Country File (2012) which filmed in Ashford, Britain’s Great Cathedrals with Tony Robinson (2018) in Canterbury, and Fantasy Homes By the Sea (2018) in Thanet.
River Walks starts on BBC One South East Channel on Monday 10th December at 7:30pm.
Tagged Ashford, BBC, BBC One, BBC One South East, Canterbury, factual, factual series, Godinton, JB Gill, Kentish Stour, Pegwell Bay, Rachel Johnson, River Walks, Stanley Johnson, Thanet, tv factual
My Floating Home – Series 2 – Episode 4 & 8
Posted on May 29, 2018 by Kent Film Office
Image of presenter Mark Evans ©Channel 4
Director: Matt Fletcher and Tristan Goodley (episode 4), Timothy Clarkson (episode 8)
Starring: Mark Evans
Production Company: Windfall Films, for Channel Four Television
Kent Locations Used: River Medway, Paddock Wood, Medway Wharf Marina, “The Basin” at East Farleigh
Returning for its second series My Floating Home follows seven families on their adventure of building their watery dream homes.
The river Medway is firstly introduced in episode 4. In this episode, Mark Evans meets Lee and Justine Oakley, who need to transform an old steel hull boat into a 2-story floating house that provides the perfect platform to soak in spectacular views of the River Medway.
The crew returns to the River Medway in episode 8 when Mark Evans follows Laurence Kent in his quest to build his ‘Riverpod’ floating home on the river. It will travel down river from Wateringbury to ‘The Basin’ at East Farleigh.
The River Medway is Kent’s longest river and today, many of people either live on the water or use it for leisure pursuits. The Medway featured previously in Great Expectations (1999) and Canterbury Tales – The Man of Laws’ Tale (2003).
Other Kent locations were featured in episode 8, including Paddock Wood, where the boat is constructed, Medway Wharf Marina, where the Riverpod is lowered into the water, and ‘The Basin’ at East Farleigh, where it is moored.
The latest episode of My Floating Home series 2 aired on 29 May on All4.
Tagged Channel 4, documentary, East Farleigh, Factual documentary, factual series, Factual TV, Mark Evans, Medway Wharf Marina, My Floating Home, Paddock Wood, River Medway, Windfall Films
Long Lost Family Series 7 (2017)
Posted on July 26, 2017 by Kent Film Office
From Wall To Wall Productions
LONG LOST FAMILY on ITV
Pictured: Nicky Campbell and Davina McCall
© ITV
Photographer Tony Ward
Kent Locations Used: Haysden Country Park – Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells
The highly popular award winning ITV programme, Long Lost Family returns to TV screens for its seventh series with more heart-breaking stories.
Presenters Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell embark on an emotional journey around the UK, helping to reunite estranged families. The new series filmed segments in Royal Tunbridge Wells and Haysden Country Park in Tonbridge.
Situated in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Tunbridge Wells is a highly popular town full of independent shops and restaurants set alongside the trendy colonnaded Pantiles and the bustling High Street. Previous shows that have filmed in the area include Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year (2016) and Question Time (2016)
Popular for family days out, Haysden Country Park in Tonbridge offers a beautiful countryside setting for a variety of leisure activities. The park plays home to two lakes and is a popular venue for water activities.
The new series of Long Lost Family starts on Wednesday 26th July at 9pm on ITV
Tagged Davina McCall, factual, factual series, ITV, kent, Long Lost Family, Nicky Campbell, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, tv factual
BBC Gardeners’ World (2017)
BBC Gardeners World © BBC
Production Company: BBC Bristol
Kent Locations Used: Dungeness
In Episode 16 of the hugely popular BBC Gardeners’ World 2017, presenter and horticultural expert Joe Swift, visits a garden in Dungeness, a large shingle desert on the Kent coast to explore how these challenging conditions can be overcome when designing a garden.
Dungeness is a unique location which includes ramshackle huts as well as two light houses, a historic railway station, two pubs and artist galleries along with a nuclear power station. Previous projects that have filmed there include Walks With My Dog (2017) and Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7 (2016),
BBC Gardeners’ World airs on BBC Two on Wednesday 12th July 2017 at 9pm
Tagged BBC, BBC Two, Dungeness, factual, factual series, filmed in Kent, Gardeners' World, Joe Swift, kent, shingle, tv factual
If you need any help with any aspect of Filming in Kent please contact us.
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© 2021 Kent Film Office. All Rights Reserved.
2nd Floor, Invicta House, County Hall,
Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX
filmoffice@kent.gov.uk
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Kametsu
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Tantalus Hideout
Homestuck One Shots
COMING SOON - Site Relaunch! ×
COMING SOON - Site Relaunch!
By † Emotional Outlet, January 2, 2013 in Art and Literature
† Emotional Outlet 986
Emotional Outlet 986
Witch of Heart
† Retired
These are the gifts I made for people in the Homestuck Secret Santa. They're all varying lengths, ratings, and quality (mostly closer to "sucks" than "good"). I haven't written fan fiction in, like, forever, so I have no idea how to write characters that aren't out of character, whoops.
I'll split these into two separate posts once the time limit goes by and leave it at four and four each, unless anyone would rather them all in their own post.
And if you think any of my ratings or summaries are bunk after reading, let me know and I'll adjust accordingly.
Summary: Kanaya waits for Rose to show up.
Rating: K
There was surprisingly little to busy herself with, even in the confines of the common area where various piles of things had accumulated, apparently growing with each day that passed. Kanaya rubbed her bare arms, pursing her lips as she looked around the room, her eyes darting to the doorways every few seconds. Every little sound set her at edge, ready to spring from her seat. It never failed to disappoint.
Kanaya decided it was time once again to take count of the various books left lying around. Pile after pile, left haphazardly on almost every available surface that wasn’t occupied by some other pile of objects. Cleanliness never seemed to be much of a priority on the meteor, nor did any sort of coordination when it came to the rugs, but that she could forgive. At the least it made the place feel like a home and less of a laboratory, though some had been worn so thin they did nothing against the hard metal beneath.
Rose still hadn't arrived. How much time had passed? She tried not to think of it, but the ticking of the clock behind her tempted her into turning around. An hour. Sixty minutes. Second after second come and gone. Kanaya had spent that time on the sofa, crossing and uncrossing her legs, flipping through the occasional book, arranging and rearranging bottles.
After the passage of an hour, she supposed it was high time to admit to herself something was wrong. Not that it made much sense. Rose had been the one to set everything up and she certainly wasn’t the type to be so tardy, especially for an event of her own planning.
At first she thought nothing of it as she got dressed, slipping on her daily attire. If Rose hadn't bothered with furnishing any details, she couldn't have been planning anything out of the ordinary. Doubt sank in as she thought of her first interactions with Rose, of the work she put into understanding human sarcasm in order to have some semblance of a conversation. It never stopped being puzzling to her, the things Rose said and did. Dave was equally puzzling, but he was easy to ignore as long as he kept his voice down--which he so often did--and didn't cross paths with Karkat--which seemed to happen less and less.
Kanaya adjusted her skirt, vaguely unsatisfied with what she put on. She had picked through the rest of her clothing, trying to decide exactly what Rose meant. Was it a date? Was it part of her romantic machinations? And what if it wasn't? Kanaya put aside thoughts of wearing nicer apparel--it would be easier to explain being underdressed than overdressed.
And yet here she was on the sofa in casual attire, trying to convince herself she had made the right choice. She leant back, letting out a slow breath as she stared at the ceiling, willing it to offer her something in the way of answers. From her vantage point she could see part of the clock. Kanaya watched the second hand move along its predestined path, step by step, pausing at every hash mark. She watched until the clock rang, signalling the top of the hour.
Worse, it signalled she had been staring at the clock for almost fifteen minutes.
She crossed her arms, huffing slightly. Why would Rose take so long to show up? Perhaps this was not where they were supposed to meet? Perhaps it was an elaborate ruse, to see just how much she was willing to put up with? It wasn't as though the meteor was particularly large. It wouldn't take much time to get up and look, for Rose to poke her head in and ask for a bit of time as she got ready.
Of course, Kanaya had considered doing the same herself. It wouldn't be fair if she didn't. But what if she got up to look for Rose and they ended up just missing each other, doing so for the duration of the search? Such contrived shenanigans seemed to be the norm, even before she met Rose, before she knew what a human was.
Not that it explained what was taking so long. If Rose was looking for her, she surely would have come across her sitting in the common room. Granted, she might have caught her trying out various seating positions and, more embarrassingly, facial expressions. For what felt like hours, Kanaya thought she would practise holding conversations with Rose, running through different scenarios. She mouthed words, scripting her responses and actions for when Rose finally arrived. And when she tired of that, she flopped onto the couch, her arm across her eyes, and tried to nap. It wasn't much of a success. She got up almost immediately from her attempted nap, spending the next block of time fixing her hair and taming rebellious strands.
Frustrating. Absolutely frustrating. To sit there for--Kanaya turned to look at the clock, rolling her eyes as she settled back into position--to sit there for two and a half hours and not even be afforded the simple respect of being informed of what was going on. Just frustrating.
She got up from the couch, hands balled into fists as she stormed across the room. Heat rose in her face, every single step taken carefully and purposefully.
Something stopped her from crossing the doorway, from stepping over the threshold.
Kanaya thought of the way Rose looked when she set up the whole thing. She remembered the faintest hints in her expressions, the little quirks that betrayed her confidence, telling her that Rose was nervous--perhaps even afraid of rejection.
Letting out a calming breath, Kanaya loosened her hands. She stretched her fingers, examining them briefly. Something simply must have gone wrong. That's all there was to it. It just wasn't like Rose to be so late, regardless of the intended purpose of the meeting.
Her mind clearer, she stepped through the doorway.
Trepidation
Summary: Kanaya makes a dress for Rose while Porrim tries to pry information from her.
Warnings: Hints at ectoincest.
Kanaya pinned a bit of green ribbon at the waist of a dusty pink dress, smoothing it against the fabric. "What do you think of this?" She moved to the side, pushing aside a basket of various fabrics, ribbons, and scissors with her foot, allowing Porrim to view the dress in full.
She looked up from her book, a scandalous bit of blackrom literature she had plucked out of Karkat's collection. "This for Rose?" She stood from the chaise, slipping in her bookmark to keep her place, and approached Kanaya.
"Perhaps," she replied, looking down at the dress. The faintest hint of uncertainty crossed her face, gone as soon as it came. "I have not yet finalised the design. If nothing else, it will be good practise."
Porrim placed a hand at her waist, the other tapping her chin as she examined the dress, walking around the mannequin slowly. "A lighter green may be in order." She bent by the basket, pushing around bits of yarn and spools of thread before pulling out a length of green ribbon, a few shades lighter than the one already pinned to the dress. With a slight grunt, Porrim stood, straightening her dress, before wrapping the ribbon around the mannequin. "What do you make of this colour?"
"I will consider it." She smiled, unpinning the current ribbon and setting it back in the basket along with the ribbon Porrim picked out. "I think it time for me to take a break."
"It seems you're almost done with the dress."
"No need to doubt yourself," she said, placing a hand on Kanaya's shoulder, a smile crossing her lips. "Rose will appreciate any gift you give her. I hear she almost stood you up. How did your date turn out?"
Kanaya cleared her throat and turned away, busying herself with organising the various yards of fabric. Porrim chuckled, settling back into the chaise, picking up her book. She cracked it open, scanning the text briefly for her spot.
"'I can do this no longer', she shouted. Dark blood spilt from her lip, a delicious shade of chocolate." She paused, watching for Kanaya's reaction. When Kanaya simply continued to move around fabrics, Porrim resumed, "She threw her against the wall, her forearm pressing against her throat. The highblood laughed, pressing her knee between her assailant's legs, drops of blood staining the fabric of her--"
A sudden clatter from across the room broke Porrim's pace, taking her attention from the book. Kanaya was staring, a ball of multicoloured yarn in each hand. "Must you read that aloud?"
"Is it bothering you?" The corner of her mouth lifted into a smirk as she stretched her legs on the chaise, the book dangling from her hand as she met the other's gaze. "I thought you liked these."
"I enjoy them privately."
"Oh?" Porrim arched a brow, swinging her legs off the chaise and stood, leaving the book forgotten on the seat. "I'm not allowed to share in this enjoyment with you?" She approached and stood over her, knowing her presence was still one Kanaya found somewhat imposing. She lowered her voice, taking the yarn from Kanaya's hands, tossing them into a nearby basket. "Does Rose know you, ah, enjoy such literature alone?"
Kanaya bit her lip, looking away from her dancestor. "We have our boundaries."
"What need have you for boundaries about literature?" Porrim took Kanaya's chin in her hand, turning her face towards her. "Do you also regard her with this sort of trepidation or am I the lone benefactor of such behaviour?"
Silence passed between them, little heard aside from their breathing, the shuffling of fabric as they shifted position. "This is uncomfortable," Kanaya said finally, trying to move back from Porrim, as though she were attempting to disappear into the fabric. "It's really none of your business."
"I'm simply looking out for you, Kanaya. There's no need to be shy. I'm sure Rose is--" She halted, a devious smile crossing her lips. "Perhaps we could do a bit of roleplay."
"Roleplay what?"
"Oh, come on, you know. I'll pretend to be Rose and we'll practise how your first time will go about." Kanaya began to shake--Porrim wasn't sure at first if it was from anger or something else until a laugh escaped her lips, allowing her to relax slightly. "Don't laugh. It'll be good practise."
"Porrim, I'm not having sex with you--"
"I can't believe you would even say such a thing--"
"--I don't think Rose would even appreciate it--"
"--as though I were some sort of village two-wheeled device--"
"--it's just not proper--"
No longer interesting in trying to speaking over her, Porrim grabbed Kanaya by the shoulders, pulling her back towards the chaise, and sat her down, pushing aside the book. She took a seat beside her, smoothing the fabric of her dress over her knees.
Porrim began to tie up her hair, pulling it off her shoulders, with a bit of ribbon. "Now, let's begin."
"I said I'm not--"
"Calm down, Kanaya. We're not going to have sex. I just want to help you get over your nervousness." She patted her dancestor on the knee, taking care to make it as amicable a gesture as possible. "It's for the best. We wouldn't want you to freeze up and lose control of the situation, would we?" Porrim smiled brightly, waiting for a response.
Kanaya let out a breath, scratching her neck at the edge of her hair. "Very well." She took Porrim's hands in hers, intertwining their fingers. She looked at her fingers, admiring how neat her nails were kept, the way Porrim’s fingers pressed against hers. "Rose,” she said, her voice quiet, “I think things are moving entirely too quickly, and we should proceed with caution."
Porrim rolled her eyes and leant towards Kanaya, parting her lips slightly. "I don't think we're moving too quickly at all." She took her hand from Kanaya's and cupped her face, running her thumb across her cheek. "I'm ready for this, Kanaya. Very much so."
She sat frozen on the chaise, staring into Porrim's eyes, trying not to look at the way her fangs ever so slightly poked out between her lips, the way her piercings glimmered in the light. She tried not to imagine where the swirls of her tattoos went, if they led to delightfully forbidden places. She tried not to imagine perching Rose between them, kept her mind from considering if that would be a far better gift than a simple dress.
Porrim tapped her cheek, bringing her out of her thoughts. "Kanaya? Are you okay?"
She smiled and nodded, pulling Porrim's hand from her cheek. "I'm very much okay. And I'm very much certain we're not ready for this." She leant forward, pressing Porrim against the chaise's armrest, pressing her lips against hers. Her hand trailed along Porrim's hip as they kissed, pulling up the fabric of her dress slightly.
Kanaya pulled away, still smiling. "I think that's break enough," she said, and stood, returning to her work at the mannequin and leaving Porrim to resume her reading.
Summary: Board games always seem more fun in retrospect than in reality. Dave, Karkat, and Rose try to pass the time on the meteor.
Game night was an awful idea.
For one, the game they were playing right now was entirely too complicated, but if they played yet another round of Chutes and Ladders, Dave was going to seriously consider asking Kanaya to teach him how to sew. At least that would have been a productive use of his time, and while he would never craft a smuppet--nor would he want to--he could make at least some SBaHJ capes.
It was called Arkham Horror, a game Rose remembered playing some time ago. Through a series of carefully coordinated shenanigans, they managed to procure a bounty of board games. Karkat didn't care much for the cooperative games, instead thriving on competition. Rose, on the other hand, enjoyed finding ways to bend the rules, making dubious moves that aggravated both Dave and Karkat.
"Rose, where does it say in the rules you can reroll? Is that some kind of lesbian power your character has?" Dave flipped through the manual, more halfheartedly than anything. Rose was always the ones who read the rules, leaving the other two at her mercy. "I'm pretty sure if you're fighting against Cthulhu himself, he's not going to dodge an attack and just be like, 'oh, you want a redo? Okay, why the fuck not, I'm only a timeless and immortal god. I got nothing but time, bro'."
"It's well within my right to reroll," she said simply, rolling her dice. "We would not have ended up in this situation had you not been so foolhardy the entire game and continuously found yourself lost in time and space."
"Some god you turned out to be." Karkat chuckled, picking up the card containing the Elder One's information. "If you had listened to me from the start, we wouldn't have a metric fuckton of gates open, waking up this asshole." He tapped his chin with the card, looking up at the ceiling with narrowed eyes. "It's all beginning to sound very familiar, actually." A die thrown at his head brought his attention back to Dave.
"Because your suggestions were bogus, Karkat. My guy wouldn't spend his time cowering in fear from some eldritch abominations. He'd get right in there and use his whip to make them feel emasculated. Whips and guns trump tentacles."
"You say this with such certainty, such familiarity with tentacled creatures. And yet here we are, having our collective asses handed to us by the Elder One. Regardless, it seems we have lost the battle for all of mankind yet again. I think you'll find that when it comes to losing these games, we are simply the best there is."
Karkat rolled his eyes, shoving the cards and pieces laid out before him onto the game board, knocking over their characters. "Can we play something that isn't a complete waste of our time? Is there nothing in there actually worth playing, something that isn't so complicated it takes hours to learn and even longer to appreciate?"
"Let me look," Dave said, pushing around boxes. "Monopoly again? No way." He tossed the box aside, the lid lifting as it landed, revealing the mess of paper money and cards within. "What about this one?"
"Dixit? Hand me the instructions." She took the booklet, smoothing her robes as she settled back into position. As she read, Karkat and Dave flipped through the cards.
"Is there something in particular about your alien society that finds these kinds of things amusing?" He held up a card, portraying two armoured ants atop a stack of gold coins, attacking each other with swords in their mandibles. "I mean, look at these things, they're absolutely fucking incomprehensible. I might actually prefer to continue to have my ass handed to me in that horrorterror game than do whatever this wretched excuse of a game expects me to do."
Rose set the booklet down and collected the cards, shuffling them and handing a small stack each to Dave and Karkat, taking one for herself as well. She set the remaining cards aside. "It appears all you have to do is construct a sentence about one of your cards."
"A storytelling game?" Dave got up and started poking through the pile of board games, pushing them aside as he dug deeper. "Never mind, put the game back. I think I can find something cooler than this..."
"No, no!" Karkat slapped his hand on the ground, glaring at Dave. "Sit your ass down because we are playing this game. We played everything else in that awful pile."
"Jegus, dude, okay." He complied, exchanging looks with his sister. "Didn't think you were into these rabbits so much." He picked up the small wooden rabbit, holding it between two fingers. "You got these things on Alternia? In human culture, these little guys lay eggs filled with baby rabbits and hide them in bushes and trees from predators. When they're born they're made of chocolate, so kids go hunting for them so they can eat them."
Karkat scowled, picking a different coloured rabbit. "That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of, and I've heard more than enough ridiculous things in the miserable, worthless sweeps I have existed."
"It's absolutely factual, Karkat," Rose said, smiling. "It was originally something of a religious practice as people once thought consuming these chocolate bunnies would bring them closer to Jegus, but eventually the practice had become so widespread, they had to ban people from hunting these Easter eggs."
"Whatever, let's just play this idiotic game and get it over with."
"Very well. As I said, you construct a sentence about one of your images. Then you select two cards from your hand, collecting two cards from the others. The other two players will also choose two cards they think are represented best by your sentence. Then the cards are displayed and players, excluding the storyteller, vote with these tokens here..." She paused to hand them small disks, coloured to match their rabbit pieces. "... on which one you think is the card initially chosen. Points will be distributed accordingly. The first to reach the end of this path wins the game, and, presumably, all of the chocolate bunnies."
"Wait, are we playing as rabbits or are we wearing rabbit costumes? Because I don't know if I'm down with rabbit cannibalism, even if their babies are completely delicious."
"They're wooden pieces! They're not even real! Just start the game, Rose, before I completely lose my shit." Karkat heard Dave mutter something under his breath, shooting a glare in his direction but said nothing.
Dave flipped through his cards briefly before setting them down. "Hey man, I just want to be sure what the story is here. I think we all learned an important lesson about storytelling when we played Arabian Nights."
"Yeah, the lesson we learnt was you're an absolute failure at reading aloud. Even when you did manage to keep your voice loud enough to hear, you rewrote the whole thing on the spot and turned it into one of your ridiculous raps."
"I happened to think they added to the story. Scheherazade could have learned a thing or two about staying alive if she just knew how to drop a beat. It wouldn’t have taken her a thousand nights to convince her murderous husband not to kill her."
Rose chuckled, arranging her cards in her hand as she spoke. "I believe her husband would have responded by dropping a sword in her chest, dear brother."
"See, Rose agrees with me!"
"Oh, don't get me wrong, Karkat. While I believe that Shahryar would not have been cultured enough to appreciate the sicknasty beats his thousandth wife would have surely dropped, it did add a certain flair to the game itself. I especially appreciated when he would tell us in rhyme exactly what happened between Sinbad and the various jinn he encountered. What was it again? I believe there was something about large blue phalluses..."
Karkat threw the cards in the air, getting up. "I am not listening to this again!" He crossed the playing area, passing between Rose and Dave, throwing himself into the pile of board games. "I'm taking a nap."
Dave lifted a brow, the corner of his mouth quirking. "Right there?"
"Of course right here, numbskull." He curled into himself, using Apples to Apples to rest his head upon as he closed his eyes. "What do you think I'm doing? These games are exhausting. You two are exhausting. Therefore, I am exhausted and would appreciate it if you all just left me alone."
Rose and Dave exchanged glances, conspiratorial smiles crossing their faces. Without warning, they leapt into the pile with Karkat, sandwiching him between them. Rose adjusted her robes, leaning back on the boxes, resting her feet on Karkat's legs. "Yes," she said, shutting her eyes, "I can definitely go for a nap as well. Brilliant idea, Karkat."
Karkat growled as he bunched up Dave's cape, using it as a cushion between his head and the box. He shut his eyes again, nuzzling his head against Dave’s armpit. "Don't think this means we can have any feelings jams here. I’m just trying to sleep."
Dave gasped, slapping Karkat on the arm. "I'm offended. I think I would be a better pale bro than your juggalo bro. My sick fires definitely overwhelm his miracles, not to mention--"
"Strider,” he warned, cracking an eye open. “If you don't stop talking, I'm going to shove a card game right up your--"
"Fair enough, dude. Catch your forty winks."
They curled up together, making the occasional snarky remark as they got comfortable, or as much as they could on a pile of rectangular cardboard boxes, some sturdier than others. Once they settled in, breathing began to slow, thoughts began to fade away, and they fell asleep.
Game night was a resounding success.
Summary: Dave and Jade are out hunting for frogs and take a break.
Rating: M
Warnings: Non-explicit sexual encounter.
It was little more than a moment. A break from all that frog breeding. A chance to breathe. Or at least it was supposed to be.
The environment was less than picturesque since the Forge had just been stoked, melting the snow nearby, forming muddy puddles. Defrosted frogs went about their business, perhaps to resume business left unfinished since being frozen. It wouldn't be long before the whole planet warmed up, meaning more frogs would be hopping around the place, flopping around in the melted snow, leaping into the farthest branches of the trees.
Jade was wearing her 3 AM dress, a somewhat odd choice of fashion given the occasion--perhaps she wore in anticipation for the warmth from the Forge. Either way, Dave hoped she wouldn't notice his looking, the way he stole frequent glances, admiring the way her shoulders and clavicles stood in such stark contrast to the black of her dress. It didn't help either that the fabric was eye-catching, that it hung quite nicely around her hips.
A frog in each hand, he approached, tapping her on the shoulder. She was crouched near a tree, trying to coax a frog from its hiding spot amongst the roots. Jade waved a hand, intent on retrieving the frog.
"He'll come out eventually," he said, kneeling beside her.
"I hope so." She moved away from the tangled mess of roots and looked at the frogs Dave had brought her. "What are you still doing with those?"
He shrugged, letting the frogs go. They hopped towards the roots, apparently serving as reason enough for the frog already in there to come out. Jade snatched it, smiling triumphantly. Then, with a pat on its head, she let the frog go, waving goodbye to the little amphibian.
Dave stood, offering a hand to Jade. She got to her feet, smoothing her dress. "How much more of this do we have to do? Not that I don’t love harassing random frogs, but they’re terrible wordsmiths."
She lifted her shoulders. "We'll know when we finish. Kanaya seemed certain of that." She let out a breath, seeming to deflate.
"You okay?" He placed his hands on her shoulders, trying not to squeeze too tightly or make it obvious the effect her bare skin was having on him. "I'm sure we'll finish. They don’t have to rap with me, it’s cool."
"No, it's not that," she said, the corner of her mouth lifting into a half smile. "I guess I'm feeling tired. And a little cold." Jade lowered her gaze, the smile falling from her lips.
"Oh." Dave fidgeted, giving her shoulders a slight squeeze. "Do you need a jacket?" She shook her head, but offered little else in the way of response. Her hair fell over her face, catching on her glasses. "I don't--"
She looked up and in a single movement threw her arms about his neck, kissing him. Dave stumbled backwards, tripping over his feet as he brought Jade down with him, landing on the snow with a thud. His hands rested awkwardly at his sides, fists full of snow, as Jade let out a shaky breath, now splayed atop him. Instead of getting up or pushing away from him, she propped her head up on her hand, smiling.
"What, you've never been kissed before?"
He cleared his throat, releasing the snow from his grip. "You didn't seem too sure yourself."
"I'm not the reason we're on the ground now." Jade tapped his nose, chuckling. "What are you so nervous about anyway?"
Dave took a breath and pushed Jade onto her back. He leant over her, suddenly at a loss as he stared down at her, propped up on his arms. She looked up at him with a bright expectant look, an almost amused expression, her dark hair flecked with snow. He adjusted his sunglasses and cupped her face in one hand as he kissed her. The arm supporting him began to shake as he felt heat rise in his cheeks, his stomach pulling into knots; he broke the kiss, letting his hand drop back to the ground.
"That's a start." Jade laughed, clasping her hands together behind his neck. "What are you thinking about?"
"Spent all this time before acting all coy, knowing when things were going to happen before they did, and now you can't even guess what I’m thinking?"
"This is different."
"Here," he said, taking one of her hands from his neck and pressing it to his chest. "Can you feel that? Tell me what you think I got on my mind." Jade's hand lingered even after he let go to maintain his balance, the weakness in his arms becoming more and more noticeable. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, bringing his breathing out of rhythm right along with it.
She lifted her knees, the fabric of her dress pulling back as she planted her feet on the ground, her leg brushing up against Dave's. He swore he felt his heart skip a few beats before resuming its frenzied pace.
Jade pulled him down, pressing their foreheads together as he lay atop her, her breath warm on his skin as she spoke. "That was cheesy, Dave."
He let a few moments pass before he replied, hoping his throat wouldn't betray him and stick. "I think you're just too embarrassed to admit it worked on you."
Jade offered him a broad grin, reaching for his hand. She pushed him up a bit and brought his hand to her chest, nestling it between her breasts. "Do you think you can tell me what I'm thinking of?" she asked, letting go.
For several seconds, Dave was at a loss as his hand rested on her, his fingertips brushing against exposed flesh, the gauzy fabric beneath his palm almost too much to bear. Jade took his hand again, moving it atop her breast, pressing her fingers against his.
"What am I thinking about now?" Her voice was soft, almost inaudible.
Unwilling to let her take control of the situation, Dave moved his hand away, reaching back for her legs, trailing a cold hand down her thigh, considerably warmer than his fingers were.
"What am I thinking about?" he repeated back to her, trying to keep a straight face. He could feel his mouth quivering, his throat catching his every breath. She giggled, squeezing his hand between her legs.
Jade let out a breath and closed her eyes, the smile falling from her face as Dave ventured further. He nestled against her neck, burying his nose in her hair, unable to handle looking at Jade’s expressions any longer, the way her lips parted, the way her eyelids fluttered at the behest of his touch.
A nearby ribbit, loud and cacophonous, broke the quiet. Dave's fingers, warm and twitchy, froze against Jade's skin, the slick fabric he had pushed aside now sliding back into place. The frog leapt away, seemingly content with having ruined the moment.
Summary: Roxy helps Jane blow off a little steam while helping her prep a cake.
Rating: MA
Warning: Explicit sexual encounter.
There was something calming about baking. It required precision and attention to detail, a knowledge of the chemical reactions one needed to take advantage of in order to create a quality product. Leveling off cups of flour, packing brown sugar, sifting powdered sugar over completed confections. A moment too long in the oven and it could became a dried out, barely edible rock. A moment too soon and the whole thing could fall flat, no longer airy and light.
Jane wiped her nose with her forearm as she resumed mixing her batter, her glasses slipping down slightly with each twist of her arm. She could see through the doorway of the kitchen that Roxy was chatting animatedly with Fefetasprite. She smiled and turned her attention back to her work, tapping the spoon a few times against the edge of the bowl before setting it down.
"Roxy," she called out over her shoulder, "would you mind coming over here?"
In a few moments the blonde was at her side, a smile on her face. "What's up, Janey?"
"It's almost ready to go in the oven." Jane spooned the mixture into a prepared pan, greased and lined with parchment paper, spreading it evenly. After a few taps against the counter to dislodge any air bubbles, she handed the pan to Roxy. "You know how long it goes for, right?"
"Sure, sure," she said, giving her a wink. "It'll be done in like three hours." Jane crossed her arms, lifting a brow. "Kidding, kidding, Janey. Fifteen minutes, then check it every five minutes if it isn't ready. You can trust me."
Roxy slid over to the oven, pulling open the door, and slipped in the cake. She picked up a small egg-shaped device, twisting it carefully. "And look, I'll even set a timer like you say I should."
"Thank you, Roxy. I do appreciate your help."
She giggled, tapping Jane on her nose. "No worries. That's what I'm here for!" She glanced back at the doorway. "Looks like dear, sweet Fefetasprite gave me the slip. Hope she doesn't spend another three hours at the bathtub, watching the water run."
"Are you telling me you'd rather her company than mine, Rox?" The corner of her mouth quirked, betraying her even tone.
"I would never." Roxy grinned, throwing her hands around Jane's shoulders. "You're, like, the white to my rice, the fizz in my soda. Without you, I'm a cookie without leavening, flat and unsatisfying."
Jane rolled her eyes, patting her on the hips. "Did you really just say that?"
"I say a lot of things, Janey." She ran her fingers through her hair, curling a few fingers through Jane's thick tresses. "Are you worried about your birthday?"
She sighed, looking away. "I'd rather not talk about it."
"Jane..." Roxy cupped her face, pressing their foreheads together. "Come on, you can't hide anything from me."
"I'd prefer not to talk about it, all right? Can we do something else? Please?"
Roxy glanced at the egg timer, moving her mouth from side to side as she watched it tick and rotate slowly. A smile carefully crossed her lips as she looked back at Jane. "Yeah. We can do something else." She pressed against Jane, her knee slipping between her legs, sliding up her thigh. "Think you can finish before the timer goes off?"
"A challenge, is it?" Jane returned her grin, her expression slipping away quickly as Roxy moved her knee, dragging it against her. "Yes, I can work with this," she whispered, bracing herself against the counter as Roxy moved closer, taking hold of her hips, bringing them close together. Jane slipped a hand down, only to be stopped.
"No hands, Janey," she said, wagging a finger in her face. "It's not a challenge that way." With a giggle, she took both of Jane's wrists into her hands, holding them against the counter. Roxy buried her face against Jane's neck, smearing lipstick at her jaw and earlobe, warmth building on her leg.
Jane rocked her hips, grinding against the blonde's leg, her hands clenching and unclenching in her grip. She squealed a little as Roxy nipped at her ear, sucking the small bit of flesh between her lips, touching it gently with the tip of her tongue. Desperately she tried to move away, to press her ear against her shoulder, but the friction between her quivering legs fogged her mind.
Hot breath filled her ear and cool air slipped through briefly, lapping at the moistened flesh. Jane let out a groan, the tingling sensations from her ears travelling down her body, coalescing at her midsection. It tightened with every move, squeezing and pulling as her thighs attempted to crush Roxy's leg, her arms straining for freedom.
The egg timer went off and Jane screamed, shaking violently against Roxy, her fingers splaying and her legs squeezing together almost uncomfortably. She took several shaky breaths as Roxy slowly moved away, her lipstick smeared across her face, a satisfied smile on her lips.
"Cake's ready."
Defaced
Summary: Rose gives Kanaya a Christmas present, and the troll is determined to repay the kindness.
Rose pulled her legs up beneath her as she made herself comfortable on the couch, straightening out her robes over her feet. "It's a bit different than what you do on Alternia, but the concept seems to be much the same." She gestured toward the colourful and carefully wrapped box on the coffee table before her, smiling at Kanaya. "This is for you."
"Is there a behemoth..." She trailed off and picked up the box, removing the wrapping paper gently, keeping it in a single piece where she could. Once the box was uncovered, she removed the lid, revealing a book--a suspiciously familiar book. "Rose, did you give me a book from one of the piles in here?"
"Perhaps." The corner of her mouth quirked as she lowered her gaze briefly. She picked at her robes for a few moments before continuing. "It's not as though I have a lot of options. But please, take a look inside. I'm sure you'll appreciate it."
Kanaya lifted the book from the box, opening the cover. Inside was a short letter and a few doodles and notes. Most were in Rose's recognisable script, though there appeared to be a few additions--primarily in the form of phalluses and poetry--from Dave in his scratchy script. She flipped through the pages, noting the margins were filled with more comments and drawings, various words and sentences scratched out from the text and replaced.
"You've given me a defaced book."
They looked at each other for several moments--Rose on the couch, Kanaya on the floor by the table, the book open before her. The troll lifted a brow at Rose before breaking into a smile, no longer able to continue the charade.
"Much appreciated. I think I will enjoy rereading this with your commentary."
Rose let out a sigh, rolling her eyes as she returned the smile. "You're terrible."
"It's the least I can do." She stood up, moving to the couch beside Rose. "After all the times you've--ah--jerked my chain in the past." Kanaya patted Rose on the knee, leaning towards her and pressing their foreheads together. Rose's breath was warm and comforting on her lips and chin. "I haven't a present for you," she said, her voice low.
"It's all right." Rose closed her eyes, taking Kanaya's hands into hers. "Receiving gifts isn't what's important. It's the thought that counts, contrived though the sentiment may be."
"I'd still like to repay you somehow. At least show my appreciation for the gift. It must have taken you some time to read through this."
Rose chuckled, shaking her head. She pressed her nose against Kanaya's and took a breath. "It was more difficult to keep Strider from filling the book with his raps. I had to pacify him with other books to deface for Terezi and Karkat."
"Oh." Her voice was flat. Kanaya pursed her lips for a second before smiling again, pressing Rose onto her back on the couch. "Let's not waste another moment speculating about the others."
"I wasn't aware there was any speculation happening," Rose said, smirking. "Is there something on your mind?"
Kanaya buried her face in Rose's neck, breathing deeply. "Yes," she replied. "You smell wonderful." She licked Rose's ear, grazing her fangs across her flesh as her hand trailed down her hip, pulling the orange fabric of her robes up, reaching for the waistband of her pants. "The rest of you must smell just as wondrous."
"Perhaps you'll find out." Rose wrapped her arms around her waist, the tips of her fingers finding their way beneath the fabric of Kanaya's shirt. "Perhaps I can share some of that--ah..." Her breath caught in her throat as she closed her eyes, lifting her hips against her hand. Her neck felt almost oppressively warm as Kanaya mumbled something against her, the vibrations from her voice tingling Rose's skin. "Is this your gift...?"
A jolt ran up her spine, a knot tightening in her midsection as Kanaya's fingers continued to work through the fabric of her moistening underwear. Rose attempted to slip her pants off, but was stopped, Kanaya's hand tight at her wrist.
"I believe this is my gift to give, Rose." She said nothing in response, looking up at her with half-lidded eyes. "Let me give it to you in my own way."
Rose nodded, closing her eyes again as Kanaya let go of her arm. She felt her hips being lifted as her pants were slipped off, cool air mixed with the heat of Kanaya's breath on her bare skin.
"These undergarments are rather fetching. The lace is a nice touch. I believe it would be a waste if they were to be... ruined... in any way." Kanaya licked, pressing her tongue against the wet fabric, as Rose took in a sharp breath in surprise. She grumbled incoherently under her breath.
A sudden rush of cold air and a lifting of pressure from the couch brought Rose out of her reverie and she sat up, wondering what Kanaya was up to. The troll had a bit of ribbon in hand and a mischevious smile on her lips.
"Hands behind you. I can't have another interruption like that again, you know."
Rose complied, allowing Kanaya to tie her hands together at her back. "Am I to be your gift, Kanaya?" She leaned against the back of the sofa, her feet flat on the ground.
"It is a fortunate side effect." Kanaya took up position at Rose's feet, nudging her legs apart. "Now, no slipping out of your binds or you'll ruin the surprise." She pressed her nose against Rose, nipping at her thighs.
The thin layer separating her flesh from Kanaya's tongue drove Rose crazy as she bucked her hips against her face, her wrists straining against the ribbon. Not a moment too soon, she felt the crotch of her underwear pushed aside and Kanaya's hot breath upon her directly, the heat almost too much to take.
Pain crept up Rose's stomach as her movements drew blood against Kanaya's fangs, barely noticable in the face of her energetic ministrations. The knot in her stomach continued to tighten, her feet drumming against the floor as her legs shook. Her throat closed, letting out little aside from the occasional whine.
Kanaya held her fast, her nails digging into Rose's hips, as she let out a moan and leant forward, legs tightening around the troll's face, driving her tongue and lips closer to her. She continued to keep control of Rose's hips as she continued to buck and groan, her toes curling.
Eventually Rose calmed, her legs releasing their grip around Kanaya. She continued to give her a few licks and kisses, sending shivers down her spine.
"That's... ah... enough. Please." She leant back against the couch, trying to control the shaking of her legs. "It's quite enough."
The troll moved away, moving up onto the couch beside her. She removed the ribbon from Rose's wrists, kissing the reddened flesh. "Did you enjoy your gift?"
"I'm not certain," she replied, trying to restrain a smile. "It was difficult to ascertain the quality of the gift."
Kanaya laughed, picking up Rose's discarded pants. She folded them up before setting them on the table beside the book, patting the clothing a few times before settling back into the couch. "Need you a repeat performance?"
Rose waved a hand, shaking her head. She leant against Kanaya, resting her head on her shoulder. "Let's just stay like this. Merry Christmas, Kanaya."
She kissed the top of her head, rubbing her shoulder. "A very merry Christmas to you."
Summary: Nepeta tries to come up with a gift idea for Equius with the help of Jade.
Nepeta was curled up on the bed, her tablet at her thighs, her toes beneath the blanket. She twirled the pen in her fingers and stared out the window. A knock at the door drew her attention, the pen ceasing its orbit around her fingers. Jade stood outside the room, a hand at the frame.
"May I come in, or are you busy?"
"Come in," she replied, patting the empty space next to her. "I'm trying to think of something to draw fur my meowrail."
Jade flopped down on the bed, glancing at the tablet for a moment before leaning back against the pillow. "Draw him a horse."
"I wanted to do something diffurent, something special to him."
"Horses are special to him."
Nepeta giggled, playfully slapping her shoulder. "You know what I mean. It's easy to draw him a hoofbeast, but that's superficial. There's more to my meowrail than hoofbeasts, you know. Just like Akwete Purrmusk isn't defined only by his rap mewsic and apple juice."
"All right, all right. Fair enough." She rolled onto her stomach, kicking her feet a few times before resting them flat against the bed. "What if you drew him as a hoofbeast? Have you done that?"
"I don't think Equius would like that furry much..."
"But have you done it before? It might not hurt to try. You could even make him feel better by drawing yourself as a cat."
Nepeta tapped the pen against her chin and stretched her legs, splaying her toes. "I will give it more thought." She set the pen and tablet aside, turning her attention back to Jade. "Did you need something?"
She shrugged, rolling onto her side. "It's been hours since we last cuddled and talked."
"Jade, you are furry needy." Nepeta frowned, the smile on her lips in stark contrast. "You know you can have too much of a good thing."
"But Nep," she said, throwing her arms around her, "I'm going to bubble over with things unsaid! I might explode from the lack of cuddling!"
"And I might explode from too much cuddling!" Nepeta giggled, pulling her closer regardless. "You really think I should draw Equius as a hoofbeast? He might think I'm making fun of him."
Snuggling her cheek against Nepeta's shoulder, Jade hummed happily to herself, her eyes shut. "If it's a gift from your heart, I'm sure he'll appreciate it. If he hates it, then he's a butt. End of story."
She shifted her position on the bed, disrupting Jade momentarily as she made herself comfortable. When she felt settled, she held her arms out, waiting for Jade to take up position with her again. "What are you waiting fur? I thought you wanted to cuddle."
Jade crossed her arms, turning her nose in the air. "I do want to cuddle, but it's obvious you don't. Moving me out of the way like that, I have half a mind to teach you a lesson."
"A lesson?" She tilted her head, her brows knitted together. "What are you--"
The brunette's hands shot out, finding each and every one of Nepeta's sensitive spots, tickling her relentlessly. Her giggles rang out in the room, filling Jade's ears with the joy of it all. "This is what you get for ruining cuddle-time, Nepeta! No misdeed may go unpunished!"
Giggles and laughs interspersed between her words, she tried to respond. "But I did not--mean to--ruin your cu--cuddle time! Jade, I--stop! Please! I can't take any more!" Her attempts to push her away went largely unnoticed, unhelped by the fact her attempts were less than half-hearted. She kept her hands curled at her sides, trying to block the flurry of tickles.
Eventually Jade relented, allowing Nepeta to catch her breath. With a grin, she curled up against the troll, tucking her chin close to her chest. "But really, I think it's a fine idea."
She kissed the top of Jade's head, taking in a few breaths, inhaling the scent of her hair. "I told you, I will think about it. Until then, I think I might enjoy a little catnap."
Jade cuddled up closer, her arms around Nepeta's waist. "Sleep tight, Nep."
"You too..." Her voice trailed off, the muscles tensing in her body. Before Jade could react, Nepeta launched her own attack, tickling her mercilessly. "Payback!" she cried, laughing as Jade tried to pull away, defenseless against her. "You won't get the upper paw on me," she said, rolling over Jade and pinning her arms at her sides. "We're even now."
"Promise?"
"Of course!" With another peck at her forehead, she let go of Jade's arms, allowing her to curl up against her more comfortably. She closed her eyes, slipping into a warm sleep.
Summary: Equius meets Nepeta for the first time and makes a devastating mistake.
Inspired by ask bl00bl00d
http://ask-b100blood...ullsize-version
Equius's mind had been busy, filled with blueprints and plans, project timelines and inventory lists. It wasn't to say he wasn't excited to see Nepeta for the first time, or that his mind didn't immediately empty itself the moment she threw her arms around his neck, getting up on the tips of her toes, pulling him down slightly to her level. It was a comforting pressure, the warmth from her arms pressing gently against his shoulders, the way her face was up against his neck, her breath tickling him.
She was happy. He was happy.
All he could think of was returning the hug, to make her feel as accepted and appreciated as he did.
Equius wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a squeeze.
That's all he wanted, to embrace her, to give her the comfort and joy he felt in that moment.
He squeezed and realised it too late. He could feel her spine giving out in his grip, a brittle, insubstantial stick against the tension of his arms. Nepeta slumped in his arms, her eyes wide and filling with tears. He knelt, clutching her, trying to keep his touch light despite his shaking, despite the rage welling up within him. It was her pained expression that turned his anger to productivity, the desire to right his wrongs that snapped his logic back into gear.
"Stay with me, Nepeta."
A living troll body was different than his robots, to be certain. But it wasn't impossible. Equius couldn't afford to fail her, not after the kindness she had shown him. He thought of their first interactions over chat, the childlike and straightforward way Nepeta approached their relationship. She had even been the one to talk to him first, the one who extended the invitation.
No, failure was not an option.
He wiped his brow with a towel, letting out a slow breath as he pushed his glasses up. A few rebel strands of hair slipped from his ponytail, sticking to his cheek. Equius referenced his charts and plans frequently, checking and double checking the connections, making sure everything was in its proper place.
His chest pounded, little else audible above the beating. He had hardly noticed Aurthour had come into the lab, leaving a few glasses of milk at a table pushed up against the wall, nor did he notice the door closing as his lusus left, his expression carefully blank.
He finished sewing Nepeta up.
"I can't."
Nepeta sat on the ground, her hands flat against the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks. She hiccoughed a few times, her eyes squeezed shut, unable to meet Equius's gaze.
"Get up." He had hoped the desperation in his voice didn't show through, that his desire, his need to see her well wasn't written quite so obviously in his words. He wanted to tell her to stop being belligerent, to do as he commanded. He bit back the words.
"I told you," she snapped, a few tears falling to the ground beneath her. "I can't."
He clenched his fists. "You can. Stand."
Her breath hitched as she pushed herself from the ground. As Nepeta rose onto shaking legs, so too did his heart. He had done it. He had fixed her, had made up for his foolish--
She cried out and fell against Equius, her legs tangled uselessly behind her, unable to support her. Nepeta looked up at him. "I can't," she repeated, her voice soft.
He realised it. Too late, once again. She wasn't acting out. He still hadn't fixed her.
Gently, he cupped her face in his hand, leaning over her slightly as he supported her with his other arm.
"I will fix this."
At least he had another chance, even if it meant more sleepless nights, more discarded plans for her spine, holes in the wall and broken glasses of milk. Equius wracked his mind, trying to figure out a solution, to make things right. He was getting desperate in his sleep deprived state and began considering ridiculous methods. Perhaps he could use small rockets to keep her upright. Maybe he could give her a--
A tail. Nepeta had appreciation enough for meowbeasts, creatures that relied on such appendages for balance. She had even mentioned her lusus more than a few times, a delightful and graceful creature. A tail just might work. He set to it immediately, working feverishly, rejuvenated by the possibility of success.
Equius took several shallow breaths, his heart racing.
"Stand."
The tail curled and whipped through the air experimentally. Nepeta's lips quivered, an anticipatory smile wanting to break through. She pressed her fingers against the ground and pushed up, her tail swinging. One moment passed. Then two. Three. Then another and another and Nepeta was still standing, taking step after step with her newfound balance.
Happiness was bubbling within Equius as he caught sight of the smile on her face--an honest, heartfelt smile. Nepeta turned to him, her hands curled happily.
"Equius," she said, her expression filling him with a warmth he thought he had lost with his mistake. "It's purrfect."
Another one. Sorry not sorry. Will have another either later tonight or tomorrow as I continue to fill Secret Santa requests.
Doing fic requests for ships I do not ship is really hard.
The Romcom
Summary: Karkat is completely tired of watching the same movie over and over with Eridan.
Warning: Explicit sexual encounter
It wasn't like he meant for it to happen.
The movie was typical fare, little more than a bit of redrom fluff spiced up by quadrant vacillation with an old kismesis. Karkat knew they had seen the movie at least a dozen times over the past sweep and if he had any say in the matter, they would have been doing literally anything else--even if it was reading the book that inspired the movie. Eridan insisted, pressed and plied until he acquiesced. They snacked and gossiped as the movie played, largely ignored, curled up beside each other beneath a thick blanket.
Nothing was out of the norm, nothing different from the other times they had gotten together and watched the movie. When the film's lowblood protagonist found herself thrown against the wall by their highblooded former kismesis, Karkat felt his eyelids droop heavily, the predictable progression of the paper thin plot no longer stirring even a modicum of interest in him. He slumped, leaning against Eridan.
Sleep had nearly claimed when he felt a warm hand slide down his thigh, flattening his leg against the floor. Karkat sniffed, lifting his head in confusion as the fog of sleep drifted away. The movie's lowblood was now pinned to the ground, her mouth occupied by her assailant's bulge, a comical amount of liquid spewing everywhere.
"Gratuitous garbage," he said, rubbing his eyes. The hand tightened at his leg, reminding him why he had woken up in the first place.
Karkat narrowed his eyes, then frowned, tilting his head, his mouth slightly agape. Eridan was resting his head against the sofa, the blanket over his lap moving in a more than suggestive manner. He gave a jolt, nails digging into Karkat's thigh.
"Is this happening? How many times have we seen this movie and you're doing that?"
"A troll's got needs, Kar. What do you suggest I do?" He licked his lips slowly, eyes half-lidded. "Kick you out of my hive like some uncivilised--"
"You are literally touching your bulge with your hand on me. I think that's more uncivilised than just asking me to leave or at least going to another part of your hive. I mean for fuck's sake..."
"I don't hear you telling me to stop."
He started, fumbling over half started words, all the while Eridan continued his self-ministrations, his hand trailing further and further up Karkat's leg.
The movie was now in full swing, the highblood's legs curled about the other's waist, her movements exaggerated and absurd. It was never an arousing scene for Karkat, at least not since the first time he had seen it in private. A faint stirring at his pants pulled him from his thoughts.
"Are you--" The seadweller's hand grasped and massaged, knocking the words from his mouth. "Are you serious?"
"I don't want to be a bad host." He could see his jaw clench as Eridan leant forward, his breathing audibly laboured as he fumbled at Karkat's pants. "It'd be rude if I didn't."
In a single movement, Eridan moved atop him, the blanket somehow still atop them. Karkat lifted his hips, turning his attention back to the movie. The lowblood, bruised and bleeding, was atop the highblood, pulling at her partner's hair as she squealed, legs squeezing together. Warm breath came upon his bulge, a rush of heat surging through his midsection.
"Is this okay?"
He looked down at Eridan, saw the desire flickering in his eyes. Karkat grunted, slouching slightly. "It's fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Eridan, it's fine." He winced at his own words, smacking his palm against his forehead. "I mean it."
A major plot revelation was happening on the movie, that much Karkat remembered, but all he could see was Eridan taking his bulge, a decorated hand wrapped around its base squeezing and releasing, into his mouth. The rhythm of his movements was maddeningly slow, a tightness forming in him that wouldn't let loose.
With a groan, he leant forward, grabbing at Eridan's horns and hair. His legs shook as he tried to force Eridan closer. In response, the hand at his hip tightened, nails digging deep into flesh. And still he kept up the slow pace, perhaps even slowing down further. Every slip of the tongue, the way the rings rubbed at him, the over the top soundtrack of feigned sex from the movie--
The tension snapped and his hips lifted embarrassingly, fingertips deep at Eridan's shoulders. His toes curled and his knees quivered, and still the seadweller continued, tightening his grip.
"I can't--I can't..."
Vibrations from Eridan's muffled voice wrenched a moan from him, his vision tunneling, the only thing he could see, could focus on was the shock of purple hair between his legs. Karkat bucked and pushed Eridan away, wrestling him to the ground.
"No more," he panted. "You're a good host, all right?"
Eridan licked his lips, grinning. "I don't think I caught that. Mind telling me again?"
How he wanted to wipe that smug grin from his face. Karkat snarled, pushing up from the ground, stumbling over his half-worn pants. "I'm not here to feed your ego," he said, pulling his pants up the rest of the way. "We have to finish the movie."
"Even after all that, you still want to watch it?" Eridan took up his spot beside him once more, sliding beneath the blanket. "Not even going to do me the honour of returning the favour?"
Karkat smiled as he watched the grin slowly fade from the seadweller's face. "What host expects a guest to serve him?"
"I didn't know you were so cruel."
He chuckled, reaching across him for the bowl of snacks. "Next time we'll watch the movie at my hive." Bowl in hand, he started to settle back into place, but found himself pausing, his face close to Eridan's.
A twinge pulled at Karkat and he moved in, kissing him briefly. "We'll pick up from there."
This is such a rare pair, I don't even.
Summary: Nepeta is out hunting when she runs into Gamzee. Who seems... lost.
Warning: Frequent use of coarse language.
Tail twitching and muscles tensed, Nepeta waited in the bushes and scanned the area. Hunger gnawed at her as the beginnings of pain crept in its wake. Movement caught her eye and she smiled, more than prepared to pounce. The smile fell from her face as a troll moved into view.
"Gamzee?"
It was hard to miss the tangled mop of hair and the bright white of his make up, even through the dense foliage. He turned towards her voice and stumbled, catching himself against a tree trunk. Nepeta stood from her hiding spot and approached, putting away her claws.
"What are you doing out here?"
For several moments she stared at him as she waited for a response, receiving little in return until he finally shrugged, the corner of his mouth lifting into a lazy smile.
"I don't fucking know. Guess I just up and wandered out here by mistake." Gamzee looked around, an expression of mild amusement on his face. "Definitely a long motherfucking way from my hive. Good thing it's so motherfucking beautiful out here."
Nepeta chuckled, holding out a hand. "Do you need help getting back?"
"Guess I can't turn down the offer. Lead on, sister."
She led him through the woods hand in hand, conversation absent but surprisingly comfortable. Her pace was slow, marginally quicker than Gamzee's, who seemed determined to look at each individual leaf and fallen branch, every budding flower and curled petal, all of which were apparently certified miracles.
Gamzee had paused their progress yet again, tugging on Nepeta's arm to keep her from moving forward. "Hey, take a look at this motherfuckering bug."
"It's just a caterpillar." A beast with a built-in cat pun. She smiled happily to herself, bouncing a little, as she watched the bug move around on the leaf.
He chuckled and nodded, leaning in towards the creature. "Yeah, he's a hairy little motherfucker."
Nepeta leant in with him, her tail swishing eagerly. "Looks like he's been furry hungry," she said, pointing at the holes in the surrounding leaves. "He reminds me of you."
"I was all about to say the motherfucking same to you."
Her nose twitched, betraying her interest. "Do you think I eat a lot?"
"He's cute." Gamzee offered her a sidelong glance before turning back towards the caterpillar. His grip tightened on her hand briefly. "A motherfucker might not recognise the potential this little hairy brother has. One day he's going to wrap himself up all tight and emerge as a motherfucking flutterbeast. Motherfucking miracles."
"A meowricle," she repeated, smiling. Nepeta pulled on his hand, tilting her head. "We should get going."
"What's the motherfucking rush?" Gamzee pulled her back towards him, wrapping her in his arms. Her cheek pressed against his chest, her hands stiff at her sides as he squeezed her shoulders. "You think if I held you long enough, got my cocoon on about it, you'd all up and transform?"
Nepeta's tail lashed about behind her, moving from left to right, as she stood against him, her pulse suddenly loud in her ears. "I think..."
Gamzee loosened his grip on her and she looked up at him, tilting her head. His eyes, normally in what seemed to be an unfocussed haze, appeared lucid, a look she had seen but once, when she stumbled upon him on the beach.
"What are you getting your think on about, Nepeta?"
"Purrhaps we could find out if I will transfurm," she said, knowing a goofy smile was on her face, knowing it was a ridiculously cheesy thing to say, and buried her face against his chest, wrapping her arms about his waist.
The vibrations of his laugh tickled her ears. "Are you telling a motherfucker--"
She moved away and got up on her tiptoes, her hands at his shoulders. Nepeta pulled him closer, bridging the gap, and kissed his nose, careful not to smear his makeup. She let go, clasping her hands behind her as she giggled, watching his surprised reaction.
"Now I can't just all and let you get away with that." He put an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close once more.
Nepeta felt her hat move, and all at once his fingers tangled in her mane beneath the fabric. He lifted her face with his free hand and returned her kiss with one of his own at her nose. Their foreheads touched together for a moment before he kissed her on the mouth. She could feel the faint tremble of his lips, could sense the uncertainty and anticipation.
Gamzee pulled away first and removed his fingers from her hair, his normal lazy expression back on his face. "Think it's time for us to get our move on and get me to my motherfucking hive before I start losing my wicked chill."
With a laugh, Nepeta took his hand and resumed walking, her pace matching his.
Witch of Rage
mfw @ nepeta/gamzee tbh. if only kurloz and meulin could see that ;n ;
and the karkat/eridan and roxy/jane. ide.
and sdkfjlkj that equius/nepeta one. my feels. ow. but ow in a good way, though.
all in all, that was a very enjoyable pack of oneshots. it makes me want to post some of my homestuck things too, to be honest.
Edited February 2, 2013 by Loki
The Meowrails one was my favourite, haha. I just really liked the ask blog response and it was the first thing that came to mind when I got the prompt.
When I did the EriKar one, the whole time I was just like, "I have no idea what I am doing and I'm pretty sure this is all kinds of wrong". Ye.
I read an awesome EriFef one shot on AO3 called Salmon. I don't read a lot of M/F smut, but that was super good. I can only aspire to capture Eridan as they did, haha.
But ye, do post your stuff! I will read it voraciously. :3
Modern Contagion
By boink666
Teen Titans Go! (2003) Comics
By PowerBen10
Teen Titans Go! is a comic book series based on the 2003 animated TV series Teen Titans. It often extends from the show, expanding on plot lines the show introduced and adding new characters. The animated series itself is loosely based on the characters that starred in the popular 1980s comic The New Teen Titans. The series is completely different from the original comics which were written in the 1960s.
The series was written by Joseph Torres, and Todd Nauck and Larry Stucker were the regular illustrators. The series was published by DC Comics.
Teen Titans Go! Comics (Megalink)
Mutual Destruction
By † Emotional Outlet
Michael stared at the woman in the mirror. He supposed averaging four hours of sleep over the past two weeks wasn't ideal, but hallucinations seemed excessive.
She seemed to blink when he did, mimicking his other movements perfectly. Even the number of teeth seemed to match as he ran his tongue over each one.
When he reached for the long dark hair that flowed over her shoulders in the reflection and grabbed an unexpected handful of hair, he took in a slow, controlled breath. The reflection smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling and drawing attention to the faint bags that formed beneath.
He felt his lips part. “That’s enough for now.” The voice was feminine, static faint beneath the lilting sounds. “Rest your eyes, won’t you?”
Michael went to sleep.
Something stank.
Corben tried to roll over and go back to sleep, but was met with utmost resistance from his body. He groaned and took a mental step back, focusing his energy into opening his eyes.
It was painful, like soap rubbed under his eyelids. His arms wouldn’t cooperate long enough to let him rub the pain out, so he squeezed his eyes shut, forcing out the pooled tears. They tumbled over his cheeks hotly and still his eyes burned.
After a few orchestrated blinks, he managed to stabilise his vision long enough to examine his surroundings—or, at least, realise he was staring at the open predawn sky sandwiched between towering grey brick.
The smell hadn’t left either.
He tried to move again. It felt like he was lying on garbage bags, but he couldn’t get past how much his eyes hurt. Whether the bags were filled with pizza boxes or rotten fruit didn’t make much difference—he needed to get up. Corben grit his teeth and tried to launch his upper body forward.
When his back seized with pain instead of lifting, he swore he could crack a tooth. He clumsily groped the bags beneath him, trying to force some feeling into his limbs long enough to figure out what he was lying on. What little he could feel through the plastic was immediately recognisable.
Bottles. Broken bottles.
Corben laughed.
Reflections [Working Title]
Tangential Notes:
Chapter One [Part One]
The bedroom was cosy, bordering on spartan with its limited personal touches. A glass vase with two sun-faded paper flowers attached to bits of wire. An errant comb, a few strands of hair woven into its teeth, next to a small stack of dogeared magazines long since out of date. Windows curtained and shut, the bright sunlight outside was barred entry. The walls were blank, a faded beige that might have been white at some point.
Blank, save for the wall behind the bed. A mirror, wall to wall and floor to ceiling, reflected the room in its entirety. Its surface was clean and unbroken, not a single scratch or speck of dust to be found despite the headboard pushed directly against it, the sheets and comforter on the mattress in disarray.
Felicia’s voice came through the closed door from the hallway, words dampened to murmurs. The door was pushed open, marked by a slight pop as it moved past the frame. She pressed her phone to her ear with her shoulder, a bowl of cereal in her hands. Shadows had formed beneath her eyes, her dark brown hair pulled back into a messy ponytail.
She set the bowl on the nightstand and pushed the blankets aside. “No, I just got back from the lab. What’s up?” She sat down on the bed, perching her feet on the edge of the bed frame.
“Tim.” She let out a breath. “Tim, stop. I don’t think she hates you. Your sister just turned, what, thirty? Thirty-one. She’s been in the spotlight since she was your age—that’s an entire decade in front of the camera, of her name being plastered everywhere in magazines. She’s not as young as she used to be.”
Felicia switched the phone to her other ear and picked up the bowl. She popped a few spoonfuls of cereal into her mouth. The flakes were beginning to get soggy. “Much as I love to hear you suffer,” she said, putting the bowl down, “I don’t think that’s why you called me this early on a Sunday. Early for you, anyway. What’s going on?”
There was a pause as she listened, a grin spreading across her face as she snickered. “Are you kidding me? Come on, isn’t Steve going? Aren’t you guys—” Another pause. The smile on her face immediately disappeared. “Oh. Oh. Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t… I hope they work it out. Have you asked Amy to go with you? Not my sister, Le—Bev’s daughter. She’s in town for a few weeks, isn’t she?”
Another pause. Felicia rubbed her forehead. “Figures she’d already have plans. All right, all right. I’ll go with you. It’s tomorrow night? Okay. I’ll see you at seven.” She hung up the phone and sighed, staring at the blank screen for a while.
Her eyes flicked to her reflection in the mirror. She put a hand to the glass and, for a moment, she thought that it began to ripple beneath her fingers. Something in her stomach seized and excitement crept up on her. She closed her eyes.
All she felt was its surface, solid as ever. She scolded herself silently for getting worked up and turned on her phone.
The background was somewhat distorted, just a touch too wide for the phone’s resolution. It was a picture of her as a teenager, with a ridiculous head of multi-coloured streaks she absolutely insisted was vital to her personality. Leon was carrying her on his back, a goofy grin on his face.
She frowned.
Here she found herself, sitting on a bed that had seen more people than she would like to admit, a mostly full bowl of cereal waiting for her on the nightstand, staring at an old picture…
And all she could think about was what she was going to wear tomorrow. A welcome distraction to be sure; it would be nice to be able to get away from the house. Felicia cast a sidelong glance at the mirror. Among other things.
She couldn’t shake what had happened. The mirror moved—she was convinced of that much. She dropped the phone on the bed and stood up, taking the bowl.
What more was there for her to do? Wait in front of the mirror for days like she used to? She was years away from sixteen—talking with Tim reminded her of that much. Of course, she was also years away from thirty. A small smile touched her lips.
She left the room, closing the door behind her, pulling it roughly to get it to stay shut.
The Confessional
By Breathless
So I had sudden inspiration to write a short story. I decided to do it in third person which is a bit out of my comfort zone. (Normally I do first person POVs) Anyway, here it is, enjoy.
Referrals: gamebillet, GamersGate, Greenman Gaming, Humble, Play-Asia, Voidu
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Triennial valuations in the LGPS (England & Wales) - A Summary
This is the short version of the shadow Scheme Advisory Board's report on the 2013 LGPS fund valuations in England and Wales. This report is also available in PDF format here and a more detailed version of this report can be found as a PDF document here and as a formatted webpage here.
Results of the 2013 valuations
The latest valuations for England and Wales were carried out during 2013-14 based on data as at 31st March 2013.
The overall results show that the 2013 funding levels for funds are broadly similar to those from 2010. The average funding level across the LGPS in England and Wales as at 31st March 2013 is 79%.
However in cash terms overall deficits have risen from a total of £37bn in 2010 to £47bn in 2013.
The major downward cost pressures for funds (the good news for funding levels) over the valuation period have generally been:
Asset performance (the performance of fund assets in investment markets)
New scheme (for some)
Pay restrictions
Actual contributions paid
The major upward cost pressures for funds (the bad news for funding levels) over the valuation period have generally been:
Increases in longevity
Decreases in index linked gilt yields
Lower expected future investment returns
For individual employers the results of the valuation can be quite different from those of the whole fund. A much wider range of differences in funding levels at the employer level has been seen. The reasons for different results could include:
Different membership profile (e.g. older than average workforce)
Different membership experience than for the fund (e.g. fewer leavers, more deaths, etc)
For individual employers the changes in contribution levels required have also varied greatly. Employer’s contributions are made up of a future service element and a past service element. As many employers now meet deficit contributions through cash payments it is difficult to provide a comparator rate for past service contributions.
The LGPS is a funded scheme and periodic assessments are needed to ensure the fund has sufficient assets meet its liabilities. Employer contribution rates may change depending on the results of valuations. Scheme regulations set out when valuations are to be carried out.
Each LGPS pension fund is required to appoint their own fund actuary, who carries out the fund's valuation. These valuations determine the contribution rates to be paid by employers.
The fund actuary uses a number of assumptions to value the liabilities of the fund. Liabilities are split between:
those that relate to the past (the past service cost), and
those that relate to the future (the future service cost)
The portion of the total employer contribution which relates to the past service cost is known as the deficit contribution, and is often payable in cash terms. The portion of the total employer contribution which relates to the future service cost is known as the future service rate and is normally payable in percentage of pay terms.
The results of the 2013 LGPS valuations show that LGPS funds generally have broadly similar funding levels to those in 2010, but with increased deficits in cash terms. However this overall picture is not always reflected at individual employer level, where there have been significant variations in funding levels and contribution requirements.
Total employer contributions vary for a number of factors. Differences in membership profiles and experience can cause fluctuations, while funds may choose to vary factors such as deficit recovery periods between employers based on indicators such as perceived risk. From fund to fund, employer rates may also vary because of investment performance and differences in actuarial assumptions.
The LGPS is subject to a new cost management process, which is intended to make the scheme more sustainable. Under this process, extra valuations of the LGPS will be carried out at national (not local fund) level every three years from 31/03/2016.
These national valuations are quite different from the local valuations in a few key areas. If this cost management process shows that the cost of the LGPS has changed then benefits and/or contribution levels may be changed for all employees in the LGPS as a whole (i.e. nationally).
Valuation reports
The 2010 and 2013 valuation reports of individual LGPS funds in England & Wales have now been published on this website by the shadow Scheme Advisory Board. This is the first time individual fund reports have been made available via a publicly accessible central resource. The 2010 and 2013 reports for the majority of funds are available via the following links:
2010 fund valuation reports
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Wisconsin Democratic State Senator Faces Recall
by Jeff Dunetz | Feb 23, 2011 | Other
Running away may not be a very good political strategy for the cut and run Democratic State Senators in Wisconsin. At least one of the hiding politicians is facing a recall effort. The law is that State Senators who have been in office for at least a year can be recalled. Sen. Robert Wirch, D-Pleasant Prairie is facing the wrath of his constituents.
In order to recall Wirch or any other state senator who has been in office more than a year, petitioners must collect signatures equal to 25 percent of the votes cast for governor in that particular senate district. For Wirch’s to face recall opponents would need approximately 15,000 signatures.
Cheryl Herrick, 51, of Burlington, has a message for her “missing” state senator, Sen. Robert Wirch, D-Pleasant Prairie. “Come back and vote,” said Herrick, who works in retail. “Elections have consequences.”
Wirch, who represents Burlington and most of Kenosha County, is one of the 14 senate Democrats who fled Madison last week when the state Senate was scheduled to take a vote on Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to essentially eliminate collective bargaining for public workers.
Wirch has not returned calls for comment for several days.
In downtown Burlington on Monday, the consensus among area residents selected at random was that Wirch should go back and vote. Many, including Herrick, said they would like to see Wirch recalled for avoiding his vote. By running away, he is not doing his job, said Kellie Kerkman, 39, of Burlington.
“All I see is this teaching our younger generation to run away from problems. It’s time to grow up,” said Kerkman, who owns Kerkman’s SplitEnds, a hair salon at 316 N Pine St.
Wirch’s constituents expect the State Senator to operate by the same rules as the rest of us:
Down the street, Carl Schultz, 61, of Twin Lakes, said Wirch should be fired for avoiding “his responsibility.”
He recalled firing a worker from his car part manufacturing business, Five Star Fabricating, for repeatedly missing work after receiving multiple warnings, he said.
“If they are hired to do a job, they should be there,” said Schultz, who feels that way about his employees and his state legislators.
And the possibility of a recall may become a reality.
Dan Hunt, 51, of Pleasant Prairie, where Wirch lives, is looking into forming a committee to recall the senator. So far he has 175 volunteers who have signed up to help circulate petitions to recall Wirch, he said as of Monday afternoon, but he said he would need about 300 volunteers to successfully launch a campaign. According to the Government Accountability Board he would need about 15,000 signatures for a recall election.
Wirch and the other State Senators who abdicated their responsibility, should be recalled and made to pay back their salaries for their time hiding out of state.
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SCREEN-L June 2001, Week 1
filmmaking / videomaking
David Tetzlaff <[log in to unmask]>
Now that wlt4 has provided the expected techno-centric response to
mike's 'intro filmmaking' course taught on video, let me offer a
counterargument. As signifiers, 'film' and 'video' represent
different aesthetic sensibilities which have relationships to certain
historical tendencies that developed around the respective media, but
have no necessary relationship to the way those media may be used
today. For example, a cinema verite documentary or a classical-style
Hollywood narrative are fundamentally 'filmic' in purpose and
reception codes whether they're shot on photochemical film or video,
and three-camera coverage of live events retains one form of 'video'
sensibility, even if shot on film and cut on a flatbed.
wlt4 misses something in saying "conceptually things like editing and
camera angles are the same". While some basic principles apply, as
these things have developed into the different cultures that have
come to be labeled 'video' and 'film,' different approaches to
elaborating these principles have developed -- diferent senses of
time, linearity, attention... There may be some technological biases
in these directions, but they are hardly determinate. Moving
image-making has evolved into different conceptual camps based on
different purposes and strategies of the members of the diverging
groups. If these cultural purposes and strategies are not PEFECTLY
translatable accross different technolgies, they are at least largely
so. To declare oneself to be 'video' or 'film' is a matter of
choosing a camp, a particular outlook, even more than a matter of
choosing a technology.
To avoid some of the controversy, I call my class 'Fundamentals of
Motion Picture Production'. But our little program is called Film
Studies, the students think of themselves as film students, call
their projects films, and so on, and that's the way I think it should
be, since that's what the curriculum is referencing: 'film' CULTURE,
not the practical aspects of Eclair magazines, Moviola flatbeds, etc.
There ARE problematic aspects of labeling a class taught with video
as 'filmmaking', but -- especially within a curriculum that dovetails
production with film analysis -- the connotations of rejecting the
label 'filmmaking' are much much more problematic.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
David Tetzlaff
Assistant Professor of Theater "The spectacle is the sun which never sets
Box 5345, Connecticut College over the empire of modern passivity. It
270 Mohegan Ave. covers the entire surface of the world and
New London, CT 06320 bathes endlessly in its own glory."
Screen-L is sponsored by the Telecommunication & Film Dept., the
University of Alabama: http://www.tcf.ua.edu
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The 20 Best Films of 2020 (According to Us)
Films, Focus On
by Loud And Clear
Nomadland, The Assistant, First Cow (Searchlight Pictures / Bleeker Street / A24)
Deliver Us from Evil: An Absolute Pleasure for Action Fans (Review)
From Bad Education to Promising Young Woman, take a look at the 20 best films of 2020, according to 17 of Loud and Clear ‘s staff writers.
It wasn’t easy to come up with a list of best films of the year, even more so when the year in question was defined by postponed releases, digital screenings, and significant changes in the industry. Yet, even in the middle of a global pandemic, 2020 still gave us some really great movies, out of which at least four films were directed by women, at least five were debuts, three were part of one of the greatest anthology series ever made, and many were festival releases. It’s been a great year for documentaries, with films such as Boys State, City Hall, Collective, Dick Johnson Is Dead, On the Record, and Time tackling important, timely topics, and for animation, with AppleTV+’s Wolfwalkers, Disney/Pixar’s Soul, and Netflix’s Over The Moon all standing as potential Oscar contenders. As we faced cinema closures all over the world, streaming platforms came to the rescue with an impressive number of excellent films: Netflix alone gave us Da 5 Bloods, His House, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, The Life Ahead, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Mank, and The Trial of the Chicago 7 this year, while Hamilton (Disney+), Bad Education (HBO), Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm (Amazon Prime Video), Palm Springs and Happiest Season (Hulu) kept us company during lockdown, making a difficult year a little better.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 20 best films of 2020, according to 17 of our staff writers. The list only includes movies that have had their first release somewhere in the world in the year 2020, not counting film festival debuts. Don’t forget to also check out our critics’ individual rankings behind this link.
THE 20 BEST FILMS OF 2020:
20. Borat: Subsequent Movie Film
19. Bad Education
18. On the Rocks
17. Da 5 Bloods
16. Emma.
15. Boys State
14. Mangrove
13. Palm Springs
12. Never Rarely Sometimes Always
11. Wolfwalkers
10. SHITHOUSE
Director & Writer: Cooper Raiff
Full review: Loneliness and Unexpected Connections
Cooper Raiff as ‘Alex’ and Dylan Gelula as ‘Maggie’ in Cooper Raiff’s S#!%HOUSE (Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Films Release)
The feature debut of writer, director, and actor Cooper Raiff, Shithouse tells the story of Alex, a lonely freshman at an LA university who has not yet made any friends and wants to transfer to a community college to be closer to his family. One night, Alex decides to step outside his comfort zone and attend a party at “shithouse,” where he meets his RA Maggie. As he and Maggie spend the night together on a late-night adventure across campus and into town, he discovers an unexpected connection until a shocking discovery the next morning turns his world upside down. A charming comedy full of amusing and awkwardly relatable moments, Shithouse perfectly captures the contemporary college experience with a remarkable attention to detail that very few films of its kind try to grasp. Most impressive is Raiff’s talent behind and in front of the camera with his memorable performance as the instantly likable and familiar Alex and a thoughtful screenplay with natural dialogue and organic conversation scenes that craft a compelling narrative of loneliness and connection. (N.G.)
9. MANK
Writer: Jack Fincher
Full review: The Finchers Take On Citizen Kane’s Origins
Gary Oldman as Herman Mankiewicz in MANK (2020). (NETFLIX)
Let’s start with the surface appeal – Mank is one of 2020’s most startlingly gorgeous and well-crafted films. From a unique and memorable score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to some of the most luscious cinematography of the year from Erik Messerschmidt, Mank is a feast for the senses. Yet, it’s more. Adapting a screenplay from his dad, David Fincher has crafted a film a film which ably deconstructs Citizen Kane while also evolving its themes for a more direct application to today’s world. The screenplay manages to simultaneously emulate, modernize, and criticize Golden Age film writing in a way that becomes more rewarding on each subsequence viewing. Mank’s structure allows Fincher to use one writer’s struggle against the system as an allegory for all people struggling against entrenched power structures. Last, but certainly not least, the film benefits from a truly tremendous ensemble featuring what is perhaps 2020’s breakout performance: Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davis. Mank is one of the year’s best and most insightful films. (B.O.)
8. THE FATHER
Director: Florian Zeller
Writers: Christopher Hampton & Florian Zeller
Full Review: Hopkins Ages Like a Nice Chianti
Olivia Colman and Anthony Hopkins in The Father (Lionsgate)
I first saw The Father back at TIFF in September, and it has stuck with me as vividly as any film I’ve seen all year. While the premise – a man struggles with Alzheimer’s – is the stuff of stodgy Oscar bait drama, the film itself is a vibrantly realized character study brought to life through a structure of shifting timelines and realities. I’ll certainly admit my surprise that Anthony Hopkins has turned in perhaps the best performance of his legendary career in his 80s, but here we are. There’s a scene in the 2020 film
The Nest where Jude Law’s character tells a table of people to imagine being present in the room for one of Hopkins’ great performances, and, thanks to Florian Zeller’s brilliant filmmaking, we all get that chance. (B.O.)
Director: Darius Marder
Writers: Darius Marder, Abraham Marder & Derek Cianfrance
Full Review: The Beauty of Silence
Riz Ahmed in Sound of Metal (Amazon Studios)
What happens when the world as we know it is suddenly taken away? How do we stay true to who we are, and how do we come to terms with the person we’ve become? Sound of Metal is the story of a punk-metal drummer who suddenly begins to experience hearing loss, and soon learns that his condition will rapidly worsen until he’s left with no hearing at all. To Ruben (Riz Ahmed), this means only one thing: he won’t be able to play anymore. But Ruben isn’t just a musician dealing with a career crisis: he’s also a heroin addict, and his recovery is also threatened by a sudden, irrevocable change in his life that has a significant impact on the very thing that makes him stay afloat, and that makes us all human – the comfort we find in expressing ourselves and communicating with others.
When his girlfriend checks him into a secluded community for deaf people, Ruben’s condition becomes all the more real: even if his new friends are ready to accept him just as he is, our resourceful protagonist finds himself out of balance, unable to let go of the life he once had. Led by a superb Riz Ahmed in a career-defining performance and a likewise impressive Paul Raci as the director of the deaf community, Sound of Metal is not only an incredible achievement in sound design, but also a layered, complex film that was intended to be watched with open captioning, so as to be accessible for both deaf and hearing audiences. Above all, Sound of Metal is pure emotion, and one of the most exceptionally well-crafted, deeply affecting films of the year. (S.S.)
6. THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7
Director & Writer: Aaron Sorkin
Full Review: Inspiring Political Mythology
Sacha Baron Cohen and Jeremy Strong in The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Nico Tavernise/Netflix)
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is certainly a movie that was blessed by its timing. When seven anti-Vietnam protestors were tried by the new Nixon administration in a political trial following the riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention, it sparked national and international outrage as the counterculture of the 1960s attempted to survive. Aaron Sorkin’s new rendition of a pivotal moment in modern American history is certainly the flashiest to appear on the big screen, and incredibly indulgent in all those mannerisms that define the writer-auteur’s work, and for that reason turned a great deal of critics away. However, when viewed not as a historical drama, but as an attempted retelling of recent political mythology, the aim of Sorkin’s methods, style-over-substance as some may believe them to be, becomes respectably transparent. He is greatly helped by an exceptional ensemble cast equal to his occasionally over-polished dialogue, with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s performance as Black Panther Bobby Seale particularly heart-breaking. Sorkin’s occasionally gratuitous means are justified entirely by their ends – a clear and distinct thread of police brutality and institutional oppression, spanning over fifty years, unceasingly and exasperatingly relevant. (H.S.)
Director & Writer: Emerald Fennell
Full Review: Mulligan Mystifies in Scathing Social Screed
Carey Mulligan in Promising Young Woman (Focus Features)
Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman strikes at the heart of the systemic perpetuation of sexual assault moreso than any other film that has been made following the resurgence of the #MeToo movement in late 2017. These atrocious acts are not the result of one person acting “poorly” – they are encouraged by a culture that constantly “looks the other way” when a woman shares her story and gives assaulters a “pass” instead of proper punishment. Fennell’s scathing script captures the comprehensive web of culpability that is too often overlooked, parsing out the parts we all play in allowing assault to endure, and no one is exempt from her examination. With a career-best Carey Mulligan anchoring all the anarchy on display as a disaffected med-school dropout who starts dishing out justice on her own terms, Promising Young Woman proves to be too tantalizing to turn away from – even when the truths can hit close to home. This is the kind of unapologetically uncompromising filmmaking we fervently demand from the film industry, and thanks to Fennell’s courageous vision here, she’s likely made a movie that will be considered a foundational feminist classic for years to come. (Z.G.)
4. MINARI
Director & Writer: Lee Isaac Chung
Full review: A Beautiful Family Drama Steeped in Detail
Dune (1984): Imaginative Vision Lacks Satisfying Storytelling (Review)
Steven Yeun in Minari (A24)
The American Dream is dead. Whether or not it was ever truly alive remains in question. If, however, there is a case to be made for the sanctity and possibility of this pipe dream promise for a better tomorrow that served as motivation for generation after generation to simply get up in the morning, it’s the one offered by the family at the center of Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari. The recent discourse stirred by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s qualification of the film as a foreign language feature is nothing short of nonsense; Minari is a wholly American masterpiece that better imbues the beating heart of America and its impossible, eponymous dream than any other “American” film in recent memory. What the filmmaker, his unmatched ensemble, and team of first-rate artists behind the scenes have given us is one of the most remarkable and special achievements under A24’s already impressive belt. It is tender and devastating, patient and urgent, earnest and magical, all in perfect, equal measure. It will forever serve as a stark reminder of the ghosts we once were, and our relentless determination in the face of everything and anything the world nefariously, or perhaps sagaciously, places in our paths. Minari is not to be missed, demands to be seen, and deserves to be cherished for generations to come. (J.B.)
3. FIRST COW
Writers: Jonathan Raymond & Kelly Reichardt
Full Review: A Minimalist Frontier
John Magaro and Orion Lee in First Cow (Allyson Riggs/A24)
After leaving behind the Pacific Northwest for the plains of Montana in her 2016 masterpiece Certain Women, Kelly Reichardt returned to the Beaver State for her latest character study. Following two drifters in the newly formed territory as they attempt to strike it rich, Reichardt’s minimalist style and heavy two-hour running time may alienate viewers expecting a more fast-paced narrative, but fans of her previous work will find much to enjoy with its stunning landscapes, instantly loveable characters, and quiet meditation on the origins of capitalism. With so few blockbusters released this year, we’ve seen indie films that would never had gained much attention dominate the conversation and worm their way into awards season consideration. With distributor A24 running campaigns for best picture and best director, it isn’t totally out of the question that Reichardt could receive her first (and long overdue) nomination for what could be considered one of her best films yet and one of the best movies of the year. (E.H.)
2. NOMADLAND
Director: Chloé Zhao
Writers: Jessica Bruder & Chloé Zhao
Full Review: Frances McDormand Anchors an American Odyssey for the Ages
Frances McDormand in Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures)
In any other hands, it’s easy to see how Nomadland could’ve become a puerile exercise in “poverty porn,” exploiting the struggles of its subjects and looking down on the way these individuals choose to live their lives. Luckily, director-writer-editor-producer Chloé Zhao expertly eschews this “easy” approach and instead envisions an earnest and empathetic elegy to the people of America who pursue alternative paths to peace and placidity, never shortchanging the struggles they face but praising their power and poise all the same. Zhao is further aided by having the formidable Frances McDormand as the face of her film as Fern, a magnetizing migrant making her way across the country to chart a new course out of her comfort zone and rediscover the excitement of existence. Throughout her travels, we too gain a greater appreciation for all the natural world has to offer, reminding us that there is no “one” perfect plan to attain prosperity in life – as the colorful cast (comprised of vibrant veterans like David Strathairn and naturalistic non-actors like the lovely Linda May and the captivating Charlene Swankie) also conveys, fulfillment comes in many forms, and after a year full of continual cultural adaptation and unexpected economic anxiety, we could all use this reminder right about now. (Z.G.)
1. THE ASSISTANT
Director & Writer: Kitty Green
Full Review: Julia Garner Carries One of the Year’s Best Films
Julia Garner in The Assistant (Bleecker Street)
The Assistant is set almost entirely in an office, following one day in the life of a junior assistant to a powerful man, whose daily routine mainly consists of dull, ordinary tasks such as answering the phone, replying to emails, making coffee, changing the paper in the photocopy machine, and bringing her colleagues lunch. Yet, it’s also a film that demands your attention from the very first shot, and whose meaning lies in nearly unmissable details that slowly alert us that something else is going on beneath the surface, something that cannot be ignored. That something is abuse, and it’s a constant presence in the film: it’s in the inside jokes shared between co-workers, in the uncomfortable emails of apology, in the newly hired employees being checked into hotels, and in the cringe-worthy conversations that make it abundantly clear that everyone’s aware of what’s going on. Unlike many other films of the post-#MeToo era that revolve around the theme of abuse, The Assistant doesn’t try to preach. Instead, it presents us with the harsh reality, giving us nerve-wracking, eye opening silences that speak for themselves, and meaningful, horrific dialogues that will absolutely break you. Starring an exceptional Julia Gardner in an Oscar-worthy performance, The Assistant is a timely, essential watch, and a superbly crafted film that has earned its spot at the top of this list. (S.S.)
BEST FILMS OF 2020: RUNNERS-UP
Bad Tales (Favolacce)
Saint Frances
Be among the first to receive our monthly updates with film news, movie-inspired recipes and exclusive content! You’ll only hear from us once a month. #nospam
Bad Education Best of the Year Borat Borat: Subsequent Movie Film Boys State Da 5 Bloods Emma First Cow Mangrove Mank Minari Never Rarely Sometimes Always Nomadland On The Rocks Palm Springs Promising Young Woman Shithouse Small Axe Sound of Metal The Assistant The Father The Trial of the Chicago Seven Wolfwalkers
Loud And Clear December 30, 2020
Identifying Features: Mexican Drama Led by Unique Ambitions (Review)
Clapboard Jungle: The Behind-The-Scenes You Don’t Normally See (Review)
WandaVision: Episodes 1 and 2, A Delightful Beginning (Review)
DON’T MISS OUT!!
Don’t miss our monthly updates with film news and exclusive content! Sign up for CineMonth and get free movie-inspired recipes and more: you’ll only hear from us once a month. #nospam
Loud And Clear
Copyright © Loud And Clear All Right Reserved.
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Supa Modo plus Shorts by Kids
Friday, February 21, 2020 • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST
Baxter Avenue Theatres
Louisville Children’s Film Festival, Inc.
Tickets for this event are not available.
Louisville Children's Film Festival is a cinematic celebration of the best and brightest in films for children from around the world, including animation, feature length films, short films, and hands-on workshops. LCFF provides a joyous and dynamic program that is centered on the experience of childhood and seeks to inspire younger generations to connect, create and learn.
Short Film Program (45 min)
Doors open at 4pm with a program of short films created by students from Western Middle School. These young filmmakers will present their works and hold a Q&A.
SUPA MODO (74 min) Kenya’s official Oscar entry for Best Foreign Film!
Sometimes it takes a village to make our dreams come true. Jo, a nine year old, is obsessed with superheroes and dreams of becoming one to overcome her diagnosis of a terminal illness. Unable to force Jo to spend her remaining days in bed, her town community comes together to support her belief in her superpowers. Not all heroes have capes, but Jo sure does, and her powers are more inspiring than any of today’s superhero-based special effects blockbusters. Winner of more than 20 prizes at international film festivals in the past year.
Content advisory: This uplifting film deals with difficult issues, including the impending death of a child. But the film has received acclaim for its hopeful and uplifting message. We believe it is better for older children, ages 11+.
(Swahili, Kikuyu and English, with English subtitles)
DATE: Friday, February 21
VENUE: Baxter Avenue Theatres
TICKETS: $10.00 + ($2.20 fee) = $12.20
*NO REFUNDS ACCEPTED.
All proceeds benefit LCFF! For more information about us visit: https://www.louisvillechildrensfilm.org/
Your purchased tickets are considered a Tax Deductible Donation.
1250 Bardstown Road 1
Organizer Information
Louisville, KS 40222
Online ticket sales for this event have ended. Please contact the Box Office for more information.
© 2021 Red Pin Tix. All rights reserved.
Interested in selling tickets for your events on Red Pin Tix? Learn More
Red Pin Tix • 607 West Main Street, Suite 302 • Louisville, KY 40202 855-708-1078
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Movies » Movie Reviews
by Rick Kisonak
With their fourth film, Mark and Jay Duplass (Cyrus) achieve the seemingly impossible. Against all odds, they’ve managed to make a comedy that harnesses the considerable talents of Jason Segel and Ed Helms, but never quite gets around to being funny.
Segel at first appears to play a variation on the character that helped establish his reputation in Knocked Up — a doofus slacker in a long-term relationship with his bong. But then things take a turn for the cosmic. Or, possibly, the clinical.
Jeff is 30, lives in the basement of his mother’s (Susan Sarandon) home and has watched his copy of M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs so many times he’s become obsessed with the idea that everything in the universe is connected. He believes destiny has a grand plan for him and that it’s his duty to put everything else aside and be constantly on the lookout for clues to the shape fate will take.
Despite his drawing life lessons from Mel Gibson, Jeff seems harmless enough. Not a particularly original or entertaining creation, but a vaguely likable man-child. When he answers the phone one day and a voice asks to speak with Kevin, we aren’t surprised that such a small thing launches him on an existential quest (“What if there are no wrong numbers?”) We’re just surprised that quest ultimately covers such familiar ground.
While their principal character may have Signs on the brain, the fraternal filmmakers — who also wrote the script — give the impression of having watched 2008’s Step Brothers a few too many times. Like the mother in that movie, Sarandon’s Sharon is defined by two qualities: She’s looking for love and growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of ambition displayed by her resident Peter Pan.
Like both of Step Brothers’ middle-aged boys, Jeff is oblivious to the ridiculousness of his situation. He feels entitled rather than grateful. When his mother calls from her cubicle and pleads with him to repair a single slat in a kitchen shutter as a birthday gift to her, he whines, “Mom, I’m kind of busy here!”
And, just as there was in Step Brothers, there is a more successful older sibling who happens to be a dick. Helms is squandered in the ill-conceived role of Pat, a paint salesman who improbably purchases a Porsche with the money he and his wife (Judy Greer) saved for a house and then is mystified to learn that his marriage may be on the rocks.
I don’t mean to suggest the filmmakers have borrowed all the themes and ideas in Jeff, Who Lives at Home from Step Brothers. They borrow from lots of other slacker movies, too. And I don’t mean to suggest that their latest is absolutely entertainment free.
As Jeff spends a day following the trail of Kevin-related signs, coincidences and clues from one end of his hometown to the other, certain aspects of his adventure made me smile. I don’t believe I laughed once, but I probably smiled half a dozen times — for example, when Segel shoehorns his oversized frame into the front seat of the sports car. “You’re a Sasquatch,” marvels Helms.
The final act is another matter. The tone lurches from mumblecore to magic realism without warning, as events take a turn for the supernatural that’s certain to divide viewers. Some will find it inspirational. Others will reject it as shamelessly contrived. Count me with the latter.
Segel turns in a finely calibrated performance, it’s briefly interesting to watch Helms play slightly against type and Sarandon brings an aching quality to her underwritten role. One or two of the plot’s developments contain trace amounts of invention. But, at the end of the day, I have to say I found myself wishing Jeff had just stayed home.
* Theaters and Showtimes
* Running time: 83 min.
* Rated: R
Speaking of Movies, movie Review
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Three Vermont Comics Roast the Movies
Movie Reviews movies movie review
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A Daily Dose of Zen Sarcasm!
The path is long and tough. Wear good sneakers.
A word from your hostess
Contact Me/Hire Me
If A Phone Rings And No One Answers…
On Friday, the Meow family attended a retirement ceremony at an Army museum within a nearby base.
It was just the kind of sweet, heartfelt ceremony that makes you feel so much pride in the armed forces– especially in a place such as the one where it was being held, surrounded by mementos from the field and stories of the brave and the courageous (and tanks! and Howitzers! and tanks!) — and the honoree was charming and very moved.
She was also deeply moving, when it was her turn to say a few extemporaneous words, and brought those in attendance to rousing applause and tears when appropriate.
And then, the museum phone rang.
Telephones are a wonderful necessity, and perhaps one of the greatest tools of our modern times. With them we can keep abreast of important, exciting, or heartbreaking news.
But sometimes, phones are annoying reminders that we live in a very irritating and selfish society where there is no such thing as delayed gratification because the obnoxious person dining next to you has to tell his virtual dining companion all about the service at the place where he’s eating. Et cetera.
So when this woman was telling us about what her career meant to her– in essence, what her life meant to her– and that phone started ringing balefully and alone, I couldn’t help but think who would be on the other end of that line, hoping someone would pick up and maybe give them some information about the museum. Perhaps they wanted directions: maybe they wanted to know the hours of operation and so plan accordingly.
A trivial call. A call that could have been answered at any moment, perhaps. But it had to happen during this particular ceremony, with no way to break out of the solemnity of the moment– no way to search for the phone and pick it up and perhaps have a little fun at the expense of the unawares caller.
And that was a pity. A pity, but a moment in time that passed. I doubt that anyone else remembers this, and I highly doubt that anyone else present thought this was a bloggable moment, but there you are.
This all reminds me of one of my favorite schadenfraude moments, like, ever–
An ex-friend of mine informed her mom that so-and-so’s wedding –which ex-friend was attending– started at 11 am. So promptly at 11:10 am, with everyone seated and beholding the bride doing her walk down the aisle, ex-friend’s mother calls the bride on her cellphone, probably to wish her many happy years and much joy.
Of course, this being our modern world, the blushing bride had forgotten to turn off her cell phone, which she currently had somewhere on her person (on her wedding-dress-wearing person) –and which was presumably tinkling some annoying tune in a needy and demanding tone, as cell phones tend to do.
The bride was furious with ex-friend’s mother and ex-friend, and was apparently cold and distant through the whole wedding ceremony– because somehow the moment of joyous sacrament was ruined by a well-meaning but ill-timed phone call.
All I have to say to that is this: hahahahahahahahhahahahah!
If you don’t want to be bothered during a meaningful moment AND you have the ability to do so, I entreat you all to turn off the phone.
25 Jun This entry was published on June 25, 2007 at 3:20 pm and is filed under Zen Sarcasm. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.
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3 thoughts on “If A Phone Rings And No One Answers…”
swandiver on June 25, 2007 at 8:58 pm said:
that is just too freakin’ hilarious! of course, my first question is… where was she hiding the cell phone? in her garter?
thanks for the laugh on a less-than-spectacular monday 😉
Ghosty on June 26, 2007 at 12:05 pm said:
I do not own a cell phone for this very reason. I don’t want to have to remember to take a thing with me I’ll have to remember to turn off should I not want to be disturbed, or remember to turn back on should disdurbing me be required. Nuts to that.
anOCgirl on June 26, 2007 at 12:54 pm said:
wow. that’s hilarious. where could the bride possibly have kept her phone though?
is this incident the reason why the ‘ex-friend’ is an ‘ex’?
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The results are being filtered by the character: S
Julia Sander HR Generalist I
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Bhavani V. Sankar Professor
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Professor Sankar received his Ph.D. in 1984 from Purdue University. His research interests lie in the field of mechanics of composite materials and structures, especially micro-mechanics and fracture mechanics.
Ph.D., 1984, Purdue University
Teaching Interests
Aerospace structures, Mechanics of composite materials and structures, Fracture mechanics, Finite element analysis.
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Soft tissue biomechanics, physiologic fluid flow, and macromolecular drug delivery.
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Tribology – the study of friction wear and lubrication.
Jonathan R. Scheffe Associate Professor
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Thermodynamics, heat transfer, kinetics, solar engineering
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Two-phase flow, nuclear reactor thermal hydraulics, quantitative visualization, nuclear reactor safety, computational and numerical methods including coupled codes, advanced nuclear power systems
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EducationPh.D., 1983, Purdue UniversityResearch InterestsManufacturing, Controls, Machine systems, Off-highway vehicles.
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Combustion, fluid diagnostics, Fluid mechanics, aircraft design.
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Mark Sheplak Professor
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Mark Sheplak is currently a Professor holding joint appointments in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida. Prior to joining UF in 1998, he was a postdoctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Microsystems Technology Laboratories, Cambridge, MA from 1995-1998.…
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Home > Kar98K Upon Touchdown
573 God-Forsaken Jinx, Scouting Solo! Part 4
As the clash of rivals was about to commence at Sosnovka Military Base, teams at other locations on the map were still scrounging for resources.
Even though the tournament placed a higher weightage on kill count, the majority of the twenty-four participating teams preferred to score by placement rather than kill count.
Therefore, most teams would elect to play safe and survive in the early stages of the game, rather than going around picking fights.
Scoring kill points for your team also meant increasing placement points for other teams.
From the caster's God's perspective camera, the live audience could see that most of the teams along the seven o'clock to one o'clock airplane flight route placed their priority in finding a means of transportation upon touchdown and distancing themselves from other teams.
There were even instances when opposing teams played "bumper cars" as they fought over control of vehicles.
When the first white circle appeared on the map, the members of Se7en, who had just arrived at Severny, immediately thought: 'F*cking-dammit!'
That was f*cking bad luck!
"Are we still going in, Guru Qiu?" Base, who was on the wheel, asked reservedly as he glanced at the map.
"Why not? Let's go in!" Li Muqiu answered, gritting his teeth.
This was a perfect example of "sticking to one's guns"; looting even if you had to hold back tears.
It was not only Li Muqiu's team. The Korean ACE Squad had it worse: after moving on foot for about half a kilometer, they discovered their first vehicle. As the team members rode the car and finally reached Georgopol, the refreshed play area on the map also 'refreshed' the expressions on their faces!
Worst of all, there was already a car parked outside of the town. Evidently, another team had arrived before them.
At that moment, they felt like they had been cursed with the worst of luck... they held back their tears as they departed again, with the town rapidly diminishing in the rearview mirror.
Watching this scene, the audience of the Chinese live-stream channels enjoyed a good laugh, especially when they remembered Su Changming's words in the opening moments of the match: "No matter where the circle refresh is, it wouldn't have been too God-forsaken."
The channel was immediately flooded with scrolling comments. "Jinx of competitive esports", "The mysterious force from the East", and so on.
On the Hua Xia commentary platform, Su Changming said rather awkwardly, "Well... I might have overlooked something. I wasn't expecting the circle to appear at Sosnovka."
"No need for explanation, Boss Su! We understand," Lord Rong said jovially.
"Haha, your reputation precedes you, Boss Su! This is my first time commentating, and even I can see that you live up to your name," Ruo Feng added.
"Ahem... let's get back to the tournament," Su Changming cleared his throat and changed the topic. "I wonder if anyone else noticed that the teams scouting for vehicles upon touchdown were all Asian."
The caster's camera was still in God's perspective. Everyone took a look and realized it was exactly as Su Changming said.
Even IG had distanced themselves and staked themselves in Gatka's wheat fields.
"Hm... I guess this is because our Asian teams didn't have satisfactory results in the last match."
"I suppose so. They'll try to avoid conflict in the early stages to raise their placement. Quite unlike TSM's aggressive tactics right from the start. I guess this is very typical of Asian teams."
"That's right. There are pros and cons to these two different playstyles. TSM's aggression caused them to lose one member to Vic. Their situation is uncertain now."
As the commentary concluded, the caster's camera switched over to Sosnovka Military Base.
The audience and stream viewers took a while to process the next scene that unfolded.
On the big screen, Liu Zilang was riding his motorcycle, merrily zipping back and forth in front of the C building.
One second, he rode noisily eastward.
In the next moment, he dashed in the opposite direction.
The scene looked like a horseman galloping aimlessly at the forefront of the clash of two armies.
What the hell is that...
That seems a little too showoff-ish, no?
It was like boogieing on death's door!
Eventually, the first one who could take it no longer was Gates, who had touched down at the boiler room at the start of the match.
From the third floor of the satellite building south of the boiler room, Exko the sniper appeared on the balcony and fired a stream of bullets with an SKS at Liu Zilang.
Bang bang bang!
The moment Gates opened fire, as if someone received some sort of signal, gunfire was heard from the C building.
Ratatatat!
C building No. 3 had been silent all this while. Suddenly, an eye-catching spark shone through the window on its second floor!
"F*ck! That actually worked!" In the 4AM team voice chat, Aluka exclaimed while gawking.
"No surprise there. Look at how annoying that guy is. I'd do the same thing if it were me," GodV said as he observed the spark from the C Building No. 3.
The three team members' current location was at the smallest of the five warehouses next to the C building, the one furthest to the north.
"So what do we do now... head in?" Cpt cradled the shotgun in his hands.
"Just hold on a moment. Wait for him to head this way, and we'll sneak under the cover of gunfire," GodV decided after spotting Liu Zilang's location.
Undeniably, the Liu Zilang on the motorcycle and the Liu Zilang on the three-wheeled scooter were two completely different people.
He finished a lap on his motorcycle. The tail of the motorcycle drifted with a loud screech, instantly changing direction!
A second later, he was riding back toward the C building. On top of that, he rode at full speed up the grass-covered slope that led to the rocket launchpad.
He flew in the air, just like a rocket!
The live western audience was dumbfounded as they witnessed this!
While the western audience was familiar with many online and offline PUBG tournaments, they had never seen someone flirting with death like this. Was this a Tango Soul at the brink of death?
Tut tut tut!
Shots rang out from the C building again. This time, there were two different guns.
The TSM player who was shooting earlier failed to hit his target, therefore he had called upon the assistance of another teammate.
"This is the time! Go go go!"
At the same time, GodV and the other two players in the small warehouse snuck their way toward C Building No. 3 like Navy SEALs.
Enter through the door!
Go up the stairs!
The two TSM players in Building No. 3 were so caught up with shooting their moving target at the ground that they forgot to pay attention to what was happening downstairs.
GodV and the others had already snuck up to the second floor.
'Someone's there!' the TSM players on the second floor were stunned for a split second, then immediately reacted!
Tat tat tat!
Building No. 3 was a riot!
At this time, Liu Zilang performed a 360-degree Thomas Flare in the air and then landed on the ground.
Like an ancient wartime general riding his horse, Liu Zilang rode his motorcycle straight ahead like lightning, wielding a long Kar98K on his back!
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Coal ships off Mackay. Tony Martin
Mine operator's eye on industry future
by madura.mccormack
EXCLUSIVE: A Bowen Basin mine operator is preparing itself for the "inevitable" downturn of the resurgent industry even as it continues to break its own throughput records.
Operators of Foxleigh Mine, Realm Resources, have been at the helm of the open cut coal mine which was previously owned by Anglo American, for two years.
Realm Resources managing director Michael Rosengren said the mine had been going from strength to strength, with an expected output of about 3 million tonnes of low volatility PCI coal this year. This is up on the 2.8 million tonnes last year, when output was affected by Cyclone Debbie.
"We'll do very good production this year and are now looking at whether we increase production in future years, with the exploration work that we are doing, or extend the life of the mine further as we get more information," he said.
"The ship queue at the port [Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal] at the moment is over 35, so that's a bit of a concern going in to the end of the year that that might throttle coal sales as well."
The life of the mine is estimated to be 13 years.
"The mining industry is defined by a boom and bust cycle, supply and demand that sits in place," Mr Rosengren said.
"We are getting good prices for coal at the moment and we are making decision on how we invest that so that when the drop comes, and it will come, be it this year or next... we are saying how do we set the mine up so that when the inevitable downturn happens we are in a good position to fight through that and come out the other side."
The latest report by KPMG found the average price of low and ultra-low PCI coal will be USD$144.4 per tonne, with the price expected to fall to USD$118.3 per tonne in 2019.
The Daily Mercury previously reported the wait times at Dalrymple Bay are still stretching out to three weeks.
bowen basin coal industry resources industry
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News / National / Locsin against sale of gov’t properties abroad
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Locsin against sale of gov’t properties abroad
Published August 4, 2020, 5:44 PM
by Roy Mabasa
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Tuesday said his department is against the sale of Philippine government properties abroad, amid speculations that certain groups are reportedly working behind the scene to sell government overseas assets to fund the campaign against COVID-19 (coronavirus pandemic 2019) pandemic.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
(PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
“The Department of Foreign Affairs opposes the sale of its properties abroad, especially in key capitals. We have meanwhile turned down all proposals of acquisition of properties abroad in this pandemic,” Locsin said in a portion of his tweet.
In the same tweet, the foreign affairs secretary said they have already re-aligned their budget of around P1 billion originally for the retrofitting of the DFA building to help in the government’s anti-COVID-19 campaign.
Rumors have circulated that several Japanese groups are reportedly lobbying for the acquisition of the Roppongi property in Tokyo, a historic and prime property located in one of the most chic districts of the Japanese capital.
A source told the Manila Bulletin that one of the proponents reportedly approached the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo last year to discuss their proposed acquisition of the Roppongi property, one of the four properties acquired by the Philippine government under the war reparation agreement with Japan on May 9, 1956.
The 3,179 square-meter Roppongi property has made the headlines in the late 1980s when former Vice President and Senator Salvador Laurel went to the Supreme Court to block government efforts to sell the prime property.
On February 20, 1990, the High Court ruled in favor of Laurel’s petition stopping the sale of the property, noting that the laws on conversion and disposition of property of public dominion must be faithfully followed.
Last April, President Duterte vowed to source out funds, even to the extent of borrowing money or selling state properties “if necessary” to spend for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine.
Luzon, Provincial
38,000 motorists to benefit daily from P1.885-billion Urdaneta by-pass road
60 years ago, Baguio City’s chill at its lowest at 6.3 degrees Celsius
NBI to examine mobile phones of persons of interest in Dacera death case
Norway raises concern as 29 elderly people die after receiving COVID vaccines
Covid concerns, razor wire and no Trump: An inauguration like no other
Provincial, Visayas
SAP, 4Ps beneficiaries caught gambling at ‘tupada’, playing ‘tong-its’ in E. Visayas
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MixComm Products
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MixComm Selected by 5G Open Innovation Lab to Help Drive Early Adoption and Innovation of 5G Technology
MixComm announced today that it has been selected as a member of the 5G Open Innovation Lab, a global ecosystem of developers, start-ups, enterprises, academia and government institutions, focused on helping start-ups utilize 5G to develop new capabilities,
27Jul 20
CEO interview: The joy of RFSOI with MixComm’s Mike Noonen
Noonen is a semiconductor veteran who has started to specialize in guiding startups. He has worked for many companies included spells in senior management with National Semiconductor, NXP Semiconductors, and Globalfoundries.
24Jun 20
MixComm Names James Martin Vice President of Business Development Wireless Semiconductor Veteran to Lead MixComm’s Millimeter Wave Solutions Go-to-Market Strategy
MixComm today announced the appointment of James “Jay” Martin as Vice President of Business Development. Martin will drive growth in 5G and related markets for the millimeter wave startup.
MixComm was launched in 2017 to commercialize over 10 years of research at Columbia University on the use of RFSOI process technology for mmWave applications. MixComm’s executive team with past experience from Columbia, Qualcomm, NXP and Global Foundries has more mmWave and RFSOI experience than any company in the market.
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A Healthy Lifestyle
Using Medication
How Female Sex Hormones Work
You are here: Home / Understanding How Medication Works / How Female Sex Hormones Work
Oestrogen and progesterone are the two types of female hormones. The ovaries secret the hormones from puberty onward, through until the menopause. Each month allows the hormones to interact which in turn allows the release of an egg once this has been done and conditions are right for the egg to fertilize it is implanted to the uterus.
A healthy womb relies on progesterone which is triggered at certain times of the monthly cycle to ensure a healthy womb lining (uterus). With the conditions just right a fertilized egg will attach itself to the womb lining before the monthly cycle ends. If an egg does take then the levels of progesterone in the body remains high helping to ensure a healthy womb lining during pregnancy. On the other hand if an egg does not attach itself to the womb lining before the end of the monthly cycle the levels of progesterone reduce and the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is expelled during the monthly period (menstrual cycle)
Oestrogen is responsible for the female characteristics which include breast development a widening of the pelvis and pubic hair. synthetic forms of these two hormones are used by the medical profession to treat a number of conditions. These are known as oestrogens and progestogens.
Why are they used
The most common use of both oestrogens and progestogens is in the oral contracepitive pill. The pills come either combined, phased or with one or the other hormone. The combined oral contraceptive pill is commonly used and has a lower rate of unwanted pregnancies.
The combined pills to name some, are: Loestrin 20, femodette and mercilon. Progestogen only pills (with no oestrogen) include: Cerazette, femulen, microval, micronor and neogest and others.
There is also the morning after pill levonelle and levonelle-2 which also contain no oestrogen. There are other disorders such as: menstrual and certain hormone-sensitive cancers, which are beyond this page overview
If you are among the percentage of women that regularly suffer heavy, painful periods or longer than normal periods then the combined pill would be of more benefit. It is also possible for some women to have a bad reaction to the oestrogen in the combined pill if this is so then a progestogen only pill would be recommended however, progestogen only pills have a high failure rate when compared to the combined pill.
Hormone deficiency may occur as a pituitary disorder (Gonadotropins) which are protein hormones secreted by gonadotrope cells of the pituitary gland of vertebrates. Ovarian failure which is an abnormal development of the ovaries, may lead to the lack of menstruation as well as the lack of sexual development. If after adequate tests which show a lack of gonadotrophins then preperations of these hormones may be prescribed, as it is these hormones trigger the release of both oestrogen and progesterone from the ovaries.
If ovarian failure is the problem of hormone deficiency and everything is OK on the pituitary side then supplements of oestrogens and progestogens may be prescribed. Although these supplements cannot stimulate ovulation they will ensure the development of the female characteristics.
How they affect you
When treatment for ovarian failure or a delay in puberty is prescribed it could take 2 to 4 months before you may see any noticeable difference in sexual development. If you were prescribed the hormones for menopausal problems then a noticeable difference to the menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes would be reduced quit considerably.
Both of these hormones carry the possibility of side effects such as fluid retention, oestrogen itself may cause vomiting, nausea, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness and depression. All forms of contraceptive pills may cause what is known as breakthrough bleeding problems between the menstrual period in the initial stage, but this is more evident in progestogen only pill.
Below sre listed a number of the most common medications used. Highlighted medication will open in a new window.
Progestogens
Oestrogense
Dydrogesterone conjugated oestrogens
hydroxyprogesteronee Estradiol
Levonorgestrel Estriol
Medroxyprogesterone Estrone
Norethisterone Estropipate
Norgestrel Tibolone
Progesterone —-
Raloxifene —-
Highlighted medication will open in a new window.
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Subterfuge - Dååth - The Hinderers (CD, Album)
Voodoogis / 20.12.2019 20.12.2019
Label: Roadrunner Records - RR PROMO 963 • Format: CD Album, Promo • Country: Netherlands • Genre: Rock • Style: Industrial, Death Metal
Rowerek - Zacier - Podróże w czasie, czyli park, rower i wiewiórki (CD, Album), Kleeer - Winners (Vinyl, LP, Album), The Unpleasant Surprise - Various - Cosmopolite - The Second Step (CD), I Was Made To Love Her - The Jimi Hendrix Experience - BBC Sessions (CD), Lines In The Snow - Operating Strategies - The Difficulty Of Being (CD, Album), Vision Of A Promised Land - Secret Society (15) - Secret Society (Vinyl, LP), Lily Was Here - Candy Dulfer - Sax-A-Go-Go (Cassette, Album), This Feeling - Puressence - This Feeling (CD), My Vow To You, Crash Into Me, الورد جميل = Elward Gamil - ام كلثوم* = Oum Kalsoum* - الورد جميل / يا صباح الخير = Elward Gamil / Y, La Apretada - Los Pankys - Es Solo Amor (Vinyl, LP, Album), Sweet Pea - Manfred Mann - Manfred Mann (CD)
8 Replies to “ Subterfuge - Dååth - The Hinderers (CD, Album) ”
Bat says:
Starting in in Atlanta, the band self-released their debut album Futility on their own before getting signed onto Roadrunner Records. Daath has been positioned as Roadrunner's hot new signing and re-entry into the extreme metal genre. A lot of hype, and hyperbole has been used up to describe this band.
Faek says:
About The Hinderers. The Hinderers is Dååth's second studio album produced by Dååth and James Murphy, and released by Roadrunner Records. It contains guest solos by James Murphy and James Malone (of Arsis). Two music videos were produced, one each for the songs "Subterfuge" and "Festival Mass Soulform".
Nataur says:
Daath - Hinderers music CD album at CD Universe, Their second album co-produced by James Murphy Testament, enjoy top rated service and worldwide shipping.
Tezahn says:
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Daath is a six piece extreme metal band that defies simple classification. Fusing elements of cutting edge death metal with expansive orchestral and electronic themes, the band has created an album reminiscent of the early death metal sound branded with their own dark vision of metal/5(13).
Vudoll says:
Daath 's ambitious sophomore album, The Hinderers, already challenges a few musical conventions by meshing ample symphonic and electronic elements into an otherwise archetypal death metal sound -- but that's not even as surprising as their extensive lyrical immersion in Kabbalistic mysticism.9/
Grokora says:
Subterfuge Lyrics: It's your fault, you tell your tales of loss / You clam that's not your fault / But you don't see yourself, inside your tomb / Your mind's unable to solve / The end shall never.
Artist: Daath Song: Subterfuge Album: The Hinderers Im tabbing this song because it ticks me off that i cant find a halfway decent tab for a great song. I know not many people know of Daath, but come on. Email me at with any questions or comments Tuning Drop C - C G.
Tygoshura says:
Dååth's first album, Futility, was self-released in Their Roadrunner Records debut, The Hinderers, wis released in Mairch They released twa muisic videos frae The Hinderers, the first being "Festival Mass Soulform," which wis creatit prior tae gettin signed, an helped them gain Roadrunner's interest. The seicont video, "Subterfuge," wus released in Februar
Shteitanhas - Altar Of Perversion - From Dead Temples (Towards The Astral Path) (Vinyl, LP, Album)
Sleepy Township / The Foots / The Lucksmiths - New Years Eve @ The Punters (Vinyl)
Wedding Dance - Various - Music From The Middle East (Vinyl, LP)
Another Public Service Announcement - D12 - Devils Night (CD, Album)
I Could Die For You - Red Hot Chili Peppers - By The Way (Cassette, Album)
Zulura on Subterfuge - Dååth - The Hinderers (CD, Album)
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Lagniappe Records
Independent record store in Lafayette, LA
SHOP HOURS: Wed-Sat 12-4
*Order through website for shipping or local pick-up!
Red Hot Chili Peppers "The Getaway" *CD* 2016
2016 release, the 11th studio album by the veteran alt-rock band. The Getaway is Red Hot Chili Peppers' first studio album since 2011's I'm with You. It was produced by Danger Mouse, who replaces Rick Rubin after twenty-five years and six albums as the band's producer, making it the first non-Rubin produced album since 1989's Mother's Milk. The album includes the singles "Dark Necessities" and "The Getaway". Production on the album began in 2014. However, the project was delayed for eight months due to bassist Flea suffering a broken arm sustained while snowboarding. The band features Flea, vocalist Anthony Kiedis, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.
Vinyl Grading Guide
-the grading on our site refers to used records and the media only, not the jacket/cover. Please feel free to message us if you have any questions!
NM/NM- (Near Mint/Near Mint Minus) = A nearly perfect record. The record should show no obvious signs of wear.
EX+/EX (Excellent Plus) = LP may have faint surface marks visually barring it from being truly NM, but sound quality will be unaffected.
VG+ (Very Good Plus) = Will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. A little snap, crackle, pop may be heard but will not disrupt the listening experience.
VG/VG- (Very Good/Very Good Minus) = Noticeable groove wear and light scratches. Surface noise will be present but won't overpower the music.
G+/G (Good Plus/Good) = Can play without skipping. Significant scratches, surface noise, and groove wear.
F (Fair) = Record is cracked, badly warped, or won't play though without skipping or repeating.
P (Poor) = Record is cracked, badly warped, or won't play through without skipping or repeating.
*SW/DNAP* (Slight Warp/Does Not Affect Playback)
*QUAD* = Quadraphonic Sound Recording, equivalent to what is now called 4.0 surround sound
From I-10 take exit 103 head south on NE Evangaline Trwy make a right onto Jefferson St. go up 4 blocks and it's on your left.
From hwy 90 make a left on Jefferson St. go up 4 blocks and it's on your left.
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Market Weighton Practice
Wolds House, 10 Medforth Street, Market Weighton, East Yorkshire, YO43 3FF
Minor Ailments Service
Dr Anja Mathias (f)
BSC (CDN), State exam Med (D), DFSRH, MRCGP
Dr. Mathias finished her undergraduate training in Canada and Germany before completing her post-graduate and GP training in York. She came to Market Weighton in 2012. Dr. Mathias holds a diploma in sexual and reproductive health and fits contraceptive coils and implants
Dr Janaki Barathan (f)
MRCGP MbChB
Dr Barathan studied medicine at Manchester University. Her post-graduate and GP training was completed in Oxford.
She worked as a locum in Oxfordshire before coming to Market Weighton in October 2014.
Dr Barathan is our lead GP for cancer and palliative care.
Dr Eve Burns (f)
BSc Hons MBChB Hons MRCGP
Dr Burns read Human Biology at The University of Birmingham in 2003 before deciding to pursuer a career in medicine. In 2012 she graduated from Leeds Medical School and moved to the city of Bath where she worked as a foundation doctor before returning to Yorkshire to complete GP vocational training.
Dr Burns has a special interest in minor surgery and medical education.
Dr Hollie Jefferson (f)
BSc (Med Sci) MBChB Hons DCH DRCOG MRCGP
Dr Jefferson studied medicine at the University of Glasgow. She spent 2 years working in Gloucestershire before moving to York to complete her GP training. She holds postgraduate diplomas in obstetrics, gynaecology and child health.
Dr Jefferson has a special interest in medical education.
Dr Saad Djoukhadar (m)
MBBS Msc MRCGP
Dr.Djoukhadar studied medicine in Jordan University of Science and Technology. He then travelled to the UK and obtained a Msc degree in Clinical Medicine at the University of Hertfordshire. He then spent 2 years completing foundation training before returning to join the York GP vocational training scheme.
Dr Victoria Key (f)
Dr Victoria Key
MBChB DFSRH MRCGP
Dr Key qualified from the University of Manchester in 2010 before completing foundation training in East Lancashire and GP training in South Yorkshire. She recently moved to the local area with her family.
She holds the diploma of reproductive and sexual health and has an interest in elderly medicine.
Dr Priya Koshy (f)
MBBS MRCGP
Dr Koshy graduated from Hull York Medical School in 2014. She completed her foundation training and GP training in Durham and Tees Valley. She joined Market Weighton Surgery in 2020.
Amanda Goode (f)
FESC RN DipHe BSc (Hons)
Amanda is the Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner at the practice who qualified as a registered nurse in 2000. Amanda has a diverse background working in primary, secondary and community services. Amanda has undertaken post-graduate clinical and research training; her speciality field is cardiology in particular Heart Failure. Amanda is a keen educator and has strong background in teaching and mentoring other members of the healthcare team. Amanda is currently finalising her PhD studies and has experience of conducting research. She sees patients with acute illness in addition to those with chronic disease. Amanda also prescribed medications and sees Children over the age of 5.
Book an appointment to see her for the following: breathing problems e.g. chest infection, sinus problems, heart or lung complaints, urinary infection, skin infection and problems, tonsillitis, headache/migraine, ear complaints, anxiety, depression, abdominal problems, urinary symptoms, eye complaints, musculoskeletal, dizziness, breast problems, tiredness, gout, thrush, shingles, nosebleeds etc
This list is not exhausted please discuss with the reception team if unsure.
Samantha Hamby (f)
Samantha is the Advanced Nurse Practitioner, who qualified as a registered nurse in 2005. Samantha has a background in community services as a community and treatment room nurse specialising in wound care. Samantha has a strong background in mentoring other members of the healthcare team.
Samantha has experience of working in the out of hours setting and previous GP surgeries and has successfully obtained the following qualifications in:
Minor Illness Management Msc
Autonomous Practitioner degree Bsc
Advanced Clinical Practice (Post graduate Diploma Msc)
Independent & Supplementary Prescribing for non medical Prescribers
Samantha sees children over the age of 1 and you can book an appointment to see her for the following:
chest infection, sinus problems, heart or lung complaints, urinary infection, skin infection and problems, tonsillitis, headache/migraine, ear complaints, anxiety, depression, abdominal problems, urinary symptoms, eye complaints, musculoskletal, dizziness, breast problems, tiredness, gout, through, shingles, nosebleeds.
The list is not exhaustive please discuss with the reception team for further advice.
Caroline Fuller (f)
Caroline is available by appointment only and has clinics for vaccinations, family planning & well woman (cervical smears), childhood immunisations, asthma/respiratory conditions, diabetes and dietary advice.
Julie Davies (f)
Julie trained in Edinburgh in 1990. She has a community nurse background giving experience with wounds and long-term conditions. She can give routine injections as required and consult over travel vaccinations.
Lucy Roberts (f)
MSc, MCSP, HCPC, IP
Lucy completed her physiotherapy degree in 1988 in Manchester. She successfully completed her injection therapy diploma in 2002 and her independent prescribing course in 2015. She supports patients with musculoskeletal conditions as a first point of contact.
Phlebotomists
We have 3 trained phlebotomists, who take blood tests for patients of this practice as requested by the doctors. They hold clinics by appointment. It is important that you telephone us for any results of blood tests. Please ring 01430 875353, option 2 during our normal opening hours after 2pm.
Mrs Sue Smith (f)
Sue is responsible for the running of what is, in fact, a very complex service.
Many other staff employed by a variety of services use our surgery premises. Each member of staff has individual arrangements for making contact with patients and this will be explained to you if ever you need their services.
All our reception and administrative staff have formal training and their work is reviewed by annual appraisal.
They will do everything they can to help you but please remember that they have a difficult job especially at busy times of the day when they are responding to telephone calls and queries coming at them from all directions.
At all times, they are under the instructions of the doctors.
You will be asked the reason for your visit. This information will help them make sure that you see the most appropriate member of the primary care team.
They are bound by strict rules of confidentiality so you may rest assured that anything you say to them will be treated with the appropriate respect.
We have 2 secretaries, 10 administration staff and 2 prescription clerks, who not only co-ordinate communication between the doctors and the hospital services but who increasingly find themselves the first port of call for queries directly from patients on virtually every aspect of their treatment. They, too, have been formally trained and will respect your confidentiality.
Marian Opoku-Fofie (f)
MPharm, IP
Marian is a Principal Clinical Pharmacist in General Practice and an Independent Prescriber. She qualified as a pharmacist in 1995 and worked previously at Hull Royal Infirmary, Castle Hill Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital and then worked as Cancer Network Lead Pharmacist. She has been working in General Practice since December 2016 and manages a team of practice pharmacists.
Marian runs a number of long term condition clinics and carries out clinical medication reviews.
The midwives work both with our patients and those of our neighbouring practices. They work for the Women & Children’s Hospital, Hull caring for their ladies and for ladies, who wish to birth under the care of York hospital. They hold regular ante-natal, post-natal and booking clinics. They help to look after ladies, whilst they are pregnant and immediately after the birth of their baby, offering support and advice on an individual basis. They work closely with the health visitors and the Children’s Centres in Market Weighton and Pocklington.
Dorothy Paul is a Health Visitor and she is based at the Market Weighton Children’s Centre. The health visitor works as one of a team of health visitors, supporting patients in the West Wold area. They can give advice and support on many common problems of families and young children. They can also prescribe medication for simple conditions, such as dry skin and constipation. They also carry out developmental assessments on children, deliver the Healthy Child Programme, and run Child Health Clinics at the Children’s Centre. Contact telephone numbers are 01759 448320, 01430 874090 and 07919 544645.
Health visitor assistants also work with the health visitors. They may contact families or organise groups on behalf of the team.
Miss Asha Singh (f)
Asha Singh is a community link worker. Her role is to provide individual and personal support to adults in the East Riding who would like help with their social, emotional and practical needs. She works alongside the team to support you and signpost you to the relevant services in the community that will improve your wellbeing.
Mr Gary Jennison (m)
Gary is a Health Trainer at the Practice. He can provide patients with advice and guidance in relation to healthy eating, weight management, smoking, bereavement and Covid Recovery. He works alongside the team to support you and signpost you to the relevant services in the community that will improve your health and wellbeing.
Mr Matt Barton (m)
Matt is a Health Trainer at the Practice. He can provide patients with advice and guidance in relation to healthy eating, weight management, smoking, bereavement and Covid Recovery. He works alongside the team to support you and signpost you to the relevant services in the community that will improve your health and wellbeing.
Perinatal Mental Health - Every Mum Matters
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Journalist and Author
Speaking and Teaching
Past Newspaper Work
Big Chicken
Beating Back the Devil
Get Your Shots, Wash Your Hands, Thanks, and Goodbye
March 27, 2015 By Maryn Leave a Comment
IceNine (CC), on Flickr
A little less than 5 years ago, editor Betsy Mason of WIRED Science called to ask whether I’d be interested in joining a new thing. WIRED was thinking about starting a science blog platform; she wondered whether I’d want to be one of the bloggers.
I did very much want: WIRED is both a great magazine, with inspiring storytelling and innovative design, and a brand with international reach. I was a bit perplexed why they would want me — scary diseases didn’t seem like a core interest for WIRED readers — but Betsy (now one of the authors of WIRED’s Map Lab blog) was confident the audience was there.
She was right. Superbug debuted Sept. 14, 2010 with a report on the “Indian superbug,” the antibiotic resistance factor NDM that was then just starting to move across the world. My second post explored “livestock MRSA,” the bacterium that originates in antibiotic overuse in agriculture, and the third looked at the shivery subject of a rare and deadly parasite transmitted by organ transplants. Those three posts pretty much defined Superbug’s turf: public health, global health, and food policy, with a sprinkle of dread. Readers responded with fascination and good will, then and to the more than 300 posts afterward.
Of which, as you’ve probably guessed, this is the last. Superbug has had a fantastic run, but there was only one other place I wanted to work, and I’m headed there. Next week, I’ll be joining National Geographic’s Phenomena under a new blog name.
(Worth saying: This move is coincident with Wired.com’s redesign, but is not at all related. Phenomena happened to have a rare opening.)
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: antibiotics, Ebola, food policy, Lyme, Never Seconds, polio, Resistance, TB
"We Are Not Ready": Ebola Analysis from Front-Line Workers (And Bill Gates)
A volunteer gets sprayed a bleach mixture while training for a mission to support the German Red Cross in Liberia, Oct. 23, 2014. Markus Schreiber/AP
Bill Gates speaks at TED 2015 in Vancouver. (Image courtesy TED on Flickr (CC).)
We’ve just passed a difficult and little-noticed anniversary: Last week, the Ebola epidemic in West Africa achieved its first birthday. Though the viral outbreak has been contained, it is still not under control: According to the World Health Organization, cases continue in Sierra Leone and are rising again in Guinea. Liberia was about to record an entire incubation period without a new case — a signal that the chain of person-to-person transmission might have been broken — but on Friday, it announced that it had found a single new case. How that woman became infected is unclear; it is possible that she represents, not a new outbreak, but a brief interruption in an otherwise promising trend.
It has been decades since there was an epidemic of this persistence and magnitude. No other Ebola outbreak matches it; nor does the 2003 epidemic of SARS. You would have to go back to the early days of HIV in the 1980s, or to the flu pandemics in 1968, 1957 or even 1918, to find an outbreak that sickened so many people, challenged international response capacity so much, and instilled such fear in other countries.
The anniversary has triggered reflections. Some criticize the response to Ebola for being inadequate and slow. Others — such as two talks at last week’s TED conference, one by Bill Gates — extract lessons that should inform responses to future epidemics.
Because there will be future epidemics. That’s for sure.
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: Bill Gates, Ebola, GAVI, Seth Berkley, TED, vaccines
Ebola Could Cause Thousands More Deaths — By Ushering In Measles
Women gather in the Guinean village of Meliandou, believed to be Ebola’s ground zero. Jerome Delay/AP
Awareness of Ebola is picking up again in the United States: An American volunteer who was working in Sierra Leone has contracted Ebola and been medevac’d to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center for Ebola treatment, and 10 more volunteers have been brought back to NIH, Omaha and Atlanta, to be examined at three of the four institutions in the US that have safe units to house them.
It’s a reminder that Ebola still persists in West Africa: In the last period the World Health Organization reported on (the 7 days ending March 8), there were 116 new cases. One bit of good news: None of them were in Liberia, for the second week in a row. But Guinea and Sierra Leone, where this volunteer was infected, continue to struggle.
And in a research paper published as that volunteer was being flown back, there’s a reminder that the Ebola outbreak is creating layers of health risks for those countries. In Science , researchers from NIH and four universities warn that Ebola’s interruption of other health services, such as childhood immunizations, threatens to create secondary epidemics of preventable diseases that would dwarf Ebola’s impact. In particular, they warn that there could be 100,000 additional measles cases, and up to 16,000 additional deaths, if health services are not restored.
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: Ebola, measles, Who
Your McNuggets: Soon Without a Side of Antibiotics
March 4, 2015 By Maryn Leave a Comment
Fast-food giant McDonald’s announced today that it will cease buying chicken raised with the routine use of most antibiotics, a move that seems certain to reframe the contentious debate about agriculture’s use of the increasingly precious drugs. The company set a deadline of two years to make chicken in its 14,000 US locations substantially antibiotic-free.
The announcement instantly makes McDonald’s the largest company by far to use its buying power to change how livestock are raised. Its 25 million US customers a day dwarf those at Chipotle Mexican Grill, which pioneered fast food using antibiotic-free meat, and also at Chick-fil-A, which announced a year ago that it would move to antibiotic-free chicken in five years.
McDonald’s new policy doesn’t solve the farm-antibiotics problem. The company is making the move only for chicken, not for beef or pork (though chicken is already the meat Americans eat the most). And the policy has important caveats. But since McDonald’s is the largest food-service buyer of chicken in America, this can’t help but affect other restaurants, and production of other meats.
In a phone interview, Marion Gross, senior vice president of McDonald’s North America Supply Chain, said the company made the move because customers have been asking for it. “This about meaningful action that is important to our customers,” she said. “We’re happy to be able to achieve this. This is not something new; we had our first antibiotic policy in place back in 2003, so it’s the evolution of a journey we have been on for some time.”
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: animals, antibiotics, mcdonalds, Resistance
Ebola's Not Over For Health Care's Volunteers
EU Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (CC) on Flickr
You might have missed it, because we’re barely talking about it in the United States, but the African Ebola epidemic has still not died down: the World Health Organization identified 99 new cases in its most recent status report. And as long as the disease persists, the possibility exists that it could spread back out of that confined area to other countries. Which makes it a good time to consider several new reports of what happened to US health care workers involved in responding to Ebola, and how that experience still affects their lives.
Short version: Of two who contracted Ebola and survived, one remains ill and fears she was manipulated, and the other, though well, feels he was misrepresented and stigmatized. Both worry their experience will dissuade others from volunteering in turn. And a major new government report backs them up.
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: Craig Spencer, Ebola, ethis, Kent Brantly, Nina Pham
Resistance: The Movie That Will Make You Care About Antibiotic Misuse
February 24, 2015 By Maryn Leave a Comment
A few years ago I happened to get introduced to a pair of filmmakers, Michael Graziano and Ernie Park, who were starting to explore the topic of antibiotic resistance. They had the same questions about resistance that I obsess over, and the same shock about how enormous the problem is: according to a recent estimate, 700,000 deaths every year, likely to rise into the millions if nothing is done.
They recognized their disbelief as the creative spark for a project, and three years later, have brought out Resistance, a documentary now available on iTunes. LV Anderson just said about it, in Slate:
Regardless of your preexisting interest in public health or food politics, once you learn a little about antibiotic abuse, you won’t be able to stop caring about it. Without antibiotics, many of the medical treatments that we take for granted would be impossible, and the speed and carelessness with which we squander these important drugs — on people who don’t need them and on livestock that really don’t need them — is downright infuriating… In talking-head interviews with well-chosen, highly articulate experts, Resistance explains the fundamental reason the incorrect use of antibiotics is so dangerous: Every time we use antibiotics, we give bacteria another chance to develop resistance to it.
I think Resistance is a fantastic exploration of the problem, but I am likely to be biased, because I am in it. But I realized as I watched it that there was a lot about the documentary that I didn’t know: how it came to be, why the stories within it were chosen, and whether making it changed the filmmakers’ life.
Here’s an edited chat with Michael Graziano about making the film.
Maryn McKenna: Your previous film, Lunch Line, was about school lunch and nutrition. Antibiotic resistance seems a long way from that. What got you interested?
Michael Graziano: I was hoping to get rich as quickly as possible. I calculated that if I spent three years making a film about science and public health the money would start pouring in.
Turns out my calculations were wrong.
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: agriculture, antibiotics, documentary, Resistance
The Poultry Industry Responds to an Activist Farmer
Farmer Craig Watts. RANDALL HILL/Reuters/Corbis
Last week I broke the story that contract chicken farmer Craig Watts, who had let animal-welfare activists film in the barns where he raises poultry for Perdue Farms, filed for whistleblower protection against the company because he felt retaliated against. In his complaint — made to the Department of Labor under the provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act — Watts said that the condition of the chicks Perdue delivered to him compelled him to raise “adulterated or misbranded food” for consumers, and that when he attempted to reveal this, the company harassed him with inspectors’ visits.
When I posted on Watts’ complaint, which has the form of a lawsuit though it is filed with a federal agency not a court, I said I’d update once I got reaction from the company or the industry. I’ve received their reactions now and, since it’s been a few days, it seems more fair to break them out in a separate post, rather than adding to last week’s.
Short version, with details below: Perdue and the National Chicken Council both say that Watts — who has not lost his contract with the company — is not being retaliated against, but needs guidance to do a better job raising the chickens he is sent.
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: antibiotics, chicken, poultry, whistleblower
A Factory Farmer Strikes Back at the Company He Farms For
Farmer Craig Watts. Screenshot: video by Compassion in World Farming
Back in December I wrote about a chicken farmer who took the extraordinary step of inviting animal-welfare activists into his barns to document the conditions under which his contract compels him to raise his birds. The farmer, Craig Watts of North Carolina, has raised chicken for Perdue Farms for two decades and has often been a top producer for them; he was not an outlier, but someone well within the corporate farming system. Yet it weighed on his conscience that even when he did his best to care for them, the birds seemed deformed and unwell. “The consumer’s being hoodwinked,” he said at the time.
The video he made with the group Compassion in World Farming has been viewed more than 1.6 million times. Watts continues to raise chickens for Perdue; the company did not yank his contract. But he claims he has been subjected to a campaign of retaliation from Perdue as a result, with very frequent visits from a variety of inspectors, and so he has taken a second extraordinary step. He has filed a federal complaint claiming whistleblower protection, alleging that he was forced to violate laws that protect consumers against “adulterated or misbranded” food.
Watts was not the first chicken contract farmer to speak out — Carole Morrison, a Maryland contract farmer, appeared in the documentary Food, Inc. and lost her livelihood as a result — but he’s almost certainly the first to strike back.
Watts is being represented by the Food Integrity Campaign, part of the nonprofit Government Accountability Project, which filed on his behalf this morning with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, within the US Department of Labor. The complaint and cover letter are on the nonprofit’s site. The cover letter sums up the issue (“Complainant” is Watts and “Respondent” is Perdue):
Complainant has observed an increase in the number of chicks placed on his farm carrying bacterial infections. As a result, Complainant believes that Respondent has not adequately controlled sanitation in its hatcheries to prevent birds from developing infections while at the hatchery, and is not culling sick birds from flocks at the hatchery with sufficient care to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases among the flocks placed on his farm. Additionally, Complainant believes that because Respondent crowds too many birds into each house, the birds do not have adequate room to move around freely, causing them trample each other to access water and food, which in turn leads to scratches and increased risk of infection. Moreover, Respondent prohibits Complainant from administering antibiotics and other medications to sick birds, and Respondent has refused to administer drugs to the birds when Complainant has sought help dealing with apparent outbreaks of disease among flocks placed on his farm.
Watts and his attorneys claim protection under the recent Food Safety Modernization Act, which added whistleblower “employee protection” provisions to the thicket of laws that govern food safety in the United States.
It’s notable that, in the complaint, Watts doesn’t ask for much: He doesn’t seek punitive damages, for instance, just attorneys’ fees and legal costs. Mostly what he asks is to continue to farm. After he went public, the poultry industry responded that the conditions in the video were the result of his poor farming practices; Watts says the first inspectors’ visits were within hours of the video going live, and continued “almost daily” since then, 23 times in the past two months. According to him, he was put on a “performance improvement plan,” and the complaint asks for that to be reversed, and for an end to any “retaliatory increased inspections.”
This is a lot of legalese, but the key facts are these: Most of the meat we eat in the US is raised in conditions that most consumers cannot see. This farmer felt those conditions were injurious to animals and bad for eaters. He opened the doors on his small corner of the industry in the hopes of changing it, and he wants to keep those doors open. Whistleblower protection might help him do that. I reached Watts quickly by phone, and he said: “I want there to be some avenue for farmers to be protected, so that they don’t have to be walking around on eggshells. Hopefully this is it.”
Because the complaint was just posted, Perdue has not yet commented, but I will ask them for comment and update this post when they do.
Here’s the original video in which Watts appeared:
Still Fighting Ebola: A View from Liberia's Front Line
Nine-year-old Nowa Paye is taken to an ambulance after showing signs of the Ebola infection in the village of Freeman Reserve, about 30 miles north of Monrovia, Liberia. Jerome Delay/AP
We’ve pretty much signed off on Ebola in the United States — last week, President Obama withdrew the US troops sent to fight the disease — but in Africa, the news on the epidemic has seemed pretty good. The overall number of known cases stands at 22,894, with 9,177 deaths, far below the dire predictions made last fall that the epidemic could sicken millions.
Progress at beating the disease is stalling, though. According to the World Health Organization, the number of new cases has gone back up for two weeks in a row. Sierra Leone, now the outbreak’s epicenter, still has what the WHO calls “widespread transmission,” and on Saturday its government quarantined part of the capital. Guinea has had a spike in cases, and in several areas, mobs have attacked clinics.
The news is best from Liberia, where there were just three new cases last week compared to 65 in Guinea and 76 in Sierra Leone. Liberia was hard-hit, with 8,881 confirmed cases and 3,826 deaths — 300 cases per week at some points. But it also seems to have done the most to curb the disease’s spread: Today, schools that had been closed since last fall are supposed to open again.
Last week, though, I had the opportunity to speak to a front-line Ebola fighter in Liberia, and what he told me underlined how precarious that country’s progress is.
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: Ebola, Who
How to Fight Superbugs: Start Spending Money
February 5, 2015 By Maryn Leave a Comment
Plates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in CDC’s healthcare-associated infections laboratory. Center for Disease Control/AP
The government-chartered British project examining antibiotic resistance — which made such a splash in December with its prediction that untreatable resistance will kill 10 million people per year by 2050 — has produced its first set of recommendations for turning back the problem.
They come down to this: Start spending money.
The project — formally titled the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance — analyzes the funding spent directly on resistance research, and indirectly through training specialists and investing in innovation, and finds that the resources devoted by governments and the private sector are not up to the job. With the same bluntness that marked its first report, the project says: “There is a problem of chronic under-investment in both the financial and human capital needed to tackle antimicrobial resistance.”
Filed Under: Science, Science Blogs, Superbug Tagged With: antibiotics, Resistance
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Takkle's New Sports Illustrated Leaderboard for High School Football
By Kristen Nicole 2007-10-09 13:06:05 UTC
Takkle, the sports social network, now has SI-TAKKLE Top 100 High School Football Players rankings. This is a new ranking system introduced by Sports Illustrated, that looks at the football players across the nation.
Powered by Offense-Defense, a company that organizes football camps, the top 100 high school football players will get some extra publicity on Takkle. They will be highlighted with online videos showing their star moments.
To get the rest of the community involved, there will also be a forum for Takkle users to vote on the ratings and voice their opinions, indicating who's over or underrated. Takkle, which has received funding from Sports Illustrated, is offering several contests and promotions that encourage high school athletes to participate in its network and receive additional opportunities for the advancement of their athletic careers as a result.
Topics: social networking
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Rejoinders/Opinion/Letters
The Milli Gazette 15 Sep 2016
The Milli Gazetteis not just a fortnightly that disseminates news ; it is the medium of finding solace in the world of falsehood and hypocrisy (e. g.: Ayush Ministry ‘s reply to Pushp Sharma under RTI Act). I have observed many a times that the respected Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan Saheb, has written boldly, has raised the voice for voiceless, persecuted people at the risk of his life. Many a reader eagerly looks forward to receiving his copy of one of my most favourite journals and they take pride in being associated with the Milli Gazette. Long live the Milli Gazette.
Farooq Abdulgafar Bavani, Rajkot, Gujarat
dr.arifdela@gmail.com
RegardingQasaas
Success of any event or experiment is judged by its result. Saudi Arabia applies qasaas. The result of this injunction of the Holy Qur’an (5:45) is for every body to see. Even during Haj pilgrimage when lakhs of believer gather in Makkah from the world over, shopkeepers in the market do not close or lock their shops at the call for prayer; they only draw the curtain on the front of their shop and move out to offer their prayers.
Prof. Shaista Bano, Aligarh
Justice Rajindar Sachar on the Prophet
Justice Rajindar Sachar spoke in a symposium in Jamia Millia Islamia and said, “Greatest Message of Equality Was Given By Prophet Muhammad”. In that context I would like to draw attention to the following quote: M. N. Roy, in his small book “ Historical Role of Islam” written during 1931-35, amongst many of books he wrote when he was in British jail sentenced under ‘Sedition’, has written “.... In view of this realistic reading of history, Hindu superciliousness towards the religion and culture of the Muslims is absurd. It insults history and injures the political future of our country. Learning from the Muslims, Europe became the leader of modern civilization. Even today, her best sons are not ashamed of the past indebtedness. Unfortunately India could not fully benefit by the heritage of Islamic culture, because she did not deserve the distinction. Now, in the throes of a belated Renaissance, Indians, both Hindus and Muslims, could profitably draw inspiration from that memorable chapter of human history. Knowledge of Islam’s contribution to human culture and proper appreciation of the historical value of that contribution would shock the Hindus of their arrogant self-satisfaction, and cure the narrow-mindedness of the Muslims of our day by bringing them face to face with the true spirit of the faith they profess.” indiatomorrow.net/eng/greatest-message-of-equality-was-given-by-prophet-muhammad-justice-sachar
Adv. N. D. Pancholi, New Delhi
ndpancholi44@gmail.com
Today’s TV channels and George Orwell’s ‘1984’
Anyone who has not read the novel 1984 may mistake it to be about anti Sikh riots of Delhi. The novel by George Orwell is a visualisation of a totalitarian society, a communist dystopia. After Animal Farm of a Soviet-style utopia gone awary.
What is depicted in the novel holds true for different generations and societies. Though the novel portrays several facets of an authoritarian regime, I am trying to visualise the news studio vis-à-vis the dystopia of1984.
News channels today act like omnipresent Telescreen of Oceania. The hate session which is conducted for two minutes on the Telescreen of Oceania goes on incessantly 24x7 today. The news channels convert any event which increases TRP into breaking news and the real breaking news is ignored. The news rooms are converted into war rooms and media trial rooms. “The nation wants an answer” is repeated nauseum. The nation is constituted of every citizen,, but one wonders which nation the screaming news anchor refers to. Every dissenting person is labelled as traitor, anti national and terrorist. These channels have recklessly branded so many people as the traitors that they find it difficult to run war rooms without traitors. The real anti-nationals have fun and laugh at them. The panelists on these channels contort faces, snarl and rudely address each other, getting hysteric during discussions. There comes a moment when the frenzied participants start jumping and thumping in the studio and the viewers stand on their toes in their drawing rooms. At the peak of these hate sessions, particularly a TV programme called VIEWSHOUR all participants start yelling at the top of their voices and viewers start chanting slogan. In this bedlam, one only sees On TV screen opening and shutting of mouths like a landed fish.
Like Oceania, the people are trolled, watched and stalked on social media and in real life. Journalism is no more in the hands of professionals, but everyone with a smartphone is a journalist, a citizen journalist. The ability to keep viewers hooked to TV screen and keep them on their toes is the only benchmark of a successful journalist. All these have brought the standard the fourth estate to nadir. These war-like situation and trials by media fortunately remain in the news room and disappear from viewers’ mind soon as the mind gets ready for the next episode and the next media trial. The channels programme it in such a way that the impression is bynature short-lived. The real trial still takes place in real courts of justice, mostly without influence of media. Till the time parliament remains supreme, judicial writs are enforced and executive functions for the people, 1984 will remain fiction.
Md. Imteyaz Alam, Sonpur, Bihar
mimteyaz@gmail.com
Govt boast on efficiency is mere talk
Even common man is aware that there are serious leakages in collection & deposit with the Govt, service tax, VAT, Octroi etc. Such huge tax collections data do not get stored with central/main server, collection items/details can be deleted, Govt has no effective machinery to verify whether service tax, octroi data etc are meticulously maintained, remitted to the central and state governments. Many hotels give hand-written bills, octroi nakas are under control of goons & mafia. It is regretted despite almost two years are over, this Govt remains ineffective towards such huge leakages.
Jagdip H Vaishnav,Mumbai
jvaishnav47@yahoo.co.in
Tufail Ahmad on Urdu press
Respected Doctor sahib: many thanks for your article in Bazm e Qalam regarding above. I am circulating it among friends and like minded. May God empower your pen all the more.
A J Khan, Pune
whatshisname36@hotmail.com
French fuss over Burkini
Please write editorial/post on French madness regarding Burkini swimsuit. France should ban nackedness not Burkini. Also stress on need of protest by Muslim governments and organizations
Shah Abdul Hannan
shah_abdul_hannan@yahoo.com
Palestine Conference
I am glad to note that you are going to organise a big conference on Palestine and presentation of prizes to the winners of MG Palestine essay competition 2015 in cooperation with the Jamia Millia Islamia at Delhi. I convey my best wishes for the success of this conference and prize distribution and congratulate you for taking the initiative for the cause of Palestinians whose human rights are violated by the zionists. l fail to understand why Muslim regimes, particularly Arab countries, are silent over the sufferings of Palestinians . Our sympathies are with the wronged people of Palestine.
Farooq Abdulgafar Bavani, Rajkot-Gujarat
Indian Police
All countrymen rightly recent the deplorable, thoroughly inefficient and corrupt Indian police and its functioning. It has earned notoriety for adopting the immensely inhuman torturous 3degree methods leading to custodial death, resorting to fake encounters, production of fabricated evidence in the courts, arresting innocent Indian citizens especially Indian Muslim youths and keeping them for months as under-trials. It is full of anti Muslim bias and consider all Muslims terrorists. Over and above all this, it has failed to perform its primary duty of registering FIRs and allowing notorious criminals and history-sheeters to commit all sorts of crimes in return for receiving regularity money from them. Police stations have virtually become dens of worst kind of crimes. Its failure to control public demonstrations and use force is the glaring examples of its thorough incompetence. The need of the hour is this that the whole police system should be overhauled and revamped and a new comprehensive law is passed by the Parliament removing all defects and converting the police department into a real public service department.
Dr. M. Hashim Qidwai,ex-MP, Delhi - 110091
Charges against former army chief
Serious charges against former Army Chief (present Union Minister) have been levelled by the present Army Chief. Propriety demands Union Minister to resign for time being. It refers to serious charges levelled by present Army Chief against the former Army Chief (now a Union Minister) in affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, perhaps for the first time in the Army. The said Union Minister had earlier also been in several controversies during his tenure as Army Chief like including on aspect of birth-of-date, attending a rally with flags of a political party, and others. Even though the Union Minister has acted remarkably at times as a Union Minister, yet propriety and high political morals demand that he may resign from his post till final settlement of the issue raised by present Army Chief in Supreme Court. He can serve the country and its people also in his capacity of being a good Parliamentarian. It is not proper that Union ministry may have a person as its member, with whom Army Chief is not comfortable.
Subhash Chandra Agrawal,Delhi 110006
subhashchandraagrawal@gmail.com
BJP, Congress united to crush human rights
When thousands of political leaders and activists, like Loknayak Jayprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Chaudhary Charan Singh, L. K. Advani, Atal Bjhari Vajpayee, George Fernandes, Surender Mohan etc. etc. were imprisoned during the Emergency (1975-1977), many were tortured and also killed in fake encounters, it was the Amnesty International which had run a very powerful campaign against atrocities of those times. Amnesty has been continuously exposing the State repression in India, especially North East, Punjab, Kashmir. It appears both BJP and Congress have joined hand to crush human rights movement in India and the present sedition case in Bangalore is part of that nefarious strategy. Here is an excerpt from one of its report: “Amnesty International adopted 236 of these as prisoners of conscience and made frequent appeals for their release, in addition to other activities which have been described in Amnesty International’s annual reports for 1975, 1976 and 1977. Government statistics subsequently published confirm that, during the period of Emergency, 36,039 political prisoners were held in preventive detention under the provisions of the Maintenance of Internal Security Act alone…..” https://www. amnesty. org. in/show/entry/amnesty-internationals-concern-for-prisoners-of- conscience-detained-during https://www. amnesty. org. in/show/entry/amnesty-internationals-concern-for-prisoners-of-conscience-detained-during
ND Pancholi, New Delhi
Indian Bureaucracy
Today it is bureaucracy which is ruling over the country. It reminds us of an anecdote of Stuart England when an English satirist asked, “who rules England” ana he got the reply from a political scientist” The Kingn. Who rules the King was the next question and came the reply “The Duke”, and who rules the Duke the reply was the “The Devil”. In the present Indian context if the question is asked who rules the India, the reply will be “Parliament” as under our democratic constitution Indian Parliament is supreme and the reply to the next question, who rules the Parliament, the reply, “the Bureaucracy” will reveal the reality. Indian bureaucracy has become the greatest stumbling block and greatest hurdle in the smooth working of Indian democracy. In fact it is quite in,compatible with democratic setup. The two cannot go together. In a democratic setup the government is for the people must serve them and do things for their welfare. Bureaucracy on the other hand is blind, deaf and dumb to the aspirations, feelings and sentiments of the people. It has become a far more potent and vital part in our administrative system. It has indeed become the most powerful and the most effective part of our system and has been lampooned for this obsession with-flies and out of date rules which are not in tune with times. Very many sufferings of the common man are due to cumbersome and time consuming procedures followed by bureaucracy. There is rightly a hue and cry on the corruption of ministers and politicians but how strange it is that there is little hue and cry on the corruption of bureaucracy although reports raids at the houses of bureaucracy are published daily in papers about their fabulous wealth and jewelry. Time has come when the bureaucratic setup is done away and is replaced by a civil service whose members considered themselves as servants of the people are in view of the spirit of public service. Decidedly this will be a great step towards strengthening democracy and confer immense benefits on the Indian masses and India will become a welfare state.
Dr. M. Hashim Kidwai, ex-MP,
Open letter to To Sri Nitish Kumar Ji The Chief Minister Of Bihar Patna
With due respect I would like to draw your attention, through The Milli Gazette, towards the following issues for necessary action:
(1) The Bihar State Madrasa Education Board, Patna after discontinuing Wastania Examination (equivalent to class 8th) has reintroduced this examination. The board is going to conduct the examination on 20th August. Many a times the Board has failed to conduct its examination in time. The board fails to understand the significance of conducting its examination punctually and maintaining academic calendar. The board fails to conduct its other examinations, Fauqania and Maulvi, in time too. (2) The Government of Bihar has recently announced setting up of two universities one of which one will be set up in Patna. Patna already has a number of universities. Thus new university should be opened in unrepresented district of the state. (3) Bihar needs, as women empowerment initiative, a women’s university especially for Hindi and Urdu medium students aspiring for higher education. The university should have the norms and rules that the university students write their examinations (excluding language and technical terms) in Hindi or Urdu. And English be taught as compulsory component at all level at least till undergraduate and diploma courses. (4) Some years back a piece of news published in the Hindi daily Hindustan that the villagers of Neem Chak Bathani (District Gaya) donated a piece of land to the Bihar government for the establishment of a school especially for the girls. The Muslim minority of Neem Chak Bathani undertook this initiative. But till now not a single step has been taken to establish the school by the concerned government office. (5) Nalanda Open University (NOU) conducts Intermediate level examinations but NOU is still not a member of COBSE. Any institution / board that conducts Secondary (Matriculation or 10th) and Senior Secondary (Intermediate/ 12th) must be enlisted in the member list of COBSE. (6) At school level around 25,000 to 30,000 Urdu teachers are required in Bihar and posts for the same have been lying vacant since decade. From election rallies to various public meetings it was assured by Mahagathbandhan that these vacancies would be filled soon but till date not a single ray of hope is seen that the government is willing to fulfill its assurance and promise. Same situation has been faced by prospective Bangla teachers. This is creating an air of disappointment and unrest among prospective teachers of Urdu & Bangla, and adversely affecting the students. It is hoped that Bihar Government will see to all these concerns at the earliest and do the needful. Government’s timely and prompt initiative and intervention will be helpful in equitable development and facilitating progress in the filed of education in Bihar. With regards. Sincerely Yours
Syed Mohammad Shahid Iqbal, Bhadauni Sharif, Nawada - 805110
sayyidain@gmail.com
Descendants of Tipu Sultan
The descendants of the Sher-e-Mysore are living on footpaths and we are doing nothing to help them. Shame on us. The bond which unites one Muslim with another Muslim was once strong as steel but today it is like a bubble in a bucket of water. Read the article in The “Arab News” of 9 January 2014 under the caption: “For Tippu Sultan’s kith life is a battle”. We must do something concrete.
SM Pasha
valimuhammad777@gmail.com
Cow is now communal
Of late, the animal cow has taken the communal colours. Under the current government backing the Hindutva Politics, beef is no more one of the items on the dining table. It is part of religious mobilization of Hindutva politics. The ‘holiness’ of the cow has been stained by Human blood. The lynching of a Muslim man by a frenzied mob at a village in Dadri in Uttar Pradesh in the name of ‘holy cow’ is a symptom of the revival of Hindu orthodoxy and return to medieval Brahminical values. However, the real teaching of Hindu Mythology has been different just to quote Swami Vivekananda, the man regarded as a mentor and philosopher of Hindutva even by the RSS, would certainly clear the cobwebs surrounding the whole issue. Talking to a large gathering in the United States, he had said: “You will be astonished if I tell you that, according to old ceremonials, he is not a good Hindu who does not eat beef. On certain occasions he must sacrifice a bull and eat it.” So as we see the cow making a comeback in the religious and political discourse of the country, we are likely to lose the secular fabric of our country.
Farzana Z Khan, Nagpur
farzanazkhan@gmail.com
Indian Muslims, by the Infinite Mercy of Allah, are not scared but pained they are, that the Government is planning to ban the Islamic Research Foundation -an esteemed religious institution - and thus raping and assassinating it, through gross and naked misuse the penal laws of the land. What if the I. R. F. of Dr. Zakir Naik is banned, its demise will give birth to a thousand I. R. Fs just like Raktabija, in Hindu mythology, whose single drop of blood which falls on the ground, creates a new Raktabija and thus making him invincible. To the members of the aggrieved Muslim minority community, the Forum advises not to get emotional but plan and execute a peaceful, democratic, strong and united “andolan” in league with justice-loving non-Muslim co-citizens, especially Dalit brothers and sisters.
S. M. Pasha, UAE
Deaths of 500 matas
It is rather disgraceful on the part of Rajasthan Government that 500 cows, say Matas, have died due to careless management. Only after these deaths, the minister became alert and fed the male and female calves. Why he did not take the trouble of caring for the cows after the managers did not purchase the monthly quota of fodder which led to the death of 500 cows. How can they give a round figure of 500. It must be less or more than 500. The minister entered the gaoshala after the death of so many cows. In Persian there is proverb: baad az kharabi-e bisyaar, khawja bedaar shud - the guy became alert only after a lot of loss. The CM should also resign as it is the death of 500 animals which are revered as Mata. Young Muslim boys were killed while carrying animals. Now the cows died due carelessness of the protectors of cows. The concerned staff who are corrupt should be hanged on the same gowshala. If the cows have died due to some disease, they should have been protected by vaccination and proper treatment.
Dr Maqdoomi, Gulbarga
drmaqdoomi@gmail.com
More from Rejoinders / Letters to the Editor
13/10/19 Rafale = Superstition + Corruption, dead Indian cocktail served by govt
22/03/18 Sri Sri’s version of his Ayodhya initiative and Syria comment
14/05/17 "Casteist" welfare schemes of Gujarat govt, is this Secularism?
14/03/17 Mobile companies over-charging old and loyal customers
10/03/17 Father of Muslim 'terrorist' disowns son
27/12/16 Rejoinders/Opinion/Letters
01/11/16 Sultan Akhtar Patel
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Login My German Pavilion
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Find more German Pavilions at international trade fair in our web portal www.german-pavilion.com.
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German Exhibitors
Cleaning Equipment and Solutions (1) Continuous Conveying Systems, Components and Accessories (5) Corrosion Resistant Materials and Linings (2) Crushing and Sizing Equipment (4) Data Gathering, Transmission and Processing (1) Electrical Components, Systems and Plant (2) Excavators, Wheel Loaders and Dump Trucks (1) Extraction Equipment (1) Measuring and Monitoring Instruments (1) Miscellaneous (10) Open Cast Mining and Materials Handling (3) Power Supply (1) Sorting and Concentration (1) Underground Mining (4) Coal preparation plants & Cutting Machines (4) Longwall Mining Equipment (3) Emergency Response Equipment (2) Environmental Services (1)
Continuous Conveying Systems, Components and Accessories (5) Crushing and Sizing Equipment (2) Data Gathering, Transmission and Processing (4) Excavators, Wheel Loaders and Dump Trucks (1) Miscellaneous (8) Open Cast Mining and Materials Handling (6) Power Supply (1) Underground Mining (6) Chemicals & Flocculants (1) Coal preparation plants & Cutting Machines (1) Longwall Mining Equipment (3) Emergency Response Equipment (1)
About the German Pavilion
econ industries services GmbH
Booth number C2 7216
www.econindustries.com
Send message Show on floor plan Add to favorites Business matching
econ industries offers solutions for the treatment of industrial hazardous wastes and contaminated soil. econ’s aim is to avoid the elimination of waste through incineration and landfilling but to achieve a resource-conserving material recycling instead. econs VacuDry® technology separates harmful substances in a fully encapsulated system under heat and vacuum. This method is far superior to other thermal desorption techniques, especially regarding energy efficiency and low carbon emissions. Tailor-made research, development, consulting, engineering, delivery and commissioning are econs core competencies. They can call upon over 20 years of experience in industrial and recycling plant construction. Its waste treatment technology is able to recover e.g. 100% of valuable drilling fluids, metal sludge, mercury and hydrocarbon pollutions and many others. This leads to a profitable hazardous waste recycling process and minimum impact to the environment.
VacuDry®:
econ´s technology is flexible to deal with all typical industrial waste consistencies with a boiling point < 450°C such as mercury, drilling fluids and oily sludges. The VacuDry® sytem is available in different sizes with different throughput capacities, from 200kg/h to 6t/h. Worldwide EPA acceptance guaranteed. Min. 4 x higher energy efficiency compared to other desorber types
Complementary technologies:
PyroPlas® - Plasma Arc Destruction for the destruction of high hazard and toxic wastes like ODSs, SDGs, POPs with automated operation.
Mobile Mercury Conversion Unit for on-site excess mercury conversion. Mercury is converted to stable and non-toxic HgS and packed for final disposal.
High temperature treatment unit for industrial scale treatment of spent catalysts and other mercury and sulphur containing wastes.
Mercury Waste Treatment Centre
The mercury waste treatment centre has been set-up by an oil and gas service company following the high demand of major oil and gas companies for local waste management solutions. Prior to the establishment of the treatment centre, waste had to be shipped to be finally disposed of 13 000 km from the waste source. This involved complicated and expensive waste notification and shipment procedures through a dozen countries.
Drill Cuttings Treatment Centre XXL
Oil&gas companies in Azerbaijan engaged econ industries to design and build the world’s largest recycling facility for drilling mud. It's located south of Baku and consists of two VacuDry® 12,000 x 2 plants, capable of treating 240 tons of drilling mud daily. The plants were manufactured in Germany and from there shipped to Azerbaijan for erection and commissioning in 2016. The complete scope was managed and supervised by econ’s engineers who also trained local staff for the 3-shift operation.
Mobile Mercury Conversion Unit
econ industries is the only company worldwide, offering on-site excess mercury conversion. Mercury is converted to stable and non-toxic HgS and packed for final disposal. It provides the safest and most transparent method of excess mercury disposal.
Schiffbauerweg 1
Phone: +49 8151 446377-0
Internet: www.econindustries.com
E-mail: Send message
Vivek Nair
econ industries Pty Ltd
West Essendon, VIC 3040
Safe mercury disposal? Not a problem with econ's mobile mercury conversion unit.
For the second time, econ industries have successfully completed a mercury stabilization project for safe mercury disposal. Already in mid-2018, econ successfully neutralized excess mercury at a chlor-alkali electrolysis site in Eastern Europe. The neutralized material was subsequently disposed of in an ordered and professional manner, in-keeping with all recognised protocols. The second campaign also led the econ team to a chlor-alkali electrolysis site, this time in England.
Following the conversion of the elemental mercury to mercury sulphide on-site, through the direct, professional packaging and subsequent transport for final storage at an underground storage facility, our customer could check and control the whereabouts of the mercury during the treatment, shipment and storage process. Hence any concerns regarding potential illegal mercury export could be safely mitigated against. This represents an important argument for the compliance departments of both customers, where transparency, and a secure liability management is of the utmost importance. This is also a strong argument for the treatment and stabilisation of mercury on-site under controlled conditions.
In this way, econ has removed more than 500 tons of toxic mercury from the economic cycle and disposed of it safely in a very short time.
econ industries opened a branch in Melbourne
econ industries is focussed in delivering ‘Best Practice’ solutions for the recovery of resources from hazardous industrial waste and contaminated soil. econ industries are working towards a cleaner future by creating effective alternatives to landfilling and waste incineration. This strategic, geographical expansion is to support econs activities and enhance the presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Together with its geographical expansion econ adds a new technology to its portfolio: PyroPlas® - Plasma Arc Destruction. With the technologies and key personnel added to econ industries group, the company will further improve and develop their technologies, their complementary uses and service offerings to its international clients. This expansion will further enhance econ industries’ position as a market leader in the treatment of hazardous wastes towards its vision of – Zero Industrial Waste!
Award Winners of the Bavarian Export Prize 2018
econ industries have held the Bavarian Export Prize in the category services since November 2018. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs awards this prize yearly to small and medium Bavarian companies who have excelled in doing business on foreign markets. More than 90% of econs turnkey solutions for hazardous wastes are exported throughout the whole world.
From here on econ will continue to strive toward its primary objective‚ Zero Industrial Waste…!‘. Through this the transfer of econs specialist know-how regarding the operation of process-facilities whilst saving energy, protecting the climate and creating new jobs for the local workforce can be pursued.
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© Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
1Cleaning Equipment and Solutions
5Continuous Conveying Systems, Components and Accessories
2Corrosion Resistant Materials and Linings
4Crushing and Sizing Equipment
1Data Gathering, Transmission and Processing
2Electrical Components, Systems and Plant
1Excavators, Wheel Loaders and Dump Trucks
1Extraction Equipment
1Measuring and Monitoring Instruments
10Miscellaneous
3Open Cast Mining and Materials Handling
1Power Supply
1Sorting and Concentration
4Underground Mining
4Coal preparation plants & Cutting Machines
3Longwall Mining Equipment
2Emergency Response Equipment
1Environmental Services
1Chemicals & Flocculants
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StrategyHistory of the Austrian School of Economics
Blog01/13/2021Murray N. Rothbard
Blog01/13/2021Patrick Barron
Book ReviewsWorld HistoryPolitical Theory
"These days most people tend to equate freedom with the possession of inalienable individual rights, rights that demarcate a private sphere no government may infringe on. But has this always been the case?"
The "War On Terror" Comes Home
Blog01/12/2021Ron Paul
It is partly an attempt to erase the Trump movement from the pages of history, but it is also an attempt to silence criticism of the emerging political consensus in the coming Biden era that may come from progressive or antiwar circles.
When "Free Trade" Agreements Are a Polite Form of Protectionism
With the Caribbean trade bloc Caricom, we find an international "free" trade agreement being used by a Dominica-based company to demand more limits on trade between Jamaica and a country outside the bloc. This isn't about free trade.
Mark Thornton is a Senior Fellow at the Mises Institute and the book review editor of the Quarterly Journal of...
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MovieAndTVBuff
Twin Peaks (Season 1 & 2) : Review
You go into Twin Peaks expecting weirdness but nothing prepares you for the downright absurdity that unravels. Twin Peaks takes everything you expect out of a normal television program and turns it on its head. This show is heralded by its community of cult followers and shunned by many critics. Of course, Twin Peaks probably deserves some of these polarizing opinions. Yet no one could have anticipated the scope of Mark Frost and David Lynch’s vision.
Twin Peaks is a show with an ever expanding universe that encapsulates film, books, and even the auditory medium with it’s Grammy nominated “Diane…” tapes. I won’t even get started on how good the musical score is in Twin Peaks. It’s not a show you can just sit down and jump into during your leisure. Frost and Lynch make it their job to not let many details get by them in the show. Seemingly irrelevant trivialities that are overlooked by the characters in the show and the audience come back into play later on, sometimes with major implications.
This show wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Kyle MacLachlan. From the very start, in the critically acclaimed pilot, MacLachlan sets the tone for the eccentric, loving, and superbly charming Dale Cooper. His incredible portrayal of the investigating FBI agent could have held this show up on its own but he is accompanied by an ensemble cast and a list of recurring guest that are just as well acted and well cast. The story of Twin Peaks is hard to exactly summarize without it sounding practically ridiculous but the plot has symbolism and overarching themes that prevail throughout with great effect. Subplots are very much essential and well written to the point where I couldn’t wait to see what was happening at the Diner with Ed and Norma.
Some may say that Twin Peaks is a show that is being weird for the sake of being weird but I think they should try giving it another chance. Twin peaks is a show that really proves itself every episode. The season two finale left many things open and questions unanswered but that is all soon to change due to its impending revival. The fact that the renewal date of the show directly relates to the finale shows great promise for the continuity of the series.
I propose at least trying out Twin Peaks. I’m sure you’ll be hooked from the pilot alone and every episode wonder what exactly did you get yourself into. But god damn you won’t be able to pull yourself away. Twin Peaks is a show which is discussed and interpreted fervently by its viewers and community and you need to check it out immediately. Two Cooper thumbs way up!
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American Horror Story: The Replacements | Review
October 25, 2013 — Leave a comment
It’s becoming very clear why American Horror story has been getting its record ratings, since the show premiered this fall. This week’s episode has it all; incest, brutal scenes of violence, bestiality, and betrayal. Ryan Murphy is showing he isn’t afraid to tackle some controversial topics. Things are beginning to heat up in the coven as the girls are becoming more in tuned with their powers.
One of the interesting prospects of the previous episode of AHS was Cordelia’s fertility issues. Cordelia had already tried everything from natural remedies to black magic rituals. This led to Cordelia resorting to asking for help from her rival tribe. The show gave us a glimpse at the ritual she would have to perform with Tibitia- the leader the rival clan. Cinematography of the Tibitia ritual was a treat to watch. The camera work throughout this show is unique because it is constantly changing. Overhead cameras, gold fish eyed views, close ups, slanted angles, and other dynamic camera techniques give the viewer a wide and varied perspective of whats going on.
Much like the last season on AHS, , Sarah Paulson plays another troubled and struggling character. Cordelia is dealt a very bad hand and must play it out to the end. She finds herself stuck in between a feud between Tibitia and Fiona . Her goal of bearing a child is being challenged. Her performance is solid as usual. We’re looking forward to seeing more from her in the upcoming episodes.
Meanwhile, Madame Lalaurie must deal with adapting with modern day society and facing her past demons. This all offers some much needed comedic relief. Since the premiere of the show there has been a drastic role reversal for her character. We’ve seen her ability to portray a sadist and now we are seeing how she can easily meld into a more tortured character.
Kyle has more air time this week. Evan Peters manages to show some emotion playing Kyle, even though he’s a mute Frankenstein. Zoe Benson must deal with the resurrection of Kyle and his emergence back into society. This proves to be quite difficult. I hope Kyle regains his humanity because the way he is now is pretty difficult to imagine where the story will leave him. Misty Day also has an appearance which is welcoming. I always smile when I see her character. I don’t know why I like her so much. I think it because she really conveys a carefree soul, even through all the things she’s been through.
Jessica Lange, is superb as usual. Too be blunt she is this show. She really takes demand of the screen. Lange takes on her character Fiona’s flaws and strengths and transforms them into an acting spectacle. Fiona battles with her mortality and becomes a surprise mentor for the ladies of the house. The episode ends on a note which will probably upset some.
Overall, this episode was supreme…(See what I did there?)
This entry was posted in Television Reviews and tagged AHS, American Horror Story, controversial topics, Cordelia, entertainment, Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Kyle Spencer, misty day, Review, Ryan Murphy, Sarah Paulson, television, thriller, tv. Bookmark the permalink.
Homeland Season 3: Episode 4|Review
In this week’s episode of Homeland, many events have taken place that kept me on the edge of my seat. Carrie has been in a mental institution for quite some time now. It’s easy to relate to her after you see how the how hospital changes people after being iinstitutionalized for too long. |SPOILERS|The episode begins with Carrie being kept awake by another patient refusing medication and being forcefully sedated in her bed by a group of orderlies. Later on in the episode, the importance of this scene is brought to life when Carrie walks by that patient in the hall. The patient is in a wheelchair now and his heavily medicated to the point of comatose.
Her frustrations become more real after being denied discharge in front of the board committee despite being cleared by the staff as being mentally ready to leave the facility. You can feel the desperation in her character when she realized that the agency is going to find ways to keep her there because they have classified her as a risk. After the hearing, she goes to her room and robotically takes the medication from the orderly and swallows it in frustration. This scene makes me wonder just how much can she take? How much longer can she be on lithium until she turns into that patient she saw in the hallway? Claire Danes continues to impress me with her acting ability.
Fortunately, in a change of events Carrie finds that she has been released by a court order. Her freedom is short lived when she finds who let her out . It’s the same guy who approached her before, who she suspects of working for a foreign country. She agrees with him on a sit down because the terms of her release turn out to be temporary unless she agrees on a meeting with this client. It turns out as she expected that the client did represent Iran and in order to stay out of the hospital she would have to divulge information on how their people were targeted. She refused at first to agree to being a traitor but In Carrie’s state of vulnerability, she changes her mind. It’s easy to sympathize with her change of mind. Why should she protect the same people that don’t care whether she rots in a hospital or not? The episode ended in plot twist that rattled my mind.
When she gets to Saul, It is revealed that everything is she has done up to this point has been to get a meeting with this client from Iran. Carrie endured so much to serve her country from character defamation to being institutionalized. The episode concludes with Carrie crying in Saul’s arms. This show reaches all new levels of espionage and solidifies my review score.
P.S- I need some Brody in my life. Looking forward to the next episode.
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Dexter: ‘Make Your Own Kind Of Music’ Review
With only three episodes remaining, the end game is in sight for our favorite blood splatter analyst. It’s hard to say what exactly are the ingredients for a good episode of Dexter. The recipe has been changing gradually with the series finale approaching. With the introduction of Vogul this season we’ve seen a pretty subdued Dexter. The process of learning his origins and why he is the man he today, hasn’t exactly allowed the show to be filled with the usual bloodshed and butchery that Dexter is surely capable of.
It appears Dexter is preparing to sette down again . In a sense It was bound to happen. Last episode we saw glimpses of a Dexter finding a new purpose. A purpose in passing the legacy of his father’s code down to another person like him. He wasn’t the perfect mentor but things seemed to fall in line. Yet that story arc was disappointingly axed as we see Zach the young and impressionable disciple of Dexter’s life cut short. This week’s episode focused mainly on Dexter’s pursuit of Casey’s killer and the troubles of Hannah’s fugitive status.
The premise of Hannah hiding out from the law under Dexter’s protection is interesting. Hannah brings up the idea of Argentina again; A fantasy she use to have where she flees from her problems and lives happily. Dexter and Hannah are forced to take a hard look at their future. They are cooped up in a hotel, evading the feds and authorities. She can’t even go to the store without the thought burning in the back of her mind that just the right person will recognize her and turn her in. It Makes me wonder if Dexter is really thinking long term at all. That’s pretty much how his life would be if they decide to stay together.
Then you add Harrison into the equation and it complicates things exponentially. Even though their life probably wouldn’t be the same I think Harrison may be the wildcard in all of this. He actually has an attachment to Hannah and if Dexter sees this is really what he wants, they might just go all the way to Argentina. I’m a bit worried about Dexter. I think ultimately their plans to escape together will fail but what could actually happen if they do leave Miami. I always imagined Dexter ending on a somber and somewhat depressing note. Suicide, jail, gurgling in a pool of his own blood. Yes maybe that was a bit too dark but how else could all this realistically end?
+ Harrison gets some screen time
+ Hannah and Dexter continuing to bond
+ Vogul and her familial connection possibly end up double teaming Dex
+ Debra considering rejoining the force
– Vogul is a being portrayed a bit too frail
– The ending scene was a bit forced with Vogul
Overall a solid episode but was a bit predictable. Here is to hoping the Brain Surgeon can deliver the thrills in the final episodes.
Second Opinion- By Shawn Perez
What I found really Interesting about this episode is the thin line of what is ethically right. Dexter is put in a dilemma where he has to apply his code to Vogul’s son. Previously, he gave Zach a second chance but he dislikes the idea when Vogul pleas for Dexter to allow her to get her son and put him in a facility to be rehabilitated. This is where Dexter’s justification of Harry’s Code becomes a little muddled. Do murderers deserve a second chance or at least rehabilitation?
Just when Dexter begins to show the more human side of himself; you start to question it because he doesn’t seem to be motivated to kill because they deserve it anymore but rather he’s just going back to his darker urges.This theme of darkness is hinted at when Vogul says to Dexter; if it was his son, Harrison he would do the same thing. Dexter agrees to silence her but he doesn’t really care. Where Dexter goes from here on out nobody knows. All we can do is wait in eager anticipation for the final episodes of the series.
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Freaks and Geeks: Review
August 25, 2013 — Leave a comment
Freaks and Geeks is a show that had so much potential but it’s full potential was stunted when NBC cancelled the fan favorite. The show was too realistic and dark for primetime television in an era where shows like Dawson Creek and 7th Heaven reigned. The shows had an ensemble cast which consisted of many young actors who moved on to do big things. Some of the shows noticeable cast members included Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segal, and more.
The show follows the story arc of two siblings in high school; Lindsay Weir and her little brother Sam Weir . Lindsay who up to this point in school has been the model honor roll student has begun to question her purpose in life and deviate from her expected role. She finds herself hanging out and relating with the “Freaks” of the school. While her brother Sam deals with the label of being known as a geek and trying to overcome the label.
The show captures the angst of being a teenager. It captures the “glory days” of self-discovery. It did a good job of redefining ideas of love and romance that young people dealt with. It also covered the theme of homosexuality.
It’s a shame the show went off the air. I didn’t know what to do with myself after I marathoned the whole season in the time span of about 4 days. I found myself trying to test out other TV shows that Judd Apotow was a part of but nothing came near to the feeling of Freaks and Geeks. It remains a timeless classic and I highly recommend it to you if you haven’t watched it yet.
Review: Arrested Development Season 4
We’ve all been waiting in anticipation for Arrested Development new season of AD on Netflix. When I first started watching the show I couldn’t wait for the things that made this series so popular. The plot of the new season of Arrested Development was extremely wide in scope and complex. Maybe a bit too complex. In the previous seasons of Arrested development. Time was extremely constrained and you could see how they tried to fit in every possible joke or comedic twist in almost every possible moment. This made the shows story flow very erratically but it was done in a way where you were always on your toes. The new season followed a different episode design in which every episode was done focused around a specific character. This didn’t work as well as it should have leading to so very lopsided favoritism on my part for certain characters.
Focusing on one character is fine and dandy in trying to catch up the viewer to what has happened since the last season but it also brought to light that some characters just aren’t that funny on their own. What made AD so funny previously was the crazy interactions of every family member to each other. The story was very clever and intricate but ended in a very anticlimactic manner. Hurwitz might have done this to leave open the possibility for the AD film he always wanted to do. This season was definitely funny and certain characters still retain their charm and appeal. Michael, George Michael, Gob, Lucille 2, and George Oscar Bluth were my favorites but the other characters left me wanting more out of them. If you’re a fan of the series, you probably can’t resist watching the new season. I suggest doing it in moderation and not binging. The tempo of the show has slowed down and has allowed for some interesting changes to it’s form of comedy but the basic DNA of AD is still there. Lets all hope the movie is greenlit so AD can live on!
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The Walking Dead ‘Made to Suffer’ Review
December 4, 2012 — 1 Comment
The Walking Dead is arguably one of the best shows on basic cable. Justifiably so, the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead is proof of this with more than 10.5 million people turning in to watch. Everything we could expect for a season finale, we received from shocking character returns, new character arrivals, reunions, and action that rivals blockbuster movies.
On last week’s episode of the Walking Dead, Michonne teamed up with Rick to help the group get back Glenn and Maggie. Milton and Andrea carried out a research experiment to try and understand a walker’s unconscious mind(the results are disappointing).Glenn and Maggie fail to hold out against the interrogations and intimidation of The Governor and Merle. They tell The Governor the location of the group’s camp and it’s members.
This revelation forces The Governor to keep secret; his torture of Glen and Maggie. The question is how long can he lie behind Andrea’s back? His vested romantic interest with Andrea lies on the verge of destruction. Rick and the group are planning on infiltrating the town and if Andrea finds out it’s most likely all but over for their relationship.
Spoiler Warning:
Rick and the group manage to sneak into the town but quickly, the town’s people start getting suspicious. A man walks into where they are hiding. They silence him and render him unconscious before he can alert the town. This leaves them no closer to finding Glen and Maggie. Thankfully, just when they are out of ideas, a shot rings out revealing the way for them. The shot has come from Maggie and Glen’s failed attempt at trying to escape. Maggie manages to take out one of Merle’s men and gets a weapon off him but she is blindsided by another gunman behind her.
They follow the source of the gunshot and find that Glen and Maggie are being held captive. They proceed to pop flash and smoke grenades and retrieve Maggie and Glen from the Merle and his stunned men. A shootout ensues as they escape from the building. Glen is hurt badly but straggles along the best he can with the group. Andrea, not wanting to take the sidelines in an attack, volunteers herself. The Governor turns her down and tries to pawn her off on a petty job of going house to house and calming down town residents.
Glenn and Maggie tell Daryl that Merle is alive and responsible for torturing them. Regardless, Daryl makes a stand on seeing his brother. Afterall, they are blood and he hasn’t seen him in ages. Daryl thought he was as good as dead when they left him on the roof. Rick convinces him that the group is too weak to get back on their own. He tells Daryl that he can come back at a later time. Daryl agrees for the time being.
They take the fight back to the street. Andrea ignores The Governor’s orders and helps the town defend themselves She shoots at Oscar not knowing who he is . She is convinced by The Governor that they are just escaped prisoners. The longer they stay there; the worse their odds become of getting out successfully. In the midst of the firefight, Rick sees a familiar figure appear from the smoke. It’s Shane! Before Rick can take it all in, Shane shoots and kills Oscar. Rick shoots Shane in the head and goes to check the body. It turns out to be just a hallucination.
I hope that Rick isn’t reverting back to his unstable self. Rick’s sanity might be questionable at this point. After the death of Lori, nothing has been the same for him. Many viewers can only think back on the episode where he had a conversation with Lori on the phone. Thankfully, Rick had the baby to help him through that hard time.
Back at the prison, Carl hears screams in the halls. It’s coming from a new group of survivors who escaped from the the forest. They didn’t escape unscathed though. One of them was bitten. They are led by a hammer-wielding man by the name of Tyrese. When Carl comes upon them, they are fighting off a group of zombies. They seem surprised to see a little boy come to their rescue. He leads them back to the safety of their cell block. He than decides to separate them from the group for the time being by locking them in a section of their cell block.
Around the same time, Michonne discovers The Governor’s daughter. She soon figures out that she isn’t human anymore and is ready to kill her. The Governor catches her in the act and pleads for her to spare his daughter. Michonne is hesitant but her strong stance against walkers leads to her killing his daughter. All the time invested in research that he and Milton went through was for nothing. He could never bring back his daughter now. I felt sorry for him despite his shortcomings. Michonne and him, get in a physical fight where Michonne barely escapes. She is confronted by Andrea in a standoff but Andrea let’s her go despite her anger.
Michonne meets back up with the group. They lost Daryl during the escape. They don’t like the fact that she snuck off on them but they need her if they stand a chance getting back Daryl and getting back home. Daryl’s not in a good place right now. In his anger , The Governor has gathered the townspeople and has turned his back on Merle; Blaming him for bringing the outsiders to the town. He places Daryl and Merle, in the gladiator pit to decide their fate. It’s not quite the reunion that either of them were expecting.
Review Score: 9.7/10 (Television At It’s Finest)
Extra Rant: Little Carl has sure have matured since the first season of The Walking Dead. What’s not to like about the little bastard who not only is a good shot but has a good head on his shoulders. He picked up the responsibility of leading in the absence of his father. My favorite little man is doing big things.
This entry was posted in Television Reviews, Uncategorized and tagged andrea, carl, daryl, governor, merle, michonne, rick grimes, The Walking Dead, tyrese, walking dead, zombie. Bookmark the permalink.
Boardwalk Empire: ‘Two Imposters’ Review
December 1, 2012 — Leave a comment
With only one episode remaining before the season finale, the show creates one of the most compelling episodes to date. With all the things that happened this episode. I reckon it could have made for an excellent season finale. Last week’s episode we saw Mr. Sleater’s and Margaret’s relationship come to a heartbreaking conclusion. Masseria is informed of the happenings of Nucky’s attempt to move on him by Lucky and Lansky and reacts accordingly. The episode starts off only hours after Nucky’s receival of Masseria’s suprise delivery.
This episode of Boardwalk Empire was a roller coaster ride. There should be nary a complaint of Boardwalk being too slow this episode. Only minutes in and pure unadulterated mayhem ensues. The show begins with us learning of Margaret and the kids departure on a bus out of town. Thank god, I’m sure they wouldn’t want to be here for this one. Nucky seems to have gotten all his bridges burned by Arnold Rothstein and is left to fend for himself.
With no allies in sight, he attempts to hold up in the Ritz anticipating Masseria’s men. He places several guard men throughout his household for protection. Nucky question’s Eddie on his knowledge of Margaret’s affair. He determines that something was going on between the two after her psychotic reaction to “the box” last episode. Nucky usually comes across as a heartless womanizer and not so often, a helpless romantic; but now he has finally gotten a taste of what it feels like to be betrayed by the ones he loves.
Eddie attempts to contact Eli but the phone isn’t working; a sure-fire sign that the shit is about to hit the fan. Jimmy Darmody once told Nucky “You can’t be half a gangster”. This theme is something we have been seeing several times throughout the season. Everything comes to a boil and Nucky is left holding the bag in one of the most intense and heart pounding scene of the episode.(Yes, there is more then one) For whatever reasons people seem to dislike Nucky for his character flaws; you have to give him some respect for his ability to hold his own.
The loyalty of Nucky’s men are definitely in question here. Money can’t buy you everything and that certainly shows. On one side we have Nucky who can’t keep a couple of men posted in his home.On the other hand we have Chalky, who has all his men to resist $25,000 to turn Nucky in; and all out of respect for their boss. The best type of loyalty comes from respect and fear. Nucky gains loyalty through other means but I’m certain he will be changing his stance on the subject sooner rather then later.
Eddie is injured in the shootout and Nucky attempts to seek medical attention for him at the hospital. The hospital head stares at him blankly in fear, Of course, Rosetti already has Masseria’s men waiting at the hospital. More bullets fly and Nucky hightails it out of there with Chalky White as his next destination.
Meanwhile, Gyp Rosetti walks freely among the Ritz. He sure has come a long way. The last time the short tempered character was at the Ritz, he was only a guest, throwing out vicious albeit hilarious insults. Now he owns the place and his putting his feet up in Nucky’s office accordingly. He is at last reunited with the dog he imparted to the Thompsons but doesn’t see the Ritz as a suitable base.
In New York, Lucky Luciano attempts to get cash for heroine from a suspicious buyer. This endeavor doesn’t turn out out good for Lucky. He is warned by his partner Meyer but he goes ahead with the deal anyway. I always liked Lucky’s character but he never really got a chance to thrive. He’s been under so much pressure and always has to kick up to someone. The deal goes sour with the revelation that the buyers were cops.
Gillian continues to treat Richard like he doesn’t deserve happiness. She warns him to be careful of dreams that couldn’t possible come true. His deformity has always held him back from happiness. Richard is one of my favorite characters on the show because he has such a pure soul regardless of the things he has done. The essence of his character isn’t tainted. There is always reasoning behind his actions.
Richard has been a notable figure in Tommy’s life and I could definitely see him playing the role of his father. Well ,just about anything would be better then living with Gillian at the brothel. That certainly isn’t the best environment and Richard wants to separate him from it. In a way, Tommy, gives meaning to Richard’s life. They both are looking out for each other now. Now that he has Julia; he has someone to share his life with. Julia’s ability to look past his ailment shows true character. She sees him for more than what is visible on the surface. I really want things to end well for these two; their relationship tugs on the heart chords.
The last time Nucky and Chalky White met, Chalky’s proposal to open a black run club on the Boardwalk was rejected by Nucky. It was hard to tell if Nucky was being selfish or really had too much on his plate at the moment to even give his proposal consideration. After the events unfolded this Episode, it seems like Chalky’s dream will be coming to fruition.
Nucky is hoping for an army in Chalky’s men but Chalky isn’t a character who easily forgives. Chalky won’t give him his men but he will give him the opportunity to get the hell out of dodge, while he still has the chance. Nucky owes Chalky big time. He gives Nucky refuge and gets Eddie treatment for his gunshot wound. If you don’t love Eddie then I think you should check if you have a heart. The guy is loyal like a pup. I would be devastated to see his character go. For all the crap Nucky gives him he never complains. He doesn’t get professional medical care but he gets the next best thing; a medical student that was intended to marry Chalky’s daughter.
Eddie goes off into and drunken,feverish, and mostly German speech which I believe eventually inspired Nucky to stay and fight. This scene and similar ones are the reason why I love Boardwalk empire. We are given the chance to examine characters from whole new perspectives; even the servant is a multi dimensional character.
Rosetti establishes a new base of operations at the Artemis Club and Gillian gives in reluctantly. She doesn’t really have much choice. I can see this being the breaking point for her character. She can’t really take much more stress after the death of her son. She is losing control right from underneath her. She finds one of Masseria’s men fornicating in the lounge and she wails on him. She doesn’t have much to call her own. She is pretty much a broken person and despite it being a whore house she will hold on to it. She continues to try to uphold its reputation as a classy joint for her own reasons.
On Nucky’s ride out of town with Chalky, they are stopped by Masseria’s men. Chalky doesn’t give up Nucky but sees that by his actions he is in far too deep to go back now. Him and Nucky are a team now and Nucky is determined to take back what is his. Yet, they aren’t in this fight alone. Eli has made a deal with an unlikely ally…
This penultimate episode will be hard to top. I’m itching with anticipation. What will Richard do with his armory of weapons? All signs are pointing to him going on a bloody vindictive rampage at The Artemis Club. If he were to do this, I couldn’t see him surviving the ordeal unscathed. My only hope is that Gyp comes down in a epic hail of bullets along with him.
Review Score: 10/10 (Masterpiece)
This entry was posted in Television Reviews, Uncategorized and tagged Al Capone, Boardwalk Empire, Chalky White, Eddie, Gyp Rosetti, Nucky Thompson, Richard Harrow. Bookmark the permalink.
Homeland: ‘Two Hats’ Review
On last week’s episode of Homeland, Brody almost blew the whole operation with Roya Hammad. The pressures of being a spy caused his will to crumble. After Carrie helped him regather himself, he was captured and taken to an unknown location by Roya Hammad.
With the disappearance of Brody, Carrie pushes to make a move on Roya Hammad. She does this under the assumption that he has been killed in action or has been turned. If he’s in fact dead or has been turned that would be the easiest route because they can make a move on Roya Hammad. The other alternative is that Brody is alive and hasn’t been turned. If that is the case and they do make a move on Roya; Brody’s cover will be exposed and he’s a dead man.
This tough decision that Carrie has to make leaves her quite shaken. Thankfully, Brody calls before they can make a move on Roya. He ask for the help of the CIA to put his family in protective custody. Saul and the team see this as a good sign because if he’s trying to protect his family than he’s still playing ball with the CIA.
Upon Brody’s capture he is not tortured but rather held with the idea that he will be tortured. Fearlessly, Brody faces this test by Abu Nazir without faltering. Abu Nazir’s attack on U.S soil is revealed to Brody. The attack is to take place at a troop homecoming event. This event would be welcoming over 300 soldiers coming home from war. If an attack were to take place at this event the results would be catastrophic. Roya Hammad would be helming the attack as a news reporter.
There is one detail that Brody does not tell the CIA about his meeting with Abu Nazir. During their conversation with Brody, he has a flashback of praying with Abu Nazir. This is triggered when he is asked if there is any other details that he can tell them about their meeting. It’s suspicious that he declines to reveal that segment.
It’s sad if he feels shame for being a muslim. A man shouldn’t feel shame for practicing a religion. The other possibility is that the flashback was much more than what was showed on the surface. It could have been Brody was sharing an intimate moment with Abu Nazir and there is more that he is hiding. Saul shares his reservation with Quinn on Brody. Quinn believes Carrie should be more cautious with Brody.
It’s becoming clearer and clearer as the series goes on that Carrie’s feeling for Brody are becoming stronger. This romance is at times awkwardly inappropiate. It makes me not respect Carrie’s character at times and takes away the believability of the show. This romance isn’t the only one happening on the show.
With Brody gone, Jessica and the family are moved to a new home for protective custody. It seems like everyone in the family is turning their backs on Brody. Mike Faber and Jessica lose themselves to temptation and sleep together. It’s hard to feel angry at her when you know that Brody is also being adulterous with Carrie. It helps that Mike has been a really good role model for Chris and Dana.
Carrie’s earlier doubt’s of Quinn’s credentials reveal themself in this episode. Saul uncovers the fact that Quin’s clearance is way higher than needed for his team. When he brings it up with Estes later on he brushes it off on the fact that everyone is on the same team. Frustrated, Saul let’s it be for the time being. He can’t be sidetracked when they are setting up Roya Hammad for a trap.
After confirming that Roya’s camera crew are transferring the bomb they stop Roya’s plan. Unfortunately, when the smoke clears ; they still don’t have Abu Nazir. In a turn of events it seems that Brody is a truly expendable man. Quinn and Estes planned to eliminate him If Abu Nazir was caught.
With Brody’s cover officially blown, the next episode of Homeland seems to be very promising. Hopefully now, Brody will finally be able to break the hold that Abu has over him.
Review Score: 8.4/10
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‘Watchmen: Motion Comic’ Review
The Watchmen comic is regarded as one of the finest stories in DC’s comics catalog. If you’ve never read the Watchmen comic, then the animated motion comic is definitely the next best way to experience the universe. The Watchmen plot revolves around the investigation of a masked vigilante’s death which unravels into a scheme much larger and sinister then anyone involved could have imagined.
The setting of the story is an alternate universe in which, earth is on the brink of Nuclear war due to the departure of a super being named Dr. Manhattan. This threat is felt throughout the world and casts a dark shadow over the tone of the story. This tone is one of my favorite aspects of the series. No one is safe; not even the people that you trust to protect you.
One of the reasons the story is so good even to this day is the fact that the story can be relatable to modern times. The Watchmen contains more than just political overtones; The Watchmen story is a direct and unreserved warning of what could possibly become of the world; minus the blue guy of course. The message “Who Watches The Watchmen” is lain in graphitti upon the walls of the crime ridden streets of the world. A suitable message; which begs the question and general discussion; who holds those accountable, who are seemingly untouchable or believe they are?
One of the most interesting points of the story was in the self exile of Dr. Manhattan. A man who sees the past, present, and future. His departure of earth sets in motion a series of meticulously crafted and planned events back on earth but that’s not the part that intrigued me.
For a ‘man’ who can be or have anything he desires, he eventually grows bored with humanity and everything that comes with them: Things such as their violent nature or their incapacity to see logic when it is right in front of them. Dr. Manhattan is pleaded with to return to Earth but upon learning that the woman he loves has been with another man, there no longer is anything left to tie him down to earth. What I find remarkable is that even through this he sees that life is not meaningless. He saw a reason for humanity in the pain of the one he loved.
The actual visuals of the motion comic are what you’ve come to expect from the comic. Dave Gibbons extraordinary and original work wasn’t altered dramatically. It’s obvious some slight recoloring and touch-ups on illustrations were done but nothing significant. The series is accompanied by a great soundtrack. Two memorable pieces are the opening title music and the ominous composition for the scenes of the Tales of The Black Freighter(a masterful interwoven subplot).
What really boggled me was how they would do the transition from panel to panel.They get away with it by actually showing characters completing their actions on the screen such as walking, interacting with objects, or other people. The animation is done in such away that you forget that its actually a comic. The only fault I can see would be in their avoidance of lip sync. This could have been done but their decision not to was a wise one in my opinion.
I always wanted to read The Watchmen comic but sadly never got around to it. I watched Zack Snyder’s adaption of the critically acclaimed graphic novel and was subsequently driven to read the source material. The film, although it was pretty good, doesn’t compare. It was created and altered just enough so that it could please a large audience but while at the same time trying to retain the qualities that make the source material so good. It was stuck in between alienating fans and losing money for the studios or compromising for marketability.
In no way am I saying that Zack Snyder’s interpretation was bad but it doesn’t have the depth that the full comic entails What makes the comic so good is that the universe is extremely believable and rich. All the material can’t be fit into a two hour plus film. Lawrence Gordon an eventual producer of the 2009 film once believed that The Watchmen Comic was unfilmable and would be better as 5 hour miniseries. That’s basically what your getting here +1 hour or so.
If your not into comics this may not be for you but if you are a fan this is exactly where to go. You get a faithful reconstruction of the comic in animated form. This may not compete with a fully animated comic but the way this work was done it definitely leaves the impression that it could be possible. I’m anticipating eagerly if they will do something similar for the Before Watchmen series that is finally among us.
Review Score : 9/10
This entry was posted in Television Reviews, Uncategorized and tagged Comic, drama, entertainment, Motion Comic, Review, Watchmen. Bookmark the permalink.
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Fraggle Rock Episodes, Halloween Episodes
Episode 209: Sir Hubris and the Gorgs
Air Date February 27, 1984
Written by Sugith Varughese
Director George Bloomfield
Gobo learns of an ancient Gorg legend that tells of the beginning and end of the Gorg dynasty. The original Ruler of the Universe was Sir Hubris, a mysterious person who left his castle to travel the world. Sir Hubris gave his crown to King Gorgus the Great, the first Gorg king -- but if he ever returns, the reign of the Gorgs will be over, and they will be forced to wander the universe. Gobo comes up with a plan based on this legend that may keep the Fraggles safe from the Gorgs forever. Unfortunately, it backfires.
Meanwhile, Doc deals with a leak in his roof.
1 Fraggle Facts
4 Video releases
Fraggle Facts
While it's pouring on Doc's Workshop (and leaking through the roof), it's perfectly dry and sunny in the Gorgs' Garden. This is the first piece of evidence that the Fraggle/Gorg world is physically separate from the "real" world of Doc and Sprocket and only reachable through magical means. The connection between Doc's world and the Fraggle/Gorg world is mysterious; in the next episode, Doc finds an old ring that is clearly made out of a Doozer helmet.
In Uncle Matt's postcard, he describes seeing children dressed up for Halloween, and two of the children are seen dressed as Kermit and Miss Piggy.
Aretha, the monster puppet who duets with Gobo in "Only Way Home," was altered slightly and used in 1994 as Muppet Time’s Huffy Monster.
In this episode, Gobo discovers a tunnel in Fraggle Rock that leads into the Gorgs' Castle. He would use this tunnel again in "A Dark and Stormy Night".
Recycled footage from "The Minstrels" is used.
"Only Way Home"
"Doom Dee Doom (March Alone)"
Fraggle Rock: Complete Second Season (HIT!, 2006)
Fraggle Rock: Complete Series Collection (HIT!, 2008)
All Work and All Play A Friend in Need
Retrieved from "https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_209:_Sir_Hubris_and_the_Gorgs?oldid=1332687"
Fraggle Rock Episodes
Halloween Episodes
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The Mendocino Voice (https://mendovoice.com/2020/05/mendocino-will-get-optumserve-covid-testing-unit-hastening-reopening/)
Mendocino will get OptumServe COVID testing unit, hastening reopening
ByAdrian Fernandez Baumann | May 12, 2020
Subscribe to Health
A test - Courtesy Partynia
WILLITS, 5/12/20 — Mendocino County will be getting an OptumServe testing unit sometime in the next two to three weeks, raising its total testing capacity significantly, and creating enough testing capacity to meet the governor’s standard of daily tests for counties to further reopen. The testing site will be “state sponsored” and implementation will be overseen by CEO Carmel Angelo.
Governor Newsom teased the news in his daily press conference at noon today, at which he noted that he was working closely with local officials to make sure that there were no “testing deserts” in California, and specifically named Lake and Mendocino counties as places where the dearth of testing would soon be remedied. Then this evening the County of Mendocino announced via tweet that OptumServe would be delivering a testing unit, and thanking State Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblyman Jim Wood for their work requisitioning the testing. Other details were confirmed by Supervisor Ted Williams, and a press release from the McGuire’s office sent out earlier.
Congrats Mendocino! Your good work voicing your concerns was successful! We are getting an OptumServe testing unit. Thank you @ilike_mike , @JimWoodAD2, Dr. Dean and the Testing Task Force. But most of all, thank you to the community for stepping up again when we need you! ❤️
— County of Mendocino (@countymendocino) May 13, 2020
This increased testing capacity most likely gives Mendocino the ability to conduct 135 tests per day, meeting the requirement of 1.5 tests per 1000 people per day set by the state. As currently structured, the governor’s stages of reopening require that certain benchmarks and capacities be met before counties can move forward with the next phase of reopening. Specifically, while the state as a whole has moved into “stage 2,” stage 2 itself contains gradations, and moving further into stage 2 requires an attestation process, which demonstrates that a locality has the capacity to deal with the almost certain surge in COVID-19 cases, and that the virus has been relatively well contained.
Attestation of this capacity and control will, among other things, allow for modified indoor restaurant dining to resume. As Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan explained earlier today in her report to the Board of Supervisors, Mendocino had met all the criteria — including no deaths due to COVID in the past 14 days and no more that 1 new case of COVID per 10,000 people in the past 14 days — save for having sufficient testing capacity. Given that the testing capacity requirement has been met Public Health will now be guaranteed to be able to submit the attestation paperwork.
At the supervisors’ meeting today there was substantial back and forth, between both the health officer and the board, and between board members, as to the timeline for submitting the attestation documents.
State Sen. Mike McGuire to host virtual town hall on COVID-19 vaccines on Jan. 26
The governor announced the partnership with OptumServe back on April 22, and the company has been providing mobile testing units, as well as other capacity. Indeed, it is unclear at present from the limited information provided by the tweet, what form the testing capacity will take — whether it will include a testing machine, or whether it will consist primarily of additional testing materials (swabs and reagents) along with a promise or contract at a nearby lab to perform some number of submitted tests. Details will no doubt be forthcoming in the morning.
In a brief conversation by text Supervisor Williams stated that he believed an updated public health order would be issued the last week of this month.
Mike McGuire
Optumserve
8 thoughts on “Mendocino will get OptumServe COVID testing unit, hastening reopening”
GDM on May 13, 2020 at 7:59 AM said:
Good News and thank you to all who made this happen. I am willing to go pick it up for delivery if that will help speed things up? Let me know….
Elizabeth Holland on May 13, 2020 at 8:53 AM said:
Thanks so much for this reporting. I realized this morning that since moving here a year ago this outlet is where I go for clear, accurate, local information. I became a Patreon supporter to put my money where my mouth is and just want to say to other readers who value the Mendo Voice that if you’re on the fence, it’s such a relief to act in accordance with your values and support work that is good for our communities here in Mendocino County.
What about Mendocino College, in Ukiah. Will that be opening in the fall?
Charlene on May 13, 2020 at 4:20 PM said:
What about the handicapped and the shut ins that can not get to the testing.what about the high risk people? Willits?
J.C. Tokalenko on May 14, 2020 at 12:19 AM said:
You may want to research the causes of “false positives” with COVID-19 testing. Lab errors or something more? The report out of Tanzania about goats, fruit, and motor oil testing “Positive for COVID-19” after the test kits were processed by the WHO should raise eyebrows.
What benefit do you assume getting a test will provide you or others?
Karen Bowers on May 13, 2020 at 4:45 PM said:
Thank you to all who wrote to the Task Force requesting this support for Mendocino County.
William Heil on May 14, 2020 at 5:12 PM said:
I am subscribed but I only get get email for non-members. What gives
Publisher on May 17, 2020 at 12:40 PM said:
Hi, we are setting up a member-specific newsletter soon but it has been a very busy couple months. We hope to offer this option in the next several weeks and we will be contacting our members soon, thanks!
Man dies after jumping from Confusion Hill Bridge
Watch our interview with Drs. Doohan and Iser — Mendocino confirms 13th case of COVID
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BT and Mentor Together announce their partnership to empower 5200 young women across India through a tiered program of self-learning, personalised mentorship, and work experience opportunities on the Mentor To Go mobile and web based mentorship program over 2020 – 2022.
The program will leverage Mentor Together’s existing partnerships with the Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Karnataka; and the Telangana Academy of Skill and Knowledge, Government of Telangana, to enrol mentees. Additionally the program will create a national partnership list of non-profit organisations, collaboratives, colleges and universities that work with girls in higher education.
The program also offers a unique opportunity for BT employees to participate and volunteer as mentors. The grant made to Mentor Together is part of BT’s 3-year strategic partnership with the support of the British Asian Trust to change the lives of 100,000 adolescent girls in India. Through this approach, BT is supporting programs that use technology in different ways to connect adolescent girls, improve their access to education, health, and employment, and their ability to make decisions.
Hriday Ravindranath, Global CTIO and Chair India Purpose Board, BT, said: “At BT we know how the right support and guidance can really help an individual navigate their way through obstacles and issues. Through our partnership with Mentor Together, we are investing in technology to empower thousands of young women connect with expert mentors and gain support to advance in their careers and succeed in life. This will not only benefit them but also benefit the communities they live in and encourage more young women to pursue education and a career”.
“In addition, the partnership will allow BT people to volunteer as mentors to work closely with students to share their knowledge and offer insights into how to forge a successful career path,” he added.
Saleem Khan, India Director of British Asian Trust, said: “We welcome Mentor Together to our BT-BAT partnership. Mentor Together’s program highlights how technology can be an enabler in building young girls’ employability and soft skills, and help them successfully transition into the workforce. We look forward to seeing how the young women in this programme build their capabilities and positively impact the communities around them.” of British Asian Trust, said:
Arundhuti Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Mentor Together, said: “We’re thrilled to grow our Mentor To Go mobile mentorship program through this strategic partnership with BT. Young women in higher education brim with aspirations yet face significant hurdles in charting their career paths. Despite more women than before accessing higher education – women account for 48.6% of the total enrolment in higher education (AISHE 2018-2019) – our labour force participation rates for women was 21% in 2018 (ILOSTAT). Mentoring relationships and networks can address a comprehensive range of needs for young women: from emotional, to career guidance, to accessing skill development opportunities. Through this partnership, we are excited to create a platform that becomes an essential companion to every girl’s journey in becoming an empowered young women.”
To learn more about BT, visit www.btplc.com
To learn more about the British Asian Trust: www.britishasiantrust.org
To learn more about Mentor Together: www.mentortogether.org
Registered Address: C3G, Royale Habitat Apartments, 19th Main,
HSR Layout Sector 2, Bangalore 560102
Mentor Together 2021. All rights reserved.
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Spatio-temporal Variability in the Tipping Points of a Coastal Defense
Jennifer M. Brown;
Jennifer M. Brown *
†Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Liverpool, UK
*Corresponding author: jebro@noc.ac.uk
Thomas Prime;
Thomas Prime
§Department of Geography and Planning, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
Jack J.C. Phelps;
Jack J.C. Phelps
Andrew Barkwith;
Andrew Barkwith
‡Environmental Modelling directorate, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, UK
Martin D. Hurst;
Martin D. Hurst
Michael A. Ellis;
Michael A. Ellis
Gerd Masselink;
Gerd Masselink
††School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
Andrew J. Plater
Jennifer M. Brown, Thomas Prime, Jack J.C. Phelps, Andrew Barkwith, Martin D. Hurst, Michael A. Ellis, Gerd Masselink, Andrew J. Plater; Spatio-temporal Variability in the Tipping Points of a Coastal Defense. Journal of Coastal Research 3 March 2016; (75 (10075)): 1042–1046. doi: https://doi.org/10.2112/SI75-209.1
Brown, J.M.; Prime, T.; Phelps, J.J.C.; Barkwith, A.; Hurst, M.D.; Ellis, M.A.; Masselink, G., and Plater, A.J., 2016. Spatio-temporal Variability in the Tipping Points of Coastal Defense. In: Vila-Concejo, A.; Bruce, E.; Kennedy, D.M., and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 1042 - 1046. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.
To enable effective adaptive management, early warning of when a ‘tipping point’ within a system's defense may occur is vital. A tipping point is a critical threshold at which the state of a system is altered, perhaps irreversibly. After the extremity of the UK's 2013/2014 winter, many coastal systems have undergone a change in state. For example, the conversion of a sandy beach into a rocky platform or an increase/decrease in flood hazard due to a defense breach or new intervention. Coastal monitoring networks around the UK have enabled data collection of these extreme events to drive model applications to assess plausible changes in coastal conditions that trigger a sudden change in a system's state and conditions that enable recovery. Using available UK monitoring networks and a numerical approach, we focus on Dungeness and Rye Bay, a region of high value in terms of habitat and energy, to assess (i) how the natural variability within the profile of the gravel barrier modifies the overwash rates that can occur and (ii) how ambitious human intervention that re-scape the geomorphic character of the shoreline could impact the critical point at which overwash occurs.
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Michael Keane will leave Burnley at the end of the season amid Chelsea and Manchester United links
Coral BarryThursday 20 Apr 2017 12:54 pm
Michael Keane is refusing to sign a new Burnley deal (Picture: Getty)
Michael Keane has told Burnley that he wants to leave the club at the end of the season, according to reports.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are believed to want to sign the centre-back with a host of Premier League clubs lining up a summer transfer.
Keane has excelled at Burnley this season and even earned himself a call-up to the England team, making two appearances for Gareth Southgate’s side in March.
Burnley are believed to want at least £30 million for Keane, but are keen to hang onto their star centre-back.
Leicester City made a failed attempt to sign Keane last summer (Picture: Getty)
But Keane is determined to leave the club and is not ruling out a return to United, according to Sky Sports.
United sold Keane to Burnley in January 2015 with the Clarets paying a reported £2 million for the 24-year-old.
Keane will cost significantly more to lure back to Old Trafford, but United paid a world record fee to re-sign Paul Pogba last summer.
Keane came through Manchester United’s youth ranks (Picture: Getty)
Poisoned Russian opposition leader arrested after landing in Moscow
Antonio Conte and Jurgen Klopp are both monitoring Keane’s situation with their respective sides searching for centre-backs.
Liverpool have leaked sloppy goals this season while Chelsea are in need of more quality defenders that can play in a three at the back.
Keane played in a three-man defence for England last month and Conte was reportedly impressed.
MORE : Jose Mourinho told to target Gareth Bale in exchange for David De Gea by former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen
Burnley FCChelsea FCChelsea transfer newsJurgen KloppLiverpool FCLiverpool Transfer NewsManchester United FCManchester United Transfer NewsPaul Pogba
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117 Nepalis die of COVID-19 throughout the world, 12,811 get infected so far
LONDON, May 24: As many as 117 Nepali nationals living in different parts of the world have died as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection as of Saturday evening.
Nepal is a green field for investment: Finance minister
KATHMANDU, Oct 16: Minister for Finance Yuba Raj Khatiwada, calling investments from non-resident Nepalis (NRNs), said Nepal was a greenfield for investment.
NRNs oppose new immigration law
LONDON, Feb 7: Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has strongly opposed the Nepal government for introducing a new immigration regulation arguing that it has marred the Nepali migrant workers.
Provincial Minister invites NRNs home, urges Nepali diaspora to be one
LONDON, Jan 3: The Minister for Internal Affairs and Planning of Gandaki Province, Kiran Gurung has urged Nepali residents in the UK not to fragment the diaspora by being politically active outside of the country.
Half a dozen NRNs contesting UK local polls
LONDON, April 17: Half a dozen Non Resident Nepalis (NRNs) including a woman have registered their candidacies for the local level elections of the United Kingdom (UK).
NRNs say interested in investing Rs 10b in capital market
KATHMANDU, Dec 23: Even before the government has cleared the legal decks for non-resident Nepalis to make investment in stock market, Non-Resident Nepal Association (NRNA) officials have announced plans to pour an initial investment of nearly Rs 10 billion into Nepal’s capital market.
NRNs urged to invest knowledge and capital for motherland's prosperity
GERMANY, Nov 19: Minister for Population and Environment, Mithila Chaudhary has said the non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) living and working in various countries across the world could significantly contribute by investing knowledge and capital for the motherland's prosperity.
PM's assures NRNs for investment in Nepal
KATHMANDU, Oct 17 : Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged the Non-Resident Nepalis to invest in Nepal with confidence, as investment-friendly atmosphere was gradually becoming a reality in the country.
NRNs urged to become partners in Nepal's journey to prosperity
KATHMANDU, Oct 15: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has urged the non-resident Nepali (NRN) community to partner in the development process of their motherland and become part of the country's journey toward prosperity.
PM Deuba urges NRNs to return to help develop their motherland
NEW DELHI, August 23: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged the Nepalis involved in various occupations in India to return home to help develop their country.
NRNs will get the right to vote: Foreign Minister Mahat
NEW YORK, Jan 15: Foreign Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said that the government is committed to providing the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) the right to vote in elections in Nepal.
Minister Mahat rallies support for NRN's investment in Nepal
WASHINGTON DC, Jan 15: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, has urged the Nepali diaspora in the United States to invest in Nepal and seriously contemplate on how the knowledge and skills they have gained could be used for Nepal's development.
NRNs commit to help in tourism promotion
KATHMANDU, Oct 7: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has said that Nepal can attract more tourists as the country is getting less than a million tourists per year despite being placed by many among six best tourist destinations in the world.
Three killed in a road accident in Solukhumbu
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Album review, Total recall
by Conor McCaffrey January 24, 20183:00 pm February 22, 2018
Recalling LCD Soundsystem’s debut on its 13th birthday
A few decades before one US regime declared a war on terror, America’s white rock’n’roll vanguard initiated conflict on a “type of soul-based dance music” that just wasn’t man enough.
In 1979, possibly inspired by Adolf’s well-documented bonfire nights, Chicago radio DJ Steve Dahl, along with baseball promoter Mike Veeck, invited all good ol’ boy rockers to the Whitesox stadium to burn all the Chic records they could find, and start a proper disco inferno. A riot or two later, it was decided that “Disco Sucks”, and they all rode back to Sweet Home Alabama, blissfully ignorant of the house music phenomenon that was already being forged from disco’s embers.
And so the tired ‘rock vs dance’ battle was instigated. In the 80s, round one went to the wanky guitar solo and the first disco movement was relegated to CD box sets “not available in shops”.
As with many of these “highly sought” classic disco compilations, LCD Soundsystem’s debut album cover bears a disco ball, although it’s a negative print with no glitter – a washed-out relic. After apparently slaying the rock monster through most of the 90s, it’s now dance music’s turn to play dead. Well, so NME says, and if Daft Punk came to your house for a party these days would you even give a shit? After all, they’re not called ‘The’ Daft Punk.
Album opener Daft Punk Is Playing At My House opens with a yelp amid a processed guitar riff that harnesses the three chords laid out in 1970s punk doctrine. Singer (and album writer, producer, performer) James Murphy’s character has waited “seven years and 15 days” for the privilege, but at least the robots are brewing a “freak-out”.
James Murphy knows all about trends, having set them for the last two years as one half of New York production team DFA, producing and remixing, among others, The Rapture and Black Dice. Murphy has avoided the either/or categorisation, melding wiry guitars, fuzzy electronics and house beats, causing journalists to feign “borrowed nostalgia from the unremembered 80s” and to wax lyrical about post-punk legends as Pere Ubu and Gang of Four.
LCD Soundsystem is an album of two halves – disc one is the album ‘proper’, while the second CD includes Losing My Edge, and Yeah, essential 12-inches of recent years that have ensured fever pitch anticipation for this debut.
The ‘album’ makes a few departures from the raucous glitterball hedonism of the previous singles, as Murphy tries to distil 30 years of underground punk, funk and electronica into nine tracks, using Tarantino-esque referencing – he’s a music fan before musician.
Losing My Edge’s protagonist, a tragically hip scenester, worries about all the “internet seekers” who are “coming up from behind” with more relevant records in their bags, even though he had “everything before anyone”. He resorts to chronicling his supposed part in various underground movements (“In 1968 at the first Can show in Cologne… the great Jamaican soundclashes… naked on a beach in Ibiza… I was there”). He also manically lists all the significant music he knows, from Suicide, The Slits, Human League, through to Detroit techno – a handy addendum for critics keen to pin down LCD’s forebears.
Those without shout-outs are wryly plagiarised – Disco Infiltrator’s undulating synth motif is a first cousin of Home Computer by Kraftwerk, while the industrial drills resonating in Thrills recalls The Normal’s Warm Leatherette. Elsewhere, Tribulations is glued together with a waspish 303 bassline, the only direct electro-pop song on the record.
Murphy attributes his nasal stutter vocal delivery to a Mark E Smith fixation, once saying: “The Fall are my Beatles”, although he does make room for White Album Psychedelia (Never As Tired As When I’m Waking Up), and the ethereal album closer Great Release, which evokes Another Green World-era Brian Eno.
There’s the inevitable risk that such direct plundering may result in crude pastiche, although Murphy doesn’t believe we should always let bygones be bygones. His concoction is one that seems familiar, yet infused with an urgency that nullifies any attempts to categorise by influences.
Maybe against his wishes, Murphy could be becoming the ‘New Thing’, one of his own characters, and in the words of On Repeat, “here comes the new stylish creep”.
Printed in SIN, Galway, 2005
Tagged with: 2005 music Daft Punk disco DISCO sucks James Murphy LCD Soundsystem NME techno
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Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.
Topic Guide
5 Favorite Books to Re-Read Anytime
EricaReynolds
Johnson County Library
Community-created list
Five Favorite Books to Read, Re-Read, and Read Again
Moby-Dick, Or, The Whale
by Melville, Herman
It’s not just a pop culture icon, but an amazing, ambitious book that is beautiful and amusing and complex and a little crazy and that gives and gives and...Show more It’s not just a pop culture icon, but an amazing, ambitious book that is beautiful and amusing and complex and a little crazy and that gives and gives and is worth reading daily. It is not hyperbole to say that this book changed and continues to inspire my life, and I come return to it regularly. I recommend reading it as a group the first few times or enjoying the audiobook first. “Nothing exists in itself.” Show less
Add to My For Later Shelf On my shelf
Selected Stories of Eudora Welty
by Welty, Eudora
Quirky, homey, mysterious, and sometimes terrifying epic short stories. Vivid characters, pitch-perfect dialog. It is no surprise that Welty was a photogr...Show more Quirky, homey, mysterious, and sometimes terrifying epic short stories. Vivid characters, pitch-perfect dialog. It is no surprise that Welty was a photographer. Her characters and settings pop of the page and have lingered pleasantly, sometimes hauntingly in my memory for years and years. Show less
by L'Engle, Madeleine
A fantastically well-written book for all ages about risk, uncertainty, trust, confidence and love above all. When I was a kid I identified so strongly wi...Show more A fantastically well-written book for all ages about risk, uncertainty, trust, confidence and love above all. When I was a kid I identified so strongly with Meg, and as I grew up, there were many times that I thought, if Meg can be confident in what she knows is right, and face down fear with love then: So. Can. I. Show less
Understanding Comics
[the Invisible Art]
by McCloud, Scott
Yes it's about comics, but it's also about image and text and the magic that occurs when they are combined. Joyously, this book came out just as the Web was being created, and my path forward became clear. A classic and highly recommended. Yes it's about comics, but it's also about image and text and the magic that occurs when they are combined. Joyously, this book came out just as the Web was being created, and my path forward became clear. A classic and highly recommended. Show less
Ox-cart Man
by Hall, Donald
Simple and perfect. This children's book about family, seasons, good work, taking joy in the everyday, and self-reliance is close to my heart. Simple and perfect. This children's book about family, seasons, good work, taking joy in the everyday, and self-reliance is close to my heart. Show less
What's a list?
Who can create lists?
Why do I sometimes see people from other libraries?
Why are some of these titles not available at my library?
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What history tells us about the challenges of post-Brexit immigration policy
by a9jcbgg / Tuesday, 18 June 2019 / Published in Immigration
Jonathan Thomas outlines four key lessons from recent history to illuminate the potential consequences of the government’s proposed immigration system. He concludes that the ending of freedom of movement represents the start of a significant new challenge for the UK in managing not only immigration, but also the public’s concerns over it.
With the ending of freedom of movement to the UK, the government’s White Paper proposals for the post-Brexit immigration system look to take back control – and to the future. But looking backward can be instructive. Taking a historical approach to the potential consequences of ending freedom of movement can help to illuminate the challenges, and indeed risks, of the UK’s plotted course.
The UK has its own history with ending freedom of movement, with the case of Commonwealth citizens in the 1960s. And examples abound of countries that, as the UK is now proposing, have tried to manage immigration through temporary stay regimes. Most instructive of all though may be the United States’ experience in seeking to regulate immigration from Mexico. Across a 70-year period US immigration policy has ranged from allowing relatively free, but temporary, movement for work, to total prohibition of such, accompanied throughout by a fluctuating enforcement approach. Across these examples, the consequences were often unexpected, sometimes counterintuitive, but all instructive as to how immigration policies can have a profound and lasting impact on a nation. From these experiences one can identify four key lessons for UK policymakers.
First is that greater immigration restrictions on well-established existing immigration flows can lead to an increased permanent lawful immigrant population, even if immigration flows themselves reduce. For those immigrants already in-country, increased immigration restrictions combined with a one-time offer to stay to those already here can convert some of what would have been circular migration into permanent stay. And for those immigrants not yet here, the UK’s current proposals pair greater restrictions on EU immigrants with easing of restrictions on non-EU immigrants, who compared with EU citizens have tended towards greater permanence once in the UK. So, while new flows from the EU will be curtailed, placing immigration restrictions on an existing labour immigration route, which many used on a circulatory basis, may cause migrants to switch into other routes into the UK which may actually favour more permanent settlement.
Second is that greater immigration restrictions applied to well-established existing immigration flows can lead to increased irregular migrant (overseas citizens who enter, stay and/or work without lawful permission) entry. The UK will remain open to visitors, tourists, workers and students from the EU. EU migrants will not be irregular as such on entry, but may become so through overstaying. This cannot therefore be effectively controlled at the border. The White Paper proposes temporary immigration routes to help business adjust to living without EU lower-skilled labour without resorting to irregular workers. But history suggests that temporary routes, unless rigorously enforced, themselves incentivise irregularity.
Third is that greater immigration restrictions applied to well-established existing immigration flows can lead to increased irregular immigrant stay, and therefore an increased irregular immigrant population. Immigration enforcement dynamics pose a particular challenge for the UK, seeking to restrict a long-established migration flow in circumstances where it will not meaningfully be able to control that flow on initial entry at the border, and reliant instead on in-country controls. The ‘hostile environment’ approach has significant limitations on the extent to which migrants no longer permitted to be in the UK can be practically controlled, in the sense of identified and tracked. The UK’s increasingly effective border control regime might actually compound the problem, incentivising migrants who become irregular to stay put, knowing their chances of re-entry, should they depart for a period, are increasingly slim.
The size of the irregular migrant population in the UK will also be more directly impacted by the consequences of Brexit. In the laissez-faire form applied in the UK, EU freedom of movement allowed a fluid immigration status, with few questions asked. No more. The one-off Settlement Scheme for those EU citizens already in the UK will instead set in stone their immigration status. And for those who for whatever reason are not able to access settled status, the status of being irregular in the UK will become more impactful to the migrant, more visible to society; greater immigration control may therefore paradoxically give the impression of the opposite.
Finally, an increasingly visible irregular immigrant population, accompanied by increased immigration enforcement, can give rise to greater public concern over immigration even where immigrant flows are reducing. Look at the US. Largely due to EU freedom of movement, the UK has had the luxury of not having to seriously grapple with irregular immigration. This is now coming to an end. Given UK public attitudes towards irregular migration, any spike in concern over this will likely be a deeply uncomfortable experience for politicians and the public alike. Media interest in irregular migration that has largely lain dormant during the EU immigration debate may well be reawakened.
This will focus attention on the practical challenges in the UK of achieving realistic and scalable in-country immigration controls. An even more hostile environment? A local area registration regime? A population-wide ID card scheme? Periodic ‘earned regularisations’ of status? Will any such measures assuage public concern over immigration or have quite the opposite effect?
The ending of EU freedom of movement thus heralds a challenging new era for the UK in managing immigration and the public’s reaction to it. And the White Paper only sets out the baseline; the policy which the UK will adopt in isolation, but with the possibility that trade deals may result in less controlled access to the UK for certain countries’ citizens.
The government needs to design its policy inputs accordingly, but also think about how to best manage the outputs. It should inject a dose of honest realism, coming clean about the complexities and unintended consequences of immigration policy, about the control that it does have, but also the practical limits to that control. It must also be honest about the trade-offs: it may not be realistic to have the degree of control over immigration that many people in the UK say they want, while at the same time keeping other aspects of society as those same people say they would like them.
Note: read the full report on which the above draws here.
Original Article available here: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/immigration-policy-history-lessons/
About a9jcbgg
MPs and lawyers call for investigation into privatised visa system which allows firms to make millions
Unqualified Immigration Adviser Sentenced
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Home Forex News
How Will Markets React to the 2020 Election?
by Forex Tips
in Forex News
US Elections Coverage Landing Page
U.S. elections are coming down to the wire, with less than three weeks to go until November 3.
A mixed composition of Congress could be the worst outcome for financial markets, while full Democratic or Republican control of Washington, D.C. could prove positive, regardless of specific policy outcomes.
The coronavirus pandemic makes the 2020 election cycle and the reaction in financial markets unlike any other election cycle in American history.
U.S. election season has dawned upon global financial markets, and the U.S. presidential race is coming down to the wire. Amid a haphazard federal response to the coronavirus pandemic that has culminated in U.S. President Donald Trump himself contracting COVID-19, challenger Joe Biden finds himself up double digits in the latest polls conducted through October 13.
A second term of Trump or a first term of Biden could have significantly divergent outcomes for the U.S. economy and global financial markets. But it’s not just the presidential race that matter, it’s not just about Trump and Biden. The composition of the federal government in Washington, D.C. will be a significant determining factor in how different asset classes respond; a mixed Congress could results in years of gridlock, as seen during parts of the Bush, Obama and Trump administrations.
How to trade the impact of politics on markets?
The global economy is showing increasing weakness and fragility ahead of the U.S. elections. The latest round of PMI readings in early-October suggested that the recovery is subsiding in parts of the developed world, mainly Europe and North America. Eroding economic fortitude exposes markets to geopolitical risks, with political threats rising elsewhere in Asia and Latin America. {link}
How elections impact the US dollar
The U.S. Dollar has demonstrated a fairly consistent path since 1980. But 2020 is proving anything but a typical U.S. election year, thanks in part to the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing response by the Federal Reserve. U.S. Dollar positioning heading into the election is the focus as the near-term monetary policy path appears to be set. {link}
How elections impact Gold Prices
The U.S. Presidential election has a historical tendency to influence financial markets as a change in leadership often brings a shift in fiscal policy. For the price of gold, there has been greater responsiveness to the macroeconomic landscape change since President Richard Nixon took steps to end the Bretton-Woods system starting in 1971. After hitting a fresh all time high above $2000/oz in August, gold prices have settled closer to $1900 in September and through the first half of October. The November election could provoke another volatile move. {link}
Will Trade Wars Persist after the election?
US-led trade wars with China and the EU are likely to continue under Trump administration, which has struggled to make significant progress: the latest round of trade data showed that the U.S. trade deficit in September was over +40% larger than it was in January 2017 when Trump took office. Multi-layered geopolitical issues not pertaining to trade may spill into trade discussions. But a Biden administration may ease tensions with EU, despite having few articulated incentives to relieve pressure on China. {link}
How elections impact the VIX volatility index
Data from the last ten U.S. Presidential elections reveals the Dow Jones Industrial Average typically climbs around an election. Still, it is difficult to attribute any equity strength to an election singlehandedly as an infinite number of themes are at play in the market at any given time. While the well-known equity volatility index (VIX) has been trading sideways for the past three months, the latest readings in mid-October show that implied volatility for equity markets is still double what it was in January 2020. {link}
— Written and compiled by the DailyFX Research Team
© 2018 Forex Blog
© 2018 Forex Blog.
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Seniors Sector News
INFO SESSIONS: PROGRAMS SUPPORTING LOW-INCOME EDMONTONIANS
July 18 from 9-11 a.m. Prince of Wales Armouries, Jefferson Room
July 19 from 3-5 p.m. Edmonton Tower, Rooms 03-380 and 03-385
The Leisure Access Program, the Ride Transit Program and the Providing Accessible Transit Here (PATH) program are subsidy-based and publicly-funded programs designed to remove some of the financial barriers associated with using City of Edmonton recreation and attraction facilities and public transit.
Two information sessions are being held for anyone interested in finding out more about these programs. Presentations will include eligibility criteria and information on how and where to access support for low-income Edmontonians. There will be a question and answer period following the presentations.
RSVP for an info session through the online form.
SHARE TRANSPORTATION TO GREY MATTERS
ESCC has been asked to gauge interest in shared transportation to the 2017 Grey Matters conference in Hinton, September 11 to 13. If there is enough interest, ESCC will book a van/bus. Costs will be determined based on the type of transportation required. The van/bus will leave Edmonton early on September 11 and arrive back late in the day on September 13.
If you are interested in sharing transportation to the conference, add your information to the sign-up sheet by July 21. We will contact you with costs and other details when we have the information.
More seniors sector news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
The City of Edmonton's Leisure Access Program provides free and discounted admission to recreation facilities and attractions to low-income Edmontonians.
Historically, program eligibility has been limited to those living below the low-income cut-off determined by the Government of Canada. As of July 4, The City of Edmonton has implemented a "sliding scale" approach, whereby applicants with income as much as 25 per cent above the low income cut-off may be eligible for a new subsidized monthly pass. This pass is priced at $20/month for an individual and $70/month for a family. Additionally, income thresholds for the pre-existing Leisure Access Program were increased by 10 per cent to welcome more low income Edmontonians to the free annual pass program for access to participating recreation and attraction facilities.
The information package and application form outlines the program requirements, the brochure lists participating facilities and the website provides more details. Applications to the Leisure Access Program will be available at any City of Edmonton Recreation Centre and Edmonton Tower Service Centre.
More resources for sector staff
(links to the ESCC Service Providers Resources webpage)
LEVERAGING DATA AT THE CENTRE TO IMPROVE OPERATIONAL AND PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS, PARTICIPANT SATISFACTION AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council and MySeniorCenter
September 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Training Room #258, Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre, 8330 82 Avenue Edmonton
Having access to data about the programs and services your senior centre offers is a must in today's funding world. Join us for an interactive dialogue and technology demonstration of the MySeniorCenter database option that is being used by several local senior centres (and thousands of centres in the U.S). Jeff Rothberg from MySeniorCenter will talk about the system and answer questions about its capabilities when it comes to case management, online registration for classes/events, program management and reporting.
We are inviting current system users, those who are curious about the system (potential users) and funders who require reporting based on outcomes. This is also an opportunity to hear from Edmonton users of MySeniorCenter. Current users may learn something new as we will explore ways to create actionable data that can aid in program and service planning. Funders who provide resources for social and program support at senior centres can see how technology can be used to create reports and evaluate outcomes.
Register online by September 11.
FUNDRAISING 101: THE FUNDRAISING CYCLE
CharityHowTo
August 1, 1 p.m. (Mountain)
The fundraising cycle is the foundation for all development efforts, and it pays to know how to work it effectively. Donors' reasons for giving are complex, so development professionals must understand how to engage with donors effectively at each step in the cycle. What motivates donors? What keeps current donors committed to your mission? What methods can you use to motivate new donors to give and remain a part of your nonprofit's family? Knowing where each donor is in the cycle-and the types of engagement opportunities that work best for each step in the cycle-will help you acquire more donors, steward relationships with your current donors, and raise the money you need to meet mission. Learn more about this webinar.
INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT FOR NONPROFITS
Charity Village and Volunteer Canada
August 10, 1 p.m. (Eastern)
Is your nonprofit and its board of directors adequately protected in case of liability? Nonprofit organizations are not immune from potential claims from employees, board members, and volunteers relating to:
Employment Practices (i.e. wrongful dismissal, employee discrimination)
Fiduciary Liability (i.e. administration of employee benefits plan)
Financial Mismanagement (i.e. board decisions that have adverse financial consequences)
This webinar will show you how, with the right insurance and tools in place, nonprofits can manage their risk effectively. The webinar will cover:
What are the risks facing nonprofits, particularly those that engage volunteers?
What insurance solutions and tools are available to mitigate those risks?
What are some common types of claims against non-profit organizations?
FOSTERING RESILIENCE IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF SENIORS IN CARE
Covenant Health Network of Excellence in Seniors' Health and Wellness
August 30, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Lodge at Snow Valley, Edmonton
This one-day symposium explores ways to foster resilience in family caregivers of seniors. It is an opportunity to: listen to family caregivers articulate their expectations, needs and priorities; explore innovative strategies to support and involve family caregivers; and consider policies that could guide health care providers in helping family caregivers adapt and cope successfully with caregiving.
The symposium is targeted to healthcare providers, administrators, community senior support organizations, seniors, family caregivers, and provincial partners in seniors care.
More events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
DRAMA INSTRUCTOR
Westend Seniors Activity Centre is actively seeking a drama instructor to help lead our drama group. This position will take place at WSAC and the drama group will meet once a week starting in September. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience in drama who can help lead our group who will be preparing for a performance in the spring. If you are interested or want to know more, contact Alex Boisclair, Program Coordinator, via email at programs@westendseniors.com or by phone at 780-483-1209.
More work opportunities in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings webpage)
News and Events for Seniors
The City of Edmonton has installed buddy benches in 13 locations around the city to help reduce social isolation. People who are lonely are invited to sit on the specially-painted blue benches. If someone notices a person sitting on a buddy bench, they are encouraged to sit with them and start up a conversation. Find your nearest buddy bench and connect with someone new!
SEESA (9350 82 Street)
July 20 and Aug 16, 7-10 p.m.
$3 admission includes refreshments
Bring an instrument or just come to listen. Call 780-468-1985 for more information.
KLONDIKE DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 Street)
July 20, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 pm.
Pancake breakfast available for purchase in the café. Come dressed in your favorite K-Days outfit and enjoy the food and fun. First come, first served. Call 780-483-1209 for more information.
K-DAYS PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Edmonton Seniors Centre
July 21, 9-11 a.m.
$4 in advance and $5 at the door
Come join us in the centre for pancakes, eggs, and sausages with live entertainment by Klondike Kate. Call 780-342-8625 for more information.
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Avenue)
July 21, 10 a.m.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with all the fixins. Call 780-433-5807 or come to the centre to reserve your ticket for a root'n toot'n start to your day.
DRIVE HAPPINESS IN K-DAYS PARADE
July 21, parade starts at 10 a.m.
Every year the parade sets K-Days in motion with a sea of beautiful floats, giant balloons, amazing performers, loveable mascots and real life animals. This year's route starts on 97 Street heading west down Jasper Avenue and finishes at 108 Street. Make sure you come out to cheer on Drive Happiness.
Mill Woods Seniors Association (2610 Hewes Way, 2nd Floor)
July 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Join in an afternoon of fun activities: games, crafting, snacks, pampering, and more! RSVP by calling 780-496-2997.
HEALTH & WELLNESS PRESENTATION
North West Edmonton Seniors Society (12963 120 Street)
Hydration and Smoothies: A dietician will talk about the importance of hydration, especially during the summer. She will bring two recipes and samples of some easy-to-make smoothies (dairy and non-dairy) that you can make at home.
Ear Care Follow up: Learn about the different types of hearing loss and what you need to know about tinnitus.
Everyone is welcome. Call 780-451-1925 or visit the centre to sign up.
BOB LAYTON'S LIFE IN BROADCASTING
$2 MWSA members/$3 non-members
Local media personality Bob Layton will be sharing tales from his new book about people on the air that would make you laugh, shake your head, and cry. The book is available for $20 each and Bob will sign them. All proceeds will be donated to Santas Anonymous, Global TV's Give Me Shelter, and The EPS Foundation. Please RSVP by calling 780-496-2997.
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
July 28, 9-10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with entertainment by Klondike Kate Sue Whalen (circa '86). Prizes for best costume. Tickets on sale until July 21. Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
PET THERAPY SOCIETY PRESENTATION
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
August 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Yellowbird East Community Centre (10710 19 Avenue)
The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta was created to provide the benefits of the human-animal bond that is well documented in medical, psychological and social literature. At all stages throughout our lives, animal companionship can stimulate sensitivity and learning. Interaction with companion animals can involve values, morals, modes of behaviour, attitudes, self-examination, and even the establishment of new or improved skills. Join SWESA to meet with a volunteer handler and a new furry friend.
SENIORS' REST TENT AT HERITAGE FESTIVAL
The Servus Heritage Festival celebrates Edmonton's many multicultural communities and showcases food and entertainment from more than 100 countries and cultures.
Make your visit to this year's Servus Heritage Festival more enjoyable by visiting the Seniors' Rest Tent. The tent will be filled with plenty of tables and chairs, so you can rest in the shade for a while and take a break from the hustle and bustle.
The Seniors' Rest Tent is conveniently located in the centre of the park near bathrooms and the first aid tent. Seniors will be able to hitch a ride on a golf cart to and from the tent from various points on the festival grounds.
The Seniors' Rest Tent is brought to you by Connecting Edmonton Seniors, an initiative of the Pan-Edmonton Group Addressing Social Isolation of Seniors (PEGASIS).
BADMINTON FUN DAY INVITATIONAL
August 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
$3 in advance or $5 on the day
Come out and join the SEESA Badminton Club for this fun day of playing your favourite sport while meeting other players from other senior centres across the city. No prior experience is required. Family and friends aged 55+ are invited to join in the activities. Games start at 9 a.m. and tear down is at 11 a.m. You can purchase lunch in the cafeteria at 11:45 a.m. (optional: not included in the price of the fun day). Call 780-468-1985bor visit the SEESA Front Desk prior to August 11 to register for this fun invitational.
TECH SAVVY SENIORS
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (Cottage E, 10107 134 Avenue)
The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre has partnered with the Edmonton Public Library for a Tech Savvy Seniors Program. Participants will learn all about Facebook, email, online resources and services, word processing and much more. This program runs two sessions per month until March of 2018. EAS has a snazzy new computer lab and welcomes people with all skill levels. Maybe you'd like to be a volunteer who can teach other seniors.
If you would like to participate in this new program call 780-476-6595 to find out the dates and times or become a member and you will get a monthly newsletter.
More news and events for seniors
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
SUMMER COVERAGE
Edmonton Meals on Wheels
Edmonton Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers to help with summer coverage. Roles are rewarding and flexible, and don't have to cut into your vacation plans! Help is needed in both the kitchen and throughout the city delivering meals and groceries. Volunteers in both positions will have a direct impact on isolated and homebound seniors. You'll be guaranteed to leave each shift feeling like you've made a difference! For more information on the volunteer roles, or to submit an online application, please visit: mealsonwheelsedmonton.org/donate/volunteer/ or call 780-429-2020 for more info.
More volunteer and work opportunities for seniors
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities webpage)
Link Letter includes new items each week. If you're looking for content that was included in a previous issue of Link Letter, refer to the ESCC website:
News for Agency Staff
Events in the Senior-Serving Sector
Sector Job Postings
Volunteer and Work Opportunities for Seniors
Back issues of Link Letter
Subscribe to Link Letter
Submissions for Link Letter can be sent to memberservices@seniorscouncil.net. Review our submission guidelines for more information.
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What's New on Netflix Philippines Today
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New on Netflix Philippines Today! New Movies and TV Series' added January 16, 2021
Every day our system automatically detects new titles added to Netflix in over 30 countries around the world. So far, there have been 0 new movies/shows/seasons/episodes released for Philippines today:
Netflix has also released MANY MORE movies and shows around the world, which you can unlock and watch in the PHILIPPINES!
Netflix typically releases new titles every day, somewhere between 2 and 20 a day. The first day of each month is usually the biggest release day, but it's rare to have a day with no new releases.
The easiest way to keep up is to check this page daily and seem the new titles released for streaming on Philippine Netflix.
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Today's New Releases on Netflix Philippines
We are adding new titles to this list as soon as they are discovered in the Philippines. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date list!
While her mom is away, a teen sneaks out of the hippie commune where she lives and embarks on a life-changing adventure to discover who her father is. When she went searching for a father, she found two. Which is the real one? In her heart, she knows.
Maisa Silva, Eduardo Moscovis, Marcelo Médici, Laila Zaid, Pedro Ottoni, Rayana Diniz
Children & Family Movies, Brazilian Movies, Teen Movies
Cris D'Amato
Play on Netflix More Info
As the dark wizard Grindelwald gains ground, Dumbledore enlists Newt Scamander to locate a teenager whose mysterious affliction might turn the tide. A dark force threatens the magic world, and only a shy magizoologist and his menagerie can save it.
Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Jude Law, Dan Fogler, Johnny Depp, Alison Sudol
Children & Family Movies, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy Movies
Follow LA's wildly wealthy Asian and Asian American fun seekers as they go all out with fabulous parties, glamour and drama in this reality series. Party. Shop. Eat. Repeat. These friends are living their best lives — and making up the rules as they go along.
Reality TV, US TV Shows
Due to an error, self-absorbed Eleanor Shellstrop arrives at the Good Place after her death. Determined to stay, she tries to become a better person. She only looked out for No. 1 in life. Now that she's dead, she's going to have to do a lot better.
Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, D'Arcy Carden, Manny Jacinto
Sitcoms, TV Comedies, US TV Shows
Michael Schur
In the near future, a drone pilot sent into a war zone finds himself paired with a top-secret android officer on a mission to stop a nuclear attack. One's a hotshot drone pilot. The other's a secret new class of soldier. And where they're headed, none of the old rules apply.
Anthony Mackie, Damson Idris, Emily Beecham, Michael Kelly, Pilou Asbæk
Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mikael Håfström
Princess duties call, but she'd rather be drinking. Free-spirited Bean exasperates the king as she wreaks havoc with her demon and elf pals. Misadventure is her middle name. Unfortunately, "princess" is her title. A madcap medieval quest from Matt Groening.
Abbi Jacobson, Eric André, Nat Faxon, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Matt Berry
TV Comedies, TV Action & Adventure, Adult Animation
A master thief who uses her skills for good, Carmen Sandiego travels the world foiling V.I.L.E.'s evil plans -- with help from her savvy sidekicks. She’s a globetrotting thief in red with smarts, heart and a taste for adventure. And she’s always one step ahead.
Gina Rodriguez, Finn Wolfhard, Abby Trott, Michael Hawley, Michael Goldsmith, Kari Wahlgren
TV Cartoons, Kids' TV, Canadian TV Shows
In this delightful short documentary, an Italian American grandmother and film buff finds strength and joy in the life of her screen idol, Sophia Loren. One is a screen legend, the other is not. But both are beloved — and their lives are more similar than you would think.
Nancy "Vincenza Careri" Kulik, Sophia Loren
Biographical Documentaries, Historical Documentaries, Documentary Films
Ross Kauffman
To pin down criminals and solve cases, a grouchy but brilliant forensic doctor opens up his world to a bright-eyed rookie prosecutor.
Jung Jae-young, Jung Yu-mi, Park Eun-seok, Oh Man-seok, No Minue, Lee Yi-kyung
TV Mysteries, Korean TV Shows, TV Thrillers
Min Ji-eun, Noh Do-cheol
Wish You
Singing and dreaming together, a talented singer-songwriter and a same-aged keyboardist add harmony and love to each other’s lives. One writes songs. The other plays melodies. They’re aspiring musicians singing toward dreams and serenading each other.
Kang In-soo, Lee Sang, Soo-bin
Romantic Dramas, Korean Movies, Dramas
Sung Do-jun
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Home » All Networks » H-Announce » Announcements
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Educational Research in the Age of the Anthropocene: Chronology, Context and Contestability
Announcement published by Vicente Reyes on Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Subject Fields:
Anthropology, Educational Technology, Intellectual History, Research and Methodology, Social Sciences
CALL FOR CHAPTER PROPOSALS
Proposal Submission Deadline: December 12, 2016
A book edited by
Dr Vicente Reyes, Dr Jennifer Charteris, Dr Adele Nye and Dr Sofia Mavropoulou
To be published by IGI Global:
Our edited book centers around the under-theorised area of the age of the anthropocene: considered as a critical epoch where social sciences and humanities converge in global environmental change research. On the one hand, we would like to explore the magnitude of continuities and changes in relation to specific paradigms of educational research under the age of the anthropocene. And on the other, we also would like to investigate the impact of educational research paradigms — undoubtedly an anthropocentric activity — on our planet broadly defined in the age of the anthropocene as the dynamic interaction of human society and environment.
The Age of the Anthropocene and Wicked Problems
The Age of the Anthropocene has brought about “one of the greatest research and policy challenges over to confront humanity.”[1] We make a claim that with the age of the Anthropocene, society has experienced a proliferation of what Rittel and Webber[2] and later on Head[3] describe as wicked problems: issues that are complex, uncertain and characterized by a divergence of values. Furthermore, we contend that the present mode of educational research may be inadequate in addressing wicked problems in the age of the Anthropocene. Educational quantitative researchers have a propensity to ignore unexplained variance. Qualitative researchers place almost blind faith in trustworthiness, specifically the concepts of transferability and neutrality. Mixed methods exponents generalise that a multiplicity of approaches guarantees greater validity. In light of wicked problems in the age of the Anthropocene, we argue that these paradigmatic stances in educational research need to be problematized.
The subject area of "educational paradigms" is a complex topic. Academics, practitioners and scholars of education are hard-pressed to find definitive and universally accepted definitions of educational paradigms. Our edited book attempts to engage with debates surrounding attempts to appreciate, understand and interrogate the notion of "educational paradigms." In covering and critiquing educational paradigms, the contributors of this edited book were guided by the following key questions:
In the age of the anthropocene, what theory/ies have influenced specific educational research paradigms? Where does it come from and how has it changed and evolved over time?
How we can think with this theory and put it to use? (What work can this theory do?)
Is it possible to share a range of examples of how it has been used?
What are its limitations?
What critiques are there of it? (Epistemological)
The edited book does not attempt to arrive at definitive descriptions of "educational research paradigms" in the anthropocene age. What the edited book aspires to achieve is a collection of empirically-grounded, philosophical reflections and carefully considered critiques of "educational research paradigms" that hopefully would be the starting point for critical conversations about such an important theme.
Objective of the Book
This edited volume will engage with the broad topic of educational research paradigms in the 21st century context described as the age of the anthropocene. In order to comprehensively tackle such a complex issue, our edited volume will be divided into three interrelated sections: chronology, context and contestability. The first section deals with the historical trends of theories that have an impact on educational research paradigms and how these have endured/changed in the 21st century age of the anthropocene. The permanence as well as the transitory nature of these theories will be explored. The second section carefully looks into the context in which educational paradigms have been employed. A particular focus of this section (and of the entire book) is to provide a balanced and nuanced viewpoint. The context of educational paradigms long dominated by metropole perspectives will be counterbalanced with a regional and rural viewpoint. The final section investigates the contestability of these educational paradigms. This final section outlines the areas of conflict and consensus that have typified the evolution of educational paradigms.
Policy makers, academics, practitioners, advanced-level students, government officials and scholars of education in general and of educational research in particular will find this edited volume useful. It will provide a historical view of educational paradigms, a substantive content discussion of contemporary paradigms that influence education and a critique of each of these from the lens of educational research.
Recommended topics include, but are not limited to the following:
Contributors are welcome to submit chapters on the following topics relating to educational research paradigms viewed with a critical lens within the age of the anthropocene :
- Positivism in the digital age
- Indigenous methodologies
- Art-Based Theory
- Narratives
- Emergent Methodologies
- Comparative Perspectives
- Southern Theory
- Philosophy in the anthropocene era
- Theory of Change
- Humanistic Sociology
- Critical Theory
- Revolutionary Transformation
- Poststructuralism
- Queer theory
- Posthumanism
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before October 01, 2016, a 500 word chapter proposal clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by October 17, 2016 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines. Full chapters (maximum of 10,000 words) are expected to be submitted by December 12, 2016. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.
This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global (formerly Idea Group Inc.), publisher of the “Information Science Reference” (formerly Idea Group Reference), “Medical Information Science Reference,” “Business Science Reference,” and “Engineering Science Reference” imprints. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit www.igi-global.com. This book is anticipated to be released in 2011.
October 01, 2016: Proposal Submission Deadline
October 17, 2016: Notification of Acceptance
December 12, 2016: Full Chapter Submission
March 30, 2017 Review Results Returned
May 12, 2017: Deadline Submission of Chapters
[1] Steffen, W., Crutzen, P., & McNeill, J. (2007). The Anthropocene: Are Humans Now Overwhelming the Great Forces of Nature? Ambio, 36(8), 614-621., p. 618
[2] Rittel, H., & Webber, M. (1973). Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning. Policy Sciences, 4(2), 155-169.
[3] Head, B. (2008). Wicked Problems in Public Policy. Public Policy, 3(2), 101-118.
Dr Vicente Reyes, Dr Jennifer Charteris, Dr Adele Nye & Dr Sofia Mavropoulou
School of Education, University of New England (Australia)
eduresearch.anthropocene@gmail.com
http://www.igi-global.com/publish/call-for-papers/call-details/2311
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In Kenya, honey protects trees, sweetens climate resilience
by Esther Kahinga | Kenya Climate Innovation Center
Friday, 26 February 2016 17:50 GMT
Acacia trees are hung with with bee hives in Makueni County, Kenya. Credit: Proactive Merit
* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
A resilient Kenyan entrepreneur turns honey into a sustainable business that saves trees
By Esther Kahinga
"The business terrain is rough and bumpy and only meant for those who can raise again when they fall," says Kathy Mbondo an entrepreneur who speaks from her own experience.
Mbondo was exporting flowers in 2011 when the euro crisis happened and her business was wiped out in two months. In the spirit of entrepreneurship, in 2014 she ventured into traditional vegetables farming which did not work out well either. In March 2015 after thinking about what to pursue, she realised there was a resource in her home village that had a lot of potential but had not been exploited.
Mbondo comes from Makueni County, Kenya an area that receives low rainfall which translates to low agricultural productivity. Climate change is taking its toll in the region as unpredictable rainfall patterns have led to shifts in planting time.
Traditionally communities in Makueni kept bees but many farmers gave up on the trade due to poor honey prices. Brokers would buy the honey for as low as Ksh 50 (50 cents). Mbondo realised that farmers could fetch better prices for honey if only she would get a market for them.
In her village, people cut down acacia trees to make charcoal which contributes to deforestation. To conserve the trees, Mbondo came up with the "every acacia for a hive" project that encourages farmers to put hives on acacia trees instead of cutting them down. "I sell the economic value of the beehive to the farmers," Mbondo says.
What she tells them is this: "When you cut down an acacia tree and convert it to charcoal, you make a maximum of four bags which in total fetch Ksh 1000 ($10). When you put a single bee hive on the same acacia tree, you will harvest 20kgs of honey each year. Each kilogram of honey sold to Proactive Merit goes for Ksh 250 which translates to Ksh 5000 ($50) per year.’ she explained.
Proactive Merit is the company founded by Mbondo that buys honey from farmers.
Mbondo started by putting bee hives on the acacia trees on her parents' farm and urging farmers to stop cutting the acacia trees and instead consider suspending bee hives on them. Farmers began to buy the "every acacia for a hive" idea and so far 40 farmers have put up 120 hives. Mbondo has 50 hives on her parents’ farm – a number that she has built over the last seven months. Her goal for 2016 is to purchase 10 tonnes of honey from farmers, package it and sell it. The honey goes by the brand name "Nature in a park" and she is now selling through several retail outlets in Nairobi.
The honey by Proactive Merit is "raw honey" that is collected straight from the hive into the honey jar. It is totally unheated, unpasteurised and unprocessed. This ensures that all the natural vitamins, living enzymes and other nutritional elements are preserved.
In doing the business, Mbondo has faced some challenges like getting working capital that she can use to buy honey in bulk during the peak season. Honey is seasonal and is readily available just after the rains, then the supply goes down during the dry season. In addition, a locally produced bee hive goes for Ksh 5000 ($50) which many farmers cannot afford.
She plans to set up a revolving fund that will enable farmers to get the hives and pay in installments over a period of time.
Mbondo has a few words to share with budding entrepreneurs. She says, "look for that one thing that you have passion for and just work with it in a spectacular manner. As long as you have passion, passion precedes the money factor, and money will follow you. If it is value addition, passion helps you to think outside the box and you will be able to persuade the market to come buy from you."
"Follow your passion, forget copy and paste, do your thing. If it is honey, find a way of making your honey different from everyone else in the market. Find out and just do it, focus on it and do it repeatedly. Don’t give up," she added.
Mbondo is confident that the "every acacia for a hive" project will conserve the acacia trees in her village because the honey comes with repeat income as opposed to cutting down the trees which has only a one-off income and also destroys the environment.
Proactive Merit is also diversifying their products because Mbondo believes "the opportunity in honey is as versatile as water. There are so many entrepreneurs in the clean drinking water industry, yet every day there are more bottled water businesses coming up and each is able to get a market share. The same case applies to honey which is widely used in the cosmetics and food industries."
Esther Kahinga, @estakahinga, is a communication and knowledge manager officer at the Kenya Climate Innovation Center.
Social enterprise and innovation
Brazil soy firms commit to zero deforestation from 2020
You think money grows on trees? Estonian firm seeks finance from forests
Africa's Great Green Wall aims for fresh growth spurt after sluggish start
WWF urges pandemic reset to stop forest loss for harmful food production
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Pictures honouring Klaus Hochheim in a new theatre named after him // Photo: Karen Niedzwiecki
Dr. Klaus Hochheim Memorial Theatre opened at private ceremony
March 3, 2014 —
On Feb. 28, friends and family of the late Arctic researcher Dr. Klaus Hochheim gathered to celebrate his life’s work and to dedicate and name the new lecture theatre at the Nellie Cournoyea Arctic Research Facility in his honour.
Dr. Hochheim was a respected climatologist and research associate with the Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS) at the University of Manitoba. His enthusiasm and passion inspired students and colleagues and he provided the scientific community and stakeholder of this science with critical insights into the Arctic System. It is not common to find someone with a scientist’s mind and an adventurer’s spirit and bravery, but Dr. Hochheim possessed both and it enabled him to study sea ice climatology and microwave and optical remote sensing in extreme Arctic conditions.
His research focused primarily on the latter — using space as a platform to study Earth. Distinguished Professor David Barber, his colleague, spoke about their early work together as graduate students in the 1980s. They were working for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans trying to take a census of walruses. Counting walruses by eye is difficult and somewhat unreliable since the animals lay almost atop each other, obscuring members.
Hochheim, an imaginative scientist, had an original idea: count the bodies from high above by examining their longwave radiation — their heat signature — something reliable and unobstructed by nuzzling neighbours. It worked, wonderfully.
A decade later, still only a student, he lent his talents to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). The Board wanted to estimate crop yields over a hundred million acres of land using satellite imagery. Thinking outside the box, Hochheim suggested to the team “Don’t, look at what is crop but rather what is not crop.” Twisting the approach like this allowed for much better reads. But more so, Hochheim realized that the satellites were only calibrated before their launch, and not again afterwards. The data were not reliable. Not to worry, he told the CWB, he developed an algorithm that adjusts for it and all previously collected data were salvaged. His career continued on this arc towards excellence as he investigated the nature of Arctic climate change and how our changing climate is linked to changes in sea ice extent, type and thickness.
President David Barnard (left) and Dean Norman Halden unveil a plaque honouring Dr. Klaus Hochheim
Prior to the ceremony family and friends toured the new facilities, seeing the laboratories that helped him leave an enduring and sterling academic legacy. Later, they were presented with a commemorative book compiling his scientific peer reviewed articles. “A memento from his academic family to his biological family,” Barber said as he presented it to Martha Hochheim.
At the end of the event, Dr. Hochheim’s wife, three children, daughter-in-law, and 2 grandchildern, alongside his close colleague Greg McCullough, unveiled the lettering of the new theatre. Then University of Manitoba President David Barnard and Norman Halden, Dean of the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, unveiled the plaque that will adorn the Dr. Klaus Hochheim Memorial Theatre in the Nellie Cournoyea Arctic Research Facility.
We dedicate this theatre to the memory of
Dr. Klaus Hochheim
who lost his life while conducting
arctic climate change research on
behalf of the peoples of Manitoba,
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.
campus community, Environment Earth and Resources, Research and International
The Conversation: Reopen recreation spaces after COVID-19 for the good of the public, not the individual
Yet the lessons from our first reopening strategies last spring make it clear that we have a number of very important questions arising about leisure, recreation and public space
COVID-19, Environment and Geography, Research and International, The Conversation
Our early ancestors utilized unstable environments two million years ago
Their findings, recently published in Nature Communications, include 2-million-year-old stone tools excavated from ancient river- and lake-bed sediments. Their results demonstrate that early humans were able to colonize a diverse range of environmentally changing habitats.
UM researcher part of team that finds surprising connection between dinosaurs and mammals
Kirstin Brink is part of a team that discovered that gorgonopsians, early ancestors to mammals and not related to dinosaurs, have very similar tooth structure to carnivorous dinosaurs.
Environment Earth and Resources, Geological sciences, Research and International, riddell faculty
Connect with the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Department of Environment and Geography
Department of Geological Sciences
Natural Resources Institute
Centre for Community-Based Resource Management
Centre for Earth Observation Science
Aboriginal Issues Press
Ed Leith Cretaceous Menagerie
Contact the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Email: Riddell.Faculty@umanitoba.ca
Toll Free: 1.800.432.1960 ext. 7252 (North America)
Room 440 Wallace Building 125 Dysart Road University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3T 2N2
2 comments on “Dr. Klaus Hochheim Memorial Theatre opened at private ceremony”
UffdaQueen — March 6, 2014 at 6:59 pm
A lovely tribute.
Cornelius Buller — March 10, 2014 at 10:18 am
Thanks for putting on an excellent, informative and heart felt event.
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Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login
kentonv on Dec 24, 2019 | parent | favorite | on: Protobuffers Are Wrong
I guess I'll copy/paste the comment I made last time this was posted: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18190005
Hello. I didn't invent Protocol Buffers, but I did write version 2 and was responsible for open sourcing it. I believe I am the author of the "manifesto" entitled "required considered harmful" mentioned in the footnote. Note that I mostly haven't touched Protobufs since I left Google in early 2013, but I have created Cap'n Proto since then, which I imagine this guy would criticize in similar ways.
This article appears to be written by a programming language design theorist who, unfortunately, does not understand (or, perhaps, does not value) practical software engineering. Type theory is a lot of fun to think about, but being simple and elegant from a type theory perspective does not necessarily translate to real value in real systems. Protobuf has undoubtedly, empirically proven its real value in real systems, despite its admittedly large number of warts.
The main thing that the author of this article does not seem to understand -- and, indeed, many PL theorists seem to miss -- is that the main challenge in real-world software engineering is not writing code but changing code once it is written and deployed. In general, type systems can be both helpful and harmful when it comes to changing code -- type systems are invaluable for detecting problems introduced by a change, but an overly-rigid type system can be a hindrance if it means common types of changes are difficult to make.
This is especially true when it comes to protocols, because in a distributed system, you cannot update both sides of a protocol simultaneously. I have found that type theorists tend to promote "version negotiation" schemes where the two sides agree on one rigid protocol to follow, but this is extremely painful in practice: you end up needing to maintain parallel code paths, leading to ugly and hard-to-test code. Inevitably, developers are pushed towards hacks in order to avoid protocol changes, which makes things worse.
I don't have time to address all the author's points, so let me choose a few that I think are representative of the misunderstanding.
> Make all fields in a message required. This makes messages product types.
> Promote oneof fields to instead be standalone data types. These are coproduct types.
This seems to miss the point of optional fields. Optional fields are not primarily about nullability but about compatibility. Protobuf's single most important feature is the ability to add new fields over time while maintaining compatibility. This has proven -- in real practice, not in theory -- to be an extremely powerful way to allow protocol evolution. It allows developers to build new features with minimal work.
Real-world practice has also shown that quite often, fields that originally seemed to be "required" turn out to be optional over time, hence the "required considered harmful" manifesto. In practice, you want to declare all fields optional to give yourself maximum flexibility for change.
The author dismisses this later on:
> What protobuffers are is permissive. They manage to not shit the bed when receiving messages from the past or from the future because they make absolutely no promises about what your data will look like. Everything is optional! But if you need it anyway, protobuffers will happily cook up and serve you something that typechecks, regardless of whether or not it's meaningful.
In real world practice, the permissiveness of Protocol Buffers has proven to be a powerful way to allow for protocols to change over time.
Maybe there's an amazing type system idea out there that would be even better, but I don't know what it is. Certainly the usual proposals I see seem like steps backwards. I'd love to be proven wrong, but not on the basis of perceived elegance and simplicity, but rather in real-world use.
> oneof fields can't be repeated.
(background: A "oneof" is essentially a tagged union -- a "sum type" for type theorists. A "repeated field" is an array.)
1. It's that way because the "oneof" pattern long-predates the "oneof" language construct. A "oneof" is actually syntax sugar for a bunch of "optional" fields where exactly one is expected to be filled in. Lots of protocols used this pattern before I added "oneof" to the language, and I wanted those protocols to be able to upgrade to the new construct without breaking compatibility.
You might argue that this is a side-effect of a system evolving over time rather than being designed, and you'd be right. However, there is no such thing as a successful system which was designed perfectly upfront. All successful systems become successful by evolving, and thus you will always see this kind of wart in anything that works well. You should want a system that thinks about its existing users when creating new features, because once you adopt it, you'll be an existing user.
2. You actually do not want a oneof field to be repeated!
Here's the problem: Say you have your repeated "oneof" representing an array of values where each value can be one of 10 different types. For a concrete example, let's say you're writing a parser and they represent tokens (number, identifier, string, operator, etc.).
Now, at some point later on, you realize there's some additional piece of data you want to attach to every element. In our example, it could be that you now want to record the original source location (line and column number) where the token appeared.
How do you make this change without breaking compatibility? Now you wish that you had defined your array as an array of messages, each containing a oneof, so that you could add a new field to that message. But because you didn't, you're probably stuck creating a parallel array to store your new field. That sucks.
In every single case where you might want a repeated oneof, you always want to wrap it in a message (product type), and then repeat that. That's exactly what you can do with the existing design.
The author's complaints about several other features have similar stories.
> One possible argument here is that protobuffers will hold onto any information present in a message that they don't understand. In principle this means that it's nondestructive to route a message through an intermediary that doesn't understand this version of its schema. Surely that's a win, isn't it?
> Granted, on paper it's a cool feature. But I've never once seen an application that will actually preserve that property.
OK, well, I've worked on lots of systems -- across three different companies -- where this feature is essential.
xyzzyz on Dec 24, 2019
> But I've never once seen an application that will actually preserve that property.
I wonder if author uses Chrome, which depends heavily on this in its Sync feature.
kentonv on Dec 24, 2019
Yeah, most big Google services -- including Search -- rely pretty heavily on unknown field retention. Google has been building large services out of microservices since a decade before anyone ever said the word "microservice". When one service is updated to emit a new field, and another service is updated to consume it, it's important that the feature can then work, without updating all the middlemen.
akalin on Dec 25, 2019
When I worked on Chrome Sync, we spent some time making sure that unknown fields were preserved properly. Glad to see that someone noticed, cheers!
I did notice that when I was an owner of protobuf in Chromium :) Custom patches to support unknown field preservation in lite mode sure brought me some hassle when updating to version 3 of the library.
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Home › Nation
Watch Live: Amber Guyger Gets Sentenced After Guilty Murder Verdict For Killing Botham Jean
The jury took less than 24 hours to return a guilty verdict.
Written By NewsOne Staff
NewsOne Featured Video
UPDATED: 7:35 a.m. EDT, Oct. 2 —
Amber Guyger‘s murder trial may have ended with her conviction, but the case is still very much active as the sentencing phase hasn’t been completed. It did, however, get underway on Tuesday after the jury returned a guilty verdict for the murder of Botham Jean, who was shot to death by Guyger in his own home last year.
The jury took less than 24 hours of deliberating to decide Guyger was guilty, and now she’s facing up to 99 years in prison for her actions. During the sentencing phase, a lot of other damning, but apparently irrelevant, information came out about Guyger, including racist text messages and social media posts that were not allowed to be seen by the jury.
Jean’s mother, Allison Jean, who was photographed rejoicing in court after the verdict was announced, testified, as well.
Local Dallas reported Jobin Panicker tweeted that the state wanted to include Guyger’s previous application to be a police officer in Fort Worth, Texas. She was allegedly not hired because she failed a polygraph and admitted to smoking marijuana.
Botham Jean’s family lawyer said during a press conference after the verdict that given the jury returning a guilty verdict, he had confidence that a just sentence would be given to Guyger.
When asked what prison sentence they want to see, Botham Jean's family lawyer Lee Merritt says, “We believe Botham’s life mattered and we want to see a sentence that reflects that.” #AmberGuygerTrial pic.twitter.com/68YDPFBZeC
— Bruce Coleridge-Taylor Wright (@bctw) October 1, 2019
Guyger was booked into the Dallas County Jail at 4:43 p.m. local time, but she was scheduled to be right back in court Wednesday morning until she gets sentenced.
Court proceedings were scheduled to start around 10 a.m. local time. To watch the sentencing phase continue on Wednesday, click here or watch the video embedded below.
Keep reading to find updates from Day 1 of the trial through Tuesday’s verdict and the beginning of Guyger’s sentencing hearing.
UPDATED 12:23 p.m. EDT, Oct. 1 —
Amber Guyger has been found guilty of murder for killing Botham Jean, the trial’s jury announced in Dallas on Tuesday. The verdict came less than 24 hours after the panel began deliberating following closing arguments on Monday.
UPDATED: 8:37 a.m. EDT, Sept. 30 —
The second week of Amber Guyger‘s murder trial was scheduled to begin Monday morning with her defense attorneys continuing to present its case in an effort to convince the jury their client is not guilty of murdering Botham Jean, who was shot to death in his own Dallas home last year. The case continued on Saturday before taking Sunday off.
Saturday’s session surrounded the contentious topic of whether the jury should be allowed to hear expert testimony on whether Guyger’s shooting of Jean was “reasonable.” Use of force expert Craig Miller, testifying as a witness for the defense, explained to Judge Tammy Kemp that he thought the shooting was justified. But upon cross-examination, the prosecution got Miller to admit that the Supreme Court actually has no definition for what is “reasonable.”
"You can't say with certainty" what emotions #AmberGuyger was experiencing when she shot #BothamJean, Judge Tammy Kemp tells use of force expert Craig Miller. He said he thinks it was "reasonable" to shoot. #AmberGuygerTrial pic.twitter.com/Q0eYECNWXC
— Bruce Coleridge-Taylor Wright (@bctw) September 28, 2019
Ultimately, Kemp ruled that Miller would be able to testify on what he said was Guyger’s “inattentional blindness” — described as a temporary condition of being distracted — but not whether he thought shooting Jean was “reasonable.” The prosecution quickly established that the concept of inattentional blindness is neither universally not scientifically accepted or recognized.
Earlier in the week, the prosecution got Guyger to admit on the stand that when she shot Jean, she intended to kill him. Dallas criminal defense attorney Barry Sorrels said live on the air during WFAA’s coverage of the trial that her admission should serve as proof that she committed murder, which occurs under Texas if someone “intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual.”
To watch a live stream of Day 7 of Amber Guyger’s murder trial, watch the embedded video below.
To see what happened during the first week of the trial, click here or scroll down to continue reading.
UPDATED: 8:50 am. EDT, Sept. 27 —
Day 5 of Amber Guyger‘s murder trial Friday was expected to feature the defense’s star witness: the disgraced former police officer herself, who will testify and try to convince the jury that her killing of Botham Jean in his own home was justified.
READ ALSO: Everything We’re Learning From Amber Guyger’s Testimony In Her Murder Trial For Killing Botham Jean
The prosecution rested its case on Thursday, pushing the trial to advance quicker than was anticipated. Judge Tammy Kemp adjourned the case until Friday morning because the defense seemed to be caught off guard by the prosecution resting its case so quickly.
READ MORE: ‘A Glimpse Into The Mind Of Amber Guyger’: Deleted Social Media Posts Republished
However, Guyger’s lawyers did move to file a motion to have Kemp issue a verdict immediately because, they argued, the prosecution was not successful in arguing its case. Kemp quickly denied the request. After the prosecution rested, it was being reported that Guyger would take the stand that same day. Those reports turned out to be inaccurate after Kemp adjourned for the day.
One of the key areas the prosecution focused on during Thursday’s session was the contrast between first responders and Guyger, who apparently did not even attempt to perform CPR on Jean. Bodycam footage shown in court each day this week showed first responders immediately performing CPR on Jean, leaving them splattered with his blood from the two gunshot wounds to the upper left side of his chest. Guyger’s uniform, conversely, did not have a trace of any blood on it.
Dallas Police Officer Tu Minh Nguyen, who was one of the first responders, testified on Thursday that Jean was “still alive” when he showed up and began performing CPR.
First responding Dallas cop Tu Minh Nguyen says Botham Jean was "still alive" when he showed up and began performing CPR. Video also shows another officer moving furniture to perform CPR. Defense wants jury to believe Botham moved it out of rage. pic.twitter.com/TOn9BHorlt
On Wednesday, the prosecution presented a timeline showing that at least five minutes elapsed between Guyger calling 911 and when first responders arrived. That means that Jean went without the medical attention that Guyger, as a police officer at the time, had been trained to administer in such situations. That, the prosecution argued, justifies the murder charge she is facing.
A detailed timeline presented by the prosecution shows that at least 5 minutes went by before anyone started performing CPR on Botham Jean after #AmberGuyger shot him twice. #JusticeForBotham pic.twitter.com/zV9ijWM7lo
One the defense’s primary contentions in asserting that Guyger is innocent has been the claim that she fired her gun because Jean was charging at her as she entered his apartment. While that might seem like a perfectly reasonable response to seeing a stranger enter one’s home, the defense has argued that alleged factor gave Guyger the right to defend herself — even if she had entered Jean’s home illegally.
The positioning and proximity of Jean’s body was a focus on Thursday, as well. The defense has said it showed that Jean’s was running at Guyger. But bodycam footage refuted that by showing that first responders moved his body, as well as furniture in the apartment in order to properly show medical attention to Jean.
The defense was expected to present its case beginning around 10 a.m. local time. To watch the trial live online, click here, here and/or here, or watching the video embedded below.
Keep up with the rest of our coverage of Amber Guyger’s murder trial by scrolling down to see reports from earlier in the week.
Day 3 of Amber Guyger‘s murder trial began with the unexpected revelation that a juror told the bailiff that she had a relationship with one of the prosecution’s main witnesses. After deliberation, Judge Tammy Kemp allowed the juror to remain serving for the trial before the witness, David Armstrong of the Texas Rangers, went on to tell the court that he believed there was no crime committed against Botham Jean, who was unarmed when Guyger entered his home and killed him.
It was unclear what kind of relationship was in question, but there was no chance of a mistrial because of it. If anything, an alternate juror would step up to replace the juror who spoke up. Here's a look at the racial makeup of the jury. https://t.co/ASMv0GkV7j
Guyger’s lawyers tried to use photos to establish the similarities between her apartment and Jean’s as a way to justify her app[arent confusion between the two that purportedly led her to suspect he was a burglar. However, the differences in apartments — cleanliness, decor and more — seemed to be more apparent than anything else.
Defense is showing photos from Amber Guyger's apartment and there is a major difference between his and hers. Each has the same layout but decor clearly set them apart. Botham Jean's apartment is on the left. pic.twitter.com/NY8wgbRMgM
The prosecution also presented a digital timeline showing key moments of the fateful night of Sept. 6 last year. It included the time when Guyger called 911 and the moment the first responding officer arrived and finally began performing CPR. That meant at least five minutes went by without Jean having any kind of medical attention that Guyger is trained to give gunshot victims.
Follow our coverage from the first week of this trial below.
Day 2 of Amber Guyger‘s murder trial saw multiple witnesses called to the stand by the prosecution, which was still presenting its case to bring justice to Botham Jean, who was shot and killed in his own home under circumstances that grew increasingly implausible after hearing testimony in Dallas Criminal Court on Tuesday.
While Guyger’s lawyers were able to secure a glimmer of good news for their client — her toxicology report indicated she did not have drugs or alcohol in her system at the time she shot Jean twice in his apartment, purportedly mistaking it for her own — that seemed to be the only silver lining of the day for the defense team, which has seemingly been trying to criminalize Jean in death over a small, irrelevant amount of marijuana that was found in his apartment.
Officer Lee is the one whose body cam footage they played in court this morning. pic.twitter.com/YPrBjwXGw3
That was because prosecutors played video footage responding officers’ bodycams and surveillance footage that showed Guyger was not rendering any type of first aid or CPR to the man who she executed on sight when police arrived following her 911 call, which was also played in court on Tuesday.
Separate bodycam videos showed first responders going into Jean’s apartment and immediately performing CPR on him, indicating he was still alive. The prosecution argued that Guyger not only left Jean to die, betraying her sworn oath to protect and serve, but she also ignored her police training of yelling out any verbal commands or even identifying herself as an officer before she fired off her service weapon at an unwitting victim caught by surprise in his own home.
The jury saw police body cam video showing responding officers rush to perform CPR on Botham Jean while Amber Guyger was standing in the hallway not performing CPR on Botham Jean, who was still breathing when the cops arrived. They tried to save him, but it was too late.
Other video footage from that fateful night at the South Side Flats apartment complex last year appeared to show police and department officials giving preferential treatment to someone who was the prime suspect in a single, unprovoked shooting of an unarmed Black man that was becoming a homicide investigation.
Video showed Guyger being placed in the front of a police cruiser with her cellphone and no handcuffs in place. At one point, a police official came over to hug and console her. Recordings were stopped and Guyger was encouraged by police not to say anything, which is, of course, the polar opposite treatment homicide suspects are typically afforded by law enforcement investigating an active crime scene. Guyger was not being treated as a suspect even though Dallas Police Sgt. Breanne Valentine, one of the earliest responders, testified Tuesday that everybody on the scene knew Guyger had shot Jean and everybody knew Jean was unarmed. The prosecution argued that a Dallas Police Union rep motioned to Valentine to shut off in-car video recording system trained on Guyger, an order that was complied with.
The defense argued that the treatment Guyger got was the same for all officers involved in a shooting. The president of the Dallas Police Union sent a text message to WFAA anchors live on the air and asked why the district attorney’s office has never had a problem with this practice until now. “Not once has it been called into question until now,” Mike Mata reportedly texted.
Later, the prosecution began calling to the stand neighbors of Jean, all of whom corroborated the narrative that Guyger never issued any verbal commands or identified herself before shooting. The hallway outside of Jean’s apartment is not a large space and neighbors said they could typically hear what happens outside of their doors.
Joshua Brown, who lived across the hall from Jean, offered emotional testimony and said he could regularly hear Jean singing in the mornings, an indication of the acoustics in at least that portion of the South Side Flats apartments. Brown testified that he had only met Jean that morning when the two exchanged brief pleasantries before he returned to his apartment later that night. Shortly afterward, Brown testified, he heard two gunshots outside of his door.
In an emotional moment, Joshua Brown, who lived across from Botham Jean, needs to take a moment to compose himself while testifying about that fateful night and seeing Amber Guyger after the shooting. pic.twitter.com/vhgvaeFmYG
When Brown said when he finally decided to look through the peephole, he said he saw Guyger pacing back, using the phone and going in and out of Jean’s apartment. Brown, who admitted he, too, had made the mistake of going to the wrong floor before, testified that he heard two voices speaking, or “mixing together,” before the gunshots, but no police verbal commands being given. When the defense cross-examined Brown, the 28-year-old said he had gone “to the wrong floor on more than one occasion” but because his key didn’t work, along with other indicators, he knew was not on his actual floor.
Texas Rangers officer David Armstrong, who responded to the scene, also testified for the prosecution about how the fob key works with the locks in the South Side Flats apartments. He said Guyger must have ignored the multiple indications — a red light, a beeping sound — that she was at the wrong apartment.
Important testimony from Texas Ranger David Armstrong on inner mechanics of fob lock on Botham Jean's door. He says Amber Guyger definitely put her key into the lock, meaning the door wasn't ajar & she should have seen a red light, heard beep to indicate wrong apt. pic.twitter.com/FdbQldym8t
Original story:
What seems like the trial of the year finally got underway on Monday, more than a year after a white off duty police officer entered a Black man’s home in Dallas and killed him in his living room purportedly mistaking him for a burglar. Amber Guyger was charged with murder for her role in the killing of Botham Jean that put a unique spin on the police shooting an unarmed Black man narrative that has especially proliferated in recent years.
READ MORE: Prosecutors Argue Amber Guyger’s Sext Messages Contradict Claim She Was Tired When She Shot Botham Jean
As such, the trial opened up in an unexpected fashion — with defense lawyers calling for a mistrial because they said that newly elected Dallas District Attorney John Creuzot violated Judge Tammy Kemp‘s gag order by offering his opinion on the case to a local TV news station. However, the request was shot down by Kemp after she learned the interview was actually old and came well after the judge put the gag order in place.
Judge Tammy Kemp is not playing any games.
She overturned Amber Guyger's defense attorneys' baseless mistrial request. pic.twitter.com/s8LDOHuRFa
When it came time for opening arguments, the prosecution came out with a bang by claiming it had evidence that would disprove Guyger’s excuse of being exhausted after working a 13 and a half hour shift that she says led her to confuse Jean’s apartment for her own.
Prosecutor Jason Hermus asked the jury how Guyger could be tired since he said the text messages suggest she was ready to meet her boyfriend for sex. After Guyger finished her 13 and a half hour shift, Hermus said the contents of the text messages show she did not have plans to go home and rest, which is what someone who was supposed to be exhausted would likely do after a long day at work. The text messages showed “she had plans,” Hermus said while reading from a transcript of the messages.
“When can I come over?” Martin Rivera, identified as the person Guyger was texting with, asked in his message.
“You can come over after this,” Guyger responded in an apparent allusion to her finishing up at work.
She then texted to Rivera: “super horny today too,” to which Rivera responded, “me too.”
That prompted Guyger to ask him in her next text: “Do you wanna touch?”
That exchange showed, Hermus argued, that Guyger had plans to have sex with Rivera. It also belied logic, Hermus said, since Guyger was supposed to be exhausted — the reason she blamed on entering Jean’s apartment, which was located exactly one floor beneath hers.
The revelation was the first hint of what could have possibly been on Guyger’s mind when she did the unimaginable and shot Jean without any provocation.
Next up was the defense’s opening arguments, and Guyger’s lawyer’s went to extreme lengths to try to establish that she was not racist. That included mentioning that Guyger went to an “ethnically diverse high school” and she “overcame adversity” in her life. The defense also said that Guyger chose to work for the Dallas Police Department in “the southeast” because it was more diverse than other areas of the city. Her lawyers painted her as an angelic, altruistic officer motivated to become a cop because she wanted to help people.
Defense lawyers making their opening statements now.
They follow prosecutor's opening statements citing Amber Guyger's sext messages with her boyfriend before she killed Botham Jean, which contradicts her claim she was exhausted. Read more here https://t.co/CueZ3xNWnX
Later, Jean, sister, Alissa Findley, took the stand as the prosecution’s witness to testify about the modest amount of marijuana that was found in her brother’s apartment after Guyger killed him. Officials tried to criminalize Jean in death when they announced that irrelevant discovery back in the infancy of the investigation a year ago. But Findley explained that her brother used marijuana to treat his ADHD, for which she said his prescribed Adderall had an adverse reaction.
Botham Jean smoked marijuana to help with his ADHD, his sister, Alissa Findley, testified. He didn't like how his prescribed Adderall made him feel, so he started smoking marijuana instead.
Officials previously tried to criminalize Jean (read: lynch a dead man) for the weed. pic.twitter.com/sIeSY6FaBb
Afterward, the prosecution called Rivera, the officer who was involved in a sexual relationship with Guyger — the same person with whom she was exchanging those racy text messages. He confirmed the sexual relationship he had with Guyger as well as those sext messages.
Martin Rivera, the cop who Amber Guyger was sexting with in the hours before she killed Botham Jean, has taken the stand. They used Snapchat to send explicit messages to each other. pic.twitter.com/deUzIHQGqn
On the night of Sept. 6, 2018, Guyger claimed that following a long day on the job as a Dallas police officer, she somehow mistook his apartment for her own and, after ordering Jean not to move, shot him twice before realizing the error of her ways. Her story was met with doubt because of a number of factors, including and especially her assertion that Jean’s door was ajar. Videos posted on social media by neighbors appeared to show that apartment doors in the building shut automatically after being released, an indication that Guyger might have lied about that.
In addition to inconsistencies in her alibis, which have changed several times, Dallas police, of which Guyger was a member for five years before being fired, appeared to be helping to cover up the shooting for their colleague. The department was accused of allowing Guyger enough time to scrub her social media accounts and get her story straight before turning herself in three days after killing Jean. It also gave Guyger enough time to move out of her apartment, which was never searched by police despite five warrants allowing them to do so.
The trial, which was scheduled to resume Tuesday morning, was expected to last about two weeks.
You can follow the proceedings and watch a live stream of the trial by clicking here, here and/or here, or by watching any of the video embeds below.
WATCH: Day 2 of the Amber Guyger trial is getting underway in Dallas: https://t.co/ocKzwi7oOO
— WFAA (@wfaa) September 24, 2019
Botham Jean’s Mom Calls Amber Guyger ‘Son’s Murderer’
Details About Amber Guyger Removed From Incident Report
A Disturbing Timeline Of Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger Killing Botham Jean In His Own Home
Amber Guyger , Amber Guyger Murder Trial , Botham Shem Jean
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Home › Forums › Community › Roleplaying Board ›
Discussion in 'Roleplaying Board' started by welsh, Apr 12, 2003.
welsh Junkmaster
There has been some discussion on an OCC about characters, so this is for all of you who have a character that you want to tell us about.
It's not essential that you post here, so use as you will.
My Character- Grim (or Grimm)
Grim is a former lawman (a "badge') who is currently working as a bounty hunter/head hunter. He usually works alone and is reluctant to join groups, not very trusting, often mean-tempered and, on occassion, ruthless. Preferring stealth over brawn, and brains over brawn, Grim is fond of planning ahead. A bit of a conspiracy theorist, trust is given rarely and in short measure. He doesn't place much faith in associations or governments of any kind. However, his history of being an 'honest' lawman and sense of principles allow him some faith in the dignity of normal people and hope in a better life. He also appreciates ancient literature.
Grim is getting 'mature', but is age is indeterminante. probably somewhere between 35 and 45. He wears a leather duster and sometimes a suit of leather armor, jeans, boots, a hat or scarf, and carries with him an .45 6-shooter and a modified 10 mm automatic pistol (that can be altered into a silenced subsonic rifle) as well as an assortment of knives, shotguns, rifles and other weapons as suits his mood.
Family- unknown,
Friends- unknown.
welsh, Apr 12, 2003
Rogue Hex Look, Ma! Two Heads!
Name: Rogue
Real Name: Laura (Likes to keep her real name private)
Occupation: Mostly searching for her family. Will some times take on caravan guard jobs to make money to fund her search.
Family: Dead...she thinks.
Eyes: Deep green eyes
Hair: Long black hair
Height: 1m76
Weight: She doesnt know
Complection: Dark like complection
Rogue is not a well built person but she has great strength for somone of her size. She is agile and quiet on her feet at the best of times.
After many a year wandering the wastes, Rogue has become a very solitary women. Previous experiances in her earlier life have taught her to put her trust in no one but her self. She doesnt like yo rely on other people but will do in times of need. In another life, she would have been of the innocent sort. Even though she doesnt like to admit it, she ofetn needs help and can be quite prone to tantrums!
Weopons: She carry's little weopons with her, only the necessary to survive in the wastes. She allways carryies a hunting rifle(for she can be a great shot when the need arises), her .223 which is her most belovid weopon and the only link to her father that she has left and a combat knife. Rogue is most reluctant to use the .223 as she sees it more as a link to the past than a weopon.
Items: Once again only the necessary equipment to survive. Some medical equipment; stimpacks, first aid kit, some rad away and the odd body enhancement drugs that she has scavenged on her many journeys. Some money, that she has made in the only 2 ways in which she knows how! A bottle of unknown alcoholic substance, that she is not really shure what to do with...but thaught she would keep it anyway. A photo of her stood next to a house in the wastes that she found with her when she awoke for the first time with out her family. She wanders the wastes looking for this house hoping that she will find some trace of her former life. She also carry's Re-fill anumitions for both of her guns.
Clothing: Rogue wears a dark torn coat that reachers her ankles. The coat she prosumes has been made from bramin and is light in weight.
She wears a pair of dark trousers made from some unknown material and a pair of heavy boots that look like army regulation wear. Under her coat she wears a leather vest that she has patched up and personslised so that it pases vertually un noticed to the human eye. She wears tatered clothes under the rest that she has had for aslong as she can remember.
Well..there we are, this is pretty much it, there are a few extra details about her but i wont go into them now, this profile is long enough
Rogue Hex, Apr 12, 2003
Reaper Still Mildly Glowing
I want to keep motives and deep background hidden for now. For the first time since I began role-playing, I am trying to play a vaguely mysterious character. These details will become clear IC later on.
However, things that other characters would notice about him anyway may as well be revealed now so they can at least describe him in a post should the need arise.
Name-
Gabriel Wolf
Physical appearance-
Hair: Blond - collar length, a little unkempt
Eyes: Blue/grey, very (cliched but good anyway) cold
Weight: 200lbs approx - not a wrestler style muscle man but very fit looking with good muscle tone.
Clothes- general wear (travelling gear stored at lodgings)
Black combat trousers, black boots, black knee-length suede coat, black and dark grey camouflage kevlar vest over a fitted black long-sleeve cotton top (almost skin-tight).
Weaponry- all concealed under the suede coat (however, skilled observers who know weapons and combat, like the other characters, may detect the suggestion of some hidden weapons)
Several knives: 18" panga on the left hip, 6 throwing knives in a shoulder rig - 3 on each side, 8" Bowie knife on left calf in a boot-sheath (black, matte finished handle to help conceal it against black material of trousers), 3" punch dagger in small purpose built sheath on front of belt (looks just like another part of the belt), 7" tanto (Japanese knife - smallest of the Samurai trio of blades).
Guns: Twin 9mm, Berettas with removable silencers, (extended barrels for increased accuracy) resting in twin reverse holsters above each hip. Also, new addition (not always carried as standard) SiG Sauer P226 with built in baffle silencer, can be equipped with removable silencer ultra-stealth, optional 20 round magazines (holstered at small of back).
For those who remember the film Leon, imagine something like his leather equipment harness - Gabriel's will, of course, be black leather.
Important note: translated into the old Fallout speak- he is a stealth/combat boy and will therefore be difficult to notice because he is stealthy and his clothing helps him fade into the shadows - indoors though he would probably be noticeable because he is dangerous looking man dressed all in black.
This sounds very superheroish and I apologise because this shouldn't be about superguys (although our exploits so far make most characters heroes of the wastes). For an idea of my character, think of an Aryan combination of Riddick from Pitch Black (brilliant film) and Leon - though not as good in a gun fight as Leon because Gabe is hand-to-hand specialist.
Reaper, Apr 14, 2003
Gunslinger Mildly Dipped
Cut and paste version from the old boards since I'm incredibly lazy:
Name: Caleb Rutgers
Faction: Strongly anti-political sentiments
Skin: remarkably smooth and pale
Clothing: Basic cowboy's attire: black jeans, collar shirt, leather vest, widebrimmed hat. Never wears armor because it slows him down. Normally wears a bandanna tied over his mouth to cover his identity and block the sun. ALWAYS wears his customized gunslinger's leather belt. Is known to use shotguns, knives, old fashioned rifles, and bolt-action rifles. Will ALWAYS wear his two Colt Peacemaker revolvers in his holsters.
Caleb Rutgers. He is an elderly man of fifty years and should have been well passed his wandering years. But for all his age, he holds himself up with a demeanor of a much younger man. He stands at a humble six feet in height but the worn, heels of his cowboy boots and spurs accentuate his height another three inches. He is dressed in a historical western hostler's clothes: black jeans, a faded workshirt, tanned leather vest, and completed with a widebrimmed cowboy hat. He wears a bandanna over his mouth in a robber’s fashion to block the sun. His huge leather belt, with a bright silver buckle in the shape of a star, is lined with slots to hold his bullets and each side ends in a custom-tailored holster. Occupying each leather carrier is a massive revolver with a long barrel: a Colt Peacemaker. The two monstrosites weigh down each side of the belt, sagging them down low to his thighs in a gunslinger's fashion. There are at least sixty cartridges lining his belt, heavily oiled to keep them clean. Most of the bullets are capped and crafted by his own hands. Stuck into the side of his left boot is a Bowie knife with a razor sharp edge and hand guard. Slung over his shoulder, suspended by a leather strap, is an old model Winchester rifle chambered with the same .45 calibered bullets of his pistols.
Caleb is lucky for a man his age. His face is completely devoid of wrinkles and has the perpetual softness of a baby's skin. His hair is completely white but still possesses a glossy shine. He allows it to grow out long so it fringes the side of his head and covers the nape of his neck. Caleb has the icy, pale blue eyes of a bombardier and anyone catching his gaze will feel like their entire soul is being penetrated. His clever hands have been saved by the pains of arthritis but occaisonally shakes horribly when the weather is cold.
Though he dresses as a man of a different era, Caleb is altogether familiar with the pains of the modern world. His grandfather served as an army Ranger before being sent home when he was critically wounded in the skirmishes against the Chinese army on the Alaskian warfront. For his bravery and ninety confirmed kills in the war, his grandfather and his family is given a place in one of the few built vaults around the world. When the nukes have fallen and the world has fallen alongside it, Caleb and his family are still well and alive. For his entire childhood, he is taught in survival under the tutelage of his grandfather and is raised on the fantastic tales of old Western shooters. This has visibly impacted him, evident by his appearance. When the vaults opened after a preliminary time in darkness, Caleb is sent out as one of the scouts. He wanders about, enchanted by the rough frontier similar to the Wild West, and never returns back to the vault. Ever since, he has been traveling about with the tales of the Lone Ranger kept close to his heart.
In relation to our time, Caleb has the cold eyes of a young Clint Eastwood, the easy western drawl of John Wayne, the regal long hair of Richard Harris, and the lightly wrinkled face of Sir Alec Guinesses. Historically, he has the honor bound ethics of Wyatt Earp, the frontiersman attitude of Wild Bill Hickock, and the sophisticated upbringing of Doc Holliday.
Gunslinger, Apr 15, 2003
Unicron First time out of the vault
Name: Rudy Kafka
Description: A tall brown haired man with dark green eyes. He is always seen wearing his light brown leather jacket, dusty blue jeans, and black combat boots. Slung over his shoulder is a dark green duffel bag in which he keeps anything he happens to find.
Personality: Rudy grew up in one of the few "Vault Cities" that actually survived. He thinks he knows everything there is to know about the waste as he learned all about the outside world by watching old holo-vids that he found inside the vault. Having seen some of the old pre-war movies and hereing tales of the few wanderers that were let into the city, he decided that his place was out in the world seeking adventure. So he grapped what he could from his fathers general store and left. Most would consider Rudy extremely nieve, and they would not be completely correct. Along side his nievity is a slightly skewed view of reality. In some ways he considers himself the same as his favorite heros of the old vids he used to watch. However this isn't always a bad thing as he shows very little fear in battle.
Items: HIdden inside his jacket is an old Glok 9mm that used to belong to his grandfather. Inside his duffel bag are all the items he's scavanged, these include a few stimpacks, a couple pistols, an SMG, some rations of food, a canteen, ammo for more guns than he has and a rocket launcher (sans rocket).
Combat: Rudy trained himself to use a gun and he's actaully become quite good, however when it comes to hand to hand and melee he has had his ass handed to him in many different bars across the waste. As for the more exotic weapons, Rudy has never even laid eyes on an energy weapon
Unicron, Apr 24, 2003
Stranger First time out of the vault
Name: Virgil Black
Race: Ghoul
Hair: Black. Full head of it (strange for a ghoul), cut short, and usually a bit messy.
Age: Was in his early-mid twenties at the time of the war
Weight: Approx. 165 lbs
Skin: Ash-greyish color. Bony-looking face, and covered with scars, mostly from radiation burns. Obviously a ghoul from sight, but not as malformed as some ghouls.
Voice: Gravelly and a bit raspy, but clear and articulate.
Clothing: Wears mostly dark leather over all of his body up to his neck. Always wears leather gloves. Keeps a kevlar vest beneath his shirt. Heavy walking boots.
Weapons: Profficient with both small arms and energy weapons. Carries a plasma pistol at his hip that he picked up a long time ago, as well as a Colt .45 automatic in a rear holster on his back, beneath his jacket. Usually takes a rifle with him when he travels. Keeps a switchblade in his coat pocket.
Misc: Regularly smokes cigars, and carries an old zippo lighter.
Virgil Black is originally from, Alaska, where he worked as a computer technician. With the military buildup of both American and Chinese forces at the Alaskan front towards the end of the war, the area was hit heavily when the bombs fell. Being one of the few people to survive, and one of even fewer ghouls, he found himself having to walk down south to avoid the harsh northern winter out alone in the wastes. Have no roots any longer, he wandered from town to town fort quite some time (at least those who would accept him) on foot or horseback.
His prior career gives him a solid grounding in working with computers and electronic or mechanical equipment, and his surprising profficiency with energy weapons suggests that he had some sort of military training before the war. He also possesses a number of skills that were commonplace before the war, but may have become more forgotten or less useful, such as driving a car, reading, etc...
Though he had been a relatively peaceful man as a normal human, the stresses of existing on his own has made his ways change significantly, and he has thus become much harder as a person, but still maintains a great deal of wisdom with his age, and is unlikely to just run into a fight, often making sure to think things out. Harsh as he is, as all wasteland drifters are, he still has a sense of morality.
Unlike many ghouls, he isn't a weak person who accepts being a victim of their circumstance.
Stranger, May 28, 2003
Jacen Still Mildly Glowing
Occupation: Wanderer.
Eyes: Dark blue eyes
Hair: Short blond
Weapons: Jim can use almost any kind of weapon, but he favors small arms. His personal favorite is a Gauss pistol, when he can get ammo for it that is. He also carries a Mauser with him, something he picked up during his travels. Also has some concealed weapons which are unknown for now.
Items: Some stimpaks, a pouch of radX and rad away, a canteen, various pieces of tech (a broken Pipboy, a Geiger counter and various small parts), some maps, and some extra ammo.
Clothing: Jim is wearing a large hooded cloche, which conceals all his stuff and what he’s wearing underneath. There are some small bullet holes in it and while he’s walking in the sun you can see a faint red glow coming through them.
Personal story: Jim was born in a small village, which was situated close to the council of the all knowing. His father was a stranger who came by one day, fucked his mom and then left. Prewar things and places have always fascinated Jim. Not being allowed to enter the council, which was so close by, only stimulated his curiosity and got him into trouble. Jim has a natural ability to repair stuff, for some reason he’s really good at it. Must be something he got from his father.
When Jim was old enough he was forced to leave the village and he started wandering the wastes.
(More will unfold in the story)
Jacen, Jun 3, 2003
Wasteland_Blade First time out of the vault
Name:Blade
Occupation:U.S. Marine(Discharged)
6 ft. 4 in. tall
Buzz Cut (Brown Hair)
Blade can carry any weapon, favors rifles. Mutants attacked the base he was stationed at. Killing all personnel except Blade. Now Blade is reduced to wandering the wasteland. He was born in Texas. His family was forced to move to California after the nuclear blast. He was named Blade because his parents wanted him to have a radical name. He is now a mercenary/ bounty hunter.
Ka-Bar Knife
Always camoflauge fatigues
Other Inventory(Nothing relating to weapons)
Wasteland_Blade, Jun 29, 2003
Fallout First time out of the vault
Name : Buffy
Favorite Drink: Nuka-Cola, warm and flat.
Former Occupation: Bartender
Physical Charecteristics
Eyes: a strong hazel
Heigth: 5'7"
Weigth: 109
Hair: Flowing blonde, but not a glowing blonde like the other girls have.
Buffy likes to travel in a navy blue trench coat that was passed on to her by her mother. But many unperceptive people would be fooled by her apperence, because underneath the trench coat she keeps a collectors edition of a combat knife (also named "Little Jesus", she picked it up in this weird town off this guy she banged.) , Pancor JackHammer slinged over her back with a strap, dual .223 pistols in black suede holsters on each of her hips, dual desert eagles on brown suede holsters located under her underarms, and a spiked knuckle in her breast pocket if things get close. She also has steel toed boots for that extra punch, some people may consider it cheating, but she just thinks of it as a way to deliver more bone crushing damage.
Buffy's goal in life is to start up her own bar or something like that, some kind of buisness she runs. Just like her father before her. She couldn't remember her name, but it was something like Cassey, or something like that. But shortley after she was born he died of heart attack, and her mother died during birth, she was left with her fathers traveling companion, Vic. She learned how to repair things, and eventually wandered away from home. Now she is traveling the wastes hoping to stop all of the bloodshed and settled down and start her own buisness.
Fallout, Jul 3, 2003
Gruug Look, Ma! Two Heads!
Name: Gruug
Real Name: Unknown
Age:94(and as active as if he were 60 again!)
Race: Super Mutant
Occupation: Did work for the master, realised his wrong, and is now out to try and help the Wastes as best he can
Family: More than likely dead
Physical Appearance: He looks quite big, just topping 9 ft, but you can almost sense that behind that black skin on his face, that he was just smiling at you....
Eyes: Dark green
Hair: None
Height: 9 ft 2 inches
Weight: Hard to tell
Skin Color: Pitch Black
Gruug is quite smaller than most Super Mutants, although he makes up for it in his larger brainal capacity, thusly, he is a lot more intelligent than most Super Mutants
Personality: I will give a bit of it away, but the rest is to find out yourself. He tries to greet everyone openly, no matter who they are. He is a very helpfull person, that is, when people let him help.
He does not really like slavers, as it sort of reminds him of what he helped do to the pure humans.
Weaponry:
Gruug carries a custom made Kalashinikov, twice as big as the usual ones, and with the trigger guard gone. He also has some spiked steel knuckles on his left hand, and an array of crude looking meele weapons hanging from a belt around his mid section. You can't tell, but it looks like he has some grenades of sorts hanging out of various pockets along the horizontal strap.
The Kalashinikov hangs from a strap down Gruug's back.
He always carries a big back pack on top of his Kalashinikov, although the backpack is situated so he can draw the Kalashinikov if the need arises. He carries some grenades, and strangely, you think you see... No way... Books in his backpack.
He also seems to be carrying some stims and a few super stims, and from the looks, one ultra stim.
He is wearing a sort of custom made mutant armor, with metal plating around the torso, leather which is reinforced with strips of sheetmetal bits on his legs, but wearing nothing on his arms.
There we go, that just about wraps up Gruug, now time to post.
Gruug, Jul 5, 2003
Syphon A Smooth-Skin
Real Name: Jonathan Davis
Alias: Syphon
Skin Color: Light Tan
Voice Type: Deep Alto/Light Bartitone
Blood Type: O-
Occupation: Scavenger/Drifter
Family: Dead
Family Origin (hertige): Scotland, Italy and Germany
Physical Appearance: Syphon is a tall, but Lanky fellow. He is quite handsome, compared to the normal wasteland man. He has black spiked hair, and a eye brow peircing on his left brow. Syphon has many tatoos on his shoulder to his forearms, from scribbles to religious references.
Personality: Syphon is a pretty shady character, but is loyal and fair to one's he care about. He can be crude at sometimes, and sometimes he can be passionate. He's pretty much a thrill seeker and fun guy to be around.
Clothing Syphon wears baggy blue jeans, with combat boots and a dirty white t-shirt with black fingerless gloves. Over his clothing, Leather armor lays. It's pretty much made up of leather rags, and the occasional metal wiring. Metal chains hang from the shoulder pads, which give him an intimdating look.
Weaponry: Two 9mm pistols, Sawed-off Shotgun (pistol handle) and M219 Bolt-action Rifle. He also carrys a baseball bat, slung around his shoulder with a strap.
x9 Stimpacks, 24x Metal Shotgun slugs, 64x 9mm JHP rounds, 21x .219 rounds, Zippo Lighter, Cigarette Pack, and some Catpaw's Magazine all carried in a satchel strung over his shoulder.
Syphon, Jul 16, 2003
Sander This ghoul has seen it all
Staff Member Admin Orderite
Since I'm interested in joining in, I'll write up a character description, please, tell me when an option to enter comes up(although I could think of some easy ways for this character). Also, if you don't like how I design this character or make some design faults, please say something.....
Name-Unknown
Age-Somewhere between 18 and 25.
Eyes-Brown/green, you probably won't get to see them much.
Length: about 1m50(4"11)
Race-Human
Weight-Very thin, about 70-80 lbs. I'd say.
Hairr-Dark brown, almost black, and very very long. As if it hasn't ever been cut....which, in fact, is actually true, and thus pretty dirty, with a bit of dreadlock effect, but mainly just dirty.
Skin color-ALthough odd for someone from the wastes, he has a very pale complexion.
Voice-Pretty high, almost shreakingly.
Occupation-none.
Family-Unknown.
General Appearance- He's a very small, and thin guy. He seems very distant, not making any kind of vocal contact with anyone, and staying in the shadows and out of sight as much as he can. Think of Gollum, make him more human, add hair, and make his quite a ways smaller, and make him a bit taller, and you'd probably have this guy.
Personality-He's utterly anti-social, although he has the ability to speak, he almost never uses it, and if he communicates, it is usually through gestures and showing emotions. He's very sneaky as well, he tries to stay out of sight and undetected, but doesn't always succeed.
Clothing-He wears pretty simple clothing, mainly consisting of black, dirty and not worn jeans, a long sleeved, dirty and also worn black shirt, and several mechanical trinkets used as, well, decoration. He's also been able to sow some kind of black patch of cloth to his shirt, which can be used as a hood of sorts, and when worn, virtually conceals his face. He has managed to make several pouches and pockets to put stuff in that hang from several places on his clothes, although most of those places are concealed from sight....
Weaponry and other items- A combat knife he picked up somewhere, a lot of technological, medical and other trinkets hanging from several necklaces, but for some reason he has wrapped cloth around all those things, as if not to make them make too much noise.
Abilities-He's very smart, and knows a lot of things, this being mostly due to the fact that he grew up in a library. Sadly, due to his antisocial nature, he can't really show any of the knowledge he has. If you were to give him a pencil and paper, however, he'd probably be able to put some sane things on that paper.
He's pretty handy with the knife, but that's about all he's good for in combat, and if the combat got any farther than him trying to kill something with a single undetected stab, he'd probably be in a lot of trouble. His real ability lies in stealth, he can sneak past most people, and often uses this ability to get himself through daily life, by stealing food and water and other necessities.
He's also pretty handy with mechanical things(explaining the many, many trinkets he has), but he tends to take them apart, and thus, it may not be a very good idea to hand him any sort of explosive device........
Short Bio-He was abandoned by his parents, and he will probably never know why. A ghoul found him, and, being a kind ghoul, decided to take him in and raise him. He took him to his place, the sewers of the town, wher he had stashed most of the pre-war stuff that had ever found it's way into that town, so that the people of the town wouldn't destroy all the knowledge and technology just to have a little fire.
Living in the relative dark, his eyes accustomed to the dark fast, and he learned a lot from the ghoul, he had read through most of the books in the library by the age of ten, since there was little to do. It was then that he started to tinker with all of the technological stuff around, ranging from computers and energy cells to lamps, assisted by the ghoul and this knowledge from the books, he managed to get quite some things working again, and those things he didn't get working, he turned inside-out to see what they'd do.
He had lived all that time by stealing from the inhabitants of the town, but one day he got caught, fleeing, a villager followed him and found the ghoul's place. After being scared off by the ghoul, the villager came back the next day....with a mob. Killing the ghoul, the mob couldn't find the boy, and left. The boy came out from one of the many hiding places, and found the ghoul dead, and most of the place destroyed or looted. Fearing another attack he skipped town, and played stow-away on a caravan leaving town. Hiding between the goods, he found that he wasn't even detected by the caravan. Since then he has been living like that, going from place to place and stowing away on caravans, sure he was caught some times, but when he was, the merchants either pitied him, he is a very pitiful creature, or left him to rot in the desert, not realizing that he would follow the caravan and hide amongst the goods after a day or so again.
Wow, this has become quite long, tell me whether or not you consider this to be good or not, and whether I would be allowed to join. I'd also like to say that most of the information given here isn't necessary, but sure helps when trying to interact someone who barely speaks and hides most of the time, because it gives some motivations and basic characterics, as well as skills....
Sander, Jul 16, 2003
Lost Cause First time out of the vault
OOC: Im totally new to this so please be patient and bare with me, not to mention i have never posted anything on any of these forums yet. Well, this is the best thing I could think up at the moment..
Name ominic "Twitch" Broder
Height: 5'10
Weight: a gaunt 155 pounds
Faction: Eastern Brotherhood of Steel Deserter
Family: Unknown
Inventory: 2 10mm Pistols, each with 4 clips, Brotherhood leather armor, zippo lighter, carton of cigarettes, backpack full of food and water
Bios: Dominic, or Twitch as everyone else refers, was somewhat of a loner all of his life. He spent most of younger years growing up in a small farming community under the control of the Brotherhood. When he reached the age of 16, he conscripted into the ranks as do all of the village men. His views of the Brotherhood being his only hope and dream of ever seeing any excitement was obliterated as he was shown the true torment brought to the poor souls of the "outsiders" drafted in the vast Brotherhood armies. Shortly after his two week training period he was thrown into his first mission.
From what they were told, the mission was supposed to be nothing more than a recon of an unused, abandoned military installation to the south. As ordered, they marched for 2 days toward what they beleived would be a simple task. Everything was going according to plan until they happened to stumble upon thier long awaited target. As his squad slowly approached the main blast door, they all had a bit of fear in thier eyes. Thier squad leader spoke to them, trying to bring up the slowly deminishing moral of his men. Then, all hell broke lose. The blast doors opened with a loud grinding of metal. The squad moved to a defensive formation and awaited whatever was coming for them. As they stared into the darkness, a small circular object rolled out from inside the blast door. "Grenade!" was the last words from his squad leader, as he dove onto the object, drivin by pure instinct to save his men. Charred body parts flew everywhere, and the rest of the five men opened fire into the darkness ahead. After everyone emptied thier clips, a sickening silence fell over the squad. "What do we do now?" was all that was heard from one of his brothers, before a faint sound came from in the darkness. It sounded like a faint hiss, and a small light slowly crept forward, out of the darkness. Once again the squad opened fire, but to no avail. The light grew in strength, until it was a massive fireball that engulfed his entire squad. By chance, the Brother that Twitch happened to be standing next to had a natural reaction to push him out of the way. So, to his horror, Twitch witnessed his entire squad burned to death by an unknown assailant, with a mighty flamethrower. The only reaction Twitch had was to pick himself up, and run. He ran until he thought his lungs would burst, then collapsed, lost in the desert, surrounded by nothing but sand.
He walked for days, not knowing which direction he was taking, hoping that he would stumble upon something.... Anything. But his luck failed him, and on the sixth day, without food and water, he collapsed, and fell unconscious. He drempt that he was back home, on his farm with his loving mother and three brothers, working the fields, as if none of this had ever happened. He started to assume he had died, and began to try and forget what had occurred on his diasterous mission. But his peace did not last long, he was awakened by a cool sensation running threw his lips, into his mouth. He began to choke and awoke with a lapse of coughing.
He had been picked up by a passing caravan, which had hoped that it could trade him in to the Brotherhood, in return for some technology. He explained his story best he could, and was forced to give every valuable item he had to them for his freedom, which happened to only be his Brotherhood issued AK-47 and combat knife. The caravan driver must have felt generous, and let him go free at the first town they reached. He began his life anew in this small town of Nabeth, which he worked as a brahmin hand until he could afford enough supplies to begin his travels again.
After a few months which seemed like years, he left this small town, with nothing but; his old Brotherhood of Steel issued Leather Armor, two 10mm Pistols eached strapped to a leg, a knife, and a backpack full of as much water and food as he could carry. He has been walking the waistlands ever since......
(Hope this isn't too horrible, please post yer comments/pointers- thanks)
Lost Cause, Sep 22, 2003
The physopathic Polock Still Mildly Glowing
I know you said that you wern't expecting any Brotherhood characters, but I figured I'd give it a shot:
Name: Polock
Race: Human (Mixed Polish, Canadian, Greek, Irish, and Scottish)
Appearance: The more vague answer is: He has a brown beard of medium thickness, his head is somewhat enlarged (seemingly to hold his massive brain). He is a bit on the chubby side (but that bitchin trenchcoat makes him look thinner).
Of course, an easy answer is that he is a large-headed Kevin Spacey look-alike. And I’m not sure if Spacey has a beard. If he doesn’t, them Polock also has a beard added to that. Did I mention that tattoo of the BoS logo on his (Polock’s) top left wrist?
Polock usually wears the torso part of his Combat Armor over his shirt, but still keeps it under his coat.
Skills: Gunfighting, Advanced Marksman Training, Basic Computer Operation.
Current Weapons in Possession: Sniper Rifle, .44 Desert Eagle, H&K MP9 (10mm variant)
Armor and Clothes worn: Black Trenchcoat, BoS Combat Armor, Jeans, Grey T-shirt, Boots
Other Items: Journal, Pen, Polish Eagle amulet, unidentified Holodisk, .223 ammo, .44 ammo, 10mm ammo.
Background Story: All right then: I was born in a tin box called Delta Bunker. Said tin box was (and very likely still is) owned by the Brotherhood of Steel, floating on solid ice and rock in the snowy badlands of a place called Idaho.
I never had many experiences with a mother, because the moment she recovered from pregnancy, her boss abducted her at gunpoint. I never saw her again.
My brother ran away at age 13, but I’m not sure of it was Dad, (Who always ever so helpfully drove him to be ubber-militaristic, even though his mindset was too much like mine and we hated that stuff in excess. My father is such a physiological wunder-kid!) or me (Who bugged both my brother and everyone else living in the base, thus ruining my chance to score with the local babes.) that drove him away, but it doesn’t matter now.
What other wondrous things did I do? Well, I had nearly crawled up to Senior Initiate Scribe, when like the incredibly smart, patent, and mature person I am, I blew the proverbial Popsicle stand!
My wanderings (other then a semi-accidental three-way with some Russkie named Ediva and a raider named Ilona I had in Post Falls) are none of you concern, dumbass, and when I got back, my dad stupidly hugged me, and that’s when things got screwy.
But when a dead ghoul, a drunken escapade through New Boise, a war with a Unity/Desonite axis, a near hit-or-miss incident in Canada (and strange adventures in Yellowknife that had nothing to with almost accidentally having sexual relations with my estranged mother), and…
Oh, you’re concerned about that part about my mother? Well, fortunately, it got nowhere, but the way it started was pretty odd. You see, the reason that she confused me with dad (besides my looking a little too much like him) is that she didn’t notice my huge head, and that I didn’t get my tattoo until she had left. (My dad branded me as a baby? I’m suppressed I’m not dead! Well, the getting tattooed as a baby is a simple tale. It was meant for my dad, but the guy who did it was a little insane, and thought dad meant me. Oops, but I kind of grown to like the little freak of nature. (The tattoo, that is, you sick freak!) Sentiments are weird.)
Luckily, Canadian secret agents broke into the room before anything serious happened. Leave it to fate to have us only beginning to undress and enter the sack, though. It saved us loads of embarrassment, and killing time. The Canadians were dead on arrival, but mom had to leave for a second time.
But how did I end up commanding the Idaho BoS? Well, on me return, the Elders had flipped out more then usual, and along with some liberal pinko-commie named Petrox, I somehow would up killing the Elders and assuming control. I didn’t even want the job, mind you, but my Brothers and Sisters insisted! Ooh, just what I need; worthless fucking authority!
I excused myself from the political merry-go-round on the excuse of rejoining our forces in Illinois, Fools, they do not know why I really left. I’m not really quitting my day job, but I just wanted to,
well; to quote the old song: “I want to get away, I want to get away! I want to get away. I want to fly, away! Yea, yea, yea!”
Occupation: High Elder/General, Idaho BoS
Mental Disorders: None major, really.
Fighting Style: Brawling
Personality perks: Unusually Intelligent & Clever, Philosophical Mindset
Personality quirks: Socially Immature, Annoying Jackass
Agenda: To escape the pressures of command, under
the false pretense of trying to contact the Illinois Brotherhood of Steel
The physopathic Polock, Oct 5, 2003
PsychoSniper So Old I'm Losing Radiation Signs
Here's my crack at a character, keep in mind that it's subject to change, based on any advice given.
Name: Talon Kardee
Place of Birth: Vault 76
Current Location: Unknown, will join the story soon.
Occupation: Only recently left the Vault, has not been to any city yet
Physical A short but strong guy in a blue vault suit. While short, he is strong and can shoot well, as he was on the vaults security team.
Psychological Description: Very stubborn and intelligent, he was Vault 76's top investigator for crimes. If someone hacked/stole your pipboy you would request him for the case. He was officaly kicked from the vault for being to public about wanting to know what is outside the vault, the unoffical and true reason was humping the overseers daughter. He has yet to see any mutants or ghouls, but once the shock wears off, he will treat them like regular humans.
Clothes : He's wearing a vault suit with a large 76 on the back. He also has a gun belt and a bandolier for ammo/nades as well as a backpack..
Inventory: he has vault issue field rations, water containers (complete with the number 76 on the side), radX and rad away as well as a small pup tent. He also has a pipboy with a shortrange motion detector that in the open can detect motion up to 100 yards away. In hills and rough terrain, the range decreases greatley.
Weapons: One 9mm pistol with several clips, and a scoped M-21 with 40 rounds (2 mags) of 7.76 mm ammo.
(he wasnt supposed to get the M-21, but some friends from security added it on the sly)
(Maybe dump the M-21, or barter it away for armour)
Welsh, Gunslinger, I leave it to Y'all to edit my characther and his story as well as determine when to bring him in.
I just want to keep the vaultdweller part and the reason for being kicked un-changed
PsychoSniper, Oct 25, 2003
Maverick First time out of the vault
Name: Maverick, Jackson
Current Location: Trapped within Gray Cliffs, with a merchant party he was hired to guard (a different party, not the Lone Wanderers).
Occupation: Odd Jobs, but was hired to guard a merchant party in Gray Cliffs
Physical Description Jack is a darkly tanned Caucasian, with a medium muscular build. He has very little fat on him, most going towards muscles. He is fast running, but due to his bulk, not very agile. He has dusty blonde hair (in a natural spike), silver-ish eyes, but otherwise has no outstanding features.
Psychological Description: Jack is a very light-hearted person, with a laid-back look on life. He realizes the value of hard work, however, and prides himself at being good at whatever he’s hired to do. When something serious happens (a gunfight, maybe) Jack stops cracking bad jokes and does what he’s told, or attempts to formulate a plan. Very rarely does he give up or surrender in anything meaning he is very stubborn.
Clothes Jack has the whole “Wasteland Warrior” thing going. He wears a black t-shirt (over which he wears a set of leather armor), and (jungle) camouflaged pants, with a WW2-era British trechcoat and army regulation boots, salvaged from a prewar Army Surplus Store in old-Dallas.
Inventory: Jack carries an assortment of backpacks and supply-belts, holding various equipment, the most important being water, rations, and ammunition.
Weapons: An Kalashnikov AK-47 (slung over the shoulder and plenty of magazines), SIG Sauer P226 (.40 Cal Variant) (in a hip holster), and a Mac 10 (jammed in his belt).
Maverick, Oct 25, 2003
DarkCorp So Old I'm Losing Radiation Signs
Name: Eric Chang
Place of birth: Arizona
Current Location: Unknown
Occuptation: Mercenary
Training: Mostly small arms and rifle training.
Record: He wanders from town to town, doing whatever job that needed to be done. Due to the collapse of social order, most often than not, Eric did mercenary work. During his early years, after the death of his parents, Eric worked mostly for the NAC. Currently, he is searching for a man named Kilrick.
Psych Profile: Often quiet and sticks to himself. In a team situation however, Eric realises that good charisma can get you places.
History: Born in Arizona to John and Marie Chang. At age 16, he set off in search of work to help his parents. After three years abroad, he returned home only to find out his parents had been brutally murdered by raiders. Lost and without direction, Eric swore that he would stay alive. Survive until the day he could pay back the raiders for taking the only thing he had cherished.
Weapon: M4 rifle with 2, 30 round clips of 5.56mm and one MR Desert Eagle with 5, 8 round clips of .300 grain jacketed hollow point.
Armor: A kevlar vest from one of his victims.
Miscellaneous: An old army issue ALICE rucksack, one pair of nightvision goggles, a canteen, and some MREs.
DarkCorp, Oct 28, 2003
flatlinedeath666 Still Mildly Glowing
Name: Derich West
Place of birth: Es-say (San Antonio), Texas
Description: Derich is of average height and weight, with no distinct scars or body art. He is known to keep his hair closely buzzed and keeps a goatee. He was last seen wearing an old camoflauge USGI Flak Vest with a USGI Load Bearing Vest over it and an old M5 aid bag on his back. He is known to be armed with an old M16A1 rifle that is in good shape but prone to jamming. Derich is an easy going man, and early always has a calm demeanor and reassuring attitude. Gregarious and outward, Derich is known to give medical aid to anybody he encounters in need.
Hair: Dark Brown
Blood Type: O+
Occuptation: Combat Medic
Training: Derich West has traveled far and wide and has studied under several different well-schooled medics and doctors from the South-West to the East coast of what used to be the United States of America. Though no way qualified as a doctor, his use of first aid is quite honed and Derich can stabilize casualties suffering from even the worst battlefield trauma. He is also quite knowledgeable on several tribal homeopathic healing methods. He seems quite rehearesed in the ways of the gun; he is equally comfortable using larger firearms such as rifles as he is using pistols.
Record: Derich West has been known to drift through the wastes, stopping by from town to town, sometimes working in local clinics with doctors and sometimes providing simple treatments to townships that lack established health care. He is also known to group with adventurers and salvage crews that frequent old military installations or cities.
Kevlar Flak Jacket
LBV w/ 2 M16 Magazine Pouches, 2 1 Qt Canteens
M5 Aid Bag Fully stocked with a field-surgery kit, IV Solutions, Quikclot Bandages, Stimpacks, and regenerative bio-gel, several pouches of tribal healing dust
M16A1 Assault Rifle w/ 12 30-round 5.56mm Magazines
(Imagine Brad Pitt from Fight Club (after he shaves his head) in paramilitary garb... Thats Derich West)).
flatlinedeath666, Oct 28, 2003
Name: Dreg
Age: 25ish
Race: Mostly human, but with something else thrown in
Occupation: Martial arts expert, trying to find more than the 1000 ways he knows of to kill a man without firing a gun, and a bit of a lone wanderer.
Eyes: Dark gray
Hair: Non, bald
Height: 6 ft 4
Weight: 307lbs, mainly muscle
Complextion: A strange grayish complexion
Dreg is a very well built person, all of his muscles are toned, and he is very strong. He is also very agile, which suprises people, because of his size.
Personality: Dreg is quite solitary, but once you get to know him, he is good fun to have around, he knows when to crack a joke and laugh at one, and when to be serious. But first you would have to earn his trust to get him to really talk to you.
Weapons: It doesn't look like dreg is carrying any weapons... Apart from the long wooden pole, but hey, what could that possibly do? Uh, right?
Clothing: Dreg just wears a pair of shorts, and some simple slippers on his feet. The rest of his powerful frame is exposed.
Items: Dreg carries around his shorts a belt, which contains various things to survive, food, water, a few stims, that sort of thing.
Something else: Ok, well I've had a bit of a talk with Welsh on this new character,(thanks for the guidance Welsh!) and have changed him from what I had in mind in the first place.
Ok, you may be wondering, how the hell does he have gray skin? Well all he knows is that something happened to the genetics of his family, and since before the war, his family had had gray skin, and had lost the sense of touch, now this isn't like the Ghouls loosing a bit of their sense of touch, this is total. I've tried to balance this out, so I put in that he can't use guns and knives, just melee and his pole. But he is an utter grand master in those two fields. Most likely because, his parents told him, that all of their line since before the war, has studied and done martial arts at the same time they mastered walking.
*Takes a big deep breath* And there we are. Any comments?
Oh, also, he has been captured by the Ozprezki, who are getting ready to sacrifice him, but they don't know about the little stealing party.
Now I'm truly done, as we say here, g'day mate.
Gruug, Nov 14, 2003
Carib FMJ Nuka-Cola Chaser
My Character
NAME: Stryfe
HEIGHT: 6’2” ft
HAIR: Raven black
EYES: Emerald green
APPEARANCE: Brown skin tanned by years of walking under the unforgiving sun… Stryfe is a tall, lanky, but nowhere weak figure of a man. Tight muscular flesh that seems to be hidden beneath a fairly lanky frame work. A mixture of white, African and possible Asian heritage, Stryfe has the look of a mystic and the cold stare of a man who has killed before all combined in one. Tattoos of death claw markings and rnes adorn his arms, shoulders and back as well as neck area. Long plaited hair hangs at the base of neck line. Some battle scars can be seen, like one small scars on his cheek and under his eye from previous encounters.
Some csras on his chest, near his stomach where he was shot and another around his back, where he was knifed. For all his wounds you see a man who has came close to the end but somehow made.
-Stryfe is ruthless, wily, cunning and shrewd. But despite his mercenary nature and often self-centered mentality, he tends to always show his honorable side at the right time. A real loner, Stryfe usually joins causes when it is to his own benefit, and often distances himself from would-be allies, as he sees everyone as a potential threat. A bit stoic, Stryfe is a man who keeps his emotions and true feelings away from prying eyes. His reasons are shrouded in mystery – but if you look carefully into his green eyes you see a soul struggling to maintain his sanity in an insane world.
-One AK-47, an actual Soviet Model pre-dating the Great War. In mint condition since it was removed from some Survivalist shelter in the wastes. Rechambered to accomodate the American 7.62mm FMJ. The rifle has an expanded magazine and lethal full automatic firing capacity making it a deadly weapon. Stryfe usually has this on hand when things get ugly,
-Dual Desert Eagle pistols: These twin, chrome black Deserth Eagles use the .44 FMJ caliber rounds, with double action. Meaning this weapon can fire faster and safer in his hands. These are his main pistols which have saved his life countless times.
-Combat Knives: Stryfe carries two, just in case. One is seen on his person, the other hidden in a sheath in his boot. Filed to and serrated edges, these blades cause pain and agony to any who would cross him.
ITEMS AND GEAR
-Dog Tags
-Lockpick set
-Water Canteen
-Combat Knife with a sharpened edge
-Stimpaks
-Backpack
-RobCO PIPBoy 2000
-Gas Mask
-Deans Electronics Guide Book
-Money $600
-Bottle of Nuka Cola
-Zippo Lighter
-First Aid Kit
-Some Rations
-Mirrored Shades
-Tool Kit
-Flak jacket trench coat with Kevlar vest underneath. Long, denim jeans, double belts, gun holsters at hip and under arm.
-Leather gauntlet
-Steel toe boots
Stryfe is a remarkable gunslinger, accurate to the point of lethality when it comes to his Desert Eagles or laying down death with his AK-47. Also the understanding of pre-war devices such as computers and old forgotten technology make him a useful person. Some say this innate skill came from his time in a Vault, of course, if asked, Stryfe will never answer you. Lock picking and outdoors are his main skills. He knows how to get by the land and live off it, having spent much time in the wastes.
Some old Survivalist bunker from the pre-war... It is room, has two beds, a bathroom, kind of like living quarters of a Vault, except without waterchips.
Carib FMJ, Nov 18, 2003
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How IoT will force traditional businesses to change
Data/Analytics
Enterprise SaaS
MusicTech
Blog, Insight, Internet of things(IoT)
Norwegians must get out of their comfort zone, says leading business lobby
The Internet of Things (IoT) will change everything. Existing businesses will be disrupted and their business models will be changed forever. Here’s why.
Put yourself in the shoes of Philips, consumer products manufacturer. Philips makes dishwashers. One day, they’re going to throw a sensor and wifi chip into the newest dishwasher model and call it a “smart” appliance.
We’ll have the thing we never knew we needed: the connected dishwasher.
It’s not so simple though. Philips can’t put some chips into an appliance and call the project complete. They need to design an app that consumers could conceivably use. Then, they need an API so that Smart Things or some other home automation software can control it.
Philips was a consumer hardware manufacturer. But with the connected dishwasher, is it still? Or is it a software company? Is it an App and API company? Of course not. Philips will continue to build appliances and outsource that kind of work to someone else.
But there’s more work left. The dishwasher needs to communicate to the power grid if it’s going to be “smart” and cycle at the most opportune times. Does that make Philips a data communication company?
And what happens when the dishwasher needs servicing? Luckily, its sensors can determine when repairs are needed before something breaks. The dishwasher “calls” a service provider and tells them what part it needs. Or better yet, a technician could log in remotely and fix the problem with software. No in-person visit required.
Philips is now solving problems the same way Tesla “repairs” my car! Doesn’t that strike you as a big leap for a consumer appliance company?
Dishwasher-as-a-Service
I say “DaaS” only partly tongue-in-cheek.
Because when Philips walks down this path, it will transform how the company does business. Its existing models aren’t compatible with its business needs. The dishwasher company will become a service company.
Not only that, but Philips isn’t competing against its old peers anymore. The company enters a field where it doesn’t have any core competencies: home automation.
The consumer isn’t buying a dishwasher. In their mind, they’re buying another home smart device. Besides every other consumer appliance manufacturer, Philips now has to compete with Apple, Bose, and Samsung for the same top of mind and share-of-wallet.
The other dishwasher companies don’t seem like a big threat anymore.
Guest post: Remote development teams in the Nordics
Today, we’re in a mobile-focused world. Before that, it was the web. Then PC, and then Mainframe. Right now, people think IoT is geeky. They believe it can change “infrastructure,” whatever infrastructure means to them. But what they don’t realize is that IoT is probably the driving force of the next era of computing. We already have more IoT sensors connected to the internet than people In the next five years, the number of sensors will outnumber people by a factor of 10.
Philips and companies like them will have their business models disrupted. They’ll walk down new paths, completely unprepared for the risks that they’ve introduced.
But that’s where the massive opportunities lay. Startups can fill the gap. Investors can finance them. Someone will profit from the demise of the Old Guard.
The next era is coming, and it will either be the IoT era or an era driven by it.
This article was originally posted by Stephen Forte on Fresco Capital.
Guest writer January 11, 2016
Nordic Startup Awards finalists announced
Insurance-tech had a record-breaking start in 2016
Kaffe Bueno is Nominated for Best FoodTech/AgriTech Startup by Nordic Startup Awards
Innovation center for the disabled successfully funded
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Can we talk for a minute about resentment and anger? Because postpartum hormones are a real bitch, let me tell ya. Instagram is chock full of those joyful, weepy moments and pleas for time to slow down and I’m guilty of sharing those moments as much as any other mama! But part of the reason those moments are so sweet and we exalt in them so deeply is because they offset the moments when we need to remember why we’re even doing this.
To me it seems like there’s a dark side to parenting emotions that nobody talks about: resentment, anger, exasperation, doubt, emotional fatigue, and omg the GUILT. As complex human beings we obviously have access to just as many negative emotions as positive emotions, so why can’t we talk about those, too? Are they too ugly for Instagram or is there just so much shame attached that we can’t acknowledge it? Or even more terrifying, am I the only one who feels this way sometimes?
I know damn well I’m in the “trenches” phase of motherhood with a fussy newborn and two kids under two, but it just feels as if everyone else’s days with their kids are so easy breezy and I’m weak for struggling where others do not. The motherhood community is so vast but I still feel isolated. I don’t ever want anyone else to feel guilty that they’re not loving every minute of it, so for the sake of total clarity, here are my mom confessions:
In my darkest moments I sometimes feel resentful towards my newborn for not being able to fall asleep on his own. For demanding so much of my energy that I feel utterly depleted at the end of each day (or more often by noon). I feel angry towards my body for not looking or feeling how I want it to. I feel defeated when I don’t have enough hands to make myself lunch. I feel resentful when I know I deserve to shower or sleep but circumstances don’t permit me to. I’m jealous that Tom gets to go to work each day and pursue projects that challenge and refresh him. I feel angry toward people who insinuate that being a stay at home mom is easy or that I “get to play all day”. I feel weak when my back aches from carrying this child all day long, even though I know I’m still recovering from carrying him inside me for even longer. I feel like a bad homemaker when I forget to prep a meal even though I still manage to get all the dishes and laundry clean done most days. I get upset when after all that I do, my daughter chooses her daddy over me over and over and over again, even though she’s a toddler experiencing a natural developmental phase. I feel angry that I have everything I have ever wanted and worked towards but sometimes I just want a day (okay a month) away from it all.
I know, it’s a lot to read, but it’s also a lot to feel all at once. Maybe you can relate or maybe you’re judging me. But because I don’t have a place for the negative emotions and I don’t know what to do with them and I feel so much shame about it that I can’t even talk about it out loud I’m just gonna leave it all here, acknowledge that it exists, and hope that it makes another parent feel a bit less alone in their journey. So if you’re in the trenches too, know you’ve got a friend down here, and there’s always an end to the fussiness, the teething, the regressions, cold and flu season, or whatever is bogging you down. Solidarity ✊🏻
Preparing for Our Second Baby
One thought on “Sometimes Motherhood is Ugly”
susankassis says:
Love that you shared this! I can definitely relate.
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Checking in on Log Out!
by Alessandro Gandini, Rianka Singh, Nick Dyer-Witheford, Kristy Milland, Lilly Irani
Featured in Logout! (#8)
Platform Capitalism
Reflections on Platform Labour
by Alessandro Gandini, Rianka Singh, Nick Dyer-Witheford, Kristy Milland, Lilly Irani / June 8, 2019 in Logout! (#8)
To close out the Log Out! Conference, the organizers invited four contributors to participate in a roundtable. Each contributor was asked to pull threads from the diversity of presentations heard throughout the day and to help us think through what future action and resistance to the conditions of work under platform labour might look like.
The roundtable presented here is an edited version of a conversation between Nick Dyer-Witheford, Alessandro Gandini, Lilly Irani and Kristy Milland. This mix or respondents, diverse in their backgrounds as academics and workers, undertake the difficult project of summarizing a day’s worth of ideas in a few minutes.
Nick Dyer-Witheford
This has been not only an enjoyable, but an intellectually and politically significant day. I am going to summarize what I heard today and speculatively suggest some ways we might collectively develop and deepen the analysis which has emerged. To organize my thoughts, I use four terms: cycles of struggle, sectors of capital, strategies of resistance, and circulation of struggles.
I’ll begin with cycles of struggle. The day began with the proposition of a hypothesis, namely, that we are beginning to see the emergence of a new cycle of struggles, a wave of movements in which the cybernetic offensive digital capital has waged for the last 40 years against the proletariat is for the first time starting to meet truly significant worksite resistance. It is interesting to think about the relation of this moment to earlier waves and cycles of struggle. Perhaps this is the moment at which insurgent energies that in 2011 largely abandoned the workplace in favour of resistance in the squares and streets of the Occupy movements now return, in a transformed mode, to the abode of production. But if this is the beginning of a new moment of resistance, how might it advance?
That brings us to sectors of capital. In today’s discussions, under the heading of “Platform Capitalism”, we have heard analysis of a wide variety and sites and sectors of digital capital, with related but differing modus operandi. We heard about workplaces in which capital organizes labour for toils done almost entirely on virtual platforms, such as that of workers on Mechanical Turk or the work of Instagram influencers. We have heard about sites where capital organizes highly physical forms of labour mediated through digital managerial and coordinating platforms: we might think here of Deliveroo drivers or the nurses who now have to bid on platforms to work certain shifts. We have also heard about the places where capital organizes the sort of physical and intellectual labour which is in fact necessary for virtual platforms to function, such as the Amazon fulfillment. It seems to me that it is very necessary to both make distinctions between these different sites of platform capital and to connect them. It is important to distinguish them because there are indeed very real differences in how they operate and our analysis will lack credibility to participants in these various ese sites if we collapse all their labours under a single homogenous heading— “platform capitalism”. And yet at the same time it is clearly vital to draw connections because this is how we point to way to possibilities of political alliance.
Perhaps the very richest part of the conference has been hearing about a multiplicity of strategies of resistance. These range widely, and include formulating labour standards for platform workers; the development of labour movement platforms for organizing; stealth networks constructed outside managerial view to incite strike action; possibilities for platform cooperativism; and informal resistances, involving practices of “flexibility from below” and “gaming the system.” We need to think about the relations between these strategies, their possible complementarity, but also, if we are to be honest, some of their real tensions, perhaps even contradictions, and also about the possible sequences of their unfolding–not just what is to be done, but what is to be done first and in what context.
Finally, the circulation of struggles. I suggest that we have today all been participating in a moment of the circulation of struggles. This event, the work of the organizers, has been a remarkable exercise in bringing together, and communicating with, a wide variety of activists and intellectual strands from Canada, from all shores of North America, from Italy, from the United Kingdom and China. We will want to continue that process of the circulation of struggles; those of us who are academics have an unusual, exceptional opportunities, through teaching, publishing, conferencing, to play an important role in that process. I certainly intend to relay the content and the complexity of our discussions today to as many meetings and conferences as I have the opportunity to attend and I imagine that all of us will do the same. The struggles that have been discussed, as Sarah Sharma suggested at the beginning of the conference, involve nothing less than changing the pace, pattern, and scale of life as it is lived today under digital capital. Let us circulate, nurture, intensify and deepen this cycle of struggle.
Alessandro Gandini
My first encounter with platform labour was in 2010, when as a PhD student I was tasked with choosing a digital platform to study as an empirical case. The platform I chose was called Elance. Since then, Elance undertook a merger with its main competitor, oDesk. It is interesting to see that the product of this merger has turned out to be one of the most important freelancing platforms today in terms of number of subscribers —- UpWork. I think the LogOut! conference presentations are testimony to the amount of research that has been and is being produced about this topic over recent years, and the critical mass that is gathering around the study of the ‘gig economy’.
As a community of researchers working on digital labour, however, I believe we have so far talked much less than we should about the role that consumers, especially on platforms like Uber and Deliveroo, play within this picture. One of the key elements in the success of these platforms is that purchasing food through delivery apps, or cabs, is their branding, which portrays an allure of ‘coolness’, and that has a value for consumers of these platforms. We need to talk about this ‘coolness’ more. There is a convenience in economic terms but also in consumption terms to use these platforms, that are cheap for consumers, and cool. The platform cooperatives proposal, which I’m very sympathetic to, will have to at some point come to terms with the idea that one of the main things that existing platforms have been successful at, is to offer a cool and cheap service that is difficult to challenge.
From the side of work, it seems that platforms are designed to make it very difficult for workers to socialise with each other. It is interesting, however, to see research that picks up where there are ‘gaps in the system’ of work individualization, like Callum Cant’s work on Deliveroo, which shows that when you let workers stand in the same space with other workers, they will end up talking and this is going to be a problem for the platform. These are designed to suppress or minimize, at the very least, contact among workers. This is something that the forms of resistance, that we have heard about today, will have to pick up and take to the next level to exploit the many ‘gaps in the system’ that we have been able to see.
From a research perspective, much of the research we have heard today is ethnographic, but this is not sufficient. We need more research that unpacks the internal workings of these platforms in their interplay of human and digital nature. I think we need to understand the social and cultural construction of these platforms and learn more about how the algorithms and codes that run them are designed and constructed. The Black Box these platforms represent is much more complex than just its code. As researchers we are called to question how these algorithms are constructed from the inside, and how opinions translate into code that is imposed upon workers.
I’ve come to study digital labour as a PhD student; back then, the debate was about how social media were putting users ‘at work’ by exploiting their leisure. With the many examples we have seen today, a clear point can be made: what we’ve come to is a context that can be summarised as “labour, not leisure”, and that needs to be treated as such. This involves a qualitative shift in terms of understanding what is at stake when a digital object like a platform comes to intermediate capital-labour relationship. Platforms are not just marketing intermediaries, or ‘simple’ media, but pseudo-employers. These are much more complicated entities that must be questioned and understood by moving beyond the boundaries of existing theoretical approaches across media and labour scholarship.
Lilly Irani
Log Out! asks us to consider disconnection, resistance, and refusal as part of the politics of value accumulation in the digital industries. We are here as academics, as tech workers, whether programmers or Mechanical Turk workers, and as people who generate value for the industry in very different ways. How do we identify with one another’s struggles? How do we generate solidarities?
My own biography has moved through these different positions. As a tech worker, I was asked to design systems that required the labor of temporary and offshored data processing workers that made the magic of AI work. I was one kind of tech worker, but my productivity in the labor process depended on the exploitation and cheapness of other kinds of tech workers’ labors. Antagonisms with management were obscured by antagonisms between programmers and the data processing workers they required and disavowed. Sarah Sharma has also written beautifully about this – those workers, like taxi drivers, who act as media enabling the circulation of other kinds of workers, say managers, in the production of value. As a women studying computer science, I was also channeled into fields where naturalized communicative skills like “empathy” were both denigrated as less than “hardcore coding” but also valorized as core to design. I came into this having seen how my mother’s housework was much less valuable than my dad’s engineering work. That structure and ideology was being repeated in my workplace. My social subjectivity as a tech worker depended on the exploitation of fellow workers. But my own gendered history of home predisposed me to disidentify with that extractive tech sociality. That disidentification from tech work forms were key to how I came to build a system like Turkopticon – a project that brought me into conversation with Kristy Milland and other MTurk workers. Feminist affect theories offer resources for analyzing how our capacities to affect are structured by capital, race, gender, and other processes of difference, as well as the possibilities of redirecting the capacity to care and affect to resist or dismantle. The multitudes prefigured by Hardt and Negri exist in social forms structured by capitalist production. They require us to locate ourselves, analyze how our relations to others have been structured in capitalism, and to unlearn the dispositions that make us more comfortable and valuable connected rather than logged out. Becoming the multitude will take reorganizing ourselves and our connections.
Academic dispositions are worth questioning here. As an academic worker, this conference format is quite familiar. I also work at a public university that relies on less and less state funding. So they nudge us into digital value production. They want us to teach MOOCs and offer digital certificates to train local people who want to increase their wages in their work and entrepreneurship. Our employer surveils our key strokes. The long history of our research University has been one of participating in militarism that has sustained American economic production. As an Iranian American, my parents came here because of wars set into motion through the geopolitics of nation-states, world wars, and oil imperialisms. There are many directions to resist.
As an ethnographer I am leaving Log Out! with lessons and challenges to my own writing nad method. What am doing when I am publishing an article about labor? Who am I publishing it for?
Jamie Woodcock, Callum Cant, and the Tech Worker Coalition (TWC) offered us models of workers’ inquiries. In written form, Notes from Below publishes knowledge about labor from the perspectives of workers embedded in those processes. Workers’ inquiry in spoken form, as practiced by TWC, generates affectively charged conversations and worker sociality. These conversations between workers remake the speaker and hearer not as a designer, a programmer, or networker, but as a worker whose life is torqued by value extraction processes. Written or spoken, workers’ inquiries invite workers into producing new knowledge of about the nature of work.
We ought to question our academic conference forms here as well. There are many people who can’t be at an academic conference for financial reasons, for geographical reasons, for because this structure of communication is not accessible to them. How do we reconfigure our ways of convening to widen the circulation of struggle? Disability scholar Dr. Louise Hickman articulates access labor as those labors that create access to spaces of communication, whether classrooms, archives, or public institutions. She formulates access as the enabling of bodies through the investment of resources into bodies, relations, and environments. Access labor foregrounds how collective life is a product of labor – not natural to the multitude, and not just a question of translation, description, or retrofit. How might we learn from the forms of digital convening organic to many online workers while building away from the platforms that surveil us and extract value from our communication practices? Log Out! asks us to consider struggle amidst and against digital extraction. The work of organizing always requires the labor, the resources, and the imagination to produce access.
Kristy Milland
I am calling out academics, workers, and organizers alike. The Log Out! Conference was blessed by the presence of all three, a rarity at academic events. That is why I want to push everyone in attendance to work with workers. In the past, academics tend to want to do what is right for us, and the organizers, with great intentions, want to do what they already know. Yet workers provide insight into both the research and the organizing that these experts are engaging in. For example, half of the work posted on Amazon Mechanical Turk happens to be projects and surveys posted by academics. Yet rarely are we asked for our input on how to craft the work so it is most efficient or effective, nor are we provided with the outcome of a survey and asked if the results they got seem reasonable. With organizing, we have had individuals appear on our forums and promise us a union, but organizers who have asked us what we want to do and how we want to do it are infrequent. In the end, there is no one better equipped to give you feedback on your mTurk work, survey, or organizing ideas than the workers who are intended to participate in these projects. Workers can provide advice, analyze data, craft organizing campaigns, or even be your co-author on a paper. Our knowledge, experience, and voice are missing in both academia and traditional labour organizations, and this is not only a detriment to the workers, but to academics and organizers as well. A partnership is mutually beneficial.
I do not just want to call out the experts, of course. Workers also need to get more involved in bettering their situation. To begin, workers from all platforms need to get together to share resources and fight for each other’s demands, be it Uber drivers who want higher rates or Handy helpers who want health insurance. I would love to see more solidarity between workers and academics, especially those who are trying to make tools to help us work or other projects which can lead to better work conditions. I want to see partnerships between unions and freelancers who then together can work to change legislation, organize resistance events, or partner up to create new collaborative platforms. In the end, it is solidarity which will lead us out of the painful world of work that has been created for us. We may all come from disparate backgrounds and disparate work experiences, yet in the end we are all workers vying for a better life. To do that, we have to share. More collectivism, more interconnections, more conferences which include workers. From picketing to programming cooperative platforms, participating in surveys to providing advice, collaborations are the key to counteracting the negativity of neoliberal capitalism. Let’s all do this together. Everyone is a worker, and a more positive future of work depends on our collective efforts towards ending exploitation.
Alessandro is a sociologist and a senior researcher at the Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Milan. He is the author of The Reputation Economy, co-author with Alessandro Caliandro of Qualitative Research in Digital Environments, and a co-editor of Unboxing the Sharing Economy.
Rianka Singh
Rianka Singh is a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information.
Nick Dyer-Witheford is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at the University of Western Ontario. His most recent books are Cyberwar and Revolution: Digital Subterfuge in Global Capitalism, co-authored with Svitlana Matviyenko, and Inhuman Power: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Capitalism, with Atle Mikkola Kjøsen and James Steinhoff.
Kristy Milland is community manager of Turker-Nation.com. She has been a crowd worker for more than a decade. She currently attends law school at the University of Toronto.
Lilly Irani is an Associate Professor of Communication & Science Studies at University of California, San Diego. She is author of Chasing Innovation: Making Entrepreneurial Citizens in Modern India and a co-founder and maintainer of digital labor activism tool Turkopticon.
Log Out! The Platform Economy and Worker Resistance
by Alessandro Delfanti, Sarah Sharma / June 8, 2019
by R.K. Upadhya / June 8, 2019
From Logout! (issue #8)
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State ALL
Non Musical Performance
22/08/2020 In Art, Business & Trade, Comedy, Community, DJ/Dance Party, Electro, Environment, Everything Else, Festival, Film event, Health, Hobbies, Jazz, Kids, LGBTQAI+, Lifestyle, Literature, Live Poetry, Medical & Support, Musical performance, Musicals & Shows, New Media, Non Musical performance, Opera & Classical Voice, Orchestral, Other, Other Music, Painting/Fine Art, Photography, Play, Political, Pop, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock & Indie, Science, Talk/Debate By Giselle
Top 10 Australia Culture On this week 23/08/2020 (COVID-19 EDITION)
We are all mortal, fragile beings. And as a direct result, the majority of us are, at best, complete knobs. 10) A Midsummer Night's Zoom 28th August What: 'A Midsummer Night's Zoom' is directed by Eli Simon and features some sparkling new talent. The play has been re-envisioned for the...
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Know You’re Over the Limit at the Melbourne Cocktail Festival
Instability is poison. No matter how depressing the rut you're in is, the fact remains that the rut is a source of comfort, which is why, in the same way a human, when blinded, will always walk in an arc as opposed to a straight line,...
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Top 10 things On in Brisbane this week 27/10/2019
This week's sickening. Alcohol is necessary and it has its after-effects. 10) Lil Sick Live 1st November What: Lil Sick seemingly came out of nowhere. He has a unique sound and an Instagram flooded with designer clothing and expensive ‘flex’s’. Some have compared him to the ‘6ix9ine’ or ‘lil Pump’...
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Top 10 Melbourne Culture On this week 16/06/2019
You'll emerge from this week like a butterfly with a hangover. 10) IoT Festival 18th June What: Welcome to Australia’s premier Internet of Things industry event! Now in its 3rd year, the 2019 Australian IoT Festival is a celebration of the increasingly-connected world and the possibilities it creates for business,...
26/05/2019 In Art, Business & Trade, DJ/Dance Party, Electro, Everything Else, Fair & Fete, Fashion, Festival, Food and Beverage, Kids, Lifestyle, Music Festival, Musical performance, New Media, Other Music, Pop, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock & Indie, Science By Giselle
This week'll pass in a daze. Don't worry. The electronic chip implanted in your brain will do your thinking for you. 10) Something Digital Presents: The State of Digital in Brisbane 30th May What: Brisbane has a rich digital landscape, one which stimulates innovation and supports businesses at all levels...
09/02/2019 In Ballet, Business & Trade, Circus, Comedy, Dance, Design/Architecture, DJ/Dance Party, Electro, Everything Else, Fashion, Festival, Food and Beverage, Hobbies, Jazz, Literature, Music Festival, New Media, Other Music, Painting/Fine Art, Photography, Pop, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock & Indie, Sculpture, Talk/Debate By Giselle
This week is about being conscious of the earth. By which we mean drinking in a field and grinding on strangers to the sounds of generic contemporary Prog-Rock and Psytrance. 10) Techstars Startup Weekend 15th-17th February What: Startup Weekend is your chance to collaborate and get involved with a...
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Top 10 Sydney Culture On this week 25/11/2018
Glue on your monocles, Sydney. It'll keep at least one of your eyes open for this week's deep dive into the art world. 10) In Conversation with Julia Gillard 28th November What: Senator Kristina Keneally and Julia Gillard will be in conversation live discussing Julia Gillard’s time as Prime Minister...
19/11/2018 In Art, Ballet, Business & Trade, Circus, Comedy, DJ/Dance Party, Electro, Everything Else, Festival, Film event, Food and Beverage, Horticulture, Literature, Musicals & Shows, New Media, Other Music, Other sports, Painting/Fine Art, Political, Science, Sculpture, Sport & Games, Talk/Debate By Giselle
From Florence to Israel to Italy to Britain to Latin America, this week of worldly cultural delights will truly prove that we, as Australians, should have never ever have produced Kyle Sandilands. 10) AgFutures Innovation and Investment Forum 21st November AgFutures 2018 coincides with National Agriculture Day, and will showcase the...
17/09/2018 In Business & Trade, Comedy, Design/Architecture, Fair & Fete, Festival, Food and Beverage, Hobbies, Literature, New Media, Other Music, Painting/Fine Art, Photography, Sculpture By Giselle
Better start preparing your statement with your layer now, Melbourne. It'll be nigh impossible not to get tongue-tied this week. 10) Psych Society goes to MoMa! 17th Sep Psychology students? Modern art? What's not to Instagram here? You'll be riding this one for weeks. https://on.com.au/search/events/Psych-Society-goes-to-MoMa!/1944fe20-b9f8-11e8-b14f-a713526e5192 9) Yarn and Fibre Festival 22nd Sep Sounds...
27/08/2018 In Art, Business & Trade, Car Bike Boat Plane, Fashion, Festival, Food and Beverage, Hobbies, New Media, Painting/Fine Art, Photography, Pop, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock & Indie, Shopping & Sales, Talk/Debate By Giselle
Don your most pretentious tie and tails, Melbourne. For this week is all about appearances. And we'll be judging you. Hard. 10) UX Australia 28th-31st August Okay. You knew this was coming. This your hit of pure, functional knowledge. UX Australia is a 4 day conference about user experience...
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Should I Be Worried If My Pregnancy Symptoms Go Away?
Is it normal to feel pregnancy symptoms one day and not the next?
How do you overcome pregnancy symptoms?
What should a 5 week ultrasound look like?
At what hCG level will I miscarry?
How do miscarriages look?
Why did all my pregnancy symptoms go away?
What are some unusual signs of early pregnancy?
Is it normal to not feel pregnant at 7weeks?
What week is the highest risk of miscarriage?
How do you self check your stomach for pregnancy?
Is Losing breast tenderness a sign of miscarriage?
What is a silent miscarriage symptoms?
At what week do pregnancy symptoms stop?
Is it normal to not feel anything at 6 weeks pregnant?
How long after fetus dies does miscarriage happen?
Can stress cause a miscarriage?
Do sore breasts come and go in early pregnancy?
Is it normal for pregnancy symptoms to come and go at 5 weeks?
Why are my breasts not getting bigger during pregnancy?
How does your stomach feel at 5 weeks pregnant?
Can I miscarry without bleeding?
Can stress cause false pregnancy symptoms?
Is back pain a sign of miscarriage?
How long do tender breasts last in early pregnancy?
Do symptoms come and go in early pregnancy?
Can you be pregnant and have no symptoms?
How do I know my fetus is still alive?
Normal Symptom Changes There will even be days when you’ll be entirely symptom-free.
This is all perfectly natural and usually of little cause for concern.
In some cases, the symptoms may not so much have disappeared but rather become less noticeable as you begin coping with the frequent changes in your body..
Try eating small, frequent meals to help manage nausea and vomiting. Other remedies that work for some women include eating ginger, drinking chamomile tea or wearing an anti-nausea wristband. If you don’t see improvement, you can ask your doctor or midwife about safe anti-nausea medications.
At this stage, the only things you’ll likely see are the yolk sac and the gestational sac. It’s possible that the sonographer might be able to point out the embryo, which at this stage is likely a tiny white curled object. Surrounding the embryo is the yolk sac, which will look like a small white circle.
When you miscarry (and also anytime you give birth), your body no longer produces hCG. Your levels will ultimately go back to 0 mIU/mL. In fact, anything less than 5 mIU/mL is “negative,” so effectively, 1 to 4 mIU/mL is also considered “zero” by doctors.
The usual symptoms of miscarriage are vaginal bleeding and lower tummy (abdominal) cramps. You may then pass something from the vagina, which often looks like a blood clot or clots. In many cases, the bleeding then gradually settles.
Some women don’t get many pregnancy symptoms anyway. If you’ve been having strong pregnancy symptoms that suddenly reduce or stop well before you’re 12 weeks pregnant, your hormone levels might be dropping. You may want to do another pregnancy test and/or talk to your GP about a scan .
Some weird early signs of pregnancy include:Nosebleeds. Nosebleeds are quite common in pregnancy due to the hormonal changes that happen in the body. … Mood swings. … Headaches. … Dizziness. … Acne. … Stronger sense of smell. … Strange taste in the mouth. … Discharge.More items…•
That said, at 7 weeks pregnant, you may very well have no symptoms at all. If that’s the case, consider yourself lucky! Some moms-to-be worry that having no symptoms at 7 weeks could be a sign of a problem, but it’s absolutely not. We’ll keep reminding you that every woman experiences pregnancy slightly differently.
March of Dimes reports a miscarriage rate of only 1 to 5 percent in the second trimester.Weeks 0 to 6. These early weeks mark the highest risk of miscarriage. A woman can have a miscarriage in the first week or two without realizing she’s pregnant. … Weeks 6 to 12.Weeks 13 to 20. By week 12, the risk may fall to 5 percent.
Walk your fingers up the side of her abdomen (Figure 10.1) until you feel the top of her abdomen under the skin. It will feel like a hard ball. You can feel the top by curving your fingers gently into the abdomen. Figure 10.1 With the woman lying on her back, begin by finding the top of the uterus with your fingers.
Loss of pregnancy symptoms, like morning sickness and breast tenderness, is most worrisome as a sign of miscarriage when combined with vaginal bleeding and cramping.
A missed miscarriage is often known as a silent miscarriage because women generally do not have common miscarriage symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, heavy cramping, or expulsion of fetal tissue. However, some may notice that their pregnancy symptoms, like breast tenderness, nausea, or fatigue, may disappear.
In most pregnant women, it goes away after the first trimester. It typically begins around week 6 of pregnancy and subsides by the third or fourth month. The exact peak of morning sickness is different for every woman, but it will generally be around week 9.
Has the news sunk in yet? At week six, pregnancy is still new to you, so it’s normal to feel a little emotional.
If it is an incomplete miscarriage (where some but not all pregnancy tissue has passed) it will often happen within days, but for a missed miscarriage (where the fetus or embryo has stopped growing but no tissue has passed) it might take as long as three to four weeks.
While excessive stress isn’t good for your overall health, there’s no evidence that stress results in miscarriage. About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. But the actual number is likely higher because many miscarriages occur before the pregnancy is recognized.
The soreness can be constant, or it can come and go. During the earliest weeks of pregnancy, breast pain tends to be dull and achy. Your boobs may feel heavy and swollen. They can be super sensitive to the touch, making exercise and sex play very uncomfortable.
Mild or no symptoms. It’s not unusual for women to feel and look completely normal at this stage, or for certain symptoms to come and go. As for that five weeks pregnant belly, it may appear unchanged, or it may be looking and feeling bloated.
Experts aren’t entirely sure why, but it may have to do with the amount of hormones affecting the breasts. (An old wives’ tale says that breasts that don’t grow a lot during pregnancy are a sign that you’re having a boy! A tall tale indeed…) Of course, at the four-month mark, you still have plenty of time to grow.
At 5 weeks pregnant, your belly may look unchanged—or you may be a bit bloated or feel like you’ve already gained a pound. Heck, you might feel so sick that you can’t eat and worry you could have lost a pound. All those scenarios are considered perfectly normal and totally okay!
Bleeding during pregnancy loss occurs when the uterus empties. In some cases, the fetus dies but the womb does not empty, and a woman will experience no bleeding. Some doctors refer to this type of pregnancy loss as a missed miscarriage. The loss may go unnoticed for many weeks, and some women do not seek treatment.
Causes of a phantom pregnancy There are a few possibilities as to why this phenomenon occurs. Experts suspect that most phantom pregnancies happen due to a mind-body feedback loop, in which a strong emotion causes an elevation of hormones, in turn resulting in physical symptoms that mimic those of a true pregnancy.
Back pain can occur in both early and late miscarriage. It is possible to experience back pain throughout pregnancy without it relating to a miscarriage, as it is a normal side-effect of carrying a growing fetus in the womb. However, intense pain in the lower back is commonly a feature of late miscarriage.
If your breasts are growing (by the second!) during your pregnancy, they’re also likely ultrasensitive and tender. (Look but don’t touch, darling.) Breast tenderness is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, usually starting around week 4 to week 7 and lasting through the first trimester.
When to call the doctor Sudden loss of symptoms doesn’t always mean there’s something amiss with your pregnancy. In fact, sore breasts and nausea can come and go. That said, if you feel different or have some other reason for concern, call your doctor.
No symptoms. For some women, the physical tip-offs of pregnancy, like weight gain, morning sickness, heartburn, or fatigue, don’t happen. Or they’re so mild that a woman just doesn’t notice them. Depending on their body type, “it’s reasonable for a woman to make it to 30 weeks without looking pregnant,” Cackovic says.
Most women less than 20 weeks of pregnancy do not notice any symptoms of a fetal demise. The test used to check for a fetal demise in the second trimester is an ultrasound examination to see if the baby is moving and growing. Fetal demise is diagnosed when the ultrasound examination shows no fetal heart activity.
Question: What Disorder Causes Lack Of Empathy?
What do you call a person who has no feelings?
What Does It Mean When Someone Says You Are My Lobster?
Are lobsters soulmates? Nope. While plenty of animals
How Can I See Who Is Using My Disney Plus Account?
What happens if you share your Disney Plus account?
Quick Answer: What Are The 4 Types Of Muscle Contractions?
What is the most common type of muscle contraction?
Quick Answer: What Is The Right Age To Have A Baby?
Is 19 a good age to have a baby? Women are most fertile
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Thermodynamic Efficiency of Somatic Exocytosis of Serotonin
Noguez, Paula; Rubi, Miguel J.; De-Miguel, Francisco F.
Noguez.pdf (4.074Mb)
Institutt for fysikk [1751]
Frontiers in Physiology. 2019, 10 (473) 10.3389/fphys.2019.00473
Through somatic exocytosis neurons liberate immense amounts of transmitter molecules that modulate the functioning of the nervous system. A stream of action potentials triggers an ATP-dependent transport of transmitter-containing vesicles to the plasma membrane, that ends with a large-scale exocytosis. It is commonly assumed that biological processes use metabolic energy with a high thermodynamic efficiency, meaning that most energy generates work with minor dissipation. However, the intricate ultrastructure underlying the pathway for the vesicle flow necessary for somatic exocytosis challenges this possibility. To study this problem here we first applied thermodynamic theory to quantify the efficiency of somatic exocytosis of the vital transmitter serotonin. Then we correlated the efficiency to the ultrastructure of the transport pathway of the vesicles. Exocytosis was evoked in cultured Retzius neurons of the leech by trains of 10 impulses delivered at 20 Hz. The kinetics of exocytosis was quantified from the gradual fluorescence increase of FM1-43 dye as it became incorporated into vesicles that underwent their exo-endocytosis cycle. By fitting a model of the vesicle transport carried by motor forces to the kinetics of exocytosis, we calculated the thermodynamic efficiency of the ATP expenses per vesicle, as the power of the transport divided by total energy ideally produced by the hydrolysis of ATP during the process. The efficiency was remarkably low (0.1–6.4%) and the values formed a W-shape distribution with the transport distances of the vesicles. Electron micrographs and fluorescent staining of the actin cortex indicated that the slopes of the W chart could be explained by the interaction of vesicles with the actin cortex and the calcium-releasing endoplasmic reticulum. We showed that the application of thermodynamic theory permitted to predict aspects of the intracellular structure. Our results suggest that the distribution of subcellular structures that are essential for somatic exocytosis abates the thermodynamic efficiency of the transport by hampering vesicle mobilization. It is remarkable that the modulation of the nervous system occurs at the expenses of an efficient use of metabolic energy.
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Showdown in Detroit
Detroit has issued an ultimatum to its teachers--they have to come up with 88 million in savings for the city and raises are out of the question. The teachers are standing firm and threatening a strike in September.
It would be easy for many to say "those greedy teachers" and condemn unionism for giving them the power to stand together. But New York teachers have heard this song before, and it doesn't play well with us.
We accepted zeroes from Giuliani in what turned out to be one of the biggest economic booms in the history of the city. The last contract we took, while Bloomberg was sitting on billions, included massive givebacks of time, perks, and rights, and failed to even meet the inflation rate. Bloomberg claimed the surplus would soon disappear. When it increased instead, he still gave DC37 less than cost of living.
Perhaps Detroit is different. But in New York, during rough times, public employees take one for the team. During good times, they simply take another.
Thanks to Schoolgal
Posted by NYC Educator at 9:28 AM View Comments
Storms in Teacups
There are a lot of words flying around about the UFT's threat of no contract-no work. They made themselves a target with that threat. First of all, the threat is bogus.
It's utter nonsense, in fact, designed to persuade rank-and-file that Unity means business, which is only true if you interpret that to mean "business-as-usual." And it's utterly irresponsible of self-serving Unity hacks to toss around idle threats. Every good teacher knows the folly of making threats you're not prepared to follow through.
The fact is Unity values the dues checkoff far more than the well-being of teachers, kids, or anyone on God's green earth. How could they sit around the UFT office and collect 6 figures a year, and go on all-expenses-paid junkets to Hawaii or the west coast without our money?
Still, by arrogantly exercising their mouths before engaging their brains, they've given the folks with whom they constantly argue a lot to talk about. I'd like to particularly address a very clever point made by Joe Williams of The Chalkboard.
Joe's out of sorts because the charter cap has been reached, and he says Sheldon Silver won't raise it unless they agree to unionize new charters. Personally, I support unionizing new charters. I'd settle, however, for a card check, in which the teachers could vote on whether or not they want union.
Joe makes a stronger point, though, inspired by the empty threats of the self-serving UFT leadership. Don't hold your breath for a substantive response from Unity hacks:
When teachers, school boards, and the general public were first pitched the merits of collective bargaining in the 1960's and 1970's, it was supposed to be one of the grandest win-wins of all time...
So... what happened? In places like NYC that have had collective bargaining for 40 years, teachers are still pissed off...
Is this the best we can do for teachers and students?? Is it possible there is a better way to do this??
First of all, "collective bargaining" does not traditionally entail the Taylor Law, which is designed to cripple labor's power to negotiate. One result of the Taylor Law, which imposes draconian penalties on employees but none whatsoever on management, is that contract negotiations drag on for years. Why should the city sign? Better to wait a few years, and save up for stadiums.
Not only are teachers pissed off at this sort of treatment, but so are cops, firefighters, and virtually all city workers, except those of DC37, who seem to revel in more work for less pay. Of course when you consider their documented history of fraudulent contract votes, that may not be the case. It got very brief press coverage, though, and did not seem to outrage the otherwise perpetually incensed Mayor Giuliani.
You don't see this sort of anger in suburban schools, which actually grant cost-of-living raises to employees.
If you consider what city teachers made before unionization, which I've read in today's dollars would be around $14,000, you see that, despite what the UFT has rotted into, teachers do far better today. If you read about Nicole Byrne Lau, you see that there are definite benefits to unionization. Ms. Lau, no fool, vowed never to work in a non-union shop again.
There is a better way, and it begins by voting out the folks who currently own our union. Like the folks who run our country, they shun democracy. When the will of the union threatens them, they simply change the rules to suit themselves. High school teachers voting non-Unity? Throw their votes into a larger pool. Stop voting for Unity employees and let the Prez hand-pick 'em. Like the folks who run our country, prison is where they belong.
Still, even with their bag of dirty tricks, they're gonna have to do better to get re-elected. For anyone curious about available alternatives to union, check out Klein's 8-page contract, which leaves us with no rights whatsoever. Of course we can do better.
But it's not gonna happen until we toss out the monopoly leadership.
5 Posts You Shouldn't Miss
1. Sapient Sutler quotes children.
2. April May describes a rafting trip, and reveals the secret of halting tiresome complaints from children.
3. Get on the Bus debunks John Tierney.
4. I Thought a Think takes on Mort Kondracke, by cracky.
5. School Me shows not all gumballs are equal.
Posted by NYC Educator at 4:51 PM View Comments
Semesters of Our Lives Chapter 14
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night...
Richard got into his ancient Mercury, and started driving. He was a little nervous about trying to climb into a house, but it wasn’t the most ridiculous thing he’d ever tried, particularly since he’d become a teacher. More importantly, it seemed like the only way he’d ever get to be alone with Jennifer.
Richard had been having a bad year. When he’d arrived back from Europe, he went to see his girlfriend, who he’d assumed had been waiting, informed him she’d found a new, better boyfriend.
“You left for Europe,” she’d told him. “You didn’t tell me when you were coming back, or even if you were coming back. Did you really think I was going to sit and wait?”
“I was hoping,” he’d told her, a response which did not impress her in the least, and here he was, driving around in rain so heavy he could barely see through the windshield.
He cleverly stopped the car a few houses away from hers, so that her aunt wouldn’t suspect. As he walked to her house, he considered how much more clever it would’ve been if he’d brought an umbrella or a raincoat. As he feet sank several inches into the mud that now comprised Jennifer’s lawn, he wondered if tennis shoes, though generally comfortable, had been the best choice for this mission.
Richard was getting cold, as the freezing rain had soaked through his sweatshirt. But he was determined to continue. When he reached the house, he grabbed onto the window frame, which came off of the house, causing him to fall backwards into the mud.
Richard shouted an expletive, which the noise of the rain prevented the neighbors from hearing. He began to push himself up, but lost his traction and fell once again.
Undaunted, he tossed away the now useless piece of frame, which left him with an irritating splinter he did not have time to tend to. He carefully tested another piece of the frame, which seemed sturdy, and managed to pull his muddy miserable carcass up the wall so that his muddy wet feet were resting just outside the windowsill of Jennifer’s crazy aunt's home.
He found a hook on the wall, and managed to pull himself up. It was working! He was almost at the top. He could see the dormer, and he could see Jennifer smiling at him through the window. He got a firmer grip on the ancient piece of gutter.
There. This was good. It was perfect. It was just a little loose, though. It was coming apart—Uh oh.
Richard fell down the side of the house into the mud. He hit his arm on something and wasn’t feeling all that good.
Through the corner of his eye, he saw a figure climb down the wall like an iguana. It was uncanny. It was Jennifer.
“Oh Dios mio, are you OK Richard?”
“My arm doesn’t feel so good,” he told her.
“Give me your car keys,” she said.
“No buts. Just give me the keys.”
Jennifer helped Richard to his feet, and in what seemed like a very long walk, led him to his car. Then she drove him to the emergency room.
Next Week: The Assembly
Posted by NYC Educator at 12:01 AM View Comments
Labels: semesters of our lives
Cheapskates Rejoice
There are numerous discounts available to DoE employees, among them substantial savings on several brands of cell-phone service.
While I don't own stock, consider that Cingular is a union shop. In any case, you can apply for discounts on your existing service if your provider is listed.
It's All About Pointing that Finger
Dr. Andres Alonso is the new head of instruction in New York City Schools. He doesn't care for kids being called "at risk." He's had it with tired old excuses. (The kid can't read. The kid fights with classmates. The kid repeatedly assaulted me. The kid's parents tie him to a table and use him as a sex toy.) Enough with the blah, blah, blah. If kids don't pass, it's exclusively your fault.
And don't bring up that tired old nonsense about the city hiring substandard teachers since 1976. Or the whining about Bloomberg refusing to support the CFE suit designed to give kids quality teachers, lower class size, and decent facilities. That's your fault too.
Poverty has no role whatsoever in whether or not kids can learn, according to Dr. Alonso. The fact that the worst schools tend to reside in impoverished neighborhoods worldwide can be attributed to coincidence. And bad teachers, of course, who apparently wake up in the morning and say "I think I'll find the worst neighborhood possible and get a job teaching there." Why they're drawn to such places is one of life's enduring mysteries.
Dr. Alonso took legal custody of one of his former students, a 15-year-old. That's a curious move, since parents, according to his philosophy, play no role whatsoever in the welfare of their children. Why didn't he simply change the kid's teachers, since they are the one and only factor in child development?
Thanks to Schoolgal and Norm
The Perfect Team
Here's an idea that NYC Schools Chancellor Klein would love (so don't tell him). In Osaka, Japan, principals will now be able to build educational teams by trading teachers. Need a chemistry teacher? I'll trade for a football coach.
Maybe if you have a really good football coach, you could swap for two math teachers and a cash bonus. The possibilities are endless.
Thanks to Schoolgal.
Why Don't Ya Just Get a Job Already?
While perusing reality-based educator, I couldn't help but notice that instead of the subversive commie propaganda I've come to expect from him, he actually wrote about education. RBE was discussing this story, about a charter kindergarten where the kids have no toys, no blocks, and spend their time doing grammar drills, phonics drills, arithmetic drills, and the like.
Now when I was in kindergarten, we spent a great deal of time blowing bubbles in our milk, and several of us actually turned out alright. Still, things are different nowadays.
My daughter had to take a multi-day standardized test in kindergarten called Terra Nova. She got excellent reading scores, which I found curious since she most certainly did not know how to read. A further look at her scores, though, left me in some distress--she had no language skills whatsoever. Naturally, it being a standardized test, I believed every word of it, and focused all blame on her teacher (OK, not really).
The teacher explained to me that this pattern was the same with most of the class. They took the "reading" test the first day,and the "language" test the last, by which time their 5-year-old attention spans had pretty much had it.
I thought that was taking things a bit too far. Achievement First East New York Charter School takes things even further, and the kids, apparently, are being trained to read at that age. I don't have any problem with that, but I'd like to very little kids eased into it a little more.
I liked my kid's kindergarten teacher very much, and got the feeling she shared my sentiments about the Terra Nova. It's a mistake to neglect socialization and play for young children. While my child was taught the alphabet in kindergarten, along with letter sounds, she spent a lot of time playing, and learning how to get along with her classmates. She formed a positive attitude about school that she still carries.
Pressing for too much too early can have bad results. I often think of one of my college students, a bright, soft-spoken and charming young woman, who told me her parents forced her to practice piano several hours a day from the time she was five. She was not permitted to stop until she left her country and came to New York. She adored New York, and hated music.
As for the charter, even the teacher had mixed feelings:
“Achievement First gives them a solid foundation,” she said.
But even as she took pride in her students’ progress, Mrs. Rattray betrayed ambivalence about the method. “If it were my own child,” she said, “I would want more time for play.”
Hope she doesn't get fired for that.
The Stossel Primer
Go, John, go.
See John go.
John goes.
John goes down.
See John go down.
Down, John, down.
When pro-wrestler David Schultz punches your frigging face out.
Unity vs. the Nazis
Unity patronage mill workers have a lot on their plates. First of all, imagine all the work it takes to manage two pensions. Also, UFT HQ is now open an entire extra hour a week. Finally, they need to write all those columns on Edwize letting us know what a great job they do.
The Unity employee who runs Edwize claimed no one gets paid for writing those columns. But if Leo "6-figure" Casey, for example, spends business hours sitting in the UFT building, making 50% more than any working teacher, and writing for Edwize, it seems to me that we are paying for whatever it is he does. After all, Mr. Casey's salary comes directly from our dues.
When mere rank-and-file UFT members comment on Casey's columns, the ones we're paying him to write, he can't be bothered responding. If pressed, he may say things like "Now let's answer some real questions, " or "How dare you ask me questions during the week of my relative's birthday?" as though UFT members had such occasions marked on their calendars.
Mr. Casey responds to folks like Eduwonk, or Joe Williams from The Chalkboard, or Mike Antonucci from Intercepts, because their opinions, apparently, are important. Perish forbid that people who aren't on potty patrol criticize the great and powerful Unity monopoly. As mere duespayers, though, why the hell should he care what we think? Make no mistake, that's the message.
Behind the scenes, however, Mr. Casey pays very close attention to opposition voices. When the United Teachers Party, or UTP, started a website a while back, he was outraged by their iconography. Eagles! They must be Nazis! Also, they'd originally featured a quote from Charles Lindburgh. Egads! Further proof! And they'd used a clenched fist! That clearly supported skinheads (notwithstanding its use in traditional militant labor images).
The UTP look, actually, including the eagles, was based on the United Farm Workers site. That did not deter the dogged detective work of Unity, though. The fact that not one word the UTP had written remotely hinted at a Nazi philosophy was also neither here nor there.
The intrepid Mr. Casey went on to discover not only the offensive use of eagles, but that ICE had linked to the UTP website. How dare a UFT opposition party link to another UFT opposition party! This proved that ICE was no good either. After all, not only did they question Unity, but they were clearly in cahoots with the Nazis!
So remember, the next time you wonder why the hell you're paying 6-figure Unity hacks so you can get potty patrol, extra days, extra classes, and unpaid suspension based on unsubstantiated gobbledy-gook, all for less than cost-of-living, bear in mind that's not the only thing you're paying for. For no extra charge, you're protected from the Nazis!
In response to an important critic (a non-duespayer, of course), Casey complained this week that Bloomberg imposed a pattern negotiated by another union.
To me, that was an odd complaint, considering that the UFT had gone to PERB with full knowledge they'd endorsed pattern bargaining, and full knowledge of what the pattern happened to be (5% over three years, one being for givebacks). You'd think they'd know better. I did.
But little did I know they were fighting the Nazis! How could they bother negotiating a decent contract when they were on such a vital mission? After all, what's a 20-year contractual setback when one considers Unity has gone back and re-won World War II single-handedly? How can you greedy teachers fret over making mortgage payments when your very freedom is at stake?
Thanks goodness for Leo Casey, and the heroic Unity party. I hope they all enjoyed the AFT convention we just paid to send them to, unmarred by a single solitary voice from the 40% of teachers who oppose them, those Nazi bastards.
Update: The UTP website reports that a complaint about their iconography and such was made to the Anti-Defamation League, and found to be without merit.
Thanks to Norm and Advisor
Labels: UFT, Unity-New Action
Chance at Sapient Sutler says it's Dubya-Dubya Three.
And here I was, thinking I'd almost recuperated from 2004.
Also---check out the Carnival of Education over at Text Savvy.
Thank You Sir, May I Have Another?
There are few things quite like an 86 degree day (and night) in a New York apartment building without electricity. Mayor Mike, of course, being a billionaire, needs not fret over such trivialities.
That's why, in his typically out-of-touch fashion, he just asked New Yorkers to thank the CEO of Con Ed., who left tens of thousands of them without electricity for days. This aroused the ire of his usally reliable good buddies at the local tabloids.
You see, when billionaire CEOs don't deliver, they're doing their best. When working people, like the transit workers withhold their service, they need to pay crushing fines. That's the way it is in Mayor Mike's fiefdom.
Things being that way, I'd suggest Mayor Mike deserves our appreciation as well, for hopelessly tying up the CFE suit that aims to give city kids quality teachers, smaller classes, and decent facilities.
So line up New York, and get that gratitude flowing.
A few years back, my supervisor approached me and asked if I'd be willing to have someone come and lecture my students on better ways for them to seek employment after they'd left high school. I said fine, and a couple of guys showed up in my classroom a few weeks later.
The first thing they did was pass out cards, on which my kids filled out their phone numbers. They then proceeded to give a hard-sell lecture to the kids about their two-year college, in which they offered associate degrees, and for which financial aid was available. I was amazed these guys had the audacity to do such a blatant bait-and-switch. I told them not to come to any of my other classes.
I reported this to my supervisor, who watched them lecture someone else's class, but for reasons that defy my comprehension, did not see what I found objectionable. They were allowed to continue visiting other teachers' classes, and return year after year.
The next day, and whenever I heard they were visiting, I told all my students that the good folks from the Interboro Institute were a couple of con artists, and that they'd be far better off going to a community college if they wanted an associate degree. They were significantly cheaper, and equally, if not more valuable.
Now the New York Times reports that not only did they do what I saw, but they paid their crack scorers 50 bucks a pop to pass students who didn't merit it. This qualified them for the loans that, apparently, are the lifeblood of this great institution. So remember, anything that sounds too good to be true, is. And anything that doesn't even sound very good in the first place, isn't.
As teachers, though, it's our job to warn our kids, who are often too young and naive to know the difference.
On Testing, Test-prep, and Writing for the Test
A few bloggers are on that topic this week. For one, there's perpetually-amusing Mamacita at Scheiss Weekly, from whom I stole the great cartoon on the left.
Also, Happychyck, typically, is wondering whether we're doing our students a favor with formulaic essays.
Happychyck sent me to yet another blogger, Tim Fredericks, who has a series of posts about lies teachers tell regarding essay structure, the importance of assigned books and student laziness, to name a few.
I'm not sure about all of Tim's points, but I certainly agree about the myth of the all-important five-paragraph essay. While it may be a good starting point for kids with no organizational sense, it's ridiculous to teach kids (and even college students) that structure and then maintain they know how to write. I commented:
Ya know, I've always felt that way about the five-paragraph essay, ever since I was first forced to teach it. Who the hell sits down to write a five-paragraph essay, ever?
Ironically, I've been having to teach ESL students how on earth they could pass the NY English Regents exam, which is entirely inappropriate for them (but that's yet another topic).
The way I've devised is teaching them a very simplistic FOUR-paragraph essay, and it seems to work. But I'd be deluding myself (not to mention my students) if I were to pretend this skill, which I spend up to a year teaching, were useful for anything but passing that one test, which they need to graduate.
Private "U"s and Public Schools
While I teach in a trailer, while my building is ready to burst from dusk to dawn, we're providing enormous subsidies for private universities in New York City. What's Mayor Bloomberg had to say about that? Nothing whatsoever.
This document, Fatal Subtraction, suggests NYC lost as much as 7.3 billion dollars last year in uncollected property taxes from private universities.
How much in taxes do you suppose we get for the Chrysler Building? Well, let's see, that must be a chunk of change. It is, actually, since NYC taxpayers have been going without a dime on it since 1931. I'm pretty sure my little 3-bedroom house supports public education more than the Chrysler Building, and I don't mind admitting we have far fewer bathrooms.
Actually, Cooper Union is entitled to charge taxes on that building, and keep the proceeds.
NYC hugely subsidizes Cooper Union, NYU, and Colombia University, among others, while CUNY students struggle to make tuition. A large percentage of students attending private universities aren't even residents. Why NYC taxpayers need to supplement their education, while their own kids are squeezed into odd spaces like sardines, is a mystery to me.
It's unconscionable that this happens while the CFE lawsuit, which would provide good teachers, smaller classes, and decent facilities for NYC kids, languishes is legal limbo, after being endorsed by NY State's Supreme Court.
Check out the report for much more detail.
Thanks to Norm and ParentAdvocates.org.
Further Censorship
I've replaced the photo that was, according to comments and emails, causing people to lose their lunch in the post below.
Hopefully that will help.
Ratfink Teachers
They don't do anything, and our kids are all stupid. Why the hell won't they kick in for their health insurance, so they can make less money? Why don't they give up tenure, so they can be fired for writing those crappy self-serving teacher blogs? Why don't they come in nights, weekends, and summers for free? Why do they get pensions? Why can't they eat cat food like everyone else once they retire? Don't they even care?
That's what you read in the Daily News and the New York Post, on a fairly regular basis. When the United Federation of Teachers was selling us the awful contract that halved our prep time, denied us presumption of innocence, and set us back over 20 years, one of its lines was "What will the tabloids say if we don't agree to this?" Now we know. They'll say the same things they said before, and even though we took that contract, they continue to say it.
It's not surprising that newspapers, which have unions of their own to deal with, or which have already managed to break them, don't much care for unions. What's surprising is that regular people read this stuff and then repeat it.
My brother-in-law is a factory worker in Canada. He has all the benefits NY teachers have, and his prescriptions, since he's now in a union, are free. His wife, when she had a baby, got a year off from her job, with pay. The government provides free child care for Canadian pre-school kids, and she now runs a daycare center in her home. And yes, they were able to buy one of those too.
Furthermore, they won't need a second mortgage to send their children to college.
How can Americans ask "Why do teachers get these things?"
They should be asking "Why doesn't everyone get these things?" Look at Canada and Europe. If you think our standard of living approaches theirs, you've got your eyes closed.
And for those who'd make the absurd argument that teachers who say such things don't care about kids, our kids will inherit the country we leave them.
Ours is sorely in need of improvement.
Observations on Observations
Summer school and Tier One is sitting at his desk after having finished one more day of the odious task that would increase his pension. His supervisor, a young woman with an absent expression, walks in with an observation report. Tier One signs it and she leaves.
Tier One then tears up his copy and tosses it in the trash, unread. Unbeknownst to Tier One, the woman is watching.
“I spent forty-five minutes writing that,” she bellows. “I’ll be back tomorrow with another copy!”
Tier One is unmoved. He learned long ago that observation reports are far easier to take if you don’t read them, and no force in heaven or earth, including this young woman, is going to persuade him otherwise
Richard was nervous. He had just been observed teaching math, a subject about which he knew next to nothing. The only good thing was that the kids he taught knew even less. He’d been plodding along just fine with the book of lesson plans Mr. Benjamin had given him, but then Keisha and Sonia had complained for days that he was making them do all the work, following up with a complaint to Mr. Benjamin himself.
They wouldn’t have complained to Ms. Goodrich, thought Richard. Kids never approached her. They were frightened she’d correct their grammar, and with good reason. Few kids got past her ongoing critiques of the way they spoke.
And now Mr. Benjamin had walked in and observed his math class. Well, what could he say, really? Richard had told him he was no good in math. It wasn’t like he studied it or anything.
“Please come in, Richard.”
“Thanks, Mr. Benjamin.”
“And please call me Julius. I’m not your English teacher.”
“Um, okay…I’m sorry about the lesson. I never taught math before, I never taught anything before, and I…”
“Whoa, just wait a minute. Who said you had anything to be sorry about?”
“Well,” said Richard, “I know the girls came and complained, and I figured that’s why you came to observe the class.”
“You’re right, Richard. But I thought the class was fine.”
“You did? Really?”
“It was fine. The kids complained because you made them go to the board and work out the problems. They said you’d been making all the kids go to the board and work out all the problems. From what I saw, they were right.”
“So then why do you think the lesson was fine?” asked Richard.
“I want all my teachers to do that. Most teachers in this department just talk. The kids sit. Especially at this low level, I don’t think the kids retain much unless they actually get up and do things themselves.”
“Ms. Goodrich didn’t like my lessons very much,” said Richard.
“Come on,” said Mr. Benjamin. “Everyone in the building knows she invited you for meatballs and you turned her down. Did I, or did I not do you a big favor by getting you away from her 80% of the time?”
“Well…” began Richard.
“Don’t say anything,” said Mr. Benjamin. “Never, ever talk about your supervisors to other supervisors. They’ll think you’ll talk about them next, and they’ll never trust you.”
“Well, I didn’t mean to…”
“I don’t care what you meant to do. Let’s just talk about you, now, OK?”
Richard nodded.
“I think you’re a good teacher, a little rough around the edges, but I think you’re gonna turn out OK. You seem to like the kids, which not everyone does.”
Richard nodded again.
“Don’t worry about those girls. They don’t know what they’re talking about. Keep sending them to the board, along with everyone else, and let me worry about it, OK?”
“Yes, sure, thanks Mr. Benjamin.”
“Thanks, uhhh…”
“OK. Call me Mr. Benjamin, if that makes you happy. But remember this. You’re new, and at the end of the year, you could easily lose your job. It’s not that you did anything wrong. It’s a seniority thing. You don’t have any. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” said Richard.
“Now, I’m not saying you will lose your job, but if you do, remember this—use me as a reference. Do not use Ms. Goodrich, do not use Dr. Canales, and do not use the principal. Do you understand?”
Richard nodded his head.
“It’s not that they’d say bad things about you, except for Ms. Goodrich. It’s just that they never have anything good to say about anyone.”
“OK,” said Richard.
“One more thing,” said Mr. Benjamin. “I’d like you to keep those kids on their toes. Please give them a test every Friday. Can you do that?”
“Sure,” said Richard.
“OK, Richard. Now get back to work.”
Next Week: A Nocturnal Visit
What's Wrong with Boys?
A lot depends on who you ask. I had a student once who was fond of standing up at odd moments and announcing "All men are pigs!" Sometimes this provoked conversation, sometimes not, but as she never bothered anyone much beyond that, I tended to let her be. I'd heard she'd had a bad breakup, and her proclamations seemed to make her feel better.
But a lot of people do say boys are trouble. Our brains are different. We don't like to read, because it's too "girlish." We'd rather be off starting wars, because the only emotion it's socially acceptable for us to express is aggression.
Now some say a good solution is more male teachers. Naturally, I don't mean just any male teachers. I mean real men. Some men don't want to bother with that, because of all the hunting, fishing, and watching sports it entails.
It's odd, because some years people say boys get all the attention, but this year it's girls. Jay Matthews, of the Washington Post seems unable to decide whether or not we're having a boy crisis or not.
My college class, one year, complained that I called on the female students more than the male students. So I went to an index-card system, where I call on everyone whether or not they want to talk.
Check out the article, which is well-organized and easy to read. I particularly like its explanation for the new phenomenon of "boomerang kids:"
Simple economics helps explain why so many young men are returning to the nest. Recent college graduates are carrying 85 percent more debt than graduates of a decade ago, while pay for entry-level jobs has not kept pace with inflation. “Him living here is not a problem for us,” said Harry Hartshorne, a suburban Detroit retiree whose 42-year-son, Neal, a stained-glass craftsman, has been living at home since his early 20s. “It may be a problem for him, but he’s not anxious to solve it.”
The disapppearing middle class hurts us all, regardless of sex.
One word of caution: please, don't email me asking how you can become a real man. Real men never ask for directions, especially when they're lost.
Thanks to Alison.
The College Board, a la Enron, commisioned a report from a company it had paid over 5 million in fees in 2005. This was in response to having been caught with 5,000 incorrect scores on SAT exams last year.
What possible motivation could this company have to put a more positive sheen on the report?
Kinda makes ya wonder what they did to your SAT, doesn't it? Should you have been going to Harvard instead of York College? Or Crawford Community instead of Yale?
Did you really answer those analogy questions correctly? And if you didn't, could it have left you overconfident?
We'll just never know.
Bloomberg's Legacy
While 75% of NYC high schools suffer from overcrowding, and the CFI suit that might relieve it languishes in the courts as a result of mayoral intransigence, Mike Bloomberg is making serious plans to become a full-time philanthropist.
No overcrowded decrepit building will do for his good works, though. He'd headed into things just as the billionaire-run Ross Charter School did--first class all the way. Mayor Bloomberg's charitable works will take place in a 45 million dollar Stanford White-designed building.
Several people suggest Mayor Bloomberg will now have a bully pulpit to promote his social causes. I certainly hope he takes these causes more seriously than he's taken the welfare of New York City's 1.1 schoolchildren, relegated to trailers, hallways, closets and bathrooms if they lack representation from Mr. Bloomberg's fellow billionaires.
Thanks to Patrick.
Pssst...Here's a Hot Tip
The AFT has just launched T-Source, with which it will provide resources for teachers.
In review, research this resource rapidly.
Abstinence Only or the Highway
Sam Freeman writes of the demise of the Healthy Teens Act here in NY State. The bill did little but allow districts offering sex education to apply for state aid.
But the federal government supports abstinence only education, and talk of HIV or condom use seems to choke the flow of federal funds to our fair state, which amounted to 3.7 million in 2005-2006.
It's criminal, in this day and age, to offer incomplete versions of sex education to children. It would be more appropriate and morally defensible to present no sex education at all.
President Bush is certainly free to believe the world began 6,000 years ago, and that humans and dinosaurs once shared the earth. But he shouldn't be able to impose such nonsense on our children and label it education.
For Public Schools, Less is More
Or maybe more is less.
It appears that in New York City's district 4, 82% of principals complain of overcrowding. What's to be done? Should you move the public school kids into the best facilities in the city?
Oops! The Chancellor already gave them to a billionaire. So what's the next best thing?
Let's see, there's that PS 109, over on E. 99th. That building just got landmark status, and the DoE had to spend big bucks to replace its roof. Unfortunately, that was the result of one of those nasty coalitions that also fought to stop its illegal demolition. Things like that don't sit seem to sit well with this mayor.
So, rather than create 1200 sorely-needed seats for public school kids, Mayor Mike has decided to simply use the building to make 65 apartments for artists. According to an email I received from Class Size Matters, NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein said on NPR that the city needed artist housing more than schools.
That reminds me of GW's "Mission Accomplished" speech (over three years ago) and Cheney's quote about the Iraqi "insurgency" in its "last throes"(over one year ago). What year do you suppose Chancellor Klein is living in?
The email also stated that nearby PS 72 is now leasing space due to overcrowding, in a building that used to be a school before the city sold it. This, along with the deplorable overcrowding of other city schools, begs the question--is it wise to get rid of even more school real estate?
The chancellor, apparently, feels the problem will resolve itself if we simply ignore it long enough and ensure we have fewer locations for our kids.
As someone who works in a building at 250% capacity (and rising), I have to question that approach. Really, someone ought to let the chancellor know it's his job to advocate for kids, not artists (Perhaps that's just another of the pitfalls that come with hiring a non-educator cocktail-party devotee, squarely in the mayor's pocket, as chancellor).
For more info, go to Save PS 109, and check out the site of the folks who successfully stopped its demolition. They're now trying to see that it's utilized as intended.
Labels: class size
For those of you who are weary of the restrictions teaching places on you, here are 12 jobs that let you have weird hair, an important consideration when selecting a new career.
Perhaps you chose your last job simply because it was across the street from Arby's, and you couldn't get enough of those roast beef sandwiches. Well, if that didn't work out for you, here's another approach. They say, for example, you could be an art instructor at some trendy college. Don't know diddly-squat about art? Don't fret.
All those folks who go to museums and stare at framed blank canvasses are just crying out for an authoritative voice to tell them what's good.
You Say Potato, I Say Voucher
After a recent federal report showed public school students score as well as private school students, a decision was apparently made that they needed to do worse, so as to expand the fiction of the evils of public schools. This will help promote the important goal of their elimination, and the consequent reduction in Steve Forbes' tax bill, which will promote freedom and democracy everywhere.
Therefore, Bush's education secretary, Margaret Spellings, introduced a new federal voucher program. Displaying the sensitivity that typifies this administration, she called it a "scholarship" program, so that people who oppose vouchers wouldn't think it was a voucher program. This is in line with previous government policies which referred to propaganda as "news"
This, along with the President's recent promise to veto any expansion of stem-cell research, ought to help shore up his religious conservative base. Conservative Christian schools, potential recipients of vouchers, found their eight grade math scores lagged behind those of public schools. This oughta help 'em forget.
Asked whether voucher schools would be subject to the same accountablity as public schools (which they often are not), Spellings gave a weasel of an answer praising accountablity and promising nothing whatsoever.
Thanks to reality-based educator.
Labels: vouchers
It's Carnival Time
Too hot for dancing on the streets, so try to stay indoors and celebrate this week's carnival over at Education in Texas.
Admission is free (slightly higher in Canada).
Casey Rides Again
I've been giving a lot of thought to charters lately. I'd been thinking I might support them if they didn't get preferential treatment, and if their employees were given free and fair opportunities to unionize (or not).
Then I go to Edwize, and look at Leo Casey's take on it, and I don't know what to think. According to Mr. Casey's trenchant analysis, the problem with charter supporters is they all trot around saying "Like, duh," and scratching themselves inappropriately.
It takes something quite extreme to drive Edwize to “valley girl” discourse. We are teachers and we are New Yorkers, and proud of both, so we lean toward the intellectual side of things. Ask us about that good book we just finished reading, the great jazz gig we saw over the weekend or the latest exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum, not who is on the top of the pop music charts.
I'm pleased to hear once again how sophisticated Mr. Casey feels himself to be, and delighted by his cheerful stereotypes of teachers and New Yorkers in what he perceives as his own image. It's a good thing Mr. Casey isn't teaching while he spouts his stereotypes, as he'd be subject to 90 days suspension without pay under a clause he loudly championed. No doubt Mr. Casey shares my sense of relief, since the potty patrol he also advocated has turned out to be so intellectually unrewarding.
Far from defending and extending the status quo, we are looking for ways to negotiate better contracts, and to create post-industrial, bureaucracy free schools which work better for students and for teachers.
Mr. Casey and his monopoly party achieve this by cutting teacher prep time in half, saddling us with permanent lunch duty, hall duty, potty patrol, a sixth class, two summer days of pointless conferences, and agreeing to previously-mentioned 90-day suspensions for working teachers based on unsubstantiated student accusations. I've already read of two teachers falsely accused under this policy. How does that work better for students or teachers?
Furthermore, Casey's party agrees to these things, among others, for less than cost of living. Working teachers need Casey's negotiating acumen like they need holes in their heads.
The main problem with charters (disregarding the preferential treatment of schools like Ross) is union-busting. And the main problem with the UFT is its blatant lack of democracy, typified by pompous windbags who won't lower themselves to either defend its practices or engage in civil discourse with its critics.
Mr. Casey is quite right about union-busting in general, and provides statistics to support his point. But it's also true Mr. Casey sold us out with the worst contract I've ever seen, and while we gave scores of givebacks, he and his 6-figure Unity cohorts got the same raise we did.
Their giveback? They keep the UFT office open one extra hour a week. Don't hold your breath waiting to read about that on Edwize, either.
Go ahead, Mr. Casey, and discuss music and Shakespeare with your clever intellectual friends. But stop pretending you're one of us. You sold us out, actively quashed opposition voices, and told us you got a good deal. Neither you nor your witty dinner companions will suffer the consequences.
Bloomberg Appoints New Chancellor
In a surprise move, Mayor Michael Bloomberg today gave school Chancellor Joel Klein his walking papers.
Mayor Bloomberg stated, "In today's ever-changing environment, we need a chancellor who will stand up for the things I believe in. While Chancellor Klein did an admirable job in many respects, we'll need someone who can get right into the thick of things. The next time, for example, parents object to my dumping a charter into their public schools, we need someone who can get right in there and show them we mean business."
Mayor Bloomberg added, "We plan an absolute ban on cell phones. They are not allowed. I could not have one when I was a kid, and no student under my administration can have one either."
Asked for comment, the new chancellor replied, "I pity the fool who doesn't do what we tell him, and do it right now." Reporters instantly scurried away, fearing for their lives.
NYC: A Nice Place If Klein Pays Your Rent
Thanks to UFT President Randi Weingarten's willingness to amend the contract without consulting rank and file, new math teachers can make more money than working ones.
90 teachers will get $5,000 bucks up front, and 400 a month for two years for agreeing to spend three years teaching in fun city. While I still don't see how that will help with long-term housing, or attract long-term teachers, it's certainly cheaper than dealing with the long-term problem, and right in line with NYC's thirty-year shortcut program.
In Nassau County, they generally pay teachers well, have small class sizes, and decent facilities for all students. They don't hire underqualified teachers who fail scores of tests, they don't need charters, they don't need vouchers, and they don't need merit pay.
Would that work in NYC?
Mayor Bloomberg doesn't think it's worth fooling with. That's why he refused to pay a dime of taxpayer funds toward the CFE lawsuit.
Here's what one applicant says:
"New York City is a very expensive place to live," the 40-year teaching vet said. "The prices are staggering. It would be OK if a teacher's salary was staggering. But that's not the case."
Congratulations to him. And good luck to the other 79,910 NYC teachers.
Update: LA is now also offering a $5,000 bonus for math and science teachers.
Elephant in the Easy Chair
What do you do with kids who can't read when they get to high school? And how in the world did they manage to do that?
I identified two kids who could not read a few years back, one of whom had been kicking around city schools for years. When I brought this matter to the guidance counselor, he was upset at my disturbing his reverie, and did nothing. When I spoke to a reporter, who called the school, it became a crisis.
I got called into meeting after meeting, in which various members of the administration assured the principal their asses were covered, and gave chapter and verse explaining why. Not one breath was devoted to the welfare of these kids.
I was later told by an ex-administrator working for the UFT that there was no program whatsoever in NYC to deal with such kids. It's about time someone noticed. Too bad this awareness hasn't made its way to NYC, where Mayor Bloomberg is busy protecting the world from cell-phone use.
Let's say you're a school principal, and you stand accused of having placed your grubby little fingers into the school lunch fund, not to mention intimidation and corporal punishment.
What do you suppose your boss will do about that?
Well, if your boss happens to be NYC School Chancellor Joel Klein, he gives you another $250,000 of taxpayer funds to play with, and hopes for the best.
A Charter Finds a Home
Mayor Bloomberg, on the heels of the NEST-Ross fiasco, has decided to award the non-union Ross charter school the best classrooms in the city--the state of the art facilities at Tweed, funded by city taxpayers. While public school kids are sent to trailers, hallways and bathrooms, the Ross students will be fine.
A note to the teachers working for Ms. Ross--avoid talking about union salaries and benefits. You know what happens to people like that.
"Boy, how nice is it for a privately run school to get such wonderful attention!" said Carmen Colon, a parent who runs a group of parent leaders. "It would be nice if our public schools were getting this type of attention."
Stuart Marques, a spokesman for teachers union president Randi Weingarten, said the move "certainly shows where the chancellor's priorities are."
Perhaps if public schools received this sort of consideration, they wouldn't be in the state they are now. In fact, all things being equal, a lot of people think public schools are just as good , or even better than private schools.
Personally, even beyond what test scores say, I think they're better. I can't muster much sympathy for bazillionaires like Ross who deny working people their right to unionize. However good her school may be (and it's certainly getting better treatment than any public city school), the kids who leave it, thanks to her "vision", are going to enter an economy with even fewer opportunities.
Thanks to Schoolgal for the tip!
Labels: charter schools, needy billionaires, NEST
The Principal Observes a Class
Mr. Jacobs, social studies AP, and Ms. Robinson, working teacher and apprentice AP, entered Ms. Mudd’s classroom via the back door five minutes into the lesson. Ms. Mudd, on the advice of Mr. Jacobs, had taken the new methodology to heart.
The students were working in groups, as suggested by the chancellor, and Ms. Mudd was circulating around the room, answering questions and offering advice to students.
This went on for about five minutes. The observers sat quietly scribbling notes. Suddenly, the principal and Seymour, assistant principal of organization, entered via the front door.
“How is everyone today?” asked the principal. “What are you all learning here today?”
All activity ceased and the students sat mute.
“Come on, someone needs to speak up. Your teacher’s job could be on the line here, you know.”
Ms. Mudd turned pale.
A female student began to explain, but the principal interrupted. “Ms. Mudd, do you have a lesson plan?”
Ms Mudd stammered, “Of course I do.”
“I want to see it,” demanded the principal.
Ms. Mudd went to her desk and recovered her notebook, then handed it to the principal. The principal glanced at it, then to the floor, then examined the floor more closely and asked, “Why is all this paper on the floor? How can anyone learn in this environment?”
He walked to the front of the room and picked up the trashcan. He handed it to a student and said, “This is unacceptable. Please pass this around the room, and drop any papers you find into it. “ He then dropped the notebook on Ms. Mudd’s desk and said, “This classroom is a disaster. Don’t you agree, Seymour?”
Seymour adjusted his tie, and nodded his head. “Oh yes, sir, absolutely.”
The principal then looked at a desk, which was covered with graffiti.
“Seymour, please go get a couple of buckets, some soapy water, and some sponges.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Seymour, and quickly ran down the hall to the custodian’s office.
When Seymour returned, the principal instructed several students to start cleaning the desks. They refused.
“Ms. Mudd,” began the principal, “is this how you teach your students to obey? I’m very disappointed at your lack of control.”
Ms. Mudd fought back tears as best she could.
The principal walked out of the room, with Seymour following closely behind him.
Mr. Jacobs and Ms. Robinson followed.
“Well, Mr. Jacobs,” the principal asked, “What did you think of that lesson?”
Mr. Jacobs was flabbergasted. “The lesson…did you even see the…”
“I’d like you to write it up as unsatisfactory,” said the principal.
“But, you didn’t see anything. She was… "
The principal gave Mr. Jacobs the look he’d been practicing. “Are you refusing to follow instructions?” he asked.
“I’m not refusing,” Mr. Jacobs replied. “It’s just…”
“Make a note, Seymour. Mr. Jacobs is refusing a direct order. That’s insubordination, isn’t it, Seymour?”
“Yes, sir. Refusing a direct order is insubordination. I’m shocked and stunned.”
“Well, Seymour, make a note of it. We can’t have that here. No wonder those kids are behaving so poorly. I made a simple request, and they refused. And how dare that girl interrupt me when I’m asking questions?”
Mr. Jacobs and Ms. Robinson just stood there, speechless.
Next Week: The Observations Continue
DC37, the city's largest municipal union, which set the standard for all city contracts in the last round of negotiations, has done it again. They've received a 32 month contract and a 10 percent raise, and have agreed to no givebacks. They've also won the right to live outside New York City, an actual gain for them.
Several labor experts said Mr. Bloomberg’s decision to loosen the residency requirement was a tacit recognition that the city had become too expensive for many municipal workers.
Meanwhile, UFT President Randi Weingarten has organized a coalition of unions waiting for contracts. Since the precedent has already been set, and neither FDNY nor NYPD are on board, there's little to no chance this will do anything but impede negotiations for us.
Randi has asked for 4 percent a year, in order to catch up with the suburbs. An odd position, considering her regular boasts to rank and file that we'd already done that. Clearly the only path to Randi's goal is more givebacks for actual teachers. That will give me something to think about next year as I patrol the halls one period a day rather than read essays, meet students, and prepare lessons.
Having excluded precedent-setting DC37, there's little chance any city workers' salaries will keep up with cost of living, as DC37, apparently, never frets over such trivialities.
That's the plight of people who work in the United States nowadays. Check out Paul Krugman's column on Left Behind Economics ($):
Bush supporter: “Why doesn’t President Bush get credit for a great economy? I blame liberal media bias.”
Informed economist: “But it’s not a great economy for most Americans. Many families are actually losing ground, and only a very few affluent people are doing really well.”
Redhog Oinks Again
Here's a very interesting article by Ron Isaacs, who posts on Edwize as "redhog."
Mr. Isaacs bemoans what he considers to be his grotesquely unfair treatment, invoking Nazi death camps and Elie Wiesel. He refers to himself as "Nailed and Screwed" even though his case, strikingly unlike those of Mr. Wiesel and other Nazi victims, entailed no substantial consequence whatsoever.
Interestingly enough, Mr. Issacs passionately defended a contract that allows UFT members to be suspended for three months, without pay, on unsubstantiated accusations (Apparently Mr. Issacs' impassioned arguments do not apply to working teachers). He used yet another pseudonym for that article, so people would not mistake him for the Unity shill he was and is.
Mr. Issacs has retired, and will not be subject to the terms of the contract he championed. Last I heard, he landed a nifty UFT job writing for NY Teacher.
Enjoy your retirement, Ron! We lowly dues-payers are privileged to pay your salary, and your second pension.
More on Cells
The NY Times covers Bloomberg's much-beloved cell-phone ban this morning.
Haven't I Seen that Somewhere?
Schoolgal wonders whether NYC teachers will find anything familiar in the deal LA union leaders struck with their mayor? I see a hand raised in front. Yes?
That's right. They made the deal without waiting for the union's policy-making body (let alone rank-and-file) to vote on it.
Perhaps that's the "new" teacher union stance I hear bandied about so much. If only those darn teachers would stop worrying about trivial things and just cede total control--which is precisely what LA is poised to give the Mayor.
Some folks say teachers don't care about kids. Perhaps those people teach their kids to give up their rights at the drop of a hat. My kid will know better.
The Parent Advisory Board, set up so Mayor Mike can say he's listening to NYC parents even as he ignores them utterly, is getting tired of being used. They're particularly upset about the cell-phone ban, in which Mayor Mike did what he liked despite widespread sentiment otherwise.
In fact, they're so upset, they're taking him to court.
We'll see if Mayor Mike respects the courts any more than the parents.
Don't count on it.
The Carnival Is in Town
Actually, it's all the way over in la-la land. Play the jukebox at this week's carnival over at the LA Times' cool new School Me blog.
NYC Educator has been on the road for the last few days, along with Senora Educadora and little NYCita. I'm afraid, viewing the country, I've determined there need to be some new laws, and perhaps a constitutional amendment to enforce them.
First, there needs to be a special ring of hell for people who get into the fast lane on Tennesee highways with seventy-mile speed limits, and drive 57 mph. Yesterday, I was behind the proverbial Arkansas traveler, with the license plates to prove it, and the only thing missing was the theme music.
Drivers who move slowly, then speed up just as you're passing them need to be executed. For this, we need those military tribunals so as to save the expense of trials.
Finally, bands who play in theme parks may not take a forty dollar tape recorder, put it on the stage, press the results as a CD, and sell it to their listeners. For this infraction, the penalty must be financial. First, they must refund all proceeds from the crap CD. Then, they must perform their music at the park exactly as it sounded on the CD.
If they lose their jobs as a result (and they surely will), we must attribute that to karma.
So Long, Mike
Michael Winerip, head and shoulders the very best education columnist I've ever seen, is leaving the NY Times. My friend Schoolgal also bemoans the loss of a columnist who took the time to respond to her emails. Many education columnists seem not to have encountered teachers since they left high school, and have seen public school teachers only in museum photos.
He leaves with some choice words about No Child Left Behind, characterizing it as relying on standardized testing because it mistrusts teachers, along with a plea for reduced class size. There's a little history on how figures like Jeb Bush and Michael Bloomberg have battled against it.
Of course standardized tests suggest teacher judgment is inadequate. If they were the only way to judge progress, no one my age would be able to read. A better step would be to insist on and seek out quality teachers, even if it meant (gasp) paying them. This is particularly important in places like NYC, where adult role-models are not always in abundant supply. What can you expect from a city that elects demagogues like Rudy Giuliani?
As a parent, I can't imagine how the obvious advantages of smaller class size eludes anyone with children. Kids need more attention from adults, not less. This is particularly true, again, in areas like NYC. There are studies, but why anyone needs one is beyond me.
Lastly, Winerip suggests a "No Family Left Behind" act, as crushing poverty, unbeknownst to the likes of Bush and Bloomberg, can severely inhibit education. He points out that NCLB is resulting in curricula that sacrifices education to test prep.
There's no one to replace Mike Winerip, and very few education writers with the remotest notion of what goes on in classrooms, and I'm very sad to see him go.
English? Who Needs English?
I'm surprised by an article in the Times stating that NY State is leaving ESL students behind. It's quite true, or course, but for none of the reasons the article states.
Apparently, the feds have deemed that the NYCESLAT exam, which purports to measure the proficiency of ESL students in English, does not measure the same things as the English Regents. That's true also, but the English Regents is supposed to measure reading and writing skills, not the extent to which kids born here have acquired the English language.
The odd thing is that the feds, the state, and apparently the Times seems to think that the NYCESLAT is a stand-in for the Regents exam. It is not. All ESL students are required to take the English Regents exam, and are denied graduation if they fail to pass it.
This results in kids who've been here for a very short time being compelled to take the test. I am regularly sent kids who cannot speak English at all and asked to prepare them for the Regents exam. It's absurd.
As for the NYCESLAT, it tests only things I'd teach to first-year students. Originally the standard was set so high that a perfect score, apparently, was required to pass. Then the standard was lowered dramatically, so that many kids with few English skills could pass. The city test sets the bar even lower.
We're not doing these kids any service by setting the bar so low, and sending them to college with such meager language skills. Nor do the Times, the feds, or the state do us any service by being so poorly informed.
Update: A poster writes that this applies to grades 3-8, not high school. I'm not changing the piece, because I think while the grades may have changed, the point has not. In fact, this expands the problem.
Teachers Need to Follow in the Mayor's Footsteps
When teachers fail, it's the end of the world. They're leaving children behind, those bastards. How on earth could they requisition summers off? Walmartize the entire operation, pronounces the public.
When Mayor Bloomberg fails, it's also a disaster. How on earth could only 18% of NYC kids meet Regents qualifications under the reign of the one, the only, the education mayor? That's absolutely unacceptable, and something must be done about it. What?
How about reducing the number of required Regents exams from 8 to 5? That just about triples the passing ratio, and makes everything fine.
Why the hell can't those hopeless teachers make progress like Chancellor Klein and Mayor Bloomberg?
Guess what New York City gave 825 unqualified teachers?
Well, it only took thirty years to get around to it. On the positive side, however, they've attracted about 90 teachers with that signing bonus.
I think it's a step in the right direction. Perhaps another step might be competitive pay. Although Randi Weingarten, UFT President, claims we've caught up with the suburbs, she's laboring under a misconception. This is well-demonstrated by the case of a teacher leaving Lawrence for NYC, and even better by NYSUT's list of Nassau salaries.
Once, NYC paid the highest salaries, had the highest standard for teachers in the state, and was one of the best school systems in the state, a model for the world. The city's 30-year flirtation with the lowest salaries in the area (and the lowest standards for teachers) has been an abysmal failure.
We're saddled with the remanants of that policy for some time to come. But bargain-basement shopping for teachers, as shown by the bonus system, the 800 numbers and the endless job fairs--that's not how you do it. How you do it is by emulating what works.
And anytime Mayor Mike gets curious enough to see what that is, he can just have his chauffer drive east till he crosses the Nassau line.
Muchas gracias a la gal de la escuela
Watch Yourself in Norwalk
Norwalk has had it with parents whose kids don't attend school. They've decided to evict the parents of kids who don't attend regularly. But only those who reside in public housing.
I have mixed feelings about this. I agree with opponents that making them homeless will probably not contribute to improved attendance. I've had a few students who lived in shelters, and it's really heartbreaking, particularly when you see they're really good kids.
On the other hand, I will say just about anything to manipulate troublesome kids and their parents. There's a law in NY State that says parents who refuse to come to school are guilty of neglect, or abuse, or something. I wouldn't hesitate to threaten a parent, and follow up if I thought it would help.
I also wouldn't hesitate to threaten a parent with eviction, if you threw that into my bag of tricks. However, I do agree that it's unfair to pick on parents who reside in public housing. That's not fair.
So let's evict all parents who don't send their kids to school, no matter where they live.
It's Good to Be King
Mel Brooks said that. It wasn't during this scene, though. He was at the shooting range. He'd call "Pull!" a peasant would fly into the air, and King Mel would shoot him.
Anyway, it's also good to be principal. Well, of course women find high school principals sexually irresistable. Why do you think they decorate their homes with long wooden benches instead of sofas? But I digress. That's not the main reason. What is, you ask?
Well, if your scores go up, you get bonus pay.
One of the great things about this system is it doesn't matter how badly your school stinks. Consider this--if only one kid passed last year, and two passed this year, your ratio improved 100%. Who cares about the other 2,764 kids who flunked under your beneficent guidance? Cancellor Klein likes to accentuate the positive.
And if your school is being closed because it's a miserable, irredeemable failure, you still get a cool 5-15K for that great job you did!
I, for one, am glad the UFT opened the door to merit pay with that "lead teacher" think. I can't wait to get my paws on Mayor Mike's Millions, and frankly, I'm getting sick and tired of having to work for it.
I have my standards. And I'm absolutely ready and willing to lower them.
Thanks again to Schoolgal!
Is Size Everything?
Here's another teacher who lost his job. He says it's because he's overweight. Michael Frank,who weighs 325 lbs., was not granted tenure at Lawrence Middle School, despite four years of "overwhelmingly positive reviews."
Frank, who is 6-feet-4, says the assistant superintendent evaluating his classroom performance said, "You are so big and sloppy," and "your appearance is not conducive to learning."
It's hard to imagine an administrator who doesn't work for NYC schools saying something that stupid, but perhaps Frank's former boss is the exception that proves the rule.
There's one more thing, however, about this story that puzzles me:
He lost his job teaching seventh-grade math at Lawrence Middle School, and has since found a lower-paying job at August Martin High School in Queens.
Didn't UFT President Randi Weingarten declare that we'd caught up with the suburbs?
But--if he's making less in the city, that means he was making more in the suburbs. So that means--wait--what did Miss Clavel say?--Something is not right.
Extra credit to the first poster who can explain what it is.
Thanks to Schoolgal for the tip.
Hey Mr. Taliban, Tally Me Banana
It appears Sayed Rahmatullah Hashemi, former Taliban spokesman, will not be able to matriculate in Yale. Frankly I'm shocked.
I mean, can't they give this guy credit for life experience? How many Yale students took part in a regime that held mass murders in football fields? Are they against multiculturalism or something?
What a blatant lack of consideration. Do they think this guy can just go to some crappy community college after a lifetime of subjugating women, blowing up wondrous Buddhas carved into mountains, and sheltering Osama?
Let's send Mr. Hashemi to Yale. Perhaps he'll learn to run the Taliban the way President Bush ran the war in Afghanistan. Then they'll never regroup or succeed, they'll involve themselves with wholly irrelevant pursuits, and we'll never have to hear from them again.
Let's use a little strategery here, folks.
NYPD Sends the Mayor a Message
It's interesting when Mayor Bloomberg throws up his hands and calls for binding arbitration. The woefully underpaid NYPD, not surprisingly, has yet to jump at his typically unattractive offer. Oddly enough, this Mayor is not content to sit and wait for years, as public employees have often done for him.
Unlike our union leaders, the NYPD's are smart and tough. They insisted on raising pay for veteran cops last time, agreeing to pay cuts for rookies. The noble UFT insisted on protecting rookies, and was roundly praised for it. For about five minutes. Then the Post and News began their semi-weekly pronouncements that we were and would always be the lowest form of scum of God's green earth.
But the cops "ate their young," as the geniuses at Edwize put it. Guess what? It got a lot harder to attract cops. Now, the city wants to raise starting pay, but NYPD wants all cops to get a raise. Whose problem is this? Bloomberg's, of course. This is yet another entirely predictable consequence. If teachers in the lunchroom knew it would happen, why didn't the mayor?
Thanks to Schoolgal!
A Minor Alteration
Richard hadn’t been summoned to the principal since ninth grade. But little had changed—there was the long wooden bench, and the bespectacled lady behind the wooden counter bade him to sit and wait. There were photos on the walls—the principal with this guy, shaking hand with that guy, smiling with the baseball team, certificates of gratitude, letters…how long would he have to wait.
After many minutes, Richard could bear it no longer, and decided to go to the bathroom. He wondered whether he needed permission. He stood up.
“Mr. Carter. The principal will see you now.”
Richard walked into the office. Wow. It was big. There was a conference room, a living room, a coffee machine, a refrigerator—uh-oh. There was Ms. Goodrich, his boss, who hadn’t said a kind word to him since the meatball incident.
“Please sit down, Mr. Carter,” said the principal. He was smiling slightly. That was good, possibly. “Ms. Goodrich?” She was going to speak. That was bad. Also Mr. Benjamin, the math AP, was there. He looked like Bernie Mac, plus 10 years and 20 pounds. Also, Jennifer’s boss, Dr. Canales, was there. That was strange.
“Richard,” began Ms. Goodrich. “We’ve formed a bond, a very special bond, these past few months, and I hate it when something comes along to interrupt my training, it saddens me. I know how much you’ve come to depend on my counsel, and believe me, you can continue coming to me with whatever is on your mind. I was just telling the principal about how much you’ve grown as a pedagogue…”
That was strange to hear. Just yesterday she entered his classroom and screamed at him about the writing on one of the desks…
“..but we have to allow for the exigencies of the moment, and…”
“We want you to teach ESL, two classes, and math, two classes,” said Mr. Benjamin. “You’ll continue with one of your English classes.”
“I’m not really good at math,” said Richard.
“That’s okay,” said Mr. Benjamin. “Your resume says you used to work as a musician. So improvise. Fake it until you make it. Anyway, this math is so easy anyone can do it.”
“But why did you pick me to do it?” Richard asked.
“There comes a time, in life’s rich pageant, when we need to…” began the principal.
“Because they can’t learn and you can’t teach,” interrupted Mr. Benjamin, definitively. “It’ll be a thing of beauty. Really, you’ll do fine, kid. Any other questions?”
“What’s ESL?” asked Richard.
“It’s when you teach kids from other countries how to speak English.” Said Mr. Benjamin, flashing a movie-star smile. “You’ll love it. You have two sections of ESL 1. Start with hi, how are you, and go from there. Fake it until you make it.”
“I will help you,” said Dr. Canales, unconvincingly.
“I don’t have licenses in ESL or math,” admitted Richard.
“No one cares,” said Mr. Benjamin.
“Why are you asking me to do this?” asked Richard.
The principal cleared his throat. “It’s not really relevant. You see, sometimes, in the best of schools, even under optimal circumstances, the long, cold hand of….”
“Ms. Moscowitz had a nervous breakdown,” interrupted Mr. Benjamin. “We swapped a few classes around and gave you what was left.”
Richard was starting to like Mr. Benjamin. For one thing, he actually understood every word the man said. For another, Mr. Benjamin plainly had no respect whatsoever for Ms. Goodrich or the principal.
Richard wondered how he got away with being so up-front about it.
Next Week: The Observation to End All Observations
Union Busting Gets Tougher Every Day
Exercise, Executive Style
Truth, Justice, the American Way, and Summer Vacation
Today's Question:
Take Back America for Working People (Including Te...
Way to Go, Jill!
Forget the Three Rs
The Trouble with American Kids
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Greg Giangrande
Help — I’m attracted to a vendor for our company
By Greg Giangrande
November 24, 2019 | 3:20pm
Someone new is taking the promotion I wanted -- is it wrong to hate them?
Is it too late for a career change at age 59?
Is now a good time to be looking for another job?
I'm a new manager with an employee that needs nudging -- is it warning time?
I got laid off months ago — now I want my stuff back from the office
I’ve developed a crush on someone who deals with our company as a vendor. Do the same rules apply as they do to employees when it comes to fraternization and potential claims of harassment? I can’t believe we have to think this way, but it seems we can’t have feelings at work anymore.
First of all, Cupid, unless you’re still in high school and talking about the girl who supplies the hamburgers to the concession stand where you flip the patties during a summer job, you shouldn’t call what you are describing a “crush,” OK? But seriously, in general, the same rules of conduct apply to vendors and clients of a company as they do to employees — meaning you can’t be a jerk and treat people poorly or make them feel uncomfortable. That said, most companies don’t have policies forbidding romantic relationships with vendors of the company unless it creates a conflict of interest or the appearance of one. And while the workplace is more fraught than ever when it comes to relationships, millions of people still manage to find love at work without creating a hostile environment. Treat people respectfully, paying attention to the social cues about whether someone is interested. If you misread the cues, the worst offense is having asked the person out on a date. Then apologize and don’t make the other person feel uncomfortable. It’s called being a responsible, self-aware, respectful human.
Big fish, little pond or little fish, big pond? Which is better for your career?
Is this a literal question about your career options or an existential question? I don’t hate many things, but I don’t like these trite, binary views of the world and the career journey, which is deeply personal and unique to the individual. There is no right or wrong. The only thing that matters is what situation gives you the chance to do what you love to do and be recognized and rewarded for it. Whatever works for you — and that can change at different times in your career — is what is best for you. So remain open-minded, my little grasshopper, and the world will present many more opportunities for you to consider.
Gregory Giangrande is a chief human resources and communications officer in the media industry. Email your career questions to gotogreg@nypost.com. Follow Greg on Twitter: @greggiangrande. His “Go to Greg” podcast series is available on iTunes.
Filed under advice , at work , careers , go to greg , 11/24/19
Inside the life of a shopping addict
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The latest news from NYSHealth.
New York State Health Foundation Commits $5 Million for COVID-19 Response Efforts
NYSHealth has committed an additional $3 million in funding to support COVID-19 response and relief efforts throughout New York State
NYSHealth Commits $2 Million for COVID-19 Response Efforts
The New York State Health Foundation has committed $2 million in funding to support COVID-19 response and relief efforts throughout New York State.
Health Reform Watch
“During the Affordable Care Act’s Second Open Enrollment Period, Foundations Reach Out”
Read an article in the Health Affairs GrantWatch Blog about how foundations are supporting outreach and education during the second open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act. The article cites an NYSHealth poll which found that 92% of New Yorkers who became newly insured under Obamacare during its first year were "completely or somewhat satisfied with their health insurance," and 23% of respondents said that it was very or somewhat difficult to find a doctor’s office or a clinic that would accept them as a new patient.
Health Affairs GrantWatch Blog
“Clinton County Health Department Receives $250,000 NYSHealth Grant”
Read an article and watch a video on MyChamplainValley.com about Clinton County's participation in NYSHealth's Healthy Neighborhoods Fund initiative. NYSHealth has selected six communities across New York State for grant awards totaling $2 million to help them become healthier, more active places where residents of all ages can thrive.
MyChamplainValley.com
“Orleans County’s Nursing Home Has Been Sold”
Read an article in the Democrat & Chronicle about the sale of the Orleans County nursing home. The article cites a report by the Center for Governmental Research, funded by NYSHealth, on the future of county-run nursing homes in New York State.
Democrat & Chronicle
“Reflections on Governor Mario Cuomo’s Health Leadership”
In his Huffington Post column, former NYSHealth President and CEO James R. Knickman reflects on the late Governor Mario Cuomo's legacy and his enduring impact on New York State's health system.
Statement on the Death of Governor Mario Cuomo
It was reported that former New York Governor Mario Cuomo died earlier today, January 1, 2015. The following is a statement from New York State Health Foundation President and CEO James R. Knickman reflecting on Governor Cuomo’s impact on New York’s health system.
“Edible Education: Nutrition Toolkit Available for Schools”
Read an article in the Lake Placid News about how public schools are using Essex County's school nutrition toolkit to serve healthier food to students. The article mentions an NYSHealth grant to Essex County Public Health. NYSHealth has selected 17 organizations for grant awards to advance the goals of the New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) Prevention Agenda 2013–17.
Lake Placid News
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Private Family Foundation Dissolves into a DAF
We work with multiple generations of families in all stages of giving, each experiencing unique situations and life milestones.
Cindy and Doug have three adult children and eleven grandchildren and created the Shipper Family Foundation through their estate plan. Two years into the launch of the foundation, the adult children decided it was too much for them to manage. They no longer live in the state where they were born and raised, and they are all running their own businesses. They approached OCF and embarked on a series of exercises to build a large donor advised fund to recognize the legacy of their parents. Through a series of individual and group interviews OCF staff helped to lay the groundwork for their vision of giving and analysis of charitable investments.
A unanimous concern is the involvement of subsequent generations. Staff worked to rewrite the family’s mission statement and developed a roadmap that included strategies to invite the next generations to participate.
They established a legacy giving program to support a handful of organizations important to their parents. By refocusing their grantmaking strategies, new community opportunities emerged to support basic services and small arts organizations.
The grandchildren have their own philanthropy program that includes service learning projects and ongoing discussions around their giving.
Learn More Abut Family Giving
See our recommended books and articles to learn more about giving with your family. Visit our resources for families page.
CONTACT OCF TO GET STARTED
Are you a current donor? Contact your donor relations officer to get started.
New to OCF? Contact us at familygiving@oregoncf.org.
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Mood: content
Music: Beethoven Mass in C
Fic request: J-B-A story
Title: Lost Love
Fandom: FFX
Characters: Jecht, Braska, Auron
Pairings: n/a
Spoilers: not really
Notes: For muggy_mountain, who requested Jecht, Braska, and Auron, as friends, with a theme of love. I am not certain this is quite what was expected with this theme, but this is where the story took me.
The fire popped and crackled as stars shone down from the skies over the Moonflow, augmenting the gentle colors of the pyreflies that drifted above the nearby river, an occasional escapee floating through the camp. The three travelers rested in their by-now accustomed places -- Jecht sprawling on his back and looking up into the distance, Braska with a cup of tea and a meditative air, and Auron staring pensively into the flames. Some nights they would chat around the fire, more often on this return journey than they had on the way from Bevelle to Besaid, but tonight a companionable silence had ruled for most of the evening until, with an almost inaudible sigh, Auron shifted and turned his head. "My lord? We will reach Guadosalam tomorrow. Did you wish to make a stop?"
Braska shook his head. "There is no need. If all goes well, I will be with her soon enough."
"Wish I could be sure of that," Jecht muttered from his side of the fire. "Damn, I miss her." The other two men looked at him in surprise as he sat up. "What?" he asked, stretching and scratching the back of his neck.
"I presume you refer to your wife?" There was a smile in Braska's voice. "You speak of your son often, but I don't think you even mentioned your wife's name."
"Licia." Jecht shrugged. "Guess there ain't much to say. I..." He paused and leaned back on his hands, looking to the sky again. "It's hard to talk about her. She was just always there and now she's not. Never even knew how much I would miss havin' her around 'til she wasn't there."
"It's as if a part of you is gone," Braska said softly. "Like an arm, or an eye. You took it for granted while it was there, but now that it's missing you notice its absence, every minute of every day. And you will never feel whole again without it."
Jecht nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, it really is like that. 'Spose you would know."
"I wouldn't," Auron mumbled under his breath. He hadn't really intended for his companions to hear, but they both had -- Braska smiled into his tea, while Jecht actually laughed, an abrupt chuckle that startled Auron into a glare.
"Never been in love, eh? Man! That explains a lot."
Auron's glare turned icy. "You understand nothing," he snapped, half rising to his feet.
"Auron." Braska set the mug back on the ground and adopted the calming tone he'd learned to adopt when his two guardians squabbled. They were less often at one another's throats these days, but he suspected that they were different enough that they would always find something to fight about. When possible, changing the subject was best. The man in red looked at his summoner, the sudden flare of anger in his eyes already fading as he sat back down. "So you were always meant for Yevon then?"
Auron returned his eyes to the fire. "Yes. I cannot remember a time when I didn't dream of being a warrior monk." His words took on a dreamlike quality as he slipped into his memories, pyreflies gathering behind him and completing the effect. " Serving the temples was all I ever wanted to do. I would sit in front of our cottage in Bevelle and watch the monks march by, uniforms neat, weapons gleaming, and I knew that I would be one of them someday. As soon as I was old enough, I left my mother and never looked back. I drilled with the sword and I studied the teachings. And I was where I belonged. For nine years, Yevon was my life, the other warrior monks my family. And then--" He stopped abruptly, dropping his eyes. Braska and Jecht sat quietly, waiting for their comrade to continue, but he did not, lost in thought, his eyes cast into dark shadow.
Then Jecht stood, reaching his arms high to stretch with a yawn. "Well, ain't we a cheerful bunch! I'm goin' to bed. Maybe life'll look brighter in the morning." He sauntered toward their tent, then paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Y'know, Auron, I think you're wrong. Sounds to me like you have been in love." And with that pronouncement, he disappeared inside the tent, Auron staring after him.
Once again silence reigned, for what felt to Braska like a very long time. Finally Auron stirred and spoke. "My lord, did I ever tell you why I rejected the marriage that had been arranged for me?"
Braska nodded. "You said that you resented being judged on anything other than your merits, that your record and abilities should speak for themselves."
"That was part of it," Auron agreed. "But also, I felt that to marry would be a betrayal of my vows to Yevon. The priests assured me that there would be no conflict, that I could serve both Yevon and a wife, but in my heart I knew that I could not. My loyalty was to Yevon, so I could not pledge myself to a woman. I had no choice but to refuse." He grunted, almost a chuckle. "Jecht may see more clearly than anyone realizes."
"Perhaps so. " Braska sighed. "I am sorry that Yevon repaid your devotion by casting you out. You deserved a much better fate." He laid a hand on Auron's robed shoulder.
"We all did," Auron replied quietly. He half-smiled at his summoner and covered the other man's hand with his own. "But thank you, my lord."
Braska glanced at the stars, then the dying fire, and slipped his hand free as he stood. "The hour grows late, my friend. Shall we join Jecht in the tent?"
Auron responded with a shake of his head. "Go ahead, my lord. I will stand watch until the fire goes out."
"All right." Even in the few weeks they had known each other, Braska had already learned that Auron would not be argued out of a pensive mood. "Good night." The summoner made his way to the tent and Jecht's snores. As he crawled inside and let the tent flap fall, he took one look back outside at Auron, who had not moved, his features lit and shadowed by the flickering fire, pyreflies swarming lazily in the background.
Tags: ffx, fic, meme
Once upon a time, I was very excited for this game. Then my trust in Squeenix began eroding, until this happened, and I washed my hands of it.…
Final Fantasy Kiss Battle 2016!!!
Yes, it is happening! Yes, it's happening RIGHT NOW! :D FINAL FANTASY KISS BATTLE 2016 This entry is also posted at…
That FFXV interview.
So unless you've been living under a rock (and if so, please tell me where this rock is and let me crawl beneath it with you), and if you're…
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Personalised Sessions
21 Chakra Healing
Blue Body Healing
R-Factoring
True Tales From The Himalayas – On The Default Setting Of Fear
Savita’s* eldest daughter ran away with a boy from a village some distance away, just nine days before she was to marry into an eminent family, who owned a hotel with “its own parking space”. This act of her daughter had heavy implications for the family, most of it was the scandal that would surely ensue – how would they face society again? Hearing this news, Savita’s husband, recently elected sarpanch, locked himself in a room and banged his head against the wall. Early next morning, Savita armed herself with a long axe that the villagers use to cut wood and set off in the general direction of the village the couple had eloped to. In those days, there was a Roadways bus (a rickety contraption that ran the interstate route, as opposed to local buses that plied between the villages) that trundled down the mountain every morning at 5 am but for some inexplicable reason it didn’t show up that day and she returned home. “Didi”, she laughs as she recounts that incident to me, “if that bus had turned up, God knows what might have happened that day, I was so angry!”
Knowing Savita as I do now, her venture that day would probably have ended up as a show of sabre rattling to restore some honour and that would have been that. Her reactions more often than not were extreme, as her 7 children have informed me on some occasion or the other. Whenever Savita was triggered, she would go down all guns blazing which usually didn’t help in solving the problem. She would just shrug it off after she let off steam, till another trigger made her as reactive, the knee-jerk response to fear.
For many of us, our default setting is fear. We have moments of happiness, hope, enjoyment, love but when they’re over, fear holds reign again. Like Savita, we know of incidents when we are reactive to an action and then we go crazy trying to figure out the solution. Savita could bring out her axe to show her wrath and in a calmer state realize that she could have done irreparable damage. When we ponder over her reactive behaviour and ours, what do we see is fear, and it is these fear-based reactions that create all our experiences in life.
Going purely by the law of attraction, in our inner fear-based world, we are going to attract people, places, events and things that will continuously give us fear-based experiences that we’re certain we don’t want, yet we attract them due to that lack of awareness of what is causing them in the first place. And then the cycle of conflict in relationships, low self-worth, disease, aging of the body, lack of money, friends, opportunities, growth goes on in a never-ending downward spiral.
How does one change tracks towards a happier, less reactive life? The answer lies in seeking to be the inward alchemist by being the master of your thoughts, you are the driver that can change the course whenever you choose. Over time, Savita who possesses a native shrewdness that has served her well, has learned to make that choice. She knows that if she just stops for a second before she flares up, calms down her reaction, she is making that conscious decision for a more harmonious outcome. And it could well be that as she continues her journey through life, it becomes her true nature not to be reactive at all. As things stand today, she and her eldest daughter share a close relationship that has been a source of great support to Savita in recent years, but more on that later.
Just as fear lies within us, its solution also lies within- love. Love is that powerful force that is the true essence of everything in creation, including us. It is that choice and exercise of free will that lead us out of stress, anguish, misery etc. And as we become aware of the root cause of all issues in our lives, do we allow ourselves to make that choiceless choice for a life well lived on a road less travelled?
*Name changed to protect identity.
Ochune has the proud privilege of living in the best room of Savita’s house, the ‘hall’. Her kitchen is occasionally borrowed back for holding pujas (various prayers for an astounding variety of petitions to God).
You can connect with Ochune on her Facebook page – Inward Alchemy
Tales From The Himalayas
What is R-Factoring about?
Giving Impetus to Love-based Energies
True Tales From The Himalayas – Help is a two-way street
Are You Ready To Change From Within?
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Innovative Fence Bullet answers burning question
By Jim Stafford
For The Oklahoman
Published: Fri, June 21, 2019 5:00 AM
Bullet Fence Systems owner Ron Goedecke invented, manufactures and markets his patent-pending Fence Bullet. [Provided]
OKMULGEE — The Fence Bullet is an easy-to-use, no-weld pipe connector created by Ron Goedecke to solve a problem he ran into when fencing an acreage in rural eastern Oklahoma.
The area was under a burn ban at the time, which eliminated the use of a cutting torch to weld together metal fence sections. A retired soil conservationist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Goedecke came up with an alternative solution for his problem.
Goedecke envisioned a steel coupler that would fit over the end of standard 2-inch oil field pipe commonly used in fencing, secured with a bolt and flange nut that ensures it won’t come loose.
Goedecke took his concept to the New Product Development Center at Oklahoma State University, where he got assistance in market research and professional drawings that helped in developing a working prototype.
"The New Product Development Center is really one of the first places I went to because I have no background in bringing a product to market," he said. "I said, I need some help with drawings because, obviously, I have to produce this, and something beyond a scribbled napkin is going to look a lot better."
The New Product Development Center is an essential component of what is known as the Oklahoma Innovation Model, which includes the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), i2E Inc. and the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.
Heather McDowell, associate director at OCAST, described contribution of the New Product Development Center as an example of the type of collaboration it employs to help inventors turn their ideas into working products.
"Bullet Fence is a prime example of what a great partnership with the New Product Development Center looks like," McDowell said. "Through a collaborative effort, Bullet Fence was able to create a product that has great economic impact for the state of Oklahoma through out-of-state sales."
Student engineers from OSU working at the New Product Development Center provided the professional drawings that Goedecke used to bring his vision to reality.
The result was the patent-pending Fence Bullet and a new company Goedecke founded in 2016 as Bullet Fence Systems LLC.
Priced at less than $17 per kit that includes two sleeves plus accessories, the Fence Bullet replaces labor-intensive welded fencing braces with portable and reusable galvanized steel brace Kits. It can be installed using a simple wrench.
Today, Goedecke manufactures the Fence Bullet in a small warehouse in Okmulgee and sells it via an internet page — bulletfence.com — at trade shows and through a network of retail distributors.
Goedecke made perhaps his most important connection after watching an episode of a television show called Blood Money on The History Channel. The episode featured a welded fence building project by Double J Fencing in Montana that resulted in a major wildfire.
"I called him up and said ‘Was that fire on purpose or was it part of the show?’ Goedecke said. "He said, ‘Absolutely not.’ I said, 'I think I’ve got something that can help you out there.' I sent him a sample and now he has ordered almost 500 units from me and is a dealer up there for me."
Goedecke is perfecting yet another problem-solving concept he conceived. It is a patent-pending tool that automates the laborious process of handling wire clips that attach barbed wire to fence posts.
"The big pain we believe this product relieves is that you don’t have to handle those wire clips individually, and it will save a considerable amount of time," he said.
Problem solved. Again.
Jim Stafford writes about Oklahoma innovation and research and development topics on behalf of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology (OCAST).
This is the Fence Bullet that Ron Goedecke invented, enabling metal fences to be built without needing welding. [bulletfence.com]
CommentsInnovative Fence Bullet answers burning question
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